bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What are the psychological effects of using synthetic cannabinoids? A systematic review
Authors: Akram Hina , Mokrysz Claire , Curran H Valerie
Published: February 2019

Background:

Synthetic cannabinoids are, typically, full agonists at the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, and therefore considerably more potent than natural cannabis and may have correspondingly more serious psychological effects. Despite government sanctions against their production they continue to be available in ever-increasing varieties over the Internet. The psychological consequences of synthetic cannabinoid use are relatively unknown.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to synthesise the available research on the psychological consequences of synthetic cannabinoid use.

Method:

A literature search of three databases was conducted in February 2018, including the following keywords: Spice, synthetic cannabis, cognition, affect, behaviour, psychosis, depression and anxiety.

Results:

Seventeen studies involving a variety of participants were eligible for inclusion: one controlled administration study, seven cross-sectional studies, five Internet surveys and four qualitative studies. The controlled administration study showed that, compared to placebo, synthetic cannabinoids acutely affected some aspects of cognitive functioning and subjective psychological ratings. Non-controlled, cross-sectional studies generally showed that synthetic cannabinoid users had lower performance on cognitive tasks and showed elevated symptomatology (e.g. paranoia) compared to both natural cannabis and non-cannabis users. Methodological limitations were noted across different study designs. There is limited research on how doses, frequency or type of synthetic cannabinoid influence outcomes.

Conclusions:

Acute synthetic cannabinoid use can result in a range of psychological outcomes and, when non-intoxicated, synthetic cannabinoid users appear to differ from natural cannabis and non-users on various affective and cognitive domains. As synthetic cannabinoid use is increasing in at-risk populations there is an urgent need for more and better research to inform users, professionals and policymakers.
Using behavioral economic variables to predict future alcohol use in a crowdsourced sample
Authors: Strickland Justin C , Alcorn Joseph L , Stoops William W
Published: February 2019

Background:

Theoretical perspectives at the intersection of behavioral economics and operant theory have resulted in numerous advances for addiction science. Three mechanisms (i.e. behavioral economic demand [consumption-price relationships], delay discounting [reinforcer devaluation with delay], and proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement [relative reinforcement attributable to alcohol]) are proposed to contribute to problematic alcohol use. Limited research has evaluated the unique contribution of these mechanisms for predicting future alcohol consumption.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive relationship between these mechanisms and self-reported alcohol use frequency, quantity, and severity.

Methods:

Participants ( n=223) sampled from the crowdsourcing website Amazon Mechanical Turk completed a survey containing behavioral economic measures. Weekly reports of daily alcohol use were then collected for 18 weeks. Unadjusted and adjusted models determined the association between behavioral economic variables and alcohol use.

Results/outcomes:

Behavioral economic measures were associated with alcohol and soda use at baseline in a stimulus-selective manner (e.g. alcohol demand associated with alcohol, but not soda, variables). Predictive models adjusted for Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test scores indicated that increased proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement and behavioral economic demand were uniquely and incrementally associated with frequency (e.g. adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=5.54 for proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement, p<0.05) and quantity-severity measures (e.g. AOR=7.58 for alcohol demand intensity, p<0.001), respectively. Test-retest reliability was generally acceptable ( rxx=0.42–0.76) with the exception of proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement ( rxx=0.29).

Conclusion/interpretation:

These findings indicate the unique, predictive, and incremental validity of behavioral economic measures for evaluating future alcohol consumption, supporting their continued use in addiction science research.
Evaluation of Chemically Stabilized Quarry Byproduct Applications in Base and Subbase Layers through Accelerated Pavement Testing
Authors: Qamhia Issam I. A. , Tutumluer Erol , Ozer Hasan , Shoup Heather , Beshears Sheila , Trepanier James
Published: February 2019

Research conducted at the Illinois Center for Transportation evaluated sustainable applications of quarry byproducts (QB) or QB blended with coarse recycled aggregates in chemically stabilized base and subbase layers in flexible pavements. In total, eight full-scale test sections, including one conventional flexible pavement with no QB as the control section, were constructed over a subgrade with an engineered strength of 6% California bearing ratio. The test sections were stabilized with either 3% Type I Portland cement or 10% Class C fly ash by dry weight. Fractionated reclaimed asphalt pavements and fractionated recycled concrete aggregates were also used as the recycled coarse aggregates. Based on laboratory tests conducted to determine strength properties of the chemically stabilized samples, QB and recycled aggregates were blended in a ratio of 70% to30% by weight, respectively. A lightweight deflectometer was used to evaluate the quality of the construction and the curing of the test sections. The constructed test sections were then evaluated for performance through accelerated pavement testing (APT) and frequent measurement of surface deformations. The results of APT showed quite a satisfactory rutting performance of all the evaluated QB applications with no observed surface cracking after 135,000 cycles. Four of the test sections were also instrumented with soil pressure cells to measure the wheel load deviator stress on top of the subgrade. The pressure measurements indicated subgrade pressures 3−5 times lower for the stabilized QB sections compared with that of the conventional flexible pavement control section.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Outcomes for Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Versus Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone and Hamstring-Tendon Autografts
Authors: Mouarbes Dany , Menetrey Jacques , Marot Vincent , Courtot Louis , Berard Emilie , Cavaignac Etienne
Published: February 2019

Background:

Comprehensive studies evaluating quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are lacking. The optimal choice of graft between bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB), hamstring tendon (HT), and QT is still debatable.

Hypothesis:

The current literature supports the use of QT as a strong autograft with good outcomes when used in ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A systematic search of the literature was performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Ovid databases to identify published articles on clinical studies relevant to ACL reconstruction with QT autograft and studies comparing QT autograft versus BPTB and HT autografts. The results of the eligible studies were analyzed in terms of instrumented laxity measurements, Lachman test, pivot-shift test, Lysholm score, objective and subjective International Knee Documentation committee (IKDC) scores, donor-site pain, and graft failure.

Results:

Twenty-seven clinical studies including 2856 patients with ACL reconstruction met the inclusion criteria. Comparison of 581 QT versus 514 BPTB autografts showed no significant differences in terms of instrumented mean side-to-side difference ( P = .45), Lachman test ( P = .76), pivot-shift test grade 0 ( P = .23), pivot-shift test grade 0 or 1 ( P = .85), mean Lysholm score ( P = .1), mean subjective IKDC score ( P = .36), or graft failure ( P = .50). However, outcomes in favor of QT were found in terms of less donor-site pain (risk ratio for QT vs BPTB groups, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.18-0.36; P < .00001). Comparison of 181 QT versus 176 HT autografts showed no significant differences in terms of instrumented mean side-to-side difference ( P = .75), Lachman test ( P = .41), pivot-shift test grade 0 ( P = .53), Lysholm score less than 84 ( P = .53), mean subjective IKDC score ( P = .13), donor-site pain ( P = .40), or graft failure ( P = .46). However, outcomes in favor of QT were found in terms of mean Lysholm score (mean difference between QT and HT groups, 3.81; 95% CI, 0.45-7.17; P = .03).

Conclusion:

QT autograft had comparable clinical and functional outcomes and graft survival rate compared with BPTB and HT autografts. However, QT autograft showed significantly less harvest site pain compared with BPTB autograft and better functional outcome scores compared with HT autograft.
Chr. Christensen and C. A. Larsen: A comparative analysis of two whaling entrepreneurs
Authors: Basberg Bjørn L.
Published: February 2019

Chr. Christensen and C. A. Larsen are usually considered among the most important pioneers in the transfer of whaling to Antarctic waters in the early twentieth century. After a period of close cooperation during the 1890s, they took different courses and built up their Antarctic enterprises independently of each other. While Larsen initiated the foundation of shore station whaling at South Georgia, Christensen sent a floating factory ship to the South Shetland Islands. The main aim of the paper is to make a systematic comparison of the two entrepreneurs and their companies, and focus explicitly on the considerations and decisions they made when whaling was transferred from north to south. They obviously chose different strategies, but we will ask how different they really were in their thinking about how southern whaling was going to develop. Both entrepreneurs brought along their experiences from how whaling had been undertaken in the northern waters. It was not obvious what organizational patterns would work in the south, and we shall study how familiar and new ways of organizing the industry were combined – as is often the case in entrepreneurial innovations.
Profits from under the water: The international blubber market, Russian monopolistic companies and the idea of whaling development in the eighteenth century
Authors: Kraikovski Alexei
Published: February 2019

This article explores the history of the Russian monopolistic companies that operated in the international market for blubber in the first half of the eighteenth century. It argues that the long-held view that the companies were unsuccessful is not supported by the statistics relating to the trade, which indicate impressive progress in terms of market revenue and the redistribution of profits. Moreover, the authorities had ambitious strategic goals for the project as a whole that entailed more than simple commercial success. The companies, in fact, were perceived as an instrument that would transform landlocked Muscovy into a leading power in the international maritime economy. The article analyzes the essence and the consequences of these conflicting perspectives.
Quo patet orbis Dei: Dutch Deputies for maritime affairs and their global network in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries
Authors: van den Broeke C. (Leon) , Schokkenbroek J.C.A. (Joost)
Published: February 2019

Throughout history, Dutch maritime endeavours have been sparked by political, economic, military and sociocultural factors. This article focuses on the relationship between religion and maritime entrepreneurship in the Dutch Republic during the Early Modern period, at sea and in overseas territories. For almost two centuries, the deputies of a number of classis assemblies (departments) of the Dutch Reformed Church corresponded with representatives of the Dutch East and West India Companies and with merchant associations trading with Russia, the Baltic, and the Eastern Mediterranean, but also with the board members of the five admiralties in the Netherlands. This article is about the performance of the deputies within the framework of their global maritime and Dutch Reformed network; the construction of this network within the maritime communities in the Republic and abroad; and about the results of the deputies’ involvement.
Synthesis and property analysis of green resin-based composites
Authors: Vinayagamoorthy R , Venkatakoteswararao G
Published: February 2019

The research on polymeric composites is always in the stage of enhancing the properties. Several researches have been explored in recent decades to investigate the behaviour of both man-made fibre and bio-fibre-reinforced composites. In all these works, an artificial polymeric resin has been utilized as the matrix and it has been revealed that though they provide competent properties, the composites are partially degradable. To enhance the degradability to the fullest extent, both the reinforcements and the matrix must be biodegradable and this could be achieved only if both are derived from natural sources. During the synthesis of a bio-resin, a series of treatments must be followed to make it in to a usable form. The present work addresses a comprehensive survey about various bio-resins, their applications, various synthesis methods followed and the challenges faced during incorporation of reinforcement during composite formulation. The work also gives a clear picture on the challenges faced during characterization of green resin-based composites.
A Qualitative Exploration of STEM Career Development of High School Students in Taiwan
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Mau Wei-Cheng Joseph , Chen Shr-Jya , Lin Tzu-Chi , Lin Ting-Yu
Published: February 2019

Although personal inputs and contextual variables in social cognitive career theory (SCCT) are recognized as key factors that affect career interests and choices, research has given minimal attention to the role of these variables in a collectivistic culture context. We present a study examining science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career decision-making process of 12 Taiwanese high school students aged 15–17, using a consensual qualitative research method. The data analysis resulted in four domains: personal input, contextual variables, outcome expectations, and self-efficacy identified by SCCT. These results provide a foundation for future research on cross-cultural STEM career development. Implications highlight the importance of counselors in encouraging students of collectivistic culture background to pursue STEM careers.
Negotiated board-level employee representation in European Companies: Leverage for the institutional power of labour?
Authors: Lafuente Hernández Sara
Published: February 2019

The European Company Directive anchored board-level employee representation in European law for the first time. Rules negotiated between management and worker representatives became the primary source for formulating and designing such representation as an institution of European industrial relations. However, I show that negotiated rules on board-level representation provide limited institutional leverage for European workers. I examine the fragmented and incomplete legal framework applicable, the diverse forms and patterns of negotiated rules and their potential and limitations for supporting workers’ power on boards.
Multivariate analysis of three chemometric algorithms on rapid prediction of some important quality parameters of crude shea butter using Fourier transform-near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Seweh Emmanuel Amomba , Xiaobo Zou , Tao Feng , Jiachen Shi , Tahir Haroon Elrasheid , Arslan Muhammad
Published: February 2019

A comparative study of three chemometric algorithms combined with NIR spectroscopy with the aim of determining the best performing algorithm for quantitative prediction of iodine value, saponification value, free fatty acids content, and peroxide values of unrefined shea butter. Multivariate calibrations were developed for each parameter using supervised partial least squares, interval partial least squares, and genetic-algorithm partial least square regression methods to establish a linear relationship between standard reference and the Fourier transformed-near infrared predicted. Results showed that genetic-algorithm partial least square models were superior in predicting iodine value and saponification value while partial least squares was excellent in predicting free fatty acids content and peroxide values. The nine-factor genetic-algorithm partial least square iodine value calibration model for predicting iodine value yielded excellent ( R2 cal = 0.97), ( R2 val = 0.97), low (root mean square error of cross-validation = 0.26), low (root mean square error of Prediction = 0.23), and (ratio of performance to deviation = 6.41); for saponification value, the nine-factor genetic-algorithm partial least square saponification value calibration model had excellent R2 cal (0.97), R2 val (0.99); low root mean square error of cross-validation (0.73), low root mean square error of Prediction (0.53), and (ratio of performance to deviation = 8.27); while for free fatty acids, the 11-factor partial least square free fatty acids produced very high R2 cal (0.97) and R2 val (0.97) with very low root mean square error of cross-validation (0.03), low root mean square error of Prediction (0.04) and (ratio of performance to deviation = 5.30) and finally for peroxide values, the 11-factor partial least square peroxide values calibration model obtained excellent R2 cal (0.96) and R2val (0.98) with low root mean square error of cross-validation (0.05), low root mean square error of Prediction (0.04), and (ratio of performance to deviation = 5.86). The built models were accurate and robust and can be reliably applied in developing a handheld quality detection device for screening, quality control checks, and prediction of shea butter quality on-site.
Inequalities in Health Outcomes: Evidence from NSS Data
Authors: Anushree K. N. , Madheswaran S.
Published: February 2019

Health is a systemic entity and inequalities in health outcomes not only limit an individual’s potential to contribute to the economy but also inhibits one from living one’s life to the fullest potential, affecting one’s own well-being and social welfare at large. The purpose of this study is to assess the magnitude of inequalities in health outcomes and to explain the contribution of different factors to the overall inequality. Using the data of National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) 60th (2004) and 71st (2014) rounds for the analysis, the health outcome of interest was self-reported morbidity captured in the survey with 15 days recall period. Socio-economic status was measured by per capita monthly expenditure, and the concentration index is used as a measure of socio-economic health inequalities and is decomposed into its contributing factors. Our findings show that high-level inequalities in self-reported morbidity were largely concentrated among wealthier groups in India. On the other hand, even though the inequalities in self-reported morbidity were more among the wealthier groups for Karnataka, yet the magnitude of inequalities in reported morbidity was low for both the years. Decomposition analysis shows that inequalities in reported morbidity are particularly associated with demographic, economic and geographical factors.
Cyclic piezoresistive effect in poly(dimethylsiloxane)/carbon nanofiber composites for large strain Sensing applications
Authors: Lu M , Chen MH , Bu ZX , Wang LS , Sun L
Published: February 2019

Adding conductive one-dimensional carbon nanomaterials to poly(dimethysiloxane) can form bio-compatible composites with significant electromechanical (piezoresistive) response. This effect can be effectively tuned by controlling the carbon nanofiller size, concentration, and distribution. However, to be applied as strain sensors, the composite material has to meet mechanical, sensitivity, temperature stability, and reliability requirements. Here we report on the study of cyclic electromechanical behaviors of poly(dimethysiloxane)/carbon nanofiber composites under different temperatures. Through mechanical training, reproducible and sensitive piezoresistive response suitable for large strain sensing can be obtained.
Striving for Social Good Through Organizational Inclusion: A Latent Profile Approach
Authors: Brimhall Kim C. , Saastamoinen Monique
Published: February 2019

Purpose:

Promoting social good in the context of diverse organizations inevitably involves creating inclusive work environments wherein all members feel valued and appreciated for who they are. However, limited empirical work has uncovered evidence-based tools that can help organizational leaders strive for more inclusive organizations.

Method:

The current study used latent profile analysis as an empirical tool to provide a more in-depth understanding of workplace inclusion. Data were collected from a diverse nonprofit organization with 213 employees.

Results:

Findings suggested two latent profiles or subgroups of employees (those who felt less valued and those who felt more valued) who shared similar personal characteristics.

Discussion:

This information can be used to develop culturally sensitive and inclusive evidence-based workplace interventions that achieve social good by ensuring everyone in the organization feels valued. Implications are discussed for expanding macrolevel social work practice for professionals interested in promoting social good in diverse organizations.
Proposing a new hybrid friction–yielding–elastomeric bearing
Authors: Haeri A.H. , Badamchi K. , Tajmir Riahi H.
Published: February 2019

A new hybrid isolator consisting of elastomeric bearing, sliding parts and yielding dampers named friction–yielding–elastomeric bearing (FYEB) is proposed. In this hybrid isolator, the friction–yielding part has an energy absorption feature, where the rubber pad has re-centering and vertical bearing capacity. For this purpose, an X-shaped metal damper with different number and thickness, and sliding surfaces with different friction coefficients is applied and the effect of vertical load variations on the results is assessed. Using the hysteresis force-displacement diagrams of different FYEB and lead rubber bearing (LRB) with the same dimensions at shear strains of 50, 100, and 150%, effective horizontal stiffness, energy dissipation, equivalent viscous damping, and lateral force at each loading cycle are assessed and compared. It can be concluded that the proposed isolator has a more suitable and stable performance at all shear strains than LRB. In addition, by changing FYEB parameters, a wide range of performance can be achieved.
Religious Affiliation, Informal Participation, and Network Support Associated With Substance Use: Differences Across Age Groups
Authors: Demir-Dagdas Tuba , Child Stephanie T.
Published: February 2019

Background. Associations between religious involvement and substance use are well established. However, limited research examines the effects of religious affiliation, informal participation, and network support on substance use among two distinct age cohorts. Objectives. This study aims to examine whether religious affiliation, informal participation, and network support are associated with alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use among young and late middle-age adults. Method. The UC Berkeley Social Networks Study (Wave 1, 2015) offers novel cohort data on young (21-30 years old, n = 483) and late middle-age (50-70 years old, n = 673) adults. Poisson regression models were used to predict alcohol use, while logistic regression models were used to predict odds of smoking and marijuana use. Results. Among young adults, membership in a religious organization was associated with less alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use. Conversely, participating in informal organizations was associated with more alcohol and marijuana use. Desiring more people to talk to and get together with were associated with more smoking and drinking, respectively. However, wishing more people to ask for help was associated with less substance use altogether. In a similar pattern, among older adults, religious involvement was associated with less alcohol and marijuana use. Desiring more people to ask for help was also related to less marijuana use. Conclusion. Younger adult participation in informal groups serves to encourage social substance use. In contrast, older people are more involved in religious groups, which support social behaviors that do not include substance use.
Social media collaboration of retinal physicians: A ‘Young Retina Forum’ survey
Authors: Schechet Sidney A , Pandya Hemang K , Mehta Mitul C
Published: February 2019

Background and objective:

To describe the impact that social media usage has on a group of retina specialists.

Materials and methods:

An anonymous online survey was sent to members of the Young Retina Forum who use the social media platform – Telegram.

Results:

Of a total of 178 members, 100 responded (87 men and 13 women), having an average age of 35 years. Of these, 66 respondents were surgical retina attendings in practice for 3 years. In all, 98 respondents found the Young Retina Forum useful for networking and educationally valuable discussions, and 35 respondents had at least one instance when they had used Young Retina Forum to obtain assistance at that moment in the clinic and/or the operating room. At least 58 respondents said Young Retina Forum changed their practice patterns in the clinic and/or operating room.

Conclusion:

In this study, 58% of Young Retina Forum respondents said their practice patterns have changed due to their experiences using social media. Professional use of social media by ophthalmologists has the potential to improve education, clinical practice, and patient care.
Hematologic Malignancies of the Breast: A Contemporary Series Investigating Incidence, Presentation, Accuracy of Diagnosis on Core Needle Biopsy, and Hormone Receptor Expression
Authors: Guilbert Marie-Christine , Hornick Jason L , Chikarmane Sona A , Lester Susan C
Published: February 2019

Background:

Distinguishing breast hematologic malignancies in core needle biopsies from other entities can be challenging. Misclassification as a breast carcinoma could result in inappropriate treatment. The aim of this study was to characterize the types, incidence, and helpful diagnostic features of hematologic malignancies of the breast.

Design:

All hematologic malignancies of the breast diagnosed at our institution from 2004 to 2017 were identified. Clinical notes, imaging, and slides were reviewed. Immunohistochemical analysis of estrogen receptor α (ERα), estrogen receptor β (ERβ), and androgen receptor (AR) was performed when tissue was available.

Results:

In all, 43 hematologic malignancies from biopsies of 37 women and 6 men were identified. Core needle biopsies (35 or 81%) were more common than excisions (8 or 19%). For 14 patients (40%), the core biopsy was the first diagnosis of a hematologic malignancy. Diagnoses included 37 lymphomas (7 primary), 4 leukemias, and 2 myelomas. There was 1 misdiagnosis of carcinoma. Low positivity for hormone receptors was observed in a minority of lymphomas. A definitive diagnosis of hematologic malignancy was made in 31 (89%) of the core needle biopsies. Only 3 patients undergoing core biopsy required excision for diagnosis.

Conclusions:

Most of the hematologic malignancies of the breast are currently diagnosed on core needle biopsy and 40% of patients do not have a prior history. To avoid errors, pathologists need to be aware of diagnostic features and morphologic mimics. A hematologic malignancy should be considered if tumor cells are discohesive, carcinoma in situ is absent, and hormone expression is low or absent.
SDF-1 plasmid treatment for patients with peripheral artery disease (STOP-PAD): Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Shishehbor Mehdi H , Rundback John , Bunte Matthew , Hammad Tarek A , Miller Leslie , Patel Parag D , Sadanandan Saihari , Fitzgerald Michael , Pastore Joseph , Kashyap Vikram , Henry Timothy D
Published: February 2019

The efficacy of biologic therapies in critical limb ischemia (CLI) remains elusive, in part, due to limitations in trial design and patient selection. Using a novel design, we examined the impact of complementing revascularization therapy with intramuscular JVS-100 – a non-viral gene therapy that activates endogenous regenerative repair pathways. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase 2B trial, we randomized 109 patients with CLI (Rutherford class V or VI) to 8 mg or 16 mg intramuscular injections of placebo versus JVS-100. Patients were eligible if they persistently had reduced forefoot perfusion, by toe–brachial index (TBI) or skin perfusion pressure (SPP), following successful revascularization with angiographic demonstration of tibial arterial flow to the ankle. The primary efficacy end point was a 3-month wound healing score assessed by an independent wound core laboratory. The primary safety end point was major adverse limb events (MALE). Patients’ mean age was 71 years, 33% were women, 79% had diabetes, and 8% had end-stage renal disease. TBI after revascularization was 0.26, 0.27, and 0.26 among the three groups (placebo, 8 mg, and 16 mg injections, respectively). Only 26% of wounds completely healed at 3 months, without any differences between the three groups (26.5%, 26.5%, and 25%, respectively). Similarly, there were no significant changes in TBI at 3 months. Three (2.8%) patients died and two (1.8%) had major amputations. Rates of MALE at 3 months were 8.8%, 20%, and 8.3%, respectively. While safe, JVS-100 failed to improve wound healing or hemodynamic measures at 3 months. Only one-quarter of CLI wounds healed at 3 months despite successful revascularization, highlighting the need for additional research in therapies that can improve microcirculation in these patients. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02544204
Tweeting for social justice in #Ferguson: Affective discourse in Twitter hashtags
Authors: Blevins Jeffrey Layne , Lee James Jaehoon , McCabe Erin E , Edgerton Ezra
Published: February 2019

Social media platforms have broadened the scope of voices responding to social justice movements, significantly impacting public conversations of important social justice issues. This social network analysis examined hashtags that were invoked on Twitter in the aftermath of the Mike Brown shooting in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson in 2014. From the millions of tweets globally, the use of specific hashtags appeared to focus the conversation on Twitter toward the personal meaning of story events and framed the shooting as something relatable to the posters’ own lives and experiences.
Online political efficacy and political participation: A mediation analysis based on the evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chao , Bai Yu , Wang Rui
Published: February 2019

Consensus on the impact of information-oriented use of social media on political participation is lacking. Some argue a positive relationship, in that social media promotes participation through awakening the user’s agency, while others focus on the selection and disenabling effects of low-quality content. Nevertheless, both arguments focus almost exclusively on the objective conditions for participation and largely ignore users’ motivations to participate. Consequently, this article proposes online political efficacy as a mechanism linking the use of social media to political participation. Specifically, we argue that (1) the effect of the information-oriented use of social media on political participation is positively mediated through the user’s online political efficacy and (2) this mediation effect is only significant in the case of online political participation. We test these arguments within the framework of causal mediation analysis proposed by Imai et al. using data collected from the 2015 Taiwan Communication Survey.
Ankle-brachial index and peripheral arterial disease: An evaluation including a type 2 diabetes mellitus drug-naïve patients cohort
Authors: Felício João Soares , Koury Camila Cavalcante , Abdallah Zahalan Nathalie , de Souza Resende Fabrício , Nascimento de Lemos Manuela , Jardim da Motta Corrêa Pinto Rafael , Jorge Kzan de Souza Neto Norberto , Imbelloni Farias de Franco Isabela , Neres Iunes de Oliveira Maria Clara , Leite de Alcântara Angélica , Contente Braga de Souza Ana Carolina , Santos Márcia Costa dos , Neves Marques de Queiroz Natércia , Marques da Costa Farias Luciana , Silva Danielle Dias da , Miléo Felício Karem , Trindade Cunha de Melo Franciane , Abrahão Neto João Felício
Published: February 2019

Background:

Peripheral arterial disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for vascular events. Recommendations about whether ankle-brachial index should be performed differ depending on the source; therefore, it is necessary to re-evaluate the most important risk factors associated with peripheral arterial disease and whether it is useful to perform ankle-brachial index in newly diagnosed and drug-naïve patients with diabetes, independent of age or peripheral arterial disease symptoms.

Methods:

A total of 711 subjects were divided into groups: group 1, 600 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, symptomatic or not for peripheral arterial disease; group 2, 61 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients newly diagnosed and drug naïve; and group 3, 50 subjects without diabetes. Ankle-brachial index, medical records and physical examination were performed in all patients, accessing cardiovascular risk factors.

Results:

Analysing group 1 asymptomatic patient to peripheral arterial disease, we found abnormal ankle-brachial index in 49% (77/156) ⩾50 years and 42% (16/38) <50 years ( p = not significant). Considering drug-naïve patients, a peripheral arterial disease prevalence of 39% (24/61) was found; among these, 48% (13/27) were <50 years and 32% (11/34) were ⩾50 years ( p = not significant). A forward stepwise regression model was developed, with type 2 diabetes mellitus duration ( r2 = 0.12) and sedentary lifestyle ( r2 = 0.14) found as independent variable predictors of severity of peripheral arterial disease, related to ankle-brachial index.

Conclusion:

We suggest that, in type 2 diabetes mellitus, ankle-brachial index should be measured at diagnosis. In addition, sedentary lifestyle was strongly associated with presence and severity of peripheral arterial disease.
Comparing Frailty Markers in Predicting Poor Outcomes after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Krishnan Aravind , Suarez-Pierre Alejandro , Zhou Xun , Lin Cheng T. , Fraser Charles D. , Crawford Todd C. , Hsu Joshua , Hasan Rani K. , Resar Jon , Chacko Matthews , Baumgartner William A. , Conte John V. , Mandal Kaushik
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Frailty is an important component of risk prognostication in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Objective markers of frailty, including sarcopenia, the modified Frailty Index (mFI), and albumin levels, have emerged, but little is known how such markers compare to each other in predicting outcomes after TAVR. We sought to define and compare these markers in predicting long-term outcomes after TAVR.

Methods

Patients who underwent TAVR at our institution from 2011 to 2016 were included. Indexed cross-sectional areas of the lumbosacral muscles on preoperative computed tomography scans were used to assess sarcopenia. Optimal cutoffs for sarcopenia were defined using a statistically validated method. mFI was calculated using an 11-point scale of clinical characteristics. The primary outcome was 2-year all-cause mortality. Adjusted survival analysis was used to analyze outcomes.

Results

A total of 381 patients were included in this study. Sarcopenia of the psoas muscles was associated with an increased risk of mortality on univariate (HR: 2.3, P = 0.01) and multivariate (HR: 2.5, P = 0.01) analysis. Sarcopenia of the paravertebral muscles was associated with increased risk of mortality only on univariate analysis (HR: 2.1, P = 0.03). Increased preoperative albumin levels were associated with decreased risk of mortality on univariate (HR: 0.3, P < 0.01) and multivariate analysis (HR: 0.3, P < 0.01). The (mFI) was not associated with mortality on univariate or multivariate analysis.

Discussion

Novel cutoffs for sarcopenia of the psoas muscles were determined and associated with decreased survival after TAVR. Sarcopenia and albumin levels may be better tools for risk prediction than mFI in TAVR.
New Flexible Internal Annular Fixation Rings for Tricuspid Aortic Valves
Authors: Abe Kohei , Kawazoe Kohei , Yamasaki Manabu , Yoshino Kunihiko , Misumi Hiroyasu
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Although aortic annulus repair has a long history, there are still no ideal devices to control an aortic annulus. We have developed a new method involving the use of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft with the support of a metallic ring holder during implantation from inside an aorta, with no dissection of the surrounding aortic annulus.

Methods

We used aortic annular rings of 18 to 24 mm made of Gore-Tex tubed grafts (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) and metallic ring holder. After cutting the graft circumferentially to a 5-mm thickness, it was compressed manually to decrease the thickness. Then, a metallic ring holder corresponding to the graft size was inserted into the graft. The metallic ring holder was fixed to the graft with one 4–0 monofilament suture using 6 holes and the side trench on the metallic ring holder. The proper size for the graft was determined, and the appropriate annuloplasty ring was selected. A row of 4–0 double-needle braided sutures with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene spaghettis was sewn from the aortic side into the left ventricular outflow tract with a horizontal mattress stitch. After all sutures around the annulus were placed, they were tied down and the metallic ring holder was removed. The leaflets were repaired if necessary.

Results

A total of 9 patients with tricuspid aortic valve have undergone this procedure since January 2015. The sizes of the aortic annular rings were 20 mm ( n = 3), 22 mm ( n = 5), and 24 mm ( n = 2). Aortic leaflets were repaired in 6 patients (6 central plications). Concomitant procedures were total aortic arch replacement ( n = 2), mitral valve repair ( n = 2), tricuspid valve repair ( n = 1), and coronary artery bypass grafting ( n = 2). There were no hospital deaths and no major morbidities. All patients were checked for mild or less than mild aortic regurgitation during the mean follow-up period of 13 months. Postoperative echocardiograms showed excellent peak pressure gradients compared with preoperative echocardiograms. Postoperative cardiac computed tomography scans were performed in 6 patients. The discrepancies between the ring size used and postoperative annular size were <1-mm diameter in all patients.

Conclusions

This new flexible ring is easy to use to fix an aortic annulus from the inside. Early results reveal excellent control of aortic regurgitation with the projected annular size. Further investigations are needed to ensure the effectiveness of the ring.
Draw(Me) and Tell: Use of Children’s Drawings as Elicitation Tools to Explore Embodiment in the Very Young
Authors: Martin Gillian M.
Published: February 2019

Qualitative research with children as participants is challenging on many levels—ethical, methodological, and relational. When researching the experience of children with particular bodily vulnerabilities, these issues are further amplified. This article describes a data generating tool designed to address these challenges. It was used within the context of an ethnographic study exploring relational societal processes associated with childhood obesity in Malta. This creative child-centric method uses “me” drawings as elicitation foci during informal conversations in the field where the agentic status of the child was prioritized and their role as active collaborators emphasized. Optimizing ethical symmetry was a key concern, as was emphasis on relational ethics and assent. Using the “Draw(Me) and Tell” activity positioned the child in a realistic position of power by giving them control over the data generation process, and helped address ethical issues related to agency, privacy, and sensitivity. It allowed ethical generation of qualitative data based on the children’s reflexive commentary on their own body shapes, with the aim of exploring their embodied habitus, identity, and selfhood.
Rejecting, re-shaping, rearranging: Ways of negotiating the past in family narratives
Authors: Nugin Raili
Published: February 2019

Constructing a shared past is one of the ways to integrate young people into their communities. In a multicultural post-socialist society like Estonia, different narratives sometimes complement, but often compete with each other. Thus, the conflicting stories need to be negotiated to create a usable past. Based on 14 interviews within 5 families, the article explores the issues of negotiating memory in family contexts. It will be argued that in certain cases the tales of kin need to be re-shaped, rearranged or reasoned in order to relate to grand national narratives. When family stories would not allow to identify positively with patterns of institutionalized memory, the national discourse is either rejected, ignored, or relativized to reconcile the versions. The article calls for looking into the mechanisms of these reconciliations on the individual level to find ways of shaping the collective narratives for a more cohesive mnemonic culture.
Atraumatic splenic rupture associated with apixaban
Authors: Basnet Sijan , Mohanty Elan , Mir Izza , Dhital Rashmi , Koirala Ajay , Tachamo Niranjan
Published: February 2019

Apixaban is a direct oral anticoagulant that works by inhibiting factor Xa. It has been associated with adverse bleeding outcomes including atraumatic splenic rupture. We present the case of an 86-year-old man who presented with features of left upper abdominal pain and hemorrhagic shock found to have atraumatic splenic rupture and hemoperitoneum on imaging.
Terlipressin and albumin combination treatment in patients with hepatorenal syndrome type 2
Authors: Nguyen-Tat Marc , Jäger Julia , Rey Johannes Wilhelm , Nagel Michael , Labenz Christian , Wörns Marcus-Alexander , Galle Peter Robert , Marquardt Jens Uwe
Published: February 2019

Background

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is associated with a poor prognosis. In HRS type 1, loss of renal function is rapidly progressive, while HRS type 2 is characterised by chronic ascites and more moderately elevated renal parameters. While treatment with terlipressin/albumin is well established in type 1, its effectiveness in chronic HRS is less clear.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of terlipressin/albumin treatment in patients with HRS type 2.

Methods

All patients with a first episode of HRS between April 2013 and February 2016 were included in this observational study. Relevant clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded and patients were followed.

Results

A total of 106 patients with HRS were included. With terlipressin therapy reversal of HRS types 1 and 2 was achieved in 48% and 46% of patients (p = 0.84) with relapse rates of 8% vs 50% (p = 0.001). Overall survival (OS) and survival free of liver transplantation (LTx) were similar in HRS types 1 and 2 (p = 0.69; p = 0.64). In multivariate analysis response to treatment was independently associated with better OS in HRS type 2, in addition to established risk factors such as lower Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score, absence of hepatic encephalopathy and eligibility for LTx.

Conclusion

A terlipressin treatment course seems to be justified in selected patients with HRS type 2, especially in countries and settings with long transplant waiting lists. In addition treatment response might also help to identify HRS type 2 patients with a more favourable outcome.
An overview of the phytoestrogen effect on vaginal health and dyspareunia in peri- and post-menopausal women
Authors: Dizavandi Fatemeh R , Ghazanfarpour Masoumeh , Roozbeh Nasibeh , Kargarfard Leila , Khadivzadeh Talat , Dashti Sareh
Published: February 2019

Objective

The aim of this overview was to evaluate the effectiveness of phytoestrogens on vaginal health and dyspareunia in peri- and post-menopausal women.

Material and methods

Three databases including MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were from inception to August 2017.

Result

Two systematic reviews and 11 RCTs were included in the overview. According to the findings, isoflavones increased the maturation value and attenuated the vaginal atrophy in the post-menopausal women. Topical isoflavones had beneficial effects on the vaginal atrophy. Similar efficacy was found in Pueraria mirifica and conjugated estrogen cream on dryness ( p = 0.277), soreness ( p = 0.124) and irritation ( p = 0.469), as well as discharge ( p = 0.225) and dyspareunia ( p = 0.089). However, the conjugated estrogen cream was more effective compared to Pueraria mirifica ( p > 0.005) regarding maturation index improvement. Comparison of fennel 5% vaginal cream and placebo gel showed significant difference in superficial cells ( p < 0.01), parabasal cells ( p < 0.01) and intermediate cells ( p < 0.01), whereas no difference was found between the oral fennel and placebo in terms of superficial, parabasal and intermediate cells as well as Maturation value. Administration of 80 mg red clover oil had a significant effect on superficial ( p < 0.005), intermediate ( p < 0.005) and parabasal and vaginal dryness ( p < 0.005) compared to the placebo. Flaxseed had also a trivial effect on maturation value. Genistein had a more prominent effect on the genital score. The severity of dyspareunia decreased by 27%.

Conclusion

Phytoestrogens have various effects based on administration route and type on the vaginal atrophy.