bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigation Bronchoscopy
Authors: Kemp Samuel Victor
Published: October 2019

With the advent of lung cancer screening, and the increasingly frequent use of computed tomography (CT) scanning for investigating non-pulmonary pathology (for example CT coronary angiogram), the number of pulmonary nodules requiring further investigation has risen significantly. Most of these nodules are found in the lung periphery, which presents challenges to biopsy, and many centers rely on trans-thoracic needle biopsy performed under image guidance by radiologists. However, the desire to minimize complications is driving the development of increasingly accurate navigation bronchoscopy platforms, something that will be crucial in the new era of bronchoscopic therapeutics for lung cancer. This review describes these platforms, summarizes the current evidence for their use, and takes a look at future developments.
Performance of Traditional Pretest Probability Estimates in Stable Patients Undergoing Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
Authors: Batal Omar , Malhotra Saurabh , Harinstein Matthew , Markowitz Jeremy , Hickey Gavin , Agarwal Sunil , Douglas Pamela , Soman Prem
Published: October 2019

Background:

The yield of myocardial perfusion imaging is low in contemporary patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) selected based on American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association pretest probability estimate. We compared traditional pretest estimates of CAD probability with the prevalence of abnormal myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (MPS).

Methods:

This was a cohort study from a single academic center. Consecutive stable patients without known CAD referred for stress MPS for suspected CAD between 2004 and 2011 were identified (n=15 777). Angina typicality was determined using standard criteria. Abnormal MPS perfusion was defined as a summed stress score ≥4, ischemia as summed stress score ≥4 and summed difference score ≥2, and extensive ischemia as summed difference score ≥8 using a standard, 17-segment model of the left ventricle. The pretest probability of CAD was determined using the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association criteria.

Results:

Overall, 14% (n=2177) of patients had abnormal MPS of whom 11% (n=1698) had ischemia and 4% (n=684) extensive ischemia. In patients with chest pain who underwent treadmill MPS (n=4764), only 27% reported angina on the treadmill. Typical angina was associated with the highest prevalence for positive MPS (33% in men and 14% in women), ischemia (30% in men and 12% in women), and extensive ischemia (22% in men and 4% in women) when compared with other symptom categories. Prevalence of MPS abnormality was substantially lower than expected based on pretest probability estimates across most sex and age groups. In multivariable analysis, the pretest probability estimate was not an independent predictor of abnormal MPS.

Conclusions:

Traditional estimates of pretest probability of CAD are not predictive of MPS perfusion abnormality and overestimate its prevalence in stable patients.
Durability and Clinical Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Failed Surgical Bioprostheses
Authors: Dauerman Harold L. , Deeb G. Michael , O’Hair Daniel P. , Waksman Ron , Yakubov Steven J. , Kleiman Neal S. , Chetcuti Stanley J. , Hermiller James B. , Bajwa Tanvir , Khabbaz Kamal , de Marchena Eduardo , Salerno Tomas , Dries-Devlin Jessica L. , Li Shuzhen , Popma Jeffrey J. , Reardon Michael J.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an option when a surgical valve demonstrates deterioration and dysfunction. This study reports 3-year results following valve-in-valve with self-expanding TAVR.

Methods:

The CoreValve US Expanded Use Study is a prospective, nonrandomized, single-arm study that evaluates safety and effectiveness of TAVR in extreme risk patients with symptomatic failed surgical biologic aortic valves. Study end points include all-cause mortality, need for valve reintervention, hemodynamic changes over time, and quality of life through 3 years. Patients were stratified by presence of preexisting surgical valve prosthesis-patient mismatch.

Results:

From March 2013 to May 2015, 226 patients deemed extreme risk (STS-PROM [Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality] 9.0±7%) had attempted valve-in-valve TAVR. Preexisting surgical valve prosthesis-patient mismatch was present in 47.2% of the cohort. At 3 years, all-cause mortality or major stroke was 28.6%, and 93% of patients were in New York Heart Association I or II heart failure. Valve performance was maintained over 3 years with low valve reintervention rates (4.4%), an improvement in effective orifice area over time and a 2.7% rate of severe structural valve deterioration. Preexisting severe prosthesis-patient mismatch was not associated with 3-year mortality but was associated with significantly less improvement in quality of life at 3-year follow-up (
P
=0.01).

Conclusions:

Self-expanding TAVR in patients with failed surgical bioprostheses at extreme risk for surgery was associated with durable hemodynamics and excellent clinical outcomes. Preexisting surgical valve prosthesis-patient mismatch was not associated with mortality but did limit patient improvement in quality of life over 3-year follow-up.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01675440.
Vaccine Targeted Alpha 1D-Adrenergic Receptor for Hypertension
Authors: Li Chang , Yan Xiaole , Wu Danyu , Zhang Kai , Liang Xin , Pan Yajie , Zhou Yanzhao , Chen Fen , Chen Xiao , Yang Shijun , Zhou Zihua , Wei Yumiao , Liao Yuhua , Qiu Zhihua
Published: October 2019

The α1-AR (α1 adrenergic receptor) blockers currently on the market cannot meet clinical needs because of low-selectivity for subtypes of α1-ARs, short half-life, and uncertain role in cardiovascular end point events. The study sought to find a vaccine specifically against α1D-AR (α1D-adrenergic receptor) for treating hypertension. A short peptide ADR-004 (cgiteeagy) belonging to α1D-AR was screened, and the ADRQβ-004 vaccine was produced and injected into spontaneously hypertensive rats model (including a short-term study, 10 weeks, and a long-term observation study, 39 weeks) and NG-nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester + spontaneously hypertensive rats model (15 weeks). The antihypertensive effect and target organ protection of the ADRQβ-004 vaccine were carefully evaluated. The possible immune-mediated damage was detected in normal vaccinated Sprague Dawley rats. The ADR-004 peptide has perfect immunogenicity, and the ADRQβ-004 vaccine could induce strong antibody production. In the short-term study, the ADRQβ-004 vaccine averagely decreased the systolic blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats up to 15 mm Hg and that of NG-nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester+spontaneously hypertensive rats up to 29 mm Hg. In the long-term observation model, the antihypertensive effect of the ADRQβ-004 vaccine was quite stable, and the average decline of systolic blood pressure was 22 mm Hg. The ADRQβ-004 vaccine effectively prevented vascular structural remodeling, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, and renal injury of hypertensive animals, superior to prazosin at renal level. Moreover, the ADRQβ-004 vaccine obviously downregulated the expression of α1D-AR, but not α1A-AR. Additionally, no significant immune-mediated damage was detected in immunized animals. The present results demonstrate that the ADRQβ-004 vaccine may provide a novel and promising method for the treatment of hypertension.
Dose-Response Association Between Level of Physical Activity and Mortality in Normal, Elevated, and High Blood Pressure
Authors: Joseph Gowsini , Marott Jacob Louis , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Nielsen Gitte , Christensen Ann-Eva , Johansen Martin Berg , Schnohr Peter , Sogaard Peter , Mogelvang Rasmus
Published: October 2019

It has been a challenge to verify the dose of exercise that will produce the maximum health benefits in hypertension. This study aimed to explore the association between level of daily physical activity, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular outcome at different blood pressure levels. A random sample of 18 974 white men and women aged 20 to 98 years were examined in a prospective cardiovascular population study. Self-reported activity level in leisure-time was drawn from the Physical Activity Questionnaire (level I: inactivity; II: light activity; and III: moderate/high-level activity). Blood pressure was defined as normal blood pressure: <120/<80 mm Hg; Prehypertension: 120–139/80–89 mm Hg; Stage I hypertension: 140–159/90–99 mm Hg; Stage II hypertension ≥160/≥100 mm Hg. The mean follow-up time was 23.4±11.7 years. At all levels of blood pressure, higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower all-cause mortality in a dose-response pattern. The pattern remained unchanged after adjustment for following confounders: sex, age, smoking status, education, diabetes mellitus, previous cardiovascular disease, body mass index, and calendar time. Compared with inactivity, following hazard ratios were found for stage I hypertension: light activity, hazard ratio 0.78 (0.72–0.84;
P
<0.001), moderate/high-level activity, hazard ratio 0.69 (0.63–0.75;
P
<0.001). At all levels of blood pressure, the risk of cardiovascular events was significantly reduced independent of the level of physical activity. In conclusion, the association between physical activity and all-cause mortality was present in an inverse dose-response pattern at all levels of blood pressure. Physical activity was associated with reduction in cardiovascular events independent of the level of physical activity.
TÜRKİYE’ DE KADIN İSTİHDAMI VE ETKİLEYEN FAKTÖRLER
Authors: AKSOY Nagihan , FELEK Şencan , YAYLA Nihal , ÇEVİŞ İsmail
Published: October 2019

Toplumların kalkınabilmeleri sahip oldukları üretim
faktörlerini tam ve etkin bir şekilde kullanabilmeleri ile mümkündür.
Sosyolojik açıdan en önemli üretim faktörü olan işgücü ise ülkedeki kadın ve erkek
nüfusunun mal ve hizmet üretimine katılması ya da katılmaya hazır olması olarak
tanımlanmaktadır. İşgücünü kadınlardan bağımsız değerlendirmek mümkün olmamakla
birlikte hemen hemen her toplumda çeşitli nedenlerle kadının işgücüne katılımı
erkeğin gerisinde kalmıştır. Türkiye’de de gerek işgücüne katılım gerekse
işsizlik açısından cinsiyetler arasında büyük bir uçurum gözlenmektedir.
Kadının istihdamını belirleyen faktörlerin 1988-2018 yılları için ARDL sınır
testi yöntemi ile analiz edildiği çalışmada değişkenler arasında uzun dönemli
bir eşbütünleşme ilişkisi bulunduğu sonucuna varılmıştır. Uzun dönemde asgari
ücret düzeyinin kadın istihdamı üzerinde anlamlı bir etkisi bulunmazken kadın
istihdamını belirleyen en önemli faktörlerin evli kadın sayısı ve işsizlik
oranı olduğu görülmektedir. Bu sonuç, Türkiye’de ekonomik koşulların yani geçim
sıkıntısının kadın istihdamını belirleyen en önemli faktör olduğunu göstermesi
açısından önemlidir.
Morphological and phylogenetic analyses reveal a new species of Fistulina (Fistulinaceae, Agaricales) from Australia

Authors: SUN YI-FEI , LIU SHUN , CUI BAO-KAI
Published: October 2019

A new species of Fistulina, F. tasmanica sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Tasmania in Australia. Fistulina tasmanica is distinguished by its pileate and fleshy basidiomata with rose pore surface, fibrous context, separated tubes with small pores (6–7 per mm), a monomitic hyphal system with only clamped generative hyphae, subellipsoid to ellipsoid basidiospores (5.4–6 × 3.4–4 μm) which are negative in Melzer’s reagent and cotton blue. Phylogenetic analyses inferred from the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) and the large subunit of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nLSU) sequences also confirmed that F. tasmanica is a new member within Fistulina.
Canada as a peninsula state: Conceptualizing the emerging geopolitical landscape in the 21st century
Authors: Kawasaki Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2019

An unprecedented geopolitical landscape, driven by the reduction of Arctic ice and the rise of China as “a Polar power,” is emerging. What does this mean for Canada, and how should Canada respond to it in a systematic and strategic manner? We need a coherent and holistic conceptual framework to answer these key policy questions. Yet, the current literatures do not offer us such a concept. In an attempt to fill the void, this article presents a vision that conceives of Canada as “a peninsula state” exposed to great power politics in its vicinity, involving China as a rising power as well as the United States and Russia as resident powers. Furthermore, it argues that Canada should be prepared for three kinds of strategic dynamics as it enters the game of great power politics: theatre-linkage tactics and wedge-driving tactics vis-à-vis China and Russia, as well as quasi-alliance dilemma with the United States. Moreover, in order for Canada to cope with this complex international environment effectively, this article calls for creating a cabinet-level unit to coordinate various federal bureaucracies’ foreign and security policies.
Coercion by fear: Securitization of Iraq prior to the 2003 war
Authors: Baysal Basar
Published: October 2019

The Iraq War was one of the most prominent events of the early 2000s. The prelude to the war halted the sense of optimism that captivated International Relations as a discipline after the end of the Cold War. The United States initiated this war following a lengthy securitization process. This study focuses on analyzing the securitization process in Iraq prior to the 2003 war. To that end, the article investigates the securitization process by asking, “How, within what context, and when did the securitization of Iraq take place?” For the study, 85 speeches made by President Bush are analyzed to examine how the president presented Iraq as an existential threat. The study also examines the kinds of arguments used by the Bush administration in securitizing Iraq. This study contributes to the literature on the 2003 Iraq War and security studies by applying Securitization Theory to the Iraq case by incorporating two essential contributions to the securitization analysis: context and audience(s).
New Technique in Nasal Tip Plasty: Sandwich Technique Using Cartilage and Septal Bone Complex
Authors: Ahn Tae Hwan , Zheng Tao , Kang Hee Jeong , Yoo Byung Joon , Chung Jae Ho , Jeong Jin Hyeok
Published: October 2019

Objectives:

It is extremely difficult to obtain ideal tip projection and nose lengthening by septal extension graft using only septal cartilage in Asians, because their nasal septal and alar cartilages are small and weak. Therefore, we introduce a new septal extension graft using a cartilage–bone complex with the vomer and the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone as well as cartilage to obtain optimal outcomes.

Methods:

Participants included 30 patients who underwent surgery by external approach. The septal cartilage, vomer, and perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone harvested by septoplasty were used. There were 2 layers of cartilage on each side and bone in between to create a strong cartilage–bone complex for projection and lengthening. The bony portion was placed in the tip side, and the double-layered cartilage portion was placed in the inferior portion of the caudal septum of the L-strut to create powerful fixation.

Results:

There were statistically significant improvements in nasal length (4.71 ± 0.65 vs 5.15 ± 0.53 cm, P value <.0001), tip projection (2.66 ± 0.40 vs 3.18 ± 0.42, P value <.0001), and nasolabial angle (94.0° ± 9.3° vs 107.2° ± 9.6°, P value <.0001) postoperatively. All patients were subjectively satisfied, and 2 different surgeons had excellent or good opinions in 28 (94%) patients.

Conclusions:

The sandwich technique using cartilage and bone complex results in satisfactory outcomes with stronger tip support, especially in Asians with a weak nasal tip who desire ideal tip projection and dramatic change.
Empowering Diabetes Self-Management Through Technology and Nurse Health Coaching
Authors: Miyamoto Sheridan , Henderson Stuart , Fazio Sarina , Saconi Bruno , Thiede Elizabeth , Greenwood Deborah A. , Young Heather M.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This research explores the impact of mobile health (mHealth) technology and nurse health coaching on views of diabetes self-management (DSM) for persons living with diabetes.

Methods

Three focus groups (N = 24) were conducted with individuals living with type 2 diabetes who participated in a nurse health coaching and mHealth technology intervention study. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to identify overarching themes in each group.

Results

Major themes identified following intervention participation included enhanced perspectives about living with diabetes, increased awareness of how health behaviors influence DSM, improved support, and increased ownership of DSM.

Conclusions

The themes identified suggest that the mHealth technology and health coaching intervention together may have had an empowering effect on participants’ DSM. These results suggest that providing nurse health coaching with mHealth technology may help individuals ameliorate some of the challenges of living with and managing diabetes.
The Reach of an Urban Hospital System-Based Diabetes Prevention Program: Patient Engagement and Weight Loss Characteristics
Authors: Chambers Earle C. , Gonzalez Jeffrey S. , Marquez Melinda E. , Parsons Amanda , Rehm Colin D.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify patient and program delivery characteristics associated with engagement and weight loss in a Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) implemented in an urban hospital system.

Methods

Patient and program delivery data were collected between July 2015 and December 2017. DPP eligibility was determined based on age, body mass index (BMI), and hemoglobin A1C data via the electronic health record. Engagement was measured at 3 levels: ≤3 sessions, 4 to 8 sessions, and ≥9 sessions. Weight was measured at each DPP session.

Results

Among the eligible patients (N = 31 524), referrals and engagement were lower in men than women, in Spanish speakers than English speakers, in younger (18-34 years) and middle-aged (35-54 years) than older adults, and in patients receiving Medicaid than other patients. Referral and engagement were higher in patients with higher BMIs and those prescribed ≥5 medications. Current smokers were less frequently engaged. Prior health care provider contact was associated with higher engagement. Overall, 28% of DPP participants achieved ≥5% weight loss; younger and middle-aged patients and those who gained weight in the prior 2 years were less likely to lose weight.

Conclusion

This assessment identified characteristics of patients with lower levels of referral and engagement. The DPP staff may need to increase outreach to address barriers to referral and during all points of engagement among men, younger patients, and Spanish speakers. Future research is needed to increase understanding with regard to why referrals and engagement are lower among these groups.
A Security Theater of Dreams: Supporters’ Responses to “Safety” and “Security” Following the Old Trafford “Fake Bomb” Evacuation
Authors: Ludvigsen Jan Andre Lee , Millward Peter
Published: October 2019

On May 15, 2016, reports emerged of a “suspect package” inside Old Trafford minutes before kick-off in Manchester United’s game versus Bournemouth. The “suspect package,” causing a full-scale evacuation, and match postponement, turned out to be a “fake bomb” accidently left following a security exercise. Minimal social research investigates responses from supporters to “security” and “safety” at large sports events. Although the “suspect package,” fortunately, never “materialized,” it represents an important case in English football. Theoretically, this study adopts a frame analysis technique pioneered by Erving Goffman and it empirically examines supporters’ responses to security during the chaotic hours of the “fake bomb” incident, as articulated on an interactive message board. Overall, supporters were satisfied with police and security management’s handling of the incident, although it was questioned how the “fake bomb” was not detected. Importantly, supporters agreed that “safety comes first.”
Evaluating subscore uses across multiple levels: A case of reading and listening subscores for young EFL learners
Authors: Choi Ikkyu , Papageorgiou Spiros
Published: October 2019

Stakeholders of language tests are often interested in subscores. However, reporting a subscore is not always justified; a subscore should provide reliable and distinct information to be worth reporting. When a subscore is used for decisions across multiple levels (e.g., individual test takers and schools), it needs to be justified for its reliability and distinctiveness at every relevant level. In this study, we examined whether reporting seven Reading and Listening subscores of the TOEFL Primary® test, a standardized English proficiency test for young English as a foreign language learners, could be justified for reporting at individual and school levels. We analyzed data collected in pilot administrations, in which 4776 students from 51 schools participated. We employed the classical test theory (CTT) based approaches of Haberman (2008) and Haberman, Sinharay, and Puhan (2009) for the individual and school-level investigations, respectively. We also supplemented the CTT-based approaches with a factor analytic approach for the individual level analysis and a multilevel modeling approach for the school-level analysis. The results differed across the two levels: we found little support for reporting the subscores at the individual level, but strong evidence supporting the added-value of the school-level subscores when the sample size for each school exceeds 50.
Social Conflict, National Strife, or Political Battle? Violence and Strikebreaking in Late Habsburg Austria
Authors: Morelon Claire
Published: October 2019

This article analyses the practices of violence during strikes in Habsburg Austria from the 1890s until the outbreak of the First World War. As the number of social conflicts rose at the turn of the century, strikes increasingly became one of the main sites of public violence in Austrian society, alongside demonstrations. Violent confrontations between strikers, strike-breakers, and the state forces protecting them frequently occurred. The first section discusses the state repression used to quell internal unrest and its consequences on the rule of law. The following sections explore the micro-dynamics of strikebreaking within the larger context of the reaction against Social Democracy in the period. Especially after the successful mobilization for suffrage reform in 1905–906, employers and other propertied classes saw strikers as part of a general threat. The Czech and German nationalist workers’ movements can also be reassessed through the lens of these social conflicts, rather than only as manifestations of radical nationalism. Strikes are here analysed as one case study addressing current debates in the historiography on the Habsburg Empire: first on the implementation of the rule of law on the ground in Habsburg Austria, then on the impact of democratization in the decades before 1914.
Prosodic cues in second-language speech processing: A visual world eye-tracking study
Authors: Perdomo Michelle , Kaan Edith
Published: October 2019

Listeners interpret cues in speech processing immediately rather than waiting until the end of a sentence. In particular, prosodic cues in auditory speech processing can aid listeners in building information structure and contrast sets. Native speakers even use this information in combination with syntactic and semantic information to build mental representations predictively. Research on second-language (L2) learners suggests that learners have difficulty integrating linguistic information across various domains, likely subject to L2 proficiency levels. The current study investigated eye-movement behavior of native speakers of English and Chinese learners of English in their use of contrastive intonational cues to restrict the set of upcoming referents in a visual world paradigm. Both native speakers and learners used contrastive pitch accent to restrict the set of referents. Whereas native speakers anticipated the upcoming set of referents, this was less clear in the L2 learners. This suggests that learners are able to integrate information across multiple domains to build information structure in the L2 but may not do so predictively. Prosodic processing was not affected by proficiency or working memory in the L2 speakers.
Mobilization for peace: Analyzing religious peace activism
Authors: Vüllers Johannes
Published: October 2019

Under what conditions do religious groups engage in peace activism? Religious groups engage in peace activism if the associated costs are low and they compete with either conflict party over the interpretation of their religious content concerning war and peace. Peace activism is a promising action as peace activists maintain their positive self-evaluation. I introduce a novel dataset of peace activism for 511 religious groups in 128 countries from 1990 to 2008. Conditional fixed effects and logistic models support my hypotheses. The findings highlight the role of rational considerations in the decision to conduct peace activities by representatives of religious groups.
Mediating Effect of Dark Triad Personality Traits on the Relationship Between Parental Emotional Warmth and Aggression
Authors: Liu Guangzeng , Meng Yayun , Pan Yangu , Ma Yuanxiao , Zhang Dajun
Published: October 2019

Previous research has indicated that positive parenting practices, such as parental emotional warmth, are associated with less negative outcomes in children. These negative outcomes can present during adolescence and during emerging adulthood. One negative consequence can be aggression, a problematic outcome with its own myriad consequences. The current study aimed to examine the effect of parental emotional warmth on adolescent and young adult aggression and the mediating effect of Dark Triad personality traits (Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism) on this relationship. The sample included 530 Chinese student participants who completed an online questionnaire survey: 241 adolescents aged 15 to 18 years ( M = 17.24, SD = 1.00) and 289 young adults aged 19 to 23 years ( M = 20.12, SD = 1.03). The results revealed that the association between parental emotional warmth and aggression was fully mediated by Machiavellianism and psychopathy, and the mediating effects of Machiavellianism and psychopathy had no age differences between adolescents and young adults. These results may clinically suggest that paying attention to parental emotional warmth, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy in adolescents and young adults could yield a better understanding of their current and continuous functioning, especially for aggression.
Paternal and Maternal Harsh Parenting and Chinese Adolescents’ Social Anxiety: The Different Mediating Roles of Attachment Insecurity With Fathers and Mothers
Authors: Wang Mingzhong , Wu Xiujuan , Wang Jing
Published: October 2019

Although negative parenting and attachment insecurity have been demonstrated to place children at risk for social anxiety, the different roles of fathers and mothers in this association need to be further clarified. This study examined the different mediating roles of attachment insecurity with fathers and mothers in the association between harsh parenting and social anxiety among Chinese adolescents. A sample of 395 students in the sixth through eighth grades with their parents was enlisted as participants of this survey from two public middle schools located in Northern China. Parents were required to report on their harsh parenting, and students were asked to report on their social anxiety and perceived attachment insecurity with both parents. The results demonstrated that both paternal harsh parenting and maternal harsh parenting were positively associated with attachment insecurity with both parents. More importantly, we found that attachment insecurity with mothers partially mediated the association between maternal harsh parenting and adolescent social anxiety but completely mediated the relation of paternal harsh parenting to adolescent social anxiety. These results expanded extant understandings on the associations among harsh parenting, attachment insecurity, and child social anxiety by taking the different roles of both parents into consideration.
How Are Income and Education Related to the Prevention and Management of Diabetes?
Authors: Allen Kristin , McFarland Michael
Published: October 2019

Objective: To understand whether income and education have unique contributions in the prevention and management of diabetes, as measured by Hba1c levels among diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals. Method: Data were obtained from the Nashville Stress and Health Study ( N = 1,189). Ordinary least squares regression analyses were used to examine the associations among education, annual household income, diabetes onset, and diabetes management (Hba1c). Results: Education, but not income, was inversely associated with Hba1c in undiagnosed participants. Income, but not education, was inversely associated with Hba1c among diagnosed participants. Discussion: These results support the idea that education and income provide non-fungible social and economic resources that vary in their consequences for Hba1c level depending on whether someone has been diagnosed with diabetes. The social resources provided by education may be more important in delaying the onset of disease, whereas resources provided by income may be more important for disease management.
Building trust and transparency? Challenges of the opt-out system and the secondary use of health data in England
Authors: Meszaros Janos , Ho Chih-hsing
Published: October 2019

After the failure of the care.data programme, a revised opt-out system has been introduced for British citizens to protect their health data from 2018. However, there are several exemptions from the previous and the revised opt-out systems, some of which are overly broad. For instance, the opt-outs may be completely ignored in the case of ‘anonymised’ data. The data protection terminology in the United Kingdom is slightly different from that in the European Union, and the key issue is that the terms are not used consistently, even in the most important documents and guidelines. This situation may lead to a weak opt-out system with transparency issues, which might erode public trust and lead to a repeat of the care.data failure. Furthermore, the United Kingdom intends to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation after Brexit, thus these differences may cause compatibility issues in the future.
Sustainable Development Awareness and Policy Making in Malta
Authors: Green Sheryl , Pace Paul
Published: October 2019

Policymakers’ understanding of the holistic nature and implications of sustainable development (SD) determines a nation’s commitment to sustainability. The study involved in-depth interviews with 20 policymakers. The study identified underlying interconnections between policymakers’ perceptions, commitment and awareness of SD and whether they developed the necessary values and attitudes required to promote sustainability at both local and national levels. These findings provided reflections for the development of Education for Sustainable Development programmes targeting policy makers to expedite implementation of SD in Malta.
Linking Traditional ‘Organic’ and ‘Induced’ Public Participation with Deliberative Democracy: Experiments in Pune, India
Authors: Menon Sanskriti , Hartz-Karp Janette
Published: October 2019

Resolving urban challenges or ‘wicked problems’ is a dilemma for most governments, especially in developing countries, and India is a case in point. Collaborative, dialogue-based approaches have been posited as critical to addressing wicked problems. This would require a reform of Indian cities’ governance systems to enable citizens to be embedded in decision-making about complex issues. This article contends that while India’s traditional forms of civic participation can provide a strong foundation for reform, new forms of representative deliberative, influential public participation, that is, deliberative democracy, will be important. Traditional organic and induced participation examples in India are overviewed in terms of their strengths and gaps. Two deliberative democracy case studies in Pune, India, are described, and their potential for reform is assessed. Traditional, together with innovative, induced and organic participation in governance, will be needed to overcome significant pitfalls in governance if Indian cities are to become more capable of addressing urban sustainability challenges.
Emerging role of microRNA 628-5p as a novel biomarker for cancer and other diseases
Authors: Rios-Colon Leslimar , Deep Gagan , Kumar Deepak
Published: October 2019

MicroRNAs are a family of small, single-stranded RNAs that have key roles in regulating multiple signaling pathways within a cell. Studies have implicated aberrant expression of microRNAs in the development and progression of several pathologies including cancer. MicroRNAs are relatively stable and readily available in body fluids and tissues, making them desirable biomarkers for prognostic and diagnostic purposes in an array of diseases. MicroRNA 628 (5p/3p variants) is located in the 15q21.3 cancer-related region, and evidence suggests its association with various pathologies. The -5p mature variant, microRNA 628-5p, has been reported to be differentially expressed in various cancers, and its expression has been mostly associated with tumor suppression but there are few reports identifying its role in cancer progression. Several studies have also suggested its utility in diagnosis and prognosis of various cancers. Dysregulation of microRNA 628-5p has also been implicated in embryonal implantation defects, autism, immune modulation, myogenesis, cardiovascular disease, viral infection, and skeletal muscle repair. Here, we have provided a comprehensive review on available literature explaining the role of microRNA 628-5p as a potential cancer biomarker as well as briefly describe its function in other diseases and normal physiological conditions.
Supporting Cooperative Dialogue in Heterogeneous Groups in Elementary Education
Authors: van Dijk Alieke M. , Eysink Tessa H. S. , de Jong Ton
Published: October 2019

Literature agrees that learning in heterogeneous groups could benefit from support that structures the cooperative process, but has been inconclusive as to what this support should look like. This study investigated the effects of a worksheet that structured a heterogeneous cooperative process. The worksheet addressed the elements of social interdependence theory. Fourth to sixth graders ( n = 136) worked cooperatively in 34 heterogeneous groups of four, either with or without the worksheet. Results showed that heterogeneous cooperation benefited from the worksheet. Group members with the worksheet participated more equally in the domain-related dialogue, and a larger proportion of the group dialogue was task oriented and spent on exchanging domain-related explanations in comparison with the control group. However, adding the worksheet helped only low-ability children to increase their level of knowledge. Future research should look into possibilities for children’s learning outcomes to benefit more from improved heterogeneous group dialogue.
Familial Absent Uvula With Velopharyngeal Incompetence—A New Syndrome?
Authors: Sommerlad Brian , Seselgyte Rimante , Lees Melissa , Pauws Erwin , Stanier Philip , Sell Debbie
Published: October 2019

We present a family with a previously undescribed abnormality of the palate and oropharynx which involved the absence of the uvula and the anterior pillar of the fauces, rudimentary posterior pillar of the fauces, and hypernasality. Eight family members over 4 generations are affected in a pattern consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance. A causal role for the FOXF2 gene has been identified and previously reported. We describe the management of the proband, which involved attempting to lengthen the palate and to retroposition the abnormally anteriorly directed velar musculature, along with speech therapy.
Disturbed Eating and Body Dysmorphic Symptoms in a Young Adult Sample Are Separable Constructs That Each Show a Mixture of Distributions
Authors: Samad Majed , Ralph-Nearman Christina , Hellemann Gerhard , Khalsa Sahib S. , Shams Ladan , Feusner Jamie D.
Published: October 2019

Eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder symptoms overlap and frequently co-occur clinically, yet whether they represent one or more underlying constructs in the general population is unknown. We examined relationships between these symptoms on underlying factor structures and dimensional distributions in a young adult sample of 328 students using the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q 6.0) and the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ). We performed factor and hierarchical cluster analyses on pooled items and Gaussian mixture modeling on score distributions. EDE-Q 6.0 and DCQ total scores were correlated ( r = 0.53, p < .001). Pooled items demonstrated a three-factor solution; DCQ items separating from two EDE-Q 6.0 factors. Hierarchical clustering yielded a two-cluster solution that separated the two scales. Mixture modeling demonstrated that more than one underlying distribution best fit the data for each scale. These results suggest that the EDE-Q 6.0 and DCQ measure different sets of psychopathological features, despite their tendency to track together. Moreover, eating disorder and body dysmorphic phenotypes each show nonuniform variation from normal to abnormal. This argues against using linear dimensional applications of these scales to assess individuals ranging from mild to severe in symptom severity. Separate scales may be necessary to characterize lower and higher ranges of clinical severity.
Systematic Review of Matrix Training for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Curiel Emily S. L. , Axe Judah B. , Sainato Diane M. , Goldstein Howard
Published: October 2019

Matrix training is an intervention that systematically programs for the occurrence of generative outcomes, mostly in the area of language. A literature search identified studies that evaluated matrix training with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Based on 12 reviewed studies, we asked questions regarding participant characteristics, targeted skills, matrix designs, evidence-based teaching strategies, percentage of learning that occurred through direct teaching and recombinative generalization, and the quality of the studies. With 29 total participants, mostly preschool and elementary ages, the most common teaching strategy implemented was a discrete trial training paradigm targeting language development. Overall, findings suggest that matrix training produced an average of 69% of learning without direct teaching across the areas of language, play, sentence construction, and spelling.
Vascularization of the arteriovenous fistula wall and association with maturation outcomes
Authors: Duque Juan C , Martinez Laisel , Tabbara Marwan , Parikh Punam , Paez Angela , Selman Guillermo , Salman Loay H , Velazquez Omaida C , Vazquez-Padron Roberto I
Published: October 2019

Background and objectives:

The venous vasa vasorum is the mesh of microvessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the walls of large veins. Whether changes to the vasa vasorum have any effects on human arteriovenous fistula outcomes remains undetermined. In this study, we challenged the hypothesis that inadequate vascularization of the arteriovenous fistula wall is associated with maturation failure.

Design, setting, participants, and measurements:

This case–control pilot study includes pre-access veins and arteriovenous fistula venous samples (i.e. tissue pairs) from 30 patients undergoing two-stage arteriovenous fistula creation (15 matured and 15 failed to mature). Using anti-CD31 immunohistochemistry, we quantified vasa vasorum density and luminal area (vasa vasorum area) in the intima, media, and adventitia of pre-access veins and fistulas. We evaluated the association of pre-existing and postoperative arteriovenous fistula vascularization with maturation failure and with postoperative morphometry.

Results:

Vascularization of veins and arteriovenous fistulas was predominantly observed in the outer media and adventitia. Only the size of the microvasculature (vasa vasorum area), but not the number of vessels (vasa vasorum density), increased after arteriovenous fistula creation in the adventitia (median vasa vasorum area 1366 µm2/mm2 (interquartile range 495–2582) in veins versus 3077 µm2/mm2 (1812–5323) in arteriovenous fistulas, p < 0.001), while no changes were observed in the intima and media. Postoperative intimal thickness correlated with lower vascularization of the media ( r 0.53, p = 0.003 for vasa vasorum density and r 0.37, p = 0.045 for vasa vasorum area). However, there were no significant differences in pre-existing, postoperative, or longitudinal change in vascularization between arteriovenous fistulas with distinct maturation outcomes.

Conclusion:

The lack of change in intimal and medial vascularization after arteriovenous fistula creation argues against higher oxygen demand in the inner walls of the fistula during the vein to arteriovenous fistula transformation. Postoperative intimal hyperplasia in the arteriovenous fistula wall appears to thrive under hypoxic conditions. Vasa vasorum density and area by themselves are not predictive of maturation outcomes.
Multiple narratives of il/legality and im/morality: The case of small-scale hashish harvesting in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Botoeva Gulzat
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study is to contribute to the current literature concerning the social acceptance of illegal practices. Using legal pluralism as a general framework of analysis, this study discusses the relationship between state law and alternative perspectives concerning its legitimacy. It presents the experience of people involved in hashish harvesting in one of the regions of Kyrgyzstan, how the state defines it as an ‘illegal practice’ and how the local population subsequently invokes normative systems based on local spiritual knowledge and the local moral economy of hashish production. It argues that acceptance of hashish harvesting as a legitimate means of support is not a straightforward process. Despite the predominant legitimating narrative of hashish harvesting, it enters into a conversation with state defined notions of ‘illegality’ and is also shaped by the customary understanding of the spiritual power of cannabis plants that requires caution when making hashish.
Faulty Executive Attention and Memory Interactions in Schizophrenia: Prefrontal Gray Matter Volume and Neuropsychological Impairment
Authors: Nestor Paul G. , Forte Mayte , Ohtani Toshiyuki , Levitt James J. , Newell Dominick T. , Shenton Martha E. , Niznikiewicz Margaret , McCarley Robert W.
Published: October 2019

We hypothesized that neuropsychological disturbance in schizophrenia (SZ) may reflect faulty interactions of executive attention and episodic memory, emanating, in part, from reduced prefrontal cortex (PFC) gray matter volume. Participants with SZ (n = 84) and age-matched (n = 77) controls completed both the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the Wechsler Memory Scale–Third Edition (WMS-III), used, respectively, as measures of executive attention and episodic memory. A subset of SZ (n = 27) and control (n = 17) groups also had available 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the PFC. For SZ, but not control groups, neuropsychological results indicated that executive attention interacted significantly with episodic memory, with failures of executive attention, as reflected by increased WCST perseverative errors, directly linked to poor performance on the WMS-III measure of delayed visual recall of action scenes. MRI results indicated reduced left PFC gray matter volume for SZ group, which in turn correlated significantly with their deficits in visual memory but not in executive attention. Results showed that 61% of the variance in neuropsychological performance in the SZ group was attributed to gray matter volume of left inferior prefrontal gyrus gray matter volume. PFC-mediated failure of executive attention-episodic memory interactions may represent an important mechanism in neuropsychological disturbance in SZ.
Research integrity: environment, experience, or ethos?
Authors: Hofmann Bjørn , Holm Søren
Published: October 2019

Background:

Research integrity has gained attention in the general public as well as in the research community. We wanted to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practices amongst researchers that have recently finished their PhD and compare this to their responses during their PhD fellowship. In particular, we wanted to investigate whether their attitudes are related to their experiences of their immediate research environment.

Material and method:

Researchers ( n = 86) awarded the PhD degree at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Oslo in 2016 were invited to answer a questionnaire about knowledge, attitudes, and actions related to scientific dishonesty. Seventy-two responded (83.7%). The results were compared with results among first-year doctoral students who responded to the same questionnaire during 2010–2017.

Results:

Overall, 13% of PhDs reported that they knew of people in their immediate research environment who had committed serious forms of scientific dishonesty. A small percentage of PhDs (1.4%) indicated that they themselves had committed such acts. About 3% of the candidates had experienced pressure to commit serious forms of dishonesty and nearly a third of respondents had experienced unethical pressure with respect to authorship during the course of their fellowship. Thirteen percent reported that they had experienced unethical pressure in relation to other forms of dishonesty and 11% had experienced the consequences of some form of scientific dishonesty. Eighteen percent of the respondents believed that one or more actions, which in the literature were perceived as scientific misconduct, were not wrong. We find a connection between attitudes and the perceived research integrity of their research environment. The results also show a difference between PhD students and graduated PhDs in terms of scientific dishonesty. In some areas, the PhDs’ norms are stricter, such as for the use of statistical analysis methods, while there is little change in others, such as in misconduct in order to expedite publications.

Conclusion:

Many PhDs knew about serious forms of scientific misconduct from the research environment in which they are trained, and some also report misconduct themselves. Some experienced pressure to serious forms of misconduct and a large proportion of the respondents had experienced unethical pressure with respect to authorship during their fellowship. Attitudes change during the PhD studies, but ambiguously. Scientific misconduct seems to be an environmental issue as much as a matter of personal integrity.