bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doing gender locally: The importance of ‘place’ in understanding marginalised masculinities and young men’s transitions to ‘safe’ and successful futures
Authors: Ward Michael R. M. , Tarrant Anna , Terry Gareth , Featherstone Brid , Robb Martin , Ruxton Sandy
Published: August 2017

Observable anxieties have been developing about the position of boys and young men in contemporary society in recent years. This is expressed as a crisis of masculinity, in which place is often implicitly implicated, but is rarely considered for its role in the shaping of young men’s practices, trajectories and aspirations. Drawing on research conducted with young people who accessed a range of social care support services, this article argues that transition means different things for young men in different locales and that local definitions of masculinity are required to better understand young men’s lives and the opportunities available to them. The authors argue that home life, street life, individual neighbourhoods, regions and nations all shaped the young men’s identities and the practices they (and the staff working with them) drew on in order to create successful futures and ‘safe’ forms of masculinity. It is suggested that this place-based approach has the potential to re-shape the ‘crisis’ discourse surrounding masculinity and the anxieties associated with young men.
Culturally Tailoring a Patient Empowerment and Diabetes Education Curriculum for the African American Church
Authors: Whitney Eric , Kindred Elijah , Pratt Abdullah , O’Neal Yolanda , Harrison Rev. Chauncey P. , Peek Monica E.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The African American church has long been recognized as a valuable partner for health interventions in the community. While an extensive literature exists documenting the potential efficacy of diabetes education programs in church settings, there has yet to be an effort to leverage spiritual beliefs and practices to promote diabetes self-management and shared decision making within a faith-based framework that is culturally tailored to the African American church. The purpose of this article is to describe the translation of a clinic-based diabetes education program into faith-based education curriculum tailored for use in the African American church.

Conclusions

Themes extracted from focus groups and input from a faith-based community partner provided a methodical and patient-informed foundation for culturally tailoring and piloting a diabetes self-management curriculum for the African American church setting. This study illustrates how spirituality can be incorporated into interventions to enhance health promotion and behavioral change among African Americans with diabetes. Participants in our study described how religious beliefs play an active role in many aspects of diabetes care, including self-management behaviors, coping strategies, and patient/provider communication. In addition, this intervention can serve as a model for the development of patient-centered health interventions.
Positive Stereotype Validation: The Bolstering Effects of Activating Positive Stereotypes After Intellectual Performance
Authors: Clark Jason K. , Thiem Kelsey C. , Kang Sungha
Published: August 2017

Past research has found that members of stigmatized groups may feel more certain of poor performance when negative stereotypes are made accessible after finishing a task (i.e., stereotype validation). However, no research to date has identified the potential effects of activating positive stereotypes after performance. Based on past research and theory, we hypothesized that such positive stereotype validation may serve to bolster—rather than hinder—important beliefs related to one’s abilities and future task performance. Across three studies, the accessibility of positive group stereotypes was manipulated after participants completed an initial test on a topic. Consistent with predictions, the activation of positive, self-relevant stereotypes after the initial test was found to increase how certain participants were that they performed well on it. Furthermore, these increases in evaluative certainty predicted more positive ability beliefs, higher expectations for future performance, and better performance on a follow-up test that participants completed.
The inability of venous occlusion air plethysmography to identify patients who will benefit from stenting of deep venous obstruction
Authors: Kurstjens Ralph LM , Catarinella Fabio S , Lam Yee Lai , de Wolf Mark AF , Toonder Irwin M , Wittens Cees HA
Published: August 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to assess whether venous occlusion plethysmography can be used to identify venous obstruction and predict clinical success of stenting.

Method

Receiver operated characteristic curves were used to determine the ability of venous occlusion plethysmography to discriminate between the presence and absence of obstruction, measured by duplex ultrasound and magnetic resonance venography, and to discriminate between successful and non-successful stenting, measured by VEINES-QOL/Sym.

Result

Two hundred thirty-seven limbs in 196 patients were included. Areas under the curve for post-thrombotic obstruction were one-second outflow volume 0.71, total venous volume 0.69 and outflow fraction 0.59. Stenting was performed in 45 limbs of 39 patients. Areas under the curve for identifying patients with successful treatment at one year after stenting were 0.57, 0.54 and 0.63, respectively.

Conclusion

Venous occlusion plethysmography cannot be used to identify venous obstruction proximal to the femoral confluence or to distinguish which patients will benefit from treatment.
Feasibility of peripheral nerve MR neurography using diffusion tensor imaging adapted to skeletal muscle disease
Authors: Keller Sarah , Wang Zhiyue J , Golsari Amir , Kim Anne Catherine , Kooijman Hendrik , Adam Gerhard , Yamamura Jin
Published: August 2017

Background

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of peripheral nerves may provide additional information about nerve involvement in muscular disorders, but is considered difficult due to different optimal scan parameters tailored to magnetic resonance (MR) signal properties of muscle and neural tissues.

Purpose

To assess the feasibility of sciatic nerve DTI using two different approaches of region of interest (ROI)-localization in DTI scans with b-values 500 s/mm2, in participants with muscular disorders and in controls.

Material and Methods

DTI of the thigh was conducted on a 3T system in ten patients (6 men, 4 women; mean age =54 ± 15 years) with neuromuscular disorders and ten controls. T1-weighted (T1W) images were co-registered to fractional anisotropy (FA) color-encoded images. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), FA, and fiber track length (FTL) were analyzed by two operators using a freehand ROI and a single-point ROI covering the sciatic nerve. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman analysis were used for evaluation of inter-operator and inter-technical agreement, respectively.

Results

Three-dimensional visualization of sciatic nerve fiber was achievable using both techniques. The ICC of DTI metrics showed excellent inter-operator agreement both in patients and controls. Bland–Altman analysis revealed good agreement of both techniques. A maximum FTL was achieved using the single-point ROI technique, but with a lower inter-operator agreement (ICC = 0.99 vs. 0.83). The ADC and maximum FTL were significantly decreased in patients compared to controls.

Conclusion

Both ROI localization techniques are feasible to analyze the sciatic nerve in the setting of muscular disease. A maximum FTL is reached using the single-point ROI, however, at the cost of lower inter-operator agreement.
Edge slip zone size of misaligned common edge contacts
Authors: Clark Zoë , Ramesh Rangarajan , Hills David A
Published: August 2017

We investigate the effect of a slight misalignment on the behaviour of common edge contacts, developing a procedure for estimating the extent of slip at the edge. Better estimations, compared to one inferred from Williams’ solution, are found by introducing the effects of slip and further geometry. The refined asymptote is compared with the exact answer for an example problem.
Leachate generation from landfill in a semi-arid climate: A qualitative and quantitative study from Sousse, Tunisia
Authors: Frikha Youssef , Fellner Johann , Zairi Moncef
Published: August 2017

Despite initiatives for enhanced recycling and waste utilization, landfill still represents the dominant disposal path for municipal solid waste (MSW). The environmental impacts of landfills depend on several factors, including waste composition, technical barriers, landfill operation and climatic conditions. A profound evaluation of all factors and their impact is necessary in order to evaluate the environmental hazards emanating from landfills. The present paper investigates a sanitary landfill located in a semi-arid climate (Tunisia) and highlights major differences in quantitative and qualitative leachate characteristics compared to landfills situated in moderate climates. Besides the qualitative analysis of leachate samples, a quantitative analysis including the simulation of leachate generation (using the HELP model) has been conducted. The results of the analysis indicate a high load of salts (Cl, Na, inorganic nitrogen) in the leachate compared to other landfills. Furthermore the simulations with HELP model highlight that a major part of the leachate generated originates form the water content of waste.
Domestic Violence as a Risk Factor for Attempted Suicide in Married Women
Authors: Indu Pankajakshan Vijayanthi , Remadevi Sivaraman , Vidhukumar Karunakaran , Shah Navas Peer Mohammed , Anilkumar Thekkethayyil Viswanathan , Subha Nanoo
Published: August 2017

High rates of suicide attempts and domestic violence (DV) in women of reproductive age group have been reported from South India, but the association between them was not studied. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess whether DV is a risk factor for attempted suicide in married women of reproductive age group. A hospital-based case-control study with 77 incident cases of attempted suicide in married women of the age group of 18 to 45 years and 153 controls belonging to the same age group, without history of suicide attempt, was undertaken over a period of 6 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done. The crude odds ratio (cOR) for DV was found to be 6.15 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = [2.95, 12.82], p value = .0001). Other statistically significant risk factors included younger age group (below 30 years); gross family income > Rs. 5,000; higher occupational status of spouse; having poor social support; having a family history of psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders, and suicide/suicide attempt; higher impulsiveness scores; having higher scores of stressful life events over the past 12 months, and alcohol use disorder in husband. Islamic faith was found to be a significant protective factor. On logistic regression, DV was found to be an independent risk factor for attempted suicide in this study population (adjusted OR = 3.79, 95% CI = [1.35, 10.62], p value = .011). Age groups, stressful life events, impulsiveness, and alcohol use disorder in husband were the confounders adjusted for in logistic regression along with other significant risk and protective factors. Significant dose–response relationship was also observed between DV and attempted suicide. In accordance with the stress-diathesis model for suicidal behavior, DV is found to be a stressor which precipitates suicide attempt in those with diathesis like family history of psychiatric disorders. Clinical, research, and policy implications of the findings are discussed.
Slippery desire: Women’s qualitative accounts of their vaginal lubrication and wetness
Authors: Fahs Breanne
Published: August 2017

In the shadows of the cultural obsession with male erections, women’s vaginal lubrication and experiences of wetness have received surprisingly little academic attention. Framed largely as a biological or normative behavioral “sexual function” issue and not as a subjective experience, no previous qualitative studies have asked women to discuss their feelings about their vaginal lubrication and wetness. This study analyzed semi-structured interviews with 20 women from a diverse 2014 community sample collected in a large Southwestern U.S. city in order to examine American women’s subjective feelings about their own vaginal lubrication and wetness, particularly the sensations they experience and the meanings they make around wetness. Results revealed four themes in how women described vaginal lubrication: (1) wetness as pleasure, joy, and connection; (2) wetness as physical and biological phenomenon; (3) anxiety about insufficient wetness; and (4) having excessive or “too much” wetness. Tensions surrounding women’s sexual anxieties and where they place responsibility for “too little” wetness is discussed in tandem with analyses of how pleasure and arousal may (or may not) overlap with feelings about sexual normality and health. Ultimately, renewed attention to the complexities of women’s sexual arousal and function, particularly in stark contrast with pharmaceutical efforts to medicate women’s sexual arousal and reduce it to “brain chemistry,” are examined.
Reliability of the SF-36 in Japanese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and its associations with disease activity and damage: a two-consecutive year prospective study
Authors: Baba S , Katsumata Y , Okamoto Y , Kawaguchi Y , Hanaoka M , Kawasumi H , Yamanaka H
Published: August 2017

We aimed to validate the reliability of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) among Japanese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Japanese patients with SLE ( n = 233) completed the SF-36 and other related demographic questionnaires, and physicians simultaneously completed the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SDI). Patients were prospectively followed for a repeat assessment the following year. The SF-36 subscales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α of 0.85–0.89), and an overall good test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.70). The average baseline SF-36 subscale/summary scores except for “bodily pain” were significantly lower than those of the Japanese general population ( p < 0.05). The SDI showed an inverse correlation with the SF-36 subscale/summary scores except for “vitality” and “mental component summary” at baseline, whereas the SLEDAI-2K did not. In the second year, “social functioning” and “mental component summary” of the SF-36 deteriorated among patients whose SDI or SLEDAI-2K score increased (effect sizes < −0.20). In conclusion, the SF-36 demonstrated acceptable reliability among Japanese patients with SLE. Health-related quality of life measured by the SF-36 was reduced in Japanese patients with SLE and associated with disease damage, rather than disease activity.
Integrated active and semi-active control for seat suspension of a heavy duty vehicle
Authors: Ning Donghong , Sun Shuaishuai , Du Haiping , Li Weihua
Published: August 2017

In this article, an integrated active and semi-active seat suspension for heavy duty vehicles is proposed, and its prototype is built; an integrated control algorithm applied measurable variables (suspension relative displacement and seat acceleration) is designed for the proposed seat prototype. In this seat prototype, an active actuator with low maximum force output (70 N), which is insufficient for an active seat suspension to control the resonance vibration, is applied together with a rotary magnetorheological damper. The magnetorheological damper can suppress the high vibration energy in resonance frequency, and then a small active force can further improve the seat suspension performance greatly. The suspension’s dynamic property is tested with a MTS system, and its model is identified based on the testing data. A modified on–off controller is applied for the rotary magnetorheological damper. A [Formula: see text] controller with the compensation of a disturbance observer is used for the active actuator. Considering the energy saving, the control strategy is designed as that only when the magnetorheological damper is in the off state (0 A current), the active actuator will have active force output, or the active actuator is off. Both simulation and experiment are implemented to verify the proposed seat suspension and controller. In the sinusoidal excitations experiment, the acceleration transmissibility of integrated control seat has lowest value in resonance frequency and frequencies above the resonance, when compared with power on (0.7 A current), power off (0 A current) and semi-active control seat. In the random vibration experiment, the root mean square acceleration of integrated control seat suspension has 47.7%, 33.1% and 26.5% reductions when compared with above-mentioned three kinds of seat suspension. The power spectral density comparison indicates that the integrated seat suspension will have good performance in practical application. The integrated active and semi-active seat suspension can fill energy consumption gap between active and semi-active control seat suspension.
Novel design, analytical and experimental studies of a piezoelectric ultrasonic linear actuator based on binate feet driving
Authors: Wang Shupeng , Rong Weibin , Wang Lefeng , Pei Zhichao , Sun Lining
Published: August 2017

This article presents the piezoelectric ultrasonic linear actuator based on binate feet driving. The actuator is equipped with a rhombus binate feet mechanism to generate two synchronous rectangle driving trajectories. With the help of the two synchronous trajectories, the proposed actuator can deliver stable long-range motion (the designed maximum stroke is 19 mm) accompanying with large loading capacity and high driving resolution. The configuration and operational principle are described in detail and the driving trajectory of the binate feet is analyzed. Finite element analysis is conducted to investigate the static deformation and stress status of the driving mechanism at every step. The experimental system is established to test the performance of the actuator prototype and the results indicate that the prototype can be operated stably step by step and all steps have high reproducibility. The driving resolution (minimum step length) of the actuator prototype is 25.9 nm. The maximum loading capacity and the maximum thrust are 37.2 and 3.2 N, respectively. The experimental results also confirm that the designed actuator can achieve various motion velocities by changing the driving voltage and driving frequency.
Ischemic Conditioning Attenuates Platelet-Mediated Thrombosis
Authors: Przyklenk Karin , Whittaker Peter
Published: August 2017

Data obtained in both preclinical models and humans have revealed that the favorable cardiac consequences of ischemic conditioning extend beyond a direct effect on the cardiomyocyte. In the current review, we summarize our as-yet limited understanding of the complex relationships between ischemic conditioning, platelet activation–aggregation, and cardioprotection.
Fundamental tribological experiments and antifriction design of novel superconducting tilting pad bearing for liquid rocket engine
Authors: Xu Jimin , Jia Qian , Zhang Fan , Yuan Xiaoyang , Zhang Cuiping
Published: August 2017

Novel superconducting tilting pad bearing can realize the compound of superconducting magnetic force and hydrodynamic fluid-film force in liquid rocket engine and possesses the advantages of larger bearing capacity and higher stiffness. The indispensable small operational clearance for the bearing would possibly cause rubbing phenomena between superconducting stator and magnet rotor under impact loads. Three Y1.8Ba2.4Cu3.4Ox bulk superconductors with different crystal domains are used to study the dry friction coefficients between superconductor and neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnet with nickel coating. In order to improve the fundamental tribological performance of the novel bearing, upper surface of modified superconducting tilting pad is covered by thin impregnated graphite and the nickel coating of magnet is replaced by chromium coating. Pin-on-disc experimental results indicate that the antifriction design method is effective and safe for liquid rocket engine. This study can promote the application process of novel superconducting bearing in a new generation of liquid rocket engine in China.
Culture in la clínica: Evaluating the utility of the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) in a Mexican outpatient setting
Authors: Ramírez Stege Alyssa M. , Yarris Kristin Elizabeth
Published: August 2017

While the classification of psychiatric disorders has been critiqued for failing to adequately account for culture, the inclusion of the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) in the DSM-5 has been viewed as a promising development for the inclusion of cultural factors in diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. In this study, we assess the appropriateness, acceptability, and clinical utility of the CFI among outpatients in a Mexican psychiatric hospital. Our assessment included observations of psychiatric residents’ application of the CFI with 19 patients during routine outpatient visits, along with pre- and post-CFI interviews to determine providers’ and patients’ views of the CFI. The CFI was generally well received by providers and patients, viewed as a way of building trust and increasing providers’ understanding of contextual factors influencing mental illness, such as social support. However, the CFI questions specifically related to “culture” were of limited effect and both patients and providers did not view them as useful. We discuss implications for the clinical assessment of cultural factors influencing mental health and illness and for the incorporation of the CFI in Mexican clinical settings.
Crisis of trust: Socio-economic determinants of Europeans’ confidence in government
Authors: Foster Chase , Frieden Jeffry
Published: August 2017

Europeans’ confidence in political institutions has dropped precipitously since the onset of the Euro-crisis in 2009. The decline in trust in government varies across countries and occupational and educational groups. Economic factors explain much of the cross-national and over-time variation. The baseline level of trust is influenced by a person’s position in the labor market: across European countries, citizens with more education and higher levels of skills trust government more than those educational and occupational groups that have benefited less from European integration. Residents of debtor countries with high unemployment rates are also much less likely to trust national government than those in creditor countries that have fared better during the economic crisis, while the unemployed have lost faith in government to a greater degree than other parts of the population. Cultural, ideational, and political factors remain important for baseline levels of trust, but cannot explain the acute, asymmetrical decline in citizen trust observed over the last decade.
Relationship Between Performance on Oral Narrative Retells and Vocabulary Assessments for Spanish-English Speaking Children
Authors: Wood Carla , Wofford Mary Claire , Schatschneider Christopher
Published: August 2017

This project aimed to describe oral narrative retells of Spanish-English speaking dual language learners (DLLs) and examine relationships with standardized vocabulary assessments. Investigators described oral narrative retells of 145 DLLs in kindergarten and first grade by number of different words (NDW), words per minute (WPM), and macrostructural components. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to examine relationships between narrative retells and standardized vocabulary performance. Children in first grade showed significantly better narrative retells than kindergarten DLLs, characterized by greater NDW and WPM, and more macrostructural components. Regression results indicated NDW accounted for the majority of the unique variance in DLLs’ performance on standardized vocabulary assessments. Findings substantiate that narrative retells are educationally relevant tools in predicting performance on a standardized English vocabulary assessment. The study contributes to knowledge of narrative performance of typically developing DLLs and supports the utility of retells in assessment of DLLs.
Authentic Emotional Displays, Leader–Member Exchange, and Emotional Exhaustion
Authors: Medler-Liraz Hana , Seger-Guttmann Tali
Published: August 2017

Studies have shown that the expression of positive emotion is an important element in relationship intimacy and a robust predictor of relationship satisfaction. Although the positive influence of displaying authentic emotions toward intimate partners is well documented, research has largely overlooked the association between authentic displays of either positive or negative emotions between employees and managers and the impact of these displays on emotional exhaustion. In a sample of 331 employees, the quality of the employee–manager relationship fully mediated the association between authentic positive emotional displays and emotional exhaustion; in contrast, the association between authentic negative emotional displays and emotional exhaustion was only partially mediated. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the role of employee emotional displays in shaping leader–member interactions, and work-related outcomes.
A material simulant for replicating the impact response of playing field surfaces
Authors: Gardner Jared M , Toal Patrick M , Plaisted Thomas A , Beitzel Dylan D , Wetzel Eric D
Published: August 2017

Ground impact injuries are a significant mode of sports-related injuries and a particular concern for concussions caused by head-to-ground impacts. To study these injuries and develop improved technologies to reduce their likelihood and severity, a test surface must be available that replicates the dynamic mechanical response of typical playing field surfaces. In this study, a series of playing surface simulants created from stacked layers of foams and rubbers of various thicknesses and hardness values were tested under impact loading. Data are generated via ASTM F355/F1936 with a Type A cylindrical missile, implemented using a modified rail-guided test system. The results show that multi-layer stacks graded to transition from a soft impact face to a harder base layer, when subject to uniaxial impulse, produce acceleration pulse shapes, peak values, and durations comparable to a wide range of real playing surfaces. The low cost, repeatability, and facile assembly and maintenance of the playing surface simulants make them well-suited for laboratory study of ground impacts.
The third tier in treatment: Attending to the growing connection between gut health and emotional well-being
Authors: Verdino Joseph
Published: August 2017

The microbial environment of the human gut has powerful influence on immunity, metabolism, and obesity. There is now emerging evidence that the microbiome of our gastrointestinal system may also be a key factor impacting our emotional and behavioral health. The purpose of this article is to elucidate how this emerging area of science can further educate and encourage mental health professionals to explore an additional means to treatment. Since much of this research is found in the biological and neuroscientific literature, it can be quite cumbersome for clinicians to digest and apply, who would critically benefit from a concise discussion of the gut–brain connection.
The Battle of Worldviews: A Case Study of Liver Fluke Infection in Khon Kaen, Thailand
Authors: Samiphak Sara , Syme S. Leonard
Published: August 2017

Control efforts to reduce infection from the parasitic flatworm Opisthorchis viverrini have progressed through understanding the epidemiology of Opisthorchis viverrini, antiparasitic drug developments, technological innovations, health education promoting cooking of fish, and improved hygienic defecation. Yet the problem persists. The case study method was used to examine the fundamental cause of the liver fluke infection problem. Evidence shows that the liver fluke–infected population does not care about living a long life. For them, suffering and death are simply a part of life, and expected. Thus, the cause(s) leading to death is not important. They believe morally bad actions, and predetermined fate associated with kamma in Buddhism, play a big role whether or not one is infected with the liver fluke. Health interventions may be made more effective if they take into account the liver fluke–infected population’s worldviews about ethics, morality, life, and death. We researchers should not feel concerned only about medically determined causes of death.
“Our Fans Deserve Better”
Authors: Waterhouse-Watson Deb
Published: August 2017

When rugby league star Blake Ferguson was arrested and charged with indecent assault in June 2013, for squeezing the vagina of a woman at a Cronulla night spot, the story made headlines around the country. It was the first sexual crime involving a National Rugby League (NRL) player to be reported since Brett Stewart was acquitted of sexual assault in 2010, and reporting of previous cases focused largely on footballers’ attitudes towards women, women’s behaviour towards footballers, and use of alcohol. Using mixed methods discourse analysis, this article shows that the first 2 weeks of print media reporting created a frame for the case that had nothing to do with sexual crime, attitudes towards women, or gender relations. Although Ferguson had a history of inappropriate behaviour towards women, and alcohol abuse, the alcohol frame was almost unanimously chosen, marginalising the sexual crime and Ferguson’s actual victim. In contrast to reporting of previous cases, the focus was overwhelmingly on the impact on Ferguson’s career, his well-being and the game (including teammates, fans, and the NRL). The primacy of sport, and use of language to represent the case, impedes serious consideration of problematic attitudes towards women and the seriousness of sexual crime.
The Relationship of Repeated Technical Assistance Support Visits to the Delivery of Positive Health, Dignity, and Prevention (PHDP) Messages by Healthcare Providers in Mozambique: A Longitudinal Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Gutin Sarah A. , Amico K. Rivet , Hunguana Elsa , Munguambe António Orlando , Rose Carol Dawson
Published: August 2017

Background:

Positive health, dignity, and prevention (PHDP) is Mozambique’s strategy to engage clinicians in the delivery of prevention messages to their HIV-positive clients. This national implementation strategy uses provider trainings on offering key messages and focuses on intervening on 9 evidence-based risk reduction areas. We investigated the impact of longitudinal technical assistance (TA) as an addition to this basic training.

Methods:

We followed 153 healthcare providers in 5 Mozambican provinces over 6 months to evaluate the impact of on-site, observation-based TA on PHDP implementation. Longitudinal multilevel models were estimated to model change in PHDP message delivery over time among individual providers.

Results:

With each additional TA visit, providers delivered about 1 additional PHDP message ( P < .001); clinicians and nonclinicians started at about the same baseline level, but clinicians improved more quickly ( P = .004). Message delivery varied by practice sector; maternal and child health sectors outperformed other sectors.

Conclusion:

Longitudinal TA helped reach the programmatic goals of the PHDP program in Mozambique.
Perceptions of Adolescent Pregnancy Among Teenage Girls in Rakai, Uganda
Authors: Maly Christina , McClendon Katherine A. , Baumgartner Joy Noel , Nakyanjo Neema , Ddaaki William George , Serwadda David , Nalugoda Fred Kakaire , Wawer Maria J. , Bonnevie Erika , Wagman Jennifer A.
Published: August 2017

The leading causes of death and disability among Ugandan female adolescents aged 15 to 19 years are pregnancy complications, unsafe abortions, and childbirth. Despite these statistics, our understanding of how girls perceive adolescent pregnancy is limited. This qualitative study explored the social and contextual factors shaping the perceptions of adolescent pregnancy and childbirth among a sample of 12 currently pregnant and 14 never pregnant girls living in the rural Rakai District of Uganda. Interviews were conducted to elicit perceived risk factors for pregnancy, associated community attitudes, and personal opinions on adolescent pregnancy. Findings indicate that notions of adolescent pregnancy are primarily influenced by perceptions of control over getting pregnant and readiness for childbearing. Premarital pregnancy was perceived as negative whereas postmarital pregnancy was regarded as positive. Greater understanding of the individual and contextual factors influencing perceptions can aid in development of salient, culturally appropriate policies and programs to mitigate unintended adolescent pregnancies.
Integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling
Authors: Durrant Tom N. , van den Bosch Marion T. , Hers Ingeborg
Published: August 2017

Integrin αIIbβ3 is a highly abundant heterodimeric platelet receptor that can transmit information bidirectionally across the plasma membrane, and plays a critical role in hemostasis and thrombosis. Upon platelet activation, inside-out signaling pathways increase the affinity of αIIbβ3 for fibrinogen and other ligands. Ligand binding and integrin clustering subsequently stimulate outside-in signaling, which initiates and amplifies a range of cellular events driving essential platelet processes such as spreading, thrombus consolidation, and clot retraction. Integrin αIIbβ3 has served as an excellent model for the study of integrin biology, and it has become clear that integrin outside-in signaling is highly complex and involves a vast array of enzymes, signaling adaptors, and cytoskeletal components. In this review, we provide a concise but comprehensive overview of αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling, focusing on the key players involved, and how they cooperate to orchestrate this critical aspect of platelet biology. We also discuss gaps in the current understanding of αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling and highlight avenues for future investigation.
Nasal high flow therapy: a novel treatment rather than a more expensive oxygen device
Authors: Ischaki Eleni , Pantazopoulos Ioannis , Zakynthinos Spyros
Published: August 2017

Nasal high flow is a promising novel oxygen delivery device, whose mechanisms of action offer some beneficial effects over conventional oxygen systems. The administration of a high flow of heated and humidified gas mixture promotes higher and more stable inspiratory oxygen fraction values, decreases anatomical dead space and generates a positive airway pressure that can reduce the work of breathing and enhance patient comfort and tolerance. Nasal high flow has been used as a prophylactic tool or as a treatment device mostly in patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure, with the majority of studies showing positive results. Recently, its clinical indications have been expanded to post-extubated patients in intensive care or following surgery, for pre- and peri-oxygenation during intubation, during bronchoscopy, in immunocompromised patients and in patients with “do not intubate” status. In the present review, we differentiate studies that suggest an advantage (benefit) from other studies that do not suggest an advantage (no benefit) compared to conventional oxygen devices or noninvasive ventilation, and propose an algorithm in cases of nasal high flow application in patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure of almost any cause.
Exposure to air pollution and tobacco smoking and their combined effects on depression in six low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Lin Hualiang , Guo Yanfei , Kowal Paul , Airhihenbuwa Collins O. , Di Qian , Zheng Yang , Zhao Xing , Vaughn Michael G. , Howard Steven , Schootman Mario , Salinas-Rodriguez Aaron , Yawson Alfred E. , Arokiasamy Perianayagam , Manrique-Espinoza Betty Soledad , Biritwum Richard B. , Rule Stephen P. , Minicuci Nadia , Naidoo Nirmala , Chatterji Somnath , Qian Zhengmin (Min) , Ma Wenjun , Wu Fan
Published: August 2017

Background

Little is known about the joint mental health effects of air pollution and tobacco smoking in low- and middle-income countries.

Aims

To investigate the effects of exposure to ambient fine particulate matter pollution (PM2.5) and smoking and their combined (interactive) effects on depression.

Method

Multilevel logistic regression analysis of baseline data of a prospective cohort study (n=41785). The 3-year average concentrations of PM2.5 were estimated using US National Aeronautics and Space Administration satellite data, and depression was diagnosed using a standardised questionnaire. Three-level logistic regression models were applied to examine the associations with depression.

Results

The odds ratio (OR) for depression was 1.09 (95% CI 1.01–1.17) per 10 μg/m3 increase in ambient PM2.5, and the association remained after adjusting for potential confounding factors (adjusted OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.02–1.19). Tobacco smoking (smoking status, frequency, duration and amount) was also significantly associated with depression. There appeared to be a synergistic interaction between ambient PM2.5 and smoking on depression in the additive model, but the interaction was not statistically significant in the multiplicative model.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that exposure to ambient PM2.5 may increase the risk of depression, and smoking may enhance this effect.
Measuring the Impact of Enhanced Building Performance on the Seismic Resilience of a Residential Community
Authors: Burton Henry V. , Deierlein Gregory , Lallemant David , Singh Yogendra
Published: August 2017

The relationship between the earthquake performance of an inventory of buildings and the seismic resilience of a residential community is examined, by quantifying the immediate post-earthquake reduction and recovery of the shelter-in-place housing capacity. The effect of several mitigation strategies that involve replacing portions of the existing building stock with an enhanced seismic performance system is evaluated. The impact on community resilience is assessed based on the immediate and cumulative loss of permanent housing occupancy as well as the time to recover some fraction of the pre-earthquake housing capacity. The results show how the slope of the recovery curve for occupiable housing during different periods following the event can be linked to the distribution of building damage. In addition to limiting major damage, enhanced building seismic performance is shown to reduce aggregate losses over the recovery period, thereby having a significant effect on both the safety and resilience of residential communities.
Obinutuzumab or Rituximab Plus Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisone in Previously Untreated Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Vitolo Umberto , Trněný Marek , Belada David , Burke John M. , Carella Angelo Michele , Chua Neil , Abrisqueta Pau , Demeter Judit , Flinn Ian , Hong Xiaonan , Kim Won Seog , Pinto Antonio , Shi Yuan-Kai , Tatsumi Yoichi , Oestergaard Mikkel Z. , Wenger Michael , Fingerle-Rowson Günter , Catalani Olivier , Nielsen Tina , Martelli Maurizio , Sehn Laurie H.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Rituximab (R) plus CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) chemotherapy is the standard of care in previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Obinutuzumab (G) is a glycoengineered, type II, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. GOYA was a randomized phase III study that compared G-CHOP with R-CHOP in patients with previously untreated advanced-stage DLBCL.

Methods

Patients (N = 1,418) were randomly assigned to receive eight 21-day cycles of G (n = 706) or R (n = 712), plus six or eight cycles of CHOP. Primary end point was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

After median observation of 29 months, the number of investigator-assessed PFS events was similar between G (201; 28.5%) and R (215; 30.2%), stratified hazard ratio was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.76 to 1.11; P = .39), and 3-year PFS rates were 70% and 67%, respectively. Secondary end points of independently reviewed PFS, other time-to-event end points, and tumor response rates were similar between arms. In exploratory subgroup analyses, patients with germinal-center B cell–like subtype had a better PFS than did patients with activated B cell–like subtype, irrespective of treatment. Frequencies of grade 3 to 5 adverse events (AEs; 73.7% v 64.7%, respectively) and serious AEs (42.6% v 37.6%, respectively) were higher with G-CHOP compared with R-CHOP. Fatal AE frequencies were 5.8% for G-CHOP and 4.3% for R-CHOP. The most common AEs were neutropenia (G-CHOP, 48.3%; R-CHOP, 40.7%), infusion-related reactions (G-CHOP, 36.1%; R-CHOP, 23.5%), nausea (G-CHOP, 29.4%; R-CHOP, 28.3%), and constipation (G-CHOP, 23.4%; R-CHOP, 24.5%).

Conclusion

G-CHOP did not improve PFS compared with R-CHOP in patients with previously untreated DLBCL. AEs reported with G were consistent with the known safety profile. Biomarker analyses may help define a future role for G in DLBCL.
Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma
Authors: Mehta-Shah Neha , Ratner Lee , Horwitz Steven M.
Published: August 2017

Adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia (ATL) is a rare T-cell lymphoproliferative neoplasm caused by human T-lymphotrophic virus 1. In its more common, aggressive forms, ATL carries one of the poorest prognoses of the non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The disease has clinical subtypes (ie, acute, lymphoma, chronic, and smoldering forms) defined by the presenting features, and therefore, the clinical course can vary. For the smoldering and lower-risk chronic forms, combinations involving antiviral therapies have shown some success. However, in many patients, the more indolent forms will evolve into the more aggressive subtypes. In the more aggressive acute, lymphoma, and higher-risk chronic forms, the literature supports initial treatment with combination chemotherapy followed by allogeneic transplantation as a potentially curative approach. Recently, mogamulizumab and lenalidomide have shown promise in the treatment of ATL. With better understanding of the molecular drivers of this disease, we hope that the therapeutic landscape will continue to expand.
Control mechanisms in germ cells mediated by p53 family proteins
Authors: Gebel Jakob , Tuppi Marcel , Krauskopf Katharina , Coutandin Daniel , Pitzius Susanne , Kehrloesser Sebastian , Osterburg Christian , Dötsch Volker
Published: August 2017

Germ cells are totipotent and, in principle, immortal as they are the source for new germ cells in each generation. This very special role requires tight quality control systems. The p53 protein family constitutes one of the most important quality surveillance systems in cells. Whereas p53 has become famous for its role as the guardian of the genome in its function as the most important somatic tumor suppressor, p63 has been nicknamed ‘guardian of the female germ line’. p63 is strongly expressed in resting oocytes and responsible for eliminating those that carry DNA double-strand breaks. The third family member, p73, acts later during oocyte and embryo development by ensuring correct assembly of the spindle assembly checkpoint. In addition to its role in the female germ line, p73 regulates cell-cell contacts between developing sperm cells and supporting somatic cells in the male germ line. Here, we review the involvement of the p53 protein family in the development of germ cells with a focus on quality control in the female germ line and discuss medical implications for cancer patients.
Polyp bailout in Pocillopora damicornis following thermal stress
Authors: Fordyce Alexander J , Camp Emma F , Ainsworth Tracy D
Published: August 2017

Polyp bailout is an established but understudied coral stress response that involves the detachment of individual polyps from the colonial form as a means of escaping unfavourable conditions. This may influence both the mortality and asexual recruitment of coral genotypes across a range of species. It has been observed in response to numerous stressors including high salinity and low pH. Polyp expulsion in association with thermal stress has once been described in a geographically restricted, temperate species. We therefore cannot reliably apply this observation to tropical coral reefs around the world, which are increasingly under threat from thermal stress events. We present the first qualitative observation of polyp bailout following acute temperature shock  in a near-natural mesocosm experiment. Detached polyps show similar characteristics to those described in previous studies, including the retention of endosymbiotic zooxanthellae and the ability to disperse across short distances. This finding strongly suggests that polyp bailout occurs in tropical coral reef environments and warrants further detailed research into the implication of this response in terms of individual survival, rapid migration into cooler micro-habitats and local recruitment within the reef environment and its coral community.
Haplotype-based association analysis of general cognitive ability in Generation Scotland, the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, and UK Biobank
Authors: Howard David M. , Adams Mark J. , Clarke Toni-Kim , Wigmore Eleanor M. , Zeng Yanni , Hagenaars Saskia P. , Lyall Donald M. , Thomson Pippa A. , Evans Kathryn L. , Porteous David J. , Nagy Reka , Hayward Caroline , Haley Chris S. , Smith Blair H. , Murray Alison D. , Batty G. David , Deary Ian J. , McIntosh Andrew M.
Published: August 2017

Background:Cognitive ability is a heritable trait with a polygenic architecture, for which several associated variants have been identified using genotype-based and candidate gene approaches. Haplotype-based analyses are a complementary technique that take phased genotype data into account, and potentially provide greater statistical power to detect lower frequency variants.

Methods:In the present analysis, three cohort studies (ntotal= 48,002) were utilised: Generation Scotland: Scottish Family Health Study (GS:SFHS), the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), and the UK Biobank. A genome-wide haplotype-based meta-analysis of cognitive ability was performed, as well as a targeted meta-analysis of several gene coding regions.

Results:None of the assessed haplotypes provided evidence of a statistically significant association with cognitive ability in either the individual cohorts or the meta-analysis. Within the meta-analysis, the haplotype with the lowest observedP-value overlapped with the D-amino acid oxidase activator (DAOA) gene coding region. This coding region has previously been associated with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease, which have all been shown to impact upon cognitive ability. Another potentially interesting region highlighted within the current genome-wide association analysis (GS:SFHS:P= 4.09 x 10-7), was the butyrylcholinesterase (BCHE) gene coding region. The protein encoded byBCHEhas been shown to influence the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and its role in cognitive ability merits further investigation.

Conclusions:Although no evidence was found for any haplotypes with a statistically significant association with cognitive ability, our results did provide further evidence that the genetic variants contributing to the variance of cognitive ability are likely to be of small effect.