bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial Differences in the Prevalence and Outcomes of Atrial Fibrillation Among Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure
Authors: Thomas Kevin L. , Piccini Jonathan P. , Liang Li , Fonarow Gregg C. , Yancy Clyde W. , Peterson Eric D. , Hernandez Adrian F. ,   Tthe Get With the Guidelines Steering Committee and Hospitals
Published: September 2013

Background

The intersection of heart failure (
HF
) and atrial fibrillation (
AF
) is common, but the burden of
AF
among black patients with
HF
is poorly characterized. We sought to determine the prevalence of
AF
, characteristics, in‐hospital outcomes, and warfarin use associated with
AF
in patients hospitalized with
HF
as a function of race.

Methods and Results

We analyzed data on 135 494 hospitalizations from January 2006 through January 2012 at 276 hospitals participating in the
A
merican
H
eart
A
ssociation's
G
et
W
ith
T
he
G
uidelines
HF
Program. Multivariable logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations approach for risk‐adjusted comparison of
AF
prevalence, in‐hospital outcomes, and warfarin use. In this
HF
population, 53 389 (39.4%) had
AF
. Black patients had markedly less
AF
than white patients (20.8% versus 44.8%,
P
<0.001). Adjusting for risk factors and hospital characteristics, black race was associated with significantly lower odds of
AF
(
adjusted odds ratio
0.52, 95%
CI
0.48 to 0.55,
P
<0.0001). There were no racial differences in in‐hospital mortality; however, black patients had a longer length of stay relative to white patients. Black patients compared with white patients with
AF
were less likely to be discharged on warfarin (
adjusted odds ratio
0.76, 95%
CI
0.69 to 0.85,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Despite having many risk factors for
AF
, black patients, relative to white patients hospitalized for
HF
, had a lower prevalence of
AF
and lower prescription of guideline‐recommended warfarin therapy.
Oxidative Stress Interferes With White Matter Renewal After Prolonged Cerebral Hypoperfusion in Mice
Authors: Miyamoto Nobukazu , Maki Takakuni , Pham Loc-Duyen D. , Hayakawa Kazuhide , Seo Ji Hae , Mandeville Emiri T. , Mandeville Joseph B. , Kim Kyu-Won , Lo Eng H. , Arai Ken
Published: September 2013

Background and Purpose—

White matter injury caused by cerebral hypoperfusion may contribute to the pathophysiology of vascular dementia and stroke, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully defined. Here, we test the hypothesis that oxidative stress interferes with endogenous white matter repair by disrupting renewal processes mediated by oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs).

Methods—

In vitro, primary rat OPCs were exposed to sublethal CoCl
2
for 7 days to induce prolonged chemical hypoxic stress. Then, OPC proliferation/differentiation was assessed. In vivo, prolonged cerebral hypoperfusion was induced by bilateral common carotid artery stenosis in mice. Then, reactive oxygen species production, myelin density, oligodendrocyte versus OPC counts, and cognitive function were evaluated. To block oxidative stress, OPCs and mice were treated with the radical scavenger edaravone.

Results—

Prolonged chemical hypoxic stress suppressed OPC differentiation in vitro. Radical scavenging with edaravone ameliorated these effects. After 28 days of cerebral hypoperfusion in vivo, reactive oxygen species levels were increased in damaged white matter, along with the suppression of OPC-to-oligodendrocyte differentiation and loss of myelin staining. Concomitantly, mice showed functional deficits in working memory. Radical scavenging with edaravone rescued OPC differentiation, ameliorated myelin loss, and restored working memory function.

Conclusions—

Our proof-of-concept study demonstrates that after prolonged cerebral hypoperfusion, oxidative stress interferes with white matter repair by disrupting OPC renewal mechanisms. Radical scavengers may provide a potential therapeutic approach for white matter injury in vascular dementia and stroke.
Satellite-Based Reconstruction of the Tropical Oceanic Clear-Sky Outgoing Longwave Radiation and Comparison with Climate Models
Authors: Gastineau Guillaume , Soden Brian J. , Jackson Darren L. , O’Dell Chris W.
Published: September 2013

The changes of the outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) in clear-sky conditions have been calculated using High Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS) observations from 1979 to 2004. After applying corrections for satellite orbital drift and intercalibration of the HIRS/2 data from the NOAA satellites, the OLR is calculated from a multivariate regression over the tropical ocean region. The clear-sky OLR retrievals compare well with the observed top-of-atmosphere radiation measurements, although the precision and stability uncertainties are larger. While the tropical ocean surface temperature has risen by roughly 0.2 K from 1982 to 2004, the reconstructed OLR remains stable over the ocean. Consequently, there is an increase in the clear-sky greenhouse effect (GHE) of 0.80 W m−2 decade−1. This trend is shown to be larger than the uncertainty in the stability of the HIRS retrievals.

The observations are compared with two phase 3 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project model ensembles: one ensemble includes both natural and anthropogenic forcings [the twentieth-century (20C) ensemble] and the other ensemble only contains natural climate variability (the control ensemble). The OLR trend in the 20C simulations tends to be more negative than observed, although a majority is found to be within the observational uncertainty. Conversely, the response of the clear-sky OLR to SST is shown to be very similar in observations and models. Therefore, the trend differences between the 20C simulations and observations are likely because of internal climate variability or uncertainties in the external forcings. The observed increase in GHE is shown to be inconsistent with the control ensemble, indicating that anthropogenic forcings are required to reproduce the observed changes in GHE.
Misconception
Authors: Schuler Christine L. , Hanley Chassidy J. , Coyne-Beasley Tamera
Published: September 2013

Background. This study sought to determine if parents of males express concerns about vaccine-associated infertility (VAI) with the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and to understand the impact of those concerns. Methods. Parents of sons were surveyed to determine VAI concerns. Logistic regression was used to find if parents worried about VAI had lower knowledge of HPV disease, more concern for side effects, lacked information about vaccination, or had lower intention to vaccinate. Results. In all, 39% of parents were worried about VAI. Parents worried about VAI had similar knowledge of HPV compared with other parents. Parents worried about VAI had twice the odds of agreeing the vaccine may cause side effects and agreeing they did not have enough information compared to their counterparts. Parents worried about VAI less often intended to vaccinate sons than other parents. Conclusions. These findings suggest many parents worry about VAI in sons with HPV vaccine.
Social interaction among people with psychiatric disabilities – Does attending a day centre matter?
Authors: Argentzell Elisabeth , Leufstadius Christel , Eklund Mona
Published: September 2013

Background:

Engaging in social interaction has, for people with psychiatric disabilities, been shown to enhance well-being and the experience of meaning and to generally prevent the worsening of mental illness.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to investigate how day centre attendees differed from non-attendees regarding different aspects of social interaction and to investigate how occupational factors, including day centre attendance, and previously known predictors were related to social interaction in the study sample as a whole.

Methods:

A total of 93 day centre attendees and 82 non-attendees with psychiatric disabilities were examined regarding social interaction, subjective perception of occupation, activity level, sense of self-mastery and socio-demographic and clinical variables. Data were analysed with non-parametric statistics, mainly logistic regression.

Results:

Social support was mainly provided by informal caregivers such as family members. The day centre attendees had more social relations but did not experience better quality or closeness in their relationships than non-attendees. Important factors for social interaction were subjective perceptions of daily occupation, being married/cohabiting, self-mastery and severity of psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusion:

Alternative ways of enhancing social interactions in the community is needed, targeting the group’s feeling of satisfaction and value in daily life together with self-mastery.
Race and Schizophrenia Diagnoses in Four Types of Hospitals
Authors: Barnes Arnold
Published: September 2013

Overdiagnosis of schizophrenia is a mental health disparity that negatively affects Black clients in terms of increased risk of hospitalization and incorrect drug therapy. The present study investigated the extent of overdiagnosis in four different types of hospitals and client characteristics associated with this disparity. Data on 1,641 inpatient clients from a national survey were analyzed. Results revealed that in each type of hospital, Black clients were more likely than White clients to be diagnosed with schizophrenia rather than a mood disorder. After controlling for the influence of client clinical and demographic variables, client race was the most significant predictor of schizophrenia diagnoses in the hospitals collectively. These findings further document the need for initiatives to address this disparity.
In-plane shear behaviour of composite sandwich panel incorporated with shear keys methodology at different orientations: finite element study
Authors: Mostafa A , Shankar K , Morozov EV
Published: September 2013

The effect of introducing semi-circular shear keys in at the skin-core interface of the composite sandwich panels is illustrated numerically in the current study using ABAQUS software. Particularly, the effect of the shear keys orientation (shear grid), namely ±15°, ±30°, ±45°, ±60° and 90/0°, on the shear response of the sandwich panel is introduced. Composite sandwich panels consisting of polyurethane foam core sandwiched between stiff glass fibre reinforced polymer skins were used, while chopped strand glass fibre impregnated with epoxy resin was utilized for the keys. The nonlinear finite element model was built to capture the shear response and the damage mode of the sandwich panel with the shear grid. The finite element model nominated the model with ±60° grid orientation to be the most sustainable one among the other investigated models. In comparison to the model with shear keys in one direction (uni-axial model), the model with shear grid showed a significant reduction in the shear strength.
“Liking” Your Union
Authors: Fowler Tim , Hagar Doug
Published: September 2013

The authors examine the use of new social media (NSM) by Canadian unions during electoral campaigns. The use of NSM by unions is emerging in Canada, and the authors study the 2011 federal and provincial elections, arguably the first time Canadian unions used NSM as part of their electoral strategies. The authors show that unions with close partisan ties to the New Democratic Party are more likely to embrace NSM as an electoral tactic than unions with no partisan ties or unions that engage in strategic voting.
Meniscus Tear Patterns in Relation to Skeletal Immaturity
Authors: Shieh Alvin , Bastrom Tracey , Roocroft Joanna , Edmonds Eric W. , Pennock Andrew T.
Published: September 2013

Background:

Meniscus tear patterns in the pediatric population have not been well described.

Purpose:

To delineate the pattern of meniscus tears and the likelihood of repair at the time of surgery in both children and adolescents.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed on all patients between the ages of 10 and 19 years who underwent arthroscopic surgery for a meniscus injury at a single institution. Patients with open growth plates were classified as children, while those with closed growth plates were classified as adolescents. Demographic data were documented, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), mechanism of injury, and time from injury to surgery. Operative reports and intraoperative photographs were used to assess the tear pattern (type, location, zone) as well as all concomitant procedures and injuries. Tears were classified as discoid, vertical, bucket-handle, radial, oblique, horizontal, fray, root detachment, or complex.

Results:

Of the 293 patients reviewed, 197 (67%) had lateral meniscus tears, 65 (22%) had medial meniscus tears, and 31 (11%) had tears to both menisci. The cohort was separated into 119 (41%) children (mean age, 13.5 years) and 174 (59%) adolescents (mean age, 16.4 years). Children were more likely to have discoid meniscus tears, lower BMI, and meniscus injuries not associated with ligamentous injuries ( P < .05). The rate of associated ligament injuries in children was 28% compared with 51% in adolescents. Overall, the most frequent tear pattern was complex (28%), followed by vertical (16%), discoid (14%), bucket-handle (14%), radial (10%), horizontal (8%), oblique (5%), fray (3%), and root detachment (2%). Complex tears were associated with boys (32% vs 20% in girls; P < .03) and greater mean BMI (27.4 vs 25.1 kg/m2 in those with noncomplex tears; P < .002), even when taking sex into account. Surgical repair was performed in 47% of all cases (56% in those treated within 3 months of injury vs 42% in those treated after 6 months; P < .03), and there was no difference in the repair rate between the two age groups (49% in children vs 46% in adolescents; P > .05).

Conclusion:

Adolescents and children sustain more complex meniscus injuries that are often less repairable than previously reported in the literature. Factors that are associated with greater tear complexity include male sex and obesity. Our findings also suggest that the earlier treatment of meniscus tears may increase the likelihood of repair in younger patients.
Participation in IMF-sponsored economic programs and contentious collective action in Latin America, 1980–2007
Authors: Ortiz David G. , Béjar Sergio
Published: September 2013

This paper investigates the relationship between International Monetary Fund (IMF)-sponsored economic programs and contentious collective action in Latin America from 1980 to 2007, hypothesizing a positive relationship between participation in IMF programs and the likelihood of social protest. Specifically, we suggest that people in recipient countries protest the unpopular IMF mandates not only because of the negative effects that orthodox economic policies have on their livelihood, but mainly because they perceive a loss of legitimacy and question the sovereignty of their domestic governments. That is, deciding to participate in an IMF program can make governments more prone to being perceived as caving in to the pressures of international agents, increasing the likelihood of contentious collective action. Results from two-stage negative binomial selection models provide strong statistical support for our main hypothesis, remaining robust to different specifications of the second-stage equation and other procedures that correct for potential statistical problems.
External kin, economic disparity and minority ethnic group mobilization
Authors: Han Enze , O’Mahoney Joseph , Paik Christopher
Published: September 2013

What is the relationship between economic grievance and ethnopolitical conflict? Many theories on ethnic conflict posit a relationship between economic inequality and conflict, and many tend to agree that economic inequality between groups is one of the main causes of grievance and thereby political mobilization. This article engages existing literature on horizontal inequalities, but probes the violent consequences of a different type of economic inequality. In particular, we are interested in the type of ethnic group that has extensive external kin relations, and how in such conditions the economic disparity between the ethnic group and its external kin group condition the former’s grievance construction. We argue that, if the ethnic group’s external kin enjoys positive economic advantage over the ethnic group, then the latter is more likely to feel deprived and engage in violent political mobilization toward the current host state.
Reward and Engagement
Authors: Brown Duncan , Reilly Peter
Published: September 2013

The authors contend that despite the popularity of the term and of corporate surveys to measure it, employee engagement is often an ill-defined concept, and the relationship of it with reward management is often even more unclear. In a wide-ranging analysis, they consider the impact of the difficult global economic climate on engagement levels and what we have learned about the relationship with rewards. They argue that engagement and its links with pay and rewards need to be defined and understood in each organization setting, rather than assuming that simplistic universal models can be adopted. They highlight the importance of a total rewards approach in engaging the diversity of the workforce and meeting the wide variety of employee needs. Third, they call for action on survey results, with the recession having widened the “say–do” gap on employee engagement. Finally, they highlight some outstanding questions for future research and practice to investigate in this field.
Recalibrating Best Practice
Authors: Schuster Jay R. , Zingheim Patricia K.
Published: September 2013

What is “best practice” and why does it matter? CEOs differ from total reward professionals in how they view what constitutes best practice. This article briefly summarizes the findings of a number of studies of how CEOs view the total reward profession and suggests that we may be at a fork in the road as it relates to charting a course for reward design in the future. When we begin to follow best practice, does that involve doing what other organizations do or what is best for your company’s business?
A two-dimensional computational parametric analysis of the sheltering effect of fences on a railway vehicle standing on a bridge and experiencing crosswinds
Authors: Sesma Ignacio , Larraona Gorka S. , Vinolas Jordi , Rivas Alejandro , Avila-Sanchez Sergio
Published: September 2013

In a crosswind scenario, the risk of high-speed trains overturning increases when they run on viaducts since the aerodynamic loads are higher than on the ground. In order to increase safety, vehicles are sheltered by fences that are installed on the viaduct to reduce the loads experienced by the train. Windbreaks can be designed to have different heights, and with or without eaves on the top. In this paper, a parametric study with a total of 12 fence designs was carried out using a two-dimensional model of a train standing on a viaduct. To asses the relative effectiveness of sheltering devices, tests were done in a wind tunnel with a scaled model at a Reynolds number of 1 × 105, and the train’s aerodynamic coefficients were measured. Experimental results were compared with those predicted by Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) simulations of flow, showing that a computational model is able to satisfactorily predict the trend of the aerodynamic coefficients. In a second set of tests, the Reynolds number was increased to 12 × 106 (at a free flow air velocity of 30 m/s) in order to simulate strong wind conditions. The aerodynamic coefficients showed a similar trend for both Reynolds numbers; however, their numerical value changed enough to indicate that simulations at the lower Reynolds number do not provide all required information. Furthermore, the variation of coefficients in the simulations allowed an explanation of how fences modified the flow around the vehicle to be proposed. This made it clear why increasing fence height reduced all the coefficients but adding an eave had an effect mainly on the lift force coefficient. Finally, by analysing the time signals it was possible to clarify the influence of the Reynolds number on the peak-to-peak amplitude, the time period and the Strouhal number.
Urban and regional studies in the experience economy: What kind of turn?
Authors: Lorentzen Anne , Jeannerat Hugues
Published: September 2013

The paper introduces a special issue on ‘the experience turn in development and planning’. It is argued that the notion of the experience economy is able to challenge established theories of the culture economy in three ways. First, by placing consumption and consumers as point of departure for innovation and valuation. Secondly, by approaching place as valuable for consumption, and finally by turning the lens of planning towards places as destinations, which entails complex quality of place concerns. The papers of the issue contribute from three different but related perspectives. One perspective is to deconstruct economic value and innovation in regional studies and elaborate on the role of consumers and stages of consumption. Another is the actor perspective and the question of how localized networks of innovative actors evolve and engage in experiential staging. Finally the experience economy is seen as an integrated approach in policy and strategic planning on as well as across different scales. Future research should not only trace the evolution of experience offerings, stages and destinations and its possible dependence on specific economic phases and contexts. It should also develop further the potentials of the experience economy approach as a new perspective on economic phenomena as well as on territorial development.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Incontinence Among Emirati Women With Diabetes
Authors: Bani-issa Wegdan A. , Halabi Jehad O. , Abdullah Abdul Ridha , Hasan Haydar A. , Raigangar Veena L.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence and risk factors for urinary incontinence among a sample of Emirati women with diabetes. Design: A cross-sectional survey design using probability sampling was employed to evaluate incontinence among 350 Emirati diabetic women. Age, body mass index, history of urinary tract infections, parity, diabetes duration, and type of diabetes management were evaluated as potential risk factors for incontinence. To assess type and frequency of incontinence, items from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey–Kidney Condition–Urology were used. Findings: A total of 225 (64.3%) participants reported incontinence, with 110 (31.4%) expressed having an episode once a week or more. Both stress ( n = 197, 56.3%) and urge incontinence ( n = 208, 59.4%) were seen; 96 (48.7%) reported at least weekly stress incontinence episodes, and 109 (52.4%) reported weekly or more urge episodes. Results of logistic regression indicated that diabetes duration was the most significant risk factor for incontinence. Conclusion: Prevalence of incontinence in Emirati women was higher than that reported by diabetic women in other cultures. Practice Implications: Clinicians working with Emirati diabetic women should endeavor to enhance screening for incontinence and design culturally appropriate strategies for teaching and treating this complication of diabetes.
Hispanic Nurses’ Experiences of Bias in the Workplace
Authors: Moceri Joane T.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: The continuing issue of health inequity for Hispanics highlights the importance of retaining Hispanic nurses in the workplace. This article describes the use of short answers such as “Describe the bias you experienced” and “If a patient refused care, what was the reason given?” to increase understandings about bias through the descriptions of Hispanic nurses. In this study, bias was defined as those implicit negative stereotypes and attitudes that negatively affect judgments about, evaluations of, and actions toward others. Design/Method: For this qualitative component of a descriptive study employing both qualitative and quantitative methods, 111 Hispanic nurses responded to open-ended questions about experiences of bias that were included with a survey tool and demographic questionnaire. Findings: Three themes emerged: being overlooked and undervalued, having to prove competency, and living with “only-ness.” Respect was an overarching concept. Discussion/Conclusions: The written descriptions of bias provided depth and understanding to the quantitative findings. Nurse leaders are well positioned to develop and implement strategies to more effectively support Hispanic nurses and to promote nonbiased interactions in the workplace. Implications: Retaining Hispanic nurses is a vital component to address issues of health inequity for Hispanic patients.
Use of Prognostic Tools in the Hospital, Assessment of Factors Behind Their Use or lack Thereof Through a Physician-Oriented Survey
Authors: Zanartu Cristian , Matti-Orozco Brenda
Published: September 2013

Physician's use of prognostic tools may help to decide on the intensity of therapies provided and communicate with patients and their caregivers in a timely fashion. However, literature that describes knowledge, perceived limitations and overall use of these tools by doctors is lacking. By way of a physician survey, we attempted to look at the use of prognostic tools in our community of doctors in our department of internal medicine. Our results showed that overall physicians have superficial knowledge of prognostic tools. We also discovered that physicians believe these tools to be helpful, yet their availability is compromised by lack of exposure during formative years, their cumbersome structure and the impracticalities of remembering them at bedside.
Facing Facebook
Authors: Lillqvist Ella , Louhiala-Salminen Leena
Published: September 2013

This study examines interaction between corporate representatives and critical consumers in today’s social media environment. Applying a microanalytical form of discourse analysis to a data set of corporate Facebook page discussions, the study contributes to a better understanding of the communicative resources that organizations use as part of their impression management (IM) for upholding their acceptability and promoting their credibility. The study also reveals the complexity of the work of corporate Facebook representatives, who need to align their individual IM with that of the organization while adjusting to the technologically mediated context.
Understanding the Basic Assumptions About Human Nature in Workplace Spirituality
Authors: Lips-Wiersma Marjolein , Mills Albert J.
Published: September 2013

The very existence of workplace spirituality (WPS) is based on distinct assumptions about what it is to be human. However, to date, WPS has largely ignored ontological and epistemological roots that underpin how we theorize the person in management. This leaves WPS without a sound and distinct theoretical base. To address this important lacuna, we argue for a turn to existentialism, which, with its focus on the essence of the self, offers the opportunity to address this lacuna. We base our arguments on the analysis of a grounded theory study of spiritual retreats in a tertiary education institute in which participants attempted to (re)gain a sense of self. After analyzing the results through contrasting positive and critical approaches to WPS, we make our case for an existential approach to workplace spirituality.
Collaboration as Effective Music Professional Development
Authors: Stanley Ann Marie , Snell Alden , Edgar Scott
Published: September 2013

Collaborative professional development (PD) efforts are increasingly popular and successful across the United States. In this article, we highlight the voice of the teacher in brief descriptions of PD efforts that support collaboration as a key component of meaningful music teacher PD. To draw a vivid picture of the potential and possibilities in models of music teacher collaborative PD, we connect eight practicing teachers’ positive PD experiences to recommendations from recent research findings. We also make suggestions for music teacher educators about the implications of these findings about the establishment of a disposition in preservice teachers toward valuing collaborative development.
Response to Tracy’s Under the “Big Tent”
Authors: Gordon Jenny , Patterson Jean A.
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we consider Tracy’s proposal for universal criteria to judge the goodness of qualitative studies, and we explore her criteria by applying them to our own work. As a test of Tracy’s claim to universality, we situate her ideas within a womanist caring framework, using it as an exemplar to theorize deliberately Tracy’s criteria. We do this to evaluate just how theoretically limber Tracy’s criteria actually are. We conclude that Tracy’s criteria are useful because they are universal but not fixed and we build on her thinking to foreground ethics as an overarching framework for criteria rather than a standalone category. We highlight the urgency of returning the debate about criteria for qualitative work to the qualitative research community during a period when the legitimacy of qualitative work is under assault.
The Relationships of Sexual Identity, Hazardous Drinking, and Drinking Expectancies With Risky Sexual Behaviors in a Community Sample of Lesbian and Bisexual Women
Authors: Matthews Alicia K. , Cho Young Ik , Hughes Tonda , Wilsnack Sharon C. , Johnson Timothy , Martin Kelly
Published: September 2013

This study examined the influence of demographic characteristics, sexual identity, hazardous drinking, and sexuality/intimacy enhancement alcohol expectancies on rates of risky sexual behaviors in a community sample of women who self-identified as lesbian, mostly lesbian, and bisexual ( N = 349). Structured interview data were collected as part of a larger longitudinal study of sexual minority women’s health, the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women study. We used structural equation modeling, controlling for demographic characteristics, to evaluate the influence of sexual identity, hazardous drinking, and alcohol-related sexuality/intimacy enhancement expectancies on sexual risk behaviors. Controlling for demographic characteristics and for sexual identity, higher levels of both hazardous drinking and sexuality/intimacy enhancement alcohol expectancies were associated with higher sexual risk scores. The final model predicted 36% of the variance in risky sexual behavior scores. Our findings regarding the central role of alcohol use and sexuality/intimacy enhancement expectancies in sexual risk behaviors among sexual minority women are consistent with previous research focusing on predominantly heterosexual women. Future efforts at sexual risk reduction in sexual minority women will need to address the influences of alcohol use and drinking-related expectancies on sexual behaviors and decision making.
Effect of protein and glycerol concentration on the mechanical, optical, and water vapor barrier properties of canola protein isolate-based edible films
Authors: Chang Chang , Nickerson Michael T
Published: September 2013

Biodegradable edible films prepared using proteins are both economically and environmentally important to the food packaging industry relative to traditional petroleum-derived synthetic materials. In the present study, the mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of casted canola protein isolate edible films were investigated as a function of protein (5.0% and 7.5%) and glycerol (30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50%) content. Specifically, tensile strength and elongation, elastic modulus, puncture strength and deformation, opacity, and water vapor permeability were measured. Results indicated that tensile strength, puncture strength, and elastic modulus decreased, while tensile elongation and puncture deformation values increased as glycerol concentration increased for both 5.0% and 7.5% canola protein isolate films. Furthermore, tensile strength, puncture strength, and elastic modulus values were found to increase at higher protein concentrations within the canola protein isolate films, whereas puncture deformation values decreased. Tensile elongation was found to be similar for both canola protein isolate protein levels. Canola protein isolate films became more transparent with increasing of glycerol concentration and decreasing of canola protein isolate concentration. Water vapor permeability value was also found to increase with increasing glycerol and protein contents. Overall, results indicated that canola protein isolate films were less brittle, more malleable and transparent, and had greater water vapor permeability at higher glycerol levels. However, as protein level increased, canola protein isolate films were more brittle, less malleable and more opaque, and also had increased water vapor permeability.
The Relation Between ADHD Symptoms and Alcohol Use in College Students
Authors: Mesman Glenn R.
Published: September 2013

Objective: Although there is evidence to suggest an association between ADHD and alcohol use in college students, results are inconclusive primarily because studies have failed to control for related variables. Thus, this study was designed to systematically compare the relative contributions of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity to alcohol use and alcohol-related problems in a sample of college students while controlling for effects of antisocial behaviors. Method: A total of 192 undergraduate college students from a rural Midwestern university received class credit for participating in the study. They completed measures of alcohol use, ADHD symptoms, and antisocial behavior. Results: Hierarchical regressions revealed inattention, but not hyperactivity/impulsivity, was related to alcohol-related problems even when controlling for antisocial behavior. However, neither inattention nor hyperactivity/impulsivity was related to alcohol use regardless of whether current antisocial behavior was controlled. Conclusion: Inattention may be an important factor related to alcohol-related problems in college students.
Neurocognitive and Behavioral Predictors of Math Performance in Children With and Without ADHD
Authors: Antonini Tanya N. , Kingery Kathleen M. , Narad Megan E. , Langberg Joshua M. , Tamm Leanne , Epstein Jeffery N.
Published: September 2013

Objective: This study examined neurocognitive and behavioral predictors of math performance in children with and without ADHD. Method: Neurocognitive and behavioral variables were examined as predictors of (a) standardized mathematics achievement scores, (b) productivity on an analog math task, and (c) accuracy on an analog math task. Results: Children with ADHD had lower achievement scores but did not significantly differ from controls on math productivity or accuracy. N-back accuracy and parent-rated attention predicted math achievement. N-back accuracy and observed attention predicted math productivity. Alerting scores on the attentional network task predicted math accuracy. Mediation analyses indicated that n-back accuracy significantly mediated the relationship between diagnostic group and math achievement. Conclusion: Neurocognition, rather than behavior, may account for the deficits in math achievement exhibited by many children with ADHD.
The Distinct Role of Palliative Care in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Schulz Valerie , Novick Richard J.
Published: September 2013

Palliative care is expanding its role into the surgical intensive care units (SICU). Embedding palliative philosophies of care into SICUs has considerable potential to improve the quality of care, especially in complex patient care scenarios. This article will explore palliative care, identifying patients/families who benefit from palliative care services, how palliative care complements SICU care, and opportunities to integrate palliative care into the SICU. Palliative care enhances the SICU team’s ability to recognize pain and distress; establish the patient’s wishes, beliefs, and values and their impact on decision making; develop flexible communication strategies; conduct family meetings and establish goals of care; provide family support during the dying process; help resolve team conflicts; and establish reasonable goals for life support and resuscitation. Educational opportunities to improve end-of-life management skills are outlined. It is necessary to appreciate how traditional palliative and surgical cultures may influence the integration of palliative care into the SICU. Palliative care can provide a significant, “value added” contribution to the care of seriously ill SICU patients.
Facial Stigmas in Dyadic Selection Interviews
Authors: Madera Juan M.
Published: September 2013

Despite being one of the most common methods for selecting employees, the selection interview is not free from biases because it involves social interactions in which physical characteristics influence the interview—one being physical aberrations. The current study used a two-group experimental design in which participants interviewed a confederate without or with a facial stigma (i.e., a port-wine stain birthmark on the cheek). The results showed that interviewers felt more negative affect and displayed more negative behaviors toward a facially stigmatized applicant than an applicant who was not facially stigmatized. The interviewers’ negative affect and behavior were perceived by the applicant who in turn rated the interviewer as more negative than when the applicant did not have a facial stigma. The results were consistent with affective events theory and stigma theory in that interviewing a facially stigmatized applicant is a negative event for the interviewer that elicits negative affect and behaviors. Thus, the current research suggests that interviewers do feel and display negativity toward a facially stigmatized applicant and that a stigmatized applicant is aware of this negativity.
JC-virus seroconversion in multiple sclerosis patients receiving natalizumab
Authors: Outteryck Olivier , Zéphir Hélène , Salleron Julia , Ongagna Jean-Claude , Etxeberria Ana , Collongues Nicolas , Lacour Arnaud , Fleury Marie-Céline , Blanc Frédéric , Giroux Marianne , de Seze Jérôme , Vermersch Patrick
Published: September 2013

Aim:

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the rate of JC virus (JCV) seroconversion/seroreversion in a French cohort of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients receiving natalizumab (NTZ), describe the characteristics of this population, identify risk factors for JCV seropositivity and analyse the additional value of quantitative JCV serology results in this context.

Methods:

MS patients from two French MS centres, whose JCV serological status in 2011 while receiving NTZ was known ( n=357; first-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test (Gen1)), were proposed for inclusion in this study. We evaluated the rate of JCV seroconversion over a period of one year with a second-generation ELISA test (Gen2; n=303) and analysed the quantitative results. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for JCV seropositivity.

Results:

Among the patients with Gen2 JCV serology ( n=303) that had been JCV-seronegative one year before ( n=165), the rate of JCV seroconversion was 26.67% (44/165). We observed a higher proportion of anti-JCV antibody seroconverters (14.5%) than expected (≤3%) but also increasing index values of anti-JCV antibody over time.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that JCV reactivation occurs during NTZ therapy and leads to an increase in the anti-JCV antibodies titre, thus making them more easily detectable by the second-generation ELISA test.
Changes of brain resting state functional connectivity predict the persistence of cognitive rehabilitation effects in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Parisi Laura , Rocca Maria A , Mattioli Flavia , Copetti Massimiliano , Capra Ruggero , Valsasina Paola , Stampatori Chiara , Filippi Massimo
Published: September 2013

Objective:

We investigated whether the efficacy of 12-week cognitive rehabilitation in MS patients persists six months after treatment termination and, together with resting state (RS) functional connectivity (FC), changes on neuropsychological performance at follow-up.

Methods:

Eighteen MS patients with cognitive deficits, assigned randomly either to undergo treatment ( n=9) or not ( n=9), underwent neuropsychological evaluation at baseline (t0), after 12 weeks of rehabilitation (t1) and at six-month follow-up (t2). RS fMRI was obtained at t0 and t1. Changes in neuropsychological performance and their correlations with RS FC modifications were assessed using longitudinal linear models.

Results:

At t2 vs. t0, compared with the control group, treated group patients improved in tests of attention, executive function, depression and quality of life (QoL). Neuropsychological scores in these tests at t2 were significantly correlated with RS FC changes in cognitive-related networks and RS FC of the anterior cingulum. RS FC changes in the default mode network predicted cognitive performance and less severe depression, whereas RS FC changes of the executive network predicted better QoL.

Discussion:

Changes in RS FC of cognitive-related networks helps to explain the persistence of the effects of cognitive rehabilitation after several months in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients and their improvement on depression and QoL scales.
The usefulness of brain MRI at onset in the differentiation of multiple sclerosis and seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Huh So-Young , Min Ju-Hong , Kim Woojun , Kim Su-Hyun , Kim Ho Jin , Kim Byung-Jo , Kim Byoung Joon , Lee Kwang Ho
Published: September 2013

Background:

Although neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a central nervous system (CNS) autoimmune disease distinct from multiple sclerosis (MS). NMO and NMO spectrum disorder (NMOSD) sometimes show asymptomatic lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at onset, and even present with symptomatic brain involvement.

Objectives:

We investigated whether brain MRI at onset can be helpful for the differentiation of MS and NMOSD.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed initial brain MRIs, performed within three months of onset, in patients with MS ( n = 51) and anti-aquaporin4-antibody-positive patients with NMOSD ( n = 67).

Results:

NMOSD patients met the Paty (37%) and Barkhof (13%) criteria, and the criteria of the European Magnetic Imaging in MS (MAGNIMS) study group (9%), for MS. Ovoid lesions perpendicular to the lateral ventricle, isolated juxtacortical lesions in U-fibers and isolated ovoid/round cortical lesions were found only in MS patients, whereas longitudinal corticospinal tract lesions, extensive hemispheric lesions, periependymal lesions surrounding the lateral ventricle and cervicomedullary lesions were found only in NMOSD patients.

Conclusions:

Our study suggests that it is difficult to differentiate MS from NMOSD by the fulfillment of the MRI criteria for MS on brain MRI at onset; however, the characteristic morphology of brain lesions is highly useful for the early differentiation of the two disorders.
Impact on hospital performance of introducing routine patient reported outcome measures in surgery
Authors: Varagunam Mira , Hutchings Andrew , Neuburger Jenny , Black Nick
Published: September 2013

Objectives

To determine the impact of introducing patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) on the selection of patients for surgery and on outcome for four elective operations (hip replacement, knee replacement, varicose vein surgery and groin hernia repair).

Methods

Patient-level data from the National PROMs programme for England from April 2009 to March 2012 were analysed to determine the extent of change in mean preoperative scores and mean adjusted postoperative scores using disease-specific and generic PROMs assessed using standardized effect sizes (SESs). Variation between providers was determined by intra-class correlation coefficients for each time period. Consistency in outlier ratings was tested using weighted Kappa statistics.

Results

There was little apparent impact. Preoperative severity increased slightly for two procedures only: varicose vein surgery (SES disease-specific PROM 0.10; generic PROM −0.07) and to a lesser extent for hip replacement (SES disease-specific PROM −0.03). There was little inter-provider variation and it did not change significantly over time. There were also slight improvements in outcomes for hip and knee replacement (SES for disease-specific and generic PROMs 0.03) though not for hernia repair and a slight worsening for varicose vein surgery. The extent of variation in performance between providers was unchanged. The proportion of providers deemed to be outliers did not change over time. There was only moderate consistency in those providers deemed to be outliers for hip and knee replacement (Kappa 0.31–0.47) and it was even weaker for the other two procedures. Although 35% of providers of hip replacement were outliers in at least one year, only 6% were consistently outliers. Such inconsistency may be partly due to regression to the mean.

Conclusions

The minimal impact that the routine use and feedback of PROMs had on provider behaviour during the initial years suggests that more attention needs to be paid to how results are communicated and to the provision of advice as to what action may be taken.
An investigation of the security of caregiver attachment during middle childhood in children with high-functioning autistic disorder
Authors: Chandler Felicity , Dissanayake Cheryl
Published: September 2013

Previous research has investigated caregiver attachment relationships in children with autism during early childhood, with few differences found from matched control groups. However, little is known of this relationship during middle childhood (ages 8–12 years). In this study, the aim was to establish whether there are differences in the security of attachment in children with high-functioning autism compared to typically developing children. A secondary aim was to establish whether caregivers’ perceptions of their child’s attachment to them accorded with the children’s own reports. Twenty-one children with high-functioning autism and 17 typically developing children were administered the Kerns Security Scale and the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment–Revised, and caregivers completed the same questionnaires from the viewpoint of their child. There were no differences between the groups in the children’s and parents’ reports of attachment security. Parents’ and children’s reports were moderately correlated on the Kerns Security Scale but were not correlated on the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment–Revised. The results indicate that levels of attachment security in children with high-functioning autism are not different from those in typically developing children.
Frigophobia: A case series from Sri Lanka
Authors: Perera Dhara N. , Panduwawela Sarath , Perera Mahendra H.
Published: September 2013

Frigophobia is a condition in which patients report coldness of extremities leading to a morbid fear of death. It has been reported as a rare culture-related psychiatric syndrome in Chinese populations. An extensive survey of the literature yielded only six case reports. The present paper describes a series of 109 patients with frigophobia in Sri Lanka. The common clinical presentation was of patients initially examining their extremities for cold sensations, and then, with the onset of fear, covering themselves in layers of clothing, applying emollients, and staying near an open fire in an effort to ward off the cold. They avoided foods considered to be “cooling” and bathed only in the heat of the noonday sun. When the severity of the symptoms reached a peak, or when they felt death was imminent, Western medical aid was sought. The fear of dying is seen as the single most important aspect that drives these individuals to seek help. There was a preponderance of female patients, and a few had specific phobias as comorbid conditions. Management comprised primarily illness education, reassurance, and desensitisation by exposure to cold stimuli, with short-term anxiolytic medication use when necessary.