bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Survey of Graduate Training Programs and Coursework in Forensic Psychology
Authors: Burl Jeffrey , Shah Sanjay , Filone Sarah , Foster Elizabeth , DeMatteo David
Published: February 2012

An increasing number of graduate programs are available to students interested in the study of forensic psychology. The growth of forensic training opportunities is reflective of the wider development of forensic psychology as a discrete specialty area. An Internet-based survey was conducted to provide descriptive information to academic advisors of students interested in pursuing graduate-level training in forensic psychology. The goals of this survey were to identify forensic psychology graduate programs, categorize these programs by degree type, and examine their coursework content. The results of this survey will be useful to advisors seeking an understanding of the graduate training opportunities available in forensic psychology.
Online Delivery as a Course Adjunct Promotes Active Learning and Student Success
Authors: Lewis J. Scott , Harrison Marissa A.
Published: February 2012

Chickering and Gamson’s notable summary of the best practices of undergraduate teaching include promoting active learning, cooperation, and student–faculty contact. The present study hypothesized that online delivery of lecture prior to course meetings allows more in-class time to achieve these goals. Students in a control group received a traditional, oral, lecture-style class with supplementing PowerPoint presentation, whereas students in a treatment group received online presentation of the same lecture script and PowerPoint presentation prior to coming to class; the treatment group’s in-class time was devoted to group activities and discussion of material. Learning and retention were assessed by student performance on a series of multiple-choice tests and quizzes given throughout the semester. Results indicate that students in the treatment condition scored significantly higher on most measures than did students in the control condition. Through strong control of experimental conditions, this study departs from many previous investigations of the benefits of online delivery as an adjunct to seated class time in an introductory social science course, highlighting its advantages such as freeing class time for those activities and strategies deemed to be best practices. The implications of these results and limitations to the study are discussed.
Guidelines for a Scientific Approach to Critical Thinking Assessment
Authors: Bensley D. Alan , Murtagh Michael P.
Published: February 2012

Assessment of student learning outcomes can be a powerful tool for improvement of instruction when a scientific approach is taken; unfortunately, many educators do not take full advantage of this approach. This article examines benefits of taking a scientific approach to critical thinking assessment and proposes guidelines for planning, conducting, and using assessment research. Specifically, we discuss study design options and strategies for improving the quality of assessment data and the use of such data to improve critical thinking instruction in programs. Examples of practices from three programs that have conducted considerable critical thinking assessment illustrate use of the guidelines. Using scientific assessment to develop evidence-based educational practices shows great promise in contributing to the scholarship of teaching critical thinking.
A Reliable and Valid Weighted Scoring Instrument for Use in Grading APA-Style Empirical Research Report
Authors: Greenberg Kathleen Puglisi
Published: February 2012

The scoring instrument described in this article is based on a deconstruction of the seven sections of an American Psychological Association (APA)-style empirical research report into a set of learning outcomes divided into content-, expression-, and format-related categories. A double-weighting scheme used to score the report yields a final grade that reflects the relative importance of outcomes in each category and the differential contribution of each section of the report to the report as a whole. The scores produced by the instrument are reliable between and within raters and significantly correlated with students’ cumulative grade point averages. The author hopes the instrument can provide a useful framework for scoring any set of learning outcomes an instructor defines as the essential elements of an APA-style research report.
The Evolution, Contributions, and Prospects of the Youth Development Study
Authors: Mortimer Jeylan T.
Published: February 2012

Grounded in social structure and personality, life course, and status attainment perspectives of social psychology, the Youth Development Study (YDS) has followed a cohort of teenagers from the beginning of high school through their mid-thirties. Evidence for the effective exercise of agency derives from diverse adolescent work patterns leading to outcomes that are consistent with youth’s earlier goals, motivations, and resources. Thus, the socioeconomic career begins well before the completion of formal education. The YDS has revealed multiple pathways of contemporary transition to adulthood, the circumstances surrounding parental residential and financial support to their transitioning children, and the cessation of deviant behavior as adult roles are acquired. Agentic pathways during this period are significant precursors of success during subsequent economic downturn. The new YDS Second Generation Study is well poised to address the impacts of parental trajectories on the adjustment and well-being of children.
Association of Advanced Chronic Progressive Nephropathy (CPN) with Renal Tubule Tumors and Precursor Hyperplasia in Control F344 Rats from Two-Year Carcinogenicity Studies
Authors: Hard Gordon C. , Betz Laura J. , Seely John Curtis
Published: February 2012

From the archives of the National Toxicology Program, National Institutes of Health, kidney sections from twenty-four carcinogenicity studies (representing twenty-three chemicals) in male and female F344 rats were histopathologically re-evaluated to grade the severity of chronic progressive nephropathy (CPN) on an expanded scale of 0–8, and to record the presence of renal tubule tumors (RTT) and their precursor, atypical tubule hyperplasia (ATH). The data were statistically analyzed using SAS software for logistic regression analysis. This histopathological survey of 2,436 F344 rats showed clear evidence of a qualitative and statistically significant association between advanced stages of CPN severity and the development of low-grade RTT and ATH. Advanced CPN severity therefore represents a risk factor for the development of RTT and appears to be an underlying basis for spontaneous occurrence of RTT in the F344 rat. The difference in incidence and severity of CPN between the sexes also explains the 9:1 male-to-female sex difference in the spontaneous occurrence of ATH and RTT observed here. The regulatory significance of this finding is that chemicals exacerbating CPN as their only renal effect are likely to show a numerical increase in RTT with dose, which does not represent a direct tumorigenic effect of the chemical.
Myocardial Mononuclear Cell Infiltrates Are Not Associated with Increased Serum Cardiac Troponin I in Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Dunn Michael E. , Coluccio Denise , Zabka Tanja S. , Gopalakrishnan Gopakumar , Hirkaler Gerard , Geng Wanping , Nicklaus Rosemary , Lipshultz Steven E. , Doessegger Lucette , Saladino Brett H. , Singer Thomas , Mikaelian Igor
Published: February 2012

Myocardial mononuclear cell infiltrate is a spontaneous cardiac finding commonly identified in laboratory cynomolgus monkeys. The infiltrates are predominantly composed of macrophages with lesser lymphocytes and are not typically associated with histologically detectable cardiomyocyte degeneration. These infiltrates are of concern because they confound interpretation of test article–related histopathology findings in nonclinical safety toxicology studies. The interpretation of safety studies would be simplified by a biomarker that could identify myocardial infiltrates prior to animal placement on study. We hypothesized that monkeys with myocardial mononuclear cell infiltrates could be identified before necropsy using an ultrasensitive immunoassay for cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Serum cTnI concentrations in monkeys with myocardial infiltrates were not higher than those in monkeys without infiltrates at any of the sampling times before and on the day of necropsy. Increased serum cTnI levels are not suitable for screening monkeys with myocardial mononuclear cell infiltrates before placement in the study.
Fixation Temperature Affects DNA Integrity in the Testis as Measured by the TUNEL Assay
Authors: Dutta Dibyendu , Park In , Mills Nathaniel C.
Published: February 2012

Mature rat testes and liver were fixed with Bouin’s fluid (BF) or modified Davidson’s fixative (mDF) at room temperature (23°C) or 4°C, and DNA integrity was examined by the TUNEL assay. When testes were fixed in BF, TUNEL-stained cells were more prevalent than when fixation occurred in mDF. Independent of fixative, TUNEL-staining was higher when testes were fixed at room temperature relative to 4°C. Significant effects were present for fixative and temperature of fixation, but not their interaction. Relative to BF, mDF also provided for lower TUNEL-staining in liver, but staining was not affected by fixation temperature. Since the TUNEL assay depends on the detection of fragmented DNA strands, harsh fixatives that induce breaks in the DNA can introduce substantial artifacts. Such potential artifacts are especially prevalent in a tissue such as testes with its ongoing division and differentiation activities. Therefore, the current findings lead the authors to conclude that fixation of mature testes in mDF at 4°C minimizes generation of false TUNEL-positive cells.
Systematic Evaluation of the Upper Airway in the Adult Population of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Stefanini Renato , Tufik Sergio , Soares Maria Claudia Mattos , Haddad Fernanda Louise Martinho , Bittencourt Lia Rita Azeredo , Santos‐Silva Rogerio , Gregorio Luis Carlos
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To study the prevalence of otorhinolaryngologic symptoms and findings of physical examination of the upper airway (UA) of a representative sample of the adult population of São Paulo, Brazil, and the association between these findings.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

Population sample.

Methods

A total of 1101 randomly selected volunteers representing the adult population of São Paulo according to sex, age, and socioeconomic class were included in this study. Otorhinolaryngological evaluation included investigation of nasal complaints, physical examination of the UA, and a facial inspection.

Results

A total of 993 volunteers (53.9% women), with a mean age of 41.8 ± 0.89 years, underwent otorhinolaryngologic examination. The most prevalent symptoms were the following: symptoms suggestive of rhinitis (44.9%), snoring (42.8%), mouth breathing (39.3%), and nasal obstruction (33.3%). In physical examination, the most common findings were a web palate (redundant posterior pillar; 62.9%), septum deviation (56.9%), and inferior turbinate hypertrophy (37.7%). Significant associations were found between nasal obstruction and septum deviations, inferior turbinate hypertrophy, high‐arched palate, and class II dental occlusion; between symptoms of rhinitis and inferior turbinate hypertrophy; and between snoring and obstructive deviated septum, modified Mallampatti grades III and IV, increased neck circumference, and age greater than or equal to 50 years.

Conclusions

The prevalence of otorhinolaryngologic symptoms and alterations in physical examination of the UA were high in the adult population of São Paulo, Brazil. The snoring and nasal symptoms were significantly associated with findings from UA physical examination and inspection of the facial skeleton.
Sexual healing
Authors: Ein-Dor Tsachi , Hirschberger Gilad
Published: February 2012

Research investigating the link between stress and sexual activity has been limited and the findings equivocal. We examined the stress–sexual activity link and the moderating effects of gender and relationship satisfaction using a daily diary methodology. Seventy-five heterosexual Israeli adults were asked in an initial session to report on their relationship satisfaction. Then, these participants were asked to provide daily diary measures of stress and sexual activity for a period of 18 consecutive weekdays. We found that stressful days increased the probability of having sex on a subsequent day, and that sexual intercourse relieved stress for both men and women in satisfying relationships, but not in unsatisfying relationships. The discussion emphasizes the importance of sex in regulating emotions and maintaining psychological wellbeing, especially among those satisfied with their relationships.
French Settlers, Familial Suffrage, and Citizenship in 1920s Tunisia
Authors: Andersen Margaret Cook
Published: February 2012

After the First World War, many politicians sought, and ultimately failed, to replace universal suffrage with familial suffrage in French elections. This article analyzes how this new effort to think of French citizens in terms of gender and familial identities extended to the empire with the 1922 introduction of familial suffrage in Tunisia. This reform redefined the relationship between French settlers and their government. It also shows that Tunisia, which has thus far been absent from the developing literature on settler citizenship in the empire, represents a particularly compelling case study of the intersection of gender and familial status with definitions of citizenship.
Elderly, Family, and Age Support in Rural Galicia at the End of the Ancien Régime
Authors: Dubert Isidro
Published: February 2012

The attempt to ascertain the form and nature of familial age support in the past or, what comes to the same thing, the real degree of dependence or independence of the elderly vis-à-vis their families, relatives, and close ones, has led to a huge controversy among historians. But, throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in rural areas otherwise as disparate as those of Galicia, inland Spain, Navarre, south Italy, preindustrial England or rural Belgium, the social, and economic functions in relation to age support within the household showed themselves capable of adapting to suit the particular needs of the different type of families prevailing in each one. This adaptation capacity in turn bore a close relationship to the greater or lesser role played by elderly household heads in the social and familial reproduction processes occurring in their home areas.
Detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in different types of processed foods
Authors: Kumosani Taha A , Moselhy Said S , Asseri Abdullah M , Asseri Amer Hamzah
Published: February 2012

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PCAHs), particularly those with a high molecular weight, have been classified as probable carcinogens to humans. The aim of the present study is to determine the levels of PCAHs in samples of meat, fish, chicken, fried potato, and toasted bread, which will be thermally processed using conventional and microwave ovens. Different samples will be collected and analyzed for five PCAHs including pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(e)pyrene, benzoflouroanthene, and benzo(a)pyrene. The analytical method involves saponification with methanolic potassium hydroxide, extraction with cyclohexane, and determination by high-performance liquid chromatography. The obtained results showed that there is a variation in the detected PCAHs in different foodstuffs. Fried potato processed by conventional oven or microwave oven showed none of the selected studied PCAHs. It was found that, chicken showed higher content levels of total PCAHs than the meat and fish. Data are the highest mean concentrations of fluoranthene and benzo(a)pyrene but within low limit. The obtained results were compared with international permissible levels to avoid pollution, which may cause hazardous effects on individual and society.
Prevention of cytotoxicity of nickel by quercetin: the role of reactive oxygen species and histone acetylation
Authors: Chen Jie , Han Jia , Wang Jianmin
Published: February 2012

Excessive exposure to nickel may cause health effects on the blood, lung, nose, kidney, reproductive system, skin and the unborn child. In the present study, we found that Ni2+ exposure led to a time- and dose-dependent proliferation arrest and death in human leukemia HL-60 cells. In the presence of 1 mM Ni2+, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (indicated by the level of malondialdehyde) increased to 323% and histone acetylation decreased to 32%. Interestingly, quercetin (QU) dose dependently prevented Ni2+-induced cell proliferation arrest and death from 0 to 80 μM but showed similar activity of scavenging ROS at the concentrations of 20, 40 and 80 µM. When the effect of QU on histone acetylation was studied, QU significantly prevented Ni2+-induced histone hypoacetylation at 40 or 80 µM. Moreover, increase in histone acetylation by trichostatin A could also significantly enhance the protection effect of QU at 10 or 20 µM but not at higher concentrations. Thus, our results further confirmed the critical role of ROS and histone hypoacetylation in the cytotoxicity of Ni2+ exposure and proved that QU is a potentially useful native dietary compound to efficiently prevent Ni2+-caused cytotoxicity through both diminishing ROS generation and increasing histone acetylation.
Rheological and thermal properties of palm kernel shell–filled low-density polyethylene composites with acrylic acid
Authors: Salmah H , Lim BY , Teh PL
Published: February 2012

The melt flow behaviours of low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/palm kernel shell (PKS) composites were studied. Acrylic acid (AA) was used as a chemical modifier for PKS. The effect of filler loading and the presence of AA in melt flow behaviour of composites were determined. The melt flow index of the composites decreased with the increase in the filler loading. The apparent viscosity of the composites was found to exhibit linear relationship with reciprocal of the temperature. The study on the thermal properties showed that higher filler loading tend to reduce the onset temperature as the PKS possessed lower degradation temperature compared to the LDPE. The presence of the filler in LDPE polymeric matrix improved the thermal stability of the composites. The addition of AA provided better interfacial bonding between the LDPE matrix and the PKS filler, where higher onset temperature and lower weight loss were observed for LDPE/PKS composites with AA. The activation energy of the LDPE/PKS composites was increased with increasing filler loading. At similar filler loading, the addition of AA increased the activation energy of the LDPE/PKS composites.
Where are you from? Identity construction and experiences of ‘othering’ in the narratives of Sudanese refugee-background Australians
Authors: Hatoss Anikó
Published: February 2012

This article discusses collective identification among Sudanese refugee-background residents in Australia. The discursive data is drawn from semi-structured interviews through which identity self-categorizations and self-labelling were explored. In addition, mini-narratives about their experiences of intergroup communication with mainstream Australians were analysed in depth. In these narratives, the main topic was the story of being confronted with the question ‘Where are you from?’. This article applies positioning theory to the narrative accounts and discusses how participants position themselves in the story world as well as in the interactional world. The findings demonstrate that Sudanese Australians have a strong ethnic self-concept and a strong desire to obtain an Australian identity. However, their stories reveal that they are positioned as outsiders by mainstream Australians.
‘Bring back Hitler’s gas chambers’: Asylum seeking, Nazis and Facebook – a discursive analysis
Authors: Burke Shani , Goodman Simon
Published: February 2012

In this article, we explore how talk about Nazis is used in Internet discussions regarding asylum seeking, and the issue of whether or not opposition to asylum seeking is racist. Discursive analysis was conducted on discussions about asylum seeking from the social networking website Facebook, where references to Nazis were made. Three strategies were identified: (1) people supporting asylum seeking accuse asylum opponents of being racist by referring to Nazis; (2) opponents of asylum seeking deal with such accusations by arguing that the debate is being suppressed because of references to Nazis; (3) in the final, and most striking, strategy, opponents of asylum draw upon ideas associated with the Nazis and Hitler to bring about their anti-asylum position. These findings are discussed in relation to how the link between Nazis and racism is emerging in the asylum debate.
The Problem of Metrics: Assessing Progress and Effectiveness in the Vietnam War
Authors: Daddis Gregory A.
Published: February 2012

During the Vietnam War the complex nature of fighting an insurgency posed significant problems for US Army officers attempting to measure progress and military effectiveness. While much of the Vietnam historiography maintains that ‘body counts’ served as the primary, if not only, indicator of wartime success, such arguments overlook the vast numbers of reports attempting to measure progress and performance. Problems in evaluating progress stemmed not from a lack of effort on the part of army officers or from a single-minded commitment to counting bodies. Rather, complications arose from attempting to collect too many facts, figures, and statistics without evaluating how accurately such data reflected progress in a complex political-military environment.
Asian Motivators for Health Promotion
Authors: Coburn Carolyn L. , Weismuller Penny C.
Published: February 2012

Change in health behaviors requires motivation on the part of the individual. The aim of this article is to compare elements of the motivation process across cultures. A secondary aim is to determine whether a Western model of behavior change for health promotion, such as the PRECEDE–PROCEED model, can be applied to Asian populations. An integrative review and critical analysis of research literature was done by reviewing 20 studies with observational survey design and 6 integrative literature reviews. Findings show that the motivation process is similar for Eastern and Western cultures, but the motivators are different. The findings identify 10 motivators, congruent with Asian culture, that would allow the PRECEDE–PROCEED model to be used in Asian settings.
Hypertension Prevention Beliefs of Hispanics
Authors: Aroian Karen J. , Peters Rosalind M. , Rudner Nancy , Waser Lynn
Published: February 2012

Purpose/Design: This qualitative study used focus group methodology to explore attitudes and beliefs of Hispanics regarding hypertension prevention behaviors. Method: The sample was composed of 17 participants from varied Hispanic backgrounds. The theory of planned behavior guided interview questions. Findings: Analysis indicated that participants were knowledgeable about and had a positive attitude toward preventing hypertension. However, they identified numerous barriers to preventive behaviors. Two key themes, limited resources (e.g., no time to prepare healthy meals or exercise) and cultural expectations and values (e.g., traditional food as a marker of ethnicity, hospitality, and affection; valuing social interaction over solitary exercise) summarized significant barriers to engaging in recommended preventive behaviors. Discussion/Conclusions: Findings suggest that literature about lack of knowledge about hypertension prevention in Hispanics may be outdated or not applicable to many Hispanics. Select resource and cultural barriers to engaging in hypertension prevention behaviors are important areas to target. Implications for Practice: Exercise, stress reduction, and diet modification strategies for hypertension prevention among Hispanics should be consistent with the cultural norms regarding the importance of social interactions and leisure.
Culture and Smoking Among Vietnamese Americans in Central Massachusetts
Authors: Kim Sun S. , Nguyen Hoa L. , Le Thu Ha
Published: February 2012

The study was conducted (a) to assess use of any smoking cessation medications, (b) to identify factors associated with smoking, and (c) to assess knowledge of the health effects of smoking and attitudes toward smoking and seeking help for quitting among Vietnamese Americans. This is a descriptive study conducted with a nonrepresentative sample of 163 Vietnamese Americans. Current and former smokers constituted 24.4% and 25.6% of men and 1.2% and 3.5% of women, respectively. Of 20 current smokers, 17 (85%) reported use of cessation medications in their past quit attempts. Acculturation was the only significant correlate of ever smoking (vs. never smoking) in multivariate logistic regression analyses. Men who were less acculturated had more than 5 times the odds of being ever smokers (odds ratio = 5.33, 95% confidence interval = 1.37-20.78) compared with more acculturated men. Most participants had correct knowledge of the health effects of smoking regardless of age, education level, and smoking status. Attitudes toward smoking differed by age and education level but not by smoking status. Nurses working with Vietnamese Americans should be aware of the high rate of smoking among male immigrants and provide smoking cessation interventions.
Life, Interrupted
Authors: Poulos Christopher N.
Published: February 2012

In this autoethnography, the author explores his experiences with the hard disruptions that occur when confronted by others in ways that lead him to question, at times, the very ground of his being, his identity, and his place and purpose in the world. Finding a nexus for understanding these disruptions in interruptions, a story of his life struggles unfolds as a series of passages through gateways to transcendence. In the end, these interruptions, as harsh as some of them may seem, are proposed as necessary “moments of rupture” that allow for the eruption of infinite possibility, joy, and a spirited life.
Ethical harm in virtual communities
Authors: Vanacker Bastiaan , Heider Don
Published: February 2012

This article analyzes under which conditions ethical relevant avatar harm occurs in virtual worlds. The authors argue that this is most likely to occur when there are some norms of acceptable behavior in a virtual world and when players see avatars as constitutive to their identity. Other than online environments characterized by a ‘caveat emptor’ approach, Second Life is governed by certain norms of acceptable behavior. While Second Life inhabitants do not see a need for an additional code of ethics for their community, they do have notions of wrong and right behavior. However what exactly constitutes norm violating behavior and ethically relevant avatar harm is often times contested, as the example of online reactions to an avatar upskirt gallery in Second Life illustrate. Players who see their avatars as extensions of themselves are more at risk of ethical harm when a norm violation occurs than players for whom their avatar constitutes an entity distinct from the self.
Make-believe and make-belief in Second Life role-playing communities
Authors: Bäcke Maria
Published: February 2012

This feature article applies the concepts of ‘make-believe’ and ‘make-belief’ formulated by performance theorist, Richard Schechner, in a study of two role-play communities, Midian City and Gor in the online 3D environment Second Life. With make-believe fantasy role-play at their core, members of the two communities negotiate the social and political norms, the goals of the community and as well as the boundaries of the virtual role-play. The article explores the innovative forms of interaction at play in these negotiation processes, using (cyber)ethnographic methods and the analysis of various textual sources, Goffman’s theories of social performance as well as various types of performance discussed by Schechner and Auslander. The innovative forms of interaction are analysed in the light of the new technology and as performances and make-belief strategies directed towards realizing performative utopias, towards influencing the direction in which leaders and residents of this digital context want the role-play to develop, and towards shaping the emergent social and cultural rules and the political framework of the role-play.
Culturally Competent CBT
Authors: Ashworth Kevin J. , Randall Jacqueline , Millen Andrea , Rosqvist Johan
Published: February 2012

A 21-year-old Korean, single, and immigrant male presented to therapy with significant symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD) for treatment at a university training clinic. At the time of intake, he was experiencing intense distress and remarkable adaptations in his life to accommodate rather chronic physiological symptoms related to social interactions. He immigrated to the United States 5 years prior to treatment from Seoul, Korea. He endured social anxiety for 6 years preceding treatment. The case was conceptualized and treated from a cognitive-behavioral framework. Treatment gains were measured using behavioral markers and a reliable change index using standardized outcome measures. This case illustrates the ability to adhere to a cognitive-behavioral treatment model for SAD while considering pertinent cultural factors. Furthermore, it highlights the generalizability of a specific treatment model when working with Korean immigrants. The authors discuss the need for future research, and treatment implications of this case are described.
The Effectiveness of the Attention Training Technique in Reducing Intrusive Thoughts in Schizophrenia
Authors: Levaux Marie-Noëlle , Larøi Frank , Offerlin-Meyer Isabelle , Danion Jean-Marie , Van der Linden Martial
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the attention training technique (ATT) on the frequency of intrusive thoughts experienced by a person with schizophrenia in her daily life. The attentional procedure was designed to attenuate self-focused attention and to reinforce attentional control and consisted of auditory external exercises. Homework practice was included to promote transfer to everyday life. The efficacy and specificity of the ATT were assessed with cognitive, functional, and control measures. The impact of ATT on symptomatology, work functioning, and self-esteem was also measured. Postrehabilitation results showed that, after nine training sessions, there was a reduction in intrusive thoughts for the cognitive and ecological outcome measures. Selective attention, attention switching, and resistance to distractive interference specifically improved. The person reported a reduction in intrusive thoughts in her daily life. In addition, positive symptoms decreased. Finally, a 6-month follow-up assessment revealed the maintenance of most of the beneficial effects in daily life.
Minimally Invasive Osteotomy for Symptomatic Bunionette Deformity Is Not Advisable for Severe Deformities
Authors: Waizy Hazibullah , Olender Gavin , Mansouri Farhad , Floerkemeier Thilo , Stukenborg-Colsman Christina
Published: February 2012

Bunionette, or tailor’s bunion, is a painful protrusion on the plantar and/or lateral aspect of the fifth metatarsal head. Until recently, there have been very good results reported in literature when minimally invasive therapy is used to treat this deformity. In this study, the authors critically review the outcome of patients operated by the minimal invasive technique. A total of 31 feet were retrospectively reviewed with a mean follow-up of 52 months (range 14-106 months). The results were related to the preoperative severity of the bunionette deformity. The mean intermetatarsal angle IV/V was reduced from 12° to 7.5° postoperatively. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score showed good and excellent values (80-100 points) at follow-up in 16 (12 type I, 4 type III) feet. Fourteen (2 type I, 5 type II, 7 type III) feet were rated as satisfactory (60-80 points) and one (type III) foot with fair (56 points). Nine patients (5 type II and 4 type III) indicated that they would not undergo the operative procedure again. Our results show inclusive evidence that minimal invasive osteotomies have a good clinical outcome in the treatment of high-grade deformities. The best future option is to consider the classification of the deformity before a minimally invasive operation is to take place.

Levels of Evidence: Prognostic, Level IV, Case series
Minimally Invasive Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer in Management of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Associated With Tendinosis
Authors: Lui Tun Hing
Published: February 2012

Chronic tendinopathy is characterized by pain in the tendon, generally at the start and completion of exercise. However, tendinosis may lead to decreased blood flow, increased stiffness of the tendon and reduced tensile strength, and predispose to rupture. Operative treatment is indicated to restore the function of the Achilles tendon and alleviate the prerupture heel cord pain. A case of acute Achilles tendon rupture with extensive tendinosis that was successfully treated with minimally invasive flexor hallucis longus transfer is reported.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV
Overtraining Syndrome
Authors: Kreher Jeffrey B. , Schwartz Jennifer B.
Published: February 2012

Context: Fatigue and underperformance are common in athletes. Understanding overtraining syndrome (OTS) is helpful in the evaluation, management, and education of athletes.

Evidence Acquisition: Relevant articles in English were searched with OVID (1948-2011) and PubMed using the following keywords: overtraining syndrome, overtraining, overreaching, unexplained underperformance, staleness, pathophysiology, management, treatment, evaluation. Bibliographies were reviewed for additional resources.

Results: OTS appears to be a maladapted response to excessive exercise without adequate rest, resulting in perturbations of multiple body systems (neurologic, endocrinologic, immunologic) coupled with mood changes. Many hypotheses of OTS pathogenesis are reviewed, and a clinical approach to athletes with possible OTS (including history, testing, and prevention) is presented.

Conclusions: OTS remains a clinical diagnosis with arbitrary definitions per the European College of Sports Science’s position statement. History and, in most situations, limited serologies are helpful. However, much remains to be learned given that most past research has been on athletes with overreaching rather than OTS.
Early Mobilization in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Lipshutz Angela K.M. , Engel Heidi , Thornton Kevin , Gropper Michael A.
Published: February 2012

As mortality from critical illness continues to decrease, focus has shifted to long-term outcomes of ICU survivors. Neuromuscular weakness is a common sequela of critical illness. This weakness prolongs duration of mechanical ventilation, increases ICU and hospital length of stay, increases mortality, and can persist for years after hospital discharge. The differential diagnosis of weakness in the ICU is long, and includes critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) and critical illness myopathy (CIM). Immobilization and bed rest likely contribute to the development of CIP/CIM. Thus, early mobilization therapy has been suggested as an intervention to prevent or ameliorate ICU-acquired weakness. Early mobilization is safe, feasible, and associated with improved ICU outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests patients receiving early mobilization are more likely to be discharged home, making early mobilization therapy a potential mechanism to contain health care costs. Successful implementation of an early mobilization protocol requires changes in ICU culture and can be achieved using a structured quality improvement framework.
Oligodeoxynucleotides stabilize Helios-expressing Foxp3+ human T regulatory cells during in vitro expansion
Authors: Kim Yong Chan , Bhairavabhotla Ravikiran , Yoon Jeongheon , Golding Amit , Thornton Angela M. , Tran Dat Q. , Shevach Ethan M.
Published: February 2012

Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) maintain self-tolerance and adoptive therapy, and using Foxp3+ Tregs has been proposed as treatment for autoimmune diseases. The clinical use of Tregs will require large numbers of cells and methods for in vitro expansion of Tregs are being developed. Foxp3+ Tregs can be divided into 2 subpopulations based on expression of the transcription factor, Helios. Foxp3+Helios+ Tregs (70%) are thymic-derived, whereas Foxp3+Helios− Tregs (30%) are induced in the periphery. Foxp3+Helios+ Tregs differ from Foxp3+Helios− Tregs in terms of epigenetic changes at the Foxp3 locus, their capacity to produce effector cytokines, and their stability of Foxp3 expression on days to weeks of expansion in vitro. Addition of a 25 mer DNA oligonucleotide of random composition for a short period during the expansion of Foxp3+ Tregs in vitro results in prolonged stabilization of the Foxp3+Helios+ subpopulation and yields an optimal population for use in cellular biotherapy.
Enzymatic activity and immunoreactivity of Aca s 4, an alpha-amylase allergen from the storage mite Acarus siro
Authors: Pytelková Jana , Lepšík Martin , Šanda Miloslav , Talacko Pavel , Marešová Lucie , Mareš Michael
Published: February 2012

Background

Enzymatic allergens of storage mites that contaminate stored food products are poorly characterized. We describe biochemical and immunological properties of the native alpha-amylase allergen Aca s 4 from Acarus siro, a medically important storage mite.

Results

A. siro produced a high level of alpha-amylase activity attributed to Aca s 4. This enzyme was purified and identified by protein sequencing and LC-MS/MS analysis. Aca s 4 showed a distinct inhibition pattern and an unusual alpha-amylolytic activity with low sensitivity to activation by chloride ions. Homology modeling of Aca s 4 revealed a structural change in the chloride-binding site that may account for this activation pattern. Aca s 4 was recognized by IgE from house dust mite-sensitive patients, and potential epitopes for cross-reactivity with house dust mite group 4 allergens were found.

Conclusions

We present the first protein-level characterization of a group 4 allergen from storage mites. Due to its high production and IgE reactivity, Aca s 4 is potentially relevant to allergic hypersensitivity.
Clinical features and risk factors for severe and critical pregnant women with 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza infection in China
Authors: Zhang Peng-jun , Li Xiao-li , Cao Bin , Yang Shi-gui , Liang Li-rong , Gu Li , Xu Zhen , Hu Ke , Zhang Hong-yuan , Yan Xi-xin , Huang Wen-bao , Chen Wei , Zhang Jing-xiao , Li Lan-juan , Wang Chen ,   for the National Influenza A Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Clinical Investigation Group of China
Published: February 2012

Background

2009 pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza posed an increased risk of severe illness among pregnant women. Data on risk factors associated with death of pregnant women and neonates with pH1N1 infections are limited outside of developed countries.

Methods

Retrospective observational study in 394 severe or critical pregnant women admitted to a hospital with pH1N1 influenza from Sep. 1, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2009. rRT-PCR testing was used to confirm infection. In-hospital mortality was the primary endpoint of this study. Univariable logistic analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the potential factors on admission that might be associated with the maternal and neonatal mortality.

Results

394 pregnant women were included, 286 were infected with pH1N1 in the third trimester. 351 had pneumonia, and 77 died. A PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 200 (odds ratio (OR), 27.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.64-279.70) and higher BMI (i.e. ≥ 30) on admission (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.47) were independent risk factors for maternal death. Of 211 deliveries, 146 neonates survived. Premature delivery (OR, 4.17; 95% CI, 1.19-14.56) was associated neonatal mortality. Among 186 patients who received mechanical ventilation, 83 patients were treated with non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and 38 were successful with NIV. The death rate was lower among patients who initially received NIV than those who were initially intubated (24/83, 28.9% vs 43/87, 49.4%; p = 0.006). Septic shock was an independent risk factor for failure of NIV.

Conclusions

Severe hypoxemia and higher BMI on admission were associated with adverse outcomes for pregnant women. Preterm delivery was a risk factor for neonatal death among pregnant women with pH1N1 influenza infection. NIV may be useful in selected pregnant women without septic shock.
Highly frequent PIK3CA amplification is associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer
Authors: Shi Jing , Yao Demao , Liu Wei , Wang Na , Lv Hongjun , Zhang Guanjun , Ji Meiju , Xu Li , He Nongyue , Shi Bingyin , Hou Peng
Published: February 2012

Background

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway plays a fundamental role in cell proliferation and survival in human tumorigenesis, including gastric cancer. PIK3CA mutations and amplification are two major causes of overactivation of this pathway in human cancers. However, until this work, there was no sound investigation on the association of PIK3CA mutations and amplification with clinical outcome in gastric cancer, particularly the latter.

Methods

Using direct sequencing and real-time quantitative PCR, we examined PIK3CA mutations and amplification, and their association with clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcome of gastric cancer patients.

Results

PIK3CA mutations and amplification were found in 8/113 (7.1%) and 88/131 (67%) gastric cancer patients, respectively. PIK3CA amplification was closely associated with increased phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) level. No relationship was found between PIK3CA mutations and clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcome in gastric cancer. PIK3CA amplification was significantly positively associated with cancer-related death. Importantly, Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed that the patients with PIK3CA amplification had significantly shorter survival times than the patients without PIK3CA amplification.

Conclusions

Our data showed that PIK3CA mutations were not common, but its amplification was very common in gastric cancer and may be a major mechanism in activating the PI3K/Akt pathway in gastric cancer. Importantly, Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed that PIK3CA amplification was significantly positively associated with poor survival of gastric cancer patients. Collectively, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway may be an effective therapeutic target in gastric cancer.
Interaction between alcohol drinking and obesity in relation to colorectal cancer risk: a case-control study in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Authors: Zhao Jinhui , Zhu Yun , Wang Peizhong Peter , West Roy , Buehler Sharon , Sun Zhuoyu , Squires Josh , Roebothan Barbara , McLaughlin John R , Campbell Peter T , Parfrey Patrick S
Published: February 2012

Background

While substantive epidemiological literature suggests that alcohol drinking and obesity are potential risk factors of colorectal cancer (CRC), the possible interaction between the two has not been adequately explored. We used a case-control study to examine if alcohol drinking is associated with an increased risk of CRC and if such risk differs in people with and without obesity.

Methods

Newly diagnosed CRC cases were identified between 1999 and 2003 in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Cases were frequency-matched by age and sex with controls selected using random digit dialing. Cases (702) and controls (717) completed self-administered questionnaires assessing health and lifestyle variables. Estimates of alcohol intake included types of beverage, years of drinking, and average number of alcohol drinks per day. Odds ratios were estimated to investigate the associations of alcohol independently and when stratified by obesity status on the risk of CRC.

Results

Among obese participants (BMI ≥ 30), alcohol was associated with higher risk of CRC (OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2-4.0) relative to the non-alcohol category. Among obese individuals, 3 or more different types of drinks were associated with a 3.4-fold higher risk of CRC relative to non-drinkers. The risk of CRC also increased with drinking years and drinks daily among obese participants. However, no increased risk was observed in people without obesity.

Conclusion

The effect of alcohol of drinking on CRC seems to be modified by obesity.
Using staffing ratios for workforce planning: evidence on nine allied health professions
Authors: Cartmill Linda , Comans Tracy A , Clark Michele J , Ash Susan , Sheppard Lorraine
Published: February 2012

Background

Modern healthcare managers are faced with pressure to deliver effective, efficient services within the context of fixed budget constraints. Managers are required to make decisions regarding the skill mix of the workforce particularly when staffing new services. One measure used to identify numbers and mix of staff in healthcare settings is workforce ratio. The aim of this study was to identify workforce ratios in nine allied health professions and to identify whether these measures are useful for planning allied health workforce requirements.

Methods

A systematic literature search using relevant MeSH headings of business, medical and allied health databases and relevant grey literature for the period 2000-2008 was undertaken.

Results

Twelve articles were identified which described the use of workforce ratios in allied health services. Only one of these was a staffing ratio linked to clinical outcomes. The most comprehensive measures were identified in rehabilitation medicine.

Conclusion

The evidence for use of staffing ratios for allied health practitioners is scarce and lags behind the fields of nursing and medicine.
Carbon nanohorn-based nanofluids: characterization of the spectral scattering albedo
Authors: Mercatelli Luca , Sani Elisa , Giannini Annalisa , Di Ninni Paola , Martelli Fabrizio , Zaccanti Giovanni
Published: February 2012

The full characterization of the optical properties of nanofluids consisting of single-wall carbon nanohorns of different morphologies in aqueous suspensions is carried out using a novel spectrophotometric technique. Information on the nanofluid scattering and absorption spectral characteristics is obtained by analyzing the data within the single scattering theory and validating the method by comparison with previous monochromatic measurements performed with a different technique. The high absorption coefficient measured joint to the very low scattering albedo opens promising application perspectives for single-wall carbon nanohorn-based fluid or solid suspensions. The proposed approximate approach can be extended also to other low-scattering turbid media.

PACS: 78.35.+c Brillouin and Rayleigh scattering, other light scattering; 78.40.Ri absorption and reflection spectra, fullerenes and related materials; 81.05.U- carbon/carbon-based materials; 78.67.Bf optical properties of low-dimensional, mesoscopic, and nanoscale materials and structures, nanocrystals, nanoparticles, and nanoclusters.