bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Glenoid Retroversion Is Associated With Increased Rotator Cuff Strength in the Shoulder
Authors: Cameron Kenneth L. , Tennent David J. , Sturdivant Rodney X. , Posner Matthew A. , Peck Karen Y. , Campbell Scot E. , Westrick Richard B. , Owens Brett D.
Published: June 2019

Background:

The rotator cuff muscles are critical secondary stabilizers in the shoulder. Increased glenoid retroversion and rotator cuff strength have been associated with the risk of posterior shoulder instability; however, the effect of increased glenoid retroversion on rotator cuff strength remains unclear.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to examine the association between glenoid version and rotator cuff strength in the shoulder in a young and healthy population with no history of shoulder instability. The hypothesis was that increased glenoid retroversion would be associated with increases in rotator cuff muscle strength.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study was conducted over a 4-year period within a high-risk population to identify the risk factors for shoulder instability. Analyzed participants included 574 freshmen entering a United States service academy. Baseline data collected upon entry into the study included magnetic resonance imaging measurements of glenoid version. Rotator cuff strength was also assessed at baseline using a handheld dynamometer. Internal and external rotation strength were assessed with the glenohumeral joint positioned in neutral and in 45° of abduction. The current study represents an analysis of the baseline data from this cohort.

Results:

The mean age, height, and weight of participants was 18.77 ± 0.97 years, 176.81 ± 8.48 cm, and 73.80 ± 12.45 kg, respectively. The mean glenoid version at baseline was 7.79°± 4.85° of retroversion. Univariate linear regression analyses demonstrated that increased glenoid retroversion was associated with increased internal and external rotation strength of the rotator cuff in neutral and 45° of abduction ( P < .001). Similar results were observed in multivariable models controlling for important confounding variables.

Conclusion:

The results of this study demonstrate that as glenoid retroversion increases, internal and external rotation strength of the rotator cuff also increase in a young and healthy athletic population. These compensatory changes may contribute to increased glenohumeral dynamic stability in the presence of worse static stability with increasing retroversion.
Prediction of hydration properties of rice straw mineral composite slabs using expert systems
Authors: Madhappan Ramesh Kumar , Krishnasamy Senthilkumar , Alagirisamy Pasupathy Sangareddy
Published: June 2019

Thickness swelling (TS) is a vital hydration property to test the suitableness of a material to be used in the built environment. These materials are made of randomly oriented natural or mineral fibers mixed with cementitious binders, such as magnesium oxide (MgO), gypsum, and Portland cement. Since they have high moisture absorption property due to the random orientation of fibers and are manufactured with different process parameters, it is essential to develop a prediction model to reduce the development cost and time. In this article, TS of rice straw-based MgO slabs was measured and predicted for three different fiber lengths, density, the thickness of the tiles, and the ratio of the mixture. Fully connected cascade (FCC) architecture of artificial neural network (ANN) and reduced error pruning tree (REPTree) algorithm of decision tree methods were used as expert systems for prediction. The best architectures were identified from the 109 experimental datasets of in-house developed slabs of commercial sizes. The proposed board absorbed more water than the commercial boards. However, the FCC and REPTree predicted the TS with an accuracy of 95% and 89%, respectively. The prediction model with FCC may be utilized as a reference for developing new building materials based on natural fibers with cementitious binders.
Schema and Motor-Memory Consolidation
Authors: King Bradley R. , Dolfen Nina , Gann Mareike A. , Renard Zenzi , Swinnen Stephan P. , Albouy Genevieve
Published: June 2019

Recent research has demonstrated that memory-consolidation processes can be accelerated if newly learned information is consistent with preexisting knowledge. Until now, investigations of this fast integration of new information into memory have focused on the declarative and perceptual systems. We employed a unique manipulation of a motor-sequence-learning paradigm to examine the effect of experimentally acquired memory on the learning of new motor information. Results demonstrate that new information is rapidly integrated into memory when practice occurs in a framework that is compatible with the previously acquired memory. This framework consists of the ordinal representation of the motor sequence. This enhanced integration cannot be explained by differences in the explicit awareness of the sequence and is observed only if the previously acquired motor memory was consolidated overnight. Results are consistent with the schema model of memory consolidation and offer insights into how previous motor experience can accelerate learning and consolidation processes.
Reaching to the Self: The Development of Infants’ Ability to Localize Targets on the Body
Authors: Leed Jackleen E. , Chinn Lisa K. , Lockman Jeffrey J.
Published: June 2019

This study focused on the development of infants’ sensorimotor knowledge about the layout of their bodies. Little is known about the development of the body as a reaching space, despite the importance of this skill for many self-directed adaptive behaviors, such as removing foreign stimuli from the skin or scratching an itch. A new method was developed in which vibrating targets were placed on the heads and arms of 7- to 21-month-old infants ( N = 78) to test reaching localization of targets. Manual localization improved with age, and visual localization was associated with successful reaching. Use of the ipsilateral or contralateral hand varied with body region: Infants primarily used the ipsilateral hand for head targets but the contralateral hand for arm targets, for which ipsilateral reaches were not biomechanically possible. The results of this research highlight a previously understudied form of self-knowledge involving a functional capacity to reach to tactile targets on the body surface.
Stein-like estimators for causal mediation analysis in randomized trials
Authors: Ginestet Cedric E , Emsley Richard , Landau Sabine
Published: June 2019

Causal mediation analysis aims to estimate natural direct and natural indirect effects under clearly specified assumptions. Traditional mediation analysis based on Ordinary Least Squares assumes an absence of unmeasured causes to the putative mediator and outcome. When these assumptions cannot be justified, instrumental variable estimators can be used in order to produce an asymptotically unbiased estimator of the mediator-outcome link, commonly referred to as a Two-Stage Least Squares estimator. Such bias removal, however, comes at the cost of variance inflation. A Semi-Parametric Stein-Like estimator has been proposed in the literature that strikes a natural trade-off between the unbiasedness of the Two-Stage Least Squares procedure and the relatively small variance of the Ordinary Least Squares estimator. The Semi-Parametric Stein-Like estimator has the advantage of allowing for a direct estimation of its shrinkage parameter. In this paper, we demonstrate how this Stein-like estimator can be implemented in the context of the estimation of natural direct and natural indirect effects of treatments in randomized controlled trials. The performance of the competing methods is studied in a simulation study, in which both the strength of hidden confounding and the strength of the instruments are independently varied. These considerations are motivated by a trial in mental health, evaluating the impact of a primary care-based intervention to reduce depression in the elderly.
Dose optimisation with simultaneous pharmacokinetic estimation in adaptive clinical trials
Authors: Soeny Kabir , Bogacka Barbara , Jones Byron
Published: June 2019

Determination of the optimal dose is a critical objective in the drug developmental process. An optimal dose prevents over- and under-exposure to the treatment drug thereby facilitating superior patient experience and reduced costs to the healthcare system. In this paper, we present a method for model-based dose optimisation with simultaneous pharmacokinetic estimation of the model parameters. Multiple doses of the drug are considered and the objective is to maintain the blood concentration of the drug around a pre-decided target concentration. We consider an adaptive setting wherein the model parameters are estimated from the blood samples collected at D-optimal time points from all subjects enrolled so far in the trial. The estimated parameters are then used to determine the optimal dose regimen for the next cohort. This procedure continues until the condition of a pre-decided stopping rule is met. Simulation studies and sensitivity analysis are undertaken to validate the methodology. We also evaluate the performance of the methodology when carried out in a non-adaptive setting. A two-stage design is then presented which combines the advantages of the adaptive as well as the non-adaptive approach. We demonstrate that our methodology enables pharmacokinetic estimation and dose regimen optimisation simultaneously in an ethical and cost-effective manner protecting the subjects from the ill-effects of suboptimal dose regimens and economising the number of subjects required in the trial.
Personality, Challenges and Performance: Evidence from Ethiopia’s Young Entrepreneurs
Authors: Kar Brajaballav , Ahmed Yimer Ayalew
Published: June 2019

The debate on whether entrepreneurs are born or can be made is long-standing. However, every entrepreneur has a specific combination of personality traits which predisposes him or her to face various challenges posed in entrepreneurship. Second, such combination of traits and challenges is expected to produce differences in business performances. This article is an outcome of a PhD. research undertaken on youth entrepreneurship in Ethiopia. It reports various relationships among personality traits, perceived challenges, and business performances of youth entrepreneurs in Ethiopia. The questionnaire-based survey had a sample size of 350 young entrepreneurs. Personality traits included the need for achievement, need for independence, the locus of control and propensity for risk-taking; business challenge factors included finance, business development, training and education, marketing, administrative and legal, and socio-cultural elements. The analysis indicated that (a) the entrepreneurial personality factors are strongly correlated, (b) different challenges faced by entrepreneurs are strongly correlated, (c) personality factors significantly influence the perceived performance outcome and (d) higher level of performance is correlated with higher level of perceived challenges. The results are found to be statistically significant. The article discusses the policy implications and further research directions.
The Technical Efficiency of Engineering Industry Cluster at Hosur
Authors: Bhaskaran Ethirajan
Published: June 2019

For inclusive growth and sustainable development Engineering Industries (EIs) in Hosur have adopted the Cluster Development Approach (CDA). The objective is to study the value chain analysis, correlation analysis and data envelopment analysis by finding Technical Efficiency (Ø), Peer Weights (li), Input Slacks (S-) and Output Slacks (S+) of 50 EIs. The methodology adopted is data envelopment analysis of output-oriented Banker–Charnes–Cooper Model by taking the number of employment, plant and machinery as input and Gross Value Added (GVA) as output. The non-zero li’s represents the weights for efficient clusters. The S > 0 obtained reveals the excess machinery or number of employment (S-) and shortage in GVA (S+). To conclude, the variables are highly correlated, and for inclusive growth and sustainable development, the inefficient EI should increase their GVA or decrease the employment or machinery. Moreover, for sustainable development, the EI should strengthen infrastructure interrelationships, technology interrelationships, procurement interrelationships, production interrelationships and marketing interrelationships to decrease costs and to increase productivity and efficiency to compete in the indigenous and export market.
Concentrated Violence: The Influence of Criminal Activity and Governance on Prison Violence in Latin America
Authors: Peirce Jennifer , Fondevila Gustavo
Published: June 2019

In this article, we explore patterns of prison violence in five Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, and Peru. Drawing on data from prisoner surveys conducted in 49 facilities with over 4,400 prisoners, we analyze the association between facility-level and individual-level rates of experiences of violence and the extent of perceived criminal activity committed in or ordered from inside prisons. Contrary to classical theory, neither poor prison conditions nor prior delinquent experience is directly associated with increased violence. Rather, we demonstrate that prison facilities with more widespread criminal activity inside have higher rates of prison violence. Further, within a given facility, prisoners with closer ties to criminal activity have more pre-incarceration criminal exposure and are also more likely to experience violence inside prison; this reflects research on victim–offender overlap. At a general level, our study shows that involvement in the sub-rosa economy of the prison increases one’s risk of violence in prison. We consider how common features of Latin American prisons—scarce state-provided resources, permeability to people on the outside, and more prisoner-led governance—explain these dynamics of violence inside prisons. Where prisoner-led governance is more consolidated—such as in Brazil and El Salvador—violence appears to be less common, even if criminal activity is prevalent, compared to countries where prison governance is combined or contested between authorities and prisoners. These findings suggest that prison violence reduction policies should respond to the real needs and strategies of incarcerated people rather than simply impose more control.
Bidirectional Relationship Between Language Skills and Behavior Problems in Preschool Children From Low-Income Families
Authors: Bichay-Awadalla Krystal , Qi Cathy Huaqing , Bulotsky-Shearer Rebecca J. , Carta Judith J.
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal, bidirectional relationship between language skills and behavior problems in a sample of 194 preschool children enrolled in Head Start programs. Children were individually assessed using the Preschool Language Scale-5, and teachers completed the Child Behavior Checklist-Teacher Report 1½–5. Cross-lagged path models using a structural equation modeling approach tested the reciprocal associations between language skills and behavior problems over the preschool year. Findings supported a bidirectional relationship between internalizing behavior problems and expressive language skills. However, findings supported a unidirectional association between early receptive language skills and later internalizing behavior problems. Gender moderated the relationship between receptive and expressive language skills and internalizing behavior problems in such a way that the association was only significant for girls. Implications for early intervention and prevention efforts targeting language development and behavior problems were discussed.
Recombinant Human Platelet–Derived Growth Factor BB in Combination With a Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate (rhPDGF-BB/β-TCP)-Collagen Matrix as an Alternative to Autograft
Authors: Daniels Timothy R. , Anderson John , Swords Michael P. , Maislin Greg , Donahue Rafe , Pinsker Ellie , Quiton Jovelyn D.
Published: June 2019

Background:

Joint arthrodesis often employs autograft to promote union; graft harvesting can lead to perioperative morbidity. A Canadian randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated that recombinant human platelet–derived growth factor BB homodimer (rhPDGF-BB) combined with beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP)-collagen was a safe, effective alternative to autograft. This multicenter North American RCT compared the safety and efficacy of rhPDGF-BB/β-TCP-collagen with autograft for ankle and hindfoot fusion. Subclassification using propensity scores (PS) incorporated patients from previous trials for enhanced statistical power for noninferiority testing and broader review of treatments.

Methods:

Patients requiring ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis and supplemental bone graft were treated with rhPDGF-BB/β-TCP-collagen ( n = 69) or autograft ( n = 35). Outcomes included joint fusion on computed tomography (24 weeks), clinical healing status, visual analog scale (VAS) pain, Short-Form 12 (SF-12), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, and Foot Function Index (FFI) scores over 52 weeks. PS methodology addressed potential selection bias arising from pooling data among these patients and 2 previous RCTs with similar inclusion criteria, surgical techniques, graft harvest techniques, and outcomes. All 132 rhPDGF-BB/β-TCP-collagen–treated patients and 167 of 189 candidate autograft-treated controls were selected for comparison by an independent statistician blinded to outcomes.

Results:

In the PS subclassification, 68.1% treatment patients and 68.4% controls achieved >50% osseous bridging at fusion sites. Clinical healing status was achieved in 84.8% of treated patients and 90.7% of controls at 52 weeks. Clinical, functional, and quality of life results demonstrated noninferiority of rhPDGF-BB/β-TCP-collagen to autograft. Safety-related outcomes were equivalent.

Conclusion:

PS subclassification analysis of 3 RCTs demonstrated that rhPDGF-BB/β-TCP-collagen was as effective as autograft for ankle and hindfoot fusions, with less pain and morbidity than treatment with autograft.

Level of Evidence:

Level I, prospective randomized study.
Amended Safety Assessment of Methylisothiazolinone as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Burnett Christina L. , Boyer Ivan , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Gill Lillian J. , Heldreth Bart
Published: June 2019

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) reviewed the safety of methylisothiazolinone (MI), which functions as a preservative. The Panel reviewed relevant animal and human data provided in this safety assessment and in a previously published safety assessment of MI and concluded that MI is safe for use in rinse-off cosmetic products at concentrations up to 100 ppm and safe in leave-on cosmetic products when they are formulated to be nonsensitizing, which may be determined based on a quantitative risk assessment.
CINCA Syndrome With New NLRP3 Mutation and Unreported Complication of Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Salehzadeh Farhad , Barak Manuchehr , Hosseiniasl Saied , Shahbazfar Ehsan
Published: June 2019

Background:

Chronic infantile neurologic cutaneous and articular syndrome (CINCA) is the most severe phenotype of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) and is caused by a missense mutation in NLRP3 gene.

Case presentation:

We are reporting a 15-year-old male patient with complaints of chronic arthritis and mental involvement. Further investigations showed a heterozygous c.785G>A missense mutation in Exon 3 of NLRP3 gene and coexisting medullary thyroid carcinoma 2 years later.

Conclusions:

This case showed a recently identified gene variant of NLRP3 in a CINCA patient, as a heterozygous c.785G>A missense mutation in Exon 3 of NLRP3 gene and coexisted medullary thyroid carcinoma as an unreported complication of CINCA.
Characterizing lymphocyte counts and infection rates with long-term teriflunomide treatment: Pooled analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Comi Giancarlo , Miller Aaron E , Benamor Myriam , Truffinet Philippe , Poole Elizabeth M , Freedman Mark S
Published: June 2019

Background:

In Phase 3 studies, teriflunomide reduced relapse rates and disability progression compared with placebo; however, decreases in lymphocyte counts were also observed.

Objective:

To describe the effect of long-term teriflunomide treatment on lymphocyte counts and infection rates among patients in pooled analyses of Phase 3 core and extension studies.

Methods:

Four randomized trials (TEMSO, TOWER, TENERE, and TOPIC) compared teriflunomide 7 mg or 14 mg treatment with either placebo and/or subcutaneous interferon (IFN) β-1a 44 µg in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) (or first clinical episode suggestive of MS in TOPIC).

Results:

In 1895, patients ever exposed to teriflunomide, mean (standard deviation) absolute lymphocyte counts declined from Week 0 (1.89 (0.59)) to Week 24 (1.67 (0.52)) and then remained stable thereafter. In the core plus extension studies (up to 10.7 years), 7.3% and 2.2% experienced Grade 1 and Grade 2 lymphopenia, respectively. Infections were reported in 56.9% of patients without lymphopenia, 60.9% with Grade 1 lymphopenia, and 54.8% with Grade 2 lymphopenia. Serious infections occurred in 3.7%, 4.3%, and 7.1%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Long-term risk of lymphopenia and infections in patients who continue to receive teriflunomide is low, demonstrating a limited impact on adaptive and innate immunity.
Learning in action sports: A scoping review
Authors: Ellmer Eva , Rynne Steven , Enright Eimear
Published: June 2019

Action sports have increased in popularity, particularly over the past two decades. Research in the area has also proliferated, as multiple disciplinary perspectives and theoretical and conceptual frames have been applied to understanding and exploring a host of research questions concerning action sports culture, contexts and participants. However, despite this flurry of research activity, not much is known empirically about the learning of action sport participants, and few studies have focused specifically on learning in action sports. A scoping review was, therefore, conducted with the aim of synthesising the work that has been undertaken, and mapping future research agendas. Informed by Arksey and O’Malley’s six-stage framework, leading sports and education databases and Google Scholar were searched for empirical literature on learning in action sports published before July 2018. After the results were screened and relevant studies identified, data were extracted and analysed using a frequency and thematic analysis to form both a descriptive and thematic summary. A total of 78 empirical studies both from the peer-reviewed and grey literature were included in the scoping review. The frequency analysis concerned information on publication year, academic field, study design, study tools, sport and population. The thematic analysis led to the development of five main themes, addressing learning in social, physical, cultural, and cognitive/psychological contexts and via various forms of feedback. The majority of articles on learning in action sports were published from 2010 onward, suggesting a growing interest in the area. More theses/dissertations resulted in peer-reviewed publications; however, less than half of all reviewed journal articles were published in education/pedagogy journals. Theoretical and conceptual frameworks were rarely explicitly referenced and/or lacked clarity. There was consensus that learning in action sports is largely informal and self-regulated. With the increasing professionalisation of many action sports and their inclusion in international competition events and also in national curricula, an increase in more formalised learning is predicted. Finally, learning in action sports can be highly individualistic but only a few studies acknowledged this. A greater variety of research questions and methodologies, and more work across disciplinary boundaries will assist in the generation of new knowledge.
Accounting for organ donation decision-making: Analyzing interview discourse of the donors’ relatives and intensive care unit physicians in Greece
Authors: Podara Konstantina , Figgou Lia , Dikaiou Maria
Published: June 2019

The study casts light on the organ donation decision-making process by exploring the experiences of families and physicians involved. Specifically, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 family members of 11 different donors and with 13 intensive care unit physicians. Data collection and analysis draws on the principles of Grounded Theory Methodology. Analysis indicated that in the accounts of both groups, organ donation is represented as a multi-faceted process that includes various social and ideological dilemmas. Overlap and mutual influence was found connecting the experiences of family members and those of physicians, highlighting the need for further education and training for physicians and aftercare for families.
Reported immigration and medical coercion among immigrants referred to a cultural consultation service
Authors: Tran Don Quang , Ryder Andrew G. , Jarvis G. Eric
Published: June 2019

Members of visible minorities are commonly targets of social coercion related to immigration and medical measures. Social coercion is associated with poor mental health outcomes and mistrust of medical services. This study will determine if Afro-Canadian immigrants referred to a Cultural Consultation Service (CCS) in Montreal report more or less medical and immigration coercion compared with other ethnic minorities. We reviewed the charts of 729 referrals to the CCS and gathered data on the 401 patients included in the study. Chi-square statistics examined the relation between minority group and self-reported coercion. Binary logistic regression models controlled for standard sociodemographic variables in addition to ethnicity, language barrier, length of stay in Canada since immigration, refugee claimant status, referral source, presence of psychosis in the main diagnosis, and presence of legal history. Patients were diverse and included 105 Afro-Canadians, 40 Latin Americans, 73 Arab and West Asians, 149 South Asians, and 34 East and Southeast Asians. Being Afro-Canadian was significantly and positively associated with medical coercion (p = .02, 95% CI = 1.15-4.57), while being South Asian was negatively and significantly associated with immigration coercion (p = .03, 95% CI = .29–.93). Members of visible minority communities are not equal in their reported experience of social coercion after arriving to Canada. Future research clarifying pathways to mental health care for immigrants and the experience of new Canadians in immigration and health care settings would give needed context to the findings of this study.
The surface modification by O2 low temperature plasma to improve dyeing properties of Rex rabbit fibers
Authors: Su Ting , Han Ying , Liu Hongyan , Li Lixin , Zhang Zongcai , Li Zhengjun
Published: June 2019

Dyeability of the fiber plays a very important role in the textile industry. The presence of cuticle scales on the surface of Rex rabbit fibers brings difficulties to dyeing process. In this study, O2 low temperature plasma was used to improve the dyeability of Rex rabbit fibers and the two key parameters including the treating time and discharge power were optimized during O2 low temperature plasma treatment. The impact of plasma treatment on the surface morphology, physical-chemical properties, and dyeing behavior of Rex rabbit fibers using anionic dyes were investigated by a series of characterization methods such as scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared–attenuated total reflection, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The surface dyeability and color fastness were studied by K/S measurement and washing fastness, respectively. The influence of O2 low temperature plasma treatment on the mechanical properties of Rex rabbit fibers was inspected by the tensile strength measurement. The wettability of the samples was evaluated in terms of wetting time and contact angle. The O2 low temperature plasma treatment resulted in a dramatic improvement in wettability of Rex rabbit fibers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared–attenuated total reflection analysis show that oxygen plasma treatment led to a significant increase in the content of sulfur oxides and polar groups such as (–C=O, –OH, and –NH2) on the fiber surface and resulted in reinforced wettability, dyeing rate and dyeing fixation of Rex rabbit fibers.
An Overview and Proposed Research Framework for Studying Co-Occurring Mental- and Physical-Health Dysfunction
Authors: Hagerty Sarah L. , Ellingson Jarrod M. , Helmuth Timothy B. , Bidwell L. Cinnamon , Hutchison Kent E. , Bryan Angela D.
Published: June 2019

Mental- and physical-health conditions co-occur at a rate much higher than chance. Of patients who have a mental-health condition, more than half also have a physical disease, and these cases are associated with increased human suffering and societal cost. Comorbidity research to date has focused on co-occurring mental- and physical-health disorders separately, and relatively little research has examined the co-occurrence of mental- and physical-health dysfunction. In addition, even less is known about why mental- and physical-health dysfunction co-occurs or how to treat these cases. Thus, the aims of this article are to highlight the need for research at the intersection of physical- and mental-health dysfunction and to provide guidance on how to research cases of comorbidity. Toward these ends, we begin by presenting a selective overview of the possible role of biological processes in the co-occurrence of physical- and mental-health dysfunction using specific illustrative examples. Specifically, we outline how biological processes within the immune system and gastrointestinal system could underlie depression, irritable bowel syndrome, and their co-occurrence. We then advance and discuss a proposed research framework, including methodological and analytic guidance, that researchers could use when studying the phenomenon of co-occurring physical- and mental-health dysfunction.
Historical Migration Patterns Shape Contemporary Cultures of Emotion
Authors: Niedenthal Paula M. , Rychlowska Magdalena , Zhao Fangyun , Wood Adrienne
Published: June 2019

Human emotional behavior varies across cultures. Smiling at a passing stranger on the street may seem perfectly normal in one culture and profoundly strange or even suspicious in another. What are the origins of cultural differences in emotional expression, communication, and regulation? We review new evidence in favor of one answer to this question. A socioecological factor, historical heterogeneity—defined as the ancestral diversity of the world’s regions based on human migration patterns over centuries—accounts for important cultural variations in emotional experience and expression. We summarize findings from studies of large global samples that link the migratory history of a country’s population with present-day cultural differences in how overtly and clearly emotions are expressed to others, in the frequency and meaning of smiles, and in associated character traits. New research also extends the analysis to the historical heterogeneity of the United States, and country-level findings are replicated at the level of the states. We suggest that enduring emotional behaviors and traits evolve from the opportunities and challenges posed by the commingling of people of diverse ancestries. We conclude by highlighting the questions and challenges for future research stemming from this approach.
An expansion study of genotype-driven weekly irinotecan and capecitabine in combination with neoadjuvant radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer with UGT1A1 *1*1 genotype
Authors: Guan Yun , Shen Yunzhu , Xu Ye , Li Chao , Wang Jingwen , Gu Weilie , Lian Peng , Huang Dan , Cai Sanjun , Zhang Zhen , Zhu Ji
Published: June 2019

Background:

In our previous dose-escalation study, we uncovered the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of weekly irinotecan was escalated to 80 mg/m2 and 65 mg/m2 for UDP glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1 (UGT1A1) *1*1 and *1*28 rectal cancer patients in neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). This is an expansion study for *1*1 patients.

Methods:

Patients with clinical stage T3–4, N0–2 rectal cancer eligible for preoperative chemoradiotherapy were screened for the UGT1A1*28 genotype. A total of 52 patients with the *1*1 genotype were enrolled. Whole-pelvic intensity-modulated radiation therapy was given in 50 Gy/25 fractions. Concurrently, irinotecan of 80 mg/m2 and capecitabine of 625 mg/m2 twice daily from Monday to Friday were administered weekly. Primary endpoint was toxicities; secondary endpoints included pathological complete response (pCR), tumour-regression grading, treatment compliance, overall survival, local recurrence and disease-free survival.

Results:

All patients completed capecitabine-based radiotherapy as scheduled, and 42 (81%) patients completed more than three cycles of weekly irinotecan. Overall, grade 3/4 toxicities were observed in 20 cases, including 11 leucopenia, 10 neutropenia and 12 diarrhoea. Forty-three patients (83%) underwent a radical surgery, and 12 were evaluated as pCR. Another four patients accepted a watch-and-wait strategy because of clinical complete response (CCR).

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrated manageable toxicities and an encouraging CCR rate for UGT1A1 *1*1 genotype in an enhanced neoadjuvant therapy. A phase III trial is ongoing to evaluate the value of irinotecan in neoadjuvant therapy (CinClare) [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02605265].
Transparency and quality assessment of research data in post-Soviet area studies: The potential of an interactive online platform
Authors: Heinrich Andreas , Herrmann Felix , Pleines Heiko
Published: June 2019

The social sciences are increasingly addressing the quality of research data and debating ways to improve data transparency, that is, the availability of original research data to corroborate claims made in academic publications. This article offers a systematic discussion of related problems and challenges with the example of post-Soviet area studies. It goes on to examine ways to improve data transparency. Although the Internet has a huge potential for linking research with resulting publications and underlying data as well as for organizing a collective discussion around the research, current data repositories do not truly go beyond basic upload and download functions for datasets. With the example of the Discuss Data project, this article gives an overview of more elaborated features that can easily be implemented to improve the visibility and quality assessment of data collections. Finally, it discusses ethical concerns about data transparency related to privacy protection and copyrights.
Moscow’s “turn to the East” and challenges to Russia–South Korea economic collaboration under the New Northern Policy
Authors: Rinna Anthony V.
Published: June 2019

The Republic of Korea (ROK) has not traditionally regarded the Russian Federation as an important partner in the Korean security crisis. Nevertheless, the ROK–Russia relationship has grown by leaps and bounds. Furthermore, the Moon Jae-in administration’s “New Northern Policy,” which focuses especially on economic collaboration with Russia, exhibits a great deal of compatibility with the “turn to the East” in the Russian Federation’s recent foreign and domestic policies. For Seoul, the “New Northern Policy” is not simply a means of generating economic benefits for the ROK but is also part of Seoul’s plans for promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula. Indeed, the Kremlin shares with South Korea not only the goal of increased economic interconnectivity but also a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. Nevertheless, two main barriers exist undermining aims outlined in the New Northern Policy. The continuation of the crisis over North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) capabilities, particularly the perpetuation of the various layers of sanctions against Pyongyang, frustrate the economic integration as espoused in the New Northern Policy. Furthermore, economic conditions within Russia, namely, a lack of economic development within the Russian Far East, frustrate South Korean hopes for greater trade connectivity with Russia. Substantial changes to both the Northeast Asian sub-regional order as well as in the Russian Federation’s domestic economic situation, therefore, are necessary before the prospects envisioned in Seoul’s New Northern Policy can be realized.
Age of First Exposure to American Football and Behavioral, Cognitive, Psychological, and Physical Outcomes in High School and Collegiate Football Players
Authors: Brett Benjamin L. , Huber Daniel L. , Wild Alexa , Nelson Lindsay D. , McCrea Michael A.
Published: June 2019

Background:

Although some studies have observed a relationship between age of first exposure (AFE) to American football and long-term outcomes, recent findings in collegiate athletes did not observe a relationship between AFE and more intermediate outcomes at early adulthood. This, however, requires independent replication.

Hypothesis:

There will be no association between AFE to football and behavioral, cognitive, emotional/psychological, and physical functioning in high school and collegiate athletes.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Active high school and collegiate football players (N = 1802) underwent a comprehensive preseason evaluation on several clinical outcome measures. Demographic and health variables that significantly differed across AFE groups were identified as potential covariates. General linear models (GLMs) with AFE as the independent variable were performed for each clinical outcome variable. Similar GLMs that included identified covariates, with AFE as the predictor, were subsequently performed for each clinical outcome variable.

Results:

After controlling for covariates of age, concussion history, race, and a diagnosis of ADHD, earlier AFE (<12 vs ≥12 years) did not significantly predict poorer performance on any clinical outcome measures (all P > 0.05). A single statistically significant association between AFE group and somatization score was recorded, with AFE <12 years exhibiting lower levels of somatization.

Conclusion:

In a large cohort of active high school and collegiate football student-athletes, AFE before the age of 12 years was not associated with worse behavioral, cognitive, psychological, and physical (oculomotor functioning and postural stability) outcomes.

Clinical Relevance

The current findings suggest that timing of onset of football exposure does not result in poorer functioning in adolescence and young adults and may contribute to resilience through decreased levels of physically related psychological distress.
Injury in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training
Authors: Petrisor Brad A. , Del Fabbro Gina , Madden Kim , Khan Moin , Joslin Jeff , Bhandari Mohit
Published: June 2019

Background:

Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art that can lead to injuries both in training and in competition. There is a paucity of data regarding injuries sustained while training in BJJ, in both competitive and noncompetitive jiu-jitsu athletes.

Hypothesis:

We hypothesize that most BJJ practitioners sustain injuries to various body locations while in training and in competition. Our primary objective was to describe injuries sustained while training for BJJ, both in practice and in competition. Our secondary objectives were to classify injury type and to explore participant and injury characteristics associated with wanting to quit jiu-jitsu after injury.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

We conducted a survey of all BJJ participants at a single club in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. We developed a questionnaire including questions on demographics, injuries in competition and/or training, treatment received, and whether the participant considered discontinuing BJJ after injury.

Results:

A total of 70 BJJ athletes participated in this study (response rate, 85%). Ninety-one percent of participants were injured in training and 60% of competitive athletes were injured in competitions. Significantly more injuries were sustained overall for each body region in training in comparison with competition ( P < 0.001). Two-thirds of injured participants required medical attention, with 15% requiring surgery. Participants requiring surgical treatment were 6.5 times more likely to consider quitting compared with those requiring other treatments, including no treatment (odds ratio [OR], 6.50; 95% CI, 1.53-27.60). Participants required to take more than 4 months off training were 5.5 times more likely to consider quitting compared with those who took less time off (OR, 5.48; 95% CI, 2.25-13.38).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of injury is very high among BJJ practitioners, with 9 of 10 practitioners sustaining at least 1 injury, commonly during training. Injuries were primarily sprains and strains to fingers, the upper extremity, and neck. Potential participants in BJJ should be informed regarding significant risk of injury and instructed regarding appropriate precautions and safety protocols.

Clinical Relevance:

Clinicians should be aware of the substantial risk of injury among BJJ practitioners and the epidemiology of the injuries as outlined in this article.
Day-case laparoscopic nephrectomy: Feasibility and safety
Authors: Ragavan Narasimhan , Dholakia Kunal , Baskaran Jegadish , Ramesh Malarvizhi
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

The method of surgery and its recovery play an important part in a success of any surgery. Implementing a minimal invasive approach with enhanced recovery protocol permits Nephrectomy to be performed as a day-case (DC) procedure. Here we report our initial experience with laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) as DC surgery with an aim to assess its feasibility and safety.

Patients and methods:

In this retrospective observational study, nine patients underwent DC LN performed by a single surgeon (NR). LN was performed in the standard way followed by enhanced recovery pathway of care for DC. We collected data regarding demographic information, medical co-morbidities, preoperative outcomes, complications and readmission rates. The data was analysed and evaluated.

Results:

There were four (44.4%) women and five (55.5%) men with a median age of 35 years (range 17–52 years). Eight (88.9%) patients had benign diseases associated with non-functioning kidneys and one (11.1%) patient had a renal tumour. All patients (100%) were successfully discharged the same day with no major complication (Clavien Dindo Grade > I). Readmission rates were 0%.

Conclusion:

In our small series, DC LN is feasible and safe with a belief that the results are easily reproducible. Increasing experience in laparoscopic surgery with implementation of enhanced recovery protocol may help to increase the success rate of LN as DC.
A rare case of angiomyolipoma with renal vein invasion managed with laparoscopic nephrectomy
Authors: Galiabovitch Elena , Yao Henry Han-I , Tzaikou George , Cameron Rhoda , King Dennis
Published: June 2019

We present the case of a 70-year-old female who was incidentally found to have a right angiomyolipoma extending into the renal vein, terminating 1 cm from the inferior vena cava. Due to the invasive nature of the angiomyolipoma in this case, surgical removal via a right laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed. This revealed an un-encapsulated but well-circumscribed fatty mass in the superior pole invading into the inferior vena cava, histologically consistent with a classic angiomyolipoma. Traditionally, patients with tumours extending into the inferior vena cava have been managed with an open surgical approach. Tumours with renal vein thrombus can be managed via an open or laparoscopic approach depending on the extent of vein invasion and local expertise. This is only the third reported case of angiomyolipoma with vascular invasion being treated laparoscopically. Despite the shorter length of the renal vein on the right side, this case demonstrates that a laparoscopic nephrectomy for the management of angiomyolipoma with renal vein thrombus is a feasible approach and would allow the patient faster recovery.

Level of evidence: Not applicable.
Multi-Situated App Studies: Methods and Propositions
Authors: Dieter Michael , Gerlitz Carolin , Helmond Anne , Tkacz Nathaniel , van der Vlist Fernando N. , Weltevrede Esther
Published: June 2019

This article discusses methodological approaches to app studies, focusing on their embeddedness and situatedness within multiple infrastructural settings. Our approach involves close attention to the multivalent affordances of apps as software packages, particularly their capacity to enter into diverse groupings and relations depending on different infrastructural situations. The changing situations they evoke and participate in, accordingly, make apps visible and accountable in a variety of unique ways. Therefore, engaging with and even staging these situations allows for political-economic, social, and cultural dynamics associated with apps and their infrastructures to be investigated through a style of research we describe as multi-situated app studies. This article offers an overview of four different entry points of enquiry that are exemplary of this multi-situated approach, focusing on app stores, app interfaces, app packages, and app connections. We conclude with nine propositions that develop out of these studies as prompts for further research.
No evidence for Retrocausation in Two Classic Cuing Paradigms
Authors: Wehrman Jordan J.
Published: June 2019

Retrocausation describes how an event that happens in the future may affect the present. For example, determining the state of an entangled particle in the future can determine the state of an entangled particle in the present. Recently, this phenomenon has been reported in the psychological literature, with several studies reporting that events which have yet to happen affect performance in various tasks. In this article, two classical manipulations of expectation from the psychological literature, endogenous and exogenous cueing, have been used to explore retrocausal effects on reaction speeds. The findings demonstrate no effect of retrocausation, supported by both frequentist and Bayesian statistical analysis. This is an important finding from two perspectives. First, it may indicate a limiting condition of retrocausal effects. Alternatively, it may contribute to research demonstrating a lack of retrocausation.