bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lack of Reduction of Left Ventricular Mass in Treated Hypertension: The Strong Heart Study
Authors: de Simone Giovanni , Devereux Richard B. , Izzo Raffaele , Girfoglio Daniela , Lee Elisa T. , Howard Barbara V. , Roman Mary J.
Published: June 2013

Background

Hypertensive left ventricular mass (
LVM
) is expected to decrease during antihypertensive therapy, based on results of clinical trials.

Methods and Results

We assessed 4‐year change of echocardiographic
LVM
in 851 hypertensive free‐living participants of the Strong Heart Study (57% women, 81% treated). Variations of 5% or more of the initial systolic blood pressure (
SBP
) and
LVM
were categorized for analysis. At baseline, 23% of men and 36% of women exhibited
LV
hypertrophy (
LVH
,
P
<0.0001). At the follow‐up, 3% of men and 10% of women had regression of
LVH
(
P
<0.0001 between genders); 14% of men and 15% of women, free of baseline
LVH
, developed
LVH
. There was an increase in
LVM
over time, more in men than in women (
P
<0.001). Participants whose
LVM
did not decrease had similar baseline
SBP
and diastolic
BP
, but higher body mass index (
BMI
), waist/hip ratio, heart rate (all
P
<0.008), and urinary albumin/creatinine excretion (
P
<0.001) than those whose
LVM
decreased. After adjusting for field center, initial
LVM
index, target
BP
, and kinship degree, lack of decrease in
LVM
was predicted by higher baseline
BMI
and urinary albumin/creatinine excretion, independently of classes of antihypertensive medications, and significant effects of older age, male gender, and percentage increase in
BP
over time. Similar findings were obtained in the subpopulation (n=526) with normal
BP
at follow‐up.

Conclusions

In a free‐living population, higher
BMI
is associated with less reduction of hypertensive
LVH
; lack of reduction of
LVM
is independent of
BP
control and of types of antihypertensive treatment, but is associated with renal damage.
Life’s Simple 7 and Risk of Incident Stroke
Authors: Kulshreshtha Ambar , Vaccarino Viola , Judd Suzanne E. , Howard Virginia J. , McClellan William M. , Muntner Paul , Hong Yuling , Safford Monika M. , Goyal Abhinav , Cushman Mary
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose—

The American Heart Association developed Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) as a metric defining cardiovascular health. We investigated the association between LS7 and incident stroke in black and white Americans.

Methods—

The Reasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) is a national population-based cohort of 30 239 blacks and whites, aged ≥45 years, sampled from the US population from 2003 to 2007. Data were collected by telephone, self-administered questionnaires, and an in-home examination. Incident strokes were identified through biannual participant contact followed by adjudication of medical records. Levels of the LS7 components (blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, and diet) were each coded as poor (0 point), intermediate (1 point), or ideal (2 points) health. An overall LS7 score was categorized as inadequate (0–4), average (5–9), or optimum (10–14) cardiovascular health.

Results—

Among 22 914 subjects with LS7 data and no previous cardiovascular disease, there were 432 incident strokes over 4.9 years of follow-up. After adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic status, and region of residence, each better health category of the LS7 score was associated with a 25% lower risk of stroke (hazard ratios, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.63–0.90). The association was similar for blacks and whites (interaction
P
value=0.55). A 1-point higher LS7 score was associated with an 8% lower risk of stroke (hazard ratios, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.88–0.95).

Conclusions—

In both blacks and whites, better cardiovascular health, on the basis of the LS7 score, is associated with lower risk of stroke, and a small difference in scores was an important stroke determinant.
Caffeine-Containing Medicines Increase the Risk of Hemorrhagic Stroke
Authors: Lee Seung-Mi , Choi Nam-Kyong , Lee Byung-Chul , Cho Ki-Hyun , Yoon Byung-Woo , Park Byung-Joo
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose—

Research on the relationship between caffeine-containing medicines (CCMs) and the risk of hemorrhagic stroke (HS) is sparse. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between CCMs and the risk of HS.

Methods—

We performed a multicenter case–control study in South Korea, from 2002 to 2004. A total of 940 patients with nontraumatic acute HS, aged 30 to 84 years without a history of stroke, 940 community, and 940 hospital controls, age and sex matched to each case, were included. We obtained information on all medications taken in the 14 days before the date (index date) and time of stroke onset (zero-time) for case subjects or matched zero-time for control subjects. Exposure to CCMs was defined by use on the index date before zero-time or during the preceding 3 days. The adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by conditional logistic regression.

Results—

The adjusted odds ratio for the association between the use of CCM and risk for HS was 2.23 (95% CI, 1.41–3.69) for all HS, 2.24 (95% CI, 1.08–4.66) for subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 2.49 (95% CI, 1.29–4.80) for intracerebral hemorrhage. Stratified by daily coffee intake, adjusted odds ratio of CCMs for HS was 2.95 (95% CI, 1.45–5.98) for those who did not drink coffee on a daily basis.

Conclusions—

These results suggest that use of CCMs is associated with increased risk of HS, both subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage.
Spatiotemporal Uptake Characteristics of [
18
]F-2-Fluoro-2-Deoxy-
d
-Glucose in a Rat Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model
Authors: Yuan Hong , Frank Jonathan E. , Hong Yonglong , An Hongyu , Eldeniz Cihat , Nie Jingxin , Bunevicius Adomas , Shen Dinggang , Lin Weili
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose—

Alterations of cerebral glucose metabolism are well anticipated during cerebral ischemia. However, detailed spatiotemporal characteristics of disturbed cerebral glucose metabolism during acute ischemia remain largely elusive. This study aims to delineate spatiotemporal distributions of [
18
]F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-
d
-glucose (FDG) uptake using positron emission tomography imaging, particularly at the peri-ischemic zone, and its correlation with tissue outcome.

Methods—

The intraluminal suture middle cerebral artery occlusion model was used to induce focal cerebral ischemia in rats (n=48). All animals underwent sequential MRI and FDG positron emission tomography imaging at different times (30–150 minutes) after middle cerebral artery occlusion. MR and positron emission tomography images were coregistered. FDG uptake in the peri-ischemic zone was assessed in relation to middle cerebral artery occlusion duration, cerebral blood flow, apparent diffusion coefficient, and 24-hour T2 lesions.

Results—

Elevated FDG uptake was consistently observed at the peri-ischemic zone surrounding the presumed ischemic core with low FDG uptake. Both the spatial volume and the uptake level of the hyper-uptake region were inversely correlated with the duration of middle cerebral artery occlusion. The hyper-uptake regions exhibited a mild reduction of cerebral blood flow (28.2±3.2%) and apparent diffusion coefficient (9.1±1.4%) when compared with that in the contralateral hemisphere. Colocalization analysis revealed that, with reperfusion, an average of 12.1±1.7% of the hyper-uptake volume was recruited into final infarction.

Conclusions—

Elevated FDG uptake at the peri-ischemic zone is consistently observed during acute cerebral ischemia. The region with elevated FDG uptake likely reflects viable tissues that can be salvaged with reperfusion. Therefore, acute FDG positron emission tomography imaging might hold promise in the management of patients with acute stroke.
Displacement of Sensory Maps and Disorganization of Motor Cortex After Targeted Stroke in Mice
Authors: Harrison Thomas C. , Silasi Gergely , Boyd Jamie D. , Murphy Timothy H.
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose—

Recovery from stroke is hypothesized to involve the reorganization of surviving cortical areas. To study the functional organization of sensorimotor cortex at multiple time points before and after stroke, we performed longitudinal light-based motor mapping of transgenic mice expressing light-sensitive channelrhodopsin-2 in layer 5 cortical neurons.

Methods—

Pulses of light stimulation were targeted to an array of cortical points, whereas evoked forelimb motor activity was recorded using noninvasive motion sensors. Intrinsic optical signal imaging produced maps of the forelimb somatosensory cortex. The resulting motor and sensory maps were repeatedly generated for weeks before and after small (0.2 mm
3
) photothrombotic infarcts were targeted to forelimb motor or sensory cortex.

Results—

Infarcts targeted to forelimb sensory or motor areas caused decreased motor output in the infarct area and spatial displacement of sensory and motor maps. Strokes in sensory cortex caused the sensory map to move into motor cortex, which adopted a more diffuse structure. Stroke in motor cortex caused a compensatory increase in peri-infarct motor output, but did not affect the position or excitability of sensory maps.

Conclusions—

After stroke in motor cortex, decreased motor output from the infarcted area was offset by peri-infarct excitability. Sensory stroke caused a new sensory map to form in motor cortex, which maintained its center position, despite becoming more diffuse. These data suggest that surviving regions of cortex are able to assume functions from stroke-damaged areas, although this may come at the cost of alterations in map structure.
Lipoprotein Receptor–Related Protein-6 Protects the Brain From Ischemic Injury
Authors: Abe Takato , Zhou Ping , Jackman Katherine , Capone Carmen , Casolla Barbara , Hochrainer Karin , Kahles Timo , Ross Margaret Elizabeth , Anrather Josef , Iadecola Costantino
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose—

Loss-of-function mutations of the lipoprotein receptor–related protein-6 (LRP6), a coreceptor in the Wingless-related integration site-β−catenin prosurvival pathway, have been implicated in myocardial ischemia and neurodegeneration. However, it remains to be established whether LRP6 is also involved in ischemic brain injury. We used LRP6
+/−
mice to examine the role of this receptor in the mechanisms of focal cerebral ischemia.

Methods—

Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Motor deficits and infarct volume were assessed 3 days later. Glycogen-synthase-kinase-3β (GSK-3β) phosphorylation was examined by Western blotting with phosphospecific antibodies, and the mitochondrial membrane potential changes induced by Ca
2+
were also assessed.

Results—

LRP6
+/−
mice have larger stroke and more severe motor deficits, effects that were independent of intraischemic cerebral blood flow, vascular factors, or cytosolic β-catenin levels. Rather, LRP6 haploinsufficiency increased the activating phosphorylation and decreased the inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3β, a kinase involved in proinflammatory signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction. Accordingly, postischemic inflammatory gene expression was enhanced in LRP6
+/−
mice. Furthermore, the association of mitochondria with activated GSK-3β was increased in LRP6
+/−
mice, resulting in a reduction in the Ca
2+
handling ability of mitochondria. The mitochondrial dysfunction was reversed by pharmacological inhibition of GSK-3β.

Conclusions—

LRP6 activates an endogenous neuroprotective pathway that acts independently of β-catenin by controlling GSK-3β activity and preventing its deleterious mitochondrial and proinflammatory effects. The findings raise the possibility that emerging treatment strategies for diseases attributable to LRP6 loss-of-function mutations could also lead to new therapeutic avenues for ischemic stroke.
Effects of Microvascular Permeability Changes on Contrast-Enhanced T1 and Pharmacokinetic MR Imagings After Ischemia
Authors: Liu Hua-Shan , Chung Hsiao-Wen , Chou Ming-Chung , Liou Michelle , Wang Chao-Ying , Kao Hung-Wen , Chiang Shih-Wei , Juan Chun-Jung , Huang Guo-Shu , Chen Cheng-Yu
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose—

Brain enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (CET1-WI) after ischemic stroke is generally accepted as an indicator of the blood–brain barrier disruption. However, this phenomenon usually starts to become visible at the subacute phase. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the time-course profiles of
K

trans

, cerebral blood volume (
v
p
), and CET1-WI with early detection of blood–brain barrier changes on
K

trans

maps and their role for prediction of subsequent hemorrhagic transformation in acute middle cerebral arterial infarct.

Methods—

Twenty-six patients with acute middle cerebral arterial stroke and early spontaneous reperfusion, whose MR images were obtained at predetermined stroke stages, were included. T2*-based MR perfusion-weighted images were acquired using the first-pass pharmacokinetic model to derive
K

trans

and
v
p
. Parenchymal enhancement observed on maps of
K

trans

,
v
p
, and CET1-WI at each stage was compared. Association among these measurements and hemorrhagic transformation was analyzed.

Results—

K
trans

map showed significantly higher parenchymal enhancement in ischemic parenchyma as compared with that of
v
p
map and CET1-WI at early stroke stages (
P
<0.05). The increased
K

trans

at acute stage was not associated with parenchymal enhancement in CET1-WI at the same stage. Parenchymal enhancement in CET1-WI started to occur at the late subacute stage and tended to be luxury reperfusion–dependent. Patients with hemorrhagic transformation showed higher mean
K

trans

values as compared with patients without hemorrhagic transformation (
P
=0.02).

Conclusions—

Postischemic brain enhancement on routine CET1-WI seems to be closely related to the luxury reperfusion at the late subacute stage and is not dependent on microvascular permeability changes at the acute stage.
ETEA: A Euclidean Minimum Spanning Tree-Based Evolutionary Algorithm for Multi-Objective Optimization
Authors: Li Miqing , Yang Shengxiang , Zheng Jinhua , Liu Xiaohui
Published: June 2013

The Euclidean minimum spanning tree (EMST), widely used in a variety of domains, is a minimum spanning tree of a set of points in space where the edge weight between each pair of points is their Euclidean distance. Since the generation of an EMST is entirely determined by the Euclidean distance between solutions (points), the properties of EMSTs have a close relation with the distribution and position information of solutions. This paper explores the properties of EMSTs and proposes an EMST-based evolutionary algorithm (ETEA) to solve multi-objective optimization problems (MOPs). Unlike most EMO algorithms that focus on the Pareto dominance relation, the proposed algorithm mainly considers distance-based measures to evaluate and compare individuals during the evolutionary search. Specifically, in ETEA, four strategies are introduced: (1) An EMST-based crowding distance (ETCD) is presented to estimate the density of individuals in the population; (2) A distance comparison approach incorporating ETCD is used to assign the fitness value for individuals; (3) A fitness adjustment technique is designed to avoid the partial overcrowding in environmental selection; (4) Three diversity indicators—the minimum edge, degree, and ETCD—with regard to EMSTs are applied to determine the survival of individuals in archive truncation. From a series of extensive experiments on 32 test instances with different characteristics, ETEA is found to be competitive against five state-of-the-art algorithms and its predecessor in providing a good balance among convergence, uniformity, and spread.
The Geospatial and Temporal Distributions of Severe Thunderstorms from High-Resolution Dynamical Downscaling
Authors: Robinson Eric D. , Trapp Robert J. , Baldwin Michael E.
Published: June 2013

Trends in severe thunderstorms and the associated phenomena of tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds have been difficult to determine because of the many uncertainties in the historical eyewitness-report-based record. The authors demonstrate how a synthetic record that is based on high-resolution numerical modeling may be immune to these uncertainties. Specifically, a synthetic record is produced through dynamical downscaling of global reanalysis data over the period of 1990–2009 for the months of April–June using the Weather Research and Forecasting model. An artificial neural network (ANN) is trained and then utilized to identify occurrences of severe thunderstorms in the model output. The model-downscaled precipitation was determined to have a high degree of correlation with precipitation observations. However, the model significantly overpredicted the amount of rainfall in many locations. The downscaling methodology and ANN generated a realistic temporal evolution of the geospatial severe-thunderstorm activity, with a geographical shift of the activity to the north and east as the warm season progresses. Regional time series of modeled severe-thunderstorm occurrences showed no significant trends over the 20-yr period of consideration, in contrast to trends seen in the observational record. Consistently, no significant trend was found over the same 20-yr period in the environmental conditions that support the development of severe thunderstorms.
What Do Rain Gauges Tell Us about the Limits of Precipitation Predictability?*
Authors: Gianotti Dan , Anderson Bruce T. , Salvucci Guido D.
Published: June 2013

A generalizable method is presented for establishing the potential predictability for seasonal precipitation occurrence using rain gauge data. This method provides an observationally based upper limit for potential predictability for 774 weather stations in the contiguous United States. It is found that the potentially predictable fraction varies seasonally and spatially, and that on average 30% of year-to-year seasonal variability is potentially explained by predictable climate processes. Potential predictability is generally highest in winter, appears to be enhanced by orography and land surface coupling, and is lowest (stochastic variance is highest) along the Pacific coast. These results depict “hot” spots of climate variability, for use in guiding regional climate forecasting and in uncovering processes driving climate. Identified “cold” spots are equally useful in guiding future studies as predictable climate signals in these areas will likely be undetectable.
Differences in laboratory requesting patterns in emergency department in Spain
Authors: Salinas Maria , López-Garrigós Maite , Uris Joaquín ,   on behalf of the Pilot Group of the Appropriate Utilization of Laboratory Tests (REDCONLAB) Working Group
Published: June 2013

Background

It is necessary to achieve a reduction in the number of requests for laboratory tests by improving the appropriateness of testing behaviour. The aim of the study was, first, to compare laboratory requiring patterns for emergency department (ED) patients in clinical laboratories of different institutions in Spain; second, to design an appropriateness pre-pre-analytical quality control report based on appropriateness indicators.

Methods

A call for data was posted on a website. We obtained production statistics for the year 2010 from emergency laboratories at 36 hospitals. Two types of appropriateness indicators were calculated: test request per 1000 ED admissions or related test requesting ratios. In order to explore the inter-practice variability in tests requests, the ‘index of variability’ was calculated. A pre-pre-analytical quality control report was designed, prepared and sent to each participating laboratory. The savings generated, if each Health-care Department would have achieved the appropriate indicator standard, were calculated.

Results

The rate of request of the stat tests ranged from 44 to 412 per 1000 ED patient admissions. There was a high and peculiar dispersion of related test requesting ratio results. If every single laboratory would have achieved the appropriate indicator, we would have saved 1,019,230 urea, 302,511 AST and 316,161 CK unnecessary tests.

Conclusions

There are large variations of test requesting in the emergency setting. An appropriateness pre-pre-analytical quality control report was useful for comparing requesting patterns. The study shows the need to unify demand. The key to achieve this goal will be interdepartmental cooperation between ED clinicians and laboratory professionals.
Development of scales to assess mental health literacy relating to recognition of and interventions for depression, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia/psychosis
Authors: Reavley Nicola J , Morgan Amy J , Jorm Anthony F
Published: June 2013

Objective:

The aim of this study was to develop scales to assess mental health literacy relating to affective disorders, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia/psychosis.

Method:

Scales were created to assess mental health literacy in relation to depression, depression with suicidal thoughts, early schizophrenia, chronic schizophrenia, social phobia and post-traumatic stress disorder using data from a survey of 1536 health professionals (general practitioners, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists), assessing recognition of these disorders and beliefs about the helpfulness of interventions. This was done by using the consensus of experts about the helpfulness and harmfulness of treatments for each disorder as a criterion. Data from a general population survey of 6019 Australians aged ≥ 15 was used to examine associations between scale scores, exposure to mental disorders and sociodemographic variables, to assess scale validity.

Results:

Those with a close friend or family member with a mental disorder had significantly higher mean scores on all mental health literacy scales, providing support for scale validity. Personal experience of the problem and working with people with a similar problem was linked to higher scores on some scales. Male sex, a lower level of education and age > 60 were linked to lower levels of mental health literacy. Higher scores were also linked to a greater belief that people with mental disorders are sick rather than weak.

Conclusions:

The scales developed in this study allow for the assessment of mental health literacy in relation to depression, depression with suicidal thoughts, early schizophrenia, chronic schizophrenia, social phobia and PTSD. Those with exposure to mental disorders had higher scores on the scales, and analyses of the links between scale scores and sociodemographic variables of age, gender and level of education were in line with those seen in other studies, providing support for scale validity.
The Arctic: A new region of conflict? The case of oil and gas
Authors: Keil Kathrin
Published: June 2013

Neorealist and neoliberal institutionalist explanations for the state and future of the Arctic region dominate the Arctic debate in international relations. While both schools focus on different aspects concerning the current and future state of Arctic affairs – neorealism evokes a confrontational rush for the Arctic’s resources, whereas neoliberal institutionalism propagates the necessary reform of the institutional system governing Arctic issues – both share the underlying assumption of significant and rising stakes towards Arctic commodities. However, this article argues that this debate has hitherto failed to substantiate the actual stakes of the main actors involved. Consequently, many studies make grandiloquent statements about prospects of cooperation and conflict and the appropriate institutional framework for the Arctic region, based on only limited empirical support. This article aims to fill this gap by analysing the Arctic oil and gas interests of the five Arctic littoral states (Russia, USA, Canada, Norway and Denmark/Greenland). The analysis shows greatly different levels of interests towards the High North among the Arctic states. The findings make it possible to make more credible statements about the likelihood of confrontation over Arctic resources and necessary institutional adjustments. The evidence shows that the often-evoked issue of geopolitical rush for Arctic resources is unlikely to eventuate. Nonetheless, there remain institutional challenges for the protection of the fragile Arctic ecosystem.
Farm-to-school programmes in the USA: An examination of state-level enacted, pending and vetoed or dead bills
Authors: Thompson Olivia M , Ghelardini Lauren , Keene Kristin L , Stewart Kendra B
Published: June 2013

Objectives:

We sought to determine the prevalence and distribution of state-level legislation regulating farm-to-school programmes throughout the United States of America (USA). The research is timely given national goals put forth by the Let’s Move Campaign and the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act to reduce childhood obesity prevalence and improve access to local foods in schools by 2015.

Design and methods:

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Database of State Legislative and Regulatory Action to Prevent Obesity and Improve Nutrition and Physical Activity and the national Farm-to-School Network’s database of legislation were used to conduct an online search of farm-to-school legislation in all 50 US states and the District of Columbia as of March 2012.

Setting:

Schools.

Results:

Our search identified a total of 43 bills (33 enacted bills, two pending bills, and eight vetoed or dead bills) that aimed to facilitate farm-to-school programmes. Of the enacted bills, their foci were described according to regional location and statewide or local impact, appropriation of funds, provision of other monetary incentives, establishment of a task force, and preference for purchasing local products.

Conclusions:

Given the successes of state-level laws regulating injury- and disease-related risk factors such as seatbelt and helmet use, tobacco use, and water fluoridation, we conclude that state-level legislation regulating dietary risk factors and, importantly, school nutrition environments may hold significant public health promise.
Road rage: An exploratory study on aggressive driving experience on Indian roads
Authors: Sagar Rajesh , Mehta Manju , Chugh Geetanjali
Published: June 2013

Background:

Driving on Indian roads is a stressful experience. A lacuna of research on aggressive driving experiences in the Indian set-up highlights the need to address this growing concern for individuals, society and mental health professionals.

Aim:

To explore and compare driving-related anger triggers and anger expression among high- and low-angry Indian drivers.

Method:

Two hundred randomly chosen drivers from the city of Delhi were administered a semi-structured questionnaire intended to understand driving-related aggression.

Results:

Honking, overtaking from the wrong side, loud music in other cars and hot and humid climate significantly increased the risk of experiencing anger among high-angry drivers. High-angry drivers were significantly more likely to engage in direct and aggressive expression of anger, including overtaking, verbal abuse, yelling and arguing, not giving space to other drivers, fighting, and hitting and bumping other cars in protest. Passive anger expressions such as holding grudges against other drivers and eating or drinking something to cool down were significantly more likely to be used by low-angry drivers.

Conclusions:

Drivers who are high on anger have a significantly higher risk of experiencing anger triggered by a variety of individual and environmental factors on Indian roads and are more susceptible to engage in aggressive driving behaviour.
Women, work and industrial relations in Australia in 2012
Authors: Charlesworth Sara
Published: June 2013

The year 2012 saw a number of initiatives and debates around measures that directly and indirectly affect women’s working conditions. This article first considers the extent of women’s workforce participation, an issue that has informed both policy debates and legislative changes over the last year. It then briefly assesses the potential of the Fair Work Act Review and the ongoing Modern Awards Review to improve women’s working conditions, before turning to action on a number of fronts. Pregnancy discrimination and sexual harassment have remained a constant in Australian anti-discrimination jurisdictions for many years. However, in 2012, there was also strong enforcement action by the Fair Work Ombudsman in cases of pregnancy discrimination, a new sexual harassment prevalence survey and the second phase of the Treatment of Women in Defence Review. Apart from the Social and Community Sector equal pay case, finalised in February 2012. Action ‘outside’ formal equal pay provisions also saw potential gains for the predominantly female and low-paid workforces in aged care and childcare.
Unions and collective bargaining in Australia in 2012
Authors: Bailey Janis , Peetz David
Published: June 2013

In 2012, the big issues for unions were working hours, insecurity, supply chain intervention, collective rights, public sector employment and, of course, organisation and membership. Membership and density were fairly stable. Disputation rose but was well below the levels of the Workplace Relations Act era. Disputes became longer and retained their focus on bargaining under the Fair Work Act. Unions continued to attempt to widen sources of collective power that had been severely constricted during the Howard years. They developed new policies and a slightly broader range of tactics, and undertook some internal restructuring at the Australian Council of Trade Unions. The unions’ relationship with the federal government was relatively stable. In contrast, in state public sectors there was increasing unrest, with unions using a variety of tactics to counter attacks on job security and long-standing conditions. Unions also faced challenges from restructuring and redundancies in industries such as airlines and coal.
If you can’t beat them, join them? The Swedish trade union movement and lean production
Authors: Johansson Jan , Abrahamsson Lena , Johansson Stina
Published: June 2013

This article discusses the rise and changing nature of ‘lean production’ in Sweden and ‘lean’s’ interaction with union strategy and the demands of union members and employers. It begins with a discussion of what has characterised the Swedish work organisation debate over the past 50 years. With this as a base, we discuss significant trends in Swedish industry that provide both pitfalls and possibilities for workers and for Swedish trade union strategy. Our presumption is that such a strategy is not once and for all given, but something that must be brought up to date in relation to the societal context and altered production systems. Finally, we discuss IF Metall’s concept of ‘sustainable work’ that was established at their Congress in 2008. The title of our article, ‘If you can’t beat them, join them?’ is a provocative way to formulate the core of our analysis based on our overall understanding of lean production in Sweden. There are important implications for managers, workers and unions in countries both similar to and different from Sweden.
Introduction: Australian industrial relations in 2012
Authors: Todd Patricia
Published: June 2013

Much of the discussion in the public domain about Australian industrial relations has been concentrated quite narrowly on the legislative environment in which it is occurring, partly due to the Fair Work Act Review that took place in 2012. Given that the major parties are pursuing legislative changes that favour their interests, the discussion has been quite divisive, which has diminished the quality of public debate over industrial relations. The political context has also contributed to this outcome. The articles included in this review edition provide an opportunity for discussion to expand beyond this narrow base.
Emotions, Violence and Social Belonging: An Eliasian Analysis of Sports Spectatorship
Authors: Dolan Paddy , Connolly John
Published: June 2013

This article examines the development of different forms of spectator violence in terms of the socio-temporal structure of situational dynamics at Gaelic football matches in Ireland. The nature of violent encounters has shifted from a collective form based on local solidarity and a reciprocal code of honour, through a transitional collective form based on deferred emotional satisfaction and group pride, towards increasing individualization of spectator violence. This occurs due to the shifting objects of emotional involvement. As the functional specialization of the various roles in the game is partially accepted by spectators, the referee becomes the target of anger. Violence becomes more individualized as ‘mutually expected self-restraint’ proceeds within the context of relative state pacification beyond the field of play and the formation of a less volatile habitus. We use Elias’s figurational perspective on violence over the micro-interactional approach of Randall Collins, but support Collins’ emphasis on state legitimacy.
‘Wives Are the Route to Social Life’: An Analysis of Family Life and Networking amongst Highly Skilled Migrants in London
Authors: Ryan Louise , Mulholland Jon
Published: June 2013

There is developing interest in the role of social networks in migratory experiences of highly skilled migrants. While there is some research on the networking of single economic actors, there is less focus on the social ties associated with family life and parenting among highly skilled migrants. The limited research that has been undertaken, mainly in the USA, points to the role of ‘trailing wives’ in building local social relationships. This article draws on a study of French highly skilled families in London, and explores the role of women in negotiating access to local social ties. Following Eve, we use social network theory to explore the composition, function and dynamism of these social relationships and develop a ‘sociological explanation’ of networking strategies. We contribute to understanding the ‘human face’ of highly skilled migrants, by examining the opportunities and the unanticipated obstacles they encounter in building new social ties.
The Socioeconomic Impact of Shared Appreciation Mortgages on Borrowers: Empirical Evidence from South Australia
Authors: Mihaylov George , Zurbruegg Ralf
Published: June 2013

Shared appreciation mortgages (SAMs) realign traditional incentives in the lender–borrower relationship by substituting future capital gains for interest income. This makes them a potentially innovative solution to affordability and other homeownership crises. Taxation and regulatory barriers have impeded SAM development limiting empirical studies of their impact on households. This has not been the case in South Australia where State government implementation of SAMs has made available a unique and detailed dataset of low-income SAM-financed households. Examining this population, it is found that SAM borrowers benefit from increased budgetary expenditure on discretionary items following take-up, while simultaneously saving on some non-discretionary items relative to a control sample. Furthermore, SAM homeownership also seems associated with increased borrower levels of neighbourhood satisfaction and community involvement. Overall, these results indicate that SAM-financed homeownership leads to changes in borrower behaviour and deserves further consideration by the housing industry and research community.
Practical Guidelines for Implementing Preemployment Integrity Tests
Authors: Fine Saul
Published: June 2013

Integrity tests have been well researched in recent decades and have consistently been found to be effective predictors of counterproductive behaviors in a variety of occupational settings. In practice, however, the unique nature of integrity tests and their constructs have made their integration into organizations’ recruitment processes somewhat challenging. In light of this situation, the present article outlines a number of practical guidelines that organizations can follow to help ensure successful integrity testing procedures. These guidelines are based on best practice standards for preemployment testing and describe the fundamental need for carefully planned and well-communicated implementation stages, which may include an initial audit of the organization’s counterproductive behaviors, setting realistic and measurable objectives for the test’s use, choosing the appropriate test, correctly positioning the test within the recruitment process, training the organization’s staff and piloting the test, making accurate hiring decisions and providing appropriate candidate feedback, and finally monitoring the test’s performance and employees’ behaviors over time.
Population Density and Housing in Port-au-Prince
Authors: Tobin Kathleen A.
Published: June 2013

The Haiti earthquake of January 2010 exposed vulnerabilities in Port-au-Prince that made the disaster especially catastrophic. Urbanization in Haiti followed patterns similar to that elsewhere, but unique economic patterns and lack of construction regulations placed the inhabitants of Port-au-Prince in special danger. Migration to the capital intensified under the Duvalier regimes and weaknesses in institutional capacity created unsafe conditions. Agricultural policies and continued high birth rates exacerbated density, adding to high casualties and displacement. This article examines the nature of Haitian vulnerability and surveys literature describing historical influences, beginning in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, that contributed significantly to creating the tragic situation resulting from the earthquake.
A retrospective study of the impact of the doctors’ strike in England on 21 June 2012
Authors: Ruiz Milagros , Bottle Alex , Aylin Paul
Published: June 2013

Objective

To examine the effect of the 24-h doctors’ strike on 21 June 2012 on hospital activity in English NHS hospitals.

Design

Retrospective descriptive study of inpatient, outpatient and Accident and Emergency (A&E) activity in NHS hospitals over the strike period.

Setting

All English NHS hospitals.

Participants

Patients admitted to hospital, patients with outpatient appointments and A&E attendances over a three-week period (from 11 to 29 June 2012), excluding weekends and spanning the strike day.

Main outcome measures

Numbers and percentage change of inpatient admissions (elective and emergency), day surgery cases, outpatient appointments cancellations, A&E attendances and in-hospital deaths on the day of the strike compared with patient activity on the Thursday before and the Thursday after the strike week.

Results

There were a total of 795,267 admissions, 5,602,971 outpatient appointments, 356,645 outpatient cancellations (by NHS provider), 4,470,208 outpatients seen by medical staff, 986,322 A&E attendances and 13,857 in-hospital deaths over the three-week period. Compared with the non-strike period, on the day of the strike, emergency admissions fell by 2.4% while the elective admissions decreased by 12.8%. There was a 7.8% drop in the number of outpatients seen by medical staff on the day of the strike and a 45.5% increase in the number of cancelled appointments by NHS hospitals, while A&E attendances dropped by 4.7%. The impact of the strike across regional Health Authorities in England was varied. The North West Health Authority was affected the most while the least affected Health Authorities were the South West, East of England and South Central.

Conclusions

The 24-h doctors’ strike in England on 21 June 2012 significantly affected the provision of healthcare by NHS hospitals. We observed regional variations on NHS service levels on the day of the strike.
Beneficial Effect of Sesame Oil on Heavy Metal Toxicity
Authors: Chandrasekaran Victor Raj Mohan , Hsu Dur‐Zong , Liu Ming‐Yie
Published: June 2013

Heavy metals become toxic when they are not metabolized by the body and accumulate in the soft tissue. Chelation therapy is mainly for the management of heavy metal–induced toxicity; however, it usually causes adverse effects or completely blocks the vital function of the particular metal chelated. Much attention has been paid to the development of chelating agents from natural sources to counteract lead‐ and iron‐induced hepatic and renal damage. Sesame oil (a natural edible oil) and sesamol (an active antioxidant) are potently beneficial for treating lead‐ and iron‐induced hepatic and renal toxicity and have no adverse effects. Sesame oil and sesamol significantly inhibit iron‐induced lipid peroxidation by inhibiting the xanthine oxidase, nitric oxide, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radical generation. In addition, sesame oil is a potent inhibitor of proinflammatory mediators, and it attenuates lead‐induced hepatic damage by inhibiting nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor–α, and interleukin‐1β levels. Because metal chelating therapy is associated with adverse effects, treating heavy metal toxicity in addition with sesame oil and sesamol may be better alternatives. This review deals with the possible use and beneficial effects of sesame oil and sesamol during heavy metal toxicity treatment.
The Relationship Between Safety Culture and Patient Outcomes
Authors: Groves Patricia S.
Published: June 2013

Patient safety continues to be a serious health concern in acute-care hospitals. Safety culture has been a frequent target for patient safety improvement over the past decade, based on recommendations from the Institute of Medicine and its use in industry. However, the relationship between safety culture and patient safety in acute-care hospitals has yet to be systematically examined. Thus, a meta-analysis was devised to examine the relationship between patient safety outcomes and safety culture in that setting. Due to the limited empirical research reports available, five small pilot meta-analyses were conducted, examining the relationship between safety culture and each of the following: pressure ulcers, falls, medication errors, nurse-sensitive outcomes, and post-operative outcomes. No significant relationships of any size were identified. An assessment of the relevant literature is presented, offering potential explanations for this surprising finding and an agenda for future research.
Effect of the colloids gelatin and HES 130/0.4 on blood coagulation in cardiac surgery patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kimenai DM , Bastianen GW , Daane CR , Megens-Bastiaanse CM , van der Meer NJM , Scohy TV , Gerritse BM
Published: June 2013

Objective:

The choice of the prime solution for cardiopulmonary bypass can play an important role in limiting the effect on blood coagulation, but it is still unclear what the effect of colloids on blood coagulation is. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of synthetic colloids on blood loss and blood coagulation in patients after on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures.

Methods:

Sixty elective, on-pump CABG patients were randomly assigned to receive the prime solutions lactated Ringer’s solution combined with hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (HES, 6% Volulyte, Fresenius Kabi Nederland BV, Zeist, the Netherlands) (HES group) or gelatin (Gelofusin®, B Braun Melsung AG, Melsungen, Germany) (Gelo group). Blood loss was assessed using post-operative chest tube output; secondary endpoints were number of blood component transfusions, routine coagulation test values and rotation thromboelastometry values (Rotem® delta, Pentapharm GmbH, Munich, Germany).

Results:

Total post-operative chest tube output was 500 ± 420 ml in the HES group versus 465 ± 390 ml in the Gelo group ( p = 0.48). No significant differences were observed in any of the routine coagulation tests values, thromboelastometry parameters or number of blood component transfusions between the groups.

Conclusions:

In this randomized, controlled trial of adults after on-pump CABG procedures, there was no significant difference in blood loss or blood coagulation between the HES group and the Gelo group.
The effect of retrograde autologous priming on intraoperative blood product transfusion in coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Nanjappa A , Gill J , Sadat U , Colah S , Abu-Omar Y , Nair S
Published: June 2013

Introduction:

Retrograde autologous priming (RAP) of the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit could reduce the degree of haemodilution associated with priming with acellular solutions. However, there is no strong evidence to prove that the practice of RAP reduced intraoperative packed red cell (PRC) or blood product transfusion.

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of RAP on intraoperative PRC usage in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods:

This study is a prospective, observational study on patients who underwent first-time, isolated CABG using CPB between April 2012 and July 2012. Two groups of patients were identified: 1. Non-RAP group (n=128) and 2. RAP group (n=73). The primary outcome for the study was the amount of PRC and blood product usage between the induction of anaesthesia and the cessation of CPB.

Results:

Use of PRC and blood products in the operating room was comparable in both groups. Univariate logistic regression showed that RAP was not an independent predictor of PRC or blood product transfusion (p=0.43). Multivariate logistic regression showed that CPB time, preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) levels and creatinine clearance were independent predictors of blood product transfusion.

Conclusion:

Practising RAP with mean volumes of 300 ml does not necessarily reduce PRC and other blood product transfusion requirements during CABG. In our practice, RAP was performed, aiming at displacing CPB circuit prime volume with which the perfusionist felt comfortable and dictated by haemodynamic parameters prior to commencing CPB. We presume this is the case in many units around the world. This practice, in our opinion, is not enough to achieve the benefits of RAP, if any, in the form of a reduction of packed red cell transfusion requirements. The true advantages of RAP in cardiac surgery need to be studied in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.
Transition from ECMO to left ventricular support via trans-septal cannula using a single CentriMag device
Authors: DeNino WF , Yeager CJ , Steinberg DH , Toole JM , Shackelford AG , Peura JL
Published: June 2013

A 67-year-old male presented in cardiogenic shock and multi-system organ failure requiring emergent venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). He was deemed ineligible for heart transplantation and a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was thought to be high risk due to persistent right heart failure. To determine if he could tolerate left ventricular support alone, a trans-septal cannula was placed via the left femoral vein. Transition from veno-arterial ECMO to isolated left-sided support allowed for risk assessment for LVAD implantation and extubation, providing the patient an opportunity to participate in further clinical decision making.
Effects of a Tier 3 Phonological Awareness Intervention on Preschoolers’ Emergent Literacy
Authors: Noe Sean , Spencer Trina D. , Kruse Lydia , Goldstein Howard
Published: June 2013

This multiple baseline design study examined the effects of a Tier 3 early literacy intervention on low-income preschool children’s phonological awareness (PA). Seven preschool children who did not make progress on identifying first sounds in words during a previous Tier 2 intervention participated in a more intensive Tier 3 intervention. Children listened to stories and participated in early literacy activities led by an interventionist for approximately 15 min, 3 to 4 days per week for up to 8 weeks. Weekly progress monitoring data showed that five of seven children made progress on first sound identification as a result of the Tier 3 intervention. Children who made progress on first sound identification generally demonstrated gains on more distal measures of PA. Results demonstrate the potential benefit of providing children with multiple tiers of instruction to facilitate academic success.