bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exenatide Reduces Final Infarct Size in Patients With ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Short-Duration of Ischemia
Authors: Lønborg Jacob , Kelbæk Henning , Vejlstrup Niels , Bøtker Hans Erik , Kim Won Yong , Holmvang Lene , Jørgensen Erik , Helqvist Steffen , Saunamäki Kari , Terkelsen Christian Juhl , Schoos Mikkel Malby , Køber Lars , Clemmensen Peter , Treiman Marek , Engstrøm Thomas
Published: April 2012

Background—

Exenatide has been demonstrated to be cardioprotective as an adjunct to primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of the post hoc analysis study was to evaluate the effect of exenatide in relation to system delay, defined as time from first medical contact to first balloon.

Methods and Results—

Patients with STEMI and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow 0/1 were randomly assigned to intravenous exenatide or placebo continuous infusion. Study treatment was commenced 15 minutes before intervention and maintained for 6 hours after the procedure. The patients were stratified according to median system delay (132 minutes). Final infarct size and myocardial area at risk were measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Among patients with a system delay ≤132 minutes (n=74), treatment with exenatide resulted in a smaller infarct size (9 grams [interquartile range (IQR), 4–13] versus 13 grams [IQR, 8–24],
P
=0.008, corresponding to 8% [IQR, 4–12] versus 11% [IQR, 7–17] of the left ventricle,
P
=0.015). In a regression analysis adjusting for myocardial area at risk the data points of the exenatide group lay significantly lower than for the placebo group (
P
=0.006). In the patients with system delay >132 minutes (n=74) no difference was observed in infarct size expressed as grams (
P
=0.49) or percentage (
P
=0.46). There was significant interaction between system delay (less than or equal to median versus greater than median) and treatment allocation in terms of infarct size (
P
=0.018).

Conclusions—

In this post hoc analysis, exenatide treatment was associated with a 30% decrease in final infarct size in patients with short system delay, whereas no cardioprotective effect in patients with long system delay was seen. However, this finding must be confirmed in larger studies.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00835848.
Patient Satisfaction at America's Lowest Performing Hospitals
Authors: Girotra Saket , Cram Peter , Popescu Ioana
Published: April 2012

Background—

Previous studies have identified hospitals with poor performance on cardiac process measures. How these hospitals fare in other domains, such as patient satisfaction, remains unknown.

Methods and Results—

We used Hospital Compare data to identify hospitals reporting acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and heart failure (HF) process measures during 2006 to 2008, and calculated respective composite performance scores. Using these scores, we classified hospitals as low-performing (bottom decile for all 3 years), top-performing (top decile for all 3 years), and intermediate (all others). We used Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems 2008 data to compare overall satisfaction between low, intermediate, and top-performing hospitals. Low-performing hospitals had fewer beds, fewer nurses per patient, and were more likely rural, safety-net hospitals located in the South, compared with intermediate and top-performing hospitals (
P
<0.01 for all). After adjusting for hospital characteristics, patients were less likely to recommend low-performing hospitals to family or friends, relative to intermediate and top-performing hospitals (AMI: 58.8% versus 63.9% versus 68.8%, HF: 61.3% versus 64.0% versus 66.8%;
P
<0.001 for all), or provide an overall rating of ≥9 out of 10 (AMI: 56.7% versus 60.7% versus 64.9%, HF: 57.8% versus 61.1% versus 63.6%;
P
<0.01 for all). Despite the association between the hospital's performance on process measures and patient satisfaction, we noted discordance between these measures (kappa statistic <0.20).

Conclusions—

Hospitals with consistently poor performance on cardiac process measures also have lower patient satisfaction on average, suggesting that these hospitals have overall poor quality of care. However, there is discordance between the 2 measures in profiling hospital quality.
Do Differences in Repeat Revascularization Explain the Antianginal Benefits of Bypass Surgery Versus Percutaneous Coronary Intervention?
Authors: Arnold Suzanne V. , Magnuson Elizabeth A. , Wang Kaijun , Serruys Patrick W. , Kappetein A. Pieter , Mohr Friedrich W. , Cohen David J.
Published: April 2012

Background—

Patients with multivessel coronary disease treated with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) have less angina than those treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); however, there is uncertainty as to the mechanism of greater angina relief with CABG and whether more frequent repeat revascularization in patients treated with PCI could account for this treatment difference.

Methods and Results—

In the Synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery trial, 1800 patients with 3-vessel or left main coronary artery disease were randomized to CABG or PCI with paclitaxel-eluting stents. Health status was assessed at baseline, 1, 6, and 12 months, using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form General Health Survey, and the association between repeat revascularization and health status during follow-up was assessed using longitudinal models. In adjusted analyses, patients who underwent repeat revascularization had worse angina frequency scores than patients who did not in both treatment groups, with differences of 8.5 points at 6 months and 3.1 points at 12 months in patients treated with PCI and 19.8 points at 6 months and 11.2 points at 12 months in patients with patients treated with CABG. Among patients who did not require repeat revascularization, the adjusted effect of CABG versus PCI on 12-month angina frequency scores was nearly identical to the overall benefit in the intention-to-treat analysis.

Conclusions—

Among patients with multivessel coronary artery disease treated with PCI or CABG, the occurrence of repeat revascularization during follow-up did not fully explain the antianginal benefit of CABG in the overall population. The differential association between repeat revascularization and anginal status, according to the type of initial revascularization procedure, suggests that this end point should play a limited role in any direct comparison of the 2 treatment strategies.

Clinical Trial Registration—

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00114972.
The Chest Pain Choice Decision Aid
Authors: Hess Erik P. , Knoedler Meghan A. , Shah Nilay D. , Kline Jeffrey A. , Breslin Maggie , Branda Megan E. , Pencille Laurie J. , Asplin Brent R. , Nestler David M. , Sadosty Annie T. , Stiell Ian G. , Ting Henry H. , Montori Victor M.
Published: April 2012

Background—

Cardiac stress testing in patients at low risk for acute coronary syndrome is associated with increased false-positive test results, unnecessary downstream procedures, and increased cost. We judged it unlikely that patient preferences were driving the decision to obtain stress testing.

Methods and Results—

The Chest Pain Choice trial was a prospective randomized evaluation involving 204 patients who were randomized to a decision aid or usual care and were followed for 30 days. The decision aid included a 100-person pictograph depicting the pretest probability of acute coronary syndrome and available management options (observation unit admission and stress testing or 24–72 hours outpatient follow-up). The primary outcome was patient knowledge measured by an immediate postvisit survey. Additional outcomes included patient engagement in decision making and the proportion of patients who decided to undergo observation unit admission and cardiac stress testing. Compared with usual care patients (n=103), decision aid patients (n=101) had significantly greater knowledge (3.6 versus 3.0 questions correct; mean difference, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.34–1.0), were more engaged in decision making as indicated by higher OPTION (observing patient involvement) scores (26.6 versus 7.0; mean difference, 19.6; 95% CI, 1.6–21.6), and decided less frequently to be admitted to the observation unit for stress testing (58% versus 77%; absolute difference, 19%; 95% CI, 6%–31%). There were no major adverse cardiac events after discharge in either group.

Conclusions—

Use of a decision aid in patients with chest pain increased knowledge and engagement in decision making and decreased the rate of observation unit admission for stress testing.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01077037.
Endothelial Cell Palmitoylproteomic Identifies Novel Lipid-Modified Targets and Potential Substrates for Protein Acyl Transferases
Authors: Marin Ethan P. , Derakhshan Behrad , Lam TuKiet T. , Davalos Alberto , Sessa William C.
Published: April 2012

Rationale:

Protein S-palmitoylation is the posttranslational attachment of a saturated 16-carbon palmitic acid to a cysteine side chain via a thioester bond. Palmitoylation can affect protein localization, trafficking, stability, and function. The extent and roles of palmitoylation in endothelial cell (EC) biology is not well-understood, partly because of technological limits on palmitoylprotein detection.

Objective:

To develop a method using acyl-biotinyl exchange technology coupled with mass spectrometry to globally isolate and identify palmitoylproteins in ECs.

Methods and Results:

More than 150 putative palmitoyl proteins were identified in ECs using acyl-biotinyl exchange and mass spectrometry. Among the novel palmitoylproteins identified is superoxide dismutase-1, an intensively studied enzyme that protects all cells from oxidative damage. Mutation of cysteine-6 prevents palmitoylation, leads to reduction in superoxide dismutase-1 activity in vivo and in vitro, and inhibits nuclear localization, thereby supporting a functional role for superoxide dismutase-1 palmitoylation. Moreover, we used acyl-biotinyl exchange to search for substrates of particular protein acyl transferases in ECs. We found that palmitoylation of the cell adhesion protein platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 is dependent on the protein acyl transferase ZDHHC21. We show that knockdown of ZDHHC21 leads to reduced levels of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 at the cell surface.

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate the utility of EC palmitoylproteomics to reveal new insights into the role of this important posttranslational lipid modification in EC biology.
Role of the MMP9 Gene in Hemorrhagic Transformations After Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Treatment in Stroke Patients
Authors: Fernández-Cadenas Israel , del Río-Espínola Alberto , Carrera Caty , Domingues-Montanari Sophie , Mendióroz Maite , Delgado Pilar , Rosell Anna , Ribó Marc , Giralt Dolors , Quintana Manolo , Castellanos Mar , Obach Victor , Martínez Sergi , Freijo Mari Mar , Jiménez-Conde Jordi , Roquer Jaume , Martí-Fábregas Joan , Molina Carlos A. , Álvarez-Sabín José , Montaner Joan
Published: April 2012

Background and Purpose—

Despite the benefits of tissue-type plasminogen activator treatment, some stroke patients experience adverse hemorrhagic transformations (HT). Plasma protein levels of MMP9 have been associated with HT occurrence. We aimed to analyze the association of the
MMP9
gene with HT occurrence.

Methods—

We analyzed the
MMP9
gene in blood samples from 885 stroke patients treated with tissue-type plasminogen activator by tag-SNP, imputed SNP, direct sequencing, and RNA expression.

Results—

We did not observe any significant association between
MMP9
genetic variations or
MMP9
expression and HT occurrence. Moreover, no association was found between
MMP9
expression and
MMP9
polymorphisms.

Conclusions—

Genetic variations in the
MMP9
gene are not associated with HT occurrence in tissue-type plasminogen activator-treated patients.
Multicenter Experience on Eversion Versus Conventional Carotid Endarterectomy in Symptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Demirel Serdar , Attigah Nicolas , Bruijnen Hans , Ringleb Peter , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Fraedrich Gustav , Böckler Dittmar
Published: April 2012

Background and Purpose—

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is beneficial in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. However, randomized trials have not provided evidence concerning the optimal CEA technique, conventional or eversion.

Methods—

The outcome of 563 patients within the surgical randomization arm of the Stent-Protected Angioplasty versus Carotid Endarterectomy in Symptomatic Patients (SPACE-1) trial was analyzed by surgical technique subgroups: eversion endarterectomy versus conventional endarterectomy with patch angioplasty. The primary end point was ipsilateral stroke or death within 30 days after surgery. Secondary outcome events included perioperative adverse events and the 2-year risk of restenosis, stroke, and death.

Results—

Both groups were similar in terms of demographic and other baseline clinical variables. Shunt frequency was higher in the conventional CEA group (65% versus 17%;
P
<0.0001). The risk of ipsilateral stroke or death within 30 days after surgery was significantly greater with eversion CEA (9% versus 3%;
P
=0.005). There were no statistically significant differences in the rate of perioperative secondary outcome events with the exception of a significantly higher risk of intraoperative ipsilateral stroke rate in the eversion CEA group (4% versus 0.3%;
P
=0.0035). The 2-year risk of ipsilateral stroke occurring after 30 days was significantly higher in the conventional CEA group (2.9% versus 0%;
P
=0.017).

Conclusions—

In patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, conventional CEA appears to be associated with better periprocedural neurological outcome than eversion CEA. Eversion CEA, however, may be more effective for long-term prevention of ipsilateral stroke. These findings should be interpreted with caution noting the limitations of the post hoc, nonrandomized nature of the analysis.
Total and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Stroke Risk
Authors: Zhang Yurong , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Jousilahti Pekka , Wang Yujie , Antikainen Riitta , Hu Gang
Published: April 2012

Background and Purpose—

The association of total and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol with stroke risk is unclear, especially regarding hemorrhagic stroke.

Methods—

We prospectively investigated the associations of serum total and HDL cholesterol and total/HDL cholesterol ratio with total and type-specific stroke incidence among 58 235 Finnish people aged 25 to 74 years and free of coronary heart disease and stroke at baseline.

Results—

During a mean follow-up period of 20.1 years, 3914 participants developed stroke events (3085 ischemic, 497 intracerebral hemorrhage, and 332 subarachnoid hemorrhage). The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios at different levels of total cholesterol (<5 [reference], 5–5.9, 6–6.0, ≥7.0 mmol/L) were 1.00, 1.05, 1.16, and 1.22 for total stroke (
P
trend
=0.036) and 1.00, 1.06, 1.19, and 1.27 for ischemic stroke (
P
trend
=0.02) in men and 1.00, 0.58, 0.61, and 0.50 for intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke (
P
trend
=0.02) in women, respectively. Low levels of HDL cholesterol and high total/HDL cholesterol ratio were associated with increased risks of total and ischemic stroke in both men and women. These associations disappeared in men but remained significant in women after further adjustment for body mass index, blood pressure, and history of diabetes.

Conclusions—

The study showed a positive association between total cholesterol and total and ischemic stroke risks in men and an inverse association between total cholesterol and intrahemorrhagic stroke risk in women. The inverse association of HDL cholesterol and a positive association of total/HDL cholesterol ratio with total and ischemic stroke risks were found in men and women. These associations attenuated after adjustment for body mass index, blood pressure, and history of diabetes.
Does the Application of X-Ray Contrast Agents Impair the Clinical Effect of Intravenous Recombinant Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients?
Authors: Dzialowski Imanuel , Puetz Volker , Buchan Alastair M. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Hill Michael D.
Published: April 2012

Background and Purpose—

Experimental data suggest a negative interaction between x-ray contrast agents and fibrinolytic efficacy of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA). We hypothesized that the application of a contrast agent before intravenous thrombolysis with rtPA reduces its clinical efficacy in acute ischemic stroke.

Methods—

We retrospectively studied consecutive ischemic stroke patients receiving contrast agents for computed tomography angiography before intravenous treatment with rtPA. We compared functional outcomes with an historical control group from the Canadian Alteplase for Stroke Effectiveness Study who did not receive contrast agents before thrombolysis with rtPA. Primary end point was favorable functional outcome at 90 days defined as modified Rankin Scale scores 0 to 2. We performed logistic regression analysis and a propensity score matching analysis to estimate the effect size of contrast agent use as a negative predictor of outcome.

Results—

We identified 111 patients for the computed tomography angiography and 1119 patients for the control group. Proportions of favorable functional outcome were 47.7% (53/111 patients) for the computed tomography angiography group and 49.5% (542/1094 patients) for the control group (
P
=0.77). Adjusted probabilities for favorable outcome were 0.48 (95% CI, 0.37–0.58) and 0.51 (95% CI, 0.47–0.54), respectively. Contrast use was associated with reduced odds of favorable outcome (OR, 0.62
;
95% CI, 0.38–0.99). Propensity score matching suggested a larger effect size (OR, 10.0%; 95% CI, 0.5%–19.3%).

Conclusions—

Our study did not show a significant negative clinical effect of x-ray contrast agents applied before intravenous thrombolysis with rtPA. However, to confirm a possible small negative interaction between contrast agents and rtPA, additional experimental and prospective clinical studies are needed.
Can states buy peace? Social welfare spending and civil conflicts
Authors: Taydas Zeynep , Peksen Dursun
Published: April 2012

This study examines whether the state’s ability to provide social welfare services has any major effect on the probability of civil conflict onset. We argue that welfare spending contributes to sustaining peace because the provision of social services reduces grievances by offsetting the effects of poverty and inequality in society. Welfare spending serves as an indication of the commitment of the government to social services and reflects its priorities and dedication to citizens. By enacting welfare policies that improve the living standards of citizens, governments can co-opt the political opposition and decrease the incentives for organizing a rebellion. Utilizing time-series, cross-national data for the 1975–2005 period, the results indicate that as the level of the government investment in welfare policies (i.e. education, health, and social security) increases, the likelihood of civil conflict onset declines significantly, controlling for several other covariates of internal conflict. Additional data analysis shows that general public spending and military expenditures are unlikely to increase or decrease the probability of civil unrest. Overall, these findings suggest that certain types of public spending, such as welfare spending, might have a strong pacifying effect on civil conflict, and therefore the state’s welfare efforts are vital for the maintenance of peace.
Structural determinants of human rights prosecutions after democratic transition
Authors: Kim Hun Joon
Published: April 2012

Over the last three decades, a growing number of countries have experienced a transition from authoritarianism to democracy, and the new governments have been increasingly expected to address past human rights violations. While the academic literature on the impact of human rights prosecution is relatively well developed, the literature on the causes of such prosecution is still sparse. Why do states pursue criminal prosecutions against former state officials on the charge of human rights violations? This article answers this question by testing three key theories: the balance of power between old and new elites, transnational advocacy networks, and the diffusion theory. I conduct a cross-national study of 71 countries that were in a state of democratic transitions between 1980 and 2006, using a new dataset on domestic human rights prosecutions. I find strong evidence to support the transnational advocacy networks and diffusion explanations. First, active domestic and international human rights advocacy for individual criminal accountability is a key factor guaranteeing persistent and frequent human rights prosecutions. My study further shows that domestic advocacy plays a crucial role in criminal prosecutions of high-profile state officials while international pressure is more effective in promoting prosecutions of low-profile officials. Second, the diffusion theory is also supported since the occurrence of human rights prosecution in neighboring countries is a relevant factor. Interestingly, transitional countries are most sensitive to trials occurring in culturally or linguistically similar countries and this supports the constructivist norm diffusion theory, which focuses on the role of identity and communication in the diffusion process. However, I find that the power balance explanation, which has been the prevailing explanation, is valid only for the immediate use of human rights prosecutions.
Supportive Parenting as a Moderator of Perceived Ethnic/Racial Discrimination’s Associations With Psychological and Academic Adjustment
Authors: Kam Jennifer A. , Bámaca-Colbert Mayra Y.
Published: April 2012

With the academic risk and resilience perspective, this study examined whether global, authority, and teacher discrimination were indirectly related to academic motivation through self-esteem and depressive symptoms (H1), determined whether supportive maternal and paternal parenting moderated such associations (H2), and considered developmental differences (H3 & RQ1). Using self-reported data from 338 Mexican-origin female adolescents, the results partially supported the hypotheses. Indirect association and moderation were found among middle adolescent females of Mexican descent, but not for early adolescent females. Among middle adolescent females of Mexican descent, global discrimination was indirectly related to academic motivation through self-esteem but not through depressive symptoms. Supportive maternal parenting and supportive paternal parenting were moderators for Mexican-origin middle adolescent females but in unexpected ways.
Removed from the Bargaining Table
Authors: Traverso Diego Barría , Moreno Eduardo Araya , Drouillas Oscar
Published: April 2012

As a candidate, Michelle Bachelet asserted that hers would be a citizens’ government. This gave the impression that she would create a favorable climate for social actors such as the Central Unitaria de Trabajadores (Unitary Workers’ Federation–CUT) to participate in the policy-making process. Instead, while the government treated the federation as labor’s representative both for negotiating the minimum wage and for reaching agreements in important labor conflicts, these gains took place in a context in which the federation’s action served the government’s interests. In contrast to the situation under previous Concertación governments, the federation, like most social actors, was only allowed to express its points of view before the advisory commissions of technocrats that were entrusted with the responsibility of making policy. Paradoxically, however, the outcome was more favorable for its interests because of the disposition, at least discursively, of Bachelet’s government to move forward on matters that the CUT had long considered “pending issues.”

Como candidata, Michelle Bachelet acertó que el suyo sería un gobierno ciudadano. Esto dio la impresión de que crearía un clima favorable para los actores sociales como la Central Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT) para que participen en el proceso de la toma de decisiones. En vez, mientras el gobierno trataba con la federación como representante laboral en negociaciones sobre el salario mínimo y en acuerdos en importantes conflictos laborales, estos avances tomaron lugar en un contexto en donde las acciones de la federación servían al interés del gobierno. Contrastándose con la situación en previos gobiernos concertacionistas, la federación, a igual que otros actores sociales, solo se le permitía expresar sus puntos frente comisiones de asesoro en donde se confiaba la responsabilidad en la toma de decisiones a los tecnócratas. Paradójicamente y sin embargo el resultado fue mas favorable a sus intereses por causa de la disposición, por lo menos divagadora, del gobierno de Bachelet en avanzar en materia que la CUT había considerado por largo tiempo como “asuntos pendientes.”
Inferring the Emotions of Friends Versus Strangers
Authors: Ma-Kellams Christine , Blascovich Jim
Published: April 2012

Three studies examined cross-cultural differences in empathic accuracy (the ability to correctly infer another’s emotional experience) within the context of different relationships. East–West cultural differences in self-construal were hypothesized to differentiate levels of empathic accuracy across relationship types. In contrast to the independent self prevalent among members of Western cultures, members of Eastern cultures generally view the self as interdependent with those with whom they have a relationship. Easterners, relative to Westerners, are more concerned with the thoughts or feelings of close others and less concerned with the thoughts or feelings of those with whom they have no relational link (i.e., strangers). Across three studies, the authors found that East Asians, compared with European Americans, made more accurate inferences regarding the emotions of close others (i.e., friends), but less accurate inferences regarding the emotions of strangers. Furthermore, individual differences in interdependent self-construal among East Asians predicted the degree of empathic accuracy.
The chicken or the egg? The trade-off between bank fee income and net interest margins
Authors: Williams Barry , Rajaguru Gulasekaran
Published: April 2012

This study considers the time series relationship between bank fee income and bank net interest margins in Australia, applying panel vector autoregressions to a unique, hand-collected dataset. Increases in bank fee income are being used to supplement decreases in net interest margins. The increase in magnitude of fee income associated with reductions in margin income is smaller than the decrease in net interest margins, resulting in a net wealth transfer favouring users of bank services; although not all users of bank services gained and/or gained equally. The overall increase in fee income is marginally greater that the reduction in margin income. It is argued that banks have responded to falling margin revenue by increasing their range of fee-based services, especially insurance. Increases in fee income are found to pre-date declines in margin income, thus Australian banks were pro-active in the process of disintermediation.

JEL Classifications: G21, G11, C33
Complications of Arthroscopic Meniscectomy in the Older Population
Authors: Hame Sharon L. , Nguyen Virginia , Ellerman Jessica , Ngo Stephanie S. , Wang Jeffrey C. , Gamradt Seth C.
Published: April 2012

Background: Complications of arthroscopic meniscectomy in the older population have not been established.

Purpose: To determine the risk and relative risk of developing pyogenic arthritis (PA), a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE) in an older population of patients who have undergone arthroscopic meniscectomy.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Men and women ≥65 years old who underwent procedures coded as CPT-29880 (medial and lateral meniscectomy) and CPT-29881 (medial or lateral meniscectomy) were identified in the Medicare Standard Analytic Files database from 2005 to 2008. Identified patients were analyzed for gender and postoperative complications, including PA, DVT, and PE, occurring within 90 days of the index operation.

Results: Overall, 314,578 patients (119,814 men and 194,764 women) were identified. With respect to the Current Procedural Terminology codes, 131,420 patients were coded 29880 and 183,158 patients were coded 29881. In the study population, 0.4% (1107 patients) developed PA, 0.8% (2507 patients) developed a DVT, and 0.3% (982 patients) developed a PE. Among male patients, 0.4% developed PA, 0.7% developed a DVT, and 0.2% developed a PE. Among female patients, 0.3% developed PA, 0.8% developed a DVT, and 0.3% developed a PE. Overall, men had a statistically significant higher relative risk of PA and women had a statistically significant higher relative risk of DVT and PE.

Conclusion: Postoperative complications, including PA, DVTs, and PEs, are rare in patients ≥65 years old. However, gender-specific differences in the rate and type of postoperative complications may exist. Further studies in this population are warranted.
Culture, Recognition, and the Negotiation of Difference
Authors: Agyeman Julian , Erickson Jennifer Sien
Published: April 2012

Recognizing, understanding, and engaging difference, diversity, and cultural heterogeneity in creative and productive ways requires cultural competency. In this article, we first define culture, difference, and equality as a platform to call for a broader conception of culture in the planning profession than that implicit in multiculturalism. Second, we discuss how a broader appreciation of culture is the foundation of planning for intercultural communities, which provides a new rationale for understanding why cultural competency skills are central to planning education. Finally, we offer a framework for planning schools to integrate cultural competency themes across the curriculum.
Protective effects of protocatechuic acid on TCDD-induced oxidative and histopathological damage in the heart tissue of rats
Authors: Ciftci Osman , Disli Olcay Murat , Timurkaan Necati
Published: April 2012

2,3,7,8-Tetracholorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) is a highly toxic environmental contaminant that causes severe toxic effects in animal and human. In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of TCDD and the preventive effects of protocatechuic acid (PCA), a widespread phenolic compound, in the heart tissue of rats. For this purpose, 3–4 months old 28 rats with 280–310 g body weights were equally divided into 4 groups (control, TCDD, PCA, TCDD + PCA group). A 2 μg/kg dose of 2,3,7,8-TCDD and 100 mg/kg dose of PCA were dissolved in corn oil and given orally to the rats for 45 days. The results indicated that TCDD induced oxidative stress by increasing the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and by decreasing the levels of glutathione, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in the heart tissue of rats. In contrast, PCA treatment prevents the toxic effects of TCDD on oxidative stress. In addition, histopathological alterations such as necrosis and hemorrhage occurred in TCDD group, and PCA treatment partially prevents these alterations in heart tissue. In this study, it was concluded that TCDD exposure led to toxic effects in heart tissue and PCA treatment could prevent the toxicity of TCDD.
A Framework for Understanding Modifications to Measures for Diverse Populations
Authors: Stewart Anita L. , Thrasher Angela D. , Goldberg Jack , Shea Judy A.
Published: April 2012

Objectives:

Research on health disparities and determinants of health disparities among ethnic minorities and vulnerable older populations necessitates use of self-report measures. Most established instruments were developed on mainstream populations and may need adaptation for research with diverse populations. Although information is increasingly available on various problems using these measures in diverse groups, there is little guidance on how to modify the measures. A framework of issues to consider when modifying measures for diverse populations is presented.

Methods:

The authors describe reasons for considering modifications, the types of information that can be used as a basis for making modifications, and the types of modifications researchers have made. Recommendations are made to test modified measures to assure their appropriateness, and suggestions are provided on reporting modifications in publications using the measures.

Discussion:

The issues open a dialogue about what appropriate guidelines would be for researchers adapting measures in studies of ethnically diverse populations.
Investigation of the effect of cutting speed and vibration amplitude on cutting forces in ultrasonic-assisted milling
Authors: Abootorabi Zarchi Mohammad M , Razfar Mohammad R , Abdullah Amir
Published: April 2012

In this article, critical cutting speed in ultrasonic-assisted milling has been calculated and tool–workpiece separation zones have been determined analytically. In order to investigate the ultrasonic-assisted milling process, a special experimental setup has been designed and established that applies one dimensional vibration to the workpiece. Cutting forces in conventional milling and ultrasonic-assisted milling processes have been measured experimentally and the effect of cutting speed and workpiece vibration amplitude on cutting forces have been investigated. As cutting speed increases, the degree of tool–workpiece engagement in one tool revolution increases; as a result, the effect of ultrasonic vibration on milling process decreases and cutting forces in ultrasonic-assisted milling and conventional milling processes become closer to each other. An increase in vibration amplitude increases the reduction rate of cutting forces in the ultrasonic-assisted milling process compared with conventional milling process.
Truth, science, and psychology
Authors: Haig Brian D. , Borsboom Denny
Published: April 2012

According to the correspondence theory of truth, a proposition is true if and only if the world is as the proposition says it is. This theory has been both promoted and rejected by philosophers and scientists down through time. In this paper, we adopt the correspondence theory as a plausible theory of truth and relate it to science. First, we briefly outline the major extant theories of truth. We then present the correspondence theory in a form that enables us to show that the theory uniquely fulfills a crucial function in psychological research, because the interpretation of truth claims as suppositions that concern states of affairs in the world clearly explicates what it means for a theory to be true, and what it means for a theory to be false. For this reason, correspondence truth has the advantage of allowing researchers to properly understand the assumptions of scientific research as claims about the factual state of the world, and to scrutinize these assumptions. It is concluded that correspondence truth plays an important part in our understanding of science, including psychology.
The impacts of an invasive species citizen science training program on participant attitudes, behavior, and science literacy
Authors: Crall Alycia W. , Jordan Rebecca , Holfelder Kirstin , Newman Gregory J. , Graham Jim , Waller Donald M.
Published: April 2012

Citizen science can make major contributions to informal science education by targeting participants’ attitudes and knowledge about science while changing human behavior towards the environment. We examined how training associated with an invasive species citizen science program affected participants in these areas. We found no changes in science literacy or overall attitudes between tests administered just before and after a one-day training program, matching results from other studies. However, we found improvements in science literacy and knowledge using context-specific measures and in self-reported intention to engage in pro-environmental activities. While we noted modest change in knowledge and attitudes, we found comparison and interpretation of these data difficult in the absence of other studies using similar measures. We suggest that alternative survey instruments are needed and should be calibrated appropriately to the pre-existing attitudes, behavior, and levels of knowledge in these relatively sophisticated target groups.
Labour and trade union cultures: the idiosyncratic experience of the European dockworkers in the 19th to the 21st centuries
Authors: Pigenet Michel
Published: April 2012

Nothing predisposed the ports, where random hiring-and-firing practices reigned supreme and anyone could turn up in the hope of a few hours’ work, to become bastions of trade union strength able to perform the astonishing feat of forging a distinction between flexible work and casual labour. Yet this is what happened in the immediate post-war period when ports and docklands entered the third age of cargo-handling services, a phase characterized for the dockworkers by guaranteed terms of employment that marked the completion of a long process of struggle for recognition and definition of their specific occupational status. Whether in relation to hiring procedures or the tasks performed, the dockworkers of 2010 have little in common with those of the 1950s or 1930s; little, that is, except for a culture that continues to form the basis of a collective identity in which trade unionism is still very much a live force. These developments have received, curiously enough, scant attention, no doubt because the highly specific features of work in the ports made it extremely difficult to export elsewhere what was a unique set of sectional corporatist gains. And yet this experience does raise questions that transcend sectional occupational considerations in the search for alternatives to contingent and precarious labour practices.
The representation of non-standard workers. Theory and culture of collective bargaining1
Authors: Cella Gian Primo
Published: April 2012

This article starts by looking at the intriguing similarities between the ends of the 19th and 20th centuries as far as the relationships between work and systems or structures of production are concerned. It considers the possible options for representing non-standard (or atypical) workers that can be usefully drawn from the past. Work is termed atypical as compared to the institutionalized forms dominant in the era of Taylorist-Fordist industrial production, although atypical work today has significant precedents in the 19th century. With regard to trade union cultures and policies, the thesis is that only by changing the logic and the practice of bargaining action, drawing inspiration from the theory of the Webbs, can suitable forms of representation be found for those components of non-standard labour more distant from the well-defined, stylized figure of the worker of the industrial age. This is a perspective that can represent both extremes of workers that offer their labour on the market: the highly skilled semi-independent worker, and the contingent worker with generic skills, who is possibly a member of the working poor. This could open the way for a unionism under which few would be excluded from collective representation, even if not ‘collective’ in the way understood in the past.
Lessons That Bear Repeating and Repeating That Bears Lessons
Authors: Smigel Eric , McDonald Nan L.
Published: April 2012

This theory-to-practice article focuses on interdisciplinary classroom activities based on principles of minimalism in modern music, art, and poetry. A lesson sequence was designed for an inner-city Grades 4 and 5 general classroom of English language learners, where the unit was taught, assessed, and documented by the authors. Included in the article is a detailed teaching script for use by classroom teachers, music teachers, and related arts specialists for Grades 4–8. Readers are guided through lesson materials, instructions, interactive hands-on activities, and assessments for young students with little or no background in music or other arts.
Understanding Social Work in the History of Ideas
Authors: Soydan Haluk
Published: April 2012

Objectives:

The purpose of this article is to present a theoretical frame of reference for the study and assessment of social work from the perspective of a history of ideas.

Method:

The study employed an analysis of primary and secondary historical sources.

Results:

Social work as a practice and research field is embedded in the genesis of modern social science as developed by the Scottish School of thinking, and organized practice for the betterment of life conditions of individuals, groups, and communities.

Conclusion:

The history of ideas of social work provides a theoretical frame of reference for identifying the historical roots of social work, defining its core as well as professional and research territory relative to other professions and disciplines, and placing evidence-based social work practice in a historical context.
Reducing Sexual Risk Behaviors for HIV/STDs in Women With Alcohol Use Disorders
Authors: Langhorst Diane M. , Choi Y. Joon , Keyser-Marcus Lori , Svikis Dace S.
Published: April 2012

Objective: A pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) examined effectiveness of HIV/STD Safer Sex Skills Building + Alcohol (SSB+A) intervention for women with Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) in a residential treatment setting. Method: After randomizing thirty-six women with AUDs and reporting having intercourse with a male partner in the past 180 days to SSB+A or HE (standard HIV/STD education) groups, rates of penetrative intercourse with and without condoms at 60 day and 180 day follow-up were compared between SSB+A or HE groups. Results: There was a significant difference in mean number of sex acts with condoms between SSB+A and HE groups over time. Specifically, SSB+A and HE groups did not differ at 60 day follow-up, but at 180 day follow-up, mean sex acts with condoms among SSB+A group was significantly higher than HE. Conclusion: Pilot study findings affirm the effectiveness of the SSB+A in reducing sexual risk behaviors of AUD women and support the need for further research, testing the SSB+A intervention in a larger sample of women and across different treatment modalities. The present study also illustrates the critical link between practice and use of a step by step model of intervention research.
Middle East Experience in Palliative Care
Authors: Zeinah Ghaith F. Abu , Al-Kindi Sadeer G. , Hassan Azza Adel
Published: April 2012

Palliative Care (PC) is still a relatively new concept in the Middle East (ME). It was first introduced in Saudi Arabia in 1992 and only recently in countries such as Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE. Although the majority of Middle-Eastern countries, including Palestine, Iraq, Oman and Lebanon are in the capacity building phase, others such as Saudi and Jordan already have localized provision. In the absence of any of the ME countries approaching integration with the mainstream service providers, Saudi Arabia and Jordan are currently setting examples of achievement in the field. There are still countries with little or no known Palliative Care activity (Yemen and Syria). Political issues, scarcity of resources, and lack of education and awareness seem to be the common factors restricting the progress of this field in most countries. In order to improve the suboptimal PC services in the ME, emphasis should be directed toward providing formal education to professionals and raising awareness of the public. It is also necessary to put all differences aside and develop cross-border collaborations, whether through third party organizations such as the Middle East Cancer Consortium (MECC) or otherwise. This review compiles the available literature on the history and progress of the field of PC in most ME countries, while pointing out the major obstacles encountered by the active parties of each country.
The Impact of Pavement Type and Roughness on Paint Marking Retroreflectivity
Authors: Zhang Guanghua , Hummer Joseph E. , Rasdorf William , Mastin Neil
Published: April 2012

This article addresses the impact of asphalt type and roughness on paint pavement marking retroreflectivity. Marking retroreflectivity and pavement roughness data were collected on two-lane highways in North Carolina. A t test was used to analyze the data. It was found that the mean values of the retroreflectivity measurements for the plant mixed pavements are significantly higher than those for the bituminous surface treatment (BST; chip seal) pavements. The mean left-wheel international roughness index (IRI) values and right-wheel IRI values for plant mixed pavements are lower than for the BST pavement. The conclusion is that marking crews should consider applying higher-quality paint markings (thicker paint and more glass beads) on BST pavements to achieve the same service life as the markings on plant mixed pavements. This would provide drivers with a more consistent and uniform marking retroreflectivity and the agency or municipality with a more consistent marking schedule.
Preferential voting and the party–electorate relationship in Slovakia
Authors: Beblavý Miroslav , Veselkova Marcela
Published: April 2012

In this article we use concentration of electoral support for individual candidates and divergence between party and electorate preferences for candidates to test hypotheses about the party–electorate relationship. We test these using data from preferential voting in Slovak general elections between 1998 and 2010. Our results suggest that low concentration is associated with parties based on ideology and high concentration with parties based on leadership. Age of the party fails to predict the concentration or the divergence. For coalitions, type of coalition matters in regard to divergence. Furthermore, we document that divergence increases with the size of the electoral support, though this seems to be true only for larger parties.
Examining the ‘demand’ side of the market for political activism
Authors: Ramiro Luis , Morales Laura
Published: April 2012

This article examines the ‘demand’ side of the market for political activism and analyses the extent to which grassroots activists of political parties and politically oriented civil society organizations (CSOs) resemble or differ. With data from several surveys of CSO and Green party activists in Spain we evaluate how much the pool of members from all these organizations are part of what can be identified as a single market of activists. After describing the socio-economic, political socialization and recruitment backgrounds, as well as the internal and external engagement of activists, we conclude that – while sharing some common features – activists of CSOs and Green parties are less alike than frequently assumed and that the analogy of a single market of political activism may be more misleading than helpful in our understanding of the challenges that parties face to counteract declining membership trends.