bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in beliefs and attitudes toward Depression and Schizophrenia in Russia and the United States
Authors: Nersessova Karine S , Jurcik Tomas , Hulsey Timothy L
Published: June 2019

Background:

Cross-cultural studies find that culture shapes people’s understanding of mental illnesses, particularly Depression and Schizophrenia.

Aims:

To compare individuals’ beliefs and attitudes toward Depression and Schizophrenia in Russia and the United States.

Method:

Participants ( N=607) were presented with vignettes of two diagnostically unlabeled psychiatric case histories and then answered questions regarding mental health literacy (MHL) and attitudes toward the person and the illness.

Results:

Our findings indicate that Depression was most often attributed to psychosocial stress while Schizophrenia was thought to be caused by biological factors. People from both countries considered those suffering from Schizophrenia to be unpredictable and dangerous. US participants were more likely to endorse lay and professional help for both disorders than their Russian counterparts. Russian participants reported being less likely to turn to someone they trust and more likely to deal with problems on their own. Russian participants were also more likely to view those with Depression as ‘weak-willed’ and leading an ‘immoral lifestyle’.

Conclusion:

Our findings further inform cultural understandings of these mental illnesses in an often neglected national group. Patterns suggest that both groups may benefit from exposure to corrective information about Depression and Schizophrenia.
Understanding what it means to be socially included for people with a lived experience of mental illness
Authors: Filia Kate , Jackson Henry , Cotton Sue , Killackey Eoin
Published: June 2019

Aims:

Social inclusion is increasingly understood to have positive and beneficial implications for the mental health outcomes of people with severe mental illness. The concept is plagued by definitional inconsistencies and a lack of consensus regarding what it means to be socially included, in particular for groups most vulnerable to social exclusion, such as people with mental illness. The aim of this study was to obtain a consensus regarding the key contributors to social inclusion from the perspective of people with and without a lived experience of mental illness (consumers of mental health services, carers, and general community members).

Methods:

Delphi methodology was employed to reach consensus agreement. The Delphi questionnaire was based on a previous review of the literature and consisted of 147 items categorized into 13 domains. It was presented to participants over three rounds. Participants ( N  = 104) were recruited into three groups (32 consumers, 32 carers of people with a mental illness, and 40 members of the general community – neither consumers nor carers). Retention of participants from Round 1 to Round 3 was 79.8%.

Results:

Similarities and differences were observed between the groups. A number of items were very strongly endorsed as key contributors to social inclusion, relating to social participation, social supports, housing, neighbourhood, community involvement, employment and education, health and well-being and service utilization.

Conclusion:

Findings supported previous work, indicating the importance of having a strong sense of connection with others as well as the importance of safe and stable housing, support services and personal motivation and hope. We obtained a well-rounded perspective among groups regarding the key contributors to social inclusion, with a particular relevance to people living with mental illness. This perspective has significant clinical and research utility.
Cross-Country Differences in Parental Reporting of Symptoms of ADHD
Authors: MacDonald Beatriz , Pennington Bruce F. , Willcutt Erik G. , Dmitrieva Julia , Samuelsson Stefan , Byrne Brian , Olson Richard K.
Published: June 2019

Previous studies within the United States suggest there are cultural and contextual influences on how attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are perceived. If such influences operate within a single country, they are likely to also occur between countries. In the current study, we tested whether country differences in mean ADHD scores also reflect cultural and contextual differences, as opposed to actual etiological differences. The sample for the present study included 974 participants from four countries tested at two time points, the end of preschool and the end of second grade. Consistent with previous research, we found lower mean ADHD scores in Norway and Sweden in comparison with Australia and the United States, and we tested four explanations for these country differences: (a) genuine etiological differences, (b) slower introduction to formal academic skills in Norway and Sweden than in the United States and Australia that indicated a context difference, (c) underreporting tendency in Norway and Sweden, or (d) overreporting tendency in the United States and Australia. Either under- or overreporting would be examples of cultural differences in the perception of ADHD symptoms. Of these explanations, results of ADHD measurement equivalence tests across countries rejected the first three explanations and supported the fourth explanation: an overreporting tendency in the United States and Australia. These findings indicate that parental reporting of ADHD symptoms is more accurate in Norway and Sweden than in Australia and the United States, and, thus, have important clinical and educational implications for how parental reporting informs an ADHD diagnosis in these countries.
Teacher Certification Area and the Academic Outcomes of Students With Learning Disabilities or Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Gilmour Allison F.
Published: June 2019

Special education certification is used as an indicator of teaching quality in research, practice, and policy. This study examined whether elementary and middle school students with learning disabilities (LD) or emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD) scored better on state math and English language arts (ELA) assessments in years when they were taught by a teacher certified in special education or dual-certified in special education and another area compared to years when they were taught by general education–certified teachers. For most student groups, academic achievement appeared unrelated to teacher certification type. Students with LD and higher academic skills appeared to benefit from having a dual-certified teacher over a general education–certified teacher in ELA. Lower achieving students with EBD scored worse in math when they were taught by special education–certified teachers instead of general education–certified or dual-certified teachers. Implications for indicators of teaching quality in special education are discussed.
Methamphetamine-related post-mortem cases in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Prakobsrikul Piyatida , Srisont Smith , Jinawath Artit , Boonkrem Manee
Published: June 2019

Introduction

This study investigated variables associated with methamphetamine-related deaths in Thailand.

Methods

This study used data obtained from methamphetamine-related autopsy cases over a six-year period from 2011 to 2016. From the data available during this period, considered variables included: demographic, toxicological and histopathological profiles. Methamphetamine blood concentration calculations and myoglobin immunostainings in kidney samples were also carried out. Statistical analysis and tests of significance were conducted using a paired-sample t-test, adopting a p-value of 0.05.

Results

A total of 61 methamphetamine-related cases were reviewed. Of several pathological findings, cardiovascular pathological findings were the most common. Cases were divided into a non-trauma group ( n = 19; 31.15%) and a trauma group ( n  =  42; 68.85%), and it was found that methamphetamine blood concentrations of non-trauma cases were largely in therapeutic ranges. The differences between methamphetamine concentrations of trauma and non-trauma groups were not statistically significant ( p > 0.05). Immunostainings for myoglobin in kidney samples were positive in two non-trauma cases, which is suggestive of methamphetamine-induced rhabdomyolysis.

Conclusions

Methamphetamine intoxication causes cardiac toxicity and can cause death. However, methamphetamine quantitation, autopsy findings and scene investigations are considered altogether in determination of cause of death due to many factors such as drug tolerances. Myoglobin immunostaining was found to be a useful tool in determining cause of death.
Hospice Philosophy in Practice—Toward an Authentic Death
Authors: Graven Vibeke , Timm Helle
Published: June 2019

This article examines how hospice philosophy works in contemporary Danish hospice practice. The still sparse literature on Danish hospices indicates that hospice philosophy is influencing professional practice. In international palliative care literature, hospice philosophy is challenged for being overly normative in its ideal of the good death or on the other hand as threatened by the medical model. Drawing on the idea of hospice philosophy as providing meaning for everyday practice, this article explores how it is incorporated within the institutional order of contemporary Danish hospices. An ethnographic study was informed by participant observation and 49 interviews with professionals, patients, and families at three hospices in Denmark. The findings contribute to further understanding of the complexity of maintaining hospice philosophy in contemporary practice. Hospice practice works in an interpretive way with hospice philosophy to offer a “lived” philosophy and a means to an authentic death.
Self-Esteem as a Potential Mediator of the Association Between Social Integration, Mental Well-Being, and Physical Well-Being
Authors: Schwager Susanne , Wick Katharina , Glaeser Anni , Schoenherr Désirée , Strauss Bernhard , Berger Uwe
Published: June 2019

Previous research points to a significant impact of social integration and self-esteem on well-being. The present study examined whether self-esteem constitutes one pathway from social integration in the classroom to mental and physical well-being of students and accordingly serves as a mediator. Therefore, 163 students (mean age: 12.98 years, age range: 9–17 years, 57.9% male) of three German secondary schools were examined regarding their experience of social integration, self-esteem, and mental as well as physical well-being. Results revealed that self-esteem mediated the effect of social integration on mental and physical well-being. This finding elucidates one pathway from social integration to well-being and points to the importance of improving both self-esteem and social integration for the promotion of well-being among adolescents.
Loss in the Life Story: Remembering Death and Illness Across Adulthood
Authors: Mroz Emily L. , Bluck Susan , Sharma Shubam , Liao Hsiao-wen
Published: June 2019

The experience of loss has not often been studied in the life story literature. Life disruption when loss of a loved one occurs may make loss events distinct, even from other challenges, when recalled. Optimally, individuals incorporate such events into their life story in a way that allows them to reflect positively on their life overall. We suggest that telling narratives that represent loss as leading to personal growth or as highlighting one’s connectedness to others may allow a positive view of life overall. In contrast, ruminating may signal a lack of meaningful integration of the event. The current study investigates personal growth from, communion in, and rumination about memories of past loss events. It also determines how these factors relate to positive reflection on one’s life overall. Age was explored as a moderator of these relations. Participants (29 younger adults, 40 older adults) narrated an autobiographical loss event and, for comparison, a non-loss challenging life event and a neutral event. Narratives were self-rated for rumination and extent of resultant personal growth, and reliably content-coded for themes of communion. Participants also completed a measure of positive reflection on their life. Loss narratives resulted in more personal growth and contained more communion themes than other challenging or neutral events. Greater loss-related personal growth predicted more positive life reflection for younger adults. How individuals recall and incorporate loss into their life story may relate differentially to psychosocial outcomes in different life phases.
Applied Epidemiology Workforce Growth and Capacity Challenges: The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists 2017 Epidemiology Capacity Assessment
Authors: Arrazola Jessica , Israel Mia N. , Binkin Nancy
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

To better understand the current status and challenges of the state public health department workforce, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) assessed the number and functions of applied public health epidemiologists at state health departments in the United States.

Methods:

In 2017, CSTE emailed unique online assessment links to state epidemiologists in the 50 states and the District of Columbia (N = 51). The response rate was 100%. CSTE analyzed quantitative data (27 questions) on funding, the number of current and needed epidemiologists, recruitment, retention, perceived capacity, and training. CSTE coded qualitative data in response to an open-ended question that asked about the most important problems state epidemiologists face.

Results:

Most funding for epidemiologic activities came from the federal government (mean, 77%). State epidemiologists reported needing 1199 additional epidemiologists to achieve ideal capacity but noted challenges in recruiting qualified staff members. Respondents cited opportunities for promotion (n = 45, 88%), salary (n = 41, 80%), restrictions on merit raises (n = 36, 70%), and losses to the private or government sector (n = 33, 65%) as problems for retention. Of 4 Essential Public Health Services measured, most state epidemiologists reported substantial-to-full capacity to monitor health status (n = 43, 84%) and diagnose and investigate community health problems (n = 47, 92%); fewer respondents reported substantial-to-full capacity to conduct evaluations (n = 20, 39%) and research (n = 11, 22%).

Conclusions:

Reliance on federal funding negatively affects employee retention, core capacity, and readiness at state health departments. Creative solutions for providing stable funding, developing greater flexibility to respond to emerging threats, and enhancing capacity in evaluation and applied research are needed.
Investigation of the riser cross-sectional aspect ratio effect on the flow dynamics in circulating fluidized beds by electrical capacitance tomography
Authors: Tu Qiuya Y , Wang Haigang G
Published: June 2019

With the increase of capacity, most of the circulating fluidized beds (CFB) risers are constricted to have rectangular cross section. Therefore, it is important to find out the cross-sectional aspect ratio effect on the gas-solids flow characteristics. In this study, a lab-scale CFB with two rectangular risers, which have the aspect ratio of 1:1 and 3:1, respectively, were studied by the electrical capacitance tomography (ECT), with the aided of pressure measurements and computational particle fluid dynamics (CPFD) simulation. Key issues related with ECT sensor design and image reconstruction, such as sensitivity map and excitation frequency, are also discussed. The results show that ECT image quality is affected by the sensitivity map and excitation frequency, and high excitation frequency and voltage are not equivalent of high image quality. In the riser bottom region, cross-sectional aspect ratio has big effect on ECT measured particle distribution and pressure drop, fewer particles are brought away from the bottom when the aspect ratio is larger. Multiple bubbles exist in the bottom region at Ve= 2.7 m/s, and bubble size decreases in the rectangular riser with larger cross-sectional aspect ratio. Static bed height influences the bubble behaviour that bubbles with smaller size scattered around and behave collapse or coalescence in the moving process when the static bed height is high.
Why are “we” called “them”?: Storytelling and the contested terrain of post-conflict public formation
Authors: Marshall David J , Staeheli Lynn A , Čelebičić Vanja
Published: June 2019

Efforts to repair wounded social relations and rebuild political institutions typically target young people, who are viewed with a mix of hope and anxiety as the future leaders of the country. Efforts undertaken by civil society organizations, and funded by international donors, emphasize dialogue and tolerance through civic engagement. Dialogue, tolerance, and engagement aim at inclusive forms of peaceful community building and public togetherness, yet notions of what constitutes the political community are inherently contested. Moreover, tolerance efforts targeting youth often combine face-to-face forms of dialogue with the use of digital media aiming at broader public engagement, potentially introducing further anxiety over fraught forms of community and public-ness. This paper discusses a digital story/community mapping project conducted with two youth-led civil society organizations in Sarajevo/East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although the youth organizations share an ethical commitment to dialogue promotion, the dialogue produced through this creative collaboration was fraught with conflicting views of how to commemorate past violence and different definitions of what constitutes community.
Re-encountering Lefebvre: Toward a critical phenomenology of social space
Authors: Kinkaid Eden
Published: June 2019

In this article, I present a critical phenomenological reworking of Lefebvre’s theory of social space from the perspective of minority subjects. To do so, I identify phenomenological themes present in The Production of Space, reading it alongside Merleau-Ponty’s Phenomenology of Perception. This reading emphasizes Lefebvre and Merleau-Ponty’s shared critiques of space, their relational ontologies, and their emphasis on bodily practice. With these shared concerns in view, I then extend this phenomenological reading of Production by bringing it into conversation with scholarship in critical phenomenology. Critical phenomenology has developed largely out of the work of Merleau-Ponty and seeks to revise classical phenomenological accounts to attend to issues of race, gender, sexuality, disability, and other categories of social difference. I demonstrate how critical phenomenology can be brought to bear on Lefebvre’s account of social space and the subject, considering how it can concretize and actualize the political potential Lefebvre attaches to differential embodiment in Production. Bringing these perspectives to bear on Lefebvre’s conception, I argue, does important work to actualize his vision of differential embodiment as a political and spatial practice.
The rise of reading and conversation clubs during Chihuahua’s violent times
Authors: Machin-Mastromatteo Juan D. , Coughanour Gloria Lorena Ruiz
Published: June 2019

This article presents the generation of reading and conversation clubs in Chihuahua city (Mexico), which emerged from spontaneous initiatives by citizens, as a response to one of the most violent periods faced in the city. This report was developed with information gathered during interviews with members of reading and conversation clubs about their experiences, at the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua’s radio station (Radio University), in the ‘Tips, Talks and Topics’ weekly show.
Inter-observer reproducibility of quantitative dynamic susceptibility contrast and diffusion MRI parameters in histogram analysis of gliomas
Authors: Dijkstra Hildebrand , Sijens Paul E , van der Hoorn Anouk , van Laar Peter Jan
Published: June 2019

Background

Dynamic-susceptibility contrast and diffusion-weighted imaging are promising techniques in diagnosing glioma grade.

Purpose

To compare the inter-observer reproducibility of multiple dynamic-susceptibility contrast and diffusion-weighted imaging parameters and to assess their potential in differentiating low- and high-grade gliomas.

Material and Methods

Thirty patients (16 men; mean age = 40.6 years) with low-grade (n = 13) and high-grade (n = 17) gliomas and known pathology, scanned with dynamic-susceptibility contrast and diffusion-weighted imaging were included retrospectively between March 2006 and March 2014. Three observers used three different methods to define the regions of interest: (i) circles at maximum perfusion and minimum apparent diffusion coefficient; (ii) freeform 2D encompassing the tumor at largest cross-section only; (iii) freeform 3D on all cross-sections. The dynamic-susceptibility contrast curve was analyzed voxelwise: maximum contrast enhancement; time-to-peak; wash-in rate; wash-out rate; and relative cerebral blood volume. The mean was calculated for all regions of interest. For 2D and 3D methods, histogram analysis yielded additional statistics: the minimum and maximum 5% and 10% pixel values of the tumor (min5%, min10%, max5%, max10%). Intraclass correlations coefficients (ICC) were calculated between observers. Low- and high-grade tumors were compared with independent t-tests or Mann–Whitney tests.

Results

ICCs were highest for 3D freeform (ICC = 0.836–0.986) followed by 2D freeform (ICC = 0.854–0.974) and circular regions of interest (0.141–0.641). High ICC and significant discrimination between low- and high-grade gliomas was found for the following optimized parameters: apparent diffusion coefficient ( P < 0.001; ICC = 0.641; mean; circle); time-to-peak ( P = 0.015; ICC = 0.986; mean; 3D); wash-in rate ( P = 0.004; ICC = 0.826; min10%; 3D); wash-out rate ( P < 0.001; ICC = 0.860; min10%; 2D); and relative cerebral blood volume ( P ≤ 0.001; ICC = 0.961; mean; 3D).

Conclusion

Dynamic-susceptibility contrast perfusion parameters relative cerebral blood volume and time-to-peak yielded high inter-observer reproducibility and significant glioma grade differentiation for the means of 2D and 3D freeform regions of interest. Choosing a freeform 2D method optimizes observer agreement and differentiation in clinical practice, while a freeform 3D method provides no additional benefit.
Optimal Placement of Reservation-Based Intersections in Urban Networks
Authors: Patel Rahul , Venkatraman Prashanth , Boyles Stephen D.
Published: June 2019

Reservation-based traffic control is a revolutionary intersection management system which involves the communication of autonomous vehicles and an intersection to request space-time trajectories through the intersection. Although previous studies have found congestion and throughput benefits of reservation-based control that surpass signalized control, other studies have found negative impacts at peak travel times. The main purpose of this paper is to find and characterize favorable mixed configurations of reservation-based controls and signalized controls in a large city network which minimize total system travel times. As this optimization problem is bi-level and challenging, three different methods are proposed to heuristically find effective mixed configurations. The first method is an intersection ranking method that uses simulation to assign a score to each intersection in a network based on localized potential benefit to system travel time under reservation control and then ranks all intersections accordingly. The second is another ranking method; however, it uses linear regression to predict an intersection’s localized score. Finally, a genetic algorithm is presented that iteratively approaches high-performing network configurations yielding minimal system travel times. The methods were tested on the downtown Austin network and configurations found that are less than half controlled by reservation intersections that improve travel times beyond an all-reservation controlled network. Overall, the results show that the genetic algorithm finds the best performing configurations, with the initial score-assigning ranking method performing similarly but much more efficiently. It was finally find that favorable reservation placement is in consecutive chains along highly trafficked corridors.
Directional Skid Resistance Characteristics of Road Pavement: Implications for Friction Measurements by British Pendulum Tester and Dynamic Friction Tester
Authors: Chu L. , Cui X. , Zhang K. , Fwa T. F. , Han S.
Published: June 2019

The British pendulum tester (BPT) and the dynamic friction tester (DFT) are commonly used to evaluate the polishing effect of traffic on pavement skid resistance. The present study was conducted to answer two questions: (i) whether the directional moving traffic action results in significant directional differences in skid resistance of the pavement, and (ii) if so, whether BPT and DFT are effective tools for evaluating the skid resistance performance of polished pavements with significant directional skid resistance characteristics. Five in-service pavement sections with different degrees of polishing were examined in this study. The following findings were obtained from the study: (a) There were statistically significant differences between the longitudinal and transverse skid resistance of the polished pavements tested; (b) there were no statistically significant differences between the longitudinal and transverse skid resistance of the newly paved unpolished pavement tested; (c) BPT was able to differentiate the directional skid resistance differences of the polished pavements tested; and (d) DFT was unable to differentiate the directional skid resistance differences of the polished pavements tested. DFT produces one skid resistance value for a circular path at each test point. The test results found that DFT over-estimated the traffic-direction skid resistance of in-service pavements. The over-estimation errors ranged from 0.001 to 0.023 DFT units, and the corresponding percent errors were from 0.4% to 11.1%. This finding suggests that the over-estimation effect of skid resistance directionality of polished pavements on DFT measurements should be recognized in pavement skid resistance evaluation and pavement safety studies.
Workplace Health Promotion Is Growing Up but Confusion Remains About What Constitutes a Comprehensive Approach
Authors: Terry Paul E.
Published: June 2019

Professionals interested in advancing best practices in worksite wellness have been calling for more organizational and environmental approaches that will advance a culture of health. We seem to be getting the message across because a recent national survey shows that “supportive social and physical environment” is one of the 5 elements used to define a comprehensive program that has increased the most from 29.2% naming this as part of their approach in 2004 to 56% of companies in 2017. Yet 2 worksite health promotion studies that garnered media attention this past year offer telling examples of what occurs when researchers conflate or confuse the effectiveness of a health education program with a socioecological approach. I would suggest we replace the term “comprehensive programs” with “socioecological approach” or a “culture of health approach” or, at least, “a comprehensive approach,” anything but continued use of the oxymoronic term “comprehensive program.”
Normative Data for the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in Greek Older Adults With Subjective Cognitive Decline, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Authors: Poptsi Eleni , Moraitou Despina , Eleftheriou Marina , Kounti-Zafeiropoulou Fotini , Papasozomenou Chrysa , Agogiatou Christina , Bakoglidou Evaggelia , Batsila Georgia , Liapi Despina , Markou Nefeli , Nikolaidou Evdokia , Ouzouni Fani , Soumpourou Aikaterini , Vasiloglou Maria , Tsolaki Magda
Published: June 2019

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is among the most commonly used screening tools worldwide.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to provide normative data for the MoCA in a Greek cohort of people older than 60 years who meet criteria for subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia in order to optimize cutoff scores for each diagnostic group.

Method:

Seven hundred forty-six community-dwelling older adults, visitors of the Day Center of Alzheimer Hellas were randomly chosen. Three hundred seventy-nine of them met the criteria for dementia, 245 for MCI and 122 for SCD.

Results:

Initial statistical analyses showed that the total MoCA score is not affected by gender ( P = .164), or age ( P = .144) but is affected by educational level ( P < .001). A cutoff score of 23 for low educational level (≤6 years) can distinguish people with SCD from MCI (sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 84.2%), while 26 is the cutoff score for middle educational level (7-12 years; sensitivity 73.2%, specificity 67.0%) and high educational level (≥13 years; sensitivity 77.6%, specificity 74.7%). Montreal Cognitive Assessment can discriminate older adults with SCD from dementia, with a cutoff score of 20 for low educational level (sensitivity 100%, specificity 92.3%) and a cutoff score 23 for middle educational level (sensitivity 97.6%, specificity 92.7%) and high educational level (sensitivity 98.5%, specificity 100%).

Conclusion:

Montreal Cognitive Assessment is not affected by age or gender but is affected by the educational level. The discriminant potential of MoCA between SCD and MCI is good, while the discrimination of SCD from dementia is excellent.
A remaining useful life prediction method for airborne fuel pump after maintenance
Authors: Li Juan , Jing Bo , Dai Hongde , Sheng Zengjin , Jiao Xiaoxuan , Liu Xiaodong
Published: June 2019

Remaining useful life prediction is the core of condition-based maintenance under the technology framework of prognostic and health management. But the remaining useful life of airborne fuel pump after maintenance is difficult to predict because of the multi-stage noise and small data size. A new method is proposed to solve the remaining useful life prediction of repaired fuel pump. Firstly, an alternative smooth transition auto-regression model logistic smooth transition auto-regression or exponential smooth transition auto-regression is proposed to reduce the multi-stage noise. Secondly, random effect Wiener process is utilized to model the de-noised degradation data, and the posterior parameters of remaining useful life prediction after maintenance are derived by the Bayesian method based on the parameters before maintenance. Finally, the method proposed above is compared with the methods which neglect the multi-stage noise and information before maintenance, comparative results show that the proposed method can improve the remaining useful life prediction accuracy significantly.
Medical pluralism and rationalities for HIV care utilization among discordant couples in Siaya County, rural western Kenya
Authors: Arego Judy , Ondenge Ken , Odero Isdorah , Awuonda Eucabeth , Omoro Tereza , Akelo Victor , Mudhune Victor , Gust Deborah A
Published: June 2019

Understanding healthcare seeking and utilization of members of discordant couples can help in implementing effective HIV treatment, care, and support. We conducted a qualitative study comprised of in-depth interviews (n = 26) and ten focus group discussions (n = 73) with community members including opinion leaders, healthcare workers, and members of discordant couples. A portion of the latter group had been participants in the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 052 study. Themes that emerged from the data were pragmatism and the realities of hospital care, quest for a cure through traditional medicine, and religious dogma. Medical pluralism is practiced by members of discordant couples seeking HIV care through intersections of hospital facility services and traditional and religious therapeutic options. It would be prudent for healthcare policy makers and conventional medical providers to recognize the importance of traditional medicine and religion in the lives of members of HIV discordant couples and make efforts to integrate the positive concepts of both into the couples’ overall health plan.
Intravenous Grafts of Human Amniotic Fluid-Derived Stem Cells Reduce Behavioral Deficits in Experimental Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sibov Tatiana Taís , Pavon Lorena Favaro , Cabral Francisco Romero , Cunha Ivone Farias , de Oliveira Daniela Mara , de Souza Jean Gabriel , Marti Luciana Cavalheiro , da Cruz Edgar Ferreira , Malheiros Jackeline Moraes , Paiva Fernando F. , Tannús Alberto , de Oliveira Sérgio Mascarenhas , da Costa Marcos Devanir Silva , Dastoli Patrícia A. , Mendonça Jardel N. , de Toledo Silvia Regina Caminada , Malheiros Suzana M. Fleury , de Paiva Neto Manoel Antonio , Rego Nelma Bastos Bezerra , Moron Antônio Fernandes , Cavalheiro Sérgio
Published: June 2019

Amniotic fluid has been investigated as new cell source for stem cells in the development of future cell-based transplantation. This study reports isolation of viable human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells, labeled with multimodal iron oxide nanoparticles, and its effect on focal cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury in Wistar rats. Middle cerebral artery occlusion of 60 min followed by reperfusion for 1 h, 6 h, and 24 h was employed in the present study to produce ischemia and reperfusion-induced cerebral injury in rats. Tests were employed to assess the functional outcome of the sensorimotor center activity in the brain, through a set of modified neurological severity scores used to assess motor and exploratory capacity 24 h, 14, and 28 days after receiving cellular therapy via tail vein. In our animal model of stroke, transplanted cells migrated to the ischemic focus, infarct volume decreased, and motor deficits improved. Therefore, we concluded that these cells appear to have beneficial effects on the ischemic brain, possibly based on their ability to enhance endogenous repair mechanisms.
Adherence to Orthodontic Treatment in Youth With Craniofacial Conditions: A Survey of US Orthodontists
Authors: Crerand Canice E. , Kapa Hillary M. , Litteral Jennifer , Da Silveira Adriana C. , Markey Mia K.
Published: June 2019

Objective:

(1) To explore orthodontists’ perceptions of nonadherence and related factors in their patients with craniofacial conditions; (2) to examine differences in adherence perceptions by provider characteristics; (3) to evaluate current adherence interventions.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Setting:

United States-based orthodontists affiliated with a nonprofit association for providers treating oral cleft and craniofacial conditions received survey invitations via list-serv, e-mail, and social media.

Participants:

Thirty-eight orthodontists participated (mean age = 50.5 ± 10.7 years; 76% Caucasian; 55% male; 54% private practice).

Main Outcome Measure:

An 80-item survey assessed demographic characteristics; frequencies of various adherence problems and adherence-related prolonged or terminated treatment; importance of adherence to treatment outcomes; factors that may impact adherence; interest in improving adherence; and use of adherence-enhancing interventions.

Results:

Adherence problems were common, yet 80.6% of participants rated adherence as “very important” to cleft treatment outcomes. Child behavior and motivation, caregiver reinforcement of behavior, and provider communication with the family were identified as factors that greatly impact adherence. Orthodontists in university-affiliated programs were more likely to rate individual, family, health-care system, and community factors as impacting adherence compared to private practice orthodontists; 80.6% used adherence interventions; these strategies were all rated as “sometimes successful.”

Conclusions:

Nonadherence to cleft lip/palate-related orthodontic care is common and potentially detrimental to care. Current interventions are not uniformly successful and could be better tailored. Understanding provider, patient, and family factors that affect adherence can inform individualized treatment planning to improve adherence and ultimately, treatment outcomes.
Damage evolution in fibrous composites caused by interfacial debonding
Authors: Yang Yizhan , Chen Jiankang , Huang Zhuping
Published: June 2019

Interfacial debonding between fibers and matrix is one of the dominant damage types in fibrous composites. This paper investigates weakening effect due to the interfacial debonding. For simplification, the fibers are assumed to be rigid since the modulii and strength of fibers are much greater than those of matrix, and the distribution of the radii of fibers is assumed to obey the logarithmic normal distribution. The matrix is assumed to be a viscoelastic material. The boundary of the composite is subjected to transverse loading condition, the direction of which is perpendicular to that of fibers. The interfacial debonding between fibers and matrix is analyzed by the energy criterion, and the evolution formula of nucleated porosity due to the debonding is derived by the statistical approach. A newly defined volume average method is proposed to establish the macroscopic constitutive relation of the composites. The effect of the material parameters of matrix, as well as the size of fibers on the critical stress for the interfacial debonding and damage evolution are discussed in detail. The results obtained in this paper indicate that the macroscopic strain rate, the dispersion degree of the fiber's radii, the adhesive energy at the interface, and loading condition play key roles in the overall mechanical properties of the composites.
Low-velocity impact and residual flexural behaviors of 2.5-D woven composite under accelerated thermal ageing: Experiment and numerical modelling
Authors: Cao Miao , Gu Bohong , Sun Baozhong
Published: June 2019

This paper aims to investigate the thermal ageing effect on the impact and post-impact behaviors of 2.5-D woven composites. A combined experimental and numerical study is carried out over a range of impact energies with the subsequent residual flexural tests on both aged (in the air for 32 days at 180℃) and pristine samples. Low-velocity impact tests are performed to assess the degradation of impact-resistant ability in terms of energy absorption mechanism and failure modes. Subsequently, three-point bending tests are conducted to determine the post-impact behaviors with respect to strain concentration, stress transfer and damage evolution process. The strain fields in the finite element model are compared with experimental results obtained by the DIC method. A larger strain concentration area could be found at higher energy levels and longer ageing time. Extended impact damage, such as fiber breakage and delamination, plays an important role in load transfer process in post-impact behavior, thus leading to the decrease of residual stress in aged samples.
The role of targeted therapy in thymic carcinoma
Authors: Krishnan Mridula , Ganti Apar K
Published: June 2019

Thymic carcinoma is a rare entity and can be distinguished from benign thymomas by their aggressive nature and poor prognosis. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend resection followed by adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy for resectable tumors. However, the outcomes for metastatic or relapsed thymic carcinomas are poor with no regimen showing a consistent benefit. Moreover, the relative rarity of these tumors makes clinical trials difficult. Molecular analysis of thymomas shows a high incidence of genetic mutations and targeted therapy holds promise. We will briefly outline and review the current role of targeted therapy in thymic cancer.
An Exploration of Service Providers’ Experiences With Latinos Convicted of a Sex Offense
Authors: Fraga Dominguez Silvia , Jeglic Elizabeth L. , Gonzalez Kenny , Escobar Daryella
Published: June 2019

Despite the growing Latino presence in the U.S. criminal justice system and among those who have committed sex offenses specifically, little is known about the barriers and challenges faced by this population when accessing treatment services. This study sought to gather more information about responsivity factors that may be specific to Latinos who have committed sexual offenses. Service providers who worked with Latinos convicted of sexual offenses completed an online survey and answered questions regarding perceived challenges and barriers they encountered when working with Latino clients and were asked to provide recommendations concerning services and treatment provision. Service providers frequently reported issues related to a lack of culturally sensitive services, bilingual professionals, and clients’ limited knowledge about the U.S. legal system. Among service providers with experience working with undocumented Latino immigrants, some indicated specific challenges such as stressors related to their immigration status and a lack of resources. Professionals’ recommendations were consistent with the challenges reported and findings are discussed as they pertain to responsivity issues in the provision of treatment services to Latino individuals who have committed sexual offenses.
Uncertainty propagation in modal analysis of viscoelastic sandwich structures using a stochastic collocation method
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Xu Chao , Hamdaoui Mohamed , Guo Ning , Gu Liangxian
Published: June 2019

This paper presents an uncertainty propagation analysis of viscoelastic sandwich laminated structures using a stochastic collocation method based on Smolyak’s sparse grids approach. Shear deformation in the viscoelastic layers is accurately captured by means of layer-wise plate finite elements. Modal properties are determined by solving nonlinear eigenvalue problems due to the frequency-dependent nature of the considered viscoelastic materials. Variations in material properties and layer thicknesses are both treated in a probabilistic way. The variabilities of natural frequencies and modal loss factors of two different viscoelastic laminated plate structures (plane and cylindrical) are studied. Results show that the present method converges quickly with small sample sizes when compared to the classical Monte-Carlo method. The influence of the variability of several parameters on viscoelastic structure modal properties is commented.
Intravascular catheter migration: A cross-sectional and health-economic comparison of adhesive and subcutaneous engineered stabilisation devices for intravascular device securement
Authors: McParlan Dympna , Edgar L , Gault M , Gillespie S , Menelly R , Reid M
Published: June 2019

The Infusional Services Team at a large cancer centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, performed a cross-sectional analysis of two catheter securement technologies to address an area of frequent, but underestimated concern – peripherally inserted central catheter migration and dislodgement. Healthcare practitioner and patient feedback, along with economic impact, were assessed. The costs associated with catheter replacement during the adhesive device group study period were calculated using an average cost per insertion, based on material costs required for the procedure. Other factors were the replacement cost of the adhesive engineered securement device with each dressing change. In the subcutaneous securement group, the material costs were adjusted for use of the subcutaneous device as it remained in situ for the duration of the catheters’ dwell time. This review found that subcutaneous securement offers both patient and facilities a safe, effective and economical alternative for device securement with patients who are unable to tolerate or have successful securement with adhesive securement devices. The use of subcutaneous devices provided for reduced risks for peripherally inserted central catheters in terms of dislodgement, migration or malposition, alleviating the potential risks to develop catheter-related thrombosis and device-related infection.
A Holistic Evaluation of Articles on PD-1 and PD-L1 Published Between 1975 and 2017: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Baş Yılmaz , Şenel Engin
Published: June 2019

Background:

Bibliometrics has been used for assessing and predicting trends in macro-health science and medical systems, especially in the field of cancer. Bibliometric and scientometric studies in the field of programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) may guide further research in this field.

Objective:

To perform bibliometric analysis of articles on PD-1 and PD-L1 published in the academic literature during 1975 to 2017.

Method:

The bibliometric analysis was performed using the Thomson Reuters Web of Science database.

Results:

A total of 23 813 articles were retrieved, 73.52% of which were original articles. The United States was the leading country by total publication number (n = 10 897, 10.91%), followed by China (10.54%), and produced the most literature on PD-1/PD-L1 (164.65 articles). Among the institutions identified, Harvard University (USA) contributed the most articles on PD-1/PD-L1.

Conclusions:

All authors and institutions in the top 10 contributor’s lists were from the developed countries. Researchers from the developing and least-developed countries should be encouraged to perform novel studies on PD-1 and PD-L1.
Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio is a Predictive Factor of Malignant Potential for Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the pancreas
Authors: Ohno Riki , Kawamoto Ryuichi , Kanamoto Mami , Watanabe Jota , Fujii Masahiko , Ohtani Hiromi , Harada Masamitsu , Kumagi Teru , Kawasaki Hideki
Published: June 2019

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are cystic neoplasms with the potential for progression to pancreatic cancer. Accurate prediction of the malignant potential is challenging and a proper treatment strategy has not been well established. Preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a biomarker of the malignant potential in patients with several types of malignancy. We explored malignant potential in patients with IPMN. The present study included 56 patients aged of 73 ± 9 years (mean ± standard deviation) who underwent curative resection for IPMN from 1996 to 2017. We analyzed the relationship between the characteristics including NLR and malignant component for predicting pathological results. The nonmalignant IPMN group (N = 21) included patients with low-grade dysplasia (LGD) and intermediate-grade dysplasia (IGD), and the malignant IPMN group (N = 35) included patients with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and invasive carcinoma. In a univariate analysis, NLR ⩾ 2.2 ( P = .001), prognostic nutritional index (PNI) < 45 ( P = .016), CA 19-9 > 37 U/mL ( P = .039), and cystic diameter ⩾ 30 mm ( P = .010), and mural nodule ( P = .010) were significantly different between the malignant IPMN and the nonmalignant IPMN groups. Multivariate analysis showed that high NLR (⩾2.2) (odds ratio 9.79; 95% confidence interval: 2.06-45.6), cystic diameter ⩾ 30 mm (4.65; 1.14-18.9), and mural nodule (4.91; 1.20-20.1) were independently predictive of malignant IPMN. These results suggest that preoperative NLR is a useful predictive biomarker for evaluating malignant potential in patients with IPMN.1