bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Smoking Behavior Among Medical Students in Mainland China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Niu Lu , Liu Ying , Luo Dan , Xiao Shuiyuan
Published: September 2018

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of current smoking among medical students in mainland China through a systematic search across 6 electronic databases for English or Chinese studies published before May 25, 2018. A total of 79 studies were included; 26 had a high risk of bias. The overall pooled prevalence of current smoking was 10.93% (7460/68 253; 95% confidence interval = 0.09%, 13.08%, I2 = 98.6%). This study found a decreasing prevalence of current smoking over the period studied (survey year range of 1988-2014). More specifically, the current smoking prevalence in males decreased progressively across time, while the prevalence in females remained relatively constant. The overall prevalence in the west was higher than in the middle or east of mainland China ( P = .0061). The overall prevalence of current smoking increased with year in school ( P = .0028). The present study provides a comprehensive synthesis of current smoking prevalence among medical students in mainland China. Although there have been some improvements in the status of tobacco use among medical students, given the leading role of physicians in tobacco control, sustained efforts are needed to curb the tobacco epidemic among medical students.
Afraid of the Deep: Reflections and Analysis of a Role-Play Exercise Gone Wrong
Authors: Taylor Vicki Fairbanks
Published: September 2018

Experiential learning exercises have the potential to elicit emotional responses in students and instructors alike. This article takes an auto-ethnographic approach in detailing the author’s experience facilitating a role-playing activity that triggered an unanticipated emotional reaction in a session participant. In the narrative, the author connects her experience and response to the event to the shadow side of role-playing where the potential for harm to students and instructors may be present. The article explores how to create a learning environment capable of supporting students’ emotions as well as strategies that instructors can deploy to manage and learn from their emotional reactions. It concludes with a discussion of the steps one might take to re-engage with role-playing after a negative experience.
Head Start Teachers’ Attitudes and Perceived Competence Toward Inclusion
Authors: Yu SeonYeong
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this article is to share findings about Head Start teachers’ attitudes and perceived competence toward inclusion based on data gathered from 41 instructional professionals in 18 Head Start classrooms using surveys and interviews. Results showed that all of the participating teachers agreed with inclusion and identified several benefits that students and teachers could obtain from inclusion. However, teachers’ ratings on their skills and knowledge in using inclusive practices were significantly lower than their ratings on attitudes and beliefs toward inclusion. The teachers also identified several challenges (e.g., limited resources, difficulties in individualization) that they had in inclusive classrooms. Based on the results, suggestions for research and implications for practice are discussed.
Always Already Playing: Hermeneutics and the Gamification of Existence
Authors: Salovaara Perttu , Statler Matt
Published: September 2018

What if play is more than just an attitude or set of behaviors? What if the world is fundamentally and inherently playful? What if, when we find ourselves playing, we are not the authors or agents who initiate the activity, but instead we are giving ourselves over to the play of the world, being-played as it were? In this essay, we consider these questions in reference to the tradition of philosophical hermeneutics, discussing the work of Gadamer and others and tracing out the implications for gamification research.
Grounding 4E Cognition in Mexico: introduction to special issue on spotlight on 4E Cognition research in Mexico
Authors: Gonzalez-Grandón Ximena , Froese Tom
Published: September 2018

Embodied, embedded, extended and enactive (4EC) perspectives on cognition have gained epistemic legitimacy during the last 25 years in the international arena. They have encouraged new ways to understand the mind. Mexico has not been an exception; rather, it has the potential to provide a fertile ground for the development of 4EC perspectives, as shown by the variety of contributions in this special issue. In this editorial introduction, we discuss recent concerns about a lack of coherence in the inter-relations between these perspectives, and we propose that it is more appropriate to view 4EC as an emerging pluralistic research tradition that shares crucial commitments. Furthermore, we show that this pluralistic tradition has been gaining ground in the specific research context of Mexico, because of the country’s distinctive historical, scientific and philosophical development. We finish by describing the promising research potential of the current heterogeneous explanations as evidenced by the papers in this issue.
Creativity, coevolution, and computerized coproduction: reframing creativity from a nonanthropocentric approach
Authors: Valverde-Pérez Nuria , Negrete-Yankelevich Santiago
Published: September 2018

This article proposes a philosophical foundation for a new understanding of natural and artificial creativity based on a notion of relational creativity that encompasses both human and nonhuman creativity. We combine the inspiration from computational creativity with proposals from philosophy of technology and philosophy of organisms and discuss the ideas presented through an imaginary scenario based on the interaction between a creative machine and a locked-in syndrome patient. By doing so, we attempt to discuss why it is valuable to incorporate Gilbert Simondon’s notions of autonomy, integration, and amplification, as creativity features that can be candidates to substitute categories as hard to assess as novelty, surprise, and value.
Proteinaceous Lymphadenopathy in a Young Patient With History of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Case Report With Literature Review
Authors: Kravtsov Oleksandr , Jaffe Ronald , Gheorghe Gabriela
Published: September 2018

Proteinaceous lymphadenopathy (PLD) is a poorly defined, underreported pathological entity of uncertain etiology characterized by massive deposition of amorphous, eosinophilic, and periodic acid-Schiff–positive material involving lymph nodes, which is distinct from amyloid and clonal immunoglobulin deposition. PLD can resemble collagen sclerosis and needs to be differentiated from lymphomas with sclerosis, particularly classical Hodgkin lymphoma, nodular sclerosis type, and therefore is an important pitfall in the diagnosis of lymphoma with sclerosis. We are reporting a young patient with history of classical Hodgkin lymphoma who eventually developed PLD and review the literature on this subject.
Shifting From Passive Quality Reporting to Active Nudging to Influence Consumer Choice of Health Plan
Authors: Haviland Amelia M. , Damberg Cheryl L. , Mathews Megan , Paddock Susan M. , Elliott Marc N.
Published: September 2018

Comparative quality information on health plan and provider performance is increasingly available in the form of quality report cards, but consumers rarely make use of these passively provided decision support tools. In 2012-2013, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) initiated quality-based nudges designed to encourage beneficiaries to move into higher quality Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. We assess the impacts of CMS’ targeted quality-based nudges with longitudinal analysis of 2009-2014 MA plan enrollment trends. Nudges are associated with 17% reductions in enrollment in the lowest-performing plans and 3% increases in enrollment in the highest performing plans (annually, p < .01 for both), occurring at the time of nudge implementation and relative to trends for plans with moderate performance that were not targeted by nudges. These findings suggest that quality-based nudges can successfully steer consumers into higher quality plans and provide opportunities for purchasers and payers to increase consumers’ use of quality information.
Systemic therapy for relapsed/refractory meningioma: Is there potential for antiangiogenic agents?
Authors: Dasanu Constantin A , Samara Yazeed , Codreanu Ion , Limonadi Farhad M , Hamid Omid , Alvarez-Argote Juliana
Published: September 2018

Effective therapies for relapsed/refractory meningioma after surgery and radiation therapy represent an unmet need. Most meningiomas are highly vascularized tumors and, therefore, potentially amenable to antiangiogenic therapy. Herein, we review comprehensively the scientific literature on systemic therapy options for relapsed, persistent or metastatic meningioma, not amenable to local therapy. Also, this review offers insights into the function of vascular endothelial growth factor/receptor pathway both in health and disease. Further, we address the current status of the preclinical and clinical studies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor/receptor signaling in meningioma. Most relevant publications were identified through searching the PubMed/Medline database for articles published from inception to 1 February 2018. Vascular endothelial growth factor pathway activation might represent the primary driver of angiogenesis in meningioma. Positive findings of two prospective phase II trials, supported by the results of several retrospective cohorts, suggest a clinical benefit for the vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor bevacizumab in refractory meningioma. Bevacizumab causes both peritumoral brain edema reduction and true meningioma shrinkage. Patients with WHO grades II–III meningioma appear to benefit more than patients with grade I disease. Similarly, responses have been documented with certain oral targeted anti-vascular endothelial growth factor/receptor agents. Further exploration of the role of vascular endothelial growth factor/receptor inhibitors in refractory meningioma seems warranted.
Use of direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C viral infection and association with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Is there a linkage?
Authors: Vakiti Anusha , Cho Min Ho , Lee Wen , Liang John J , Lalos Alexander T , Fishbein Dawn A
Published: September 2018

Hepatitis C viral infection is recognized worldwide as a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The goal of hepatitis C viral antiviral therapy is the permanent eradication of hepatitis C viral RNA, commonly referred to as a sustained virologic response – defined as “undetectable” RNA at 12 weeks following the completion of therapy. Hepatitis C viral treatment has dramatically advanced with the FDA approval of several new agents known as direct-acting antivirals. These drugs target specific nonstructural proteins of the virus, which disrupt viral replication, and therefore halt infection. However, recently, there has been a concern for increased risk of recurrence of treated hepatocellular carcinoma or denovo occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after treatment with direct-acting antivirals. We are now reporting three cases of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma that developed after sustained virologic response following hepatitis C viral treatment with direct-acting antivirals.
Adherence to oral chemotherapy: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Krikorian Susan , Pories Susan , Tataronis Gary , Caughey Thomas , Chervinsky Kirsten , Lotz Margaret , Shen Abra H , Weissmann Lisa
Published: September 2018

Purpose

There is very little data on the effect of combining methods to better predict and improve oral antineoplastic adherence in cancer patients. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an intensive pharmacist intervention at the beginning of oral antineoplastic therapy versus nurse-led control group on adherence.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, open-label controlled trial performed in a single center hematology/oncology outpatient service to compare the effectiveness of repetitive pharmacist educational intervention on adherence rates measured at four and eight weeks after prescribing oral antineoplastic medication compared to a nurse-led control group. Both groups included investigator pill counts and self-report adherence questionnaires.

Results

Two-hundred patients were enrolled between 2009 and 2015. Fourteen of the 101 (14%) patients in the pharmacist group and 7 (7%) of the 99 patients in the nurse-led control group dropped out ( p = 0.166). The majority of patients who remained in the study were 90–100% adherent to oral antineoplastic therapy in both groups. The pharmacist group slightly underperformed at Pill Count 2, possibly due to barriers for non-adherence. Statistically significant correlations associated with non-adherence were forgetfulness ( p = 0.009), wanting to avoid side effects ( p = 0.02), feeling depressed or overwhelmed ( p = 0.032), or falling asleep before taking medication ( p = 0.048) in both groups.

Conclusion

The combination of pill count and patient self-report adherence is a way of improving oral antineoplastic adherence. However, significant barriers to adherence were identified such as forgetfulness, wanting to avoid side effects, feeling depressed or overwhelmed, and falling asleep before taking medications.
Drug interactions between tyrosine kinase inhibitors (gefitinib and erlotinib) and warfarin: Assessment of international normalized ratio elevation characteristics and in vitro CYP2C9 activity
Authors: Hiraide Makoto , Minowa Yuichi , Nakano Yasuhiro , Suzuki Kenichi , Shiga Taro , Nishio Makoto , Miyoshi Junya , Takahashi Harumi , Hama Toshihiro
Published: September 2018

Background

Elevation of the international normalized ratio and bleeding complications has been reported in patients taking warfarin concomitantly with tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as gefitinib and erlotinib.

Objective

To assess the frequency, degree, and onset of international normalized ratio elevation in patients receiving warfarin with gefitinib or erlotinib, and changes in vitro cytochrome P450 2C9 activity.

Methods

This retrospective, single-center, observational study compared international normalized ratio values during the treatment with warfarin in the absence and presence of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors, gefitinib, and erlotinib. In addition, the inhibitory effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on cytochrome P450 2C9 activity was screened in an in vitro study.

Results

Compared with international normalized ratio at the baseline significant ( P < 0.05) international normalized ratio elevations were observed in the majority of the patients (5/6 patients with gefitinib, 83.3%; 6/7 patients with erlotinib, 85.7%) during concurrent therapy. The international normalized ratio was increased 1.8- and 1.6-fold relative to the baseline value, on median, in the presence of gefitinib and erlotinib, respectively, and the onset of international normalized ratio elevation was observed at a median of seven days and nine days, respectively. In vitro (S)-warfarin 7-hydroxylation activity was inhibited by 36% in the presence of 1 µM gefitinib and 27% by 10 µM erlotinib, which are comparable to the steady-state plasma levels of these tyrosine kinase inhibitors after standard dosing.

Conclusion

In most patients, international normalized ratio elevation was observed within two weeks of the start of concomitant therapy with warfarin and gefitinib or erlotinib. To avoid excessive anticoagulant response by warfarin, international normalized ratio should be carefully monitored weekly and dosage adjustment of warfarin might be recommended during the first month after the start of concurrent tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.
Midostaurin administration in two hemodialysis patients
Authors: Tollkuci Eris , Seddon Amanda , Geswein Laura , Mulseh Musa
Published: September 2018

Midostaurin is a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration for FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3-positive acute myeloid leukemia in combination with standard daunorubicin and cytarabine induction and high-dose cytarabine consolidation. The pharmacokinetics of midostaurin in the setting of severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CrCl] 15-29 mL/min utilizing Cockcroft-Gault method) and end-stage renal disease are unknown. Midostaurin is primarily metabolized by the liver through the CYP3A4 enzyme with fecal excretion accounting for 95% of the dose (4% recovered as unchanged drug). Only 5% of the parent drug is found in the urine. This is the first case report documenting the administration of midostaurin in two patients with end-stage renal disease on HD. Given the limited excretion of both active and inactive metabolites of midostaurin in the urine, one does not expect an increase in toxicity related to impaired drug excretion. Although this report describes the likely successful utilization of midostaurin, caution should be exercised when administering in patient populations with end organ disease. Medical history, concomitant comorbidities, and goals of therapy should be taken into account.
Japanese Community-Living Older Adults’ Perceptions and Solutions Regarding Their Physical Home Environments
Authors: Nakamura-Thomas Hiromi , Kyougoku Makoto , Bonsaksen Tore
Published: September 2018

This study examined perceived causes of accidental falls, the solutions implemented, and differences in scores on the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) based on experiences of accidental falls, implementation of solutions, and experiences of problems in participants’ current environments. Data were collected individually from Japanese community-living older adults. Of the 41 participants, 71% experienced accidental falls, 41.5% implemented solutions, and 39.0% experienced problems in their current environments. Some solutions were implemented, including both appropriate and inappropriate ones. The FES scores differed significantly based on experiences of problems in participants’ current environments, suggesting that a consultation-style intervention would contribute toward improved FES scores among clients experiencing problems in their current environments.
Biomechanical efficacy of corneal cross-linking using hypoosmolar riboflavin solution
Authors: Wollensak Gregor , Spörl Eberhard
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

The use of hypoosmolar riboflavin solution has been suggested for cross-linking thin corneas. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical efficacy of corneal cross-linking using hypoosmolar dextran-free riboflavin solution (HCXL) versus isoosmolar standard corneal cross-linking treatment (CXL).

Methods:

A total of 24 postmortem porcine eyes with debrided corneas were subdivided into three treatment groups: Controls, the isoosmolar group with isoosmolar 0.1% riboflavin-20% dextran solution and the hypoosmolar group with dextran-free, 0.1% riboflavin solution. The samples were irradiated with UVA light of 365 nm wavelength and an irradiance of 3 mW/cm² for 30 min (dose 5.4 J/cm²). For the biomechanical measurements, 400-µm-deep anterior corneal flaps were created using a lamellar rotating microkeratome. Uniaxial stress–strain measurements were performed.

Results:

In the isoosmolar treatment group, stress and Young’s modulus at 8% strain were significantly increased by 67.97%, respectively, 62.62% versus the controls. In the hypoosmolar treatment group, stress and Young’s modulus at 8% strain were significantly increased by 81.21%, respectively, 51.40% versus the controls. There was no significant difference between the iso- and hypoosmolar groups in biomechanical efficacy. On histology, there was no edema in the anterior 200 µm of the corneas after stromal swelling by the hypoosmolar riboflavin solution.

Conclusion:

Corneal cross-linking using isoosmolar or hypoosmolar riboflavin solution induces a comparable biomechanical effect. This is explained by the localization of the maximum cross-linking effect in the anterior 200 µm of the cornea which are not affected by the swelling effect of hypoosmolar riboflavin solution.
Building a legacy? Ambivalent impacts of a malaria vaccine clinical trial
Authors: Genus Sandalia
Published: September 2018

This article examines infrastructure and technology assembled to support a malaria vaccine clinical trial, conducted between 2009 and 2014. It draws on ethnographic fieldwork at a medical research centre in north-eastern Tanzania, with additional data from interviews with researchers, vaccine scientists and trial funders. The infrastructure and technology were conceived of as enabling the development of a vaccine and facilitating future medical research and health care provision in Tanzania. However, after the clinical trial ended, these material remains were decaying, repurposed or lacked long-term sustainability without continued research funding. For trial staff in Tanzania, this led to expressions of affect, including disappointment, ambivalence and frustration as expectations for the future were foreclosed. The author argues that the material remains of the clinical trial had varied impacts and, furthermore, ambivalence is an embedded part of clinical trials due to their time constraints and lack of local rooting. The end of this clinical trial exposes the limitations of global health research in bringing about lasting change to low-resource settings. This article highlights the need to consider the life of material objects after research concludes.
Psychosocial job demand and control: multi-site musculoskeletal pain in Swedish police
Authors: Larsen Louise B. , Ramstrand Nerrolyn , Fransson Eleonor I.
Published: September 2018

Aims: Police have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. While physical factors contributing to this have been explored, little is known regarding the contribution of the psychosocial work environment. This study explores the association between elements of the JDC model, social support and multi-site musculoskeletal pain among Swedish police. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, responses from 4185 police were collected using a self-administered online survey. The survey included questions on the psychosocial work environment and musculoskeletal pain, as well as several potential confounding factors. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the degree of association between 1) the indices for job demands, job control, social support and multi-site musculoskeletal pain and 2) the four categories of the JDC model, social support and multi-site musculoskeletal pain. Results: The overall psychosocial work environment of Swedish police was characterised by low control and high social support. Police who reported active and high strain jobs were found to have an increase in the odds ratio for multi-site musculoskeletal pain (OR 1.45 (95% CI 1.08–1.94) and 1.84 (1.51–2.24), respectively). High demands, which is a component in the categories for active and high strain jobs, was also found to be associated with an increase in the odds ratio for multi-site musculoskeletal pain (OR 1.66 (1.45–1.91)). High social support was associated with a decrease in the odds ratio for multi-site musculoskeletal pain (OR 0.72 (0.57–0.86)). Conclusions: The psychosocial work environment should be considered when investigating factors related to the health and wellbeing of police.
Heat wave–related mortality in Sweden: A case-crossover study investigating effect modification by neighbourhood deprivation
Authors: Oudin Åström Daniel , Åström Christofer , Forsberg Bertil , Vicedo-Cabrera Ana M. , Gasparrini Antonio , Oudin Anna , Sundquist Kristina
Published: September 2018

Aims: The present study aimed to investigate if set thresholds in the Swedish heat-wave warning system are valid for all parts of Sweden and if the heat-wave warning system captures a potential increase in all-cause mortality and coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality. An additional aim was to investigate whether neighbourhood deprivation modifies the relationship between heat waves and mortality. Methods: From 1990 until 2014, in 14 municipalities in Sweden, we collected data on daily maximum temperatures and mortality for the five warmest months. Heat waves were defined according to the categories used in the current Swedish heat-wave warning system. Using a case-crossover approach, we investigated the association between heat waves and mortality in Sweden, as well as a modifying effect of neighbourhood deprivation. Results: On a national as well as a regional level, heat waves significantly increased both all-cause mortality and CHD mortality by approximately 10% and 15%, respectively. While neighbourhood deprivation did not seem to modify heat wave–related all-cause mortality, CHD mortality did seem to modify the risk. Conclusions: It may not be appropriate to assume that heat waves in Sweden will have the same impact in a northern setting as in a southern, or that the impact of heat waves will be the same in affluent and deprived neighbourhoods. When designing and implementing heat-wave warning systems, neighbourhood, regional and national information should be incorporated.
Quality of life and service use amongst parents of young children: Results from the Children and Parents in Focus trial
Authors: Nystrand Camilla , Ssegonja Richard , Sampaio Filipa
Published: September 2018

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) and service use of parents who have preschool-aged children, and whether the mental-health problems of parents and their children predict these outcomes. Methods: Cross-sectional data were gathered in 2015–2016 in Uppsala County in Sweden where 3164 parents of children aged three- to five-years-old were asked to self-report their own and their children’s mental-health status and service use in the past 12 months. Data from the General Health Questionnaire were used to derive health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures for adults. Results: Very few parents reported mental-health problems, while approximately 15% of the sample used any type of parental support and/or psychological health-care service. Families without problems used the least amount of resources. Parents’ own mental-health problems predicted usage of both psychotherapy and couples’ therapy, while child problems predicted the former but also the use of a parenting program. Parental HRQoL was predicted by mental-health problems, and all families with at least one individual experiencing problems rated their QoL lower than families without problems. Conclusions: Parental service use and HRQoL is associated not only with their own mental-health status but also with their children’s mental-health problems.
Into the unknown: Treatment as a social arena for drug users’ transition into a non-using life
Authors: Robertson Inger Eide , Nesvåg Sverre Martin
Published: September 2018

Background and aims:

For people trying to stop using alcohol or other drugs (AOD), the process is often characterised by periods of abstinence followed by relapse into their previous drug-related way of life and subsequent re-entry into the treatment system. There is a call for greater attention to the how of these transitions, with a special focus on the phase of leaving treatment. The aim of this article was to get a better understanding of the transformation of practice when moving from a drug-using to a non-using lifestyle by exploring the experience of (1) the involvement in treatment settings, (2) the process of leaving treatment, and finally, (3) the early phase of changing everyday practice into a drug-free way of living.

Method:

The article takes on a social practice approach, in particular Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus, “doxa” and field to analyse 17 in-depth interviews with Norwegian men and women seeking treatment for problems resulting from the use of drugs and/or alcohol.

Results:

The study shows that the support of professionals operates as transitional relations that can bridge the transformation from a drug-using to a drug-free life, by providing a social web of relations, positions, settings and activities. However, leaving treatment and establishing AOD-free practice involves moving into something unknown in the sense that there is no embodied, taken-for-granted knowledge about how to relate to a world where drug use is not the focal point of existence.

Conclusions:

The process of change, then, involves being exposed to an existential feeling of maladjustment. To get beyond the feeling of maladjustment, and get into the doxic mode takes time, and involves reconfiguration of habitus through reorientation of social settings, relations and networks. The treatment system could potentially develop a continuum of support during these transformations.
Believing false political headlines and discrediting truthful political headlines: The interaction between news source trust and news content expectancy
Authors: Blom Robin
Published: September 2018

An online survey experiment with 897 US adults demonstrated that the level of believability of news headlines about illegal immigration was for a large part the result of an interaction of perceptions about news source trust and news content expectancy. This study was a second, successful attempt to test a theoretical news content believability model to explain correct and wrongful perceptions of reality. A better understanding of how people assess the believability of news would allow educators to fine-tune media literacy modules. There is certainly a need for enhanced media literacy as the participants of the experiment demonstrated that many of them believed news headlines about illegal immigration that contain misinformation.
Quantitative analysis of genetically modified soya using multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry with endogenous peptides as internal standards
Authors: Devi Shobha , Lin Yi-Cheng , Ho Yen-Peng
Published: September 2018

A simple label-free method was developed for the quantification of the herbicide-resistant gene-related protein 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase using multiple reaction monitoring liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Sample pretreatment procedures including ion exchange chromatography and CaCl2 precipitation were used to purify the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase protein. Quantification of various percentages of genetically modified soya (0.5–100%) was performed by selecting suitable endogenous soybean peptides as internal standards. Results indicated that Gly P (QGDVFVVPR) and Lec P (LQLNK) are useful internal standards for the quantification of low and high percentages of genetically modified soya, respectively. Linear regression analysis of both calibration curves yielded good linearity with R2 of 0.99. This approach is a convenient and accurate quantification method for genetically modified soya at a level as low as 0.5% (less than the current EU threshold for labeling genetically modified soya).
Whose interest finally counts? The statutory production of urban space at the fringes of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Shahadat , Hackenbroch Kirsten
Published: September 2018

In this article, we build our theoretical arguments on an empirical account of a state-implemented housing project in the periphery of Dhaka. Thus, we elaborate on a set of bureaucratic acts, the existing power relations, and group interests that influence planning practices and condition people’s access to public resources. Analyzing the process of project implementation, we explain the various resources and strategies that those in relatively powerful positions activate in order to considerably influence planning practice and public resource distribution. We specifically analyze how the strategies and discourses employed to bring the project forward influence the emerging spatialities and issues of socio-spatial justice and inequality at Dhaka’s urban fringe. This article thus provides empirical evidence explaining the impossibility of rigid statutory planning. Finally, we reflect on what urban planning needs to acknowledge in order for positive change.
Political realism and epistemic democracy: An international perspective
Authors: Tong Zhichao
Published: September 2018

The article joins the current debate between epistemic and procedural democrats in contemporary democratic theory and aims to put epistemic democracy on a more secure footing. Yet, unlike those who explore the question from the bottom-up by analyzing the relationship between “truth” and the “fact of disagreement” within the context of domestic political discourse, I adopt a top-down approach animated by political realism and situate democracy within the actual world that we live in: a competitive ecology of states and regimes. The article thus has two purposes. For those who are interested in the recent revival of realism in political theory, it shows how it can be combined with both the epistemic paradigm in democratic theory and the realist research program in international relations, including the neo-positivist strand that has dominated the field over the past four decades. And for those who see themselves as epistemic democrats, it provides a powerful realist argument to defend their conception of democratic authority against criticisms made by procedural democrats.
An evaluation of reporting of consent declines in three high impact factor journals
Authors: Figer BH , Thaker SJ , Boob M , Gogtay NJ , Thatte UM
Published: September 2018

Background

Informed consent confers upon participants the right to decline or accept participation in a study in equal measure. Consent declines can be used as a potential metric to assess the adequacy of the informed consent process. Limited literature is available on the reporting of consent declines in Clinical Research. We evaluated randomized controlled trials published in three high-impact factor journals for consent declines (four-year period) to assess the extent of exertion of autonomy by research participants.

Methods

CONSORT flow charts in RCTs published in New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), The Lancet and Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) between 2012 and 2015 were evaluated. The total and per journal proportion of RCTs reporting consent declines was calculated. Percentage of consent declines was also compared based on number of centers (single centric vs. multicentric) and type of setting (developed vs. developing). Between-groups analysis was done using Chi Square, Chi Square for trend and a Crude odds ratio [95% C.I] (cOR) were calculated.

Results

Only 3.7% (1103/29,825) of the published articles were RCTs. Of the 1103 RCTs, only 532 (48.2%) reported consent declines. JAMA had the highest RCTs reporting consent declines (171/267.64%), the Lancet [129,150/781,924, 16.5%] had the most participants declining consent. Difference was significant using Chi square for linear trend [ p < 0.00001]. Consent decline rate was higher in developed countries relative to developing countries [cOR(95% C.I): 2.27(2.23,2.32), p < 0.000001] and in single centric versus multicentric studies [cOR (95% C.I): 3.63(3.56,3.71), p < 0.0000001].

Conclusion

Both authors and journal editors need to ensure better reporting of consent declines.
Hispanic Students’ Perceptions About HIV/STI Testing and Prevention: A Mixed-Methods Study in a Hispanic-Serving University
Authors: Fernandez Sofia B. , Howard Melissa , Hospital Michelle , Morris Staci Leon , Wagner Eric F.
Published: September 2018

Hispanic young adults in the United States are disproportionately affected by HIV and should be considered a priority for prevention efforts. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions and beliefs of English-speaking students (aged 18-24 years) at a Hispanic-serving university about HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and prevention to increase acceptance and adoption of services. Four major themes emerged from four qualitative focus groups (n = 30 students) and were corroborated by an optional anonymous survey (n = 24 surveys): (a) preferences for HIV/STI testing services, (b) essential HIV/STI testing information, (c) preferred delivery method of HIV/STI testing information, and (d) culturally appropriate message design with Hispanic young adults. Findings suggest that Hispanic young adults perceive accessible testing to be important to their community and view normalization of these services as a necessary component of successful adoption and adherence. Although flyers were reported as a practical means for distributing on-campus testing and service information, social media was endorsed as one of the most effective ways to reach young adults. Among participants, there was less consensus regarding the need for cultural tailoring. Results provide practical insights into the development and application of health promotion strategies with an ethnic minority group and demonstrate how a mixed-methods approach can be employed to inform health promotional efforts.
Prevention and treatment of secretory diarrhea by the lysophosphatidic acid analog Rx100
Authors: Thompson Karin E , Ray Ramesh M , Alli Shanta , Ge Wenbo , Boler Alyssa , Shannon McCool W , Meena Avtar S , Shukla Pradeep K , Rao Radakrishna , Johnson Leonard R , Miller Mark A , Tigyi Gabor J
Published: September 2018

Diarrheal disease is a severe global health problem. It is estimated that secretory diarrhea causes 2.5 million deaths annually among children under the age of five in the developing world. A critical barrier in treating diarrheal disease is lack of easy-to-use effective treatments. While antibiotics may shorten the length and severity of diarrhea, oral rehydration remains the primary approach in managing secretory diarrhea. Existing treatments mostly depend on reconstituting medicines with water that is often contaminated which can be an unresolved problem in the developing world. Standard treatments for secretory diarrhea also include drugs that decrease intestinal motility. This approach is less than ideal because in cases where infection is the cause, this can increase the incidence of bacterial translocation and the potential for sepsis. Our goal is to develop a safe, effective, easy-to-use, and inexpensive treatment to reduce fluid loss in secretory diarrhea. We have developed Rx100, which is a metabolically stable analog of lysophosphatidic acid. We tested the hypothesis that Rx100, similarly to lysophosphatidic acid, inhibits the activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator Cl− channel and also reduces barrier permeability resulting in the decrease of fluid loss in multiple etiologies of secretory diarrhea. Here we have established the bioavailability and efficacy of Rx100 in cholera toxin-induced secretory diarrhea models. We have demonstrated the feasibility of Rx100 as an effective treatment for Citrobacter rodentium infection-induced secretory diarrhea. Using both the open- and closed-loop mouse models, we have optimized the dosing regimen and time line of delivery for Rx100 via oral and parenteral delivery.
Proloquo2Go Enhances Classroom Performance in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Collette Debra , Brix Alex , Brennan Patricia , DeRoma Nicole , Muir Brittney C.
Published: September 2018

Independent participation in academic settings is decreased for children who have limited speech and are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The use of technology with children with ASD changes behavior, assists with making choices, and increases communication; however, no studies evaluated its impact on performance or required support in classroom activities. The objective of this study was to determine whether an iPad with Proloquo2Go would increase independent activity/task performance and reduce required support for children with ASD, during classroom activities compared with no and other forms of technology (i.e., picture exchange communication system [PECS], SMARTBoard). The study compared the use of Proloquo2Go on the iPad to alternative technologies for performance in classroom activities in four children diagnosed with ASD. Using Proloquo2Go to respond to academic opportunities, children required less support than when using no technology, and equal support to when using a PECS or SMARTBoard. Proloquo2Go on the iPad can enhance academic occupational performance in adding voice output and a variety of response choices.
A privacy-preserving collaborative reputation system for mobile crowdsensing
Authors: Alamri Bayan Hashr , Monowar Muhammad Mostafa , Alshehri Suhair
Published: September 2018

Mobile crowdsensing is an emerging technology in which participants contribute sensor readings for different sensing applications. This technology enables a broad range of sensing applications by utilizing smartphones and tablets worldwide to improve people’s quality of life. Protecting participants’ privacy and ensuring the trustworthiness of the sensor readings are conflicting objectives and key challenges in this field. Privacy issues arise from the disclosure of the participant-related context information, such as participants’ location. Trustworthiness issues arise from the open nature of sensing system because anyone can contribute data. This article proposes a privacy-preserving collaborative reputation system that preserves privacy and ensures data trustworthiness of the sensor readings for mobile crowdsensing applications. The proposed work also counters a number of possible attacks that might occur in mobile crowdsensing applications. We provide a detailed security analysis to prove the effectiveness of privacy-preserving collaborative reputation system against a number of attacks. We conduct an extensive simulation to investigate the performance of our schema. The obtained results show that the proposed schema is practical; it succeeds in identifying malicious users in most scenarios. In addition, it tolerates a large number of colluding adversaries even if their number surpass 65%. Moreover, it detects on-off attackers even if they report trusted data with high probability (0.8).
How Health-Related Behaviors Predict Body-Esteem in Men
Authors: Bidzan Monika , Yousaf Omar , Lipowski Mariusz , Lipowska Małgorzata
Published: September 2018

While there is a general consensus on the biological implications of health-related behaviors, there is little research on the implications of health-related behaviors on body-esteem in a nonclinical population of men. This study aimed to examine, using a multidimensional measure of health-related behaviors and controlling for body mass index (BMI), whether body-esteem in men can be predicted by health-related behaviors. Five hundred and sixty-one men between the ages of 30 and 45 years ( M = 35.42, SD = 4.41) completed the Body-Esteem Scale (BES), the Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI), and a questionnaire covering anthropometric measures including height and weight. Multiple regression analyses revealed that health-related behaviors (including positive nutrition habits, positive attitude, and healthy practices) significantly predicted body-esteem, R2adj = 0.05, F(5, 540) = 6.91, p < .001. The results are discussed in relation to healthy lifestyle promotion interventions targeting men.
t-BHQ Protects Against Oxidative Damage and Maintains the Antioxidant Response in Malnourished Rats
Authors: Gavia-García Graciela , Rosas-Trejo María de los Ángeles , García-Mendoza Eduardo , Toledo-Pérez Rafael , Königsberg Mina , Nájera-Medina Oralia , Luna-López Armando , González-Torres María Cristina
Published: September 2018

Objective:

Tert-butylhydroquinone (t-BHQ) protective effect against oxidative damage in thymus from malnourished pops-rats was evaluated.

Methods:

Malnutrition in pops-rats was induced during the lactation period and first-, second-, and third-degree malnourished rats were studied (MN1, MN2, and MN3). To determine t-BHQ protective effect, lipid peroxidation (LPx) was assessed, as well as the carbonyl content. The reduced glutathione and glutathione disulfide content were determined and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured.

Results:

Oxidative protein damage, LPx, and Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) content, increased in the MN2 and MN3 compared to well-nourished rats, associated with lower protein content and antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase. Tert-butylhydroquinone treatment induced a protective effect against lipids and proteins oxidative damage, as well as decrease in NF-κB in MN rats and restored the antioxidant mechanisms, mostly GPx and SOD. No differences were found between male and female animals.

Conclusions:

Results show that higher body weight deficit leads to increased oxidative damage and probably inflammation, attributable to alterations in antioxidant mechanisms. These effects were reversed by the t-BHQ-treatment, which restores the antioxidant response. Our findings suggest that t-BHQ could be an interesting pharmacological intervention, but it needs to be studied further.
Words Faithful to the Phenomenon
Authors: Mortari Luigina , Silva Roberta
Published: September 2018

The article presents the developing of a tool aimed to analyze the decision-making (DM) processes in critical care contexts. It was developed in a study conducted through a phenomenological approach. By analyzing the discursive practice through which physicians in an intensive care unit (ICU) arrive at decisions, we construct a discursive profile of each ICU involved, to improve the ICU team members’ knowledge of the complexity of their DM processes. To do so, we develop a system of analysis capable of capturing discursive actions faithfully. Our method facilitates a system of analysis that highlights the role of the various discursive acts in conversational flow, starting from the needs in an ICU setting, which are spontaneously recognized from the data, to the almost simultaneous processes of description and understanding. This has led to the creation of a tool follows the phenomenological-grounded route.
An effective hybrid algorithm for multi-objective flexible job-shop scheduling problem
Authors: Huang Xiabao , Guan Zailin , Yang Lixi
Published: September 2018

Genetic algorithm is one of primary algorithms extensively used to address the multi-objective flexible job-shop scheduling problem. However, genetic algorithm converges at a relatively slow speed. By hybridizing genetic algorithm with particle swarm optimization, this article proposes a teaching-and-learning-based hybrid genetic-particle swarm optimization algorithm to address multi-objective flexible job-shop scheduling problem. The proposed algorithm comprises three modules: genetic algorithm, bi-memory learning, and particle swarm optimization. A learning mechanism is incorporated into genetic algorithm, and therefore, during the process of evolution, the offspring in genetic algorithm can learn the characteristics of elite chromosomes from the bi-memory learning. For solving multi-objective flexible job-shop scheduling problem, this study proposes a discrete particle swarm optimization algorithm. The population is partitioned into two subpopulations for genetic algorithm module and particle swarm optimization module. These two algorithms simultaneously search for solutions in their own subpopulations and exchange the information between these two subpopulations, such that both algorithms can complement each other with advantages. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on some instances, and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is an effective method for multi-objective flexible job-shop scheduling problem.