bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Publication Bias in Special Education Meta-Analyses
Authors: Gage Nicholas A. , Cook Bryan G. , Reichow Brian
Published: August 2017

Publication bias involves the disproportionate representation of studies with large and significant effects in the published research. Among other problems, publication bias results in inflated omnibus effect sizes in meta-analyses, giving the impression that interventions have stronger effects than they actually do. Although evidence suggests that publication bias exists in other fields, research has not examined the issue in special education. In this study, we examined the inclusion of gray literature, testing for publication bias, the extent to which publication bias exists, the relation of including gray literature to the presence of publication bias, and differences in effect size magnitude for gray literature and published studies among 109 meta-analyses published in special education journals. We found the following: (a) 42% of meta-analyses included gray literature, (b) 33% examined publication bias, (c) meta-analyses not including gray literature were more likely to reflect publication bias, and (d) published studies had larger effect sizes than gray literature. We discuss implications and recommendations for research and practice.
Relative Age Effect and Academic Timing in American Junior College Baseball
Authors: Beals Thomas C. , Furtado Ovande , Fontana Fabio E.
Published: August 2017

Previous research has shown that older athletes within age groupings are often perceived to be more talented simply due to advanced maturity, leading to biased selection in higher levels of sports competition, now commonly termed relative age effect (RAE). This study’s goals were to determine whether (a) RAE influenced the selection of junior college baseball participants and (b) academic timing ( Glamser & Marciani, 1992 ), in which academic status determines age groupings more than strict age guidelines for college sports, influenced the formation of RAE. Participants were 150 junior college baseball players. Our results showed that RAE was only a significant factor, comparing the birth distribution of participants born before and after the midpoint of the participation year, when academic timing was also a factor in determining age groupings. In addition, the birth rate distribution, though not significantly different than expected, was greater only when those participants born during the expected participation year were included. The results of this study indicate that RAE could bear more influence among American student-athletes than was previously reported in that RAE in conjunction with academic timing does influence the selection of collegiate athletes.
Resilience and active coping style
Authors: Popa-Velea Ovidiu , Diaconescu Liliana , Jidveian Popescu Mara , Truţescu Carmen
Published: August 2017

Objective

This study aimed to assess the association between resilience, active coping styles and the self-perceived quality of life in cancer patients. Additionally, we evaluated the contribution brought to quality of life by demographic variables (age, gender, occupational status) and medical ones (tumour, node and metastasis [TNM] stage, time from diagnosis, number of treatment lines).

Methods

The study design was cross-sectional. One hundred and seventy-eight patients (94 males, 84 females; mean age 56.20, SD = 7.81) consecutively admitted to two specialty hospitals in Bucharest and displaying TNM cancer stages II-IV were administered the Brief COPE Questionnaire, the RS-14 Resilience Scale and the Rotterdam symptom checklist. Hierarchical regression was used to analyze the relationship between the study variables and the quality of life components (physical distress, psychological distress, and the ability to remain active).

Results

The quality of life scores were within the average limits, despite 87.6% of patients being in an advanced cancer stage. Both resilience and active coping scores were in the higher range (resilience mean = 78.10, SD = 13.31, 95%CI = 76.14–80.06; active coping mean = 18.33, SD = 4.39, 95%CI = 17.68–18.98). Resilience correlated significantly with all quality of life components (global: p < .001, physical distress: p < .04, psychological distress: p < .0005, activity level: p < .03), whereas active coping did it only indirectly, via resilience. Among other variables, occupational status and time from diagnosis correlated inversely to two of quality of life components, and TNM stage to all.

Conclusions

This study points out the importance of resilience in influencing the self-perception of quality of life in cancer patients. Considering that resilience can be improved through psychological intervention, our findings may be useful for the design, adjustment, and implementation of future psychotherapeutic protocols.
A guide to psychopharmacological treatment of patients with intellectual disability in psychiatry
Authors: Molina-Ruiz Rosa M , Martín-Carballeda Julia , Asensio-Moreno Inmaculada , Montañés-Rada Francisco
Published: August 2017

Background

Subjects with intellectual disability are at increased risk of having comorbid psychiatric disorders and worse response to psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological treatment interventions. On the other hand, available data on best treatment approach in this population are scarce and lack scientific evidence due to methodological limitations. The present study aims to perform a systematic review of the literature to facilitate the use of psychotropic drugs in clinical practice and better establish future research targets in this field.

Objectives

To review the available psychopharmacological strategies for patients with intellectual disabilities, psychiatric disorders, and behavioural disturbances. Serve as a quick guide for clinicians working in the field of intellectual disability.

Methods

We conducted a selective evidence-based review of the literature using Pubmed and EMBASE databases and selected most recent and relevant papers for this review.

Results

There are several available psychotropic drugs for the treatment of patients with intellectual disability and comorbid psychiatric disorders, although scientific evidence is limited. Treatment should be individualized according to risk–benefit balance.

Discussion

Further studies are needed and new available drugs should be considered to gain knowledge in effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches available in this population.
Executive function in cancer patients with posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Yang Juan , Guo Juncheng , Jiang Xiangling
Published: August 2017

Background

Cancer patients with posttraumatic stress disorder can lead to their noncompliant behaviors. However, less is known about the neurocognitive functioning of posttraumatic stress disorder in general cancer types or patient populations. The current study attempted to examine the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder and their relationships with executive function in individuals with cancer.

Methods

A total of 285 cancer patients with posttraumatic stress disorder and 150 healthy individuals were recruited for the present study. The Clinician Administered PTSD Scale, Tower of Hanoi, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Chinese revision were administered to all participants.

Results

Significant differences in the score of Tower of Hanoi, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Chinese revision were observed between the posttraumatic stress disorder group and the healthy control group ( p < 0.001). Significant correlations were found between all posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and executive function.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that individuals with cancer-related posttraumatic stress disorder exhibit more severe impairment in executive function than healthy controls do.
Next generation assessment technology
Authors: Byrne James , Pattavina April
Published: August 2017

The recent inclusion of community-level risk variables in (some) fourth generation risk assessment instruments, ostensibly to make more accurate individual-level predictions of the likelihood of reoffending among the populations of probationers and parolees under community supervision, is examined in the following review. This development raises a thorny issue: what if the price of improved predictive accuracy is increased gender, race, or class-based disparity? Our review underscores the problems (conceptualization and measurement related) inherent in combining individual risk variables with community-level risk variables in order to assess an offender’s risk for re-offending during a specified follow-up period. In recognition of the likely disparity that will result from the conflation of neighborhood risk into individual risk assessments, we suggest an alternative: conduct a separate neighborhood risk assessment that can be used to simultaneously develop (1) a community-based treatment plan for individual offenders and (2) a resource development plan identifying and addressing service shortfalls and other risk factors in the neighborhoods where offenders reside.
Oxygen metabolism in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Lin Weili , Powers William J
Published: August 2017

Gaining insights into brain oxygen metabolism has been one of the key areas of research in neurosciences. Extensive efforts have been devoted to developing approaches capable of providing measures of brain oxygen metabolism not only under normal physiological conditions but, more importantly, in various pathophysiological conditions such as cerebral ischemia. In particular, quantitative measures of cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen using positron emission tomography (PET) have been shown to be capable of discerning brain tissue viability during ischemic insults. However, the complex logistics associated with oxygen-15 PET have substantially hampered its wide clinical applicability. In contrast, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based approaches have provided quantitative measures of cerebral oxygen metabolism similar to that obtained using PET. Given the wide availability, MRI-based approaches may have broader clinical impacts, particularly in cerebral ischemia, when time is a critical factor in deciding treatment selection. In this article, we review the pathophysiological basis of altered cerebral hemodynamics and oxygen metabolism in cerebral ischemia, how quantitative measures of cerebral metabolism were obtained using the Kety–Schmidt approach, the physical concepts of non-invasive oxygen metabolism imaging approaches, and, finally, clinical applications of the discussed imaging approaches.
Astrocytic endfoot Ca2+ correlates with parenchymal vessel responses during 4-AP induced epilepsy: An in vivo two-photon lifetime microscopy study
Authors: Zhang Cong , Tabatabaei Maryam , Bélanger Samuel , Girouard Hélène , Moeini Mohammad , Lu Xuecong , Lesage Frédéric
Published: August 2017

Neurovascular coupling (NVC) underlying the local increase in blood flow during neural activity forms the basis of functional brain imaging and is altered in epilepsy. Because astrocytic calcium (Ca2+) signaling is involved in NVC, this study investigates the role of this pathway in epilepsy. Here, we exploit 4-AP induced epileptic events to show that absolute Ca2+ concentration in cortical astrocyte endfeet in vivo correlates with the diameter of precapillary arterioles during neural activity. We simultaneously monitored free Ca2+ concentration in astrocytic endfeet with the Ca2+-sensitive indicator OGB-1 and diameter of adjacent arterioles in the somatosensory cortex of adult mice by two-photon fluorescence lifetime measurements following 4-AP injection. Our results reveal that, regardless of the mechanism by which astrocytic endfoot Ca2+ was elevated during epileptic events, increases in Ca2+ associated with vasodilation for each individual ictal event in the focus. In the remote area, increases in Ca2+ correlated with vasoconstriction at the onset of seizure and vasodilation during the later part of the seizure. Furthermore, a slow increase in absolute Ca2+ with time following multiple seizures was observed, which in turn, correlated with a trend of arteriolar constriction both at the epileptic focus and remote areas.
Assessing the validity of the Triage Risk Screening Tool in a third world setting
Authors: Lalla Ravi , Sammy Ian , Paul Joanne , Nunes Paula , Ramcharitar Maharaj Vidya , Robertson Paula
Published: August 2017

Background

Social risk is rarely evaluated in older emergency department (ED) patients, although its identification can reduce re-attendance.

Objectives

This study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the Triage Risk Screening Tool (TRST) in the ED of a developing country.

Methods

The diagnostic accuracy of the TRST to detect elderly adults in need of social service intervention was compared with routine clinical evaluation, using comprehensive evaluation by an experienced social worker as the “gold standard”. The inter-rater reliability of the TRST was assessed on a separate cohort of patients prior to the main study.

Results

The sensitivity of the TRST was 94.7% versus 55.6% for physician assessment. The TRST had good inter-rater reliability (Cohen’s kappa = .882), and physicians found it easy to use.

Conclusion

The TRST provides a rapid means of assessing risk in older ED patients. This study confirmed the validity of this screening tool in a third world setting.
Blood oxygen level-dependent magnetic resonance imaging for detecting pathological patterns in patients with lupus nephritis: a preliminary study using gray-level co-occurrence matrix analysis
Authors: Shi Huilan , Jia Junya , Li Dong , Wei Li , Shang Wenya , Zheng Zhenfeng
Published: August 2017

Objective

Blood oxygen level-dependent magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD MRI) is a noninvasive technique useful in patients with renal disease. The current study was performed to determine whether BOLD MRI can contribute to the diagnosis of renal pathological patterns.

Methods

BOLD MRI was used to obtain functional magnetic resonance parameter R2* values. Gray-level co-occurrence matrixes (GLCMs) were generated for gray-scale maps. Several GLCM parameters were calculated and used to construct algorithmic models for renal pathological patterns.

Results

Histopathology and BOLD MRI were used to examine 12 patients. Two GLCM parameters, including correlation and energy, revealed differences among four groups of renal pathological patterns. Four Fisher’s linear discriminant formulas were constructed using two variables, including the correlation at 45° and correlation at 90°. A cross-validation test showed that the formulas correctly predicted 28 of 36 samples, and the rate of correct prediction was 77.8%.

Conclusions

Differences in the texture characteristics of BOLD MRI in patients with lupus nephritis may be detected by GLCM analysis. Discriminant formulas constructed using GLCM parameters may facilitate prediction of renal pathological patterns.
Relationship of respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, and functional capacity with quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Demir Rengin , Zeren Melih , Gurses Hulya Nilgun , Yigit Zerrin
Published: August 2017

Objective

To examine the relationship of pulmonary parameters and functional capacity with quality of life (QoL) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

Thirty-six patients with chronic AF were included in this cross-sectional study. QoL was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Survey 36-item Short Form (SF-36) and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). Respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function were also measured. Functional capacity was assessed with the 6-min walk test (6MWT). The Borg CR10 Scale was used to determine the resting dyspnea and fatigue levels.

Results

The SF-36 physical component summary score was correlated with the maximum inspiratory pressure (r = 0.517), maximum expiratory pressure (r = 0.391), 6MWT distance (r = 0.542), resting Borg dyspnea score (r = −0.692), and resting Borg fatigue score (r = −0.727). The MLHFQ total score was correlated with the maximum inspiratory pressure (r = −0.542), maximum expiratory pressure (r = −0.384), 6MWT distance (r = −0.535), resting Borg dyspnea score (r = 0.641), and resting Borg fatigue score (r = 0.703). The resting Borg fatigue score was the significant independent predictor of the SF-36 physical component score and the MLHFQ total score.

Conclusion

Respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity measured with the 6MWT, and resting symptoms including dyspnea and fatigue may have an impact on QoL in patients with AF.
On the Functions of Dreamtelling in the Context of Group Dynamics
Authors: Chistyakov Maxim S.
Published: August 2017

This article provides a brief review of the development of psychoanalytic views on the function, role and use of dreams in therapy. Dream telling is considered to be associated with a specific stage of group development. It is assumed that telling and processing dreams in the group aids members in restoring the integrity of their ‘inner image of the group’ when this integrity is threatened by conflicts. Telling and processing dreams in the group is also perceived as capable of performing other functions: alleviation of separation anxiety, a ‘levelling and regulating’ effect on the dreamer’s involvement in the group process, and the alignment of the positions of group members in terms of meeting the challenges of group development. Both the resistance and the motivation for development are always simultaneously present in dream telling. Which trend will prevail at any given moment depends on the particular situation in the group analytical process.
Influence of silica–alumina support ratio on H2 production and catalyst carbon deposition from the Ni-catalytic pyrolysis/reforming of waste tyres
Authors: Zhang Yeshui , Tao Yongwen , Huang Jun , Williams Paul
Published: August 2017

The influence of catalyst support alumina–silica in terms of different Al2O3 to SiO2 mole ratios containing 20 wt.% Ni on the production of hydrogen and catalyst coke formation from the pyrolysis-catalysis of waste tyres is reported. A two-stage reactor system was used with pyrolysis of the tyres followed by catalytic reaction. There was only a small difference in the total gas yield and hydrogen yield by changing the Al2O3 to SiO2 mole ratios in the Ni-Al2O3/SiO2 catalyst. The 1:1 ratio of Al2O3:SiO2 ratio produced the highest gas yield of 27.3 wt.% and a hydrogen production of 14.0 mmol g-1tyre. Catalyst coke formation decreased from 19.0 to 13.0 wt.% as the Al2O3:SiO2 ratio was changed from 1:1 to 2:1, with more than 95% of the coke being filamentous-type carbon, a large proportion of which was multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Further experiments introduced steam to the second-stage reactor to investigate hydrogen production for the pyrolysis-catalytic steam reforming of the waste tyres using the 1:1 Al2O3/SiO2 nickel catalyst. The introduction of steam produced a marked increase in total gas yield from ~27 wt. % to ~58 wt.%; in addition, hydrogen production was increased to 34.5 mmol g-1 and there was a reduction in catalyst coke formation to 4.6 wt.%.
Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and Breastfeeding Among WIC-Participating Infants in Los Angeles County
Authors: Nobari Tabashir Z. , Jiang Lu , Wang May C. , Whaley Shannon E.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Breastfeeding rates among low-income infants lag behind national rates. Policies such as the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) improve breastfeeding and may benefit low-income populations such as those who participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). A recent effort exists to increase the number of Baby-Friendly designated hospitals in Los Angeles County (LAC).

Research aim:

This study aimed to determine whether the BFHI effort has had a beneficial effect on Baby-Friendly hospital practices in LAC hospitals and to determine if birthing hospitals’ Baby-Friendly designation status is associated with breastfeeding outcomes among WIC-participating children in LAC.

Methods:

Data came from the Los Angeles County WIC Survey (2008, 2011, 2014), which is conducted on a random sample of approximately 5,000 WIC families living in LAC. The prevalence of three Baby-Friendly hospital practices was examined between 2008 and 2014. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of birthing hospitals’ Baby-Friendly designation status with any breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding at 1, 3, and 6 months.

Results:

The rates of Baby-Friendly hospital practices have improved since 2008. Although no association existed with rates of any breastfeeding, being born in a hospital designated Baby-Friendly or in the process of obtaining this designation was significantly associated with an increased odds of exclusive breastfeeding at 1 and 3 months.

Conclusion:

The BFHI may help achieve recommended exclusive breastfeeding rates, especially for low-income populations. Additional strategies are needed to support low-income mothers in LAC with all levels of breastfeeding.
Comparing third party policy frameworks: Regulating third party electoral finance in Canada and the United Kingdom
Authors: Lawlor Andrea , Crandall Erin
Published: August 2017

Deciding how to regulate money during elections is a critical policy choice faced by every democracy. Over the last two decades, both the United Kingdom and Canada have implemented substantial revisions to their electoral laws, including policy measures designed to regulate third party spending. Despite similar policy objectives, the countries’ approaches to regulation differ, leaving the potential for significant variation in third party spending outcomes. These differences between countries, with otherwise very similar policy goals and systems of government, provide a unique opportunity to build and test a comparative policy evaluation framework for third party campaign spending. By examining these differences and similarities, this article builds a framework for election policy evaluation that can be adapted to serve as a template for future policy evaluation, facilitating comparative research.
Preregistered Replication of “Affective Flexibility: Evaluative Processing Goals Shape Amygdala Activity”
Authors: Lumian Daniel S. , McRae Kateri
Published: August 2017

The human amygdala is sensitive to stimulus characteristics, and growing evidence suggests that it is also responsive to cognitive framing in the form of evaluative goals. To examine whether different evaluations of stimulus characteristics shape amygdala activation, we conducted a preregistered replication of Cunningham, Van Bavel, and Johnsen’s (2008) study demonstrating flexible mapping of amygdala activation to stimulus characteristics, depending on evaluative goals. Participants underwent functional MRI scanning while viewing famous names under three conditions: They were asked to report their overall attitude toward each name, their positive associations only, or their negative associations only. We observed an interaction between condition and rating type, identified as the effect of interest in Cunningham et al. (2008). Specifically, postscan positivity, but not negativity, ratings predicted left amygdala activation when participants were asked to evaluate positive, but not negative, associations with the names. These results provide convergent evidence that cognitive framing, in the form of evaluative goals, can significantly alter whether amygdala activation indexes positivity or negativity.
New Insights Into the Development of Human Tool Use
Authors: Lockman Jeffrey J. , Kahrs Björn A.
Published: August 2017

If tool use requires higher level cognitive abilities, how is it that many animals show the capacity to use tools? New research on the development of human tool use offers a way to resolve this paradox. The research suggests that there is a developmental synergy between affordance detection and motor learning: As juveniles continually explore affordances entailed by object-surface combinations in real time, they tune the actions that will be incorporated into tool use over developmental time. We illustrate these ideas with research on how object banging in infancy serves as the motor substrate for later developing percussive tool use. Collectively, the new research suggests that basic types of tool use in young humans and animals are rooted not in higher order cognitive abilities but shared principles of sensorimotor learning.
The Emerging Science of People-Watching: Forming Impressions From Third-Party Encounters
Authors: Quadflieg Susanne , Penton-Voak Ian S.
Published: August 2017

Traditional impression formation studies have focused almost exclusively on the perception and evaluation of isolated individuals. In recent years, however, portrayals of third-party encounters between two (or more) people have been used increasingly often to probe impressions about the interactions and relations between individuals. This tacit paradigm change has revealed an intriguing scope of judgments that concern how and why people relate to one another. Though these judgments recruit well-known neural networks of impression formation, their underlying cognitive operations and functional significance remain largely speculative. By providing an overview of recent theoretical and empirical approaches on encounter-based impressions, this article highlights their prevalent role in human social cognition.
Counterfactual Thinking: From Logic to Morality
Authors: Byrne Ruth M. J.
Published: August 2017

People create counterfactual alternatives to reality when they imagine how things would have turned out differently “if only. . . .” They understand counterfactuals by constructing models that correspond to the conjecture, and to the presupposed facts. The dual meaning of counterfactuals leads people to make more inferences from them compared to ordinary conditionals. People create counterfactuals by changing an aspect of reality that has been represented explicitly in their models, and they zoom in on a “fault line,” such as an exceptional event. However, knowledge can modulate what is represented in models and so the fault lines can shift. Counterfactuals permeate much of mental life, including judgments about morality, such as blame or praise, and assessments of emotions, such as regret or relief.
Neural Mechanisms of Individual Differences in Working Memory Capacity: Observations From Functional Neuroimaging Studies
Authors: Minamoto Takehiro , Tsubomi Hiroyuki , Osaka Naoyuki
Published: August 2017

Working memory capacity (WMC) indicates an individual’s capability of executive attentional control, which is thought to be critical for general fluid intelligence. Individual variability in WMC has been attributed to the function of the lateral prefrontal cortex (lPFC); however, it is still less clear how the lPFC contributes to individual differences in WMC. Referring to functional neuroimaging studies, we consider three possible neural mechanisms. First, greater task-related activity of the lPFC predicts higher WMC across tasks. Second, a specific task-related functional connectivity also predicts higher WMC. The lPFC consistently forms a part of the connectivity while the coupled region varies depending on tasks. Thus, WMC is reflected by not a fixed but flexible connectivity regulated by the lPFC. Third, distinctive intrinsic connectivity even during resting state is also responsible for individual differences in WMC, with the lPFC seated at a critical hub within the network. These three neural mechanisms differentially contribute to WMC, and therefore, complementarily explain individual differences in WMC.
Big-science organizations as lead users: A case study of CERN
Authors: Andersen Poul H , Åberg Susanne
Published: August 2017

This paper explores the role of big-science organizations in a lead-user context. Lead users are valuable for suppliers because they are active in co-developing products and foreshadowing market needs. Big-science organizations represent a special breed of co-developers, as their demands are not necessarily the avant-garde of a coming market. Yet, they may provide a valuable test bed for suppliers because they are pushing the boundaries of technological capacities and, thus, challenging suppliers’ talents. They are also prestigious collaboration partners that help producers to be acknowledged as being at the forefront of technology. They are often deeply engaged in their suppliers’ manufacturing and development activities, which is seen as a characteristic of the customer-active paradigm upon which the lead-user notion builds. This paper investigates whether and how interacting with the European Organization for Nuclear Research concerning their development needs may contribute to suppliers’ innovation. We ask the question: What characterizes interactions with big-science organizations as a type of lead user, and how do these characteristics impact the potential innovation benefits accruing to the suppliers?
Issue Advertising and Legislative Voting on the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Reynolds Molly E. , Hall Richard L.
Published: August 2017

During the congressional fight over the Affordable Care Act (ACA), interest groups spent record sums on television issue advertising in targeted efforts to influence members of Congress, but did the money make any difference? We use the literatures on outside lobbying and legislative behavior to develop two hypotheses about issue advertising’s effects on members’ voting decisions. We test the hypotheses using population-weighted, station-level advertising data mapped into congressional districts. We find negligible evidence that issue advertising had a causal effect on either House committee or floor votes on the ACA, even applying forgiving statistical standards. Neither do we find evidence when we ignore the endogeneity bias that should inflate advertising’s effects, employ alternative measures and specifications, or limit the analysis to legislators for whom the probability of vote change was highest. The results justify skepticism that the millions of advertising dollars spent on the ACA had a net effect on members’ voting decisions. In conclusion, we consider several reasons why our hypotheses are not borne out and suggest several avenues for future research.
Correlates of Social Support and its Association With Physical Activity Among Young Adolescents
Authors: Gill Monique , Chan-Golston Alec M. , Rice Lindsay N. , Roth Sarah E. , Crespi Catherine M. , Cole Brian L. , Koniak-Griffin Deborah , Prelip Michael L.
Published: August 2017

Background. A substantial proportion of adolescents, particularly girls and minority youth, fail to meet daily physical activity (PA) recommendations. Social support contributes to adolescent PA, but studies examining this relationship have yielded inconsistent results and rarely focus on diverse, urban populations. Aims. This study examines the correlates of support for PA from family and friends and its relationship with PA outcomes among young adolescents. Methods. Data were collected in a cross-sectional survey of 4,773 middle school students. Social support from family and friends was separately measured using the Sallis Support for Exercise Scales. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to assess correlates of high support and the relationship between support and self-reported PA. Results. Approximately one quarter of students reported being active for at least an hour each day. 31.7% of students reported high family support for PA, while 17.8% reported high friend support. Differences in perceptions of support by gender, ethnicity, and language emerged. Support from family and friends were both consistently strong predictors of all three PA outcomes measured. Discussion. Findings highlight the need for multilevel interventions targeting both psychosocial influences on behavior in addition to addressing the physical environment. Given low rates of friend support for PA, there appears to be an opportunity to increase PA levels through promotion of supportive behaviors among peers. Conclusion. Support for PA from family and friends is a key contributor to increased PA among adolescents. Further research is needed to further understand the mechanisms by which these factors influence PA.
Nanofibrous morphology of electrospun chitosan nanocomposites reinforced with WS2 nanotubes: A design-of-experiments study
Authors: Baklavaridis Apostolos , Zuburtikudis Ioannis , Panayiotou Costas
Published: August 2017

Chitosan nanofibers reinforced with tungsten disulfide inorganic nanotubes (INT-WS2) were fabricated in this study. The aim was to investigate the effect of the material parameters and the electrospinning process parameters on the obtained nanofibrous morphology of the mats. The INT-WS2 content, the polymer solution concentration, the electric field strength, and the solution's flow rate were the investigated factors within the framework of response surface methodology. Scanning electron microscopic and image analysis were used for the dimensional characterization of the nanofibrous morphology and the estimation of three selected responses. Two responses were related to the quality of the nanofibrous morphology: the number surface density of the beads ( Nbead) and the average bead-to-fiber diameter ( Dbead/ Dfiber). The third response was indicative of the fiber thickness ( Dfiber). The developed models as well as the coupling and the individual effects of the four investigated factors are given. The results indicate that the electrospun nanofibrous morphology is mostly affected by the polymer solution concentration, the electric field strength and the INT-WS2 loading. Furthermore, the response-surface results reveal possible experimental pathways that may be followed in order to obtain specified nanofibrous chitosan/INT-WS2 morphologies.
The Internet as a source of learning for youth soccer coaches
Authors: Koh Koon Teck , Lee Tse Peng , Lim Shi Hui
Published: August 2017

Coaches’ knowledge has been widely accepted by researchers to consist of professional knowledge, interpersonal knowledge, and intrapersonal knowledge. This knowledge can be acquired through various learning sources and situations. Given the popularity and accessibility of the Internet, coaches are now offered more options and choices to acquire the knowledge they seek. Unfortunately, little research has been done to explore the Internet as a possible source of coach learning. This study investigated the perceived benefits of using coaching resources from the Internet, types of Internet resources sought by youth soccer coaches, and also how the resources are used to improve their coaching knowledge. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 10 youth soccer coaches (9 men and 1 woman) who had a minimum of eight years of coaching experience, at least an Asian Football Council B License coaching qualification, and had been using Internet resources for coaching for the past three years. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the interview transcripts. Results revealed the following: (a) the Internet was favored as a learning source for coaches due to its easy accessibility and time-saving, low cost, and affordance of new ideas; (b) Google, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter are the common platforms to locate coaching resources, but to discern the credibility of these coaching resources are the biggest challenge faced by coaches; (c) all coaches used the Internet to improve their professional knowledge; and (d) common strategies adopted by coaches include careful screening and selecting the Internet resources that suit the team/athletes, and memorizing and trying them out during coaching sessions. Results are discussed in relation to coach learning literature. Recommendations are also proposed to promote the Internet as an alternative learning platform to complement coach education programs.
Detection of HPV16 in tissues of oral leukoplakia by polymerase chain reaction and p16 immunohistochemistry
Authors: Sushma CN , Birur N Praveen , Suresh Amritha , Keerthi G , Sunny Sumsum P , Shubhasini AR , Shubha G , Kuriakose Moni Abraham
Published: August 2017

Background:

Globally, India accounts for highest incidence for oral cancer. Potential malignant disorders precede development of oral cancers. Leukoplakia is the one of the most common potentially malignant disorders and tobacco is a known risk factor for oral cancer. Role of viruses in oral carcinogenesis is not yet clear and its association with oral cancer has been a debated topic. The present study was aimed to evaluate the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oral leukoplakia using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Methodology:

Fifty clinicopathologically confirmed oral leukoplakia cases were included in the study. Detection of HPV was done using PCR and further validated with IHC.

Results:

Among 50 subjects with oral leukoplakia, 43 specimens were reported as HPV positive through PCR and IHC confirmed p16 positivity in 5 specimens.

Conclusion:

Study showed lower a prevalence of HPV in oral leukoplakia. Whenever in doubt, combined tests would often be beneficial for the detection of HPV.
Retention in Care Services Reported by HIV Care Providers in the United States, 2013 to 2014
Authors: Craw Jason A. , Bradley Heather , Gremel Garrett , West Brady T. , Duke Christopher C. , Beer Linda , Weiser John
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

Evidence-based guidelines recommend that HIV care providers offer retention-in-care services, but data are needed to assess service provision.

Methods:

We surveyed a probability sample of 1234 HIV care providers to estimate the percentage of providers whose practices offered 5 recommended retention services and describe providers’ perceptions of barriers to care among patients.

Results:

An estimated 21% of providers’ practices offered all 5 retention services. Providers at smaller (<50 versus >400 patients), private, and non-Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP)-funded practices, and practices without on-site case management were significantly less likely to provide patient navigation services or do systematic monitoring of retention. Providers’ most commonly perceived barriers to care among patients were mental health (40%), substance abuse (36%), and transportation (34%) issues.

Conclusion:

Deficiencies in the provision of key retention services are substantial. New strategies may be needed to increase the delivery of recommended retention services, especially among private, non-RWHAP-funded, and smaller facilities.
Assessing the Feasibility of Smartphone Apps for HIV-Care Research with MSM and Transgender Individuals in Mpumalanga, South Africa
Authors: Daniels Joseph , Lane Tim , Struthers Helen , Maleke Kabelo , Moges Winta , McIntyre James , Coates Thomas
Published: August 2017

There is an urgent need to develop the HIV treatment cascade for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender individuals in rural Mpumalanga, South Africa. Mhealth tools such as smartphone applications have the potential to support HIV self-care behaviors. We conducted an exploratory study with HIV-positive community leaders to understand their current uses of cell phones and smartphones and to assess their interest in an HIV research study that utilized a smartphone application for HIV care support. A total of 18 community leaders were recruited to complete a questionnaire and focus group. We found that a large proportion of participants had smartphone access and were interested in a research study that utilized a smartphone application with secure access measures. We conclude that smartphone applications for HIV care research are feasible based on access and interest by MSM and transgender individuals in this rural setting.
Perioperative Testosterone Supplementation Increases Lean Mass in Healthy Men Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wu Brian , Lorezanza Dan , Badash Ido , Berger Max , Lane Christianne , Sum Jonathan C. , Hatch George F. , Schroeder E. Todd
Published: August 2017

Background:

Rehabilitation after repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is complicated by the loss of leg muscle mass and strength. Prior studies have shown that preoperative rehabilitation may improve muscle strength and postoperative outcomes. Testosterone supplementation may likewise counteract this muscle loss and potentially improve clinical outcomes.

Purpose:

The purpose was to investigate the effect of perioperative testosterone administration on lean mass after ACL reconstruction in men and to examine the effects of testosterone on leg strength and clinical outcome scores. It was hypothesized that testosterone would increase lean mass and leg strength and improve clinical outcome scores relative to placebo.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

Male patients (N = 13) scheduled for ACL reconstruction were randomized into 2 groups: testosterone and placebo. Participants in the testosterone group received 200 mg of intramuscular testosterone weekly for 8 weeks beginning 2 weeks before surgery. Participants in the placebo group received saline following the same schedule. Both groups participated in a standard rehabilitation protocol. The primary outcome was the change in total lean body mass at 6 and 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes were extensor muscle strength, Tegner activity score, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score.

Results:

There was an increase in lean mass of a mean 2.7 ± 1.7 kg at 6 weeks postoperatively in the testosterone group compared with a decrease of a mean 0.1 ± 1.5 kg in the placebo group ( P = .01). Extensor muscle strength of the uninjured leg also increased more from baseline in the testosterone group (+20.8 ± 25.6 Nm) compared with the placebo group (–21.4 ± 36.7 Nm) at 12 weeks ( P = .04). There were no significant between-group differences in injured leg strength or clinical outcome scores. There were no negative side effects of testosterone noted.

Conclusion:

Perioperative testosterone supplementation increased lean mass 6 weeks after ACL reconstruction, suggesting that this treatment may help minimize the effects of muscle atrophy associated with ACL injuries and repair. This study was not powered to detect differences in strength or clinical outcome scores to assess the incidence of testosterone-related adverse events.

Clinical Relevance:

Supraphysiological testosterone supplementation may be a useful adjunct therapy for counteracting muscle atrophy after ACL reconstruction. Further investigation is necessary to determine the safety profile and effects of perioperative testosterone administration on leg strength and clinical outcomes after surgery.

Registration:

NCT01595581 ( ClinicalTrials.gov ).
Job-Searching Expectations, Expectancy Violations, and Communication Strategies of Recent College Graduates
Authors: Smith Stephanie A.
Published: August 2017

Expectancy violations theory, a communicative framework, is applied in this study to understand how recent college graduates form, evaluate, and respond to violated job-searching expectations. In-depth interviews of college seniors ( N = 20) who were currently job searching helped answer the three research questions posed. Using a thematic analysis, the findings indicate that young job seekers evaluate some negative information positively because it reduces their uncertainty and that expectations and responses to expectancy violations change over time and are not stagnant, as the theory originally predicted. Other contributions, limitations, and teaching implications are discussed.
A Metric to Screen Acceptable Velocity and Displacement Time Histories of Modified Ground Motions
Authors: Carlson Clinton P. , Zekkos Dimitrios
Published: August 2017

Ground motion modification is extensively used in practice to modify a seed acceleration time history in intensity and frequency content until its acceleration response spectrum matches a target spectrum. However, the decision to accept or reject a modified motion commonly relies on a subjective process where the time histories of the modified motion are visually compared to those of the seed motion. Various metrics were used to quantify the similarity between the modified time histories and their scaled counterparts for hundreds of modified ground motions from three different earthquake scenarios. Of the metrics considered, the inverse modified RMSE metric for time histories ( imRMSE t) was found most appropriate as it resulted in the least amount of dispersion in the goodness-of-fit values with respect to spectral mismatch. The imRMSE t was then found to be correlated to qualitative rankings assigned to the modified time histories through a visual assessment. The correlation between the quantitative imRMSE t values and qualitative rankings is used to establish threshold values to screen modified velocity and displacement time histories that are likely acceptable or likely unacceptable.
The choice between surgical scrubbing and sterile covering before or after induction of anaesthesia: A prospective study
Authors: Sellbrandt Irene , Brattwall Metha , Jildenstål Pether , Warrén Stomberg Margareta , Jakobsson Jan G.
Published: August 2017

Background: Day surgery is increasing, and safe and effective logistics are sought. One part of the in-theatre logistics commonly discussed is whether surgical scrub and sterile covering should be done before or after induction of anaesthesia. The aim of the present study was to compare the impact of surgical scrub and sterile covering before vs. after the induction of anaesthesia in male patients scheduled for open hernia repair.   

Methods: This is a prospective randomised study. Sixty ASA 1-3 patients scheduled for open hernia repair were randomised to surgical scrub and sterile covering before or after induction of anaesthesia; group “awake” and “anaesthetised”. Need for vasoactive medication during anaesthesia was primary study objective. Duration of anaesthesia and surgery, theatre time, recovery room stay and time to discharge, patients and theatre nurses experiences and willingness to have the same logistics on further potential surgeries, by a questionnaire provided before discharge was also assessed. 

Results: The duration of anaesthesia was shorter and doses of propofol and remifentanil were reduced by 10 and 13%, respectively, in the awake group. We found still no difference in the need for vasoactive medication during anaesthesia Time in recovery area was significantly reduced in the awake group 39 (SD 15) vs. 48 SD 16) (p<0.05), but time to discharge was not different. There was further no difference in the patients’ assessment of quality of care, and only one patient in the awake group would prefer to be anaesthetised on a future procedure. All nurses found pre-anaesthesia scrubbing acceptable as routine. 

Conclusion: Surgical scrub and sterile covering before the induction of anaesthesia can be done safely and without jeopardising patients’ quality of care and possibly improve perioperative logistics. Further studies are warranted assessing impact of awake scrubbing and sterile covering on quality and efficacy of perioperative care.
A qualitative study exploring the value of a catheter passport
Authors: Jaeger Melanie De , Fox Fiona , Cooney Geraldine , Robinson Jacqueline
Published: August 2017

Many patients leaving hospital with a catheter do not have sufficient information to self-care and can experience physical and psychological difficulties.

Aim:

This study aimed to explore how a patient-held catheter passport affects the experiences of patients leaving hospital with a urethral catheter, the hospital nurses who discharge them and the community nurses who provide ongoing care for them.

Method:

Qualitative methods used included interviews, focus groups and questionnaires, and thematic analysis.

Findings:

Three major themes were reported—informing patients, informing nurses; improving catheter care, promoting self-management; and supporting transition.

Conclusion:

The catheter passport can bridge the existing information gap, improve care, promote self-care and help patients adjust to their catheter, especially if complemented by ongoing input from a nurse or other health professional.