bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructing immigrants in UK legislation and Administration informative texts: A corpus-driven study (2007–2011)
Authors: Pérez-Paredes Pascual , Jiménez Pilar Aguado , Hernández Purificación Sánchez
Published: December 2016

Research has shown that immigrants tend to be negatively constructed in the discourse of the media. In the context of the European Union (EU), British newspapers reportedly offer largely negative or partial constructions of these individuals. These representations contribute to jeopardizing the integration of this group of people, as their social construction reflects and influences the attitudes of EU citizens and the immigration policies. Our research examines the collocational profile of the lemma ‘migrant’ in the UK legislation and UK Administration informative texts from 2007 to 2011. While our results show that the UK Administration avoids an explicit negative construction of immigrants coming to the United Kingdom, we have found that they are partially constructed as a homogeneous, well-categorized group through an extremely limited set of lexical items that tend to prime their adscription to tiers. We argue that the representation of immigrants in the legislation points to the fact that UK laws and official information during the period 2007–2011 were more focused on legitimating the control over this group of individuals than on creating the conditions for better integration policies.
Piezoelectric energy reclamation based on frequency up-conversion technique for digital actuator autonomous additional functions
Authors: Yan Linjuan , Badel Adrien , Formosa Fabien , Petit Laurent
Published: December 2016

A piezoelectric vibration energy harvester aiming at collecting energy from the operation of an electromagnetic digital actuator is presented. It is based on the frequency up-conversion and can simultaneously obtain the information of discrete position location. The objective is an improved reliability of such digital actuators ensuring sample controls of the actuator positions. The considered electromagnetic digital actuator is capable of achieving two-dimensional in-plane movements by switching a mobile permanent magnet among four discrete positions. The demonstration of a first step toward integrated additional autonomous functions scavenging a part of the mechanical energy of the mobile permanent magnet is achieved. The vibration energy harvester consists of a piezoelectric cantilever beam magnetically attached to the mobile permanent magnet. The limited magnetic interaction force allows a frequency up-conversion strategy to be set. The frequency up-conversion technique that is used here consists of a “low frequency” excitation that drives a much higher natural frequency oscillator. Indeed, once the energy harvester separates from the mobile permanent magnet, a free oscillation occurs and the induced mechanical energy is harvested. This design concept is numerically analyzed and experimentally validated. Harvested energy of 4.7 µJ is obtained from preliminary experiments using a simple out-of-plane cantilever beam with 9 N/m stiffness and 16 mN magnetic attraction between the vibration energy harvester and the mobile permanent magnet when they contact each other. This energy is in accordance with the requirements for wireless communication of simple information. Finally, an L-shaped cantilever beam optimized design is proposed for future in-plane integration.
Safety Assessment of Methyl Glucose Polyethers and Esters as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Johnson Wilbur , Heldreth Bart , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan
Published: December 2016

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) reviewed the safety of methyl glucose polyethers and esters which function in cosmetics as skin/hair-conditioning agents, surfactants, or viscosity increasing agents. The esters included in this assessment are mono-, di-, or tricarboxyester substituted methyl glucosides, and the polyethers are mixtures of various chain lengths. The Panel reviewed available animal and clinical data, including the molecular weights, log Kows, and other properties in making its determination of safety on these ingredients. Where there were data gaps, similarities between molecular structures, physicochemical and biological characteristics, and functions and concentrations in cosmetics allowed for extrapolation of the available toxicological data to assess the safety of the entire group. The Panel concluded that there likely would be no significant systemic exposure from cosmetic use of these ingredients, and that these ingredients are safe in cosmetic formulations in the present practices of use and concentration.
Safety Assessment of Achillea millefolium as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Becker Lillian C. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan
Published: December 2016

Cosmetic ingredients derived from Achillea millefolium function in cosmetics as skin-conditioning agents—miscellaneous, skin-conditioning agents—humectants, and fragrance ingredients. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) reviewed relevant animal and human data to determine their safety in cosmetics and raised concerns about cosmetics containing linalool, thujone, quercetin, hydroquinone, or α-peroxyachifolid. Because final product formulations may contain multiple botanicals, each containing similar constituents of concern, formulators are advised to be aware of these components and to avoid reaching levels that may be hazardous to consumers. Additionally, industry was advised to use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities. The Panel concluded that achillea millefolium extract, achillea millefolium flower extract, and achillea millefolium flower/leaf/stem extract are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics when formulated to be nonsensitizing.
Experimental study of the acoustical performance of a sonic crystal window in a reverberant sound field
Authors: Lee Hsiao Mun , Tan Long Bin , Lim Kian Meng , Lee Heow Pueh
Published: December 2016

The main objective of this study is to establish an innovative solution with the use of sonic crystal window which will ensure a good balance of natural daylighting, noise mitigation, and natural ventilation. Experimental method was used to study the effects of receiver position, angle of louver blade, noise source position, noise divergence, receiver height, and jagged edge on the acoustical performance of a sonic crystal window which was placed between two reverberant rooms. For the first set of experiment, the maximum insertion loss can be found at frequency of 1100 Hz which was about 7.7 dBA. The effects of louver blade angles were reduced with the increasing distance from the sonic crystal window. The amount of noise attenuated by the sonic crystal window was increased by 0.3 dBA when the noise source was located at 2 m away from the sonic crystal window. By comparing with louver blade without jagged edge, the amount of noise attenuated by the sonic crystal window was increased by 0.3 dBA for blade angles of 0° and 30° and 0.1 dBA for blade angle of 60° when the edge of louver blade was in jagged shape.
Evaluation of a national telemedicine initiative in the Veterans Health Administration: Factors associated with successful implementation
Authors: Stevenson Lauren , Ball Sherry , Haverhals Leah M , Aron David C , Lowery Julie
Published: December 2016

Background

The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to evaluate implementation facilitators and barriers of Specialty Care Access Network-Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (SCAN-ECHO) within the Veterans Health Administration. SCAN-ECHO is a video teleconferencing-based programme where specialist teams train and mentor remotely-located primary care providers in providing routine speciality care for common chronic illnesses. The goal of SCAN-ECHO was to improve access to speciality care for Veterans. The aim of this study was to provide guidance and support for the implementation and spread of SCAN-ECHO.

Methods

Semi-structured telephone interviews with 55 key informants (primary care providers, specialists and support staff) were conducted post-implementation with nine sites and analysed using Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research constructs. Data were analysed to distinguish sites based on level of implementation measured by the numbers of SCAN-ECHO sessions. Surveys with all SCAN-ECHO sites further explored implementation information.

Results

Analysis of the interviews revealed three of 14 Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research constructs that distinguished between low and high implementation sites: design quality and packaging; compatibility; and reflecting and evaluating. The survey data generally supported these findings, while also revealing a fourth distinguishing construct – leadership engagement. All sites expressed positive attitudes toward SCAN-ECHO, despite struggling with the complexity of programme implementation.

Conclusions

Recommendations based on the findings include: (a) expend more effort in developing and distributing educational materials; (b) restructure the delivery process to improve programme compatibility; (c) establish an audit and feedback mechanism for monitoring and improving the programme; (d) engage in more upfront planning to reduce complexity; and (e) obtain local leadership support for providing primary care providers with dedicated time for participation.
Mental health stigma: Impact on mental health treatment attitudes and physical health
Authors: Sickel Amy E , Seacat Jason D , Nabors Nina A
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study was to test two models of the impact of mental health stigma on both attitudes toward seeking psychological help and physical health. General self-efficacy, self-esteem, and anxiety were tested as potential mediators of these two relationships. A sample of adults ( N = 423) aged 18–72 years was surveyed using the participant pool of a large, distance learning university. Structural equation modeling results indicated that mental health stigma directly and indirectly influenced treatment attitudes and physical health. Internal self-variables mediated the relationship between mental health stigma and both study outcomes.
Block play and mathematics learning in preschool: The effects of building complexity, peer and teacher interactions in the block area, and replica play materials
Authors: Trawick-Smith Jeffrey , Swaminathan Sudha , Baton Brooke , Danieluk Courtney , Marsh Samantha , Szarwacki Monika
Published: December 2016

Block play has been included in early childhood classrooms for over a century, yet few studies have examined its effects on learning. Several previous investigations indicate that the complexity of block building is associated with math ability, but these studies were often conducted in adult-guided, laboratory settings. In the present investigation, the relationship of block play variables to both the complexity of block structures and math learning was studied in naturalistic free play settings. A total of 41 preschool children were videorecorded playing with blocks. Time in blocks, number of structures built, levels of social participation, frequency of teacher interactions, percentage of buildings without replica play toys, and structure complexity were coded. Findings indicated that level of social participation and percentage of structures built without toys predicted the complexity of children’s buildings. This building complexity was, in turn, associated with growth in math learning, as measured by Tools for Early Assessment in Mathematics. Based on these findings, a path model was constructed to hypothesize causal relationships between block play features, structure complexity, and math learning.
Development and Validation of the Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener–Student Rating Scale
Authors: von der Embse Nathaniel P. , Iaccarino Stephanie , Mankin Ariel , Kilgus Stephen P. , Magen Eran
Published: December 2016

School systems are the primary providers for the increasing number of children with mental health needs. School-based universal screening offers a valuable way to identify children that would benefit from school-based mental health services. However, many existing screening systems rely on teacher ratings alone and do not incorporate student self-ratings. The current study evaluates the psychometric properties of the Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener–Student Rating Scale (SAEBRS-SRS), a new 20-item multidimensional universal screener intended to provide assessment data on students’ social, academic, and emotional functioning. The SAEBRS-SRS complements the SAEBRS Teacher Rating Scale (TRS), which has previously demonstrated robust psychometric evidence. In the current study, data were collected from a racially and ethnically diverse sample of middle school students. Confirmatory factor analyses supported a bifactor structure consistent with the SAEBRS-TRS, with items corresponding to internally consistent Social, Academic, and Emotional Behaviors subscales, as well as an overall Total Behavior scale. The current analyses yield promising initial support for the development of the SAEBRS-SRS. Implications and the need for future research to provide additional psychometric evidence are discussed.
Diabetic human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells fail to differentiate in functional adipocytes
Authors: Barbagallo Ignazio , Li Volti Giovanni , Galvano Fabio , Tettamanti Guido , Pluchinotta Francesca R , Bergante Sonia , Vanella Luca
Published: December 2016

Adipose tissue dysfunction represents a hallmark of diabetic patients and is a consequence of the altered homeostasis of this tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their differentiation into adipocytes contribute significantly in maintaining the mass and function of adult adipose tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differentiation of MSCs from patients suffering type 2 diabetes (dASC) and how such process results in hyperplasia or rather a stop of adipocyte turnover resulting in hypertrophy of mature adipocytes. Our results showed that gene profile of all adipogenic markers is not expressed in diabetic cells after differentiation indicating that diabetic cells fail to differentiate into adipocytes. Interestingly, delta like 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, and interleukin 1β were upregulated whereas Sirtuin 1 and insulin receptor substrate 1 gene expression were found downregulated in dASC compared to cells obtained from healthy subjects. Taken together our data indicate that dASC lose their ability to differentiate into mature and functional adipocytes. In conclusion, our in vitro study is the first to suggest that diabetic patients might develop obesity through a hypertrophy of existing mature adipocytes due to failure turnover of adipose tissue.

Impact statement

In the present manuscript, we evaluated the differentiative potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in adipocytes obtained from healthy and diabetic patients. This finding could be of great potential interest for the field of obesity in order to exploit such results to further understand the pathophysiological processes underlying metabolic syndrome. In particular, inflammation in diabetic patients causes a dysfunction in MSCs differentiation and a decrease in adipocytes turnover leading to insulin resistance.
Factors Motivating HPV Vaccine Uptake Among Vaccinated and Nonvaccinated Hispanic Young Adult Women
Authors: Stephens Dionne P. , Tamir Hod , Thomas Tami L.
Published: December 2016

Introduction:

To identify factors influencing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination up taking decision making among vaccinated and nonvaccinated Hispanic college women.

Participants:

Hispanic young women between the ages of 18 and 24 years ( N = 49). In total, 26 had not received the HPV vaccine, and 23 had started/completed the vaccine series.

Method:

Participants registered for the study via a psychology research pool at a large public university in the southeast United States after institutional review board approval. After completing a demographic information and HPV knowledge Web-based survey, participants were individually interviewed.

Results:

Differences in HPV vaccine knowledge emerged between vaccinated and nonvaccinated women. Fear of side effects, perceptions of risk, and sources of encouragement influenced willingness to be vaccinated against HPV. Health care providers played a central role in addressing concerns and promoting vaccination.

Conclusions:

Health care providers must address and integrate unique decision-making processes influencing Hispanic young adult women’s perceptions of HPV vaccination.
Affinity of Indocyanine Green in the Detection of Colorectal Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
Authors: Filippello Alexandre , Porcheron Jack , Klein Jean Philippe , Cottier Michèle , Barabino Gabriele
Published: December 2016

Indocyanine green (ICG) is increasingly being used in digestive oncology. In colorectal cancer, ICG can be used to detect lymph node metastasis and hepatic metastasis on the surface of the liver. In peritoneal carcinomatosis, it was previously suspected that the diffusion of ICG in the tumor mass was due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect; however, this phenomenon has not been clearly demonstrated. Using bevacizumab, an antibody directed against vascular endothelial growth factor that consequently inhibits neoangiogenesis, we sought to confirm the mode of ICG diffusion. We compared the fluorescence of peritoneal carcinomatosis nodules from patients who had previously received bevacizumab during their oncologic treatment with those who did not receive this therapy. The sensitivity of the carcinomatosis nodule fluorescence was higher in the patients who did not receive bevacizumab compared with those who received the drug (76.3% and 65.0%, respectively). The rate of false-negative results was higher in the bevacizumab group than in the group that did not receive the drug (53.8% and 42.9%, respectively). Using bevacizumab, we demonstrate that the enhanced permeability and retention effect causes ICG accumulation in peritoneal carcinomatosis resulting from colorectal cancer.
Involvement of mesolimbic dopaminergic network in neuropathic pain relief by treadmill exercise
Authors: Wakaizumi Kenta , Kondo Takashige , Hamada Yusuke , Narita Michiko , Kawabe Rui , Narita Hiroki , Watanabe Moe , Kato Shigeki , Senba Emiko , Kobayashi Kazuto , Kuzumaki Naoko , Yamanaka Akihiro , Morisaki Hiroshi , Narita Minoru
Published: December 2016

Background

Exercise alleviates pain and it is a central component of treatment strategy for chronic pain in clinical setting. However, little is known about mechanism of this exercise-induced hypoalgesia. The mesolimbic dopaminergic network plays a role in positive emotions to rewards including motivation and pleasure. Pain negatively modulates these emotions, but appropriate exercise is considered to activate the dopaminergic network. We investigated possible involvement of this network as a mechanism of exercise-induced hypoalgesia.

Methods

In the present study, we developed a protocol of treadmill exercise, which was able to recover pain threshold under partial sciatic nerve ligation in mice, and investigated involvement of the dopaminergic reward network in exercise-induced hypoalgesia. To temporally suppress a neural activation during exercise, a genetically modified inhibitory G-protein-coupled receptor, hM4Di, was specifically expressed on dopaminergic pathway from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens.

Results

The chemogenetic-specific neural suppression by Gi-DREADD system dramatically offset the effect of exercise-induced hypoalgesia in transgenic mice with hM4Di expressed on the ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons. Additionally, anti-exercise-induced hypoalgesia effect was significantly observed under the suppression of neurons projecting out of the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens as well.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the dopaminergic pathway from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens is involved in the anti-nociception under low-intensity exercise under a neuropathic pain-like state.
Ethical review and qualitative research competence: Guidance for reviewers and applicants
Authors: Mooney-Somers Julie , Olsen Anna
Published: December 2016

It is difficult to consider, describe or address the ethical issues particular to qualitative research without experience and understanding of the technicalities of qualitative methodologies. The Australian National Statement on the Ethical Conduct of Research Involving Humans charges researchers with a responsibility to demonstrate that they have the appropriate experience, qualifications and competence for their proposed research. Ethical review committees have the responsibility to judge claimed research competence. This article provides practical guidance to researchers and review committees on using formal qualifications and training, explicit claims of competence, and markers of in/competence to assess qualitative research competence.
Telling a shared past, present, and future to invent nationality: The commemorative narrative of Chinese-ness from 1949 through 1987 in Taiwan
Authors: Yeh Hsin-Yi
Published: December 2016

Consistent with memory studies’ emphasis on the tight relationship between memory and identity, this article regards nation-building as an ongoing social process of nation-remembering. Taking the official Chinese nationalism in Taiwan from 1949 through 1987 as the case, this study aims to demonstrate the significant role that commemorative narratives play in nation-remembering. Facing extraordinary difficulties, the master commemorative narrative of official Chinese nationalism led its intended national members to remember their Chinese-hood (thereby maintaining its legitimacy) by telling a shared past, present, and future. That is, collective memory facilitates the imagination of people’s commonalities in a community. Moreover, the abstractness of commemorative narratives allows room for employing mnemonic techniques to narrate a preferred shared past, present, and thus future for people to memorize their national identification. In addition to detailing the employed mnemonic techniques observed in the official Chinese nationalism, how the narrated shared past, present, and future are introduced as a package in the commemorative narrative to construct an organic whole and how the commemorative narrative undergoes ongoing modifications are discussed as well.
Hammertoe Correction With K-Wire Fixation Compared With Percutaneous Correction
Authors: Yassin Mustafa , Garti Avraham , Heller Eyal , Robinson Dror
Published: December 2016

Background. Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation for correction of hammertoe deformity is the gold standard for hammertoe surgery fixation, the current study compares it to percutaneous surgery with 3M Coban dressings. Methods. All hammertoe corrections performed were retrospectively reviewed. For the K-wire fixation group: resection arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal joint was performed and fixed with a K-wire. The percutaneous technique used involved percutaneous diaphyseal osteotomy of the middle and proximal phalanges combined with tendon release. The toes are then wrapped in 3M Coban dressing for 3 weeks. Follow-up duration, preoperative diagnosis, pin duration, concomitant procedures, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain, recurrence rates, and complications were reviewed and analyzed. A total of 352 patients (87 percutaneous/265 open), in whom 675 hammertoes (221 percutaneous/454 open) were corrected. There were 55.9% females, with an average age of 52.8 years, followed for 6 months. The percutaneous group had more diabetics and multiple toes surgery. Results. Complications of the open surgery group included 5.5% pin migrations, 4.5% infections, and 8 (3%) had impaired wound healing. There were 6.2% recurrent deformities and 2.6% toes were revised. Malalignment was noted in 3.3% toes. Vascular compromise occurred in 0.5%, with 0.25% amputated. Complications of the percutaneous surgery group included 18.4% cases of impaired healing and 2.3% infection. Deep tissue dehiscence occurred in 4.5% of open surgery patients. VAS score decreased in both groups with a more pronounced decline in the percutanteous group (2 ± 2.1 vs 0.5 ± 1.6). The per toe infection rate of patients undergoing open hammertoe correction was 5.3% was significantly higher than with the percutaneous correction group, which was 2.2%. Conclusions. K-wire fixation and percutaneous surgery have similar abnormal healing rates, alignment and patient satisfaction but the latter technique has fewer infections.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: Prospective case series with noncontamporenous cohorts
Perceptions and Knowledge of the Jaguar Among Children in Communities Neighboring the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Mascote Coral , Castillo Alicia , Peña-Mondragón Juan L.
Published: December 2016

This study describes perceptions and knowledge of the jaguar among children in communities neighboring the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve in Chiapas, Mexico. There have been several cases of livestock depredation by the jaguar in these communities, and the study aimed to determine children’s perceptions of the jaguar in light of this problem. A total of 102 children from four communities on the banks of the Rio Lacantún River, adjacent to the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve, were involved in the study. The children were between 6 and 12 years old. Interviews, drawing, and participant observation were the main research tools employed. A high percentage of the children recognize the jaguar as a species that lives in the jungle. Likewise, they consider it to be a dangerous animal that eats people and livestock. In general, the children had little knowledge of the physical characteristics of the species. This study represents an initial step in defining methodologies for socioecological studies with children. Immediate lines of action have been identified from the data generated, and these will form a basis for an environmental education strategy in the region.
Liberal luxury: Decentering Snowden, surveillance and privilege
Authors: Rexhepi Piro
Published: December 2016

This paper reflects on the continued potency of veillance theories to traverse beyond the taxonomies of surveillance inside liberal democracies. It provides a commentary on the ability of sousveillance to destabilise and disrupt suer/violence by shifting its focus from the centre to the periphery, where Big Data surveillance is tantamount to sur/violence. In these peripheral political spaces, surveillance is not framed by concerns over privacy, democracy and civil society; rather, it is a matter of life and death, a technique of both biopolitical and thanatopolitical power. I argue that the universalist, and universalizing, debates over surveillance cannot be mapped through the anxieties of privileged middle classes as they would neither transcend nor make possible alternative ways of tackling the intersection of surveillance and violence so long as they are couched in the liberal concerns for democracy. I call this phenomenon “liberal luxury,” whereby debates over surveillance have over-emphasised liberal proclivities at the expense of disengaging those peripheral populations most severely affected by sur/violence.
Unexpected deaths in cardiology outpatients – what can we learn from case review?
Authors: Kitz Thomas Michael , Burnand Nikki , Ortner Astrid , Rudd Ian G , Sampson Rod , Rushworth Gordon F , Leslie Stephen James
Published: December 2016

Objectives

A proportion of cardiac patients managed at a cardiology outpatient clinic will die between clinic visits. This study aimed to identify the cause of death, to determine if case review occurred and if a formal review of such cases might be useful.

Design

Single-centre retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A remote regional centre in the North of Scotland.

Participants

All patients who had been removed from the cardiology outpatient clinic due to death in the community.

Main outcome measures

Cause of death, comorbidities and treatments were collected from hospital records and the national register of deaths. Chi-squared test and Student’s t-test were used with significance taken at the 5% level.

Results

Of 10,606 patients who attended the cardiology outpatient clinic, 75 (0.7%) patients died in the community. The majority (57.0%) died from a non-cardiac cause. Eleven patients (14.9%) died due to an unexpected cardiac death. A detailed case note review was undertaken. In only two (18.2%) cases was any note made as to the cause of death in the hospital records and in only one was there details of post mortem discussion between primary and secondary care.

Conclusions

A small proportion of patients attending a cardiology outpatient clinic died in the community. Documentation of the death in the hospital notes was very poor and evidence of post mortem communication between primary and secondary care was absent in all but one case. Better documentation and communication between primary and secondary care would seem desirable.
Editorial for Special Edition, Digital Representations
Authors: Corti Louise , Fielding Nigel , Bishop Libby
Published: December 2016

This collection of papers comprises five contributions with a social science or social historical perspective that present the current state of the art in the field of re-using and publishing digital qualitative data. The articles address the use of digital sources in qualitative research in both research and teaching, charting types of use over the past 10 years, and looking forward to emerging practices and methods, such as the promise and potential that technological innovations can bring to enable new ways of presenting and publishing qualitative research. Some of the papers make use of direct linking allowing the reader to explore “live” data sources, offering an opportunity to see how research transparency might be operationalized in the presentation of qualitative findings and reporting. The papers reference major contributions to the literature and present stimulating debates on the topic and build on previously well-cited publications in which the editors have presented state-of-the-art articles on secondary analysis of qualitative data.
Applying Grounded Theory to Investigating Change Management in the Nonprofit Sector
Authors: Rosenbaum David , More A. M. Elizabeth , Steane Peter
Published: December 2016

Grounded theory is well supported as a qualitative research method that historically responded to the epistemological challenges of defining knowledge and determining how it has been acquired. While its historical and unique methodological underpinnings remain consistent, its ongoing application and methods of execution continue to expand its use. The consideration of using grounded theory by researchers embodies the need to explore the methodology and thereafter seek to develop the method that reflects the researcher’s skills, the research setting, and the research aims. This article sets out a particular method of applying it to the study of change management using a rich single case study in the nonprofit sector. Key findings are that nonprofit specific change management models may need to incorporate a focus on formal reflection for change agents and change recipients, development of trust and confidence in the organization prior to the actual change, focusing on the individual experience of change, and recognizing the sequencing of events from a planning perspective.
Applying Community-Based Participatory Research Partnership Principles to Public Health Practice-Based Research Networks
Authors: Winterbauer Nancy L. , Bekemeier Betty , VanRaemdonck Lisa , Hoover Anna G.
Published: December 2016

With real-world relevance and translatability as important goals, applied methodological approaches have arisen along the participatory continuum that value context and empower stakeholders to partner actively with academics throughout the research process. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) provides the gold standard for equitable, partnered research in traditional communities. Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) also have developed, coalescing communities of practice and of academics to identify, study, and answer practice-relevant questions. To optimize PBRN potential for expanding scientific knowledge, while bridging divides across knowledge production, dissemination, and implementation, we elucidate how PBRN partnerships can be strengthened by applying CBPR principles to build and maintain research collaboratives that empower practice partners. Examining the applicability of CBPR partnership principles to public health (PH) PBRNs, we conclude that PH-PBRNs can serve as authentic, sustainable CBPR partnerships, ensuring the co-production of new knowledge, while also improving and expanding the implementation and impact of research findings in real-world settings.
Prevalence of Two-Syllable Digits Affecting Forward Digit Span Test Score
Authors: Egner Lars E. , Sütterlin Stefan , Lugo Ricardo G.
Published: December 2016

The word length effect shows a connection between word length and working memory performance. Although the relationship between digit verbal length and digit span has been investigated between languages, it has not been investigated within a language. It was hypothesized that this effect can be shown as a connection between the prevalence of digits with two syllables and digit span score. The study examined the effect of amount of syllables on Norwegian digit span test scores by altering the prevalence of two-syllable digits using three conditions in a repeated measures design ( N = 54). Results suggest that an elimination of two-syllable digits in a digit span test significantly reduced forward span test score (Cohen’s d = 0.36), but had no effect on backward span scores. These results suggest that a balanced distribution of two-syllable digits in a forward digit span tests should theoretically increase the test’s comparability and reduce language-related biases thus increasing the test’s parallel-form reliability. A peak-span model is proposed to integrate the findings into previous research on the word length effect.
Sequencing of chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapies
Authors: Barrientos Jacqueline C.
Published: December 2016

It is an unprecedented time for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with the recent approval of several targeted agents for use in frontline, relapsed, refractory, and high-risk disease. Traditionally, frontline management of CLL has been a combination of chemotherapy (fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, bendamustine, or chlorambucil) with an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab, ofatumumab, obinutuzumab). The current landscape is rapidly evolving with the advent of therapies that demonstrate selective inhibition of important pathways necessary for CLL proliferation and survival. Despite considerable progress, much is still unknown and optimal treatment selection and sequence is still debatable. None of the new agents have been compared against each other and the impact of adding an additional agent to monotherapy is not yet fully elucidated. In routine clinical practice, the choice of therapy is based on nonrandomized comparisons, presence of comorbidities, and toxicity considerations. These recently approved drugs (ibrutinib, idelalisib, and venetoclax) are reporting excellent outcomes, including patients with high-risk disease such as 17p deletion (17p−) or TP53 mutations (TP53mut). Ibrutinib and venetoclax have been approved for use in 17p− patients (frontline and relapsed, respectively). Ibrutinib is currently moving into the frontline space given recent regulatory approvals. This review will summarize and interpret the limited therapeutic sequencing data available, highlighting the need for additional studies to optimize combination strategies and treatments after failure or discontinuation of these novel agents.
Molecular monitoring in chronic myeloid leukemia—how low can you go?
Authors: Branford Susan
Published: December 2016

Molecular monitoring of BCR-ABL1 transcripts for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is now used to assess response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including treatment failure that mandates a change of therapy. Therefore, many centers have adopted the molecular technique for measuring BCR-ABL1 and rely on conversion of values to the international reporting scale for appropriate clinical interpretation. However, the technique has a degree of inherent variability despite standardized procedures, which means care should be taken by the clinician when assessing response based on BCR-ABL1 cutoff limits. The last few years have witnessed the emergence of a new molecular response target, which is the achievement and maintenance of a deep molecular response. The ability to achieve treatment-free remission for some patients has shifted the relevant boundary for molecular response. However, the definitive safe BCR-ABL1 transcript level and length of the maintenance phase after which treatment cessation can be attempted has not yet been determined. For patients with TKI resistance, BCR-ABL1 kinase domain mutation analysis remains an essential assessment to guide therapy. Furthermore, low-level mutation detection is clinically relevant for response prediction to subsequent TKI therapy for some patients. Multiple low-level mutations may be a biomarker of a clonally diverse disease with the propensity for resistance evolution. Overall, molecular monitoring, including low-level monitoring is a fundamental component of management for patients with CML.
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Afshar-Kharghan Vahid
Published: December 2016

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) that affects multiple organs and the kidneys in particular. aHUS can be sporadic or familial and is most commonly caused by dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway. The initial attack of aHUS can occur at any age, and is associated with a high rate of progression to end stage renal disease. Many aHUS patients relapse in the native or transplanted kidneys, and require close monitoring and long-term management. Availability of anticomplement therapy has revolutionized the management of aHUS, and can change the natural course of aHUS by inducing hematologic remission, improving or stabilizing kidney functions, and preventing graft failure. As a result, it is important to succeed in the challenging task of differentiating aHUS from other TMAs and initiate adequate treatment early during the course of disease. Considering the high cost of currently available anticomplement therapy, it is important also from a financial point of view to accurately diagnose aHUS early during the course of disease and determine the necessary length of therapy. This highlights the need for development of precise complement functional and genetic studies with rapid turnaround time.
Heavy menstrual bleeding: work-up and management
Authors: James Andra H.
Published: December 2016

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), which is the preferred term for menorrhagia, affects ∼90% of women with an underlying bleeding disorder and ∼70% of women on anticoagulation. HMB can be predicted on the basis of clots of ≥1 inch diameter, low ferritin, and “flooding” (a change of pad or tampon more frequently than hourly). The goal of the work-up is to determine whether there is a uterine/endometrial cause, a disorder of ovulation, or a disorder of coagulation. HMB manifest by flooding and/or prolonged menses, or HMB accompanied by a personal or family history of bleeding is very suggestive of a bleeding disorder and should prompt a referral to a hematologist. The evaluation will include the patient’s history, pelvic examination, and/or pelvic imaging, and a laboratory assessment for anemia, ovulatory dysfunction, underlying bleeding disorder, and in the case of the patient on anticoagulation, assessment for over anticoagulation. The goal of treatment is to reduce HMB. Not only will the treatment strategy depend on whether there is ovulatory dysfunction, uterine pathology, or an abnormality of coagulation, the treatment strategy will also depend on the age of the patient and her desire for immediate or long-term fertility. Hemostatic therapy for HMB may serve as an alternative to hormonal or surgical therapy, and may even be life-saving when used to correct an abnormality of coagulation.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: research and clinical updates
Authors: Onwuemene Oluwatoyosi , Arepally Gowthami M.
Published: December 2016

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) remains an important diagnosis to consider in hospitalized patients developing thrombocytopenia. HIT is an immune-mediated prothrombotic disorder caused by antibodies to platelet factor 4 (PF4) and heparin. Recent basic scientific studies have advanced our understanding of disease pathogenesis through studies of the PF4/heparin structure, immune mechanisms, and cellular basis of thrombosis. Clinical advances have also occurred in areas of HIT prevention, description of disease variants, and diagnostic strategies. Emerging anticoagulants with the potential to change HIT treatment are evolving, although with limited data. This review will provide a current perspective on HIT pathogenesis, disease features, diagnostic strategies, and role of emerging therapies for the management of HIT.
Prognostic factors in follicular lymphoma: new tools to personalize risk
Authors: Casulo Carla
Published: December 2016

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common indolent lymphoma, and it has a long median overall survival (OS). However, the recent discovery of clinical and biological prognostic biomarkers in FL is shedding light on FL heterogeneity and the need for a precise and risk-stratified individual approach at diagnosis and relapse. Many FL patients who are asymptomatic with indolent disease can be vulnerable to the toxicity, emotional distress, and financial burden of overtreatment. Yet a subset of FL patients develop chemoresistance to standard chemoimmunotherapy, experience transformation to aggressive lymphoma and rapid progression, and represent the population most in need of novel therapies and curative approaches. Novel biomarkers that incorporate both clinical and genetic determinants of poor risk are being developed with the hope of identifying high-risk patients at diagnosis in order to offer biologically rational targeted therapies.
Novel agents in follicular lymphoma: choosing the best target
Authors: Sehn Laurie H.
Published: December 2016

Outcomes in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) have improved dramatically over the last decade. However, novel agents are greatly needed for those who exhibit treatment resistance, in order to minimize lifelong toxicity and to enable combinations that may allow us to achieve the elusive goal of cure. Biological advances have led to the discovery of a large number of potential therapeutic targets and the development of a plethora of novel agents designed to exploit these processes. Possible targets include tumor cell surface markers, key components of intracellular pathways and epigenetic mechanisms, and reactive cells of the microenvironment. Given the large number of candidate drugs and potential combinations, it will be crucial to prioritize evaluation based on sound preclinical and early clinical studies. Combinations that exploit driver mechanisms within tumor cells and target parallel pathways to minimize the development of drug resistance, as well as harness the potential of the immune system would seem most logical. In order to expedite progress, future studies will need to use innovative trial designs and employ surrogate end points. The development of validated prognostic tools to identify higher risk patients and reliable predictive markers to select subgroups most likely to benefit from targeted agents will be paramount. The potential for unexpected toxicity with novel combinations must be recognized, necessitating both short- and long-term vigilance. Finally, as a greater number of treatment options become available, optimal sequencing must be determined in order to both prolong life and maintain its quality.
Germ line mutations associated with leukemias
Authors: Porter Christopher C.
Published: December 2016

Several genetic syndromes have long been associated with a predisposition to the development of leukemia, including bone marrow failure syndromes, Down syndrome, and Li Fraumeni syndrome. Recent work has better defined the leukemia risk and outcomes in these syndromes. Also, in the last several years, a number of other germ line mutations have been discovered to define new leukemia predisposition syndromes, including ANKRD26, GATA2, PAX5, ETV6, and DDX41. In addition, data suggest that a substantial proportion of patients with therapy related leukemias harbor germ line mutations in DNA damage response genes such as BRCA1/2 and TP53. Recognition of clinical associations, acquisition of a thorough family history, and high index-of-suspicion are critical in the diagnosis of these leukemia predisposition syndromes. Accurate identification of patients with germ line mutations associated with leukemia can have important clinical implications as it relates to management of the leukemia, as well as genetic counseling of family members.
Discussing and managing hematologic germ line variants
Authors: Kohlmann Wendy , Schiffman Joshua D.
Published: December 2016

With the introduction of genomic technologies, more hereditary cancer syndromes with hematologic malignancies are being described. Up to 10% of hematologic malignancies in children and adults may be the result of an underlying inherited genetic risk. Managing these patients with hereditary hematologic malignancies, including familial leukemia, remains a clinical challenge because there is little information about these relatively rare disorders. This article covers some of the issues related to the diagnosis and interpretation of variants associated with hereditary hematologic malignancies, including the importance of an accurate family history in interpreting genetic variants associated with disease. The challenges of screening other family members and offering the most appropriate early malignancy detection is also discussed. We now have a good opportunity to better define hereditary cancer syndromes with associated hematologic malignancies and contribute to clinically effective guidelines.
Children with rare diseases of neutrophil granulocytes: from therapeutic orphans to pioneers of individualized medicine
Authors: Klein Christoph
Published: December 2016

Neutrophil granulocytes are the most abundant immune cells in the blood yet the pathways orchestrating their differentiation and biological function remain incompletely understood. Studying (ultra-) rare patients with monogenetic defects of neutrophil granulocytes may open new horizons to understand basic principles of hematopoiesis and innate immunity. Here, recent insights into genetic factors controlling myelopoiesis and their more general role in biology will be presented in a clinical perspective. Advances in supportive care, first and foremost the use of recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, has made a substantial difference for the quality of life and life expectancy of patients with congenital neutropenia (CN). Up to date, the only definitive cure can be provided by transplantation of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells. The elucidation of the underlying molecular factors contributing to defective differentiation and function of neutrophil granulocytes nurtures new ideas of targeted individualized therapies.