bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-rated health in women prior to clinical onset of multiple sclerosis: A study within the Danish National Birth Cohort
Authors: Nielsen Nete Munk , Harpsøe Maria C. , Simonsen Jacob , Stenager Egon , Magyari Melinda , Koch-Henriksen Nils , Frisch Morten , Bager Peter
Published: January 2016

Background:

It has been suggested that onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) is preceded by a clinically silent period of up to 10 years.

Objectives:

Examine whether such a period should be associated with poor self-rated health (SRH).

Methods:

Information on SRH before pregnancy was ascertained among 80,848 women participating in the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC) 1996–2002. Women were followed for MS from enrolment in DNBC in the 16th week of pregnancy until 31 December 2011. Associations between SRH and MS were evaluated by means of hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results:

During on average 11.7 years of follow-up, 239 women were diagnosed with MS. Overall, neither women with fair (HR = 1.09 (95% CI = 0.83–1.41), n = 113) nor poor pre-pregnancy SRH (HR = 0.94 (95% CI = 0.47–1.87), n = 9) were at an increased risk of MS compared with women reporting very good pre-pregnancy SRH. Supplementary analyses showed no significant differences in MS risk in consecutive periods of follow-up.

Conclusion:

In this first prospective cohort study assessing MS risk as a function of SRH, we found no indication of a long period of poor SRH prior to MS. Our findings based on pregnant women may not necessarily apply to all women.
RANTES correlates with inflammatory activity and synaptic excitability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mori Francesco , Nisticò Robert , Nicoletti Carolina G , Zagaglia Sara , Mandolesi Georgia , Piccinin Sonia , Martino Gianvito , Finardi Annamaria , Rossini Paolo M , Marfia Girolama A , Furlan Roberto , Centonze Diego
Published: January 2016

Background:

Alterations of synaptic transmission induced by inflammatory activity have been linked to the pathogenic mechanisms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed, and secreted (RANTES) is a pro-inflammatory chemokine involved in MS pathophysiology, potentially able to regulate glutamate release and plasticity in MS brains, with relevant consequences on the clinical manifestations of the disease.

Objective:

To assess the role of RANTES in the regulation of cortical excitability.

Methods:

We explored the association of RANTES levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of newly diagnosed MS patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and laboratory measures of inflammatory activity, as well its role in the control of cortical excitability and plasticity explored by means of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and in hippocampal mouse slices in vitro.

Results:

CSF levels of RANTES were remarkably high only in active MS patients and were correlated with the concentrations of interleukin-1β. RANTES levels were associated with TMS measures of cortical synaptic excitability, but not with long-term potentiation (LTP)-like plasticity. Similar findings were obtained in mouse hippocampal slices in vitro, where we observed that RANTES enhanced basal excitatory synaptic transmission with no effect on LTP.

Conclusion:

RANTES correlates with inflammation and synaptic excitability in MS brains.
Regional reduction in cortical blood flow among cognitively impaired adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Hojjat Seyed-Parsa , Cantrell Charles Grady , Vitorino Rita , Feinstein Anthony , Shirzadi Zahra , MacIntosh Bradley J , Crane David E , Zhang Lying , Morrow Sarah A , Lee Liesly , O’Connor Paul , Carroll Timothy J , Aviv Richard I
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

Detection of cortical abnormalities in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) remains elusive. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of cortical integrity are limited, although functional techniques such as pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) show promise as a surrogate marker of disease severity. We sought to determine the utility of pCASL to assess cortical cerebral blood flow (CBF) in RRMS patients with (RRMS-I) and without (RRMS-NI) cognitive impairment.

Methods:

A total of 19 age-matched healthy controls and 39 RRMS patients were prospectively recruited. Cognition was assessed using the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis (MACFIMS) battery. Cortical CBF was compared between groups using a mass univariate voxel-based morphometric analysis accounting for demographic and structural variable covariates.

Results:

Cognitive impairment was present in 51.3% of patients. Significant CBF reduction was present in the RRMS-I compared to other groups in left frontal and right superior frontal cortex. Compared to healthy controls, RRMS-I displayed reduced CBF in the frontal, limbic, parietal and temporal cortex, and putamen/thalamus. RRMS-I demonstrated reduced left superior frontal lobe cortical CBF compared to RRMS-NI. No significant cortical CBF differences were present between healthy controls and RRMS-NI.

Conclusion:

Significant cortical CBF reduction occurs in RRMS-I compared to healthy controls and RRMS-NI in anatomically significant regions after controlling for structural and demographic differences.
Characterizing the phenotype of multiple sclerosis–associated depression in comparison with idiopathic major depression
Authors: Hasselmann Helge , Bellmann-Strobl Judith , Ricken Roland , Oberwahrenbrock Timm , Rose Matthias , Otte Christian , Adli Mazda , Paul Friedemann , Brandt Alexander U , Finke Carsten , Gold Stefan M
Published: January 2016

Background:

Depression is a common co-morbidity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). While somatic symptoms of MS correlate with depression levels, it is unclear whether the clinical presentation of MS-associated depression differs from patients with “idiopathic” major depressive disorder (MDD).

Objective:

To compare the clinical phenotype of depression among MS and idiopathic MDD patients.

Methods:

Mean relative contribution of individual Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) items was evaluated among n = 139 patients with relapsing-remitting MS and n = 85 MDD patients without somatic illness. Next, comparisons were repeated in n = 38 MS with clinically relevant depressive symptoms (BDI-II > 19) and n = 38 MDD patients matched for sex, age, and depression severity. Finally, the underlying construct of depression was compared across groups using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Results:

Comparisons on a whole-group level produced the expected differences along somatic/non-somatic symptoms. However, when appropriately controlling for depression severity, age, and sex, only four items contributed differentially to BDI-II total scores in MS versus MDD. CFA suggested that the underlying depression construct is essentially identical in both groups.

Conclusion:

The clinical phenotype of “idiopathic” MDD and MS-associated depression appears similar when adequately examined. The relevance of these findings for psychotherapeutic approaches for MS-associated depression should be explored in future studies.
Glatiramer acetate during early pregnancy: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Herbstritt Sandra , Langer-Gould Annette , Rockhoff Milena , Haghikia Aiden , Queisser-Wahrendorf Annette , Gold Ralf , Hellwig Kerstin
Published: January 2016

Background:

Only limited data are available on whether glatiramer acetate exposure during pregnancy has an effect on perinatal outcome.

Objective:

To determine the effect of glatiramer acetate exposure during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes in women with multiple sclerosis.

Methods:

We compared the outcome of pregnancies of women with multiple sclerosis exposed to glatiramer acetate with pregnancies unexposed to disease-modifying therapies. Women were enrolled into the German Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy registry. A standardized questionnaire was administered during pregnancy and postpartum. Detailed information on course of multiple sclerosis and pregnancy, concomitant medications, labor, delivery, and outcome of pregnancy was obtained.

Results:

We collected data on 246 multiple sclerosis pregnancies, 151 exposed to glatiramer acetate and 95 unexposed to disease-modifying therapies during pregnancy. Three (2.2%) congenital anomalies occurred in the exposed and 6 (6.7%) in the control group. We did not observe an increase in other adverse pregnancy or delivery outcomes including spontaneous abortions, preterm birth, Cesarean sections, or reduced birth weight in the exposed group.

Conclusion:

Our data provide further evidence that glatiramer acetate exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy appears safe and without teratogenic effect. These findings provide important additive knowledge to better counsel women with multiple sclerosis in planning a pregnancy.
Tocilizumab and multiple sclerosis: a causal relationship? Clinical Commentary on the case report entitled – MS arising during Tocilizumab therapy for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Comabella Manuel
Published: January 2016

This clinical commentary discusses on the potential relationship between multiple sclerosis (MS) and tocilizumab in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who developed MS while on treatment with this anti-interleukin-6 agent.
European multiple sclerosis risk variants in the south Asian population
Authors: Pandit Lekha , Ban Maria , Beecham Ashley Harris , McCauley Jacob L , Sawcer Stephen , D’Cunha Anitha , Malli Chaitra , Malik Omar
Published: January 2016

Background:

In less than a decade, genomewide association studies have identified over 100 single-nucleotide variants that are associated with increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis. However, since these studies have focused almost exclusively on European populations, it is unclear what role these variants might play in determining risk in other ethnic groups.

Objective:

To assess the effects of European multiple sclerosis–associated risk variants in the south Asian population.

Methods:

Using a combination of chip-based genotyping and next-generation sequencing, we have assessed 109 European-associated variants in a total of 270 cases and 555 controls from the south Asian population.

Results:

We found that two-thirds of the tested variants (72/109) showed over representation of the European risk allele in south Asian cases ( p < 0.0003). In the rest of the Immunochip array, the most associated variant was rs7318477 which maps close to TNFSF13B, the gene for the B-cell-related protein BAFF.

Conclusion:

Our data indicate substantial overlap in genetic risk architecture between Europeans and south Asians and suggest that the aetiology of the disease may be largely independent of ethnicity.
Soluble TREM-2 in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with multiple sclerosis treated with natalizumab or mitoxantrone
Authors: Öhrfelt Annika , Axelsson Markus , Malmeström Clas , Novakova Lenka , Heslegrave Amanda , Blennow Kaj , Lycke Jan , Zetterberg Henrik
Published: January 2016

Background:

Microglia-mediated proteolysis of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM-2) produces soluble TREM-2 (sTREM-2) that can be measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. Loss-of-function mutations in TREM2 or in the gene encoding its adaptor protein cause the rare Nasu–Hakola disease (NHD). Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that in common with NHD is characterized by demyelination and microglial activation.

Objective:

To investigate the potential utility of sTREM-2 as a biomarker for MS and to follow treatment effects.

Methods:

sTREM-2 was analyzed in CSF samples from subjects with MS ( N = 59); relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) ( N = 36), secondary progressive MS (SPMS) ( N = 20) and primary progressive MS (PPMS) ( N = 3), and controls ( N = 27). CSF levels of sTREM-2 were also assessed before and after treatment of patients with natalizumab or mitoxantrone.

Results:

CSF levels of sTREM-2 were significantly increased in patients with RRMS, SPMS, and PPMS compared with controls. After natalizumab treatment, the levels of sTREM-2 were normalized to control levels. The levels of sTREM-2 were also reduced after mitoxantrone treatment.

Conclusion:

Increased CSF levels of sTREM-2, a new marker of microglial activation, in MS and normalization upon treatment with either natalizumab or mitoxantrone support a role for microglial activation in active MS.
Mothers’ and fathers’ attendance in a community-based universally offered parenting program in Sweden
Authors: Wells Michael B. , Sarkadi Anna , Salari Raziye
Published: January 2016

Aim: Using a public health perspective, this study examined the characteristics of mothers and fathers who attended, compared to those who did not attend, a community-based practitioner-led universally offered parenting program. Method: Mothers (141) and fathers (96) of 4- to 5-year-olds completed a set of questionnaires, including their demographic characteristics, their child’s behavioral and emotional problems, and their own parenting behavior. They were all then given the opportunity to attend level 2 of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. During the first six months of the study, 33 mothers and 11 fathers opted to attend the program. Results: The relation between program attendance and parental characteristics was similar for mothers and fathers. In general, fathers, non-native and lower educated parents were less likely to attend the program. Mothers, but not fathers, were more likely to attend if they reported more child behavior problems, while fathers, but not mothers, were observed at a trend level to attend if they perceived their child as having more emotional problems. In addition, parents in general were more likely to attend if they used more harsh parenting strategies. Conclusions: Although the universal offer did not reach parents universally, generally those parents who needed it were more likely to attend. Furthermore, this study shows that different factors may impact mothers’ and fathers’ attendance; therefore, parental data should be analyzed separately and different recruitment strategies should be used for mothers and fathers.
Investigating the factorial structure and availability of work time control in a representative sample of the Swedish working population
Authors: Albrecht Sophie C. , Kecklund Göran , Tucker Philip , Leineweber Constanze
Published: January 2016

Aims: Past research has often neglected the sub-dimensions of work time control (WTC). Moreover, differences in levels of WTC with respect to work and demographic characteristics have not yet been examined in a representative sample. We investigated these matters in a recent sample of the Swedish working population. Methods: The study was based on the 2014 data collection of the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health. We assessed the structure of the WTC measure using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Differences in WTC by work and demographic characteristics were examined with independent sample t-tests, one-way ANOVAs and gender-stratified logistic regressions. Results: Best model fit was found for a two-factor structure that distinguished between control over daily hours and control over time off (root mean square error of approximation = 0.06; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.09; Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.99). Women, shift and public-sector workers reported lower control in relation to both factors. Age showed small associations with WTC, while a stronger link was suggested for civil status and family situation. Night, roster and rotating shift work seemed to be the most influential factors on reporting low control over daily hours and time off. Conclusions: Our data confirm the two-dimensional structure underlying WTC, namely the components ‘control over daily hours’ and ‘control over time off’. Women, public-sector and shift workers reported lower levels of control. Future research should examine the public health implications of WTC, in particular whether increased control over daily hours and time off can reduce health problems associated with difficult working-time arrangements.
‘Make it another for me and my mates’: Does social capital encourage risky drinking among the Danish general population?
Authors: Seid Abdu k. , Hesse Morten , Bloomfield Kim
Published: January 2016

Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between several indicators of social capital and risky single occasion drinking (RSOD) in a representative survey sample of the Danish general population. Methods: Data from the 2011 Danish national survey ( n=2569) with respondents aged 15–79 years were used. Ordered logit modelling was applied to investigate the influence of social networks, social support, social participation and trust on RSOD. Results: A strong positive relationship was found between frequency of contact with male friends and RSOD between both sexes. Furthermore, social trust among men and membership in voluntary organisations among women was significantly associated with RSOD. Additionally, contact with male family members for women and active participation in religious services for both sexes were strongly and negatively correlated with RSOD. Conclusions: Some aspects of social capital can be positively related to at-risk health behaviours, as was found for RSOD in the Danish general population.
Theory and interpretation in qualitative studies from general practice: Why and how?
Authors: Malterud Kirsti
Published: January 2016

Objective: In this article, I want to promote theoretical awareness and commitment among qualitative researchers in general practice and suggest adequate and feasible theoretical approaches. Approach: I discuss different theoretical aspects of qualitative research and present the basic foundations of the interpretative paradigm. Associations between paradigms, philosophies, methodologies and methods are examined and different strategies for theoretical commitment presented. Finally, I discuss the impact of theory for interpretation and the development of general practice knowledge. Main points: A scientific theory is a consistent and soundly based set of assumptions about a specific aspect of the world, predicting or explaining a phenomenon. Qualitative research is situated in an interpretative paradigm where notions about particular human experiences in context are recognized from different subject positions. Basic theoretical features from the philosophy of science explain why and how this is different from positivism. Reflexivity, including theoretical awareness and consistency, demonstrates interpretative assumptions, accounting for situated knowledge. Different types of theoretical commitment in qualitative analysis are presented, emphasizing substantive theories to sharpen the interpretative focus. Such approaches are clearly within reach for a general practice researcher contributing to clinical practice by doing more than summarizing what the participants talked about, without trying to become a philosopher. Conclusions: Qualitative studies from general practice deserve stronger theoretical awareness and commitment than what is currently established. Persistent attention to and respect for the distinctive domain of knowledge and practice where the research deliveries are targeted is necessary to choose adequate theoretical endeavours.
Human resource practices and innovation in the hotel industry: The mediating role of human capital
Authors: Nieves Julia , Quintana Agustín
Published: January 2016

Recent investigations suggest that human resource practices influence organisational performance through their effect on key mediating variables. However, the link between human resource management practices and innovation performance is yet to be determined and little is known about the variables that can mediate this relation. The diverse results of studies in this field seem to suggest that the sector of activity may determine specific aspects of this relation. By analysing data from a single industry, this paper aims to increase understanding of the mediating role of human capital in the relation between human resource management practices and innovation. Data from a survey of 109 firms managing hotel establishments in Spain show that, in the hotel industry, some human resource management practices affect innovation through their influence on human capital. Recruitment and selection human resource management practices, however, do not enhance the level of human capital of the firms studied, although they do determine their innovation performance.
Relearning to travel in Santiago: the importance of mobile place-making and travelling know-how
Authors: Jirón Paola A , Imilan Walter Alejandro , Iturra Luis
Published: January 2016

Cities today are experiencing constant, significant and abrupt infrastructural and spatial transformations. This is particularly evident in Metropolitan cities and more specifically, in cities in the Global South. Over the last decade, the implementation of Transantiago – a new public transport system – created greater awareness about the relevance of mobility practices in everyday life in the city. The intervention generated general unrest and particular daily challenges to Santiago’s residents requiring them to suddenly adapt, relearn and create ways of making sense of the complex situation that took place. It also generated major challenges for Transantiago implementers, who had to quickly react to the importance of everyday mobility experiences. Based on ethnographic research on mobility practices in Santiago de Chile prior and after Transantiago, this article presents the idea of mobile place-making as well as the various strategies urban travellers develop to adapt and create new ways of making sense of the city on a daily basis as it transforms. The results explore how travellers creatively find ways of learning or relearning to use new mobile spaces based on a travelling know-how which thickens the more mobility is practised, thus providing new possibilities within these places on the move.
Multifractal analysis of crack patterns in reinforced concrete shear walls
Authors: Ebrahimkhanlou Arvin , Farhidzadeh Alireza , Salamone Salvatore
Published: January 2016

Conventionally, the assessment of reinforced concrete shear walls relies on manual visual assessment which is time-consuming and depends heavily on the skills of the inspectors. The development of automated assessment employing flying and crawling robots equipped with high-resolution cameras and wireless communications to acquire digital images and advance image processing to extract crack patterns has paved the path toward implementing an automated system which determines structural damage based on visual signals acquired from structures. Since there are few, if any, studies to correlate crack patterns to structural integrity, this article proposes to analyze crack patterns using a multifractal analysis. The approach is initially tested on synthetic crack patterns, and then it is applied to a set of experimental data collected during the testing of two large-scale reinforced concrete shear wall subjected to controlled reversed cyclic loading. The structural response data available for each specimen are used to link the multifractal parameters with the structural performance of the two specimens. A relationship between the multifractal parameters and the crack patterns’ evolution and mechanism is noted. The results show that as the crack patterns extend and grow, multifractal parameters move toward higher values. The parameters jump as the mechanical response shows severe stiffness loss. In this study, no attempt is made to automate the process of mapping cracks from images.
The identification of damage types in carbon fiber–reinforced plastic cross-ply laminates using a novel fiber-optic acoustic emission sensor
Authors: Yu Fengming , Wu Qi , Okabe Yoji , Kobayashi Satoshi , Saito Kazuya
Published: January 2016

In this study, a phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating sensor was employed for acoustic emission detection in cross-ply carbon fiber–reinforced plastic laminates. First, we evaluated the response of the phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating sensor to a simulated acoustic emission source using a pencil lead breakage test. The existing modes of Lamb waves were observed, and their relations to the acoustic emission source orientation were investigated using a modal acoustic emission method for discriminating between acoustic emission signals generated by transverse cracking and delamination. As a result, those two types of damage were identified during a tensile test. In the time–frequency analysis of the waveforms detected by the phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating sensor, in addition to the S0 and A0 modes that are usually used in modal acoustic emissions, we found an A1 mode in the high-frequency range of the acoustic emission generated by a transverse crack. Then, we conducted a finite element analysis to examine the inherent mechanism of the A1 mode excitation. The results of the calculation almost agreed with the experimental results and indicated that a phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating sensor has a high sensitivity response to acoustic emission in the carbon fiber–reinforced plastic laminates over a broad bandwidth. Therefore, this novel fiber-optic sensor has been shown to have high potential for monitoring the ultrasonic structural health of composites.
Social Environment, Public Opinion, and Judicial Policymaking a Search for Judicial Representation
Authors: Pruet George W. , Glick Henry R.
Published: January 2016

An important theme in research on judicial policymaking is a search for the role of courts as representative political institutions. The most general way that courts represent the public is through the relationship of patterns of judicial decisions to local public opinion and values. Most previous research provides only indirect evidence that courts represent public opinion. We examine the separate and combined effects of public opinion and social environments on criminal court sentencing as a way of isolating the effect of public opinion and progressing toward a general theory of judicial representation. The article examines patterns of sentencing in all 20 Florida judicial circuits. The findings are that courts do not respond to public opinion but they are sensitive to various social contexts surrounding the courts, particularly urban crime environments and the size of the nonwhite population. High crime rates and large nonwhite populations do stimulate public concern with crime, but public opinion does not relate to sentencing. High crime rates actually reduce sentencing severity. The article concludes that judicial representation does not occur and that it is incorrect for researchers to substitute crime rates for direct measures of public opinion in the mistaken belief that courts will respond to crime rates in the same way the public does.
The 1984 Democratic Nomination Process: The Significance of Unpledged Superdelegates
Authors: Southwell Priscilla L.
Published: January 2016

This article analyzes the votes of party leaders and elected officials, or superdelegates, at the 1984 Democratic convention. Analysis of state-level data reveals that unpledged superdelegates voted overwhelmingly for Walter Mondale, even in those 26 states in which Gary Hart or Jesse Jackson won the primary or caucus. This Mondale advantage among unpledged superdelegates was substantial enough in many of these states to tip the balance of the state's delegation away from Hart or Jackson. The candidate preferences of these unpledged superdelegates were also in direct constrast to those of pledged superdelegates; the latter were more likely to reflect the preferences of voters in their state's primary or caucus. Analysis of hypothetical delegate vote totals at the convention reveals that Mondale would have had a much tighter race for the nomination without the votes of unpledged superdelegates; he might have been denied a first-ballot victory. The effects of unpledged superdelegates on the 1984 Democratic nomination process therefore raise important questions about the desirability of this most recent reform within the party.
Dosimetric Considerations in Respiratory-Gated Deep Inspiration Breath-Hold for Left Breast Irradiation
Authors: Walston Steve , Quick Allison M. , Kuhn Karla , Rong Yi
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

To present our clinical workflow of incorporating AlignRT for left breast deep inspiration breath-hold treatments and the dosimetric considerations with the deep inspiration breath-hold protocol.

Material and Methods:

Patients with stage I to III left-sided breast cancer who underwent lumpectomy or mastectomy were considered candidates for deep inspiration breath-hold technique for their external beam radiation therapy. Treatment plans were created on both free-breathing and deep inspiration breath-hold computed tomography for each patient to determine whether deep inspiration breath-hold was beneficial based on dosimetric comparison. The AlignRT system was used for patient setup and monitoring. Dosimetric measurements and their correlation with chest wall excursion and increase in left lung volume were studied for free-breathing and deep inspiration breath-hold plans.

Results:

Deep inspiration breath-hold plans had significantly increased chest wall excursion when compared with free breathing. This change in geometry resulted in reduced mean and maximum heart dose but did not impact lung V20 or mean dose. The correlation between chest wall excursion and absolute reduction in heart or lung dose was found to be nonsignificant, but correlation between left lung volume and heart dose showed a linear association. It was also identified that higher levels of chest wall excursion may paradoxically increase heart or lung dose.

Conclusion:

Reduction in heart dose can be achieved for many left-sided breast and chest wall patients using deep inspiration breath-hold. Chest wall excursion as well as left lung volume did not correlate with reduction in heart dose, and it remains to be determined what metric will provide the most optimal and reliable dosimetric advantage.
Blame Their Mothers: Public Opinion About Maternal Employment as a Cause of Juvenile Delinquency
Authors: Pickett Justin T.
Published: January 2016

Juvenile justice reformers and practitioners have long blamed mothers for juvenile delinquency, identifying maternal employment as a key cause of youthful offending. The current study uses data from registered voters ( N = 10,144) to examine public views about whether maternal employment in two-parent households promotes juvenile delinquency. The results show that only a small minority of citizens blame working mothers for youth crime. The findings also reveal that views about the criminogenic consequences of maternal employment for children are predicted by factors that are strongly associated with gendered self-interest and exposure to nonegalitarian narratives. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Innovative work in school development
Authors: Vennebo Kirsten Foshaug
Published: January 2016

Leadership is recognised in both policy and research as a key enabler of innovation in schools. Numerous researchers have focused on how school leaders formally narrate their experiences of leading innovations including their observations of effect; however, modest attention has been paid to the processes through which leaders engage in innovative work. This study focuses on the work of project teams running Norwegian school projects that aim to advance teaching and enhance student learning using information and communication technologies. By employing cultural-historical activity theory, leadership is examined as enactment that is consequential to the directions of the work. The findings demonstrate that the locus of agentive actions change from moment to moment within sequences of interactions. Thus, leadership in this kind of work is not under the control of any of the actors involved or any specific individual: the centre does not hold. The study contributes to understanding leadership in innovative work by demonstrating how leadership is an outcome in emergent multi-voiced work processes. Moreover, the study indicates that the ‘making of newness’ involves innovative work at collective and individual levels, and suggests that projects conducted between loosely coupled partners would profit from adopting routines for the management of interactions.
Cross-cultural Conflict about Property Rights in Wild Animals in Australia: Law and Cinema
Authors: Wright Nancy E. , Buck A.R.
Published: January 2016

Pierson v. Post is widely known to both jurists and law students in relation to the question of property rights in wild animals. This article builds on Pierson v. Post and its literature by analyzing the question of ferae naturae in the context of settler and indigenous conflict on the Australian frontier in the nineteenth century. By examining both case law and the cinematic representation of the conflict over property rights on the frontier, it is argued that an understanding of the legal issues relating to ferae naturae is enhanced by an appreciation of the complexity of cross-cultural communication.
Higher education as a pedagogical site for citizenship education
Authors: Davids Nuraan , Waghid Yusef
Published: January 2016

That the issue of violence sits uneasily on the conscience of higher education is evident in the view that educated people are as likely as uneducated people to participate in violence. The concern of conscience is equally prevalent in the view that the public role of the university is ‘the responsibility of a community of thinking’. This means that higher education has an equal potentiality and (im)potentiality for violence. In this article, we offer a threefold argument that the university classroom in democratic South Africa offers a relevant pedagogical site to teach citizenship education. First, higher education should be a pedagogical space where deliberative, compassionate and cosmopolitan encounters are cultivated; second, an active citizenship education is needed to prepare students to deal with violence; and third, a citizenship education in becoming seems to be most appropriate to contend with the unexpected challenges posed by violence.
The emerging role of endothelin-1 in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia
Authors: Saleh Langeza , Verdonk Koen , Visser Willy , van den Meiracker Anton H. , Danser A. H. Jan
Published: January 2016

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is the most frequently encountered medical complication during pregnancy. It is characterized by a rise in systemic vascular resistance with a relatively low cardiac output and hypovolemia, combined with severe proteinuria. Despite the hypovolemia, renin–angiotensin system (RAS) activity is suppressed and aldosterone levels are decreased to the same degree as renin. This suggests that the RAS is not the cause of the hypertension in PE, but rather that its suppression is the consequence of the rise in blood pressure. Abnormal placentation early in pregnancy is widely assumed to be an important initial event in the onset of PE. Eventually, this results in the release of anti-angiogenic factors [in particular, soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)] and cytokines, leading to generalized vascular dysfunction. Elevated sFlt-1 levels bind and inactivate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Of interest, VEGF inhibition with drugs like sunitinib, applied in cancer patients, results in a PE-like syndrome, characterized by hypertension, proteinuria and renal toxicity. Both in cancer patients treated with sunitinib and in pregnant women with PE, significant rises in endothelin-1 occur. Multiple regression analysis revealed that endothelin-1 is an independent determinant of the hypertension and proteinuria in PE, and additionally a renin suppressor. Moreover, studies in animal models representative of PE, have shown that endothelin receptor blockers prevent the development of this disease. Similarly, endothelin receptor blockers are protective during sunitinib treatment. Taken together, activation of the endothelin system emerges as an important pathway causing the clinical manifestations of PE. This paper critically addresses this concept, taking into consideration both clinical and preclinical data, and simultaneously discusses the therapeutic consequences of this observation.
Towards teaching and beyond: Strengthening education by understanding students’ self-awareness development
Authors: Flavian Heidi
Published: January 2016

In the current era, when information is accessible to all, students are less motivated to invest in long learning processes. Thus, teachers need to focus on education while developing along the way their students’ self-fulfillment that is based on realistic self-awareness. By developing students’ motivation to delve into the information they can easily access, students also learn to develop their own thinking and understanding of the same information everyone has. The question is how to develop self-awareness. This year-long case study applied teaching processes based on the Mediated Learning Experience approach to 16 fourth-grade students via four of their teachers. Focus groups, individual interviews, and observations were used to collect the data, which then underwent discourse analysis. The teachers indicated that, by basing their teaching on building reciprocity and meaningful learning processes according to the Mediated Learning Experience criteria, they better understood the unique self-awareness that each student developed. Their understanding helped them to enhance their students’ internal motivation, and maintain an improved atmosphere in class.
Emerging Therapies for Acute and Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Hanigan Sarah , DiDomenico Robert J.
Published: January 2016

Although the period from 1953 to 2001 resulted in the approval of more than 30 medications currently used to treat heart failure (HF), few novel drugs have been approved in the last decade. However, the investigational pipeline for HF medications once again appears promising. In patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), ivabradine and valsartan/sucubitril (LCZ696) were recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Both agents have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and HF hospitalization. In the treatment of acute HF, serelaxin and ularitide are the farthest along in development. Both agents have demonstrated favorable effects on surrogate end points and preliminary data suggest a possible mortality benefit with serelaxin. Consequently, phase 3 trials are ongoing to evaluate the effect of serelaxin and ularitide on clinical outcomes. Given the poor history of recent investigational acute HF drugs that have advanced to phase 3/4 studies, enthusiasm for both serelaxin and ularitide must be tempered until these trials are completed.
Characteristics of Tenure-Line Faculty in Leadership Preparation Programs: An Analysis of Academic Preparation and Administrative Experience
Authors: Hackmann Donald G. , Malin Joel R. , McCarthy Martha M.
Published: January 2016

This study investigated the credentials of 755 tenure-line educational leadership faculty members, using data collected through an online questionnaire. Findings disclosed that research institutions were significantly more likely than doctoral or comprehensive institutions to hire faculty with a PhD from a research university and who identified research as their primary professional strength. A greater proportion of faculty in comprehensive universities had served as school administrators before entering academe than was the case for those at research universities. These findings have significant implications for the field, given that an increasing number of school leaders nationally are prepared at comprehensive institutions.
Characteristic brain MRI findings in ataxia-neuropathy spectrum related to POLG mutation
Authors: Henao Adriana I , Pira Sonia , Herrera Diego A , Vargas Sergio A , Montoya Jorge , Castillo Mauricio
Published: January 2016

Patients with mutations in the polymerase gamma gene (POLG) may present with progressive ataxia and in such situations neuroimaging findings may suggest the diagnosis. Herein we report a patient with a POLG gene W748S homozygous mutation and characteristic lesions in the thalamus, cerebellum and inferior olivary nucleus seen on magnetic resonance imaging.
Brain MRI abnormalities in the adult form of myotonic dystrophy type 1: A longitudinal case series study
Authors: Conforti Renata , de Cristofaro Mario , Cristofano Adriana , Brogna Barbara , Sardaro Angela , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Cirillo Sossio , Di Costanzo Alfonso
Published: January 2016

This study aimed to verify whether brain abnormalities, previously described in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), progressed over time and, if so, to characterize their progression. Thirteen DM1 patients, who had at least two MRI examinations, were retrospectively evaluated and included in the study. The mean duration (± standard deviation) of follow-up was 13.4 (±3.8) years, over a range of 7–20 years. White matter lesions (WMLs) were rated by semi-quantitative method, the signal intensity of white matter poster-superior to trigones (WMPST) by reference to standard images and brain atrophy by ventricular/brain ratio (VBR). At the end of MRI follow-up, the scores relative to lobar, temporal and periventricular WMLs, to WMPST signal intensity and to VBR were significantly increased compared to baseline, and MRI changes were more evident in some families than in others. No correlation was found between the MRI changes and age, onset, disease duration, muscular involvement, CTG repetition and follow-up duration. These results demonstrated that white matter involvement and brain atrophy were progressive in DM1 and suggested that progression rate varied from patient to patient, regardless of age, disease duration and genetic defect.
‘Pseudofailure’ of spinal cord stimulation for neuropathic pain following a new severe noxious stimulus: learning points from a case series of failed spinal cord stimulation for complex regional pain syndrome and failed back surgery syndrome
Authors: Muquit Samiul , Moussa Ahmad Abdelhai , Basu Surajit
Published: January 2016

Failure of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may be due to hardware problems, migration of electrodes and, in the long-term, plasticity in the spinal cord with habituation to the stimulation current. We describe a series of seven patients who experienced acute therapeutic loss of SCS effects following an acute nociceptive event unrelated to primary pathology. There were no hardware problems. We called this ‘Pseudofailure’, as the effective stimulation returned in all patients following a period off stimulation or reprogramming. This phenomenon has not been reported previously in the literature. Over a 4-year period, we managed seven patients with this feature: four had received SCS for complex regional pain syndrome and three for failed back surgery syndrome. In all seven cases, there was cessation of the pain relief afforded by SCS following an acute painful event: four patients had trauma, two patients had domestic electric shock and one patient suffered shingles (varicella zoster infection). We excluded hardware-related problems in all cases. In two patients, SCS effects could be regained by an initial attempt at reprogramming. In the remaining five cases reprogramming was unsuccessful, and stimulation was switched off for several months before recommencing, when we discovered a return of good therapeutic effect. We conclude that SCS may seem to fail following a separate strong nociceptive stimulus. Stimulation may be regained with reprogramming or following a period with stimulation switched off. We would, therefore, advise against removal of SCS hardware in the first instance.
Discharge summaries for patients undergoing acute scrotal exploration: Are we providing accurate essential information?
Authors: Sarmah Piyush B , Devarajan Raghuram
Published: January 2016

Objective:

To investigate the accuracy of electronic discharge summaries (EDSs) written for patients who had undergone acute scrotal exploration for suspected testicular torsion.

Methods:

We reviewed the operation notes and EDSs for 169 admissions over a 52-month period where patients had undergone acute scrotal exploration for suspected acute testicular torsion and reviewed the correlation between what was written in these documents, focusing on laterality of pain, operative findings and procedure performed.

Results:

We found that the side of testicular pain was not mentioned in 14.8% of EDSs, the operative findings recorded on the EDS did not correlate to those on the operation notes in 17.2% of cases and the overall procedure performed did not correlate in 35.5% (with most of these relating to the laterality of the operation). The fact that an operative procedure happened at all was not mentioned in 4.7% ( n = 8) of the EDSs.

Conclusions:

The information in such an important medical document needs to be accurate, and we advocate that the person performing the operation should initiate the discharge summary process, where EDS use is the norm for discharge. Junior doctors entering urology departments must also be trained on the key information to be included in urological EDSs.
Anatomy of the Adductor Magnus Origin
Authors: Obey Mitchel R. , Broski Stephen M. , Spinner Robert J. , Collins Mark S. , Krych Aaron J.
Published: January 2016

Background:

The adductor magnus (AM) has historically been a potential source of confusion in patients with suspected proximal hamstring avulsion injuries.

Purpose:

To investigate the anatomic characteristics of the AM, including its osseous origin, anatomic dimensions, and relationship to the proximal hamstring tendons.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Dissection of the AM origin was performed in 11 (8 cadavers) fresh-frozen hip-to-foot cadaveric hemipelvis specimens. The gross anatomy and architecture of the proximal hamstring and AM tendons were studied. After dissecting the hamstring tendons away from their origin, the dimension, shape, and orientation of the tendon footprints on the ischial tuberosity were determined.

Results:

The AM was identified in all cadaveric specimens. The mean tendon thickness (anterior to posterior [AP]) was 5.7 ± 2.9 mm. The mean tendon width (medial to lateral [ML]) was 7.1 ± 2.2 mm. The mean tendon length was 13.1 ± 8.7 cm. The mean footprint height (AP dimension) was 12.1 ± 2.9 mm, and mean footprint width (ML dimension) was 17.3 ± 7.1 mm. The mean distance between the AM footprint and the most medial aspect of the conjoint tendon footprint was 8.5 ± 4.2 mm. Tendon measurements demonstrated a considerable degree of both intra- and interspecimen variability.

Conclusion:

The AM tendon is consistently present just medial to the conjoint tendon at the ischial tuberosity, representing the lateral-most portion of the AM muscle. This study found wide variation in the dimensional characteristics of the AM tendon between specimens. Its shape and location can mimic the appearance of an intact hamstring (conjoint or semimembranosus) tendon intraoperatively or on diagnostic imaging, potentially misleading surgeons and radiologists. Therefore, detailed knowledge of the AM tendon anatomy, footprint anatomy, and its relationship to the hamstring muscle complex is paramount when planning surgical approach and technique.

Clinical Relevance:

The reported data may aid surgeons in more accurate recognition, diagnosis, and repair of proximal hamstring avulsion injuries.