bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 376: Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Cardiovascular Risks Multi-disciplinary Awareness Project
Authors: Gogineni Venkata Sai , Park Ki , Manfrini Denise , Egerman Robert , Aroda Sharon , Nelson Danielle
Published: May 2020

Background:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the number one cause of death amongst women. There has been much effort put forth over the past decade in reducing both the incidence and prevalence of this disease burden through screening and treating the traditional risk factors. Recent guidelines have shown that adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), including pre-eclampsia (PEC), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pre-term birth (PTB) have been associated with future maternal CVD risk. Much of the current literature focuses almost exclusively on PEC. Our investigation is more comprehensive, covering not only these other APOs but assessing whether providers of multiple specialties in our community are aware of the APO to CVD risk association. The primary objective of this study was to investigate if there exist any knowledge gaps regarding the progression from APO to CVD and if this knowledge varies by specialty.

Methods:
An anonymous voluntary survey through REDCap© was sent to providers in the fields of Internal medicine (IM, 21%), Family medicine (FM, 26%), Obstetrics-Gynecology (Ob-Gyn, 23%) and Cardiology (30%) who have been in practice for greater than five years in our local Gainesville community. This project was registered as a QI project and descriptive analysis was used to examine the responses.

Results:
A total of 53 providers responded to the survey. Despite having the majority of patients being women, Ob-Gyn was the least likely amongst all specialties to routinely screen for CV risk factors. However, when addressed, they were the most likely to ask about APOs. Cardiologists, despite declaring to be aware of the association between APOs and CV risk, were least likely to ask about APOs. All specialties recognized PEC and GDM as APOs linked to long-term maternal CV risk but failed to associate PTB as an APO. The majority of providers amongst IM, FM, and Cardiology did not ask about APOs and lacked the knowledge of how often to appropriately screen for secondary risk factors associated with APOs. Additionally, these providers outright admitted that they are not familiar with the current AHA and/or ACOG guidelines for screening and follow-up.

Conclusion:
Descriptive statistical analysis of our data suggests that there exists a notable knowledge gap between all four specialties investigated in our survey. Education concerning the link between APOs and future maternal CV risk is needed amongst all specialties, especially amongst the providers in Cardiology, IM, and FM. Targeted efforts at our institution to improve awareness of all APOs, their associated secondary risk factors, and appropriate screening is required in all specialties to help reduce CVD morbidity and mortality.
Abstract 381: Life’s Simple 7 Cardiovascular Health Metrics versus Fuster-BEWAT Score to Predict the New 4-tiered Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Classification: Insight From a Large Asian-population
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Sun Yingxian , Zhang Zugui , Dou Kefei , He Jiang
Published: May 2020

Background:
AHA's Life's Simple 7 cardiovascular health score is recommended for use in primary prevention. Simpler tools not requiring laboratory tests, such as the Fuster-BEWAT score (FBS) (blood pressure [B], exercise [E], weight [W], alimentation [A], and tobacco [T]), are also available. This study sought to compare the effectiveness of Life's Simple 7 and FBS in predicting the newly proposed 4-tiered LVH classification based on LV dilatation (high LV end-diastolic volume [EDV] index) and concentricity (mass/end-diastolic volume [M/EDV]
0.67
) in the general Chinese population.

Methods:
Participants from Northeast China Rural Cardiovascular Health study who underwent cardiac echocardiography (n=11,261) were enrolled. Patients with LVH were divided into 4 groups—eccentric nondilated (normal M/EDV and EDV), eccentric dilated (increased EDV, normal M/EDV), concentric nondilated (increased M/EDV, normal EDV), and concentric dilated (increased M/EDV and EDV)—and compared with patients with normal LVM.

Results:
With poor Life's Simple 7 and FBS as references, individuals with ideal Life's Simple 7 and FBS showed lower adjusted odds of having eccentric nondilated (Life's Simple 7, odds ratio [OR]: 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20 to 0.34 vs. FBS, OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.38), eccentric dilated (OR: 0.73 [0.57-0.94] vs. OR: 0.57 [0.43-0.76]), concentric nondilated (OR: 0.12 [0.04-0.38] vs. OR: 0.19 [0.07-0.52]), and concentric dilated LVH (OR: 0.12 [0.03-0.37] vs. OR: 0.26 [0.10-0.72]). Similar levels of significantly discriminating accuracy were found for Life's Simple 7 and FBS with respect to the eccentric nondilated (C-statistic: 0.737; 95% CI: 0.725 to 0.750 vs. 0.731; 95% CI: 0.718 to 0.744, respectively), eccentric dilated (0.684 [0.670-0.699] vs. 0.686 [0.671-0.701]), concentric nondilated (0.658 [0.624-0.692] vs. 0.650 [0.615-0.684]), and concentric dilated LVH (0.711 [0.678-0.744] vs. 0.698 [0.663-0.733]).

Conclusions:
Our findings demonstrate that the FBS appears capable of performing just as well as does the Life's Simple 7 in predicting the novel 4-group classification of LVH, making the FBS particularly suited as a reliable low-cost indicator of CV health in settings where access to laboratory analysis is limited and health care resources are constrained.
Abstract 389: Doctor Are You Listening?
Authors: Pattison Kelley H , Behnke Lyn
Published: May 2020

A qualitative study of 395 women with varying forms of cardiovascular disease was conducted and participants were asked what concerns them most regarding their diagnosis. Overwhelmingly, most women listed “fear of early death” and “leaving their children motherless”. Interestingly, a large number of women listed “lack of attention from their physician” as a concern. They stated this lack of concern as being detrimental to their diagnosis and prognosis. Examples of authentic statements from these women are as follows:“Poor follow up with my family practice doctor.”“I wish the damn doctor would take a woman’s concerns seriously.”“Will my current cardiologist be able to continue to care for me with the current trend in insurance?”“My cardiologist doesn’t listen to me.”A thematic analysis of these statements shows that the attention of their physician regarding self-care methods and next steps in treatment is considered by these women to be important for their ongoing health and recovery.Next steps for clinicians: •Employ nurse practitioners and physician assistants to develop educational processes to enhance giving and receiving of complex information and having difficult conversations. •Provide follow up with patients between physician appointments by nurse practitioners and PAs in order to be able to order any necessary prescriptive interventions and referrals. This intensity of care may make these women feel as though their concerns are being heard.
Abstract 390: Gender Differences In Psychosocial Evaluation Of VAD Candidates: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Knoepke Christopher , Williams Johnny , Siry Bonnie , Khazanie Prateeti
Published: May 2020

Purpose:
To describe potential gender differences in the psychosocial evaluation for left ventricular assist devices (VADs) using retrospective data from the DECIDE-LVAD trial.

Method:
Psychosocial evaluations performed as part of pre-VAD evaluations, including all female participants as well as men matched by site and age. 55 notes from 5 institutions were analyzed using a mixed method approach. Analytic codes were developed a priori, using domains assessed in the Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplant (SIPAT) and others addressing caregiver attributes. Overall risk was calculated using a composite percent-of-perfect formula based on various adaptations of the SIPAT used in some evaluations. After notes were coded across each domain, a content analysis was performed.

Results:
Records from 28 male and 27 female patients were analyzed. Lack of standardized assessment limited our ability to draw comparisons. However, men were more likely to be clinically depressed (55.9% vs 44.1%), have substance use problems (53.4% vs. 46.6%), understand their HF (57.7% vs. 42.3%), and to have a caregiver (54.5% vs. 45.6%). While the number of assessments including quantitative assessment was low, men scored better than women (53.1% men [n=11] vs. 46.9% women [n=12]).The way in which caregivers were identified was different for men and women. Qualitatively, female caregivers seemed to be preferred, implicitly favoring male patients in many circumstances. This was apparent in how caregiving plans were described and in a seeming desire to supplement male caregivers' effort with support from women (
Table 1).

Conclusion:
Across our sample, men trended toward being rated as better VAD candidates than women, despite higher rates of depression and substance use. Caregiver identification was different in ways which may be due to differences in how male vs. female caregivers are perceived. Differences in caregiver identification need to be explored further, but could stem from women being unable to find a caregiver for themselves, serving as caregivers for others, or from men not being viewed as able caregivers. Standardized evaluation, including quantification of risk and caregiver appropriateness, would enhance efforts to reduce implicit bias in evaluation.
Abstract 394: Effect Of Introduction Of Non Invasive Risk Stratification On Cardiac Catheterization Referrals In A Community Hospital.
Authors: Avula Sindhu R , Hariri Imad M , Mahmood Mobasser , Idris Owais , Marwaha Bharat , Al-Dabbas Maen , Ahsan Muhammad , Ali Syed Sohail
Published: May 2020

Background:
Appropriate use criteria recommend against unwarranted cardiac catheterization (caths) in low risk patients. Reporting of risk stratification on non-invasive cardiac stress test reports was implemented at our institution to reduce low risk cardiac cath referrals.

Methods:
We performed a retrospective study to compare the effect of introduction of risk stratification in cardiac stress test reports. The percentages of low risk patients by nuclear stress, who underwent cardiac cath, before and after application of risk stratification were compared. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tests were used for analysis.

Results:
There were significantly fewer low risk referrals after risk stratification, 43.2% of patients of low-risk patients were referred for catheterization before, compared to 28.3% of low-risk patients after risk stratification (p value 0.01). There was reduction in the percentage of normal cardiac caths in the low risk category after introduction of risk stratification (61.5% vs 33.3%, p value 0.05).

Conclusion:
Risk stratification led to a decrease in the percentage of low-risk patients referred for cath following a stress test.
Abstract 396: Combating Inpatient Vaccine Hesitancy: I Raised The Rates In My Cardiac Patients
Authors: Ferrer-Gonzalez Linda , Falconi-Adame Giselle , Priyadarshni Shivani , Benyo Dustin , High Daniel , Pejo Kristi , Yechuri Ajay , Perez Ruben , Curry Bryan
Published: May 2020

Introduction:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Influenza infections in patients with underlying CVD are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. Influenza immunization is a global prevention strategy; however, more hospital-based policies are needed to combat the alarming rise of vaccine hesitancy across all age groups in the States. Our objective was to increase immunization rates in patients with CVD.

Methods:
Qualitative improvement project using FADE model to design and implement an in-hospital intervention for adults with CV comorbidities between November 2019-February 2020. A 5-question survey was administered to CV stepdown unit nurses to identify vaccination barriers. An immunization promotion intervention using the motivational interview model was performed by residents upon receipt of daily immunization updates in patients with unknown influenza vaccine status. The primary objective was to provide bedside education to vaccine-hesitant patients during their hospital course or upon discharge in the outpatient setting. Amongst unvaccinated patients, we tracked potential CV complications using the HCA database for patients admitted during the current flu season.

Results:
We identified 5,680 patients that met inclusion criteria for the 2018-2019 and current flu season admitted to CV stepdown unit for comparison. At the end of our pilot study, 91 patients were willing to receive the vaccine in the outpatient setting, and 73 patients opted to receive their influenza vaccination on the floors during their stay. Notable barriers found during the study (1) data collection for CV complications for the current flu season is ongoing, (2) physicians were not able to place orders for the patients that received the intervention, and (3) insufficient nursing immunization documentation for continued management. After overcoming institutional barriers, and in light of CDC’s findings during the 2018-19 influenza season; where it was found that 57% of adults ≥ 65 required hospitalization and accounted for 75% of all influenza-associated deaths. Our executive leadership will implement new policies to support nursing leadership in joining our crusade and implement our approach for a hospital-wide intervention next flu season as Florida is currently the third least vaccinated state as of 2019.

Conclusions:
Inpatient vaccine promotion via hospital-based vaccine programs should be utilized to combat vaccine hesitancy as misinformation continues to permeate the public sphere. The new threat of SARS-CoV-2 is a sobering reminder that we must not falter in our resolve to reach the masses. Further studies are needed to understand the role of influenza immunization campaigns to improve hospital policy and increase influenza vaccine rates to decrease CV events in patients with preexisting CVD.
Abstract 400: Novel Training In Implementation Science To Accelerate Evidence Into Practice
Authors: Farr Stacy , Decker Carole J , Sales Anne , Spertus John
Published: May 2020

Research Objective:
Translating evidence into practice and communities is a complex process that often takes years. The shifting healthcare landscape from volume- to value-based demands learning health systems shift to more rapid uptake of evidence. The field of dissemination and implementation (D&I) science seeks to inform how evidence-based interventions can be successfully adopted, implemented and maintained in health care delivery and community settings. A significant challenge in implementing evidence into practice is finding researchers and the health workforce trained and equipped with the skills to do so in real world settings. This challenge is compounded by the fact that there are limited and highly competitive opportunities for training in D&I. Thus, a curriculum and certificate program, Training in Implementation: Actionable Research Approaches (TIARA) was developed and implemented to provide researchers and providers with skills in D&I.

Study Design:
Two projects are being implemented regionally across multiple hospitals. Prior to the projects' implementation, TIARA was launched. TIARA consists of four components: 1) completing four training module sessions by a national leader; 2) a pre- and post-knowledge assessment, 3) participation at four community forums on healthcare topics, and 4) compiling a Project Summary assignment.

Population Studied:
Study participants came from 14 regional hospitals, 4 healthcare payer organizations, 2 state hospital associations, 4 state and local public health departments, and 9 community based organizations, and 3 regional academic institutions. Over 120 individuals participated in the four TIARA training modules.

Principal Findings:
In late 2019, 16 individuals completed the requirements for, and received, TIARA Certificates. Over 60 percent of participants said their level of D&I expertise increased after taking part in the training. Across all eight competencies in implementation science, participants increased an average of 4 points on a 1-10 point Likert scale. Evaluations of TIARA demonstrated high levels of satisfaction with the program, relevance, and helpfulness of the program for their profession (average of 4.2 on a 1-5 Likert scale). Participants also showed high levels of satisfaction with the content of each of the sessions and frequency of communication (average of 4.6 on 1-5 Likert scale). The TIARA Certificate program contributed to 6 grant submissions, 4 real-world implementation projects, and 4 publications and/or presentations.

Conclusions:
There is a significant unmet need to expand skills, through both theoretical and practical training, to multiple organizations to reach a broader workforce of researchers, providers, and administrators. TIARA is one promising program to train, support, and encourage these stakeholders.
Exploring Factors Contributing to Race Differences in Poststroke Disability
Authors: Skolarus Lesli E. , Feng Chunyang , Burke James F.
Published: May 2020

Background and Purpose—

Cross sectional analyses have found large race differences in poststroke disability, yet these analyses do not account for prestroke disability, hospitalization factors, postacute care, transitions, or mortality. In this context, we explore mortality, nursing home placement, and disability in a longitudinal analysis of older stroke survivors who survived at least 90 days poststroke.

Methods—

A prospective cohort of black or white stroke survivors from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2009–2016) linked to Medicare were used. Disability was assessed during in-person interviews with validated scales (0–7). We used cox proportional hazards models to separately assess mortality and nursing home admission adjusting for age, sex, sociodemographics (marital status, education, income, insurance status, social network size), comorbidities, hospitalization factors, postacute care, and 90-day readmissions. To estimate racial differences in disability, we used a multilevel linear regression model initially adjusting for age and sex and then compared with a model adjusted for sociodemographics, comorbidities, hospitalization factors, postacute care, and 90-day readmissions.

Results—

There were 282 stroke survivors, of which 76 (12.6%) were black. There were no race differences in long-term mortality (hazard ratio for black, 1.2 [95% CI, 0.7–2.2];
P
=0.5) or nursing home placement (hazard ratio for black, 0.7 [95% CI, 0.2–2.4];
P
=0.5). The largest race differences in disability were observed immediately prestroke, estimated age- and sex-adjusted activity limitations were (2.6 [2.0–3.2] in blacks versus 1.4 [1.0–1.8] in whites, mean difference, 1.2 [0.5–1.9],
P
<0.001) and immediately poststroke (2.6 [2.0–3.3] in blacks versus 1.7 [1.2–2.1] in whites, mean difference, 1.0 [0.2–1.7],
P
<0.01). Full adjustment did not substantially change the associations between race and disability.

Conclusions—

Race differences in nursing home placement, long-term mortality, sociodemographics, comorbidities, hospitalization factors, postacute care, and readmissions are unlikely to be large contributors to race differences in poststroke disability. Further research is needed to understand the drivers of race differences in poststroke disability.
Association of Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes With Cognitive Function After Stroke
Authors: Lo Jessica W. , Crawford John D. , Samaras Katherine , Desmond David W. , Köhler Sebastian , Staals Julie , Verhey Frans R.J. , Bae Hee-Joon , Lee Keon-Joo , Kim Beom Joon , Bordet Régis , Cordonnier Charlotte , Dondaine Thibaut , Mendyk Anne-Marie , Lee Byung-Chul , Yu Kyung-Ho , Lim Jae-Sung , Kandiah Nagaendran , Chander Russell J. , Yatawara Chathuri , Lipnicki Darren M. , Sachdev Perminder S. ,   for the STROKOG Collaboration*
Published: May 2020

Background and Purpose—

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is associated with cognitive impairment and an increased risk of dementia, but the association between prediabetes and cognitive impairment is less clear, particularly in a setting of major cerebrovascular events. This article examines the impact of impaired fasting glucose and T2D on cognitive performance in a stroke population.

Methods—

Seven international observational studies from the STROKOG (Stroke and Cognition) consortium (n=1601; mean age, 66.0 years; 70% Asian, 26% white, and 2.6% African American) were included. Fasting glucose level (FGL) during hospitalization was used to define 3 groups, T2D (FGL ≥7.0 mmol/L), impaired fasting glucose (FGL 6.1–6.9 mmol/L), and normal (FGL <6.1 mmol/L), and a history of diabetes mellitus and the use of a diabetes mellitus medication were also used to support a diagnosis of T2D. Domain and global cognition
Z
scores were derived from standardized neuropsychological test scores. The cross-sectional association between glucose status and cognitive performance at 3 to 6 months poststroke was examined using linear mixed models, adjusting for age, sex, education, stroke type, ethnicity, and vascular risk factors.

Results—

Patients with T2D had significantly poorer performance in global cognition (SD, −0.59 [95% CI, −0.82 to −0.36];
P
<0.001) and in all domains compared with patients with normal FGL. There was no significant difference between impaired fasting glucose patients and those with normal FGL in global cognition (SD, −0.10 [95% CI, −0.45 to 0.24];
P
=0.55) or in any cognitive domain.

Conclusions—

Diabetes mellitus, but not prediabetes, is associated with poorer cognitive performance in patients 3 to 6 months after stroke.
Computed Tomography Perfusion After Thrombectomy
Authors: Rubiera Marta , Garcia-Tornel Alvaro , Olivé-Gadea Marta , Campos Daniel , Requena Manuel , Vert Carla , Pagola Jorge , Rodriguez-Luna David , Muchada Marian , Boned Sandra , Rodriguez-Villatoro Noelia , Juega Jesus , Deck Matias , Sanjuan Estela , Hernandez David , Piñana Carlos , Tomasello Alejandro , Molina Carlos A. , Ribo Marc
Published: May 2020

Background and Purpose—

Despite recanalization, almost 50% of patients undergoing endovascular treatment (EVT) experience poor outcome. We aim to evaluate the value of computed tomography perfusion as immediate outcome predictor postendovascular treatment.

Methods—

Consecutive patients receiving endovascular treatment who achieved recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia [mTICI] 2a-3) underwent computed tomography perfusion within 30 minutes from recanalization (CTPpost). Hypoperfusion was defined as the Tmax>6 second volume; hyperperfusion as visually increased cerebral blood flow/cerebral blood volume with reduced Tmax compared with unaffected hemisphere. Dramatic clinical recovery (DCR) was defined as 24-hour National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤2 or ≥8 points drop. Delayed recovery was defined as no-DCR with favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) at 3 months.

Results—

We included 151 patients: median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 16 (interquartile range, 10–21), median admission ASPECTS 9 (interquartile range, 8–10). Final recanalization was the following: mTICI2a 11 (7.3%), mTICI2b 46 (30.5%), and mTICI3 94 (62.3%). On CTPpost, 80 (52.9%) patients showed hypoperfusion (median Tmax>6 seconds: 4 cc [0–25]) and 32 (21.2%) hyperperfusion. There was an association between final TICI and CTPpost hypoperfusion(median Tmax>6: 91 [56–117], 15 [0–37.5], and 0 [0–7] cc, for mTICI 2a, 2b, and 3, respectively,
P
<0.01). Smaller hypoperfusion volumes on CTPpost were observed in patients with DCR (0 cc [0–13] versus non-DCR 8 cc [0–56];
P
<0.01) or favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2: 0 cc [0–13] versus 7 [0–56] cc;
P
<0.01). No associations were detected with hyperperfusion pattern. An hypoperfusion volume <3.5 cc emerged as independent predictor of DCR (OR, 4.1 [95% CI, 2.0–8.3];
P
<0.01) and 3 months favorable outcome (OR, 3.5 [95% CI, 1.6–7.8];
P
<0.01).

Conclusions—

Hypoperfusion on CTPpost constitutes an immediate accurate surrogate marker of success after endovascular treatment and identifies those patients with delayed recovery and favorable outcome.
Mechanical Thrombectomy for Tandem Vertebrobasilar Stroke
Authors: Baik Sung Hyun , Jung Cheolkyu , Kim Byung Moon , Kim Dong Joon
Published: May 2020

Background and Purpose—

Tandem vertebrobasilar strokes are not well-known causes of posterior circulation stroke. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics and outcome of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with tandem vertebrobasilar stroke.

Methods—

Acute basilar artery occlusion patients with tandem vertebral artery (VA) stenosis/occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy were retrospectively analyzed. Concomitant tandem VA steno-occlusion was defined as severe stenosis/occlusion of the extracranial VA with impaired flow. Clinical/angiographic characteristics, recanalization rate, procedure time, and clinical outcome were evaluated with comparisons according to the treatment strategy.

Results—

Tandem vertebrobasilar occlusion was identified in 24.6% (55 of 224) of the acute basilar artery occlusion patients. Overall successful recanalization and good clinical outcome was achieved in 87.2% (48 of 55) and 30.9% (17 of 55) of the patients. There were no significant differences in procedure time, recanalization rate, and clinical outcome in comparisons of the VA access route selection or angioplasty of the tandem VA lesion. Two patients developed short-term recurrent basilar artery occlusion when angioplasty of the tandem VA lesion was not performed. Good clinical outcome was more likely with lower baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (odds ratio, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.787–0.961];
P
=0.006) and short onset-to-recanalization time (odds ratio, 0.993 [95% CI, 0.987–0.999];
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—

Tandem vertebrobasilar occlusion may be a frequent pathological mechanism of posterior circulation stroke. Good outcome may be achieved by strategic choice of the access route and selective angioplasty of the tandem VA lesion.
Are All Four-Day School Weeks Created Equal? A National Assessment of Four-Day School Week Policy Adoption and Implementation
Authors: Thompson Paul N. , Gunter Katherine , Schuna, Jr. John M. , Tomayko Emily J.
Published: May 2020

Four-day school weeks are used in over 1,600 schools across twenty-four states but little is known about adoption and implementation of these types of school calendars. Through examinations of school calendars and correspondence with school districts, we have compiled the most complete four-day school week dataset to date. We use this unique database to conduct a comprehensive analysis of four-day school week policy adoption and implementation. We find adoption of four-day school weeks is often financially motivated and has generally remained a small, rural district phenomenon. These schedules feature a day off once a week—often Friday—with increased time in school on each of the remaining four school days that, on average, is nearly an hour longer than the national average among five-day schools. Four-day school week schedules average only 148 school days per year, resulting in less time in school than the national average for five-day schools (180 days per year) despite the longer school days. Substantial heterogeneity exists in the structure of these schedules across states, which may help explain differential four-day school week effects on student outcomes across institutional settings in the previous literature.
Bilingual Language Experience Shapes Resting-State Brain Rhythms
Authors: Bice Kinsey , Yamasaki Brianna L. , Prat Chantel S.
Published: May 2020

An increasing body of research has investigated how bilingual language experience changes brain structure and function, including changes to task-free, or “resting-state” brain connectivity. Such findings provide important evidence about how the brain continues to be shaped by different language experiences throughout the lifespan. The neural effects of bilingual language experience can provide evidence about the additional processing demands placed on the linguistic and/or executive systems by dual-language use. While considerable research has used MRI to examine where these changes occur, such methods cannot reveal the temporal dynamics of functioning brain networks at rest. The current study used data from task-free EEGS to disentangle how the linguistic and cognitive demands of bilingual language use impact brain functioning. Data analyzed from 106 bilinguals and 91 monolinguals revealed that bilinguals had greater alpha power, and significantly greater and broader coherence in the alpha and beta frequency ranges than monolinguals. Follow-up analyses showed that higher alpha was related to language control: more second-language use, higher native-language proficiency, and earlier age of second-language acquisition. Bilateral beta power was related to native-language proficiency, whereas theta was related to native-language proficiency only in left-hemisphere electrodes. The results contribute to our understanding of how the linguistic and cognitive requirements of dual-language use shape intrinsic brain activity, and what the broader implications for information processing may be.
Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes for the control of white grub, Anomala corpulenta Motschulsky, in laboratory and field
Authors: Guo Wenxiu , Zhao Guoyu , Wang Congli , Zhou Xianhong , Zhai Yifan , Men Xingyuan , Yu Yi
Published: May 2020

Anomala corpulenta is one of the major white grubs that cause serious damages in peanut production. To develop an environmentally friendly method to control A. corpulenta larvae, the efficacy of species of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), application rate and larval stage against A. corpulenta were determined. Results showed that Steinernema longicaudum X-7 and S. glaseri B-4-1 were the most virulent species, which caused 77.8 and 84.4% corrected mortalities of the 2nd instar larvae at 25°C 14 days after treatments. Corrected mortalities of A. corpulenta caused by EPN were significantly affected by EPN application rate. A decrease but no significant difference in susceptibility from the 2nd to the 3rd instar was observed for the test EPN species S. longicaudum, S. glaseri and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. The field experiments indicated that S. longicaudum and S. glaseri applied at a relatively high rate (⩾5.0 × 103 infective juveniles (IJ) plant−1, i.e., 7.5 × 108 IJ ha−1) were able to provide not only control efficacy against A. corpulenta with ⩾92.7% reduction of larvae and ⩽5.06% of damaged pods, and the peanut yield increase was as good as phoxim, but also gave better control persistency compared to phoxim. Our findings indicated that EPN could be an effective strategy for the management of A. corpulenta in peanut fields.
A Cruel Innovation: Israeli Experiments on Gaza’s Great March of Return
Authors: Dana Tariq
Published: May 2020

This article sheds light on the relationship between Israeli high-tech innovation and military/security production in the framework of settler-colonialism and the prolonged occupation of the Palestinian territories. It analyzes the global rise of Israel in military and security innovation as a result of decades-long colonial ventures and regional wars, which have been a key variable for dynamic and extensive innovation and productivity. Moreover, the article argues that Israeli military and security would not have been attainable without the extraordinary official assistance and private investment from the United States, especially since the aftermath of the 1967 war. Besides the structural dependency on the US, this article highlights other characteristics that define Israel’s military and security production, such as the vicious nature of these innovations, complicity in global atrocities, and profitability of innovation to Israel’s war economy. Finally, the article presents Gaza’s Great March of Return (gmr) as a case study to present evidence on the ways in which Israeli military forces and security companies are jointly involved in experimentation, using new weapons and unmanned devices on the Palestinian civilians.
Islamic Ethics and the Legitimacy of Scientific Innovation
Authors: Shabana Ayman
Published: May 2020

This paper examines bioethical discourses concerning genetic counseling within the area of assisted reproduction. More particularly, it investigates the extent to which mainstream Western or secular bioethics is considered lacking from an Islamic perspective. The paper argues that invocation, incorporation, and even interrogation of Islamic norms ensure the legitimacy of genetic counseling within the Muslim context. The paper suggests a distinction between two levels of analysis within Islamic bioethical discussions on the consequences of genetic testing. The first addresses ethical-legal dimensions and is primarily concerned with balancing immediate benefits and harms in this world. The second addresses theological and metaphysical dimensions and is primarily concerned with faith-based convictions and religious commitments. The paper argues that both levels are needed for a nuanced understanding of the process of genetic counseling within a Muslim setting. The paper gives special attention to institutional fatwas on two main issues: prenatal genetic screening and preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
A new species of Rhinophis Hemprich, 1820 (Serpentes: Uropeltidae) from the Wayanad region of peninsular India
Authors: CYRIAC VIVEK PHILIP , NARAYANAN SURYA , SAMPAIO FILIPA L. , UMESH PAVUKANDY , GOWER DAVID J.
Published: May 2020

A new species of the shieldtail snake genus Rhinophis is described based on a type series of seven recently collected specimens from the Wayanad region of the Western Ghats of peninsular India. Rhinophis melanoleucus sp. nov. is diagnosed based on a combination of 15 dorsal scale rows at (or just behind) midbody, more than 215 ventral scales and a long rostral. The new species also has a distinctive (mostly black and white) colouration. A new key to the identification of Indian species of Rhinophis is provided.
Effectiveness of embedding a specialist preventive care clinician in a community mental health service in increasing preventive care provision: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fehily Caitlin MC , Bartlem Kate M , Wiggers John H , Wye Paula M , Clancy Richard V , Castle David J , Wilson Andrew , Rissel Chris E , Wutzke Sonia , Hodder Rebecca K , Colyvas Kim , Murphy Fionna , Bowman Jenny A
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Clinical practice guidelines recommend that community mental health services provide preventive care for clients’ chronic disease risk behaviours; however, such care is often not routinely provided. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of offering clients an additional consultation with a specialist clinician embedded within a community mental health service, in increasing client-reported receipt of, and satisfaction with, preventive care.

Method:

A randomised controlled trial was undertaken in one Australian community mental health service. Participants ( N = 811) were randomised to receive usual care (preventive care in routine consultations; n = 405) or usual care plus the offer of an additional consultation with a specialist preventive care clinician ( n = 406). Blinded interviewers assessed at baseline and 1-month follow-up the client-reported receipt of preventive care (assessment, advice and referral) for four key risk behaviours individually (smoking, poor nutrition, alcohol overconsumption and physical inactivity) and all applicable risks combined, acceptance of referrals and satisfaction with preventive care received.

Results:

Analyses indicated significantly greater increases in 12 of the 18 preventive care delivery outcomes in the intervention compared to the usual care condition from baseline to follow-up, including assessment for all risks combined (risk ratio = 4.00; 95% confidence interval = [1.57, 10.22]), advice for all applicable risks combined (risk ratio = 2.40; 95% confidence interval = [1.89, 6.47]) and offer of referral to applicable telephone services combined (risk ratio = 20.13; 95% confidence interval = [2.56, 158.04]). For each component of care, there was a significant intervention effect for at least one of the individual risk behaviours. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with preventive care received, ranging from 77% (assessment) to 87% (referral), with no significant differences between conditions.

Conclusion:

The intervention had a significant effect on the provision of the majority of recommended elements of preventive care. Further research is needed to maximise its impact, including identifying strategies to increase client uptake.
REER Imbalances and Macroeconomic Adjustments: Evidence from the CEMAC Zone
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Nnanna Joseph
Published: May 2020

The European Monetary Union (EMU) crisis holds special lessons for existing monetary unions. We assess the behaviour of real effective exchange rates (REERs) of members of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community zone with respect to their long-term equilibrium paths. A reduced form of the fundamental equilibrium exchange rate model is estimated for associated misalignments. Our findings suggest that for majority of countries, macroeconomic fundamentals have the expected associations with the exchange rate fluctuations. The analysis also reveals that only the REER adjustments of Cameroon and Gabon are significant in restoring the long-term equilibrium in the event of a shock. The Cameroonian economic fundamentals of terms of trade, government expenditure and openness have different long-term relations with the REER in comparison to those of other member states. There is no need for an adjustment in the level of the peg based on the present quantitative analysis of REER paths.

JEL: F31, F33, F42, F61, O55
Cultural competency: A call to action to address microaggression in preservice health education
Authors: Melendez Krizia , Thompson Amy
Published: May 2020

Background:

The United States Census Bureau projects half of the population to be from a minority group by 2044 and one in five of the population to be foreign born by 2060. Health educators must adapt to and embrace diversity to work effectively with various populations.

Purpose:

The purpose of this article is to discuss the implications of cultural competency within the context of microaggression and to provide recommendations on how to incorporate cultural competence pedagogy into health education preservice courses.

Methods:

Microaggressions, when not addressed, can create an unwelcoming classroom for students as well as unwelcoming work environments for graduate students and faculty. It can also result in marginalisation and exclusion that can cause a student, graduate student or instructor to drop a class, leave a programme or leave a department. By reflecting on how other academic disciplines have identified the negative effects of microaggression on college students, the authors demonstrate how addressing microaggression through a cultural competency lens in the classroom can benefit a student’s future career in health service provision.

Conclusion:

While some work has been published on how to integrate cultural competency into health education, there is an absence of work incorporating microaggression and how to address it within health education pedagogy. It is important to address microaggression in all classrooms to ensure welcoming and inclusive environments for all practices in the field after graduation.
Is there an emerging left-wing foreign policy in the United States?
Authors: Ettinger Aaron
Published: May 2020

Is there a left-wing foreign policy emerging in the United States? The rise of an energized and assertive left wing of the Democratic Party, and a receptive constituency within the electorate, has opened space for new political possibilities at home. In the foreign policy realm, leftist internationalism is making compelling arguments about new directions. However, there are limitations to the possible realization of a left-wing foreign policy in the US. While candidates like Sanders and Warren are distinctive in a left-wing foreign policy worldview, the practical implications of their foreign policies are consistent with post-Cold War practice. There are two important exceptions: in trade policy and in their positions on the use of military force. Here they mark a sharp break from the liberal internationalist mainstream. This paper outlines five broad principles of left internationalism, assesses the foreign policy positions of leading Democratic candidates for the 2020 nomination, and explores the long-term prospects of left-wing foreign policy in the US after 2020.
Doing less with less? Peacekeeping retrenchment and the UN's protection of civilians agenda
Authors: Donais Timothy , Tanguay Eric
Published: May 2020

The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative represents the latest in a series of efforts to make the UN’s peace and security architecture “fit for the future.” The Action for Peacekeeping initiative, however, has exposed two seemingly contradictory tendencies at work in contemporary peacekeeping. On the one hand, peacekeeping operations are increasingly expected to be lean, efficient, and performance-focused. On the other, expansive protection of civilians (PoC) mandates, which entail everything from predicting and pre-empting attacks against civilians to reforming state-level security institutions, are becoming increasingly central to contemporary peacekeeping. In this paper, we will suggest that as currently framed, the UN’s peacekeeping reform agenda—driven at least in part by downward budgetary pressures—will inevitably increase the gap between promise and performance with regard to PoC, with serious implications for the credibility and legitimacy of UN missions among the populations they are mandated to protect.
Peacekeeping works: The UN can help end civil wars
Authors: Dorn A. Walter , Collins Robin
Published: May 2020

Despite some harsh criticisms of United Nations (UN) peace operations, research demonstrates that many UN missions are successful, though evaluations depend on how success is defined. Even UN missions that fail in one or more aspects provide a net benefit to peace processes and help to save lives and alleviate human suffering. While an understanding of the flaws and limitations of peace operations can help improve the operations, some unfair criticism must be directly challenged. For instance, contrary to critiques in a recent paper by Séverine Autesserre, the UN has helped end civil wars, and it does not have a fixation on elections nor does it ignore the bottom-up approach. Most UN multidimensional missions pursue multiple levels of engagement, from local to national leaders. Elections are a key way to engage locals. With decades of experience, the UN has many positive lessons to offer in making, keeping, and building peace.
Canadian International Relations, American social science? Evidence from academic journals and comprehensive reading lists
Authors: Murphy Michael P. A. , Wigginton Michael J.
Published: May 2020

The last two decades have witnessed growing attention to the “Canadianization” of the field of International Relations. In this article, we forward a novel approach to testing the influence of domestic factors in Canadian International Relations. By analyzing the reading lists of comprehensive examinations from Canadian doctoral programs in International Relations, we can understand the ways in which Canadian institutions’ reading lists construct the hierarchy of the field’s journals. Among these journals, those based in the United States are most frequently assigned, with others hosted in the UK and around Europe. Canadian journals are rarely assigned to reading lists. French-language journals are also rarely assigned to reading lists, even in francophone institutions, and when they are, the journals are much more likely to be hosted in France than in Canada. We offer a series of guiding questions for future consideration of the “Canadianization” of International Relations education in Canada.
Gossiping About an Arrogant Leader: Sparked by Inconsistent Leadership, Mitigated by Employee Resilience
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Fatima Tasneem , Jahanzeb Sadia
Published: May 2020

This study explains the process by which significant changes may take place in how organizations operate in the presence of arrogant leadership: their employees start to believe that their leaders are inconsistent in their actions, and the employees, in turn, engage in negative gossip behavior about these leaders. It also proposes that this process is mitigated to the extent that employees can rely on their own resilience levels. Data collected from employees and their peers in the banking and telecommunication sectors confirm these theoretical predictions. For organizational practitioners, this study thus pinpoints a critical mechanism by which a pretentious leadership approach can upset and deteriorate the organizational status quo: it escalates into negative work behaviors in the form of gossip among employees who believe that their leaders are unreliable. This counterproductive spiral can be contained, however, to the extent that employees are able to bounce back from difficult work situations.
Motives for Alcohol and Marijuana Use as Predictors of Use and Problem Use Among Young Adult College Students
Authors: Patterson Akilah , Vu Milkie , Haardörfer Regine , Windle Michael , Berg Carla J.
Published: May 2020

This study examined (a) differences between alcohol-only users and alcohol–marijuana co-users and (b) motives for use in relation to alcohol and marijuana use and problem use. Spring 2016 data among 1,870 past 4-month alcohol users (63.6% female, 69.1% White) from seven Georgia colleges/universities were analyzed cross-sectionally and with regard to problem use measured 4 months later. Correlates of co-use ( n = 345; vs. alcohol-only use, n = 1,525) included greater alcohol and marijuana use frequency, problem drinking and marijuana use, and alcohol use motives ( p’s < .05). Controlling for covariates, alcohol use frequency correlated with greater marijuana use frequency and Coping and Self-enhancement alcohol use motives, but lower Conformity alcohol use motives ( p’s < .001); greater Coping and Self-enhancement alcohol use motives ( p’s < .01) predicted problem alcohol use. Marijuana use frequency correlated with greater Coping and Expansion marijuana use motives ( p’s < .05); greater Expansion marijuana use motives ( p = .005) predicted problem marijuana use. College-based substance use interventions should target Coping and Self-enhancement alcohol use motives and Expansion marijuana use motives.
The ‘cost’ of caring in policing: From burnout to PTSD in police officers in England and Wales
Authors: Foley Jim , Massey Kristina Louise Dawn
Published: May 2020

This article looks at secondary trauma of police officers caused by working with traumatised victims, examining what is the true ‘cost of caring’ for police officers in England and Wales. It will discuss common work-related ‘stressors’ in policing and review the concepts commonly associated with secondary trauma such as ‘burnout’, ‘vicarious trauma’, ‘compassion fatigue’, ‘secondary traumatic stress’ and their impact. It will conclude with some recommendations and highlight the serious lack of literature on this topic, making secondary trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder in policing an under researched area, particularly in relation to the effects of cumulative trauma in policing.