bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral Arterial Disease Is Prevalent But Underdiagnosed and Undertreated in the Primary Care Setting in Central Greece
Authors: Argyriou Christos , Saleptsis Vasileios , Koutsias Stylianos , Giannoukas Athanasios D.
Published: March 2012

We investigated the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Primary Care Health Centers (n = 14) in Thessaly (central Greece) recruited 436 participants, mean age 71 (50-79) years. Peripheral arterial disease was considered present if the ankle–brachial index (ABI) was <0.9 or >1.4 in at least 1 leg. Asymptomatic PAD was defined as an abnormal ABI and no symptoms or history of limb revascularization. The prevalence of PAD was 13% (mostly asymptomatic, 11.7%). Only 5 (8.77%) of 57 patients with PAD were aware of their disease and only in these patients were the physicians aware of the presence of PAD. The risk factors associated with PAD were age, smoking, and the combination of diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease. All symptomatic patients were on antiplatelet therapy but 33% did not take statins. For asymptomatic patients, 74.5% were not on antiplatelet therapy and 57% did not receive statins. In the primary health care setting, PAD is underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Long-Term Efficacy of an Ergonomics Program That Includes Patient-Handling Devices on Reducing Musculoskeletal Injuries to Nursing Personnel
Authors: Garg Arun , Kapellusch Jay M.
Published: March 2012

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term efficacy of an ergonomics program that included patient-handling devices in six long-term care facilities (LTC) and one chronic care hospital (CCH).

Background:

Patient handling is recognized as a major source of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among nursing personnel, and several studies have demonstrated effectiveness of patient-handling devices in reducing those MSDs. However, most studies have been conducted in a single facility, for a short period, and/or without a comprehensive ergonomics program.

Method:

Patient-handling devices along with a comprehensive ergonomics program was implemented in six LTC facilities and one CCH. Pre- and post-intervention injury data were collected for 38.9 months (range = 29 to 54 months) and 51.2 months (range = 36 to 60 months), respectively.

Results:

Postintervention patient-handling injuries decreased by 59.8% (rate ratio [RR] = 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.28, 0.49], p < .001), lost workdays by 86.7% (RR = 0.16, 95% CI [0.13, 0.18], p < .001), modified-duty days by 78.8% (RR = 0.25, 95% CI [0.22, 0.28], p < .001), and workers’ compensation costs by 90.6% (RR = 0.12, 95% CI [0.09, 0.15], p < .001). Perceived stresses to low back and shoulders among nursing staff were fairly low. A vast majority of patients found the devices comfortable and safe. Longer transfer times with the use of devices was not an issue.

Conclusion:

Implementation of patient-handling devices along with a comprehensive program can be effective in reducing MSDs among nursing personnel. Strategies to expand usage of patient-handling devices in most health care settings should be explored.
The Effect of SPAM Administration During a Dynamic Simulation
Authors: Pierce Russell S.
Published: March 2012

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine whether administration of the situation present assessment method (SPAM) affects workload and/or task performance.

Background:

SPAM probes are thought to isolate workload from the assessment of situation awareness (SA) by including a warning signal before asking an SA-related question. However, there is a good reason to think that SPAM may still have an effect on dynamic workload and task performance. Specifically, nearly all dual tasks affect workload and performance; thus, it would be surprising if SPAM did not.

Method:

Following the methods of Durso, Bleckley, and Dattel, I evaluated workload and performance on the Air Traffic Scenarios Test in SPAM, non-SPAM probe, and no-probe conditions.

Results:

Global workload was unaffected by probe administration. However, at least with novice performers, SPAM probes affected task performance.

Conclusion:

The use of a warning signal does not eliminate performance decrements associated with secondary tasks. Moreover, there may be performance decrements unique to SPAM.

Application:

Cautious users of online assessment measures, such as SPAM, may want to remove performance immediately subsequent to probes from analysis, use an interprobe interval longer than 2.83 min, and construct their assessment measures to reduce display search times unrelated to primary task performance.
When Radical Reforms Are on the Agenda
Authors: Meyer Christine Benedichte
Published: March 2012

This article describes the politics of decision making in the Norwegian government and Parliament from an insider’s perspective. The purpose is to explore how politicians can gain acceptance for radical reforms by managing politics in two arenas: the external arena where the media, special interest and lobby groups, and voters influence decisions in Parliament and the internal, closed arena where public policies are formulated and accepted in negotiations between ministries, political parties, and influential stakeholder groups. In the external arena, the management of politics consists of influencing Parliament indirectly through creating and sustaining demand for radical reforms among public stakeholders. The problem for political leaders is that the radicalness of reform is often sacrificed in the decision-making process in government before they reach the Parliament. To successfully bring radical reforms to the Parliament, political leaders therefore need to manage influence from multiple stakeholders and overcome non-decision making.
The Additive Effects of Scripted Lessons Plus Guided Notes on Science Quiz Scores of Students With Intellectual Disability and Autism
Authors: Jimenez Bree A. , Lo Ya-yu , Saunders Alicia F.
Published: March 2012

This study examined the effects of scripted lessons (SLs) alone and in combination with guided notes during science instruction on science quiz scores of three elementary students with moderate to severe intellectual disability and autism. This study used a multiple probe across three science units design with replication across students and included four conditions of baseline, SLs, scripted lessons plus guided notes (SLs + GNs), and maintenance. Results showed a change in level from baseline to the SLs condition for all three participants and additional slight improvement in scores during the SLs + GNs condition for two participants. Furthermore, acquisition of science content was maintained over time for all participants. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Comparing Direct and Indirect Measures of Just Rewards
Authors: Markovsky Barry , Eriksson Kimmo
Published: March 2012

We offer the first comparison between “direct” and “indirect” methods for measuring perceptions of distributive justice in reward allocations. The direct method simply asks respondents what they would consider to be a fair salary for a particular person in a given set of circumstances. In contrast, the indirect method infers fair salaries from respondents’ judgments about the relative unfairness of hypothetical salaries. The particular indirect method that we will assess is a vignette survey technique pioneered by Jasso and Rossi (1977) and used in a number of more recent publications. The vignettes describe characteristics of a hypothetical employee, with the objective of deriving what respondents believe to be the just reward for that employee. Our experimental test suggests that the two methods yield incompatible results and that neither is immune to bias. The indirect method also suffers from a type of specification error that leads to untenable results. We conclude by suggesting directions for new research to gain a better understanding of these problems and, ultimately, to circumvent them.
Fertile Green
Authors: Lichtenfeld Stephanie , Elliot Andrew J. , Maier Markus A. , Pekrun Reinhard
Published: March 2012

The present research sought to extend the nascent literature on color and psychological functioning by examining whether perception of the color green facilitates creativity. In four experiments, we demonstrated that a brief glimpse of green prior to a creativity task enhances creative performance. This green effect was observed using both achromatic (white, gray) and chromatic (red, blue) contrast colors that were carefully matched on nonhue properties, and using both picture-based and word-based assessments of creativity. Participants were not aware of the purpose of the experiment, and null effects were obtained on participants’ self-reported mood and positive activation. These findings indicate that green has implications beyond aesthetics and suggest the need for sustained empirical work on the functional meaning of green.
Observer Perceptions of Moral Obligations in Groups With a History of Victimization
Authors: Warner Ruth H. , Branscombe Nyla R.
Published: March 2012

The authors investigated when observers assign contemporary group members moral obligations based on their group’s victimization history. In Experiment 1, Americans perceived Israelis as obligated to help Sudanese genocide victims and as guiltworthy for not helping if reminded of the Holocaust and its descendants were linked to this history. In Experiment 2, participants perceived Israelis as more obligated to help and guiltworthy for not helping when the Holocaust was presented as a unique victimization event compared with when genocide was presented as pervasive. Experiments 3 and 4 replicated the effects of Experiment 1 with Cambodians as the victimized group. Experiment 5 demonstrated that participants perceived Cambodians as having more obligations under high just world threat compared with low just world threat. Perceiving victimized groups as incurring obligations is one just world restoration method of providing meaning to collective injustice.
Low-Effort Thought Promotes Political Conservatism
Authors: Eidelman Scott , Crandall Christian S. , Goodman Jeffrey A. , Blanchar John C.
Published: March 2012

The authors test the hypothesis that low-effort thought promotes political conservatism. In Study 1, alcohol intoxication was measured among bar patrons; as blood alcohol level increased, so did political conservatism (controlling for sex, education, and political identification). In Study 2, participants under cognitive load reported more conservative attitudes than their no-load counterparts. In Study 3, time pressure increased participants’ endorsement of conservative terms. In Study 4, participants considering political terms in a cursory manner endorsed conservative terms more than those asked to cogitate; an indicator of effortful thought (recognition memory) partially mediated the relationship between processing effort and conservatism. Together these data suggest that political conservatism may be a process consequence of low-effort thought; when effortful, deliberate thought is disengaged, endorsement of conservative ideology increases.
Adaptation of Clinical Prediction Models for Application in Local Settings
Authors: Kappen Teus H. , Vergouwe Yvonne , van Klei Wilton A. , van Wolfswinkel Leo , Kalkman Cor J. , Moons Karel G. M.
Published: March 2012

Background. When planning to use a validated prediction model in new patients, adequate performance is not guaranteed. For example, changes in clinical practice over time or a different case mix than the original validation population may result in inaccurate risk predictions. Objective. To demonstrate how clinical information can direct updating a prediction model and development of a strategy for handling missing predictor values in clinical practice. Methods. A previously derived and validated prediction model for postoperative nausea and vomiting was updated using a data set of 1847 patients. The update consisted of 1) changing the definition of an existing predictor, 2) reestimating the regression coefficient of a predictor, and 3) adding a new predictor to the model. The updated model was then validated in a new series of 3822 patients. Furthermore, several imputation models were considered to handle real-time missing values, so that possible missing predictor values could be anticipated during actual model use. Results. Differences in clinical practice between our local population and the original derivation population guided the update strategy of the prediction model. The predictive accuracy of the updated model was better (c statistic, 0.68; calibration slope, 1.0) than the original model (c statistic, 0.62; calibration slope, 0.57). Inclusion of logistical variables in the imputation models, besides observed patient characteristics, contributed to a strategy to deal with missing predictor values at the time of risk calculation. Conclusions. Extensive knowledge of local, clinical processes provides crucial information to guide the process of adapting a prediction model to new clinical practices.
Acceleration of Tendon-Bone Healing of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Using Autologous Ruptured Tissue
Authors: Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Kubo Seiji , Sasaki Ken , Kawakami Yohei , Oka Shinya , Sasaki Hiroshi , Takayama Koji , Tei Katsumasa , Matsushita Takehiko , Mifune Yutaka , Kurosaka Masahiro , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: March 2012

Background: It has been recently reported that human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptured tissue contains abundant vascular stem cells that contribute to tendon-bone healing in an immunodeficient rat model of ACL reconstruction.

Hypothesis: Autologous ruptured ACL tissue has an effect on the maturation of bone-tendon integration in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Twenty healthy adult beagle dogs underwent bilateral ACL reconstruction using the ipsilateral flexor digitorum superficialis tendon and were divided into 2 groups: right knee (a tissue-treated group) and left knee (a control group). The tissue-treated group received autologous ruptured ACL tissue, which was obtained 2 days after resection and sutured to the tibial side of the graft. Histological, radiographic, and biomechanical assessments were performed. In addition, immunohistochemical staining was performed to assess angiogenesis and osteogenesis.

Results: Histological assessment and staining for osteoblasts and endothelial cells at week 2 demonstrated early healing, inducing endochondral ossification-like integration with enhanced angiogenesis and osteogenesis in the tissue-treated group’s grafts. Computed tomography at week 4 showed a significantly smaller tibial bone tunnel in the tissue-treated group (tissue, 19.0 ± 4.4 mm2; control, 42.6 ± 4.7 mm2; P = .009, n = 5). Furthermore, biomechanical testing of force during loading to ultimate failure at week 4 demonstrated a significantly higher strength in the tissue-treated group (tissue, 66.4 ± 10.1 N; control, 30.5 ± 10.3 N; P = .009, n = 5).

Conclusion: In the present study, the authors elucidated that transplantation of ACL-ruptured tissue, which was sutured to the tibial side of the graft, contributed to early tendon-bone healing in a canine model of ACL reconstruction.

Clinical Relevance: Anterior cruciate ligament ruptured tissue has a therapeutic potential in promoting an appropriate environment for tendon-to-bone healing in bone tunnels of ACL reconstruction.
The Effect of Proximal Tibial Slope on Dynamic Stability Testing of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament– and Posterolateral Corner–Deficient Knee
Authors: Petrigliano Frank A. , Suero Eduardo M. , Voos James E. , Pearle Andrew D. , Allen Answorth A.
Published: March 2012

Background: Proximal tibial slope has been shown to influence anteroposterior translation and tibial resting point in the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)–deficient knee. The effect of proximal tibial slope on rotational stability of the knee is unknown.

Hypothesis: Change in proximal tibial slope produced via osteotomy can influence both static translation and dynamic rotational kinematics in the PCL/posterolateral corner (PLC)–deficient knee.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Posterior drawer, dial, and mechanized reverse pivot-shift (RPS) tests were performed on hip-to-toe specimens and translation of the lateral and medial compartments measured utilizing navigation (n = 10). The PCL and structures of the PLC were then sectioned. Stability testing was repeated, and compartmental translation was recorded. A proximal tibial osteotomy in the sagittal plane was then performed achieving either +5° or −5° of tibial slope variation, after which stability testing was repeated (n = 10). Analysis was performed using 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA; α = .05).

Results: Combined sectioning of the PCL and PLC structures resulted in a 10.5-mm increase in the posterior drawer, 15.5-mm increase in the dial test at 30°, 14.5-mm increase in the dial test at 90°, and 17.9-mm increase in the RPS (vs intact; P < .05). Increasing the posterior slope (high tibial osteotomy [HTO] +5°) in the PCL/PLC-deficient knee reduced medial compartment translation by 3.3 mm during posterior drawer (vs deficient; P < .05) but had no significant effect on the dial test at 30°, dial test at 90°, or RPS. Conversely, reversing the slope (HTO −5°) caused a 4.8-mm increase in medial compartment translation (vs deficient state; P < .05) during posterior drawer and an 8.6-mm increase in lateral compartment translation and 9.0-mm increase in medial compartment translation during RPS (vs deficient state; P < .05).

Conclusion: Increasing posterior tibial slope diminished static posterior instability of the PCL/PLC-deficient knee as measured by the posterior drawer test but had little effect on rotational or dynamic multiplanar stability as assessed by the dial and RPS tests, respectively. Conversely, decreasing posterior slope resulted in increased posterior instability and a significant increase in the magnitude of the RPS.

Clinical Relevance: These results suggest that increasing posterior tibial slope may improve sagittal stability in the PCL/PLC-deficient knee. Moreover, a knee with diminished posterior tibial slope may demonstrate greater multiplanar instability in this setting. Consequently, proximal tibial slope should be considered when treating combined PCL/PLC injuries of the knee.
Prediction of smoke filling in large volumes by means of data assimilation–based numerical simulations
Authors: Beji Tarek , Verstockt Steven , Van de Walle Rik , Merci Bart
Published: March 2012

The concept of numerical simulations for real-time Numerical Fire Forecasting is illustrated for the case of natural smoke filling of a large-scale atrium in case of fire. The numerical simulations are performed within the Inverse Zone Modelling framework. The technique consists of assimilating collected data for a certain parameter, in casu the smoke layer height, into the zone model in order to estimate an unknown of the problem (‘model invariant’), mainly the fire heat release rate. A forecast in terms of evolution of smoke level and temperature can then be produced. Because zone model calculations are very fast, positive lead times of several minutes are obtained. The developed model produces reliable forecasts for the cases considered. Equally important, the robustness of the technique is illustrated: the sensitivity of the results to the ‘initial guess’ of the model invariants is small (i.e. the method converges easily); one model invariant is sufficient to obtain reliable predictions for smoke layer height evolution; the data assimilation window length does not affect the results significantly. The method automatically provides a different value for the plume entrainment constant, depending on the position of the fire (in the middle of the atrium or in a corner).
Discrete wavelet transform–neural network crack-like damage identification of welds on chassis cross members
Authors: Rezvani Yadollah , Sharifi K Arman , Azadi Shahram , Kazemi Reza
Published: March 2012

This paper incorporates a discrete wavelet transform and a radial basis function neural network to implement a vibration-based crack-like damage identification approach to the simulated welds of chassis cross members. After finite element method modelling of a vehicle, eight acceleration sensors are placed on the chassis, and their responses are measured to the upward displacement on the excitation of two tyres while the other two tyres are fixed. Then, a discrete wavelet transform with a Daubechies 3 mother wavelet is applied to the responses of the sensors. All detail coefficients and approximation coefficients of the nine levels of the discrete wavelet transform are introduced into the radial basis function neural network, in order to extract the underlying features for assessment and localization of damage. This approach successfully assesses the existence of damage and the localization of various lengths of damage in numerically simulated vehicle chassis welds, with respect to the fact that the complete model of the vehicle is a highly complicated structure and its vibration responses are extremely non-linear and sophisticated.
Alveolar hemorrhage: distinct features of juvenile and adult onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Araujo DB , Borba EF , Silva CA , Campos LMA , Pereira RMR , Bonfa E , Shinjo SK
Published: March 2012

We compared outcomes of alveolar hemorrhage (AH) in juvenile (JSLE) and adult onset SLE (ASLE). From 263 JSLE and 1522 ASLE, the AH occurred in 13 (4.9%) and 15 (1.0%) patients, respectively ( p < .001). Both groups had comparable disease duration (2.6 ± 3.0 vs. 5.6 ± 7.0 years, p = .151) and median SLEDAI scores [17.5 (2 to 32) vs. 17.5 (3 to 28), p = 1.000]. At AH onset, a higher frequency of JSLE were already on a high prednisone dose ( > 0.5 mg/kg/day) compared to ASLE (54% vs. 15%, p = .042). The mean drop of hemoglobin was significantly lower in JSLE (2.9 ± 0.9 vs. 5.5 ± 2.9 g/dL, p = .006). Although treatments with methylprednisolone, plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin and cyclophosphamide were similar in both groups ( p > .050), regarding outcomes, there was a trend in high frequency of mechanical ventilation use (85% vs. 47%, p = .055) and also significant mortality (69% vs. 13%, p = .006) in JSLE compared to ASLE. The sepsis frequency was comparable in both groups (50% vs. 27%, p = .433). We have identified that AH in JSLE has a worse outcome most likely related to respiratory failure. The AH onset in JSLE already treated with high-dose steroids raises the concern of inadequate response to this treatment and reinforces the recommendation of early aggressive alternative therapies in this group of patients.
Prospective Associations Between Household-, Work-, and Leisure-Based Physical Activity and All-Cause Mortality Among Older Taiwanese Adults
Authors: Chen Li-Jung , Fox Kenneth R. , Ku Po-Wen , Sun Wen-Jung , Chou Pesus
Published: March 2012

Most studies on the health effects of leisure time physical activity have focused on mortality. There has been limited research regarding physical activity undertaken at work or around the home and mortality. This study assessed the associations between leisure, work, and household physical activity and subsequent all-cause mortality among older adults aged 65 years and older (n = 2133) in Taiwan, over 8 years. Physical activity was evaluated with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the association of physical activity with the risk of mortality. This study demonstrated that a low level of total physical activity is predictive of increased all-cause mortality in both men and women in an East Asian population. It also indicates that leisure- and household-related but not work-related activity are significant contributors to this relationship.
Toothbrushing Habits and Risk Indicators of Severe Early Childhood Caries Among Aboriginal Taiwanese
Authors: Hsieh Hui-Ju , Huang Shun-Te , Tsai Chi-Cheng , Hsiao Szu-Yu
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the toothbrushing habits and risk indicators among aboriginal children with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC). This was a cross-sectional purposive sampling study that included 281 aboriginal children aged 2 to 5 years living in remote regions in southern Taiwan. Participant received dental examinations and questionnaires that were completed by caretakers. From among the 281 participants, 238 children (84%) presented with S-ECC. A low-frequency toothbrushing habit among the children with S-ECC was associated with caretakers with low-frequency toothbrushing ( P = .001). The odds ratio of a child using improper toothbrushing methods having a caretaker with a low brushing frequency was 3.45 ( P = .0157). Low-frequency toothbrushing and improper toothbrushing methods were associated with S-ECC. The caretakers’ brushing frequency was a risk indicator associated with the children’s poor oral hygiene.
Safe Delivery Practices
Authors: Kabir M.A. , Goh Kim-Leng , Khan M.M.H. , Al-Amin Abul Quasem , Azam Mohammad Nurul
Published: March 2012

This study examines the safe delivery practices of Bangladeshi women using data on 4905 ever-married women aged 15 to 49 years from the 2007 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. Variables that included age, region of origin, education level of respondent and spouse, residence, working status, religion, involvement in NGOs, mass media exposure, and wealth index were analyzed to find correlates of safe delivery practices. More than 80% of the deliveries took place at home, and only 18% were under safe and hygienic conditions. The likelihood of safe deliveries was significantly lower among younger and older mothers than middle-aged mothers and higher among educated mothers and those living in urban areas. Economically better-off mothers and those with greater exposure to mass media had a significantly higher incidence of safe delivery practices. A significant association with religion and safe delivery practices was revealed. Demographic, socioeconomic, cultural, and programmatic factors that are strongly associated with safe delivery practices should be considered in the formulation of reproductive health policy.
Gender Disparity in Delayed Treatment-Seeking Behavior for Cataract
Authors: Tanchangya Joydhan , Khan Ruhul Amin , Bayasakh Sanchir , Wichaidit Wit
Published: March 2012

Objective. This study was conducted to explore the role of gender in delayed treatment seeking for cataract at the Impact Jibon Tari Floating Hospital in rural Bangladesh. Method. Existing clinical records were analyzed for patient characteristics based on sex and the role of gender in delayed cataract surgery. Results. A total of 11 174 patients (41.7% female) received surgical treatment for cataract, among which 69.9% (male = 67.7%; female = 73.2%) had visual acuity (VA) of less than 6/60. After adjustment for hypertension, diabetes, side of eye with cataract, and age above 65, women were more likely to come to surgery after VA became less than 6/60 (adjusted odds ratio = 1.19; 95% confidence interval = 1.1-1.29). Discussion and Conclusion. Gender appeared to play a role in seeking treatment at later stages of cataract. Further qualitative studies are needed to determine the mechanism of delayed treatment among women.
Risk Factors for Metabolic Syndrome in a Cohort Study in a North China Urban Middle-Aged Population
Authors: Strand Mark A. , Perry Judy , Wang Ping , Liu Shuangfeng , Lynn Henry
Published: March 2012

As China undergoes urbanization, lifestyles and disease profiles are changing. In this study, metabolic syndrome (MetS) was discovered in 53.5% and 42.7% of men and women, respectively. In 3 age cohorts (44, 48, and 52 years), prevalence of MetS among women was 33.3%, 41.4%, and 50.8%, respectively (χ2 = 10.27, P = .006), whereas among men it was 51.5%, 56.3%, and 52.3%, respectively (χ2 = 0.46, P = .796). The component contributing to the presence of MetS was increased waist circumference, especially among women. MetS among men results from higher rates of elevated triglycerides, blood pressure, and blood glucose when compared with women. Risk factors for MetS included less than 60 minutes of exercise a week (odds ratio [OR] = 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3-2.4) and rarely consuming milk (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2-2.3). Abstaining from or occasionally consuming alcohol (OR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.4-1.1) and having parents with no chronic disease (OR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.2-0.6) suggest increased protection against MetS.
Tobacco Smoking Among School Children in Colombo District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Katulanda Prasad , Liyanage Isurujith Kongala , Wickramasinghe Kremlin , Piyadigama Indunil , Karunathilake Indika M. , Palmer Paula H. , Matthews David R.
Published: March 2012

Tobacco smoking is an important problem among schoolchildren. The authors studied the patterns of tobacco smoking among schoolchildren in Colombo, Sri Lanka, using a self-administered questionnaire. Multistaged stratified random sampling was used to select 6000 students. Response rate was 90.7% (5446), out of which 53.4% were males. Prevalence rates for males and females, respectively, were as follows: having smoked at least 1 complete cigarette: 27.0% and 13.3%, smoked more than 100 cigarettes: 2.3% and 0.3%, daily smoking: 1.8% and 0.2%. Mean age of starting to smoke was 14.16 years. The tobacco products most used were cigarettes (91.5%) and bidis (3.8%). In univariate analysis, male gender, parental smoking, studying non-science subjects, peer smoking, and participating in sports were significantly associated with smoking of at least 1 complete cigarette ( P < .05). In multivariate analysis, the most significant correlates were having close friends (odds ratio = 3.29, confidence interval = 2.47-4.37) or parents who smoked (odds ratio = 1.86, confidence interval = 1.28-2.71). Female smoking has increased from previously reported values. These high-risk groups can be targets for preventive programs.
The Impact of State Behavioral Health Reform on Native American Individuals, Families, and Communities
Authors: Willging Cathleen E. , Goodkind Jessica , Lamphere Louise , Saul Gwendolyn , Fluder Shannon , Seanez Paula
Published: March 2012

In 2005, the State of New Mexico undertook a sweeping transformation of all publicly funded behavioral health services. The reform was intended to enhance the cultural responsiveness and appropriateness of these services. To examine achievement of this objective, we conducted a qualitative study of the involvement of Native Americans in reform efforts and the subsequent impacts of reform on services for Native Americans. We found that the reform was relatively unsuccessful at creating mechanisms for genuine community input or improving behavioral health care for this population. These shortcomings were related to limited understandings of administrators concerning how tribal governments and health care systems operate, and the structural limitations of a managed care system that does not allow flexibility for culturally appropriate utilization review, screening, or treatment. However, interaction between the State and tribes increased, and we conclude that aspects of the reform could be strengthened to achieve more meaningful involvement and service improvements.
Exploring the Mutual Constitution of Racializing and Medicalizing Discourses of Immigrant Tuberculosis in the Canadian Press
Authors: Reitmanova Sylvia , Gustafson Diana L.
Published: March 2012

Drawing on critical discourse analysis of Canadian press coverage of the immigrant tuberculosis problem, we expose the complex relationship between press-constructed discourses of immigrant health and current tuberculosis control policies in Canada. The focus of these policies is on screening and surveillance of immigrants rather than addressing social inequalities underlying the problem of immigrant tuberculosis. The biomedical focus and racializing character of current policies were reinforced in the Canadian press by depicting tuberculosis as a biomedical (rather than a social) disease imported to Canada by immigrants. The status of the immigrant body as health threat was produced by and through preexisting and mutually constitutive racializing and medicalizing discourses materialized in press coverage and tuberculosis control policies. Deracialization and demedicalization of health information disseminated in the press are potentially important factors to be considered when revising health policies that would address the socioeconomic and political factors that determine the health status of Canadian immigrants.
Exercise Deficit Disorder in Youth
Authors: Faigenbaum Avery D. , Gipson-Jones Trina L. , Myer Gregory D.
Published: March 2012

Although the benefits of regular physical activity are widely acknowledged, recent findings indicate that a growing number of youth are not as active as they should be. The impact of a sedentary lifestyle during childhood on lifelong pathological processes and associated health care costs have created a need for immediate action to manage, if not prevent, unhealthy behaviors during this vulnerable period of life. The concept of identifying children with exercise deficit disorder early in life and prescribing effective interventions to prevent the cascade of adverse health outcomes later in life is needed to raise public awareness, focus on primary prevention, and impact the collective behaviors of health care providers and public health agencies. School nurses are in a unique position to take advantage of well-child visits as an ideal opportunity to assess physical activity habits and encourage daily participation in play, recess, sports, planned exercise, and physical education.
Elementary School–Located Influenza Vaccine Programs
Authors: Williams Valerie , Rousculp Matthew D. , Price Mark , Coles Theresa , Therrien Michelle , Griffin Jane , Hollis Kelly , Toback Seth
Published: March 2012

This study examined the initiation and logistics, funding, perceived barriers and benefits, and disruption of school activities by school-located influenza vaccination (SLIV) programs conducted during the 2008–2009 influenza season. Seventy-two interviews using a structured protocol were conducted with 26 teachers, 16 school administrators, and 30 health care professionals from 34 schools in 8 school districts. SLIV programs used a variety of locations, scheduling and staffing options, and methods for receiving parental consent and screening children. Health care professionals were primarily responsible for implementing SLIV programs, and most administrators and health care professionals considered programs easy to initiate. Health care professionals identified successful programs as requiring adequate planning/coordination, a dedicated program coordinator, and a consistent funding source. Most respondents (96%) reported minimal school-day disruptions. The perception of most stakeholders is that SLIV programs can be relatively easy to initiate, minimally disruptive and can become more efficient with experience, especially with feedback from all stakeholders.
The Perceptions of Obese School Children in Hong Kong Toward Their Weight-Loss Experience
Authors: Wong E. M. Y. , Sit J. W. H. , Tarrant M. A. , Cheng M. M. H.
Published: March 2012

Most studies related to addressing weight management of obese children have focused on understanding the perceptions of parents and health professionals. This study identifies the factors that obese children who have tried to lose weight perceive as affecting their efforts. This descriptive qualitative study has sought to identify factors affecting obese children’s weight-loss decision making and process and to explore the development of an effective weight-loss program. This study screened 603 primary school children equivalent to U.S. Grades 5 and 6 of age 10–12. Seventy-nine out of 93 obese children who had been trying on their own to lose weight for at least 1 month formed 6 focus groups. Four themes were identified: Making the decision, self-efficacy, social influences, and environmental constraints. The results suggest that the design of a weight-loss program for obese children should include the contribution of family members, school, and health professionals.
An Empirical Examination of Validity in Evaluation
Authors: Peck Laura R. , Kim Yushim , Lucio Joanna
Published: March 2012

This study addresses validity issues in evaluation that stem from Ernest R. House’s book, Evaluating With Validity. The authors examine American Journal of Evaluation articles from 1980 to 2010 that report the results of policy and program evaluations. The authors classify these evaluations according to House’s “major approaches” typology (Systems Analysis, Behavioral Objectives, Decision making, Goal-free, Professional Review, Art Criticism, Quasi-legal, and Case Study) and the types of validity (measurement, design, interpretation, use) the evaluations consider. Analyzing the intersection of evaluation type and validity type, the authors explore the status of House’s standards of Truth, Beauty, and Justice in evaluation practice.
Identification of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) issues relevant to individuals with Huntington disease
Authors: Carlozzi Noelle E , Tulsky David S
Published: March 2012

This qualitative study explored health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in individuals with Huntington disease (HD). Sixteen focus groups were conducted ( n = 6 groups with symptomatic HD individuals; n = 5 with individuals who are at-risk or prodromal for HD; n = 3 non-clinical HD caregivers; n = 2 groups with HD clinicians). Qualitative analysis indicated that 28% of focus group comments were related to emotional health, 27% to social participation, 26% to physical health, 10% to cognitive health, and 9% to end of life issues. Findings highlight the importance of developing HD-targeted items to ensure sensitive assessment of HRQOL in HD research and clinical practice.
Efficacy and safety of a single-pill fixed-dose combination of high-dose telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide in patients with uncontrolled hypertension
Authors: Shiga Yuhei , Miura Shin-ichiro , Mitsutake Ryoko , Norimatsu Kenji , Nagata Itsuki , Arimura Tadaaki , Shimizu Tomohiko , Morii Joji , Kuwano Takashi , Uehara Yoshinari , Inoue Asao , Shirotani Tetsuro , Fujisawa Kazuaki , Matsunaga Eiyu , Saku Keijiro
Published: March 2012

Objective:

Many patients still have high blood pressure (BP) after treatment with high-dose angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) or Preminent® (medium-dose of losartan (50 mg/day)/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (12.5 mg/day)). Therefore, we analyzed whether Micombi®BP (high-dose telmisartan (80 mg/day)/HCTZ (12.5 mg/day)) could provide better results with regard to efficacy and safety for patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

Methods:

In total, 44 hypertensive patients (22 males, age 71±14 years) who showed uncontrolled BP despite the use of high-dose ARBs or Preminent® were enrolled in this study. We used a changeover design in which the patients were switched from high-dose ARBs or Preminent® to Micombi®BP. We analyzed BP, heart rate (HR), and biochemical parameters before and after treatment for 3 months.

Results:

Systolic BP and diastolic BP significantly decreased (125±15/69±11 mmHg) and 85% of the patients achieved their target BP at 3 months after changeover. Patients who switched from ARBs and those who switched from Preminent® showed similar BP-lowering effects. In addition, the reductions in BP after 3 months in patients with or without chronic kidney disease and in those with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS) were also similar. There were no significant changes in HR during the study period. Although blood levels of potassium, hemoglobin A1c and uric acid (UA) significantly increased after 3 months for all of the patients, none of the patients showed serious adverse effects.

Conclusion:

High-dose telmisartan/HCTZ therapy was associated with a significant reduction in BP and helped patients achieve their target BP.
Attitudes to shared care for patients with dementia: A survey of general practitioners
Authors: Russ Tom C , Calvert Lucy , Morling Joanne R
Published: March 2012

Early diagnosis of dementia is important, but implications for care shared between primary and secondary care remain uncertain. We explored attitudes and expectations of Edinburgh’s general practitioners (GPs) regarding current sharing of care for dementia.

Surveys were distributed to all 335 Edinburgh GPs; 79.7% were returned. Attitudes and expectations were examined, specifically whether dementia care was currently appropriately shared. Two-thirds of GPs were sure of their role and a similar number felt that care was appropriately shared. The latter opinion was not associated with individual GP factors, such as gender or length of time since qualification, or local levels of deprivation. However, there was a significant association with sector consultant psychiatrist (F = 2.79, df = 6, p = 0.012) and with the proportion of the practice list diagnosed with dementia (ρ = −0.13, p = 0.038).

The endangered relationship between GP and specialist could be a key target to improve shared care and early diagnosis of dementia.
Towards inclusion: The beginnings of a bicultural model of dementia care in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Martin Ros , Paki Paea
Published: March 2012

This article describes the development of a bicultural approach to dementia care in Tai Tokerau (Northland), Aotearoa New Zealand. It emphasises the need to provide care for Māori people with dementia within the context of extended family structures in order to improve their representation in dementia services.
The Teacher–Student Writing Conference Entangled
Authors: Phillips Donna Kalmbach , Larson Mindy Legard
Published: March 2012

In this article, we seek to un-think the teacher-student writing conference, a venerable and essential pedagogy of the K-12 writing workshop. We do this by thinking data with “material feminisms.” Using this literature, we read our data as intra-activity, noting the relationships between the human and the nonhuman. We read our data as a Deleuzean event of becoming. Our journey in methodology includes the use of writing as inquiry through the writing and rewriting of memory stories based on data collected while conducting writing conferences in a fourth-grade classroom. Throughout this writing process, we use diffractive methodology and elements from rhizomatic discourse analysis to produce invitational data in the form of a memory story, a story written as a Deleuzean art form, to invite the reader to unthink the teacher–student writing conference as an entanglement of the discursive and the material.
The Transformative Potential of Popular Television
Authors: Jarvis Christine , Burr Vivien
Published: March 2012

This article reports findings from an empirical study examining viewers’ responses to a popular and critically acclaimed television program, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Viewers’ frames of reference were challenged when they identified strongly with characters facing complex moral dilemmas, who behaved in ways that contravened viewers’ espoused values. This sometimes led viewers to develop more inclusive, less judgmental moral frameworks. Viewers also used the program to help them imagine how to cope in difficult circumstances and found that the metaphorical and fantasy elements of the program helped them recognize previously unacknowledged aspects of themselves.
Bonding horizontal aligned carbon nanotubes with a high-frequency electromagnetic induction heating method
Authors: Wang Jiaxin , Lv Qiang , Gan Zhiyin , Liu Sheng
Published: March 2012

This paper introduces an innovative method using high-frequency electromagnetic induction heating to realize a partial heating process without increasing overall chip temperature. This method provides an easy and reliable way to solve the long-term problem that has limited carbon nanotube application in mass integrated circuit production. Carbon nanotube alignment and bonding experiments are also conducted and the results are analyzed and discussed. The results show that the resistance of the carbon nanotube–metal interface reduces by 90% after bonding and the contact of the interface exhibits excellent endurance.
Injury data from unhelmeted football head impacts evaluated against critical strain tolerance curves
Authors: Patton Declan A , McIntosh Andrew S , Kleiven Svein , Fréchède Bertrand
Published: March 2012

Concussion is a prevalent injury in collision and contact sports, but the biomechanics of concussion has mainly been assessed for helmeted head impacts. Concussion and no-injury cases had previously been reconstructed using rigid body simulations from a larger video database of unhelmeted head impact cases from Australian rules football, rugby union and rugby league. The KTH finite element human head model was used to simulate the 27 concussion and 13 no-injury cases, and the maximum principle strain levels in the corpus callosum were evaluated. The rotational kinematics and strain levels were compared to critical strain tolerance curves and reconstructed pedestrian impacts from the literature. It was found that the 5% critical strain tolerance curve equated to a maximum principal strain level of approximately 0.20 and was associated with concussive impacts involving prolonged loss of consciousness. The results suggest rotational kinematics above 4500 rad/s2 and 33 rad/s for peak resultant angular acceleration and maximum change in resultant angular velocity, respectively, as tentative tolerance levels for concussion involving prolonged loss of consciousness. Cases involving short duration or no loss of consciousness had similar rotational kinematics and strain levels in the corpus callosum, suggesting that these injuries are of similar severity. The findings support the hypothesis that sports concussions share some biomechanical characteristics with diffuse axonal injury.
An insertional mutagenesis screen identifies genes that cooperate with Mll-AF9 in a murine leukemogenesis model
Authors: Bergerson Rachel J. , Collier Lara S. , Sarver Aaron L. , Been Raha A. , Lugthart Sanne , Diers Miechaleen D. , Zuber Johannes , Rappaport Amy R. , Nixon Molly J. , Silverstein Kevin A. T. , Fan Danhua , Lamblin Anne-Francoise J. , Wolff Linda , Kersey John H. , Delwel Ruud , Lowe Scott W. , O'Sullivan M. Gerard , Kogan Scott C. , Adams David J. , Largaespada David A.
Published: March 2012

Patients with a t(9;11) translocation (MLL-AF9) develop acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and while in mice the expression of this fusion oncogene also results in the development of myeloid leukemia, it is with long latency. To identify mutations that cooperate with Mll-AF9, we infected neonatal wild-type (WT) or Mll-AF9 mice with a murine leukemia virus (MuLV). MuLV-infected Mll-AF9 mice succumbed to disease significantly faster than controls presenting predominantly with myeloid leukemia while infected WT animals developed predominantly lymphoid leukemia. We identified 88 candidate cancer genes near common sites of proviral insertion. Analysis of transcript levels revealed significantly elevated expression of Mn1, and a trend toward increased expression of Bcl11a and Fosb in Mll-AF9 murine leukemia samples with proviral insertions proximal to these genes. Accordingly, FOSB and BCL11A were also overexpressed in human AML harboring MLL gene translocations. FOSB was revealed to be essential for growth in mouse and human myeloid leukemia cells using shRNA lentiviral vectors in vitro. Importantly, MN1 cooperated with Mll-AF9 in leukemogenesis in an in vivo BM viral transduction and transplantation assay. Together, our data identified genes that define transcription factor networks and important genetic pathways acting during progression of leukemia induced by MLL fusion oncogenes.