Interventions for tobacco use cessation in people living with HIV and AIDS

Background: Tobacco use is highly prevalent amongst people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and has a substantial impact on morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of interventions to motivate and assist tobacco use cessation for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), and to evaluate the risks of any harms associated with those interventions. Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group's Specialised Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO in June 2015. We also searched EThOS, ProQuest, four clinical trial registries, reference lists of articles, and searched for conference abstracts using Web of Science and handsearched speciality conference databases. Selection criteria: Controlled trials of behavioural or pharmacological interventions for tobacco cessation for PLWHA. Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently extracted all data using a standardised electronic data collection form. They extracted data on the nature of the intervention, participants, and proportion achieving abstinence and they contacted study authors to obtain missing information. We collected data on long-term (greater than or equal to six months) and short-term (less than six months) outcomes. Where appropriate, we performed meta-analysis and estimated the pooled effects using the Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effect method. Two authors independently assessed and reported the risk of bias according to prespecified criteria. Main results: We identified 14 studies relevant to this review, of which we included 12 in a meta-analysis (n = 2087). All studies provided an intervention combining behavioural support and pharmacotherapy, and in most studies this was compared to a less intensive control, typically comprising a brief behavioural intervention plus pharmacotherapy. There was moderate quality evidence from six studies for the long-term abstinence outcome, which showed no evidence of effect for more intense cessation interventions: (risk ratio (RR) 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72 to 1.39) with no evidence of heterogeneity (I 2 = 0%). The pooled long-term abstinence was 8% in both intervention and control conditions. There was very low quality evidence from 11 studies that more intense tobacco cessation interventions were effective in achieving short-term abstinence (RR 1.51, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.00); there was moderate heterogeneity (I 2 = 42%). Abstinence in the control group at short-term follow-up was 8% (n = 67/848) and in the intervention group was 13% (n = 118/937). The effect of tailoring the intervention for PLWHA was unclear. We further investigated the effect of intensity of behavioural intervention via number of sessions and total duration of contact. We failed to detect evidence of a difference in effect according to either measure of intensity, although there were few studies in each subgroup. It was not possible to perform the planned analysis of adverse events or HIV outcomes since these were not reported in more than one study. Authors' conclusions: There is moderate quality evidence that combined tobacco cessation interventions provide similar outcomes to controls in PLWHA in the long-term. There is very low quality evidence that combined tobacco cessation interventions were effective in helping PLWHA achieve short-term abstinence. Despite this, tobacco cessation interventions should be offered to PLWHA, since even non-sustained periods of abstinence have proven benefits. Further large, well designed studies of cessation interventions for PLWHA are needed

The Zoom Paradox: Schrodinger’s Witness

The article explains the role of the common law and federal civil statutes in the evolution of convenience concept in civil procedure through the development of videoconferencing technology

The Effectiveness of ISCO Injection Methods for Remediation of Groundwater

In-Situ Chemical Oxidation (ISCO) injections were performed at Petro Stopping Centers # 10 (Petro) in December 2013 and June 2015. The methodology was direct injection of a heavy oxidizer, RegenOx®, followed by a time-release oxygen compound, ORC Advanced®, into a plume of gasoline sitting on top of the water in the aquifer in hope that this remediate the aquifer. Both chemicals are registered trademarks of the Regenesis® Company. The levels of contaminates have dropped considerably. However, Petro has not achieved closure criteria according to RECAP standards. The site is classified as a GW-1B, subject to the most stringent of remediation standards, due to its ability to be used as a drinking water source. The analytical results show undulating contaminate levels, dropping to below detectable levels then resurging to levels above acceptable RECAP standards. Levels show steady decline in all the monitoring wells including downgradient monitoring wells. The undulating phenomenon can be explained by desorption of COCs, incidental spilling of gasoline, or the clay’s affinity for organics. Further investigation into the clay will provide a better idea of which hypothesis is closer to the truth. During a sampling event, 3/19/15, levels were below detectable concentrations in all samples. Lab error offers a possible explanation for this event, the site still has contamination on it, if that sampling event produced clean samples is highly suspect. The injections were successful at bringing gasoline contaminate concentrations down directly after an injection period. The method is effective and easy to apply. The resurgence of contaminates at this site is up for discussion and further study but, the method of remediation used at Petro is an effective tool in remediating a gasoline contaminated aquifer. Suggestions for improving the effectiveness of this method with the use of other injection materials in conjunction with the chemicals used in this project are mentioned in the discussion and conclusion sections of this thesis. Data referenced in this thesis is publicly available at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality document search website EDMS under the Agency Interest(AI) number 5962

Analysis of Assessment and Hemodynamic Activation in the Prefrontal Cortex: An Investigation of Executive Function

Executive function (EF) refers to the group of cognitive processes that guide human behavior. EF dysfunction is characteristic of a number of clinical conditions such as ADHD. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an economical and less invasive means to image the cortex during tasks of EF to visualize cognitive processes. Measuring hemodynamics in those with and without ADHD during EF tasks, and comparing hemodynamics, EF performance and ratings of EF in daily functioning can yield additional insight into the functional relationship of the cortex and behavior. This study utilized the EXecutive Abilities: Measures and Instruments for Neurobehavioral Evaluation and Research (EXAMINER), Trail Making Test (TMT), Twenty Questions (20Q) task from the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS), and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult (BRIEF-A) Behavior Regulation Index (BRI) and Metacognition Index (MCI). NIRS data was collected during the EF performance tasks and results were calculated based on average hemodynamic responses. Additional questions were addressed regarding the association of EF ratings to EF performance, whether there was an association between digital and non-digital EF tasks, and whether performance differed between those with and without ADHD in terms of hemodynamics and performance or only performance variables. A moderate association was found between BRI and decreased oxygenated hemoglobin (oxyHb) in the left DLPFC during Set Shifting. Higher MCI was moderately associated with decreased oxyHb in the left DLPFC during a task of inhibition and sustained attention, and improved performance on N-Back was moderately associated with increased oxyHb in bilateral DLPFC during Set Shifting. No statistically significant differences were found between ADHD and Non-ADHD groups in PFC hemodynamics during EF tasks; however, ADHD participants exhibited greater impairment on ratings of EF. No statistically significant associations between digital and non-digital tasks were found. Findings confirm deficits in everyday EF in those with ADHD; however, continued use of digital tasks to assess EF constructs, and use of those results for diagnostic purposes is not consistently supported in the literature. Additional information regarding use of EF tasks in those with and without ADHD may provide additional insight into the connection between neurophysiology and everyday function

Resistant starch and sodium butyrate reduce body fat in rodents

Introduction: Obesity levels in the United States have significantly increased in the last forty years. Lifestyle and pharmacological treatments have been largely ineffective in treating obesity for most people. Both Resistant Starch (RS) and Dietary Sodium Butyrate (SB) are bioactivties which have shown the ability to decrease body fat levels of rodents without increasing physical activity or decreasing energy intake. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) are gut hormones that may be involved in increased energy expenditure at a cellular level with dietary RS and SB. Objective: To discern if SB and RS both work through the increase of plasma GLP-1 and PYY. Also to see if a combination of RS and SB would lead to an increased or even an additive effect on the reduction of body fat levels in rodents. Methods: 60 Sprague Dawley rats were fed isocaloric diets of either control, SB, RS or a combination of RS and SB for 60 days. Measurements included food intake, body weight, abdominal fat, plasma PYY and GLP-1, and gastrointestinal tract weights. Results: There was no difference in caloric consumptions between any groups. According to factorial results, SB and RS both lowered abdominal fat. While the combination of RS and SB showed the lowest levels of abdominal body fat levels by t tests compared to control, there was not an additive effect of SB and RS. GLP-1 and PYY levels were not increased in the SB fed group. Conclusions: SB effects on body fat reduction are not associated with increased plasma GLP-1 and PYY levels as found in RS fed rodents. The combination of SB and RS have a greater effect on body fat than either alone, but the lack of an additive effect suggests a saturation level in a cellular mechanism by which both RS and SB may increase energy expenditure

Womanism & Wellbeing: A Manuscript Dissertation Exploring the Effects of Shame, Loss and Gender Issues

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the research on gender issues and psychological well-being across the adult lifespan utilizing qualitative research examining factors (e.g., societal influences, sexual objectification, shame, loss, meaning-making, and internal identity) in developing resilience and mitigating mental health issues. This paper discusses the importance of addressing well-being through expression of loss, meaning-making, and social impact. This manuscript style dissertation will review publications in such areas as sexuality, spirituality, grief, shame, intimacy, social, and interpersonal relationships. The exploration of biopsychosocial impacts as it relates to meaning-making, resilience, and communal involvement. The three publications will be analyzed through qualitative research applying a case study approach. Findings suggest, women, regardless of sexual orientation, report negative mental health and body image dissatisfaction after internalized experiences of objectification, prolonged losses, and environments of shame. Research will seek to note any factors that affect well-being and gender issues, such as meaning-making rituals, societal connection, and internal psychological awareness. This paper should be viewed as both an invitation for further research into the effects on women within a discriminatory sociocultural context, such as racism, sexism, heterosexism, and other gender discrimination. It should also summon mental health professionals to incorporate more aspects of advocacy, social support, self-care, coping mechanisms pertaining to gender issues within individual treatment plans, overall mental health programs, and church congregations for women recovering from oppressive environments of sexual and spiritual shame. Keywords: womanism, feminism, mental health, gender issues, LGBTQ+, womanist theology, feminist theory, grief, spirituality, resilience, sexuality, self-regulation, objectification, meaning-making, self-awareness, social connection

16. A Comparison of Soil Biodiversity in Restored Prairie Plots and Agricultural Fields at a Biomass Production Farm in Southeastern Minnesota

Communities of soil-dwelling organisms contribute to soil fertility and nutrient cycling, but conventional farming practices can disturb and reduce these communities. In southeastern Minnesota, some farmers are planting simplified prairie vegetation to produce biomass fuels. Our study was designed to assess the species abundance and diversity of soil invertebrates in plantings of mixed grasses only (MG) and mixed grasses with forbs (MGF) that were planted for use as a biomass fuel source on a farm in southeastern Minnesota in 2007. Abundance and diversity of soil invertebrates also were examined in soils of corn (Zea mays L.) fields grown on the same farm, and in soils of an adjacent prairie managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Six soil samples were collected from each of these 4 landscape types in summer 2010. Soil samples were placed in a Berlese apparatus for 24 h to extract soil invertebrates. Soil invertebrates were most abundant in samples from the DNR prairie (n=156). MG samples had the second highest abundance (n=146), MGF soils had lower abundance (n=87), and corn fields had the fewest invertebrates (n=41). The most abundant taxa in prairie soils included white and brown mites, springtails, and earthworms, whereas springtails and symphylans were the most abundant invertebrates in corn plots. Species diversity (Shannon H\u27) of soil communities differed significantly (analysis of variance: F3,20 = 17.177, P \u3c 0.0001) among landscape types. Tukey’s honestly significant difference test was employed to study any difference in diversity among the 4 landscape units and from this analysis we concluded that DNR and MGF did not differ, nor did MG and MGF reconstructed prairie plots. However, all other comparisons differed significantly in their diversity of soil invertebrates, thus substantiating our findings about abundance. This work has valuable implications for developing more sustainable soil management practices that could serve restoration efforts and adjacent agricultural lands