bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of pharmacological treatment of diabetes mellitus on dementia risk: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: McMillan Jacqueline M , Mele Bria S , Hogan David B , Leung Alexander A
Published: November 2018

Background

The association between diabetes mellitus (DM) treatment and dementia is not well understood.

Objective

To investigate the association between treatment of diabetes, hypoglycemia, and dementia risk.

Research design and methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of pharmacological treatment of diabetes and incident or progressive cognitive impairment. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, and PsychINFO from inception to 18 October 2017. We included cross-sectional, case–control, cohort, and randomized controlled studies. The study was registered with PROSPERO (ID CRD42017077953).

Results

We included 37 studies into our systematic review and 13 into our meta-analysis. Ten studies investigated any antidiabetic treatment compared with no treatment or as add-on therapy to prior care. Treatment with an antidiabetic agent, in general, was not associated with incident dementia (risk ratio (RR) 1.01; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.10). However, we found differential effects across drug classes, with a signal of harm associated with insulin therapy (RR 1.21; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.39), but potentially protective effects with thiazolidinedione exposure (RR 0.71; 95% CI 0.55 to 0.93). Severe hypoglycemic episodes were associated with a nearly twofold increased likelihood of incident dementia (RR 1.77; 95% CI 1.35 to 2.33). Most studies did not account for DM duration or severity.

Conclusions and limitations

The association between treatment for diabetes and dementia is differential according to drug class, which is potentially mediated by hypoglycemic risk. Not accounting for DM duration and/or severity is a major limitation in the available evidence base.
Blindness and eye disease in a Tibetan region of China: findings from a Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness survey
Authors: Jiachu Danba , Jiang Feng , Luo Li , Zheng Hong , Duo Ji , Yang Jing , Nima Yongcuo , Ling Jin , Xiao Baixiang , Bassett Ken
Published: November 2018

Introduction

The only population-based survey of blindness and visual impairment of a Tibetan population was conducted in the Tibet Autonomous Region in 1999.

Methods and analysis

The Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness methodology was used to conduct a survey of Kandze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province of China in the Fall 2017. Using the 2010 census, 100 clusters of 50 participants aged 50 years or older were randomly sampled using probability proportionate to size.

Results

Among the 5000 people enumerated, 4763 were examined (95.3% response). The age-adjusted and sex-adjusted prevalence of blindness, severe visual impairment, moderate visual impairment and early visual impairment (EVI) were 1.6% (95% CI: 1.08 to 2.38)), 0.9% (95% CI:0.7 to 1.5), 5.1% (95% CI:4.4 to 5.7), and 7.45% (95% CI:6.67 to 8.2), respectively. The prevalence of blindness among Tibetans was significantly higher than that among Han Chinese (2.2% (95% CI:1.8 to 2.6) and 0.6 (95% CI:0.2 to 1.7), respectively, p<0.05). Women bore a significant excess burden of EVI compared with men (8.5% (95% CI:7.5 to 9.6) and 6.1% (95% CI:5.1 to 7.2), respectively, p<0.05). Cataract was the primary cause of blindness (39.4%) followed by macular degeneration (10.6%) and corneal opacity (5.3%).

Conclusion

Blindness and visual impairment in Kandze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is substantially less than an earlier study of a Tibetan region and now resembles other regions of China. About 58% of blindness and 67% of SVIwere avoidable, primarily by providing cataract services. Eighty-three percent of EVI was avoidable by providing refractice services throughout the region.
Can microRNA profiles predict corticosteroid responsiveness in childhood nephrotic syndrome? A study protocol
Authors: Patnaik Saroj Kumar , Kumar Pradeep , Yadav Priya , Mittal Anubha , Patel Sakshi , Yadav Mahendra Pal , Bose Tathagata , Kanitkar Madhuri
Published: November 2018

Introduction

In last few years, several studies have revealed the remarkable stability of extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) circulating in the blood or excreted in the urine and underscored their key importance as biomarkers of certain diseases. Since miRNA in urinary sediment is relatively stable and easily quantified, it has the potential to be developed as a biomarker for disease diagnosis and monitoring. Identification of serum and urinary levels of certain miRNAs may assist in the diagnosis and assessment of disease activity in patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS). The global expression profile of miRNAs in childhood NS in Indian population remains unknown. Hence, further research is warranted in this area. This study seeks to prospectively evaluate whether a multipronged multiomics approach concentrating on microRNA expression profiles in children with NS vis-a-vis normal healthy children is discriminant enough to predict steroid responsiveness in childhood NS.

Methods and analysis

In this prospective multicentric cohort study, subjects will be recruited from general paediatric and paediatric nephrology outpatient departments (OPDs) in tertiary care level referral hospitals. Age-matched and sex-matched healthy individuals with normal renal function (as assessed by normal serum creatinine and normal ultrasound of kidneys, ureter and bladder) in 1:1 ratio between study and control groups will be recruited from among the healthy siblings of children presenting to the OPDs. Differential microRNA expression profiles in urine and serum samples of children with steroid-sensitive NS (SSNS) and steroid-resistant NS (SRNS) with healthy children will be compared in a two-phased manner: a biomarker discovery phase involving pooled samples across SSNS, SRNS and healthy siblings analysed in triplicate using next-generation sequencing, slide microarray and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) arrays covering human miRNome followed by a validation phase with customised qRT-PCR primers based on the concordance in the discovery phase differential expression profiles and bioinformatics analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is funded after dueInstitutional Ethics Committee (IEC) clearance, and results will be available as open access.
Changes in northern hemisphere male international rugby union players’ body mass and height between 1955 and 2015
Authors: Hill Neil E , Rilstone Sian , Stacey Michael J , Amiras Dimitri , Chew Stephen , Flatman David , Oliver Nick S
Published: November 2018

Objectives

We sought to establish the effects of professionalism, which officially began in 1995, on the body mass and height of northern hemisphere male international rugby union (RU) players. We hypothesised that mass would significantly increase following professionalism. We also investigated the changes in size of players according to their playing position, and we compared changes to rugby league (RL) players and the public.

Methods

The body mass and height of players representing their international team for that country’s first game of the Five Nations in 1955, 1965, 1975, 1985 and 1995 and, for 2005 and 2015, the Six Nations, were collected from matchday programmes. RL players’ data were collected from the Challenge Cup final games played in the same years.

Results

International RU player body mass has significantly increased since 1995. In 1955 mean (±SD) player body mass was 84.8  kg (±8.2); in 2015, it was 105.4  kg (±12.1), an increase of 24.3%. Between 1955 and 2015, the body mass of forwards increased steadily, whereas that of backs has mostly gone up since 1995. RU player body mass gain has exceeded that of RL, but the age-matched difference between RU players and the public has remained relatively constant.

Conclusions

The factors influencing the gain in body mass of rugby players are legion; however, we believe that the interpretation of the law relating to the scrum put-in and changes allowing substitutions have, at least in part, contributed to the observed changes. Injury severity is increasing, and this may be linked to greater forces (caused by greater body mass) occurring in contact. RU law makers should adjust the rules to encourage speed and skill at the expense of mass.
Increased long QT and torsade de pointes reporting on tamoxifen compared with aromatase inhibitors
Authors: Grouthier Virginie , Lebrun-Vignes Benedicte , Glazer Andrew M , Touraine Philippe , Funck-Brentano Christian , Pariente Antoine , Courtillot Carine , Bachelot Anne , Roden Dan M , Moslehi Javid J , Salem Joe-Elie
Published: November 2018

Objective

A prolonged QTc (LQT) is a surrogate for the risk of torsade de pointes (TdP). QTc interval duration is influenced by sex hormones: oestradiol prolongs and testosterone shortens QTc. Drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer have divergent effects on hormonal status.

Methods

We performed a disproportionality analysis using the European database of suspected adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports to evaluate the reporting OR (ROR χ2) of LQT, TdP and ventricular arrhythmias associated with selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs: tamoxifen and toremifene) as opposed to aromatase inhibitors (AIs: anastrozole, exemestane and letrozole). When the proportion of an ADR is greater in patients exposed to a drug (SERMs) compared with patients exposed to control drug (AIs), this suggests an association between the specific drug and the reaction and is a potential signal for safety. Clinical and demographic characterisation of patients with SERMs-induced LQT and ventricular arrhythmias was performed.

Results

SERMs were associated with higher proportion of LQT reports versus AIs (26/8318 vs 11/14851, ROR: 4.2 (2.11–8.55), p<0.001). SERMs were also associated with higher proportion of TdP and ventricular arrhythmia reports versus AIs (6/8318 vs 2/14851, ROR: 5.4 (1.29–26.15), p:0.02; 16/8318 vs 12/14851, ROR: 2.38 (1.15–4.94), p:0.02, respectively). Mortality was 38% in patients presenting ventricular arrhythmias associated with SERMs.

Conclusions

SERMs are associated with more reports of drug-induced LQT, TdP and ventricular arrhythmias compared with AIs. This finding is consistent with oestradiol-like properties of SERMs on the heart as opposed to effects of oestrogen deprivation and testosterone increase induced by AIs.

Trial registration number

NCT03259711.
Bromodomain protein inhibition: a novel therapeutic strategy in rheumatic diseases
Authors: Klein Kerstin
Published: November 2018

The reading of acetylation marks on histones by bromodomain (BRD) proteins is a key event in transcriptional activation. Small molecule inhibitors targeting bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins compete for binding to acetylated histones. They have strong anti-inflammatory properties and exhibit encouraging effects in different cell types in vitro and in animal models resembling rheumatic diseases in vivo. Furthermore, recent studies that focus on BRD proteins beyond BET family members are discussed.
Integrated Pediatric Health Care in Pennsylvania: A Survey of Primary Care and Behavioral Health Providers
Authors: Kolko David J. , Torres Eunice , Rumbarger Kevin , James Everette , Turchi Renee , Bumgardner Cheryl , O’Brien Connell
Published: November 2018

This study reports on a statewide survey of medical and behavioral health professionals to advance the knowledge base on the benefits and obstacles to delivering integrated pediatric health care. Surveys distributed in 3 statewide provider networks were completed by 110 behavioral health specialists (BHSs) and 111 primary care physicians (PCPs). Survey content documented their perceptions about key services, benefits, barriers, and needed opportunities related to integrated care. Factor analyses identified 8 factors, and other items were examined individually. We compared responses by specialty group (BHS vs PCP) and integrated care experience (no vs yes). The findings revealed differences across domains by specialty subgroup. In several cases, BHS (vs PCP) respondents, especially those with integrated care experience, reported lower benefits, higher barriers, and fewer resource requests. The implications of these results for enhancing care integration development, delivery, training, and research are discussed along with the study’s limitations and empirical literature.
The Bayesian Multilevel Trifactor Item Response Theory Model
Authors: Fujimoto Ken A.
Published: November 2018

Advancements in item response theory (IRT) have led to models for dual dependence, which control for cluster and method effects during a psychometric analysis. Currently, however, this class of models does not include one that controls for when the method effects stem from two method sources in which one source functions differently across the aspects of another source (i.e., a nested method–source interaction). For this study, then, a Bayesian IRT model is proposed, one that accounts for such interaction among method sources while controlling for the clustering of individuals within the sample. The proposed model accomplishes these tasks by specifying a multilevel trifactor structure for the latent trait space. Details of simulations are also reported. These simulations demonstrate that this model can identify when item response data represent a multilevel trifactor structure, and it does so in data from samples as small as 250 cases nested within 50 clusters. Additionally, the simulations show that misleading estimates for the item discriminations could arise when the trifactor structure reflected in the data is not correctly accounted for. The utility of the model is also illustrated through the analysis of empirical data.
The community strike: From precarity to militant organizing
Authors: Paret Marcel
Published: November 2018

How do insecure layers of the working class resist when they lack access to power and organization at the workplace? The community strike represents one possible approach. Whereas traditional workplace strikes target employers and exercise power by withholding labor, community strikes focus on the sphere of reproduction, target the state, and build power through moral appeals and disruptions of public space. Drawing on ethnography and interviews in the impoverished Black townships and informal settlements around Johannesburg, I illustrate this approach by examining widespread local protests in South Africa. Insecurely employed and unemployed residents implemented community strikes by demanding public services, barricading roads and destroying property, and boycotting activities such as work and school. Within these local revolts, community represented both a site of struggle and a collective actor. While community strikes enabled economically insecure groups to mobilize and make demands, they also confronted significant limits, including tensions between protesters and workers.
Impostor Phenomenon Responses of Early Career Music Education Faculty
Authors: Sims Wendy L. , Cassidy Jane W.
Published: November 2018

This study was designed to examine to the extent to which impostor feelings, symptomatic of the psychological condition impostor phenomenon (IP), would be evident in early career university-level music educators. Those experiencing IP are typically successful individuals yet with impostor feelings that may include debilitating psychological effects related to an irrational fear of failure and exposure as a “fraud.” Participants were post–doctoral degree music education faculty in their first 4 years of full-time college teaching ( N = 54). They responded to the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale and to scales adapted for faculty roles of undergraduate teaching, graduate teaching, and research. Results indicated that all participants experienced a moderate or higher level of impostor feelings on at least one of the scales, with five responses indicating intense impostor feelings on at least three scales. Participants’ responses to the Undergraduate Teaching Scale were the most positive. Scores for the Research Scale generated the strongest IP feelings, falling into the frequent or intense category for over 70% of the participants. Strategies that may help faculty members assuage or overcome their impostor feelings include realizing that they are not alone, working with peers, mentors and role models, and acquiring relevant experiences during doctoral preparation.
Do They Have to Like It to Learn from It? Students’ Experiences, Group Dynamics, and Learning Outcomes in Group Research Projects
Authors: Monson Renee A.
Published: November 2018

Small-group pedagogies, such as group research projects, are a common instructional method in undergraduate education. The literature suggests that small-group learning has positive effects on learning outcomes, but some students have negative attitudes toward group work, and student complaints about negative group dynamics, such as free-riding, are common. This study examines the relationship between learning outcomes associated with group research projects, student experiences, and group dynamics, controlling for students’ individual characteristics, group composition, task type, and incentive structures. The sample includes data on course records and self-assessment narratives for 240 students who completed a sociology research methods course at a small, private liberal arts institution between 2004 and 2015. Multivariate analyses indicate that students’ experiences have indirect effects on individual learning outcomes, and some aspects of group composition, task type, and group dynamics predict students’ experiences with group research projects.
Open chest epicardial and transapical endocardial substrate ablation for ventricular tachycardia with left ventricular aneurysm in a porcine model
Authors: Li Bo , Liu Changcheng , Wang Liangshan , Wang Jin , Hu Yucai , Gu Chengxiong
Published: November 2018

Background:

Endo-epicardial radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of ventricular tachycardia (VT) as a first-line strategy has been shown to improve outcomes. This study sought to evaluate the feasibility and validity of open-chest epicardial and transapical endocardial substrate ablation for VT with left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) applying to routine cardiac surgery.

Methods:

Porcine models of LVA with VT were developed and were divided into a study group (RFCA from the epicardium via direct-view and endocardium via transapical access) and a control group (endocardial RFCA via retrograde transaortic access). Substrate-based mapping and ablation targeting abnormal potentials were performed under thoracotomy. Outcomes, including procedural success and acute freedom from VT, were analysed.

Results:

Twenty-four of 35 (68.57%) acute myocardial infarction (AMI) pigs developed LVA with VT in a 6-week survival period and were randomly divided into a study group (n=12) and a control group (n=12). All animals in the study group successfully underwent endocardial mapping and ablation by transapical access. The scar size of the endocardium and the left ventricular chamber volume were similar in the two groups. Acute freedom from VT in the study group was remarkably superior to that in the control group (88.33% vs. 58.33%, p=0.04).

Conclusions:

Combined, direct epicardial and transapical endocardial substrate mapping and ablation appeared to be feasible and effective for treating VT with LVA under thoracotomy.
Length of Women’s Stays in Domestic Violence Shelters: Examining the Contribution of Background Variables, Level of Violence, Reasons for Entering Shelters, and Expectations
Authors: Ben-Porat Anat , Sror-Bondarevsky Noa
Published: November 2018

Women’s shelters are one of the most important services established for women who are victims of intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW). Studies indicate that women undergo positive processes in shelters, and the longer the stay in the shelter, the more successful the woman will be in leaving the cycle of violence. However, the literature also reveals a remarkable variance in the length of women’s shelter stays, and very little research has been conducted to understand the factors contributing to this variance. The current research focused on the contribution of demographics (ethnic origin, age, education, number of children, and employment situation), history of violence (level of violence, characteristics of violence, and separation attempts from the partner), reasons for entering the shelter, and expectations of the shelter framework to the length of women’s shelter stays. Research participants consisted of 506 women living in 12 shelters in Israel. The findings revealed a variance in the length of the women’s stays in accordance with their ethnic origins. Women who had immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia or from the former Soviet Union (FSU) stayed in shelters for longer periods of time than did Israeli-born Arab women, who stayed in shelters for significantly shorter periods of time than did Israeli-born Jewish women. There was no contribution of the demographic variables to the variance of length of the woman’s shelter stay. In addition, previous separations, emotional abuse, and applying to the shelter following the decision of a child protection worker explained 12% of the variance in the length of the woman’s shelter stay. The findings point to a specific profile that seems to predict a woman’s longer stay in shelters for women who are victims of intimate partner violence.
Appetite for Growth: Challenges to Scale for Food and Beverage Makers in Three U.S. Cities
Authors: Schrock Greg , Doussard Marc , Wolf-Powers Laura , Marotta Stephen , Eisenburger Max
Published: November 2018

Food and beverage (FaB) manufacturing represents a promising opportunity for small-scale “makers” and local economic development. The growth of entrepreneurial maker businesses can be understood in terms of segmentation of market demand, emergence of new intermediaries, and availability of affordable production infrastructure. Yet the ease of starting maker businesses stands in contrast with the challenges of achieving growth and scale as a manufacturer. Through semistructured interviews with 31 FaB makers in Chicago, New York City, and Portland, Oregon, the authors analyze the challenges facing maker–entrepreneurs in this sector. The authors find that the everyday character of food and the relative ubiquity of food production infrastructure helps makers get their start, but that the unique character of food inputs and distribution networks pose distinct challenges and opportunities as they grow. Economic development efforts to support FaB makers should focus on nurturing local demand, developing food-oriented intermediaries, and ensuring affordable production space.
Artificial neural network–based performance modeling of a diesel engine within the whole operating region considering dynamic conditions
Authors: Sun Liang , Wei Wei , Yan Qingdong , Jian Hongchao
Published: November 2018

Engine performance under full working conditions, especially dynamic ones, is indispensable in many vehicle-level research fields. To acquire the engine performance parameters, a novel whole-region engine model, considering both steady and dynamic conditions, was developed based on limited test data in this work. This model used throttle position, engine speed, and its acceleration as the input variables to predict torque and brake-specific fuel consumption under all practical conditions within its operating envelope. The engine bench test was first conducted under typical operating conditions to collect test data for model development and validation. Then, the backpropagation neural network with designed structure was employed to perform data fitting for test conditions. After the analysis of parameter distribution tendency, the two-step interpolation method was used to generalize performance parameters under conditions apart from those test ones. The cross-condition prediction accuracy of developed engine model was validated by test data under various operating conditions. Also, the parameter prediction error of proposed modeling method was lower compared to that of existing neural network methods, which further proved its applicability to dynamic engine modeling issues.
The independent reinforcement effect: The role diverse social ties play in the credibility assessment process
Authors: Hayat Tsahi , Hershkovitz Arnon , Samuel-Azran Tal
Published: November 2018

In this study, we explore the effect of diversity among people who share a story about a scientific discovery, on the recipient’s credibility assessment regarding that story. The data used in this study were gathered in two phases. Initial data were collected through the Twitter application program interface. The data were then used in an experimental setting: We manipulated the level of diversity of real-life Twitter followings, supposedly retweeting a story to our participants ( n = 274). Each of our participants was then asked to complete a paper-based survey. Our findings show that social diversity can enhance the perceived credibility of a shared item. This effect is amplified among individuals with high digital literacy, as well as individuals with high need for cognition. The study offers a deeper understanding of credibility assessment mechanisms within Twitter and other social networking sites.
Promoting Identity Development in Leadership Education: A Multidomain Approach to Developing the Whole Leader
Authors: Clapp-Smith Rachel , Hammond Michelle M. , Lester Gretchen Vogelgesang , Palanski Michael
Published: November 2018

Empirical research suggests that focusing on one’s identity as a leader may enhance ongoing leadership development. As a complement to traditional theory- and skills-based approaches to leader development, we offer an identity-based, multidomain approach to leadership development through a series of integrated in-class exercises. Specifically, these exercises focus on developing four components of leader identity: meaning, strength, levels (personal, relational, and collective), and integration of domain-specific subidentities, culminating in the creation of a leader identity narrative. After a brief review of the literature on leader identity, we describe the exercises in detail along with potential prompts for personal reflection and group discussion. We also present qualitative evidence of the intended outcomes of the exercises, including the desired effect of developing students’ leader identities.
Oral Vancomycin for Secondary Prophylaxis of Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Brown Chase C. , Manis Melanie M. , Bohm Nicole M. , Curry Scott R.
Published: November 2018

Objective: To summarize and critically appraise the evidence regarding oral vancomycin prophylaxis (OVP) to prevent recurrent Clostridium difficile infections (RCDIs), identify potential consequences of this emerging practice, and highlight future directions of study. Data Sources: A MEDLINE literature search of English-language publications from 1947 through September 2018 was performed using the search terms vancomycin and C difficile and prophylaxis. Clinical trials were identified on the National Library of Medicine clinical trials registry. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All clinical studies (n = 3) assessing oral vancomycin for secondary prophylaxis of C difficile infection (CDI) were evaluated by all authors. Other search results and references in selected publications were used for background and discussion. Data Synthesis: OVP reduced the risk of RCDI in high-risk patients taking systemic antibiotics. Variable dosing regimens and lack of safety data are limitations. OVP may have an adverse impact on the gastrointestinal microbiome, but this was not examined in the clinical studies. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Although current studies are limited by methodological concerns, clinicians can consider vancomycin 125 mg orally once or twice daily in high-risk patients receiving broad-spectrum antibacterial agents. Results of ongoing trials will define the most appropriate regimen and its impact on outcomes, including collateral damage. Conclusions: OVP reduces the risk of RCDIs and should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Caution is warranted before routine use is implemented because the impact on long-term outcomes has not been assessed and the optimal regimen has not been defined.
Social Media Marketing of Qualitative Research: Blurring Commerce and Community
Authors: Allen Mitchell
Published: November 2018

Scholarly publishers who market their products through social media expect few direct sales. If so, why then do scholarly publishers invest so much in promoting their products through concerted social marketing campaigns? By emphasizing their information-sharing and collegiality functions on social media, publishers mask the commercial nature of the scholarly publishing industry. This idea is developed by tracing the history of marketing scholarly works, particularly in qualitative research, and by outlining the various social marketing strategies used by scholarly publishers. These include providing additional content to social media followers, representing the press as part of the academic community, engaging authors to market their own works, and mimicking academic language patterns and rhythms. Current trends in scholarly publishing will only serve to further blur this boundary between commerce and community.
National Policy Agendas Encounter the City: Complexities of Political-Spatial Implementation
Authors: Bollens Scott A.
Published: November 2018

This article examines implementation of national political agendas in two urban settings—Israel’s program aimed at sole sovereign control of Jerusalem and Northern Ireland’s effort to build peace in Belfast. It is based on seven months of in-country research and 122 interviews conducted in 2015 and 2016. Political goals of united Jerusalem in Israel and shared future in Northern Ireland are problematized as they confront micro-scale urban dynamics and resistant patterns of community power. A national policy agenda aimed at managing a city requires a political-spatial process of implementation having erratic effects. National-urban disjunctions were found in fundamentally different national programs, illuminating the inherent disruptive quality of urban dynamics in resisting national mandates. Findings inform theories of policy implementation and urban governance, highlighting problematic characteristics of national goals when implemented in urban space and the role of ethnic and cultural interests operating outside formal urban governance institutions in impeding national directives.
Finite element analysis of micromorphic and micropolar continua based on two-dimensional elasticity
Authors: Bazdid-Vahdati Majid , Faraji Oskouie Mohammad , Ansari Reza , Rouhi Hessam
Published: November 2018

In this paper, within the framework of two-dimensional (2D) elasticity, a novel finite element formulation is proposed based on the micropolar theory (MPT) and the micromorphic theory (MMT). First, general formulations are developed for the micromorphic and micropolar continua in the context of 2D elasticity. Then, they are presented in a matrix form which is useful from the computational viewpoint. In the next step, using the matricized MPT and MMT formulations, a linear finite element approach including the effects of micro-deformation and micro-rotation degrees of freedom (DOFs) of material particles is developed, and a quadratic size-dependent element is proposed accordingly. Two test problems are solved to reveal the efficiency of the developed formulation. The influence of the length scale parameter on the bending of micromorphic and micropolar plates is illustrated in the given examples. Furthermore, comparisons are made between the results obtained from classical elasticity theory and those calculated based upon MPT and MMT.
Long-Term Effectiveness of Guided Self-Help for Parents of Children With ADHD in Routine Care—An Observational Study
Authors: Döpfner Manfred , Liebermann-Jordanidis Hannah , Kinnen Claudia , Hallberg Nora , Mokros Laura , Benien Nicole , Mütsch Anna , Schürmann Stephanie , Wolff Metternich-Kaizman Tanja , Hautmann Christopher , Dose Christina
Published: November 2018

Objective:To assess long-term effectiveness of guided self-help for parents of children with ADHD under routine care conditions. Method: 6- to 12-year-old children diagnosed with ADHD were enrolled in an observational study on a 1-year telephone-assisted parent-administered behavioral intervention. N = 136 families who completed the intervention participated in a follow-up assessment. Pre-, post-, and follow-up data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA with planned contrasts. Clinical significance was analyzed according to the reliable change index. Results: Child ADHD symptoms (primary outcome), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms, overall behavioral problems, and quality of life improved during the intervention. There was a further improvement in ADHD symptoms at follow-up, with a medium effect size. Improvements during treatment in ODD symptoms, overall behavioral problems, and quality of life were maintained at follow-up. Conclusion: The findings suggest that telephone-assisted self-help interventions may result in a long-term reduction of child behavior problems.
Aesthetic Dermatologic Surgery Training in Canadian Residency Programs
Authors: Worley Brandon , Verma Luvneet , Macdonald Jillian
Published: November 2018

Background:

The public and other physicians expect dermatologists to be experts on aesthetic dermatology services. In Canada, current challenges may limit residents from achieving competency in aesthetic dermatology during their training. This may adversely affect patient safety, create medicolegal risks, and deter graduates from offering aesthetic procedures.

Objectives:

The objective of this article is to characterize the curriculum, hands-on learning opportunities, and perceptions of aesthetic dermatologic training in Canadian dermatology residency training programs.

Methods:

An online survey of faculty and residents within Canadian dermatology residency programs was performed. The main outcome measures were the hours of formal aesthetic dermatology teaching, the frequency of hands-on dermatology resident training with injectables and devices, and comparing faculty and resident perspectives regarding resident aesthetic dermatology training.

Results:

Thirty-six faculty members (40%) and 47 residents (34%) responded to the survey. Lasers, fillers, neuromodulators, and mole removal were most commonly taught in the 10 hours or fewer of formal instruction. Residents commonly observed rather than performed procedures. High dissatisfaction among residents was reported with the quality and quantity of aesthetic dermatology training. Faculty and resident respondents supported increasing aesthetic dermatology education, and approximately 70% of residents plan to offer aesthetic services. Discounted pricing or resident-led clinics were felt to be ways to increase resident hands-on experience.

Conclusions:

The standardization of core competencies in aesthetic dermatologic procedures is essential to ensure patient safety and practitioner competence. At present, formal aesthetic dermatology training in residency may be insufficient for hands-on training. The majority of dermatology faculty and resident respondents support increasing aesthetic dermatology training.
Influence of response time of magnetorheological valve in Skyhook controlled three-parameter damping system
Authors: Strecker Zbyněk , Roupec Jakub , Mazůrek Ivan , Macháček Ondřej , Kubík Michal
Published: November 2018

A three-parameter suspension system is often used for vibration isolation of sensitive devices especially in a space industry. This article describes the three-parameter suspension system with magnetorheological valve controlled by Skyhook algorithm. Simulations of such systems showed promising results. They, however, showed that the suspension performance is strongly influenced by magnetorheological valve response time. Results from simulations proved that the semiactive control of such system with response time of magnetorheological damper up to 4 ms outperforms any passive setting. The simulations were verified by an experiment on suspension system with magnetorheological valve with response time between 3.5 and 4.1 ms controlled by a Skyhook algorithm. Although the control algorithm was slightly modified in order to prevent instabilities of control loop caused by signal noise, the results from the experiment showed the same trends like the simulations.
Beware of on-treatment safety analyses
Authors: Yang Fred , Wittes Janet , Pitt Bertram
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

Assessing safety is important to evaluating new medications. In many randomized clinical trials, assessment of safety relies on so-called on-treatment analysis, where data on adverse events are collected only while the participant is taking study medication and perhaps for a few (7, 14, or 30) days after stopping. This article discusses the consequence of such failure to use intent-to-treat analyses in assessing safety.

Methods:

This article discusses two approaches to analysis of safety data: intention-to-treat and on-treatment analysis with reference to principles of the design of randomized clinical trial.

Results:

On-treatment analysis violates randomization and is often not well defined. Moreover, because the typical on-treatment analysis ignores the reason participants in clinical trials stop treatment, on-treatment analyses can lead to biased estimates of risk. Examples show biases that can result from failure to count all adverse events. An example from a study of rofecoxib shows an on-treatment analysis that led to likely underestimation of harm; an example from a study of saxagliptin shows an on-treatment analysis that led to a likely overestimate of harms.

Conclusion:

For major safety outcomes in long-term clinical trials, intention-to-treat analysis should be performed in the framework of benefit–risk evaluation. More generally, analyses of safety should be tailored to the specific question being asked with the specific study design under consideration. On-treatment analyses are subject to bias; however, the direction of that bias is not necessarily clear.
Berry seed oils as potential cardioprotective food supplements
Authors: Jurgoński Adam , Koza Jarosław , Chu Dinh-Toi , Opyd Paulina M.
Published: November 2018

Background

There is a tendency to search for new, unconventional plant oils with health-promoting properties, preferably unrefined, which besides having an interesting fatty acid profile contain a high level of biologically active compounds. This review is focused on selected berry seed oils as potential cardioprotective food supplements, that is, strawberry, red raspberry, and blackcurrant seed oil, and their chemical composition and nutritional quality.

Main text

Berry seed oils are rich in essential fatty acids both from n-6 and n-3 family. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in selected oils was reported as follows (as percentage of total fatty acids): red raspberry seed oil, 85% (linoleic acid, 54%; α-linolenic acid, 32%); blackcurrant seed oil, 81.5% (linoleic acid, 48%; α- and γ-linolenic acid, 30%); and strawberry seed oil, 78% (linoleic acid, 42%; α-linolenic acid, 36%). Worthy of notice is also the presence of γ-linolenic acid in blackcurrant seed oil (approximately 17%). In addition, the seed oils are abundant in other bio-active compounds, such as sterols, tocols, and phenolic compounds. Except for blackcurrant seed oil, health-promoting aspects of the proposed seed oils have not been extensively investigated in in vivo studies. But, there are available studies on laboratory rats suggesting cardioprotective properties of these oils. Especially, a potent triglyceride-lowering effect of blackcurrant, strawberry, and raspberry seed oil was visible. The tested berry seed oils also ameliorated the inflammatory state in the organism and the liver fat content. Nevertheless, the consumption of the berry seed oils, especially together with an unbalanced diet, induced also some unfavorable changes in the organism.

Conclusion

The proposed berry seed oils can be considered edible and potentially cardioprotective supplements; however, there is a need for extensive in vivo researches that could confirm their properties, check the safety of their consumption, and allow to select the most suitable ones.
ОСОБЕННОСТИ ПРОЯВЛЕНИЯ ПСИХОФИЗИОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ СОСТОЯНИЙ СПОРТСМЕНОВ ВЫСОКОГО КЛАССА, СПЕЦИАЛИЗИРУЮЩИХСЯ В СИЛОВЫХ ВИДАХ СПОРТА
Authors: Vlasova Valentina Pavlovna , Maydokina Ludmila Gennadievna
Published: November 2018

Цель. В статье рассматривается проблема проявления психофизиологических состояний спортсменов высокого класса, специализирующихся в силових видах спорта. Цель исследования – изучить особенности проявления психофизиологических состояний спортсменов высокого класса, специализирующихся в силовых видах спорта: тяжелая атлетика и пауэрлифтинг. Комплексное исследование проведено на базе Регионального научно-практического центра физической культуры и здорового образа жизни МГПИ, в котором приняли участие спортсмены, специализирующиеся в тяжелой атлетике и пауэрлифтинге, группы высшего спортивного мастерства, имеющие спортивные звания мастера спорта Российской Федерации, заслуженного мастера спорта, мастера спорта международного класса.Метод или методология проведения работы. В исследовании применялся комплекс методов, включающий: анализ и обобщение психологической и педагогической литературы; психологическое тестирование; педагогическое и психологическое наблюдения; эксперимент (констатирующий).Результаты. В результате проведенного исследования можно выделить следующие особенности проявления психофизиологических состояний спортсменов высокого класса, специализирующихся в тяжелой атлетике и пауэрлифтинге: спортсменам данной спортивной квалификации присуща ярко выраженная экстровертированность, средний уровень нейротизма, изменчивое настроение, низкий уровень реактивной тревожности, умеренный уровень выраженности личностной тревожности, слабая нервно-психическая напряженность. Общее функциональное состояние и работоспособность нервной системы достаточно высокие и стабильные, даже в условиях утомления в посттренировочный период.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть использованы тренерами при планировании и организациии индивидуальной траектории спортивной подготовки воспитанников.
ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНО-ЦЕННОСТНЫХ ОРИЕНТАЦИЙ БУДУЩИХ ПЕДАГОГОВ НА ЭТАПЕ ВЫСШЕГО ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ
Authors: Kudashkina Olga Vasilevna
Published: November 2018

Целью данной статьи является исследование профессионально-ценностных ориентаций будущих педагогов на этапе высшего образования.Метод или методология проведения работы. В статье был использован комплекс методов исследования, включающий: теоретический анализ психолого-педагогической литературы; диагностические методики – «Изучение ценностных ориентаций» (М. Рокич), «Изучение профессионально-ценностных ориентаций педагога» (О.В. Кудашкина).Результаты работы. Новизна исследования состоит в том, что на основе анализа научных работ конкретизировано содержание понятия «профессионально-ценностные ориентации будущего педагога», выделены типы профессионально-ценностных ориентаций педагога, подобраны и апробированы психодиагностические методики для изучения профессионально-ценностных ориентаций будущих педагогов. В работе представлены результаты экспериментального исследования, которые, во-первых, показало, что среди терминальных ценностей у будущих педагогов преобладают индивидуальные ценности и ценности профессиональной самореализации, а среди инструментальных – этические ценности и ценности общения, во-вторых, у испытуемых высок процент лиц, обладающих средним и высоким уровнями развития профессионально-ценностных ориентаций.Область применения результатов. Материалы статьи могут быть использованы в учебно-воспитательном процессе педагогического вуза, а также в процессе профессиональной переподготовки педагогических кадров.
СТРЕССОУСТОЙЧИВОСТЬ И АДАПТАЦИОННЫЕ ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ ЛИЧНОСТИ ВЫГОРАЮЩИХ СПЕЦИАЛИСТОВ В СЛОЖНЫХ УСЛОВИЯХ ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ
Authors: Malyshev Ivan Viktorovich
Published: November 2018

Основная цель исследования: изучение характеристик стрессоустойчивости и адаптационных составляющих личности инспекторов-профайлеров с разными проявлениями выгорания. Представлен теоретический обзор проблемы эмоционального выгорания, стрессоустойчивости и адаптации личности. Отражена актуальность исследования на примере специалистов в области безопасности, взаимодействующих и адаптирующихся в сложных условиях деятельности.Методы психодиагностического исследования: опросник эмоционального выгорания В.В.Бойко, опросник адаптации и стрессоустойчивости А.Г. Маклакова, опросник социально-психологической адаптации К. Роджерса и Р. Даймонда. Статистическая обработка данных: методика сравнения двух независимых выборок (t-критерий Стьюдента).Результаты работы: Определено, что адаптационные характеристики личности, ее устойчивость к стрессам влияют на уровень выгорания испытуемых-профайлеров, в целом на формирование синдрома. Установлены статистически значимые различия параметров адаптации и стрессоустойчивости личности у специалистов с высокими и низкими проявлениями эмоционального выгорания.Применение результатов: психологическое сопровождение сотрудников в сложных (экстремальных) условиях деятельности, подготовка программ социально-профессиональной адаптации, рекомендаций, направленных на профилактику дезадаптации личности и повышающих ее стрессоустойчивость, адаптационые возможности.Вывод: У значительного числа специалистов-профайлеров (более 50%) обнаружены характеристики негативного проявления синдрома эмоционального выгорания и в целом превышение его уровня. Прослеживается зависимость между уровнем адаптивности личности, ее стрессоустойчивости и соответствующими проявлениями эмоционального выгорания у специалистов, взаимодействующих в сложных условиях деятельности. Эффективная индивидуальная и социально-психологическая адаптация и хорошая резистентность к стрессам снижает риск возникновения выгорания.
TOPICAL ASPECTS OF THE RESEARCH OF THE PAST: P. ROSSI’S CONCEPT OF THE CROWD
Authors: Gorbatov Dmitry Sergeevich , Baichik Anna Vitalyevna
Published: November 2018

Целью исследования являлось выявление основного содержания концепции стихийных объединений итальянского исследователя конца XIX – начала XX веков Паскуале Росси.Методы или методология проведения работы. Изучение концепции П. Росси предусматривало применение следующих методов исследования: теоретического анализа; историко-функционального метода, ориентированного на изучение идей итальянского ученого с учетом логики научного развития того времени; историко-генетического, предполагающего рассмотрение его научного наследия с учетом социально-исторических условий конца XIX – начала XX вв.; сравнительно-исторического, направленного на сопоставление взглядов П. Росси с воззрениями некоторых современников, а также с отдельными положениями современной психологической науки.Результаты. Описываются методологические ошибки, отмеченные П. Росси в концепциях С. Сигеле, Г. Тарда, Г. Лебона. Характеризуется его вклад в развитие коллективной психологии. Указывается совокупность причин, по которой коллективная психология утратила статус самостоятельной науки о социальных объединениях. Уточняются некоторые характеристики уличной толпы, предложенные Росси. Излагается его понимание демопедии как новой науки об образовании масс. Отмечаются те аспекты исследований П. Росси, развитие которых современные ученые считают перспективным для решения актуальных социально-психологических проблем.Область применения результатов. Проведенное исследование представляется целесообразным в контексте расширения предметного поля современной психологии стихийных социальных объединений, а также при разработке концептуальных основ системного подхода к данному феномену.