bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review on the properties of natural fibres and its bio-composites: Effect of alkali treatment
Authors: Sahu Parul , Gupta MK
Published: September 2019

Due to the dominating advantages of natural fibres such as biodegradability, eco-friendliness, nominal cost, low density and high specific strength, they are being used opposite to synthetic fibres in many industrial applications. Despite many advantages, these fibres face some limitations such as higher moisture uptake, quality variations, low thermal stability, and poor compatibility with polymeric matrix. To overcome these limitations, chemical treatments of these fibres were found to be the most suitable method to improve adhesion with polymers, increase their strength and water absorption resistance, and improve their composite properties also. Among chemical treatments, alkali treatment is the most widely used and versatile surface modification method of the natural fibres. A good number of research works have been carried out on effect of alkali treatment on the properties of natural fibres and its composites, which motivated for this review. In this paper, the effect of alkali treatment on the properties of natural fibres has been reviewed. In addition, the physical and mechanical properties, thermal analysis and tribological behaviour of its biocomposites are also reviewed. It was concluded that alkali treatment of natural fibres could provide enhanced properties of various bio-composites up to a great extent.
Deviant consumption meets consumption-as-usual: The construction of deviance and normality within consumer research
Authors: Koskenniemi Aino
Published: September 2019

In the past decades, numerous disciplines have investigated so-called ethical and alternative forms of consumption. This has led to confusion about what terms to use and how to interpret the multiple ways in which people act within and upon the market. This article presents the first comprehensive review of the main concepts used in these discussions. Then, drawing on critical theory, in particular on Marcuse and Horkheimer, the article argues that the current debate over consumption lacks critical self-reflection with regard to the uses of these concepts. The second part of the article shows how the analytic structure of the debate over consumption creates an artificial difference between forms of consumption deemed deviant and those judged normal. By disregarding this artificiality, the article argues, research normalizes individual consumption as the sphere of political action and ends up legitimating forms of consumption it critiques.
Testing epistemic democracy’s claims for majority rule
Authors: Berger William J , Sales Adam
Published: September 2019

While epistemic democrats have claimed that majority rule recruits the wisdom of the crowd to identify correct answers to political problems, the conjecture remains abstract. This article illustrates how majority rule leverages the epistemic capacity of the electorate to practically enhance the instrumental value of elections. To do so, we identify a set of sufficient conditions that effect such a majority rule mechanism, even when the decision in question is multidimensional. We then look to the case of sociotropic economic voting in US presidential elections to provide empirical tractability for these conditions. We find that absent such an epistemic capacity a number of presidential elections might well have been decided differently. By generating clear conditions for the plausibility of claims made by epistemic democrats, and demonstrating their correspondence to empirical data, this article strengthens the broader instrumental grounds recommending democracy.
The hierarchy-of-effects model and prelaunch forecasting
Authors: Lee Jonathan , Hwang Heungsun
Published: September 2019

Pre-release forecasting of the opening box office revenue allows a studio to prepare a more effective marketing campaign and budget allocation. The purpose of this study is to forecast the opening box office revenue using attitudinal tracking measures. The proposed model aims to establish a relationship between the opening box office and the tracking data of the hierarchy-of-effects (HOE) constructs, which managers can use as the target of marketing planning. To test the causal relationships between the HOE constructs and opening box office revenue, we estimate a serial mediation model that incorporates direct and indirect effects of advertising to the HOE constructs with the covariates including marketing efforts, movie characteristics, and viewer demographics. Based on the posterior predictive distributions of the model parameters, we obtain the forecasts of opening box office revenue as new data become available. The validation results show highly encouraging predictive accuracy, indicating the benefit of utilizing attitudinal tracking.
Violence and Health Promotion Among First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Women: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research
Authors: Williams Julie E. , Gifford Wendy , Vanderspank-Wright Brandi , Phillips J. Craig
Published: September 2019

Indigenous women experience a disproportionate burden of intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to other women in post-colonial countries such as Canada. Intersections between IPV and other forms of structural violence including racism and gender-based discrimination create a dangerous milieu where ‘help seeking’ may be deterred and poor health outcomes occur. The aim of this review was to explore the perspectives of First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) women living in Canada about how violence influenced their health and wellbeing. This systematic review of qualitative research used thematic analysis to produce a configurative synthesis. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted. Two reviewers screened studies for relevance and congruence with eligibility criteria. Sixteen studies were included in the review. Four themes with subthemes emerged: 1) ruptured connections between family and home, 2) that emptiness… my spirit being removed, 3) seeking help and being unheard, and 4) a core no one can touch. Together these themes form complex pathways that influenced health among women exposed to violence. Findings from this review highlight the need for collaboration with FNMI women and their communities to prevent IPV and ensure access to trauma and violence informed care (TVIC). The strength and resiliency of FNMI women is fundamental to healing from violence. Working with FNMI women and their communities to build effective interventions and promote culturally meaningful care will be important directions for researchers and policy makers.
Risk Markers for Physical Teen Dating Violence Perpetration: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Spencer Chelsea M. , Toews Michelle L. , Anders Kristin M. , Emanuels Sarah K.
Published: September 2019

Teen dating violence (TDV) is a common problem among adolescents and has been linked to various negative outcomes. This study used Dutton’s nested ecological theory to examine risk markers for physical TDV perpetration and examine whether there are significant differences in the strength of risk markers between male and female adolescents. This meta-analysis included 37 studies yielding 126 unique effect sizes for risk markers for physical TDV perpetration in samples from the United States. In the microsystem level, a total of 14 risk markers were examined and in the ontogenetic level, 12 risk markers were examined. Our results revealed that, in the microsystem, physical TDV victimization was the strongest risk marker for physical TDV perpetration. On the ontogenetic level, externalizing behaviors, approval of violence, risky sexual behaviors, alcohol use, depression, and delinquency were the strongest risk markers for TDV perpetration. Conflict resolution skills and responsibility were protective markers against TDV perpetration. When comparing the strength of risk markers between males and females, we found that undifferentiated TDV perpetration and depression were significantly stronger risk markers for female perpetration than male perpetration. We also found that exhibiting controlling behaviors was a significantly stronger risk marker for male TDV perpetration than female TDV perpetration. These findings highlight the importance of the microsystem, specifically the dating relationship itself, when identifying adolescents at risk for TDV perpetration.
Comparison of Tacrolimus Starting Doses Based on CYP3A5 Phenotype or Genotype in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Largeau Bérenger , Guellec Chantal Barin-Le , Longuet Hélène , Lesne Philippe , Bouvarel Antoine , Préteseille Laura , Marquet Pierre , Halimi Jean-Michel , Büchler Matthias , Gatault Philippe , Noble Johan
Published: September 2019

Background:

Selection of expected phenotypes (ie, expressers/non-expressers) is currently used in CYP3A5*3 genotype-based tacrolimus dosing. The authors assessed whether a dosing regimen based on the 3 CYP3A5 genotypes may reduce the occurrence of inadequate exposure.

Methods:

Tacrolimus whole blood trough levels ( C 0) were retrieved from a retrospective cohort of 100 kidney transplant recipients treated with a starting dose of 0.15 (non-expressers) or 0.30 (expressers) mg/kg/d. The authors evaluated the occurrence of overexposures (12 < C 0 < 20 ng/mL) or toxic concentrations ( C 0 ≥ 20 ng/mL). These results were used to set up a new strategy based on the 3 distinct CYP3A5 genotypes, which relevance was evaluated in a prospective cohort of 107 patients.

Results:

In the retrospective cohort, non-expressers exhibited frequent overexposure (63.6%) or toxic C 0 (20.8%). Among expressers, none of the homozygous *1 carriers exhibited overexposure contrary to 25% of the heterozygotes. Based on these results, new tacrolimus starting doses were set at 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30 mg/kg/d for CYP3A5*3/*3, CYP3A5*1/*3, and CYP3A5*1/*1 genotypes, respectively. Tacrolimus overexposure was reduced in the CYP3A5*3/*3 group (63.6% vs 40%, P = .0038). None of the heterozygous patients exhibited toxic tacrolimus C 0. Clinical outcomes were not different between the 2 periods, whatever the genotype. Our results indicate that the best tacrolimus exposure was obtained for doses of 0.10, 0.20, and 0.20 mg/kg/d for CYP3A5*3/3, CYP3A5*1/*3, and CYP3A5*1/*1, respectively.

Conclusions:

Our results confirm that selecting tacrolimus dosing regimen according to the expected phenotype is appropriate, but that lower than currently recommended doses may be preferable.
Protective Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula RP on Lung Microenvironment in Pre-Metastasis Stage of Breast Cancer
Authors: Ye Yiyi , Pei Lixia , Wu Chunyu , Liu Sheng
Published: September 2019

Background: Inflammatory response and inflammation-induced vascular hyper-permeability were established leading to the abnormalities of the pulmonary microenvironment in pre-metastasis stage of breast cancer. Ruyiping is a commonly used compound drug for clinical treatment of breast cancer metastasis, and Platycodon grandiflorum is mainly used to treat pulmonary inflammatory diseases. Therefore, this study used ruyiping combined with Platycodon grandiflorum (abbreviated as RP) to investigate their inhibitory effect on pre-metastatic microenvironment of lung in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Study Design and Methods: The permeability of lung tissue was detected by Evans blue method. The localization of S100A8/A9 in lung tissue was obtained by double-labeling immunofluorescence staining. The level of fibrinogen in pre-metastatic microenvironment of lung as well as the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (interleukin [IL]-1β and IL-6) and chemokines (CXCL2 and CXCL5) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was detected by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results: From the experimental results, RP could protect the integrity of microvascular, inhibit the release of S100A8/A9, reduce the extravasation of fibrinogen, and decrease the expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, CXCL2, and CXCL5. Conclusions: RP could inhibit the extravasation of fibrinogen by protecting pulmonary vascular integrity and then interrupted its interaction with carcinoma in situ, thereby inhibiting the formation of inflammatory pre-metastatic microenvironment.
Implications of Emerging Educational Reforms for Individuals With Severe Disabilities
Authors: Horner Rob H. , Halle James W.
Published: September 2019

We summarize three changes in education that have direct relevance for the education of students with severe disabilities: (a) adoption of multi-tiered system of supports as a framework for intervention, (b) delivering educational reform at the “whole school” level, and (c) advances in information technology that are altering the type and utility of data available not just for policy making but for day-to-day decision making in schools. The opportunities that arise from these three changes hold promise for improving the education of students with severe disabilities, but only if educators, advocates, and decision makers capture and shape how these changes are applied.
Quantitative Assessment of the Accuracy of Real-Time Virtual Sonography for Liver Surgery
Authors: Miyata Akinori , Arita Junichi , Shirata Chikara , Abe Satoru , Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Kaneko Junichi , Kokudo Norihiro , Hasegawa Kiyoshi
Published: September 2019

Background. Real-time virtual sonography (RVS) is a navigation system for liver surgery. In this study, the degree of misalignment of intraoperative RVS images with computed tomographic (CT) images was measured. Methods. Between December 2014 and July 2015, intraoperative RVS was performed in a total of 33 patients undergoing liver surgery. Reconstructed CT images, rendered like intraoperative ultrasonographic (IOUS) images, were adjusted with the IOUS images and visualized side by side. The degree of misalignment between the reconstructed CT images and IOUS images was measured at anterior section, posterior section, and left liver in each patient. Furthermore, the time required for the adjustment was measured as the “adjustment time.” Results. The degree of misalignment between the images could potentially be measured for a total of 96 points in the 33 patients. Of these, the actual measurement could not be conducted for 35 points due to poor visualization of the intrahepatic vasculature (n = 20) or to a large misalignment that hampered continuation of further adjustment (n = 15). The median degree of misalignment was 9.8 mm (range = 2.4-37.6 mm) in the right anterior section, 9.8 mm (range = 2.7-71.5 mm) in the right posterior section, and 9.5 mm (range = 0.9-37.6 mm) in the left liver. The median adjustment time was 105 seconds (range = 51-245 seconds). Conclusions. Although some misalignment occurred, it might be acceptable for selected situations. Further investigation is needed to reduce the frequency of adjustment failure.
Esports Gambling: Market Structure and Biases
Authors: Sweeney Kevin , Tuttle M. H. , Berg M. Douglas
Published: September 2019

Esports is one of the fastest growing avenues of entertainment in the world today, projected to have revenues approaching US$1.5 billion by year 2020. The large growth of this market has led to similarly large growth in the gambling industry around esports, with some estimates predicting over US$7.4 billion in wagers made in 2018. In this article, we explain the nuances of the esports gambling market that differentiate it from the traditional sports betting market, such as “skins” betting, and empirically examine the biases present in wagering for two different esport titles ( Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Dota 2) at two esports gambling websites. We find that real money and skins gambling markets have different types of market biases. In particular, we find that bettors in real money markets tend to overbet large underdogs, particularly when those underdogs are European teams playing against non-European teams.
Wrist-Spanning Fixation of Radiocarpal Dislocation: A Cadaveric Assessment of Ulnar Translation
Authors: Azad Ali , Choi Jihoon Tony , Fisch Robert , Gipsman Aaron , Nicholson Luke Thomas , Ghiassi Alidad
Published: September 2019

Background: Radiocarpal dislocations represent a high-energy wrist injury that can occur with or without concomitant fractures about the wrist. Poor outcomes are often due to radiocarpal instability and secondary ulnar translation. The purpose of this cadaveric study is to determine if there is any difference in the radiographic parameters in a wrist dislocation model given the different location of distal fixation. Methods: Ten paired fresh cadaver upper extremities were fluoroscopically evaluated with posterior-anterior (PA) and lateral views. We created a radiocarpal dislocation model and applied a dorsal bridge plate to either the second or third metacarpal. Repeat PA and lateral fluoroscopic views were obtained for evaluation of radial inclination, radial height, volar tilt, ulnar variance, radiolunate angle, radioscaphoid angle, scapholunate angle, radial rotation index, and four indices for ulnar translation (Taleisnik, Gilula, McMurtry, and Chamay). Results: Bridge plate application to the second metacarpal resulted in a significantly greater incidence of ulnar translation compared to the third metacarpal. Application to either metacarpal resulted in extension of the carpus relative to the radius. Conclusions: A more anatomic radiocarpal relationship was restored more often when distal fixation of the dorsal wrist-spanning bridge plate was applied to the third metacarpal. Further investigation is warranted to determine clinical relevance of these findings in conjunction with clinical and radiographic outcomes.
Insights Into Protective Mechanisms of Dandelion Leaf Extract Against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats: Role of Inhibitory Effect on Inflammatory and Apoptotic Pathways
Authors: Badr Amira , Fouad Dalia , Attia Hala
Published: September 2019

Cisplatin (CP) nephrotoxicity is associated with the induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Several studies demonstrated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects of dandelion leaf extract (DLE); therefore, this research aimed to investigate the protective effects of DLE against CP-induced nephrotoxicity. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: normal control, DLE control received 500 mg/kg daily for 11 days, intoxicated group received vehicle daily for 11 days and a single dose of CP (7 mg/kg, intraperitonealp) on day 5, and DLE + CP group received DLE (500 mg/kg) daily for 11 days plus a single dose of CP (7 mg/kg) on day 5. The dose of DLE is selected based on a dose–effect study using different doses. Dandelion leaf extract pretreatment ameliorated CP-induced nephrotoxicity as evident by histopathological examination, alleviating CP-induced elevation in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, oxidative stress marker (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), tumor necrosis factor-α (as inflammatory cytokine), and caspase-9 and caspase-3 (as apoptotic markers). In addition, DLE reduced nuclear factor-κB and cytochrome c expression, and DNA fragmentation. It also maintained levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and serum albumin. Thus, the present study shows that DLE is a promising nephroprotective agent for CP-induced nephrotoxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities.
Cognition in stroke rehabilitation and recovery research: Consensus-based core recommendations from the second Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable
Authors: McDonald Matthew W , Black Sandra E , Copland David A , Corbett Dale , Dijkhuizen Rick M , Farr Tracy D , Jeffers Matthew S , Kalaria Rajesh N , Karayanidis Frini , Leff Alexander P , Nithianantharajah Jess , Pendlebury Sarah , Quinn Terence J , Clarkson Andrew N , O’Sullivan Michael J
Published: September 2019

Cognitive impairment is an important target for rehabilitation as it is common following stroke, is associated with reduced quality of life and interferes with motor and other types of recovery interventions. Cognitive function following stroke was identified as an important, but relatively neglected area during the first Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable (SRRR I), leading to a Cognition Working Group being convened as part of SRRR II. There is currently insufficient evidence to build consensus on specific approaches to cognitive rehabilitation. However, we present recommendations on the integration of cognitive assessments into stroke recovery studies generally and define priorities for ongoing and future research for stroke recovery and rehabilitation. A number of promising interventions are ready to be taken forward to trials to tackle the gap in evidence for cognitive rehabilitation. However, to accelerate progress requires that we coordinate efforts to tackle multiple gaps along the whole translational pathway.
Synthesis of cyclic phenyl hexayne from Me3Si-/Ph2P(O)-protected ethynes
Authors: Wu Li , Peng Li-fen , Hu Zhi-fang , Wang Hong , Tang Zi-long , Jiao Yin-chun , Xu Xin-hua
Published: September 2019

A practical approach for the synthesis of cyclic phenyl hexayne is demonstrated through a one-pot deprotection/transformation of magnesium acetylide into a copper acetylide/Sonogashira coupling procedure, followed by dephosphination, Hay coupling, desilylation, and Eglinton coupling. This approach avoids tedious synthetic routes and harsh reaction conditions and affords the product in 41% yield.
Indications and outcome in total elbow arthroplasty: A systematic review
Authors: Samdanis Vasileios , Manoharan Gopikanthan , Jordan Robert W , Watts Adam C , Jenkins Paul , Kulkarni Rohit , Thomas Michael , Rangan Amar , Hay Stuart M
Published: September 2019

Background

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is the established treatment for end-stage rheumatoid arthritis but improved surgical techniques have resulted in expanded indications. The aim of this study is to review the literature to evaluate the evolution of surgical indications for TEA.

Methods

A systematic review of PubMed and EMBASE databases was conducted. Case series and comparative studies reporting results after three types of primary TEA were eligible for inclusion.

Results

Forty-nine eligible studies were identified ( n = 1995). The number of TEA cases published annually increased from 6 cases in 1980 to 135 cases in 2008. The commonest indication for TEA throughout the review period was rheumatoid arthritis but its annual proportion reduced from 77% to 50%. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score significantly improved for all indications. Three comparative studies reported statistically improved functional outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis over the trauma sequelae group. Complication and revision rates varied; rheumatoid arthritis 5.2–30.9% and 11–13%, acute fracture 0–50% and 10–11%, trauma sequelae 14.2–50% and 0–30%, osteoarthritis 50% and 11%, respectively.

Discussion

TEA can provide functional improvements in inflammatory arthritis, acute fractures, trauma sequelae and miscellaneous indications. Long-term TEA survivorship appears satisfactory in rheumatoid arthritis and fracture cases; however, further research into alternative surgical indications is still required.
Causality between Chinese investment in Latin America and the governance indicators
Authors: Bernal Ponce L. Arturo , Pérez Navarro Ricardo , Ramírez Grajeda Mauricio
Published: September 2019

This article analyzes the causal relationship between China’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) and several governance indicators by performing a panel data analysis for Latin American countries. First, a long-term relationship was found between China’s outward FDI and three governance indicator variables: control of corruption (CC), regulatory quality (QR), and government effectiveness (GE). This result supports the idea that there is a statistical relationship between FDI and the governance indicators. We also found evidence of causality from FDI to CC, implying that after Chinese investment there is a change in the host country’s perception of corruption. In addition, causality from QR and GE to FDI was found. The result is evidence of how outward FDI effects the host country government’s ability to implement policies and regulations which promote private investment and the quality of public services.
Mangrove Productivity Estimation using Modelling Approach and Tree Parameters Assessment
Authors: Khan Waseem R. , Zulkifli Syaizwan Z. , Kasim Mohamad Roslan B. M. , Pazi Ahmad Mustapha , Mostapa Roslan , Nazre M.
Published: September 2019

This study used productivity models and above ground biomass to investigate productivity in different sites of MMFR. Ninety Rhizophora apiculata leaf samples were collected from different compartments (18, 31, 71, 74, 42 and 55) based on tree age and management. For biomass calculation, tree height and diameter were measured in plot of 10m x 10m in compartment 18, 31, 71, 74 and 67. The age of the trees were as follows: compartment 18 and 31 with 15-year-old, compartment 71 and 74 with 25-year-old and compartment 67 with 30-year-old mangrove trees. Compartment 42 and 55 are classified as virgin jungle reserve (VJR). Compartment 67 was not taken as a sample site due to technical reason and compartments in VJR were not considered for biomass estimation. Sixteen variables; stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N), macronutrients (C, N, P), cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K) and trace elements (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn) were analyzed. Productivity models and calculated biomass for investigated compartments showed similar trends. In 15-year age group; compartment 18 showed higher productivity than in 31. For the 25-year age group; compartment 74 had higher productivity than 71. No prominent increase was observed in biomass between 15-year old and 30-year old trees. Furthermore, with moderate N and δ15N loading input, compartments showed more productivity. The results conclude that MMFR is a sustainably managed mangrove forest and its productivity could be monitored using nutrient productivity models.
Assessment of Rabies and Canine Distemper Viruses in Road-Killed Wildlife Mammals From the Semiarid Region of Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Calabuig Cecilia , Dantas Arthur , Katzenberger Marco , Souza Hugneide , Sombra Carlos , Megid Jane , Antunes João Marcelo Azevedo de Paula
Published: September 2019

Road mortality due to collision with vehicles can affect many species, increasing the risk of local population decline or extinction. Infectious diseases that affect the central nervous system of wild animals may also promote an increase in road mortality due to the debilitating effects of blinding, neurologic disturbance, or behavior alteration. Roads in the surroundings of three conservation units in the Caatinga of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, were surveyed to identify which mammal species are being impacted by these anthropogenic structures. In addition, collected animals that were recently killed were also examined to determine their health status for diseases that affect the central nervous system (rabies and distemper virus) which cause neurological disorders. Between November 2014 and November 2015, 124 mammals from four potential reservoir species were found road-killed in the surveyed roads. Despite reports of these viruses circulating in Northeast Brazil, in both domestic and wild animal populations, none of the 18 road-killed mammals tested were infected by rabies or canine distemper, although some of the species identified are considered reservoirs for both diseases. This suggests that the animals most likely came from healthy populations or that the prevalence of these diseases is so low that it remained undetected. Furthermore, the high number of road-kills during this 1-year period indicates that mammal species from these conservation units are being negatively impacted, regardless of their health status. Hence, further studies must be conducted to identify other factors contributing to the road-killing of these species and implement the adequate mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate road mortality in the vicinities of these three conservation units.
Attending Heart School and long-term outcome after myocardial infarction: A decennial SWEDEHEART registry study
Authors: Wallert John , Olsson Erik MG , Pingel Ronnie , Norlund Fredrika , Leosdottir Margret , Burell Gunilla , Held Claes
Published: September 2019

Background

The Heart School is a standard component of cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction in Sweden. The group-based educational intervention aims to improve modifiable risks, in turn reducing subsequent morbidity and mortality. However, an evaluation with respect to mortality is lacking.

Aims

Using linked population registries, we estimated the association of attending Heart School with both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, two and five years after admission for first-time myocardial infarction.

Methods

Patients with first-time myocardial infarction (<75 years) were identified as consecutively registered in the nationwide heart registry, SWEDEHEART (2006–2015), with >99% complete follow-up in the Causes of Death registry for outcome events. Of 192,059 myocardial infarction admissions, 47,907 unique patients with first-time myocardial infarction surviving to the first cardiac rehabilitation visit constituted the study population. The exposure was attending Heart School at the first cardiac rehabilitation visit 6–10 weeks post-myocardial infarction. Data on socioeconomic status was acquired from Statistics Sweden. After multiple imputation, propensity score matching was performed. The association of exposure with mortality was estimated with Cox regression and survival curves.

Results

After matching, attending Heart School was associated (hazard ratio (95% confidence interval)) with a markedly lower risk of both all-cause (two-year hazard ratio = 0.53 (0.44–0.64); five-year hazard ratio = 0.62 (0.55–0.69)) and cardiovascular (0.50 (0.38–0.65); 0.57 (0.47–0.69)) mortality. The results were robust in several sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Attending Heart School during cardiac rehabilitation is associated with almost halved all-cause and cardiovascular mortality after first-time myocardial infarction. The result warrants further investigation through adequately powered randomised trials.
Brief recommendations for participation in leisure time or competitive sports in athletes–patients with coronary artery disease: Summary of a Position Statement from the Sports Cardiology Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC)
Authors: Borjesson Mats , Dellborg Mikael , Niebauer Josef , LaGerche Andre , Schmied Christian , Solberg Erik E , Halle Martin , Adami Paolo Emilio , Biffi Alessandro , Carré Francois , Caselli Stefano , Papadakis Michael , Pressler Axel , Rasmusen Hanne , Serratosa Luis , Sharma Sanjay , van Buuren Frank , Pelliccia Antonio
Published: September 2019

This paper presents a brief summary of the recommendations from the Sports Cardiology section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) on sports-participation in patients with coronary artery disease, coronary artery anomalies or spontaneous dissection of the coronary arteries, all entities being associated with myocardial ischaemia.1

Given the wealth of evidence supporting the benefits of exercise for primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease, individuals should be restricted from competitive sport only when a substantial risk of adverse event or disease progression is present. These recommendations aim to encourage regular physical activity including participation in sports and, with reasonable precaution, ensure a high level of safety for all individuals with coronary artery disease. The present document is based on available current evidence, but in most instances because of lack of evidence, also on clinical experience and expert opinion.
Aloe vera at the frontier of glycobiology and integrative medicine: Health implications of an ancient plant
Authors: Pressman Peter , Clemens Roger , Hayes A Wallace
Published: September 2019

Aloe vera plant extracts are ubiquitous in foods, cosmetics, and medicine. Like all plants, these extracts contain an array of potential bioactives or glycans, which may contribute to health when applied or consumed. In the Aloe vera plant, these bioactives are dominated by acemannan, a type of carbohydrate, and related complexes of saccharides, proteins, and lipids. Clinical data suggest aloe extracts may be beneficial in the management of cutaneous and some systemic conditions, such as some forms of immune dysfunction, atherogenesis, malignancy, and numerous cell functions. These extracts also contain an entourage of bioactive substances that may be allergenic and potentially toxic as well as salutary. These substances include aloin and a variety of anthracenes. The concentrations of potential allergens, aloin, and related compounds are markedly reduced through controlled decolorization processes that are utilized by leading Aloe products manufacturers. The entourage effects of contemporary Aloe vera when consumed or applied topically represent opportunities for clinical investigation which may be applied to commercial consumer products and therapeutic indications. Future research should fully explore the range of bioactive glycan components and their respective safety and efficacy. The history and ongoing popularity of Aloe vera products represent a pragmatic mandate for well-designed investigation into the diverse functional roles of glycans.
Vitamin D deficiency and associated factors in Jordan
Authors: El-Khateeb Mohammed , Khader Yousef , Batieha Anwer , Jaddou Hashem , Hyassat Dana , Khawaja Nahla , Abujbara Mousa , Ajlouni Kamel
Published: September 2019

Background:

In Jordan, many studies reported various rates of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among different groups. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of low vitamin D level among Jordanian adults and determine its association with selected variables.

Methods:

The vitamin D level was assessed in a national representative sample of 4056 subjects aged >17 years. The study involved face-to-face interviews with the subjects and measurement of serum 25(OH)D. Low vitamin D level was defined as 25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL. Deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL, and insufficiency was defined as 25(OH)D level of 20–30 ng/mL.

Results:

The overall prevalence of low vitamin D status (25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL) was 89.7%, with higher prevalence in males (92.4%) than in females (88.6%). Vitamin D was sufficient in 7.6% of males, insufficient in 38.4% of males, and deficient in 54% of males. Among females, vitamin D was insufficient in 10.1% and deficient in 78.5%. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was much higher in females than in males ( p = 0.001). The only variables that were significantly associated with low level of vitamin D were gender, age, obesity, and employment.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of low vitamin D level is extremely high in Jordan. Age, gender, obesity, and unemployment were associated with low levels of vitamin D. Health authorities in Jordan need to increase the level of awareness about vitamin D deficiency and its prevention, particularly among women.
Examining the Interaction of Race and Probationer Noncompliance on Sanctioning Decisions
Authors: Romain Danielle M. , Krushas Amber E.
Published: September 2019

Much of the prior literature on racial disparity has focused on sentencing decisions, with recent studies examining possible interactions between defendant race and legally relevant factors. Many defendants serve their sentences within the community, yet less is known about decision-making when probationers are noncompliant with the conditions of their sentence. Rooted in the focal concerns perspective and congruence to stereotypes framework, this study examines whether noncompliance issues are moderated by probationer race in predicting the likelihood of a jail sanction. A sample of 302 review hearings from domestic violence courts was included for analysis. Results demonstrate that several noncompliance issues influenced sanctioning, independent of race; no significant interactions were found. Implications for probation decision-making are discussed.
School Counselor Transgender Intersex Advocacy Competence Scale (SCTIACS): Construction and Validation
Authors: Simons Jack D.
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this study was to develop the School Counselor Transgender Intersex Advocacy Competence Scale (SCTIACS). The SCTIACS is a training tool to use in teaching school counselors and other school stakeholders to advocate for gender minority students. Development of the SCTIACS involved a three-step process: generating items, reducing items, and gathering data from school counselors to conduct principal component analysis and test validity and reliability.
Effects of Participant Displeasure on the Social-Psychological Study of Power on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk
Authors: Rinderknecht R. Gordon
Published: September 2019

Recall-based power priming is a popular research design that is widely disliked by Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) workers. This article assesses the potential consequences of such displeasure through a conceptual replication of Fast et al. on MTurk. Specifically, this article assesses the extent to which recall-based priming can elicit a sense of high power and positive emotion. Findings indicate that being primed with a sense of high power through recall does not elicit the expected positive change in emotion. Findings also indicate that recall-based priming is a less effective manipulation of power than an alternative priming method with which participants were more willing to participate. Unlike the recall-based prime, this alternative prime also replicated Fast et al.’s original findings. These results are attributed to the incompatibility between feeling powerful and participating in a disliked study design. Findings highlight the importance of addressing worker displeasure in power research, and this article suggests how displeasure can be avoided as well as how such displeasure may be a detriment to other areas of research.
Online Rumor Transmission Among Younger and Older Adults
Authors: He Lingnan , Yang Haoshen , Xiong Xiling , Lai Kaisheng
Published: September 2019

Social media not only leads to efficient dissemination of information but also facilitates the spread of rumors. However, it remains unknown whether and how WeChat use influences rumor transmission. Using a nationwide sample of Chinese adults ( N = 9,368), we applied a moderated mediation model to examine whether the relationship among WeChat use, rumor anxiety, and rumor transmission intention varies with age. Our findings show that frequent use of WeChat decreased young adults’ intention to transmit rumors by alleviating rumor anxiety, whereas in older adults, it increased this intention by increasing rumor anxiety. Among older adults, WeChat use had not only a direct effect on facilitating rumor transmission intention but also indirect effects through increased rumor anxiety. Our findings suggest that older adults are dissimilar from younger adults in terms of their level of vulnerability to believing rumors and the way they fall for rumors.
Ambivalent Emotional Experiences of Everyday Visual and Musical Objects
Authors: Maksimainen Johanna P. , Eerola Tuomas , Saarikallio Suvi H.
Published: September 2019

Art brings rich, pleasurable experiences to our daily lives. However, many theories of art and aesthetics focus on specific strong experiences—in the contexts of museums, galleries, and concert halls and the aesthetic perception of canonized arts—disregarding the impact of daily experiences. Furthermore, pleasure is often treated as a simplistic concept of merely positive affective character, yet recent psychological research has revealed the experience of pleasure is far more complicated. This study explored the nature of pleasure evoked by everyday aesthetic objects. A mixture of statistical and qualitative methods was applied in the analysis of the data collected through a semi-structured online survey ( N = 464). The result asserts the experience of emotional ambivalence occurred and was composed of a variety of nuanced emotions and related association, rather than just a combination of contradicting emotions. Such paradoxical pleasure is defined as a self-conscious hedonic exposure to negative emotions in art reception. The study also depicted four types of attitudinal ambivalence: loss, diversity, socio-ideology, and distance, reflecting contextual elements intertwined into experience, and the connection between ambivalence and intense emotional experience.
Quantitative Evaluation of Porphyromonas gingivalis in Indian Subjects With Chronic Periodontitis by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Kugaji Manohar S. , Muddapur Uday M. , Bhat Kishore G. , Joshi Vinayak M. , Kumbar Vijay M. , Peram Malleswara Rao
Published: September 2019

Background and Aims:

Porphyromonas gingivalis ( P. gingivalis) is considered as an important pathogen responsible for periodontal disease which is characterized by inflammation of gingiva and destruction of periodontal ligament and alveolar bone leading to loss of tooth. Along with clinical investigations, suitable microbiological analysis needs to be performed which could provide more insight into the disease severity. We aim to quantify P. gingivalis by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and analyze its association with demographic data including clinical parameters.

Materials and Methods:

The study consisted of chronic periodontitis patients (CP group) and healthy subjects (H group) with 120 samples in each group. RT-PCR was carried out by the SYBR Green assay to target 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid species-specific region of P. gingivalis. Standard strain of P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 was used as a control.

Results:

In the CP group, 79.16% samples were found positive for P. gingivalis, whereas 29.17% samples were positive in the H group. A significant difference was found when the prevalence was compared within males and females ( P < .001 for both). In the older age groups, we found a higher rate of detection of P. gingivalis. As analyzed by Spearman’s correlation test, the number of cells of P. gingivalis was significantly associated with probing depth ( P = .02) and clinical attachment level ( P = .01) in the CP group. The mean cell number of P. gingivalis was found to be increasing with increasing levels of probing depth and clinical attachment level ( P < .001 and P = .01, respectively).

Conclusion:

The present study reaffirms that the P. gingivalis microbe is significantly associated with the chronic periodontitis and that its level varies with the severity of the disease. Colonization of the bacterium is significantly associated with severe forms of the disease.
Optimizing Antiretroviral Therapy in Treatment-Experienced Patients Living with HIV: A Critical Review of Switch and Simplification Strategies. An Opinion of the HIV Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy
Authors: Chastain Daniel , Badowski Melissa , Huesgen Emily , Pandit Neha Sheth , Pallotta Andrea , Michienzi Sarah
Published: September 2019

Simplifying or switching antiretroviral therapy (ART) in treatment-experienced people living with HIV (PLWH) may improve adherence, tolerability, toxicities, and/or drug–drug interactions. The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate the literature for efficacy and safety associated with switching or simplifying ART in treatment-experienced PLWH. A systematic literature search using MEDLINE was performed from January 1, 2010 to April 30, 2018. References within articles of interest, the Department of Health and Human Services guidelines, and conference abstracts were also reviewed. Switch/simplification strategies were categorized as those supported by high-level clinical evidence and those with emerging data. Rates of virologic suppression were noninferior for several switch/simplification strategies when compared to baseline ART. Potential for reducing adverse events was also seen. Additional evidence for some strategies, including most 2-drug regimens, is needed before they can be recommended.
Efficacy of Open Textbook Adoption on Learning Performance and Course Withdrawal Rates: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Clinton Virginia , Khan Shafiq
Published: September 2019

Open textbooks have been developed in response to rising commercial textbook costs and copyright constraints. Numerous studies have been conducted to examine open textbooks with varied findings. The purpose of this study is to meta-analyze the findings of studies of postsecondary students comparing learning performance and course withdrawal rates between open and commercial textbooks. Based on a systematic search of research findings, there were no differences in learning efficacy between open textbooks and commercial textbooks (k = 22, g = 0.01, p = .87, N = 100,012). However, the withdrawal rate for postsecondary courses with open textbooks was significantly lower than that for commercial textbooks (k = 11, OR (odds ratio) = 0.71, p = .005, N = 78,593). No significant moderators were identified. Limitations and future directions for research, such as a need for more work in K–12 education, outside of North America, and that better examine student characteristics, are discussed.
A Summer Nudge Campaign to Motivate Community College STEM Students to Reenroll
Authors: O’Hara Ross E. , Sparrow Betsy
Published: September 2019

Despite growing economic opportunities in “middle-skills” science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions, the majority of community college STEM students leaves the STEM pipeline or withdraws from college altogether. We tested an intervention that addressed one reason why students abandon STEM: psychosocial barriers, including identity threats, a lack of belonging, and a mismatch between students’ values and those prevalent in STEM. Our intervention leveraged behavioral science (“nudging”) strategies as part of a 7-week summer campaign to encourage reenrollment, delivered via text message to 1,367 randomly selected first-year students at three community colleges. The intervention increased overall fall reenrollment by 7 percentage points; the effect was primarily observed among STEM students (+10 percentage points) and students taking summer courses (+10 percentage points). Our results indicate that interventions that target psychosocial barriers experienced by community college STEM students can increase retention and should be considered alongside broader reforms.