bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatoprotective potential of Lavandula coronopifolia extracts against ethanol induced oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells
Authors: Farshori Nida Nayyar , Al-Sheddi Ebtsam S , Al-Oqail Mai M , Hassan Wafaa HB , Al-Khedhairy Abdulaziz A , Musarrat Javed , Siddiqui Maqsood A
Published: March 2013

The present investigations were carried out to study the protective potential of four extracts (namely petroleum ether extract (LCR), chloroform extract (LCM), ethyl acetate extract (LCE), and alcoholic extract (LCL)) of Lavandula coronopifolia on oxidative stress-mediated cell death induced by ethanol, a known hepatotoxin in human hapatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. Cells were pretreated with LCR, LCM, LCE, and LCL extracts (10–50 μg/ml) of L. coronopifolia for 24 h and then ethanol was added and incubated further for 24 h. After the exposure, cell viability using (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and neutral red uptake assays and morphological changes in HepG2 cells were studied. Pretreatment with various extracts of L. coronpifolia was found to be significantly effective in countering the cytotoxic responses of ethanol. Antioxidant properties of these L. coronopifolia extracts against reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and glutathione (GSH) levels induced by ethanol were investigated. Results show that pretreatment with these extracts for 24 h significantly inhibited ROS generation and LPO induced and increased the GSH levels reduced by ethanol. The data from the study suggests that LCR, LCM, LCE, and LCL extracts of L. coronopifolia showed hepatoprotective activity against ethanol-induced damage in HepG2 cells. However, a comparative study revealed that the LCE extract was found to be the most effective and LCL the least effective. The hepatoprotective effects observed in the study could be associated with the antioxidant properties of these extracts of L. coronopifolia.
Children With Epilepsy in Africa
Authors: Wilmshurst Jo M. , Cross J. Helen , Newton Charles , Kakooza Angelina M. , Wammanda Robinson D. , Mallewa Macpherson , Samia Pauline , Venter Andre , Hirtz Deborah , Chugani Harry
Published: March 2013

This article presents key findings from the International Child Neurology Association/African Child Neurology Association Workshop. The viability of international guidelines for the management of children with epilepsy should be reviewed within each African country, and adapted to comply with the regional capacity. Such recommendations can be used to lobby for resources. More training centers should be developed in Africa, so that specialists can be trained within Africa, in skills relevant to the continent, in collaboration with “out of Africa” visiting-specialists to develop the concept of “train the trainers.” At least 1 child neurology specialist per 100 000 of the population is required. Specific to Africa are the challenges from stigma, prejudice, and misconceptions. “Epilepsy teams,” inclusive of the traditional healers, would enable management of increased numbers of children, and challenge policy such that it is the right of the child with epilepsy to have reliable access to appropriate antiepileptic drugs, support, and health care equity between the rural and urban settings.
Vertical and Lateral Workplace Bullying in Nursing
Authors: Waschgler Kathrin , Ruiz-Hernández José Antonio , Llor-Esteban Bartolomé , Jiménez-Barbero José Antonio
Published: March 2013

Healthcare staff is one of the professional groups that suffers the highest exposure to sources of occupational stress such as hostility from coworkers and superiors.

In order to contribute to the assessment of bullying behaviors in the healthcare sector and to obtain a brief and manageable instrument for the assessment of this psychosocial risk, we developed the Hospital Aggressive Behaviour Scale–version Co-workers-Superiors (HABS-CS).

By means of thorough qualitative analysis, an initial pool of 166 items was obtained, which were reviewed according to precise criteria until concluding with a total of 57 items, which were administered to a sample of 1,484 healthcare professionals from 11 public hospitals. The analyses concluded with the selection of 17 items distributed in two subscales. The internal 5-factor structure is the result of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis conducted in two samples. Both the resulting questionnaire and the factors identified present adequate psychometric properties: high-internal consistency (Cronbach’s α of .86) and adequate criterion validity, analyzed by means of significant correlations between the HABS-CS and job satisfaction, burnout components, and psychological well-being. This instrument may be of great utility for the assessment and prevention of psychosocial risks.
Lip Movements Affect Infants’ Audiovisual Speech Perception
Authors: Yeung H. Henny , Werker Janet F.
Published: March 2013

Speech is robustly audiovisual from early in infancy. Here we show that audiovisual speech perception in 4.5-month-old infants is influenced by sensorimotor information related to the lip movements they make while chewing or sucking. Experiment 1 consisted of a classic audiovisual matching procedure, in which two simultaneously displayed talking faces (visual [i] and [u]) were presented with a synchronous vowel sound (audio /i/ or /u/). Infants’ looking patterns were selectively biased away from the audiovisual matching face when the infants were producing lip movements similar to those needed to produce the heard vowel. Infants’ looking patterns returned to those of a baseline condition (no lip movements, looking longer at the audiovisual matching face) when they were producing lip movements that did not match the heard vowel. Experiment 2 confirmed that these sensorimotor effects interacted with the heard vowel, as looking patterns differed when infants produced these same lip movements while seeing and hearing a talking face producing an unrelated vowel (audio /a/). These findings suggest that the development of speech perception and speech production may be mutually informative.
Mindfulness Training Improves Working Memory Capacity and GRE Performance While Reducing Mind Wandering
Authors: Mrazek Michael D. , Franklin Michael S. , Phillips Dawa Tarchin , Baird Benjamin , Schooler Jonathan W.
Published: March 2013

Given that the ability to attend to a task without distraction underlies performance in a wide variety of contexts, training one’s ability to stay on task should result in a similarly broad enhancement of performance. In a randomized controlled investigation, we examined whether a 2-week mindfulness-training course would decrease mind wandering and improve cognitive performance. Mindfulness training improved both GRE reading-comprehension scores and working memory capacity while simultaneously reducing the occurrence of distracting thoughts during completion of the GRE and the measure of working memory. Improvements in performance following mindfulness training were mediated by reduced mind wandering among participants who were prone to distraction at pretesting. Our results suggest that cultivating mindfulness is an effective and efficient technique for improving cognitive function, with wide-reaching consequences.
Stuck in the Past
Authors: Fischer-Baum Simon , Gonsalves Brian D.
Published: March 2013

Neurologically intact adults perseverate in immediate serial recall, intruding items from a previous trial into the current response. We applied the electroencephalogram/event-related-potential subsequent-memory paradigm to immediate serial recall to investigate the causes of these errors. In line with previous studies using this paradigm, results revealed that words that were correctly recalled elicited a greater frontal positivity during encoding when compared with words that were either perseverated over or not produced for some other reason. More surprisingly, differences were also found at encoding between the words perseverated into the subsequent response and words that were not perseverated. These findings support a theory stating that abnormalities in both how the current target and the previous trial are processed can contribute to perseveration errors. These results inform existing theories of immediate serial recall and theories of the control of irrelevant information.
Friends Shrink Foes
Authors: Fessler Daniel M. T. , Holbrook Colin
Published: March 2013

In situations of potential violent conflict, deciding whether to fight, flee, or try to negotiate entails assessing many attributes contributing to the relative formidability of oneself and one’s opponent. Summary representations can usefully facilitate such assessments of multiple factors. Because physical size and strength are both phylogenetically ancient and ontogenetically recurrent contributors to the outcome of violent conflicts, these attributes provide plausible conceptual dimensions that may be used by the mind to summarize the relative formidability of opposing parties. Because the presence of allies is a vital factor in determining victory, we hypothesized that men accompanied by male companions would therefore envision a solitary foe as physically smaller and less muscular than would men who were alone. We document the predicted effect in two studies, one using naturally occurring variation in the presence of male companions and one employing experimental manipulation of this factor.
Children’s Responses to the Rubber-Hand Illusion Reveal Dissociable Pathways in Body Representation
Authors: Cowie Dorothy , Makin Tamar R. , Bremner Andrew J.
Published: March 2013

The bodily self is constructed from multisensory information. However, little is known of the relation between multisensory development and the emerging sense of self. We investigated this question by measuring the strength of the rubber-hand illusion in young children (4 to 9 years old) and adults. Intermanual pointing showed that children were as sensitive as adults to visual-tactile synchrony cues for hand position, which indicates that a visual-tactile pathway to the bodily self matures by at least 4 years of age. However, regardless of synchrony cues, children’s perceived hand position was closer to the rubber hand than adults’ perceived hand position was. This indicates a second, later-maturing process based on visual-proprioceptive information. Furthermore, explicit feelings of embodiment were related only to the visual-tactile process. These findings demonstrate two dissociable processes underlying body representation in early life, and they call into question current models of body representation and ownership in adulthood.
‘If you jump up and down, Balotelli dies’: Racism and player abuse in Italian football
Authors: Doidge Mark
Published: March 2013

Italian football has been in crisis for a number of years as global transformations and internal politics have manifested themselves in corruption, fan violence and financial insecurity. In addition to these, there has also been an increase in racism on the terraces as increased global migration has altered the demographics of cities across the peninsular. Although racism is widespread across many ethnic groups, African footballers in particular have become the symbolic objects of abuse from rival supporters. One footballer in particular has been constructed as an important symbol of this increased global migration: Mario Balotelli. As the son of Ghanaian immigrants, but raised as an Italian by adoptive parents, Balotelli symbolises the transformations within Italy as it comes to terms with its contemporary multi-culturalism. Through analysis of the comments posted on internet forums by fans, this article demonstrates the how inter-club rivalry is fuelling player abuse and racism.
Experiences and Perceptions of Patients Living With Hepatitis C in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Jiwani Noureen Shehzad , Gul Raisa Begum , Ali Asho , Salih Mohammad , Hanzala Mehnaz
Published: March 2013

Purpose: Hepatitis C (HCV) is a chronic disease that affects an individual’s physical, financial, social, and emotional well-being throughout the illness. Although extensive literature is available on experiences of patients with hepatitis C in developed countries, very little exists in developing countries, particularly in Pakistan. This article describes experiences of patients living with HCV in Karachi, Pakistan. Method: Using descriptive exploratory design, data were collected through semistructured interviews from 10 patients with HCV. The interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Findings: The three categories—perceptions and misperceptions, challenges and sufferings, support and shortcomings—were subsumed under the theme “deadly, dangerous, and devastating.” Conclusion and implications for practice: Patients with HCV experience profound challenges that are influenced by their level of education, financial capacity, cultural norms, family support, and the sensitivity of health care professionals. Several cultural practices existing in Pakistan identify the need for public awareness. The findings on health care professionals have implications for nursing and allied health continuing education.
Virtual Reality Cue Reactivity Assessment
Authors: Bordnick Patrick S. , Yoon Jin H. , Kaganoff Eili , Carter Brian
Published: March 2013

Objectives:

The cue-reactivity paradigm has been widely used to assess craving among cigarette smokers. Seeking to replicate and expand on previous virtual reality (VR) nicotine cue-reactivity research on nontreatment-seeking smokers, the current study compared subjective reports of craving for cigarettes when exposed to smoking (proximal and contextual) and neutral cues using VR in treatment-seeking and nontreatment-seeking cigarette smokers.

Methods:

Data from two previously published studies in nontreatment seekers from our group (Bordnick et al., 2004; Bordnick, Graap, Copp, Brooks, & Ferrer, 2005) were compared to results with 82 newly enrolled treatment-seeking smokers.

Results:

Overall, VR cues produced similar levels of craving for both treatment seekers and nontreatment seekers across the different cue environments. Specifically, craving was greater for both groups in smoking environments (paraphernalia and party) than those in the neutral environments.

Conclusions:

These findings provide strong evidence that VR is a useful tool that may be used by social workers and other clinical professionals to present smoking (proximal and contextual) cues for assessment and treatment and illustrate the utility of standardizing VR procedures to compare craving between different groups.
Pilot Evaluation of a Home Visit Parent Training Program in Disadvantaged Families
Authors: Leung Cynthia , Tsang Sandra , Heung Kitty
Published: March 2013

Objectives:

The study reported the pilot evaluation of the Healthy Start Home Visit Program for disadvantaged Chinese parents with preschool children, delivered by trained parent assistants. Home visiting was used to make services more accessible to disadvantaged families.

Method:

The participants included 21 parent–child dyads. Outcome measures included parent report, teacher report, and direct assessment of children.

Results:

Paired samples t-test results indicated significant increase in child cognitive measures, child school readiness, child oral health practices; decreases in child sedentary activities, child home injury, and hospital visits; decreases in parenting stress and child behavior problems and increases in social support. The parent assistants delivering the program reported significant decreases in child behavior problems and parenting stress from pretraining to posttraining and completion of home visits.

Conclusion:

There was promising evidence that the Healthy Start Home Visit Program was effective in addressing the needs of disadvantaged families with preschool children.
Building of a reduced constitutive law for ceramic matrix composites
Authors: Baranger Emmanuel
Published: March 2013

The aim of this paper is to set up a methodology in order to build a reduced constitutive law in case of a complex material behavior. The reduction is performed in a certain range of loading conditions in order to preserve the state potential describing the original complex model. Two main steps are used. The first one concerns the reduction of the kinematic of the internal variables from which the associated thermodynamical forces are deduced. In order to define the internal variables, a simple thermodynamic potential form is chosen. The second concerns the building of the evolution laws linking the previous variables. The presented methodology has been applied to the mechanical modeling of SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites.
Electrodiagnostically Confirmed Posttraumatic Neuropathy and Associated Clinical Exam Findings With Lisfranc Injury
Authors: Pourcho Adam Michael , Liu Yongmin Harry , Milshteyn Michael Alexander
Published: March 2013

Background:

Patients with a Lisfranc injury often complain of persistent pain radiating from the Lisfranc joint up or down the first dorsal web space, accompanied by decreased sensation. We hypothesized that these symptoms were related to a posttraumatic neuropathy of the terminal medial branch of deep fibular (peroneal) nerve (MBDFN) and that by recognizing this symptom an earlier diagnosis of Lisfranc injury may be possible.

Methods:

Twelve patients with diagnosis of subtle unilateral Lisfranc injury, confirmed by standing X-ray, CT, or bone scan, were enrolled. Standardized antidromic sensory nerve conduction studies of MBDFN were performed bilaterally within 2 months postinjury and prior to surgical intervention. The contralateral, normal side was used as a control. All patients were tested for decreased 2-point discrimination in the first dorsal web space on both lower extremities.

Results:

Sensory nerve action potential of the MBDFN was absent, with decreased 2-point discrimination on the injured side in all patients.

Conclusion:

Lisfranc injuries were associated with a posttraumatic neuropathy of the MBDFN and decreased 2-point discrimination in the first dorsal web space. The finding of altered sensation in the first dorsal web space may help the practitioner to earlier diagnosis of a Lisfranc injury.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, case control study.
Endoscopy-Assisted Percutaneous Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Tears
Authors: Chiu Chih-Hao , Yeh Wen-Lin , Tsai Min-Chien , Chang Shih-Sheng , Hsu Kuo-Yao , Chan Yi-Sheng
Published: March 2013

Background:

We developed a technique for endoscopy-assisted percutaneous repair of acute Achilles tendon tears.

Methods:

Nineteen patients with acute Achilles tendon tears were prospectively recruited into the study. All patients (18 male, 1 female) had sports-related injuries. Preoperative diagnosis was made from patient history, physical examination, and sonography. The average patient age was 38.7 years, and follow-up averaged 24 months. All patients received endoscopy-assisted percutaneous Achilles tendon repair with modified Bunnell sutures passed by bird beak and No. 5 Ethibond under direct visualization using 4.0-mm arthroscopy. Results were evaluated by physical examination, sonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results:

All 19 patients achieved tendon healing. All patients were evaluated by sonography, and the tendons of 16 patients were imaged using MRI to evaluate the extent of healing. Final dorsiflexion was 16 degrees and plantar flexion 26 degrees, and 95% of the patients (18/19) returned to their previous level of sporting activity. One patient developed a superficial infection, and 2 patients had postoperative sural nerve injury with numbness for 1 month. There were no other major complications.

Conclusion:

Endoscopy-assisted percutaneous repair of the Achilles tendon allowed good tendon healing and return to sports at 6 months. Sural nerve injury during surgery was a potential complication of this procedure.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
A Biomechanical Analysis of Two Anterior Ankle Arthrodesis Systems
Authors: Kestner Christopher J. , Glisson Richard R. , Nunley James A.
Published: March 2013

Background:

An increasingly popular ankle fusion method uses plates and screws positioned on the anterior aspect of the tibiotalar joint. This study compared the mechanical properties of 2 contemporary plate systems for ankle arthrodesis, one based on a single anterior plate and the other comprising paired anteromedial and anterolateral plates.

Methods:

Ten matched pairs of fresh-frozen cadaver ankle joints underwent arthrodesis with a single anatomically contoured anterior plate or 2 anatomic plates applied anteromedially and anterolaterally. Each arthrodesed specimen was subjected to controlled sagittal and coronal plane bending and internal and external rotation. Tibiotalar joint bending stiffness, bending angulation, torsional stiffness, and joint rotation were documented.

Results:

Bending stiffness of the 2-plate system was 1.5 to 5 times greater than that of the single-plate system in plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, eversion, and inversion ( P = .005-.050). Angulation in each bending direction was several-fold greater than for the single plate ( P = .005-.014) at the peak applied moment. Torsional stiffness of the 2-plate system nearly doubled that of the single plate in both rotation directions ( P = .014, P = .005). Approximately half as much arthrodesis site rotation occurred with 2-plate fixation at the peak applied torque ( P = .005, P = .007).

Conclusion:

The tested 2-plate arthrodesis system has the potential to optimize arthrodesis site stiffness compared with fixation with a contemporary single plate.

Clinical Relevance:

Use of the stiffer 2-plate system could improve the clinical fusion rate, especially in patients with suboptimal bone quality.
Comparison of Bumetanide- and Metolazone-Based Diuretic Regimens to Furosemide in Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Ng Tien M. H. , Konopka Erica , Hyderi Alifiya F. , Hshieh Shenche , Tsuji Yuki , Kim Brian J. , Han Song Y. , Phan Duc H. , Jeng Aaron I. , Lou Mimi , Elkayam Uri
Published: March 2013

Introduction:

Limited data exist comparing the efficacy and safety of bumetanide- or metolazone-based diuretic regimens to furosemide in acute heart failure (HF). Our purpose was to evaluate the comparative effect on urine output (UO) and renal function between these regimens.

Methods:

A retrospective study of hospitalized HF patients treated with continuous infusion furosemide (CIF), combination furosemide plus metolazone (F + M), or continuous infusion bumetanide (CIB). Primary end points were between regimen comparisons for change in mean hourly UO versus baseline and incidence of worsening renal function.

Results:

Data on 242 patients with acute HF (age 58 ± 12 years, 63% male, left ventricular ejection fraction 38% ± 17%) were analyzed (160 CIF, 42 F + M, 40 CIB). The mean duration of diuretic regimens was 41 ± 32 hours. Compared to baseline, all regimens increased mean hourly UO ( P < .0001 for all), with greater increases with F + M (109 ± 171 mL) and CIB (90 ± 90 mL) compared to CIF (48 ± 103 mL; P = .009). Incidence of worsening renal function was not different between regimens; however, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) tended to increase more with F + M (4.4 ± 9.8 mg/dL) and CIB (4.3 ± 9.7 mg/dL) than CIF (1.8 ± 10.8 mg/dL), P = .09. The incidence of hyponatremia was higher with F + M and CIB. Differences in UO, BUN, and hyponatremia were retained in the subgroup analysis limited to patients with baseline serum creatinine <1.5 mg/dL, where renal function between the groups was not different.

Conclusion:

Compared to CIF, F + M or CIB was associated with greater increases in UO. No difference in the incidence of worsening renal function was found; however, electrolyte abnormalities may be more prevalent when furosemide is combined with metolazone or when bumetanide is used. These therapeutic differences warrant prospective study.
Determinants of Angiographic Thrombus Burden in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Tanboga Ibrahim Halil , Topcu Selim , Aksakal Enbiya , Kalkan Kamuran , Sevimli Serdar , Acikel Mahmut
Published: March 2013

Aims:

We aimed to investigate the determinants of angiographic thrombus burden in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).

Methods:

The study population consisted of 662 patients with nonanemic STEMI who underwent pPCI. Clinical, laboratory, and demographic properties of the patients were recorded. Baseline hematologic indices were measured at the time of admission. Angiographic coronary thrombus burden was scored based on thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) thrombus grades. After wiring and/or small balloon dilation, patients with thrombus burden grades 4 and 5 were defined as high thrombus burden, and patients with thrombus burden <grade 4 was defined as low thrombus burden.

Result:

Patients with high thrombus burden had more family history of coronary artery disease, longer pain to balloon time, higher Killip class (≥II), higher neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, red cell distribution width (RDW), baseline creatine kinase-MB fraction (CK-MB) and baseline troponin, higher peak CK-MB, and peak troponinbut lower triglycerides. Angiographically, patients with high thrombus burden had longer lesion in the infarct-related artery, less frequent direct stenting, lower epicardial and myocardial perfusion, more frequent distal embolization, and more frequent electrocardiographic and angiographic no reflow. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only RDW (odds ratio: 1.29, 95% confidence interval 1.19-1.39, P < .001) was determined as independent predictor. The area under the receiver–operating characteristic curve of the RDW was 0.733 (0.690-0.776, P < .001) to predict high TIMI thrombus burden.

Conclusion:

Present study results demonstrated that high thrombus burden in patients with STEMI was associated with impaired postprocedural epicardial and myocardial perfusion and higher no reflow and distal embolization; and increased RDW values were independent predictors of coronary thrombus burden.
The Effects of Eosinophil on the Left Atrial Thrombus in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Keçeoğlu Serdar , Demir Mehmet , Uyan Umut , Melek Mehmet
Published: March 2013

Background:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac rhythm disorder. Atrial fibrillation causes a 5-fold increased risk for thromboembolic stroke. It is known that eosinophils play an important role in thrombosis. We aimed to compare the number of eosinophil counts of the patients with and without thrombi in the left atrium (LA) or in the left atrial appendage (LAA) and to ascertain the association of eosinophil counts with the presence of thrombi.

Method:

The study included 89 patients diagnosed with persistent AF who underwent transesophageal echocardiography and designated to undergo cardioversion. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 consisted of 40 patients (18 male; average age 63.27 ± 1.4) who had thrombus formation in the LA or LAA, and group 2 consisted of 49 patients (23 male; average age 66.53 ± 1.56) who did not have any thrombus in the LA or LAA. These patients underwent concurrent routine biochemical tests and eosinophil count on whole blood count was also performed.

Results:

Baseline characteristics of the study groups were comparable. Group 1 patients had higher eosinophil and mean platelet volume values than group 2 (233.0 ± 30.7 vs 118.9 ± 11.8 and 9.77 ± 0.20 vs 8.27 ± 0.12 fL, P < .001, respectively). In group 1, the patients’ LA diameter is higher than that in group II.

Conclusion:

As a result, our study revealed a relationship between eosinophil count and LA thrombus in patients with nonvalvular AF.
Drinking Water
Authors: Alpert Patricia T.
Published: March 2013

Water, a vital nutrient but how much is necessary to maintain adequate body function? This column focuses on the new discussion challenging the old gold standard of eight glasses a day. Safety concerns of tap water are also explored.
IT-Related Service
Authors: Huang Ming-Hui , Rust Roland T.
Published: March 2013

Information technology (IT)-related service is the strategic management of the creation and delivery of service in which information and communication technology (referred to as IT here) plays a substantial role. IT can serve as a facilitator (e.g., facilitates access to customer information and customer communication) or enabler (e.g., enables value cocreation), serves as the context (e.g., mobile phone market or e-commerce), or is itself service (e.g., social networking sites or information goods). There are three essential characteristics of IT-related service—it is information-intensive, customer-centric, and multidisciplinary. IT-related service is information-intensive. The ability to communicate (firm-to-customer, firm-to-firm, and customer-to-customer) anytime, anywhere, and to anyone, is significantly facilitated by the recent technology trends of big data, cloud computing, and mobile and networking platforms. IT-related service is customer-centric. The use of IT, both by firms and by customers, alleviates the common observation that there is a trade-off between customer satisfaction and productivity improvement for service. Customers are able to talk back to firms with their new communication power and firms are better able to cost-efficiently satisfy their customers. The study of IT-related service is thus inherently multidisciplinary involving such fields as marketing, strategic management, computer science/information systems, and operations management/organizational research. The results of the IT-service transformation are that IT blurs the distinction between goods and service; service is becoming more goods-like and goods are acquiring the characteristics of service. The Journal of Service Research special issue on IT-related service brings together all of these elements, and provides rich strategic implications for managers.
Investigating Reported Data Practices in Early Childhood
Authors: Brawley Susan , Stormont Melissa A.
Published: March 2013

The importance of collecting and using data for educational decision making is clear. However, little information has been gathered about the systematic collection and use of data in early childhood. The purpose of this study was to explore teacher perceptions of data collection practices in early childhood. Participants included 137 early childhood professionals from five programs. Participants completed an online survey on current methods for data collection, analysis, and use, as well as if systems were in place, to support specific types of activities. The early childhood professionals who participated in the survey indicated that the vast majority of the items related to data collection practices were important; interestingly, overall importance ratings were higher than overall frequency items for all practices. The findings, limitations, and contributions to the literature are discussed.
Influence of D,L-Sotalol on Baroreflex Sensitivity Response to Posture Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in Men and Women
Authors: Brown C. Ann , Chenier-Hogan Nicole , Hains Sylvia M. J. , Parlow Joel L.
Published: March 2013

Low baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery increases the risk of sympathetically mediated cardiac arrhythmias. To reduce this risk, d,l-sotalol, a nonselective β-adrenergic receptor antagonist (Class II) and an antiarrhythmic (Class III), is prescribed postoperatively. However, its effect on BRS has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to characterize the influence of d,l-sotalol on BRS measures in supine and standing postures 4 days following CABG surgery. BRS was measured in 27 men and 10 women receiving d,l-sotalol and compared with archival data for 21 men and 10 women obtained prior to the routine administration of d,l-sotalol. In the latter (control) group, 61% had BRS of less than 3 ms/mmHg in the supine posture and 74% in the standing posture compared to 42% with less than 3 ms/mmHg in the supine posture and 65% in the standing posture in the d,l-sotalol group. Men in the d,l-sotalol group showed higher R-R interval and BRS in both supine and standing postures compared with controls. Women in the d,l-sotalol group had higher R-R interval in the supine posture. The higher BRS in men not only reduces the risk of arrhythmias after CABG surgery but may also allow a more rapid circulatory response to the standing posture, thereby decreasing the risk of syncope.
A Pilot Study Evaluating Daily Physical Activity Before and After Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Sherry Daisy , Knight Bradley P. , Casey Cash , Larson Janet , Hacker Eileen D. , Quinn Lauretta T. , Wang Edward , Collins Eileen G.
Published: March 2013

Benefits of daily physical activity are well known, but there are limited data to describe physical activity in heart failure patients who receive cardiac resynchronization therapy devices. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate changes in physical activity (PA) levels before and 3 months after Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) and determine relationships of PA to physical function and comorbidities, as well as describe changes in heart failure symptoms. This was a prospective pre-/post- design that included a convenience sample of 21 subjects using self- report questionnaires and 6-minute walk test (6MWT). In this sample, there was a 2.6 hour increase in high level PA (p = 0.024). 6MW distance improved 27% (p < .0001). Subjects experienced a 25% reduction in dyspnea (p = 0.015). Knowledge gained from this study adds to the understanding of the patient response to CRT. Further study is recommended to generalize findings and explore whether an intervention (cardiac rehabilitation) is indicated.
Christian worship leaders’ attitudes and observations of people with dementia
Authors: Kennedy Elizabeth , Allen Brian , Hope Angela , James Ian A.
Published: March 2013

Background:

The cognitive, emotional, and psychological consequences of dementia are profound and can include memory loss, processing and, communication difficulties, social isolation and agitation. Procedural memory remains fairly intact in people with dementia (PWD) and is readily triggered via sensory cues and prompts. As religious services are often highly structured, it is likely that PWD can participate competently, potentially enhancing their quality of life, and wellbeing.

Aims:

This study aimed to investigate Christian worship leaders’ attitudes and observations of PWD attending religious services, to identify recurring themes, and to generate hypotheses regarding the effects of participation in religious services on PWD.

Method:

The participants were Christian worship leaders experienced in conducting religious services for PWD. The study adopted a grounded theory approach consisting of two phases: a focus group of four worship leaders at Phase 1 and a series of one-to-one interviews with eight worship leaders at Phase 2.

Results:

Five linked themes emerged: familiarity and structure; enhanced sensory cues; significance of worship leader’s approach; social support from and for family and carers; and the personality and characteristics of the PWD. These themes were used to develop a conceptual model, sharing the moderating and mediating factors of wellbeing.

Conclusion:

Religious worship appeared to constitute a naturalistic psychosocial intervention comprised of the service itself and the social context. Further investigation and conceptualisation of the interaction between PWD and their social environment is warranted, and collaboration with those people who constitute the PWD’s social support network.
Gadamer and political authority
Authors: Duke George
Published: March 2013

The rehabilitation of the concept of authority is one of the more contentious positions advocated by Gadamer in Truth and Method (1960). Habermas in particular challenged the universality of Gadamer’s hermeneutic project by presenting this rehabilitation as a conservative legitimation of prevailing prejudices which truncates the role of critical reflection. Given that Gadamer’s primary focus is upon the ramifications of the Enlightenment dichotomy between reason and authority for historical hermeneutics, however, and that his examples are drawn primarily from educational domains, the extent to which his account of authority sustains a political interpretation is far from self-evident. In this article I argue that Gadamer’s account can nonetheless make at least two important contributions to contemporary philosophical debates on political authority. Following a brief exposition of Gadamer’s account of authority in Truth and Method, I examine his suggestion that the basis of legitimate political authority is to be found in the normative status of the right to be authoritative, rather than in the factual status of being in a position of authority. This account, I suggest, places in question the abstract dichotomy between theoretical and practical authority which informs much contemporary debate on political authority. I then demonstrate how Gadamer’s emphasis upon the historicity of tradition offers important insights for discussions of the relation between political authority and moral autonomy.
Building Safety Partnerships Using Social Network Analysis
Authors: Sorensen Julie A. , Brewer Devon , Wyckoff Lynae , Horsman Melissa , Scott Erika , May John J.
Published: March 2013

Although public–private partnerships have been useful components in public health and safety initiatives, little has been published on how to cultivate effective public health and safety partnerships for upstream social marketing initiatives. Using the development of a U.S. tractor safety alliance as an example, we illustrate how social network analysis can be used to identify organizations that are likely to be strategic partners and targets for upstream social marketing. In our project, knowledgeable informants first identified members of a national agricultural stakeholder network in the United States. Then, we surveyed the representatives of these organizations about their organizations’ interest in joining a new U.S. tractor safety initiative, the connections between their own and other stakeholder organizations, and their perceptions of the organizations most able to advance a U.S. tractor safety initiative. From our analysis of these data, we identified 10 organizations that have the partnerships, resources, and interest necessary to lead an effective tractor safety partnership. These organizations will be the focus of an upstream social marketing initiative aimed at building a strategic tractor safety alliance.
Using the Give–Get Grid to Understand Potential Expectations of Engagement in a Community–Academic Partnership
Authors: Southerland Jodi , Behringer Bruce , Slawson Deborah L.
Published: March 2013

Research suggests that stakeholder investment is maximized when partnerships understand the assumptions held by partners of the benefits to be derived and contributions to be made to the partnership. In 2011, representatives from seven rural county high schools and five university departments participated in a planning workshop designed to identify elements of an effective community–academic partnership to address adolescent obesity disparity in Southern Appalachia. The purpose of this investigation was to examine key elements of partnership building by way of the Give–Get Grid partnership tool. Content analysis was conducted to identify emerging themes. University representatives consistently identified more proposed program contributions as well as benefits than their high school partners. University personnel responses generally pertained to their level of participation and investment in the partnership, whereas high school personnel tended to identify contributions fundamental to both partnership and program success. Additionally, content analysis uncovered programmatic facilitators and potential barriers that can be instrumental in program planning and forming program messages. Findings suggest that although partners often share common goals, perceptions of the value of investment and benefits may vary. The Give–Get Grid can be used during the program-planning phase to help identify these differences. Implications for practice are discussed.
Translating an Evidence-Based Lifestyle Intervention Program Into Primary Care
Authors: Blonstein Andrea C. , Yank Veronica , Stafford Randall S. , Wilson Sandra R. , Rosas Lisa Goldman , Ma Jun
Published: March 2013

The E-LITE (Evaluation of Lifestyle Interventions to Treat Elevated Cardiometabolic Risk in Primary Care) trial evaluated the feasibility and potential effectiveness of translating an evidence-based lifestyle intervention for the management of obesity and related risk factors in a primary care setting. Delivered by allied health care providers, the intervention promoted at least 7% weight loss and at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity through gradual, sustainable lifestyle changes. Activities included interactive group lessons, food tasting, guided physical activity, and technology-mediated self-monitoring and behavioral counseling. This article discusses insights and potential areas for improvement to strengthen program implementation for dissemination of the E-LITE program to other primary care settings. We focus on (a) the role of allied health professionals in program delivery, (b) strengthening program integration within a primary care clinic, and (c) the use of information technology to extend the reach and impact of the program. Our experience shows the feasibility of implementing an evidence-based lifestyle intervention program combining group-delivered nutrition and behavioral counseling, physical activity training, and technology-mediated follow-up in a primary care setting. Challenges remain, and we offer possible solutions to overcome them.
Comparing the Utility of the Theory of Planned Behavior Between Boys and Girls for Predicting Snack Food Consumption
Authors: Branscum Paul , Sharma Manoj
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this study was to use the theory of planned behavior to explain two types of snack food consumption among boys and girls (girls n = 98; boys n = 69), which may have implications for future theory-based health promotion interventions. Between genders, there was a significant difference for calorie-dense/nutrient-poor snacks ( p = .002), but no difference for fruit and vegetable snacks. Using stepwise multiple regression, attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms accounted for a large amount of the variance of intentions (girls = 43.3%; boys = 55.9%); however, for girls, subjective norms accounted for the most variance, whereas for boys, attitudes accounted for the most variance. Calories from calorie-dense/nutrient-poor snacks and fruit and vegetable snacks were also predicted by intentions. For boys, intentions predicted 6.4% of the variance for fruit and vegetable snacks ( p = .03) but was not significant for calorie-dense/nutrient-poor snacks, whereas for girls, intentions predicted 6.0% of the variance for fruit and vegetable snacks ( p = .007), and 7.2% of the variance for calorie-dense/nutrient-poor snacks ( p = .004). Results suggest that the theory of planned behavior is a useful framework for predicting snack foods among children; however, there are important differences between genders that should be considered in future health promotion interventions.
Frederick Law Olmsted, Green Infrastructure, and the Evolving City
Authors: Eisenman Theodore S.
Published: March 2013

Over the past decade, green infrastructure has emerged as a subject of significant interest in city and regional planning; yet, this discussion is not entirely new. Significant elements can be traced to the work of Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr., in the nineteenth century, and the roots of the urban planning and landscape architecture professions. As evidence, this article frames three aspects of Olmsted’s work within contemporary green infrastructure theory and practice: ecosystem services and human well-being; environmental restoration; and comprehensive planning. The article then addresses Olmsted’s philosophy regarding the civilizing influence of urbanism and concludes that green infrastructure may be integral to the evolution of the twenty-first century city.
Risk-Taking Behaviors and Subgrouping of College Students
Authors: Mohammadpoorasl Asghar , Ghahramanloo Abbas Abbasi , Allahverdipour Hamid
Published: March 2013

Risk-taking behaviors have negative consequences on adolescent and young adult’s health. The aim of this study was to identify the subgroups of college students on the basis of risk-taking behaviors and to assess the role of demographic characteristics, religious beliefs, and parental support on membership of specific subgroup. The cross-sectional study took place in Tabriz (northwest of Iran) in April and May of 2011. The randomly selected sample consisted of 1,837 college students. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data. Latent class analysis was performed to achieve the study’s objectives. Four latent classes were identified: (a) low risk, (b) cigarette and hookah smoker, (c) sexual and drinking risk-takers (for males)/sexual risk takers (for females), and (d) high risk. Notably, 13.3% of the males and 4.3% of the females were in the high-risk class. The results identified evidence of protective influence of familial support and religiosity on risky behaviors. A fair number of college students, males in particular, were identified as high risk-takers. Design and implementation of preventive interventions for this segment of the population are necessary. Higher level of familial support and religiosity may serve as preventive factors in risk-taking behaviors.
A pilot survey of physical activity in men with an intellectual disability
Authors: McKeon Michael , Slevin Eamonn , Taggart Laurence
Published: March 2013

People with intellectual disability (ID) are reported as a sedentary population with increased risks of poor health due to an inactive and sedentary lifestyle. As the benefits of physical activity are acknowledged, measuring physical activity accurately is important to help identify reasons for low and high physical activity in order to assist and maintain recommended levels for optimal health. This article reports a pilot study undertaken to validate the use of a physical activity monitor (Sensewear Armband) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) as instruments for measuring and exploring physical activity of men with ID. The design was a one-group descriptive study and the data were collected over a 7-day period from 17 men. The Sensewear Armband enabled continuous and long-term measurement of 14 objective physical activity metrics. The IPAQ examined details of physical activity reported over 7 days. Equivalent results were obtained from both the instruments, indicating a positive correlation between the Sensewear Armband and the IPAQ. The results show 50% have low activity levels, and the national recommended physical activity levels have been achieved at a very low active intensity. No sustainable high physical activity intensity levels were recorded. The results confirmed the Sensewear Armband and the IPAQ as a practical means of measuring and understanding physical activity levels in men with ID.