bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone subtraction radiography in adult patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Obmann Verena C , Christe Andreas , Ebner Lukas , Szucs-Farkas Zsolt , Ott Sebastian R , Yarram Sai , Stranzinger Enno
Published: November 2016

Background

Bone subtraction radiography allows reading pulmonary changes of chest radiographs more accurately without superimposition of bones.

Purpose

To evaluate the value of bone subtraction chest radiography using dual energy (DE) bone subtracted lung images compared to conventional radiographs (CR) in adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Material and Methods

Forty-nine DE radiographs of 24 patients (16 men) with CF (mean age, 32 years; age range, 18–71 years) were included. Lung function tests were performed within 10 days of the radiographs. Two radiologists evaluated all CR, DE, and CR + DE radiographs using the modified Chrispin-Norman score (CNS) and a five-point score for the confidence. Findings were statistically evaluated by Friedman ANOVA and Wilcoxon matched-pairs test.

Results

There was significant difference of CNS between CR and DE ( P = 0.044) as well as CR and CR + DE ( P < 0.001). CNS of CR images showed moderate correlation with FEV1% (R = 0.287, P = 0.046) while DE and CR + DE correlated poorly with FEV1% (R = 0.023, P = 0.874 and R = 0.04, P = 0.785). A higher confidence was achieved with bone-subtracted radiographs compared to radiographs alone (median, CR 3.3, DE 3.9, CR + DE 4.1, for both P < 0.001).

Conclusion

DE radiographs are reliable for the evaluation of adult patients with CF in acute exacerbation. For yearly surveillance, CR and DE radiographs may play a limited role. However, in clinical routine, DE radiographs are useful for adult CF patients and may depict more accurately inflammatory changes than CR.
Histologic and Immunohistochemical Analyses of Soft Tissue Sarcomas From brca2-Mutant/tp53-Mutant Zebrafish Are Consistent With Neural Crest (Schwann Cell) Origin
Authors: White L. A. , Sexton J. M. , Shive H. R.
Published: November 2016

The zebrafish ( Danio rerio) provides a powerful model for analyzing genetic contributors to cancer. Multiple zebrafish lines with cancer-associated genetic mutations develop soft tissue sarcomas that are histologically consistent with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). The goal of this study was to determine the phenotype of soft tissue sarcomas in a brca2-mutant/ tp53-mutant zebrafish line using immunohistochemical markers that are commonly expressed in mammalian MPNST. We classified 70 soft tissue sarcomas from a brca2-mutant/ tp53-mutant zebrafish cohort as MPNST, undifferentiated sarcoma, or other tumor based on histologic features. The expression of S100, CD57, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was analyzed in nonneoplastic neural tissues and tumor specimens by immunohistochemistry. Each marker was expressed in nonneoplastic neural tissues. In MPNST, S100 and CD57 were widely expressed in neoplastic cells, with greater consistency observed for CD57 expression. In undifferentiated sarcomas, results were variable and correlated to anatomic location. Coelomic undifferentiated sarcomas often exhibited widespread CD57 expression but limited S100 expression. In comparison, ocular undifferentiated sarcomas exhibited limited expression of both CD57 and S100. Overall, CD57 and S100 expression was significantly higher in MPNST than in undifferentiated sarcomas. GFAP was not expressed in any of the tumors. This study identified commercially available antibodies that are useful for analyzing S100, CD57, and GFAP expression in zebrafish. This study further shows a correlation between degree of histologic differentiation and expression of these markers in soft tissue sarcomas from brca2-mutant/ tp53-mutant zebrafish and suggests that these cancers are derived from the neural crest with differentiation toward myelinating Schwann cells.
Salmonella Enterica Serovar Pomona Infection in Farmed Juvenile American Alligators (Alligator Mississippiensis)
Authors: Sakaguchi K. , Nevarez J. G. , Del Piero F.
Published: November 2016

A fatal epizootic of salmonellosis occurred in farmed juvenile American alligators in Louisiana. Six animals were examined. Gross lesions included severe fibrinonecrotizing enterocolitis, necrotizing splenitis, coelomic effusion, and perivisceral and pulmonary edema. Microscopic examination revealed severe necrotizing enterocolitis and splenitis with intralesional bacteria and pneumocyte necrosis with fibrin thrombi. Salmonella enterica serovar Pomona was isolated from intestine and lung. Clinical salmonellosis is a rare finding in reptiles and salmonellosis caused by S. Pomona is not previously reported in American alligators. Since S. Pomona is a commonly isolated Salmonella serotype from patients with reptile-associated salmonellosis in the United States, and since alligator meat is consumed and the skin is exported to numerous countries, risk of human and animal infection should be considered.
Against neoliberalism as a concept
Authors: Dunn Bill
Published: November 2016

Neoliberalism is a slippery concept, neither intellectually precise nor political useful. It is used so widely, to mean such different things, that it becomes almost impossibly vague, while dissimilar international experiences of social change undermine the sweeping designation provided by most presentations of neoliberalism. The term is too often used as a catch-all category or as a category that catches selectively whatever a particular author chooses and disapproves. It is a word of the academic ‘left’, accepted neither by our opponents, the supposed neoliberals, nor in popular discourse, and its use perpetuates a self-referential world of our own. There is little new or liberal in the ideas or practices of ‘neoliberalism’. The term is politically unhelpful, little use in identifying strategic priorities. A tendency to reproduce a binary, which posits the state as good and market as bad, is particularly unhelpful.
Levetiracetam for the Treatment of Seizures in Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Venkatesan Charu , Young Sarah , Schapiro Mark , Thomas Cameron
Published: November 2016

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam in treatment of neonatal seizures due to hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Seizures often persist in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy despite phenobarbital. A retrospective single-center study was conducted in neonates ≥36 weeks gestation with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. A total of 127 neonates were identified born 2008-2015. Clinical seizures occurred in 83 infants. Fifty-one neonates (61%) had cessation of seizures with only phenobarbital. Thirty-two neonates received levetiracetam after phenobarbital, and the seizures stopped in 27 of these neonates. The mean total loading dose of levetiracetam was 63 mg/kg. Mean maintenance dose of levetiracetam was 65 mg/kg/d. We found no negative side effects in neonates following levetiracetam use. Our study finds that levetiracetam is an efficacious medication in treatment of seizures in the setting of neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Future prospective studies should explore its use as a first-line medication.
Why Is Diagnosing Pediatric Malnutrition Important?
Authors: Corkins Mark R.
Published: November 2016

The literature indicates that pediatric malnutrition is more common than the number of times it is actually diagnosed. A new pediatric malnutrition definition is now available with criteria to make the diagnosis. If pediatric malnutrition is present, it should be diagnosed for financial, educational, and research purposes as well as the effects on patient development and mortality. These reasons extend beyond the health of an individual patient to potential impacts on society as a whole. When all of these reasons are examined and added, making the diagnosis of pediatric malnutrition becomes an obligation of the pediatric caregiver.
Elevated Modified Shock Index Within 24 Hours of ICU Admission Is an Early Indicator of Mortality in the Critically Ill
Authors: Smischney Nathan J. , Seisa Mohamed O. , Heise Katherine J. , Schroeder Darrell R. , Weister Timothy J. , Diedrich Daniel A.
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

To assess whether exposure to modified shock index (MSI) in the first 24 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) admission is associated with increased in-hospital mortality.

Methods:

Adult critically ill patients were included in a case–control design with 1:2 matching. Cases (death) and controls (alive) were abstracted by a reviewer blinded to exposure status (MSI). Cases were matched to controls on 3 factors—age, end-stage renal disease, and ICU admission diagnosis.

Results:

Eighty-three cases and 159 controls were included. On univariate analysis, lorazepam administration (odds ratio [OR]: 5.75, confidence interval [CI] = 2.28-14.47; P ≤ .01), shock requiring vasopressors (OR: 3.62, CI = 1.77-7.40; P ≤ .01), maximum MSI (OR: 2.77 per unit, CI = 1.63-4.71; P ≤ .001), and elevated acute physiologic and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) III score at 1 hour (OR: 1.41 per 10 units, CI = 1.19-1.66; P ≤ .001) were associated with mortality. Maximum MSI (OR: 1.93 per unit, CI = 1.07-3.48, P = .03) and APACHE III score at 1 hour (OR: 1.29 per 10 units, CI = 1.09-1.53; P = .003) remained significant with mortality in the multivariate analysis. The optimal cutoff point for high MSI and mortality was 1.8.

Conclusion:

Critically ill patients who demonstrate an elevated MSI within the first 24 hours of ICU admission have a significant mortality risk. Given that MSI is easily calculated at the bedside, clinicians may institute interventions earlier which could improve survival.
Evaluating Coincident Relationships Between Obesity Incidence and Normal Weight Incidence From Birth Through Kindergarten for US Children
Authors: Yeaton William H. , Shah Megha K. , Moss Brian G.
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

We examine the concurrent relationship between obesity incidence and normal weight status incidence and prevalence in children between 9 months and kindergarten.

Design:

Multistage, probability sample from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Birth cohort.

Setting:

United States.

Participants:

Representative sample of US preschool children (n = 9950) followed from birth through kindergarten.

Measures:

From direct, anthropometric measures, we reported prevalence and incidence rates across 4 follow-up periods.

Analysis:

In addition to prevalence and incidence rates, we reported risk ratios based on multiple definitions and estimated predicted probabilities of obesity and normal weight status using clinically meaningful body mass index (BMI)-for-age percentiles.

Results:

Obesity prevalence (13%-20%) was much smaller than normal weight status prevalence (66%-70%). Lower socioeconomic status, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic black children had greater risk of obesity. During 9 months to kindergarten, obesity incidence decreased two-thirds (15.6%), while normal weight status incidence decreased almost one-half (44.6%). Coincidently, normal weight status incidence (ranged from 23% to 45%) was consistently and substantially higher than obesity incidence (ranged from 5% to 15%). During 4 years to kindergarten, the obesity risk for overweight children was 13 times higher than that for normal weight status children.

Conclusion:

Overall rates of obese and normal weight incidence were substantial at 9 months, trended lower, but remained high through kindergarten. At 4 years to kindergarten, children with relatively high initial BMI were very likely to become obese but far less likely to achieve normal weight status.
Evaluating the Needs of Patients Living With Solid Tumor Cancer: A Survey Design
Authors: Schmidt April L. , Lorenz Rebecca A. , Buchanan Paula M. , McLaughlin Laura
Published: November 2016

Purpose: To describe the unmet needs of adult patients living with solid tumor cancer. Design: Survey design. Method: Adult patients living with solid tumor cancer from two outpatient clinics were mailed the Sheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral to Care, a holistic screening questionnaire for assessing palliative care needs, and a demographics questionnaire. One hundred fifteen patients returned the instruments, corresponding to a 62% response rate. Findings: There were no significant differences by cancer type (breast, non-breast) or gender. However, Caucasians reported significantly more psychological issues, such as anxiety, than non-Caucasians ([ n = 101 (87.8%)] and [ n = 14 (12.2%)], respectively, p = .032). Older patients reported more concerns about loss of independence/activity ( p = .012) compared with younger age groups. Patients living with Stage III/IV cancer reported more distressed about independence/activity ( p = .034), family/social issues ( p = .007), and treatment side effects ( p = .027) than patients living with Stage I/II cancer. Conclusion: Patients living with solid tumor cancer have a myriad of unmet needs regardless of age, gender, cancer type, or cancer stage. There appears to be important differences by cancer stage. The Sheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral to Care questionnaire provides a holistic approach for nurses to identify unmet needs and concerns. Future research should explore the preferred methods of receiving support and information.
Effect of different silane coupling agents on cryogenic properties of silica-reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Sun Tao , Peng Cong , Wu Zhanjun
Published: November 2016

Epoxy-based composites containing silica modified by various silane coupling agents (SCAs) were prepared. The effect of the SCAs and the silica content on the thermal, mechanical properties, and fracture toughness of the nanocomposites was investigated. The particle size and dispersion state of the modified silica particles in the matrix were determined by transmission electron microscopy. The modification of silica with SCAs was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The specific tensile properties at ambient temperature (AT, 298 K) were compared with those at cryogenic (LT, 77 K) condition for silica content of 1−5 wt%. The effect of certain types of coupling agents on the thermal properties of the composites was also investigated. The Tg of all amino-silane-modified composites tended to be improved at low silica contents, while that of epoxy-silane-modified composites seemed to be enhanced further at high silica content. The tensile properties of the nanocomposites both at AT and LT tended to be enhanced at lower silica content, especially the failure strain. The fracture toughness ( KIC) turned out to be better enhanced by coupling agents at LT. The difference of the toughening mechanism at AT and LT was examined according to the morphology of the fracture surfaces using the scanning electron microscopy.
Effect of the addition of ethanol on the combustion and emission characteristics of a common-rail dimethyl ether engine
Authors: Wang Chunhai , Li Pengfei , Qiao Xinqi , Huang Zhen
Published: November 2016

The effect of the addition of ethanol on the combustion and emission characteristics of dimethyl ether combustion were investigated in this study using an electronically controlled common-rail dimethyl ether engine. The ignition delay, the crank angle for 50% mass fraction burned, the combustion duration, the nitrogen oxide emissions, the hydrocarbon emissions and the carbon monoxide emissions of the fuel blends with the addition of different percentages of ethanol were analysed for different loads and for different injection timings separately. The results suggest that the effect of ethanol on the dimethyl ether combustion mainly prolongs the ignition delay and inhibits the combustion rate. The ignition delay is prolonged significantly with increasing percentage of ethanol added for low loads or retarded injection timings. A reduction in the combustion rate and an increase in the combustion duration are associated with a higher percentage of ethanol added for high loads or advanced injection timings, leading to lower nitrogen oxide emissions. On the addition of 15% ethanol, the nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced by about 17% for a brake mean effective pressure of 1.2 MPa, and by 32% when the start of injection is at −7° crank angle after top dead centre. Premixed combustion with a sharply prolonged ignition delay and a shortened combustion duration can be achieved by the addition of 15% ethanol when the start of injection is at 5° crank angle after top dead centre. The carbon monoxide emissions show a tendency to increase with increasing amount of ethanol added, whereas the hydrocarbon emissions remain nearly the same until the percentage of ethanol reaches 15%.
MSM in Bogotá are living with HIV for extended periods without diagnosis or treatment
Authors: Zea Maria Cecilia , Olaya Patricia , Reisen Carol A , Poppen Paul J
Published: November 2016

We examined recency of infection in serum samples obtained from 69 newly identified HIV-positive cases in a sample of 1000 men who have sex with men (MSM) in Bogotá. HIV antibody avidity assays were performed using the Architect HIV Ag/AB combo. Avidity indices ranged from 0.62 to 1.22, with a cut-off score below 0.80 indicative of recent infection. Two samples were classified as recent, six fell within the gray zone (0.75 to 0.85), and the remaining 61 were considered established infections. Results provided evidence of widespread, long-term, undiagnosed HIV infection, as well as an estimate of one-year incidence at .25 in the population of MSM in Bogotá. This incidence rate is approximately 8.5 times the rate estimated for the general adult population in Colombia. The large proportion of newly diagnosed cases found among individuals with established infections indicates that many MSM in Bogotá are living with HIV for extended periods without being diagnosed and treated. Greater efforts to detect and treat undiagnosed infections are crucial to decrease HIV incidence and increase maximum effectiveness of medical intervention. Given the over-representation of MSM and transgender women in the HIV epidemic in Colombia, such efforts should specifically target this population.
The Whole Warps the Sum of Its Parts
Authors: Corbett Jennifer E.
Published: November 2016

The efficiency of averaging properties of sets without encoding redundant details is analogous to gestalt proposals that perception is parsimoniously organized as a function of recurrent order in the world. This similarity suggests that grouping and averaging are part of a broader set of strategies allowing the visual system to circumvent capacity limitations. To examine how gestalt grouping affects the manner in which information is averaged and remembered, I compared the error in observers’ adjustments of remembered sizes of individual circles in two different mean-size sets defined by similarity, proximity, connectedness, or a common region. Overall, errors were more similar within the same gestalt-defined groups than between different gestalt-defined groups, such that the remembered sizes of individual circles were biased toward the mean size of their respective gestalt-defined groups. These results imply that gestalt grouping facilitates perceptual averaging to minimize the error with which individual items are encoded, thereby optimizing the efficiency of visual short-term memory.
When Misinformation Improves Memory
Authors: Putnam Adam L. , Sungkhasettee Victor W. , Roediger Henry L.
Published: November 2016

In two experiments, we explored the effects of noticing and remembering change in the misinformation paradigm. People watched slide shows, read narratives containing misinformation about the events depicted in the slide shows, and took a recognition test on which they reported whether any details had changed between the slides and the narratives. As expected, we found a strong misinformation effect overall. In some cases, however, misinformation led to improved recognition, which is opposite the usual finding. Critically, misinformation led to improved recognition of the original event when subjects detected and remembered a change between the original event and the postevent information. Our research agrees with other findings from retroactive-interference paradigms and can be interpreted within the recursive-remindings framework, according to which detecting and remembering change can enhance retention. We conclude that the misinformation effect occurs mostly for witnessed details that are not particularly memorable. In the case of more memorable details, providing misinformation can actually facilitate later recollection of the original events.
Action Experience Drives Visual-Processing Biases Near the Hands
Authors: Thomas Laura E.
Published: November 2016

Observers experience affordance-specific biases in visual processing for objects within the hands’ grasping space, but the mechanism that tunes visual cognition to facilitate action remains unknown. I investigated the hypothesis that altered vision near the hands is a result of experience-driven plasticity. Participants performed motion-detection and form-perception tasks—while their hands were either near the display, in atypical grasping postures, or positioned in their laps—both before and after learning novel grasp affordances. Participants showed enhanced temporal sensitivity for stimuli viewed near the backs of the hands after training to execute a power grasp using the backs of their hands (Experiment 1), but showed enhanced spatial sensitivity for stimuli viewed near the tips of their little fingers after training to use their little fingers to execute a precision grasp (Experiment 2). These results show that visual biases near the hands are plastic, facilitating processing of information relevant to learned grasp affordances.
Comparison of estimates of body fat content in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sinicato N A , Peres F A , de Oliveira Peliçari K , de Oliveira Santos A , Ramos C D , Marini R , Appenzeller S
Published: November 2016

Objective

We aimed to compare estimates of body fat content with respect to their ability to predict the percentage of body fat, confirmed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods

We included 64 consecutive childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients and 64 healthy age and sex-matched controls in a cross-sectional study. Anthropometric data, body mass index and body adiposity index were calculated for all subjects. Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients were further assessed for clinical and laboratory childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus manifestations and fat mass, lean mass and percentage of body fat evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results

Elevated waist/hip ratio was observed in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients when compared to controls ( p < 0.001). We did not find differences between body mass index and body adiposity index classification in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients and controls. Using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry as gold standard we observed that all indirect estimates of body fat were correlated with whole body fat mass. We observed a correlation between height and cumulative corticosteroid dose adjusted by weight ( r = 0.429, p = 0.005) in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus. On whole body analysis we observed a correlation between lean mass and ACR Damage Index scores ( r = −0.395; p = 0.019); percentage of body fat and adjusted Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index ( r = 0.402; p = 0.008), disease duration ( r = −0.370; p = 0.012). On trunk analysis we observed a correlation between lean mass and ACR Damage Index ( r = −0.319; p = 0.042); percentage of body fat with adjusted Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index ( r = 0.402; p = 0.005), disease duration ( r = −0.408; p = 0.005).

Conclusions

This is the first study analyzing body adiposity index in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients. We observed that all indirect estimates of body fat were correlated with whole body fat mass. This study shows that we should not replace body mass index by body adiposity index to evaluating fat levels in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus. In consideration of the importance of overweight classification in cardiovascular diseases, any direct estimates of body fat can be used in an attempt to improve the prognosis of patients.

Note

We believe that we have presented evidence of body adiposity index accuracy in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients but further research on the generalizability of body adiposity index to other patient groups needs to be done.
A polymorphism upstream MIR1279 gene is associated with pericarditis development in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and contributes to definition of a genetic risk profile for this complication
Authors: Ciccacci C , Perricone C , Politi C , Rufini S , Ceccarelli F , Cipriano E , Alessandri C , Latini A , Valesini G , Novelli G , Conti F , Borgiani P
Published: November 2016

Recently, a study has shown that a polymorphism in the region of MIR1279 modulates the expression of the TRAF3IP2 gene. Since polymorphisms in the TRAF3IP2 gene have been described in association with systemic lupus erithematosus (SLE) susceptibility and with the development of pericarditis, our aim is to verify if the MIR1279 gene variability could also be involved. The rs1463335 SNP, located upstream MIR1279 gene, was analyzed by allelic discrimination assay in 315 Italian SLE patients and 201 healthy controls. Moreover, the MIR1279 gene was full sequenced in 50 patients. A case/control association study and a genotype/phenotype correlation analysis were performed. We also constructed a pericarditis genetic risk profile for patients with SLE. The full sequencing of the MIR1279 gene in patients with SLE did not reveal any novel or known variation. The variant allele of the rs1463335 SNP was significantly associated with susceptibility to pericarditis ( P = 0.017 and OR = 1.67). A risk profile model for pericarditis considering the risk alleles of MIR1279 and three other genes (STAT4, PTPN2 and TRAF3IP2) showed that patients with 4 or 5 risk alleles have a higher risk of developing pericarditis ( OR = 4.09 with P = 0.001 and OR = 6.04 with P = 0.04 respectively). In conclusion, we describe for the first time the contribution of a MIR1279 SNP in pericarditis development in patients with SLE and a genetic risk profile model that could be useful to identify patients more susceptible to developing pericarditis in SLE. This approach could help to improve the prediction and the management of this complication.
Book Review: Clapperton Chakanetsa Mavhunga (2014), Transient Workspaces: Technologies of Everyday Innovation in Zimbabwe
Authors: Agathangelou Anna M.
Published: November 2016

Clapperton Chakanetsa Mavhunga (2014), Transient Workspaces: Technologies of Everyday Innovation in Zimbabwe. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 321 pp., $36.00, £26.95 (Hardcover), ISBN: 9780262027243.
Prevalence, Pattern and Factors Associated with Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMD) among Housekeeping Workers in a Private Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangalore
Authors: B Joseph , R Naveen , A Suguna , A Surekha
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) represent one of the most common and important occupational health problems in the working population; they negatively impact the quality of life and are a cause for major economic burden in the form of compensation and lost wages.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence, pattern and factors associated with WRMD among housekeeping workers in a private tertiary care hospital in Bangalore.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted among housekeeping workers in a private tertiary care hospital from May to September 2014. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was administered which included socio-demographic details and the standardized Nordic questionnaire (SNQ). Out of the 130 workers, we were able to contact 83 workers (as some were on long leave and some left the job).

Results

Among the 83 housekeeping workers studied, the mean age was 37.4 ± 2.42 years. Prevalence of WRMD was estimated to be 68.3 per cent and the pattern of pain was found to be high for low back and least for ankles. There was a significant association between the prevalence of pain with increased duration of work hours and years of employment.

Conclusion

This study showed a high prevalence of WRMD among housekeeping staff which is associated with long hours of work and years of work. We can aim at reducing the WRMD by giving health education about ergonomics, recommending job rotation and in severe cases even physiotherapy.
Factors That Affect Age of Identification of Children With an Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Adelman Chana R. , Kubiszyn Thomas
Published: November 2016

This study explored factors associated with age of identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Results of a one-way ANOVA indicated differences in age of diagnosis among the four regions in the United States, F(3, 650) = 7.618, p = .01. Tukey’s post hoc comparisons of the groups indicated that the mean age of diagnosis in the Midwest ( M = 38.9 months or 3 years, 3 months) was significantly later than in the Northeast ( M = 32.75 months or 2 years, 9 months, p = .000) and South ( M = 33.26 months or 2 years, 9 months, p = .000). Results of a Pearson correlation indicated a significant negative correlation ( r = −.409, n = 654, p = .000) between date of birth and age of diagnosis, with more recent birthdays associated with lower age of diagnosis. Regression results were statistically significant, F(25, 620) = 7.549, p < .001, R2 = .233, with some factors predicting earlier age of diagnosis and some factors predicting later diagnosis.
The Role of School Health Services in Addressing the Needs of Students With Chronic Health Conditions
Authors: Leroy Zanie C. , Wallin Robin , Lee Sarah
Published: November 2016

Children and adolescents in the United States spend many hours in school. Students with chronic health conditions (CHCs) may face lower academic achievement, increased disability, fewer job opportunities, and limited community interactions as they enter adulthood. School health services provide safe and effective management of CHCs, often for students with limited access to health care. A systematic review to assess the role of school health services in addressing CHCs among students in Grades K–12 was completed using primary, peer-reviewed literature published from 2000 to 2015, on selected conditions: asthma, food allergies, diabetes, seizure disorders, and poor oral health. Thirty-nine articles met the inclusion criteria and results were synthesized; however, 38 were on asthma. Direct access to school nursing and other health services, as well as disease-specific education, improved health and academic outcomes among students with CHCs. Future research needs to include standardized definitions and data collection methods for students with CHCs.
Systemic Dual-Developmental Supervision
Authors: Harris Shaywanna
Published: November 2016

Counseling programs utilize supervision to train ethical and effective professionals. Faculty supervisors may incorporate systemic interventions into their supervision of students from mental health, school counseling, and marriage and family therapy tracks, as students may encounter systemic clients in their tenure as therapists. Further, many existing supervision models focus on supervisee development and neglect the developmental considerations of supervisors. The systemic dual-developmental supervision model integrates systemic supervision to address the developmental needs of not only the supervisee but the supervisor as well.
Amygdala Circuits for Fear Memory: A Key Role for Dopamine Regulation
Authors: Lee Joo Han , Lee Seungho , Kim Joung-Hun
Published: November 2016

In addition to modulating a number of cognitive functions including reward, punishment, motivation, and salience, dopamine (DA) plays a pivotal role in regulating threat-related emotional memory. Changes in neural circuits of the amygdala nuclei are also critically involved in the acquisition and expression of emotional memory. In this review, we summarize the regulation of amygdala circuits by DA. Specifically, we describe DA signaling in the amygdala, and DA regulation of synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity of the amygdala neurons. Finally, we discuss a potential contribution of DA-related mechanisms to the pathogenesis of posttraumatic stress disorder.
Incidence and Management of Thrombotic and Thromboembolic Complications Following the Norwood Procedure: A Systematic Review
Authors: Agarwal Arnav , Firdouse Mohammed , Brar Nishaan , Yang Andy , Lambiris Panos , Chan Anthony K. , Mondal Tapas K.
Published: November 2016

Background:

The stage 1 Norwood procedure and its variants represent the first step of palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Although appropriate postoperative thromboprophylaxis is integral, significant variance remains across institutional practices. The purpose of this systematic review is to estimate the incidence of thrombosis and thromboembolism following the Norwood or modified Blalock-Taussig shunt procedure and examine current thromboprophylaxis regimens.

Methods:

Ovid MEDLINE and Embase were searched from January 2000 to June 2016 for primary studies explicitly reporting incidence of thrombosis, thromboembolism (strokes and pulmonary embolisms), or shunt occlusion in neonates, infants, and children undergoing the Norwood procedure or any variant. All-cause mortality was a secondary outcome of interest.

Results:

Of 887 identified articles, 15 cohort studies were deemed eligible, the majority including modified Blalock-Taussig shunt patients. Reported incidence of thrombosis ranged from 0% to 40%; thromboembolic events were rarely reported. Overall mortality ranged from 4.5% to 31.3% across studies. Although most studies involved the long-term acetylsalicylic acid use, thromboprophylaxis strategies varied across studies. Due to substantial variability in event rates, no correlation was identified with thrombotic complications.

Discussion:

Clinical practice guidelines recommend that patients receive intraoperative unfractionated heparin therapy and either aspirin or no antithrombotic therapy postoperatively. Our findings suggest a substantial risk of thrombosis and thromboembolism and demonstrate substantial variation in thromboprophylaxis practices.

Conclusion:

Although postoperative thromboprophylaxis seems optimal, it remains controversial whether the long-term aspirin use is most effective. Our findings highlight the lack of a gold-standard thromboprophylaxis strategy and emphasize the need for more consistency.
Attention, Action, and Greenwash in Family-Influenced Firms? Evidence From Polluting Industries
Authors: Kim Jaemin , Fairclough Samantha , Dibrell Clay
Published: November 2016

Drawing on complementary theoretical perspectives, we investigate whether and to what extent family-influenced firms differ from their nonfamily counterparts in terms of the relationship between managerial attention to natural environmental issues and concomitant environmental actions. Using data from letters to shareholders and the KLD database, we investigate 97 firms in five polluting industries. Our findings indicate that family firms positively moderate the relationship between top managers’ attention to natural environmental issues and proactive environmental action. Conversely, nonfamily firms demonstrate less proactive environmental action as their attention to environmental issues increases, suggesting greenwashing. We argue that attention and action behaviors in family firms are intimately connected with their desire to preserve socioemotional wealth and indicate a lower propensity to greenwash, whereas nonfamily firms’ short-term financial objectives may motivate a different response pattern.
Individual party donors
Authors: Baker Anne E
Published: November 2016

Habitual party donors represent an important revenue source for American political parties. What remains unclear is whether the party committees can also count on these donors to support the congressional candidates who represent the parties’ best chances for seat maximization. Utilizing structural equation modeling and contribution data from the 2006 to the 2012 election cycles, I find habitual party donors and certain new party donors respond to changes in party control of the House by providing more support to incumbents when their party is in the majority and more support to nonincumbents when their party is in the minority. Moreover, party donors are more likely to give to congressional candidates, especially those competing in priority races, than nonparty donors. Party donors additionally are revealed to be an important funding source for congressional candidates.
The how’s and why’s of party manifestos
Authors: Harmel Robert
Published: November 2016

It is the purpose of this article to highlight some of the variants that can serve as important avenues for future exploration into the “how’s” (production methods) and “why’s” (purposes) of party manifestos (aka platforms). Beyond discussing conceptual and theoretical issues pertaining directly to the how’s and why’s, the piece also includes a section on alternative dimensions of the “what” of manifesto content (i.e. alternatives to the much more studied “salience” and “position” dimensions). While it draws heavily from literature on established, western democracies, attention is also paid to special needs for extending manifesto research to include newer, less institutionalized democracies.
Who brings home the pork? Parties and the role of localness in committee assignments in mixed-member proportional systems
Authors: Gschwend Thomas , Zittel Thomas
Published: November 2016

The assignment of seats to specialized standing committees is a most consequential choice in legislative contexts. Distributive theories of legislative organization suggest that electoral incentives to cultivate personal votes result in the self-selection of legislators to committees best suited to please their constituents and, thus, to secure reelection. However, these theories discard the partisan basis of European parliaments and therefore fail to adequately assess the politics of committee assignments in these particular contexts. This article aims to explore the significance of distributive theories for the German case in differentiated ways and on the basis of a new and rich data set including statistical data for five legislative terms (1983, 1987, 1998, 2005, and 2009). It argues that in partisan assemblies, political parties might develop an interest in distributive politics themselves and might assign distinct types of legislators to distinct committees to seek personal votes contingent upon distinct electoral incentives. Particularly, we argue that Germany’s mixed proportional system provides incentives to parties to assign legislators with profound local roots to district committees best suited to please geographic constituents.
A growing impact of new parties
Authors: Emanuele Vincenzo , Chiaramonte Alessandro
Published: November 2016

Despite the large body of literature on the emergence and success of new political parties in Western Europe, few, if any, attention has been paid to investigate new parties from a systemic perspective, therefore exploring their potential effects on party systems. This article focuses on party system innovation (PSInn), defined as the aggregate level of ‘newness’ recorded in a party system at a given election. After having reviewed the extant literature on the topic, the article discusses what a new party is and provides a new index to measure PSInn. The article analyses the evolution of PSInn across 324 elections held in 19 West European countries from 1945 to 2015 and its cumulative effects over time. Although in most countries the party landscape today is still very similar to the one appearing after World War II, data offer clear evidence of a sharp increase of innovation in the last few years.
Development and validation of the ‘Echelle de Motivation envers l’Activité Physique en contexte de Santé’: A motivation scale towards health-oriented physical activity in French
Authors: Boiché Julie , Gourlan Mathieu , Trouilloud David , Sarrazin Philippe
Published: November 2016

This article presents the validation of the ‘Echelle de Motivation envers l’Activité Physique en contexte de Santé’ including the six forms of motivation underlined by self-determination theory. Study 1 underlines the content validity of a pool of 30 items ( N = 20). Study 2 supports the six-factor structure validity of the 18-item Echelle de Motivation envers l’Activité Physique en contexte de Santé ( N = 309). Study 3 ( N = 191) confirms structure validity, as well as concurrent validity and 2-week temporal reliability. The Echelle de Motivation envers l’Activité Physique en contexte de Santé can be considered as a valid and reliable tool to use in prevention or rehabilitation contexts.
Dismantling prevention: Comparison of outcomes following media literacy and appearance comparison modules in a randomised controlled trial
Authors: McLean Siân A , Wertheim Eleanor H , Marques Mathew D , Paxton Susan J
Published: November 2016

A dismantling study of body dissatisfaction prevention was conducted. Adolescent girls ( N = 260) were randomly allocated to a media literacy (Happy Being Me – Media Literacy) or appearance comparison (Happy Being Me – Appearance Comparison) intervention or healthy eating behaviour control (Happy Being Me – Healthy Eating Behaviour) condition. In the Happy Being Me – Appearance Comparison condition, improvements from baseline to post-programme and follow-up for upward appearance comparison and fear of negative appearance evaluation were observed. In the Happy Being Me – Media Literacy condition, improvements were observed from baseline to post-programme for upward appearance comparison and realism scepticism. Findings were similar in a high-risk subsample and overall are moderately supportive of appearance comparison-based interventions, but less supportive of a stand-alone media literacy intervention.
Intersectionality, British criminology and race: Are we there yet?
Authors: Parmar Alpa
Published: November 2016

Intersectionality is the study of overlapping social identities and related systems of oppression, discrimination and domination. From an intersectional perspective, aspects of a person’s identity, for example race, class and gender are understood to be enmeshed. To understand how systemic injustice operates and is produced, a multi-dimensional framework which captures how forms of oppression intersect and are shaped by one another, is necessary. Although the merits of an intersectional approach in criminology have been widely shown and discussed in US scholarship, within British criminology, there have been few analyses that have implemented an intersectional lens – either explicitly or implicitly. Correspondingly, close examination of the social construction of race within the criminal justice system has been largely absent in British criminology. In the following paper, I suggest that these two developments are co-constitutive – that British criminology’s unwillingness to engage with race has resulted in the reticence towards an intersectional approach and vice versa. This is both problematic and a missed opportunity. At a time when much criminological research convenes around the intersection of race, class, religion and gender, the absence of intersectional approaches and the lack of discussion about the racializing consequences of the criminal justice system serve to stymie meaningful debate and advancement of the field.
Tenacious assumptions of person-centred care? Exploring tensions and variations in practice
Authors: Naldemirci Öncel , Lydahl Doris , Britten Nicky , Elam Mark , Moore Lucy , Wolf Axel
Published: November 2016

In recent decades, the ‘tenacious assumptions’ of biomedicine regarding the neutrality and universality of its knowledge claims have been significantly challenged by the growth of new collaborative and patient-focused models of Healthcare delivery. In this article, we discuss and critically reflect upon one such alternative Healthcare model developed at the University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centred Care in Sweden. This centre uses three clinical routines of narrative, partnership and documentation to provide Healthcare to people recognized as unique individuals rather than patients. Person-centred care in Gothenburg and more broadly is based on the assumption that a person is independently capable of reasoning and verbal expression and willing to provide clear and genuine narratives and cooperate with Healthcare professionals. However, we argue that by emphasizing individual capabilities of reasoning and verbal expression, an unnecessarily limited conception of personhood risks being imposed on these routines. Drawing upon semi-structured interviews with researchers in three very different Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centred Care research projects – about healthy ageing in migrant communities, neurogenic communication disorders, and psychosis – we highlight that how persons are recognized as unique and capable varies significantly in practice across different Healthcare settings. Thus, we assert that person-centred care’s own potentially tenacious assumptions about the attributes of personhood risk distracting attention away from the variety of creative ways that professionals and persons promisingly find for translating the ideal of person-centred care into practice.
Comparison of chloride penetration into surface-treated concrete in artificial and natural environments
Authors: Dong Jianfeng , Zhao Yuxi , Gan Yueliang , Ding Chaomei , He Qiming
Published: November 2016

This study investigated the penetration of chloride into surface-treated high-performance concrete and normal concrete in natural and accelerated environments. Both high-performance concrete and normal concrete were applied in a real port. Concrete specimens that were cast together with the concrete port were transported to the laboratory and subjected to wetting and drying cycles with NaCl solution. The chloride contents of the specimens in the laboratory and the in situ components were tested. The chloride diffusion coefficients and surface chloride contents were calculated based on Fick’s second law. The results show that high-performance concrete and surface treatment clearly slow the chloride penetration into the concrete both in the laboratory and in situ. The chloride contents on the surface and in the concrete in the components of the concrete port are higher during the summer than during the winter. The chloride penetration performance in the concrete of real structures cannot be inferred from its performance in specimens under artificial environments in the laboratory.