bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Can Case Managers Effectively Handle Stress-Related Illness?
Authors: Brown Norman DePaul
Published: July 2015

The panel approach provides a forum for sharing ideas, viewpoints, and perspectives. Panel members come with expertise from a variety of case management arenas and have agreed to share their opinions and perspectives in response to specific questions or scenarios. Opinions and perspectives are those of the panel members, and do not necessarily represent the views of AAOHN, the Editor, or the Publisher. We encourage readers to submit their questions or scenarios for the panel.
The Family and Medical Leave Act
Authors: Rogers Bonnie , Franke Joanne V. , Jeras JoAnn , Gravitte Joy T. , Randolph Susan A. , Ostendorf Judith S. , Berryman Phyllis , Lukes Eileen
Published: July 2015

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was enacted in 1993 to balance the demands of the workplace with the needs of families. Balancing work and family responsibilities will affect most workers as they experience their own serious illness or care for a child or a parent. The FMLA continues to present challenges regarding medical certifications, recordkeeping, intermittent leave management, and lack of understanding by employees and employers about rights and responsibilities under the law. This article discusses the rights and responsibilities of both parties. It also discusses how the occupational and environmental health nurse can bridge the gap between meeting the needs of the employee and those of the employer by serving as educator, advocate, and liaison/collaborator, leading to measurable cost savings for the employer and immeasurable benefits for the employee.
Developing a “Best Practice” Influenza Vaccination Program for Health Care Workers—An Evidence-Based, Leadership-Modeled Program
Authors: Hood Joyce , Smith Andrea , Childre Frances
Published: July 2015

Transmission of influenza among health care workers is a well-documented problem. Influenza vaccination is an effective intervention to reduce the influenza burden; however, vaccination rates remain low among health care workers. The challenge for occupational health nurses is how to increase health care workers' vaccination rates. This article describes the key components of a successful influenza program at a large integrated health care system. A multidisciplinary team developed and implemented an evidence-based, leadership-modeled program that led to improvement in health care workers' vaccination rates from 66% to 77% in year one and from 77% to 84% in year two.
The Effect of Tailored E-mails in the Workplace
Authors: Yap Tracey L. , Davis L. Sue , Gates Donna M. , Hemmings Annette B. , Pan Wei
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact tailored e-mail messages, based on participants' identified needs, have on intentional physical activity. A quasi-experimental design (two groups, repeated measures) in a population of manufacturing workers (73 employees from two distribution plants of a multi-national manufacturer) was used. Significant differences were found between contemplation-staged participants in the intervention and the comparison groups. In the intervention group, 53.3% of the workers moved forward, as opposed to 19.2% in the comparison group (medium effect size = 0.353). Although both the intervention group and the comparison group increased their number of steps, the comparison group's improvement was most likely attributed to a Hawthorne effect. These results are highly promising given the small sample size and limited “dose.” The intervention is one most industries could feasibly implement. Such efforts have the potential to significantly impact public health.
Evaluation of Ceiling Lifts in Health Care Settings
Authors: Alamgir Hasanat , Li Olivia Wei , Gorman Erin , Fast Catherine , Yu Shicheng , Kidd Catherine
Published: July 2015

Ceiling lifts have been introduced into health care settings to reduce manual patient lifting and thus occupational injuries. Although growing evidence supports the effectiveness of ceiling lifts, a paucity of research links indicators, such as quality of patient care or patient perceptions, to the use of these transfer devices. This study explored the relationship between ceiling lift coverage rates and measures of patient care quality (e.g., incidence of facility-acquired pressure ulcers, falls, urinary infections, urinary incontinence, and assaults [patient to staff] in acute and long-term care facilities), as well as patient perceptions of satisfaction with care received while using ceiling lifts in a complex care facility. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were used to generate data. A significant inverse relationship was found between pressure ulcer rates and ceiling lift coverage; however, this effect was attenuated by year. No significant relationships existed between ceiling lift coverage and patient outcome indicators after adding the “year” variable to the model. Patients generally approved of the use of ceiling lifts and recognized many of the benefits. Ceiling lifts are not detrimental to the quality of care received by patients, and patients prefer being transferred by ceiling lifts. The relationship between ceiling lift coverage and pressure ulcer rates warrants further investigation.
The Costs of Short Sleep
Authors: Ohlmann Kathleen K. , O'Sullivan Mary I. , Berryman Phyllis , Lukes Eileen
Published: July 2015

Sleep plays an important role in workers' lives, allowing them to relax, restore, and revitalize their bodies, minds, and emotions every 24 hours. Sleep repairs the physical body to improve and maintain general health, consolidate learning and memory, and recharge the psychological batteries to maintain emotional balance and well-being. Quality sleep is as important as nutrition or exercise in maintaining overall health. A nutritious diet provides vitamins and minerals to maintain body functions and generate adequate energy to perform daily tasks. Regular exercise keeps muscles toned, improves cardiovascular activity, and reduces stress. However, neither diet nor exercise replaces the need for sleep. With prolonged inadequate sleep, humans do not function well. They become accident prone, are less productive, and experience increased fatigue and health problems. This article discusses the importance of sleep, sleep events, health risks associated with inadequate sleep, and health care professionals' role in protecting employees and companies.
Occupational Health Nurses' Roles, Credentials, and Continuing Education in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Alleyne Jergen , Bonner Ann , Strasser Patricia B.
Published: July 2015

The role of the occupational health nurse is broad and includes health care provider, manager/coordinator, educator/advisor, and case manager and consultant, depending on the type of industry and the country in which the nurse practices. Regardless of the type of role, the occupational health nurse must participate in continuing nursing education (CNE) activities. This study describes the roles, credentials, and number of CNE activities undertaken by occupational health nurses working in Ontario, Canada. Using a nonexperimental descriptive design, a questionnaire was mailed to all practicing occupational health nurses who are members ( n = 900) of a local nursing association. Three hundred fifty-four questionnaires were returned. Nurses reported a variety of roles in the following categories: case management, health promotion, policy development, infection control/travel health, ergonomics, education, research, health and safety, direct care, consultation, disaster preparedness, and industrial hygiene. Sixty-five percent of nurses held an occupational health nurse credential, and 19% of nurses attended more than 100 hours of CNE annually. Occupational health nurses have multiple workplace roles. Many attend CNE activities and they often prepare for credentialing.
The Impact of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act on Occupational Health Nursing
Authors: Litchfield Sheila M.
Published: July 2015

This article addresses the impact of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act on occupational health nursing.
Factors Affecting Thai Workers' Use of Hearing Protection
Authors: Tantranont Kunlayanee , Srisuphan Wichit , Kaewthummanukul Thanee , Suthakorn Weerapom , Jormsri Pantip , Salazar Mary K.
Published: July 2015

This study used an ecological model to examine Thai workers' beliefs and attitudes toward using occupational hearing protection. Data collection involved focus group sessions with 28 noise-exposed workers at four factories in Chiang Mai Province and an interview with a safety officer at each organization. Detailed content analysis resulted in the identification of three types of factors influencing the use of hearing protection: intrapersonal, including preventing impaired hearing, noise annoyance, personal discomfort, and interference with communication; interpersonal, including coworker modeling, supervisor support, and supervisor modeling; and organizational, including organizational rules and regulations, provision of hearing protection devices, dissemination of knowledge and information, noise monitoring, and hearing testing. Effective hearing protection programs depend on knowledge of all of these factors. Strategies to promote workers' use of hearing protection should include the complete range of factors having the potential to affect workers' hearing.
Why Health Care Workers Decline Influenza Vaccination
Authors: Moore Brenda S. , Strasser Patricia B.
Published: July 2015

Influenza vaccine is essential to preventing influenza among health care workers and their patients. Therefore, the staff of the employee health clinic worked diligently to provide an opportunity for all employees to receive influenza vaccinations. Despite these efforts, a significant percentage of employees declined the vaccine. During the 2007–2008 influenza season, employees were instructed to either receive the influenza vaccine or decline in writing. The vaccination rate for all staff members and direct caregivers, during the 2007–2008 vaccination season, was 52%, with 35% declining and 13% not participating. In response to the 35% declining, data were analyzed to develop an effective educational tool focused on reasons for declination. This article presents an overview of the study, the reasons employees declined influenza vaccine, and strategies for improving vaccination rates.
Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid in Primary and Secondary Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Authors: Chalupka Stephanie
Published: July 2015

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA) therapy shows promise in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
An Effective Office Ergonomic Assessment and Intervention Program
Authors: Koehl Bradley , Childre Frances
Published: July 2015

A significant portion of U.S. employees are office based and their work is sedentary. Office ergonomics is relevant to this population of employees to minimize the deleterious effects of static or sustained postures. Occupational health nurses currently conduct ergonomic assessments and provide interventions to decrease physical stressors. This article describes a straightforward process occupational health nurses can use to augment their ergonomic assessment and evaluation activities.
Effects of Extended Work Shifts and Shift Work on Patient Safety, Productivity, and Employee Health
Authors: Keller Simone M. , Berryman Phyllis , Lukes Eileen
Published: July 2015

It is estimated 1.3 million health care errors occur each year and of those errors 48,000 to 98,000 result in the deaths of patients (Barger et al., 2006). Errors occur for a variety of reasons, including the effects of extended work hours and shift work. The need for around-the-clock staff coverage has resulted in creative ways to maintain quality patient care, keep health care errors or adverse events to a minimum, and still meet the needs of the organization. One way organizations have attempted to alleviate staff shortages is to create extended work shifts. Instead of the standard 8-hour shift, workers are now working 10, 12, 16, or more hours to provide continuous patient care. Although literature does support these staffing patterns, it cannot be denied that shifts beyond the traditional 8 hours increase staff fatigue, health care errors, and adverse events and outcomes and decrease alertness and productivity. This article includes a review of current literature on shift work, the definition of shift work, error rates and adverse outcomes related to shift work, health effects on shift workers, shift work effects on older workers, recommended optimal shift length, positive and negative effects of shift work on the shift worker, hazards associated with driving after extended shifts, and implications for occupational health nurses.
The Nursing Process and Program Planning
Authors: Lukes Eileen
Published: July 2015

Occupational health nurses implement programs to promote health and prevent injury and disease. The nursing process that is commonly used for individual clients is appropriate and useful when the client is a population of workers. This article provides rationale for using the nursing process for aggregates in occupational settings and provides examples of its use in health promotion programs.
Hispanic Employees in the Workplace
Authors: Johnson Shelly , Ostendorf Judith
Published: July 2015

This article reviews the higher fatality and injury rates among the Hispanic population in the United States, whether legal immigrants, citizens, or illegal immigrants; reviews the current government and private industry regulations and safety programs; proposes additional legislation or programs; and describes the role of the occupational and environmental health nurse in reducing injuries and fatalities in this population.
Review of Occupational Health Nurse Data from Recent National Sample Surveys of Registered Nurses—Part I
Authors: Thompson Margaret C.
Published: July 2015

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services obtains information about U.S. registered nurses through the periodic National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRN). Occupational health nurses comprise less than 1% of the U.S. nursing population and published NSSRN reports usually include only estimates of the total occupational health nurse population and minimal information about occupational health nurses' characteristics. The objectives of this study were to develop a knowledge base of occupational health nurses' characteristics; examine characteristics that may influence entry and retention in occupational health nursing practice; and explore indications of demand for occupational health nurses. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in a secondary analysis of data from recent (1992 to 2004) NSSRN. The findings are reported in two parts. This article, Part I, provides descriptive data about occupational health nurses based on responses to the 1992 through 2004 NSSRN questionnaires. Part II will provide findings from analysis of 2004 responses indicative of occupational health nurses' entry, retention, and demand characteristics.
An Injury Prevention Strategy for Teen Restaurant Workers
Authors: Ward Julie A. , de Castro A. B. , Tsai Jenny Hsin-Chun , Linker Darren , Hildahl Lyle , Miller Mary E.
Published: July 2015

High levels of youth employment, workplace hazards, and characteristics unique to adolescents contribute to a relatively high incidence of injuries among teens in the restaurant industry. This article discusses the ProSafety model of injury prevention among teen restaurant workers. Through integration with an existing career and technical education program, the ProSafety project seeks to prevent occupational injuries among the teen worker population through classroom safety education and internship skills reinforcement. ProSafety is the product of an innovative collaboration with occupational health nurses, business professionals, educators, and government. Its approach is derived from Social Cognitive Theory, is consistent with key values and strategies of occupational health nurses, and provides lessons for practitioners seeking to reduce occupational injuries in food service or among other populations of adolescent workers.
Gestational Diabetes—What Comes Next?
Authors: Reidy Joann , Chalupka Stephanie
Published: July 2015

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus should have an oral glucose tolerance test 6 to 12 weeks after delivery.
Risk of psychiatric disorders following trigeminal neuralgia: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wu Tung-Han , Hu Li-Yu , Lu Ti , Chen Pan-Ming , Chen Hon-Jhe , Shen Cheng-Che , Wen Chun-Hsien
Published: July 2015

Background

TN is one of the most common causes of facial pain. A higher prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidities, especially depressive disorder, has been proven in patients with TN; however, a clear temporal-causal relationship between TN and specific psychiatric disorders has not been well established. We performed a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study to explore the relationship between TN and the subsequent development of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and sleep disorder.

Methods

We identified subjects who were newly diagnosed with TN between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2010 in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A comparison cohort was constructed for patients without TN who were matched according to age and sex. All TN and control patients were observed until diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, death, withdrawal from the National Health Institute system, or until December 31, 2010.

Results

The TN cohort consisted of 3273 patients, and the comparison cohort consisted of 13,092 matched control patients without TN. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of depressive disorder, anxiety disorder and sleep disorder in subjects with TN was higher than that of the controls during the follow-up [aHR: 2.85 (95 % confidence interval: 2.11–3.85), aHR: 2.98 (95 % confidence interval: 2.12–4.18) and aHR: 2.17 (95 % confidence interval: 1.48–3.19), respectively].

Conclusions

TN might increase the risk of subsequent newly diagnosed depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and sleep disorder, but not schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Additional prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.
Re-purchase intentions and virtual customer relationships on social media brand community
Authors: Ho Ching-Wei , Wang Yu-Bing
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how to manage digital customer relationships (i.e. relationships with the brand, the product, the company, and other fans) on social media based community (i.e. Facebook brand fan-pages) and to influence post-purchase intentions (i.e. word-of-mouth and re-purchase intentions). This study used partial least squares to test the hypotheses and analyze the data. The results of this study indicated that all these four customer-community relationships can enhance post-purchase behaviors by improving individual community participation or identification. The findings are of benefit to both academics and practitioners and this research is one of the first to demonstrate how to manage digital customer relationships on social media brand community.
Vitamin D & its analogues in type 2 diabetic nephropathy: a systematic review
Authors: Chokhandre Mrunalini K , Mahmoud Mahmoud I , Hakami Tahir , Jafer Mohammed , Inamdar Aadil S
Published: July 2015

Nephropathy is one of the major complications of diabetes often leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and found to be regulated by nuclear receptors such as vitamin D receptors (VDR). Vitamin D and its analogues have been effectively used in patients with CKD. The review attempts to summarize the available evidence on the role of vitamin D in DN. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) were searched for studies assessing the role of vitamin D or its analogues on kidney function in type 2 diabetic patients. Studies evaluating kidney functions (urinary albumin/protein creatinine ratio, albuminuria and eGFR) were included and quality and risk of bias assessment performed. Additionally effect on 25 (OH) vitamin D, calcium and HbA1c were evaluated. The mean or its % change along with their standard deviation (SD) was used for reporting our results. RevMan (V5.2) was used for data analysis. Six studies included in this review evaluated the role of cholecalciferol, calcitriol and paricalcitol in patients with DN. Study designs differed (three randomized, one non-randomized and two uncontrolled trials) with varying degree of quality and risk of biases. Vitamin D analogues showed significant improvement in kidney function in two randomized studies. None of the studies reported significant incidences of hypercalcemia. Vitamin D analogues show significant improvement of kidney function in DN. Randomized controlled trials with longer duration, comparing the efficacy of vitamin D and its analogues are needed.
Effect of mangrove restoration on crab burrow density in Luoyangjiang Estuary, China
Authors: Li Wei , Cui Lijuan , Zhang Manyin , Wang Yifei , Zhang Yaqiong , Lei Yinru , Zhao Xinsheng
Published: July 2015

Background

Mangrove restoration seeks to restore or rebuild degraded mangrove systems. The methods of mangrove restoration include ecological projects and restoration-oriented technologies, the latter of which are designed to restore the structure, processes as well as related physical, chemical and biological characteristics of wetlands and to ensure the provision of ecosystem services. As important components of mangrove ecosystem, benthic organisms and crabs play a key role in nutrient cycling. In addition, mangrove restoration, such as vegetation restoration measures, can lead to changes in the benthic faunal communities. This study investigates whether the presence of different mangrove species, age and canopy cover of mangrove communities affect the density of crab burrows.

Methods

The Luoyangjiang Estuary, in the southeast of Fujian Province, was selected as our research area. A survey, covering 14 sites, was conducted to investigate the impacts of mangrove restoration on the density of crab burrows in four rehabilitated forests with different stand ages and canopy.

Results

It was found that differences in vegetation types had a large impact on crab density and that the density of crab burrows was lower on exposed beaches (non-mangrove) than under mature Kandelia candel, Aegiceras corniculatum and Avicennia marina communities. In general, the amount of leaf litter and debris on mangrove mudflats was greater than on the beaches as food sources for crabs. Two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows that changes in mangrove species and age since restoration had different effects on crab burrow density. The effect of canopy cover was highly significant on crab burrow density.

Conclusions

The results suggest that in the process of mangrove restoration the combined effects of mangrove stand age, canopy cover and other factors should be taken into account. This study further supports the findings of the future scientific research and practice on mangrove restoration and management measures.
Macrophage responses to implants: prospects for personalized medicine
Authors: Kzhyshkowska Julia , Gudima Alexandru , Riabov Vladimir , Dollinger Camille , Lavalle Philippe , Vrana Nihal Engin
Published: July 2015

Implants, transplants, and implantable biomedical devices are mainstream solutions for a wide variety of human pathologies. One of the persistent problems around nondegradable metallic and polymeric implants is failure of macrophages to resolve the inflammation and their tendency to stay in a state, named “frustrated phagocytosis.” During the initial phase, proinflammatory macrophages induce acute reactions to trauma and foreign materials, whereas tolerogenic anti-inflammatory macrophages control resolution of inflammation and induce the subsequent healing stage. However, implanted materials can induce a mixed pro/anti-inflammatory phenotype, supporting chronic inflammatory reactions accompanied by microbial contamination and resulting in implant failure. Several materials based on natural polymers for improved interaction with host tissue or surfaces that release anti-inflammatory drugs/bioactive agents have been developed for implant coating to reduce implant rejection. However, no definitive, long-term solution to avoid adverse immune responses to the implanted materials is available to date. The prevention of implant-associated infections or chronic inflammation by manipulating the macrophage phenotype is a promising strategy to improve implant acceptance. The immunomodulatory properties of currently available implant coatings need to be improved to develop personalized therapeutic solutions. Human primary macrophages exposed to the implantable materials ex vivo can be used to predict the individual’s reactions and allow selection of an optimal coating composition. Our review describes current understanding of the mechanisms of macrophage interactions with implantable materials and outlines the prospects for use of human primary macrophages for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to personalized implant therapy.
BREATH: Web-Based Self-Management for Psychological Adjustment After Primary Breast Cancer—Results of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: van den Berg Sanne W. , Gielissen Marieke F.M. , Custers José A.E. , van der Graaf Winette T.A. , Ottevanger Petronella B. , Prins Judith B.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Early breast cancer survivors (BCSs) report high unmet care needs, and easily accessible care is not routinely available for this growing population. The Breast Cancer E-Health (BREATH) trial is a Web-based self-management intervention to support the psychological adjustment of women after primary treatment, by reducing distress and improving empowerment.

Patients and Methods

This multicenter, randomized, controlled, parallel-group trial evaluated whether care as usual (CAU) plus BREATH is superior to CAU alone. BREATH is delivered in sixteen fully automated weekly modules covering early survivorship issues. Two to 4 months post-treatment, BCSs were randomly assigned to receive CAU + BREATH (n = 70) or CAU alone (n = 80) using a stratified block design (ratio 1:1). Primary outcomes were distress (Symptom Checklist-90) and empowerment (Cancer Empowerment Questionnaire), assessed before random assignment (baseline, T0) and after 4 (T1), 6 (T2), and 10 months (T3) of follow-up. Statistical (analysis of covariance) and clinical effects (reliable change index) were tested in an intention-to-treat analysis (T0 to T1). Follow-up effects (T0 to T3) were assessed in assessment completers.

Results

CAU + BREATH participants reported significantly less distress than CAU-alone participants (−7.79; 95% CI, −14.31 to −1.27; P = .02) with a small-to-medium effect size (d = 0.33), but empowerment was not affected (−1.71; 95% CI, 5.20 to −1.79; P = .34). More CAU + BREATH participants (39 of 70 [56%]; 95% CI, 44.1 to 66.8) than CAU-alone participants (32 of 80 [40%]; 95% CI, 30.0 to 51.0) showed clinically significant improvement (P = .03). This clinical effect was most prominent in low-distress BCSs. Secondary outcomes confirmed primary outcomes. There were no between-group differences in primary outcomes during follow-up.

Conclusion

Access to BREATH reduced distress among BCSs, but this effect was not sustained during follow-up.
Phase II Study of Lapatinib in Combination With Trastuzumab in Patients With Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: Clinical Outcomes and Predictive Value of Early [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Imaging (TBCRC 003)
Authors: Lin Nancy U. , Guo Hao , Yap Jeffrey T. , Mayer Ingrid A. , Falkson Carla I. , Hobday Timothy J. , Dees E. Claire , Richardson Andrea L. , Nanda Rita , Rimawi Mothaffar F. , Ryabin Nicole , Najita Julie S. , Barry William T. , Arteaga Carlos L. , Wolff Antonio C. , Krop Ian E. , Winer Eric P. , Van den Abbeele Annick D.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Lapatinib plus trastuzumab improves outcomes relative to lapatinib alone in heavily pretreated, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We tested the combination in the earlier-line setting and explored the predictive value of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([18F]FDG-PET) for clinical outcomes.

Patients and Methods

Two cohorts were enrolled (cohort 1: no prior trastuzumab for MBC and ≥ 1 year from adjuvant trastuzumab, if given; cohort 2: one to two lines of chemotherapy including trastuzumab for MBC and/or recurrence < 1 year from adjuvant trastuzumab). The primary end point was objective response rate by RECIST v1.0; secondary end points included clinical benefit rate (complete response plus partial response plus stable disease ≥ 24 weeks) and progression-free survival. [18F]FDG-PET scans were acquired at baseline, week 1, and week 8. Associations between metabolic response and clinical outcomes were explored.

Results

Eighty-seven patients were registered (85 were evaluable for efficacy). The confirmed objective response rate was 50.0% (95% CI, 33.8% to 66.2%) in cohort 1 and 22.2% (95% CI, 11.3% to 37.3%) in cohort 2. Clinical benefit rate was 57.5% (95% CI, 40.9% to 73.0%) in cohort 1 and 40.0% (95% CI, 25.7% to 55.7%) in cohort 2. Median progression-free survival was 7.4 and 5.3 months, respectively. Lack of week-1 [18F]FDG-PET/computed tomography ([18F]FDG-PET/CT) response was associated with failure to achieve an objective response by RECIST (negative predictive value, 91% [95% CI, 74% to 100%] for cohort 1 and 91% [95% CI, 79% to 100%] for cohort 2).

Conclusion

Early use of lapatinib and trastuzumab is active in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive MBC. Week-1 [18F]FDG-PET/CT may allow selection of patients who can be treated with targeted regimens and spared the toxicity of chemotherapy.
Phase III Multinational, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Tivantinib (ARQ 197) Plus Erlotinib Versus Erlotinib Alone in Previously Treated Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Nonsquamous Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Scagliotti Giorgio , von Pawel Joachim , Novello Silvia , Ramlau Rodryg , Favaretto Adolfo , Barlesi Fabrice , Akerley Wallace , Orlov Sergey , Santoro Armando , Spigel David , Hirsh Vera , Shepherd Frances A. , Sequist Lecia V. , Sandler Alan , Ross Jeffrey S. , Wang Qiang , von Roemeling Reinhard , Shuster Dale , Schwartz Brian
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Tivantinib, a MET receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, demonstrated increased anticancer activity in preclinical and early clinical studies when combined with erlotinib. Our study aimed to confirm efficacy and safety of the combination in previously treated patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients and Methods

Patients with advanced nonsquamous NSCLC previously treated with one to two systemic regimens, including a platinum doublet, were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to receive erlotinib 150 mg daily plus oral tivantinib 360 mg twice daily (E + T) or erlotinib plus placebo (E + P) until disease progression. Tumor specimens were evaluated for EGFR and KRAS mutations, MET expression, and MET gene amplification. The primary end point was overall survival (OS). Secondary and exploratory objectives included progression-free survival (PFS), OS in molecular subgroups, and safety.

Results

The study enrolled 1,048 patients and was discontinued for futility at the interim analysis. OS did not improve with E + T versus E + P (median OS, 8.5 v 7.8 months, respectively; hazard ratio [HR], 0.98; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.15; P = .81), even though PFS increased (median PFS, 3.6 v 1.9 months; HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.89; P < .001). Exploratory subgroup analyses suggested OS improvement in patients with high MET expression (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.49 to 1.01). Most common adverse events occurring with E + T versus E + P were rash (33.1% v 37.3%, respectively), diarrhea (34.6% v 41.0%), asthenia or fatigue (43.5% v 38.1%), and neutropenia (grade 3 to 4; 8.5% v 0.8%).

Conclusion

E + T was well tolerated and increased PFS but did not improve OS in the overall nonsquamous NSCLC population.
Heart Failure and Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Lymphoma Survivors Treated With Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation: A National Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Murbraech Klaus , Smeland Knut B. , Holte Harald , Loge Jon Håvard , Lund May Brit , Wethal Torgeir , Holte Espen , Rösner Assami , Dalen Håvard , Kvaløy Stein , Falk Ragnhild S. , Aakhus Svend , Kiserud Cecilie E.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

We aimed to determine the prevalence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), including symptomatic (ie, heart failure [HF]) and asymptomatic LVSD in adult lymphoma survivors (LSs) after autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (auto-HCT) and to identify risk factors for LVSD in this population.

Patients and Methods

All LSs treated with auto-HCT as adults in Norway from 1987 to 2008 were eligible for this national cross-sectional study. Asymptomatic LVSD was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction less than 50% by echocardiography, and HF was defined according to current recommendations. The results in LSs were compared with those found in an age- and sex-matched (1:1) control group.

Results

We examined 274 LSs (69% of all eligible survivors); 62% were men, the mean (± standard deviation) age was 56 ± 12 years, and mean follow-up time from lymphoma diagnosis was 13 ± 6 years. The mean cumulative doxorubicin dose was 316 ± 111 mg/m2, and 35% of LSs had received additional radiation therapy involving the heart. We found LVSD in 15.7% of the LSs, of whom 5.1% were asymptomatic. HF patients were symptomatically mildly affected, with 8.8% of all LSs classified as New York Heart Association class II, whereas more severe HF was rare (1.8%). Compared with controls, LSs had a substantially increased LVSD risk (odds ratio, 6.6; 95% CI, 2.5 to 17.6; P < .001). A doxorubicin dose ≥ 300 mg/m2 and cardiac radiation therapy dose greater than 30 Gy were independent risk factors for LVSD.

Conclusion

LVSD was frequent and HF more prevalent than previously reported in LSs after auto-HCT. Our results may help to identify LSs at increased LVSD risk and can serve as a basis for targeted surveillance strategies.
Long-Term Outcomes Following Therapy in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: NTCTCS Registry Analysis 1987–2012
Authors: Carhill Aubrey A. , Litofsky Danielle R. , Ross Douglas S. , Jonklaas Jacqueline , Cooper David S. , Brierley James D. , Ladenson Paul W. , Ain Kenneth B. , Fein Henry G. , Haugen Bryan R. , Magner James , Skarulis Monica C. , Steward David L. , Xing Mingxhao , Maxon Harry R. , Sherman Steven I.
Published: July 2015

Context:

Initial treatments for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer are supported primarily by single-institution, retrospective studies, with limited follow-up and low event rates. We report updated analyses of long-term outcomes after treatment in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

Objective:

The objective was to examine effects of initial therapies on outcomes.

Design/Setting:

This was a prospective multi-institutional registry.

Patients:

A total of 4941 patients, median follow-up, 6 years, participated.

Intervention:

Interventions included total/near-total thyroidectomy (T/NTT), postoperative radioiodine (RAI), and thyroid hormone suppression therapy (THST).

Main Outcome Measure:

Main outcome measures were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival using product limit and proportional hazards analyses.

Results:

Improved OS was noted in NTCTCS stage III patients who received RAI (risk ratio [RR], 0.66; P = .04) and stage IV patients who received both T/NTT and RAI (RR, 0.66 and 0.70; combined P = .049). In all stages, moderate THST (TSH maintained subnormal-normal) was associated with significantly improved OS (RR stages I-IV: 0.13, 0.09, 0.13, 0.33) and disease-free survival (RR stages I-III: 0.52, 0.40, 0.18); no additional survival benefit was achieved with more aggressive THST (TSH maintained undetectable-subnormal). This remained true, even when distant metastatic disease was diagnosed during follow-up. Lower initial stage and moderate THST were independent predictors of improved OS during follow-up years 1–3.

Conclusions:

We confirm previous findings that T/NTT followed by RAI is associated with benefit in high-risk patients, but not in low-risk patients. In contrast with earlier reports, moderate THST is associated with better outcomes across all stages, and aggressive THST may not be warranted even in patients diagnosed with distant metastatic disease during follow-up. Moderate THST continued at least 3 years after diagnosis may be indicated in high-risk patients.
Photoisomerization and Photoinduced Intramolecular Hydrogen Atom Transfer of 2-[2-(2-Pyrrolyl)ethenyl]pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Kurihara Seiya , Nishimura Yoshinobu , Arai Tatsuo
Published: July 2015

Introduction of an electron-donating methoxy group to 2-[2-(2-pyrrolyl)ethenyl]pyridine, which undergoes photoinduced intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer and one-way trans-to-cis photoisomerization, induced significant changes in these photochemical behaviors.
ActivePapers: a platform for publishing and archiving computer-aided research
Authors: Hinsen Konrad
Published: July 2015

The lack of replicability and reproducibility of scientific studies based on computational methods has lead to serious mistakes in published scientific findings, some of which have been discovered and publicized recently. Many strategies are currently pursued to improve the situation. This article reports the first conclusions from the ActivePapers project, whose goal is the development and application of a computational platform that allows the publication of computational research in a form that enables installation-free deployment, encourages reuse, and permits the full integration of datasets and software into the scientific record. The main finding is that these goals can be achieved with existing technology, but that there is no straightforward way to adapt legacy software to such a framework.
Enhancing gut function and providing symptom relief in IBD with glutamine supplementation: a literature review
Authors: Irvin Laura , Heuberger Roschelle
Published: July 2015

Glutamine, typically considered a nonessential amino acid, can become conditionally essential under catabolism and stress. While the functions of glutamine are many, it is traditionally known for decreasing permeability of the gut, preventing bacterial translocation, promoting gut integrity, and optimising nitrogen balance. Emerging evidence suggests a link between gut function in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and supplementation of glutamine. A literature review was performed using the databases PubMed, Medline, and CINAHL. The research suggests there is an inverse association between glutamine supplementation and IBD, though not all studies have proven statistical significance. Exact recommendations have not yet been determined, but studies have demonstrated benefits when IBD patients are supplemented with 20–30 g of glutamine daily. Additional research is needed to pinpoint specific guidelines for those seeking therapeutic effects from IBD symptoms with glutamine supplementation.
The Case of Rihanna: Erotic Violence and Black Female Desire
Authors: Fleetwood Nicole R.
Published: July 2015

This essay examines Rihanna’s post-assault performances and personae, both onstage and offstage, to consider how she cultivates erotic fantasy, sexual play, and intimate attachment, despite public pressures to conform to a familiar narrative of black female victimization and survival. I write this essay out of concern with how the culture of shaming and the disciplining of desire places a stranglehold on black women’s sexual experiences and explorations of longing, attachment, and erotic pleasure. Rihanna’s exploration of sexuality and intimate relationships reveal attachments to highly eroticized forms of racialized and masculinized violence. Instead of abiding by the protocols of the black female survivor of violence who repudiates her abuser, Rihanna sticks close to the scene of her assault and continues to rehearse and restage the interplay of love, violence, and erotic attachments in deliberately shocking ways. And in many respects, she performs complicity in “scenes of subjection,” to borrow Saidiya Hartman’s phrase. I argue that Rihanna promotes an erotic figuration of black female sexuality through a coalescence of sex and violence in intimate relations—one that I do not condone, but one that needs to be understood in ways more nuanced than how women’s relationship to sexual violence gets conceived through typical victim/abuser frameworks. Her post-assault performances and public image do not cohere with a therapeutic and state-sanctioned model of recovery from intimate partner violence, in which a healthy and conforming female subject emerges after being “saved” from her abuser.
Black Is Bountiful: From Heroic Action to Artistic Heroism in Afro-Atlantic History
Authors: Newman Richard S.
Published: July 2015

The new book Characters of Blood: Black Heroism in the Transatlantic Imagination by Celeste-Marie Bernier charts is the first full mapping of a black heroic tradition and asks us to reconsider the memory of six individuals in particular: Toussaint L’Ouverture, Nathaniel Turner, Sengbe Pieh, Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman. This roundtable features five responses to the book. Robert Levine, Patricia Hills, Alan Rice, Eddie Chambers and Richard Newman use it as a jumping-off point to debate heroism, diasporic memory, the black Atlantic, and the relationship between art and activism. Responding to these commentaries, Bernier expands upon some of her book’s themes.
Response: When “Nothing Is Said of Black Heroes”
Authors: Bernier Celeste-Marie
Published: July 2015

The new book Characters of Blood: Black Heroism in the Transatlantic Imagination by Celeste-Marie Bernier charts is the first full mapping of a black heroic tradition and asks us to reconsider the memory of six individuals in particular: Toussaint L’Ouverture, Nathaniel Turner, Sengbe Pieh, Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman. This roundtable features five responses to the book. Robert Levine, Patricia Hills, Alan Rice, Eddie Chambers and Richard Newman use it as a jumping-off point to debate heroism, diasporic memory, the black Atlantic, and the relationship between art and activism. Responding to these commentaries, Bernier expands upon some of her book’s themes.
Bernier’s Experimental Poetics; or, What Was African American Experimentalism?
Authors: Levine Robert S.
Published: July 2015

The new book Characters of Blood: Black Heroism in the Transatlantic Imagination by Celeste-Marie Bernier charts is the first full mapping of a black heroic tradition and asks us to reconsider the memory of six individuals in particular: Toussaint L’Ouverture, Nathaniel Turner, Sengbe Pieh, Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman. This roundtable features five responses to the book. Robert Levine, Patricia Hills, Alan Rice, Eddie Chambers and Richard Newman use it as a jumping-off point to debate heroism, diasporic memory, the black Atlantic, and the relationship between art and activism. Responding to these commentaries, Bernier expands upon some of her book’s themes.
Race/Relations, Acts of Discernment, and Ethical Inquiry in Charles W. Chesnutt’s The House behind the Cedars
Authors: Carbonell Bettina
Published: July 2015

This essay considers The House behind the Cedars (1900) as a laboratory for ethical inquiry, a space in which the author stages multiple acts of dubious discernment and then clearly marks out the failure of his characters to move beyond race-based judgments and predetermined outcomes. The approach situates Chesnutt’s novel within an ongoing debate regarding the efficacy of literature, its influence on the reader, and its practical power to generate reformative conversations about human worth, virtue, and the “right thing” to do. Key points from the discourse on discernment—in theology as well as ethics—are used as analytical tools for reading Chesnutt’s penetrating critique of discrimination.
Tribute to the Martyrs
Authors: Chambers Eddie
Published: July 2015

The new book Characters of Blood: Black Heroism in the Transatlantic Imagination by Celeste-Marie Bernier charts is the first full mapping of a black heroic tradition and asks us to reconsider the memory of six individuals in particular: Toussaint L’Ouverture, Nathaniel Turner, Sengbe Pieh, Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman. This roundtable features five responses to the book. Robert Levine, Patricia Hills, Alan Rice, Eddie Chambers and Richard Newman use it as a jumping-off point to debate heroism, diasporic memory, the black Atlantic, and the relationship between art and activism. Responding to these commentaries, Bernier expands upon some of her book’s themes.
“A mountain full of ghosts”: Mourning African American Masculinities in Colson Whitehead’s John Henry Days
Authors: Tettenborn Éva
Published: July 2015

This article discusses how Colson Whitehead’s novel, John Henry Days , questions the accuracy of the portrayal of African American masculinities within a dominant white historiography. It reads the festival portrayed in John Henry Days as a concerted effort to disguise and disrupt any sincere attempts at exposing the realities of working-class African American life in the (post)Reconstruction South. Likewise, the article questions to what extent the contemporary social realities portrayed in the novel allow for a sincere attempt to remember and mourn those working-class African American men who died for the industrial progress celebrated during the novel’s festival, the John Henry Days.
Race, Freedom, and the Black Vampire in Jewelle Gomez’s The Gilda Stories
Authors: Jenkins Jerry Rafiki
Published: July 2015

This essay argues that Jewelle Gomez’s The Gilda Stories , through its portrayal of the lessons that Gilda learns on her journey to freedom, can be read as a queer (antinormative) critique of Afrocentrism and multicultural conservatism. Although Afrocentrism and multicultural conservatism are ideological adversaries, Gomez suggests in The Gilda Stories that these movements share one thing in common: both are based on the “single-issue” view of black freedom in which the black lesbian functions as the Other of the Other, one who can never be the subject of black freedom.
Baldwin’s Sissy Heroics
Authors: Ross Marlon B.
Published: July 2015

This paper examines James Baldwin’s 1972 essay No Name in the Street to interrogate the making of a public sissy artist-activist during the height of the Cold War homo-panic. Placing Baldwin alongside other public sissies of the time, particularly Truman Capote and Little Richard, we can understand his exploitation of this stigmatized role, attacked by black nationalists, to capitalize on an alternative mode of heroism available to both queer and Jim Crow-ed men. As an intervention in queer theory, the paper argues that the sissy must be theoretically distinguished from the homosexual.
Behind the Scenes and Inside Out: Elizabeth Keckly’s Revision of the Slave-Narrative Form
Authors: Neary Janet
Published: July 2015

This article examines Elizabeth Keckly’s postbellum narrative Behind the Scenes. Or, Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House . Attending to the narrative’s dense visual rhetoric, the essay shows how Keckly rejects the generic proposition that white authority must legitimate black experience in the slave narrative. Overturning the racial protocols which constitute the genre’s conventions of authentication, Keckly radicalizes the form, intervening in a mid-nineteenth-century epistemological conflict over race and claiming the slave narrative as a mode of cultural critique that exceeds the political mandates of abolition as well as the historical moment of the antebellum.