bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Prospective, Clinical Study on Asymptomatic Sensitisation and Development of Allergic Rhinitis: High Negative Predictive Value of Allergological Testing
Authors: Bodtger Uffe , Assing Kristian , Poulsen Lars K.
Published: February 2011

Background: Asymptomatic aeroallergen sensitisation affects approximately 10% of Western adolescents and is an established risk factor for the development of respiratory allergy. The reported incidence is 2–20% annually. Previous studies are based on out-seasonal symptom recollection or selected populations, conferring bias towards higher incidence rates. Objective: The aim was to determine the incidence of onset of symptoms among clinically well-characterised asymptomatic, sensitised subjects compared with controls, and to evaluate the predictive values of common allergological tests. Methods: We performed a prospective, clinical, non-interventional, 2-year follow-up study on subjects (identified by population screening) with seasonal allergic birch or grass pollen rhinitis (n = 52), asymptomatic sensitisation to grass or birch (AS, n = 52) or non-atopic, healthy control subjects (n = 39). Experimental allergen susceptibility was assessed at inclusion and at follow-up by skin prick test, conjunctival challenge, intradermal late-phase reaction and measurement of specific IgE. Participants completed in-seasonal symptom and medication diaries during 2 subsequent seasons. Results: We observed an annual incidence rate of 5% for the onset of symptoms in the AS group (healthy control group 0%). At baseline, the AS group displayed intermediate experimental allergen susceptibility. Subjects developing symptoms had higher levels of specific IgE and larger late-phase reaction than those persistently asymptomatic. However, the positive predictive values were low (14–27%) in contrast to the negative predictive values (95–100%). Conclusion: In a well-characterised young population, asymptomatic aeroallergen sensitisation conferred a low risk for onset of symptoms during the 2-year follow-up. Persistent asymptomatic phenotype could be accurately predicted by negative results from simple allergological testing.
Hypersensitivity Reactions to Contrast Media: Prevalence, Risk Factors and the Role of Skin Tests in Diagnosis – A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Goksel Ozlem , Aydın Omur , Atasoy Cetin , Akyar Serdar , Demirel Yavuz Selim , Misirligil Zeynep , Bavbek Sevim
Published: February 2011

Background: Hypersensitivity to contrast media (CMs) may be common and serious. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of CM hypersensitivity, risk factors associated with it and the role of skin testing in its diagnosis. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to patients who underwent computed tomography during a 1-year period. Skin tests with CMs, including skin prick tests (SPTs), intradermal tests (IDTs) and patch tests (PTs), were conducted on CM reactors (n = 24). Volunteers who tolerated CM exposure or had never been exposed to any CMs served as controls (n = 37). Results: A total of 1,131 patients (630 females and 501 males; mean age 55 ± 14.2 years) were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of historical and current CM reactors was 33/1,131 (2.92%) and 8/1,105 (0.72%), respectively. The skin was the most affected site, with mild to moderate reactions. Female gender, a history of doctor-diagnosed asthma, drug allergy, food allergy and psychiatric diseases were significant risk factors. The sensitivities of SPTs and early readings of IDTs in the diagnosis of immediate reactions were 0 and 20%, respectively, and the specificities were 94.6 and 91.4%, respectively. For early readings of IDTs, the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 40 and 80%, respectively. For nonimmediate reactions, the sensitivities of delayed readings of IDTs and PTs were 14.3 and 25%, respectively; specificity was 100% for both tests. The PPV was 100% for both of these tests, and the NPVs were 85.4 and 82.4%, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings are comparable with the incidence, profile and risk factors associated with CM hypersensitivity reported previously. Skin testing with CMs has a high specificity, but its role in diagnosis is limited due to low sensitivity.
High White Matter Lesion Load Is Associated with Hippocampal Atrophy in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Eckerström C. , Olsson E. , Klasson N. , Bjerke M. , Göthlin M. , Jonsson M. , Rolstad S. , Malmgren H. , Wallin A. , Edman Å.
Published: February 2011

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a heterogeneous condition suggested as a prodromal state of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and subcortical vascular dementia (SVD). Recent findings suggest that white matter lesions (WML) may be associated with hippocampal atrophy. The objective of the study was to examine hippocampal and WML volumes in MCI patients and to examine if WML were linked to hippocampal atrophy. Methods: The Gothenburg MCI study is a clinically based longitudinal study with biennial clinical assessments. The participants (n = 166) consist of 92 patients with stable MCI, 30 patients with converting MCI, and 44 healthy controls. WML volumes was measured manually using MRIcron. Automated segmentation of hippocampal and total white matter volumes was performed using FreeSurfer. Results: The patients converting from MCI to dementia had reduced hippocampal volume. Stable MCI patients had fewer WML and converting MCI patients had more WML compared to controls. Hippocampal volume was only correlated to WML volume (ρ = 0.57; p < 0.01) in the quartile (n = 42) with the most WML. Conclusions: Hippocampal atrophy is present in both AD and SVD. Hippocampal volume was associated with WML volume only in the high WML quartile, suggesting that the WML volume must reach a threshold before hippocampal atrophy is seen.
Application of Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Detecting Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Liu Yen-Wen , Su Chi-Ting , Wang Saprina P.H. , Yang Chun-Shin , Huang Jenq-Wen , Hung Kuan-Yu , Chen Jyh-Hong , Tsai Wei-Chuan
Published: February 2011

Background: Satisfactory and noninvasive diagnostic tools for coronary artery disease (CAD) are not available in hemodialysis patients. We aimed to elucidate a reliable tool to diagnose CAD in these patients. Methods: 102 hemodialysis patients received 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography with left ventricular (LV) strain analysis and blood tests for cardiac troponin T, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-18. Results: The levels of biomarkers did not differ between patients with and without CAD. The factors associated with CAD were decreased circumferential strain, decreased global longitudinal strain, and the number of LV segments with decreased longitudinal strain. Logistic regression analyses showed that the number of LV segments with decreased longitudinal strain, over 6 segments, was strongly associated with CAD in hemodialysis patients (OR 12.08, 95% CI 3.724–39.209). Conclusions: The noninvasive modality of speckle-tracking echocardiography with strain analysis is efficient and objective for identifying CAD in hemodialysis patients.
Impact of Panretinal Photocoagulation on Optic Nerve Head Parameters
Authors: Cankaya Ali Bulent , Ozdamar Yasemin , Ozalp Solmaz , Ozkan Seyhan Sonar
Published: February 2011

Background: To investigate the impact of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) on quantitative optic nerve head (ONH) assessment in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Methods: Eighty eyes of 80 diabetic patients who did not undergo PRP and 45 eyes of 45 subjects with diabetes who underwent PRP were enrolled in the prospective, cross-sectional study. Participants were evaluated by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO). The global values of ONH parameters were compared among the groups. Results: The eyes that had been treated with PRP had a significantly greater rim area (1.84 ± 0.45 vs. 1.68 ± 0.30 mm2), smaller cup/disc area ratio (0.14 ± 0.12 vs. 0.19 ± 0.12), smaller linear cup/disc ratio (0.34 ± 0.17 vs. 0.42 ± 0.14) and shallower cup depth (0.15 ± 0.09 vs. 0.18 ± 0.07 mm) than controls (p = 0.021, p = 0.019, p = 0.007, p = 0.04, respectively). On the other hand, PRP-treated eyes were found to have a significantly thinner mean peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer compared with the eyes in the control group (0.21 ± 0.08 vs. 0.25 ± 0.09 mm; p = 0.029). Conclusions: These results suggest that the ONH morphology in eyes treated with PRP may be altered to mask glaucomatous cupping due to PRP itself. Therefore caution must be taken to interpret the CSLO parameters obtained from eyes that have been treated with PRP.
Familial History of Stroke Is Associated With Acute Coronary Syndromes in Women
Authors: Banerjee Amitava , Lim Chris C.S. , Silver Louise E. , Welch Sarah J.V. , Banning Adrian P. , Rothwell Peter M.
Published: February 2011

Background—

Stroke in female first-degree relatives (FDRs) is a powerful risk factor for ischemic stroke in women, but its association with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is unknown. Family history (FH) of stroke is omitted from existing myocardial infarction risk prediction tools, which perform less well in women than in men. Our objective was to study the sex-of-parent and sex-of-proband interactions for FH of stroke in ACS patients.

Methods and Results—

In a prospective, population-based study (Oxford Vascular Study) of all patients with ACS or stroke/transient ischemic attack, FH data for stroke and myocardial infarction were analyzed by sex of proband and FDRs, and coronary angiograms were reviewed, where available; 942 of 1058 ACS probands and 1015 of 1152 stroke/transient ischemic attack probands had complete FH data; 24.1% of ACS probands and 24.3% of stroke/transient ischemic attack probands had history of stroke in ≥1 FDR. Maternal stroke was more common than paternal stroke in female ACS probands (odds ration [OR], 2.53; 1.39 to 4.61) but not in male probands (OR, 0.92; 0.64 to 1.32) (difference-
P
=0.004). Overall, female ACS probands were more likely to have female than male FDRs with stroke (OR, 2.09; 1.29 to 3.37), whereas the opposite trend was seen in male ACS probands (OR, 0.69; 0.50 to 0.97) (difference-
P
=0.0002). However, there was no association between parental history of stroke and disease localization or presence of multivessel disease on coronary angiography.

Conclusions—

FH of stroke is as common in ACS patients as in stroke/transient ischemic attack patients and sex-of-parent/sex-of-proband interactions are similar. Stroke in female FDRs may help to identify women at increased risk of ACS as well as ischemic stroke.
Chromatin Remodeling in Cardiovascular Development and Physiology
Authors: Han Pei , Hang Calvin T. , Yang Jin , Chang Ching-Pin
Published: February 2011

Chromatin regulation provides an important means for controlling cardiac gene expression under different physiological and pathological conditions. Processes that direct the development of normal embryonic hearts and pathology of stressed adult hearts may share general mechanisms that govern cardiac gene expression by chromatin-regulating factors. These common mechanisms may provide a framework for us to investigate the interactions among diverse chromatin remodelers/modifiers and various transcription factors in the fine regulation of gene expression, essential for all aspects of cardiovascular biology. Aberrant cardiac gene expression, triggered by a variety of pathological insults, can cause heart diseases in both animals and humans. The severity of cardiomyopathy and heart failure correlates strongly with abnormal cardiac gene expression. Therefore, controlling cardiac gene expression presents a promising approach to the treatment of human cardiomyopathy. This review focuses on the roles of ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling factors and chromatin-modifying enzymes in the control of gene expression during cardiovascular development and disease.
Can Innate, Modular “Foundations” Explain Morality? Challenges for Haidt's Moral Foundations Theory
Authors: Suhler Christopher L. , Churchland Patricia
Published: February 2011

Jonathan Haidt's Moral Foundations Theory is an influential scientific account of morality incorporating psychological, developmental, and evolutionary perspectives. The theory proposes that morality is built upon five innate “foundations,” each of which is believed to have been selected for during human evolution and, subsequently, tuned-up by learning during development. We argue here that although some general elements of Haidt's theory are plausible, many other important aspects of his account are seriously flawed. First, innateness and modularity figure centrally in Haidt's account, but terminological and conceptual problems foster confusion and ambiguities. Second, both the theory's proposed number of moral foundations and its taxonomy of the moral domain appear contrived, ignoring equally good candidate foundations and the possibility of substantial intergroup differences in the foundations' contents. Third, the mechanisms (viz., modules) and categorical distinctions (viz., between foundations) proposed by the theory are not consilient with discoveries in contemporary neuroscience concerning the organization, functioning, and development of the brain. In light of these difficulties, we suggest that Haidt's theory is inadequate as a scientific account of morality. Nevertheless, the theory's weaknesses are instructive, and hence, criticism may be useful to psychologists, neuroscientists, and philosophers attempting to advance theories of morality, as well as to researchers wishing to invoke concepts such as innateness and modularity more generally.
Migration-Specific Hassles Among Adolescent Immigrants From the Former Soviet Union in Germany and Israel
Authors: Titzmann Peter F. , Silbereisen Rainer K. , Mesch Gustavo S. , Schmitt-Rodermund Eva
Published: February 2011

This study compares the adaptation of diaspora immigrant adolescents from the former Soviet Union, ethnic Germans in Germany, and Russian Jews in Israel, using a new measure of acculturation-related hassles, which were defined as minor negative experiences originating from being an immigrant. Participants, who were 16 years of age on average in both immigrant groups, were assigned to three groups according to their length of residence. Based on acculturation theories, hypotheses were tested regarding frequency of language hassles, discrimination hassles, and family hassles depending on immigrant group and length-of-residence group. Results indicate that the overall level of language hassles and discrimination hassles was comparable in both countries, but family hassles were reported more frequently by immigrant adolescents in Israel. Adolescent immigrants in both countries reported fewer language hassles after being in the country for a longer period of time, although this effect was stronger in Germany. With regard to discrimination hassles and family hassles, adolescent immigrants who had lived in Germany for a longer period of time reported such hassles less frequently than their newly arrived counterparts; the opposite was found for adolescent immigrants in Israel. The results are discussed with regard to differences between both receiving countries in terms of necessity and opportunities to integrate into the receiving society.
Empathy theory and Heinrich Wölfflin: A reconsideration
Authors: Bridge Helen
Published: February 2011

Empathy theory, which attempts to offer a psychological explanation of how we understand visual forms by endowing them with life, was one of the most important strands in German aesthetics around 1900. This article questions the assumption common in the existing scholarly literature that, while Heinrich Wölfflin was influenced in his early work by Johannes Volkelt’s and Robert Vischer’s ideas on empathy, his mature work leaves empathy theory behind. Wölfflin’s art historiography is related here to a broader range of contributions to empathy theory in order to show that, rather than abandoning the idea of empathy, he shifts from understanding it as a bodily process to seeing it as a primarily optical one. Looking beyond the question of direct influence uncovers significant intellectual historical connections between his later writings and the discourse on empathy, in particular the work of Theodor Lipps.
Heroes of the Republic, heroes of the revolution: French communist reportage of the Spanish Civil War, 1936−1938
Authors: Hurcombe Martin
Published: February 2011

It is widely acknowledged that the Spanish Civil War was one of the contributory factors to the collapse of the French Popular Front, forcing a wedge between Léon Blum’s government and the Parti Communiste Français (PCF) which opposed Blum’s policy of non-intervention. By examining French communist reportage of that conflict, this article studies the tensions occasioned by continued loyalty to the Popular Front and a commitment to the preservation of the Western democracies on the one hand and the perception of a revolutionary reformulation of Spanish society on the other. It argues that communist representations of the Civil War serve to resolve this tension into a strategic revolutionary understanding of the politics of the anti-fascist alliance; such an understanding could not be discerned in France where French communists were increasingly frustrated by the relative conservatism of its own Front Populaire. What emerges in these representations of the Spanish Republic and its Popular Front regime is a utopian vision of such politics, a vision embodied in the heroes and heroines of the Spanish Republic, whereby the revolution is successfully postponed but signs of a radical, long-term transformation of the world remain visible.
Art as revelation: Andrei Tarkovsky’s films and the insights of Víctor Erice
Authors: Partridge Tony , Diaz-Caneja Maria
Published: February 2011

This paper presents the key ideas from the article ‘The ruins of history’ by the Spanish film director Víctor Erice. These ideas present insights on the work of Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky − ideas that are presented in English for the very first time. Erice’s key points are evaluated by comparison with the primary and secondary literature on Tarkovsky. Erice’s major conclusion is based on the thought of Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben. This conclusion compares art and history and describes the relationship, and contradiction, between the two. Erice says that Tarkovsky’s films correspond to this relationship. This conclusion is evaluated by comparing Agamben’s thought and the thought of two Russian philosophers who deeply influenced Tarkovsky: Simeon Frank and Pavel Florensky. It is argued that there is strong evidence to support Erice’s conclusion.
Making myth: The image of ‘Big Jim’ Larkin in Plunkett’s Strumpet City
Authors: Wilde Lawrence
Published: February 2011

James Larkin is a revered figure in Irish history, remarkably so in view of his associations with revolutionary syndicalism and communism. Among the contributions to the creation of the myth of ‘Big Jim’, James Plunkett’s novel Strumpet City takes pride of place. The book’s treatment of Larkin is examined here as an outstanding example of Gramsci’s call for the emergence of a popular culture that challenges the hegemony of the ruling classes. By getting into the desperate lives of the Dublin poor in the bitter industrial struggles prior to the First World War, Plunkett affirms the Gramscian idea of developing a new way of conceiving the world by presenting Larkin as the mythical embodiment of social justice and solidarity. Although the events are now in the distant past, images developed with the great affective power of this novel may jolt modern readers to a greater awareness of present-day global struggles.
Understanding Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose Among Individuals With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Fisher William A. , Kohut Taylor , Schachner Holly , Stenger Patricia
Published: February 2011

Purpose

To evaluate self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) information deficits, motivational obstacles, and behavioral skills limitations in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and to assess the relationship of these deficits with SMBG frequency.

Methods

Individuals with type 1 (n = 208; 103 male, 105 female) and type 2 (n = 218; 107 male, 111 female) diabetes participated in an online survey assessing SMBG information, motivation, behavioral skills, and behavior.

Results

A substantial proportion of participants scored as SMBG uninformed, unmotivated, and unskilled on specific assessment items. SMBG information, motivation, and behavioral skills deficits were significantly correlated with SMBG frequency, such that individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, who were less informed, less motivated, and less behaviorally skilled, reported lower frequency of SMBG.

Conclusion

Common and consequential SMBG information, motivation, and behavioral skills deficits were present, and patients with these gaps were less likely to test frequently. Clinical education focusing on relevant SMBG information, motivation to act, and behavioral skills for acting effectively may be a priority.
The ABCs of Diabetes
Authors: Magee Michelle , Bowling Andrea , Copeland James , Fokar Ali , Pasquale Patricia , Youssef Gretchen
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to examine the feasibility and impact of a concise community-based program on diabetes self-management education (DSME), according to frequency of emergency department visits and knowledge of, prescriptions for, and control of A1C, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

Methods

A free community-based DSME program was placed in a public library. Adults with diabetes (N, 360) consented to participate in this prospective nonrandomized cohort study with preintervention-postintervention design. The small-group interactive DSME (two 2.5-hour classes) focused on improving cardiovascular disease risk factors and facilitating communication with the primary care physician.

Results

An increase in knowledge of American Diabetes Association—recommended targets for A1C, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol from baseline to postintervention was seen among participants. Significant clinical outcomes included reduction in self-reported emergency department visits and reduction in mean A1C. However, despite an increase in prescriptions written for lipid-lowering drugs, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol did not change. Participants who started on insulin were more likely to achieve or maintain A1C < 7% compared to those who either did not take or stopped taking insulin during the study.

Conclusions

Offering DSME classes for African Americans at a public library was feasible and significantly affected 6-month clinical outcomes, including a reduction in A1C, an increased likelihood of attaining a target A1C of < 7% if insulin was started during the study period, and a two-thirds reduction in emergency department visits for uncontrolled diabetes. Observed results suggest that partnering with community-based organizations such as public libraries offers an accessible and well-received location for offering DSME programs.
Parent Mentor Perspectives on Providing Social Support to Empower Parents
Authors: Sullivan-Bolyai Susan , Lee Mary M.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

To describe the experience of parent mentors providing a social support intervention to parents of children < 13 years old newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Qualitative descriptive interviews were conducted with 6 parent mentors (all mothers) who provided social support to 34 mothers and 19 fathers of children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus over a 12-month period. The mentors were trained to provide informational, affirmational, and emotional social support through home visits, phone calls, and/or e-mail. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify themes guided by the Ireys social support framework.

Findings

The parent mentors described support activities that could be categorized into the 3 types of support defined in the Ireys framework. The parent mentors provided informational support, such as tips for travel, school, parties and family get-togethers, camp resources, and how to advocate for the child. Affirmational support was provided by sharing stories and validating parents’ feelings and experiences. Emotional support was provided by “being there” for the parents. No instances were described where parent mentors were pushed to give advice on medical management issues but were more so used for advice on growth and development, sleep, and healthy eating suggestions. Parent mentors also reported being empowered by the role by helping others.

Conclusion

Careful selection of parent mentors is a strategy for providing social support to parents of children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus, especially in day-to-day management areas that the health care professionals have not experienced.
Fitting IRT Models to Dichotomous and Polytomous Data: Assessing the Relative Model–Data Fit of Ideal Point and Dominance Models
Authors: Tay Louis , Ali Usama S. , Drasgow Fritz , Williams Bruce
Published: February 2011

This study investigated the relative model—data fit of an ideal point item response theory (IRT) model (the generalized graded unfolding model [GGUM]) and dominance IRT models (e.g., the two-parameter logistic model [2PLM] and Samejima’s graded response model [GRM]) to simulated dichotomous and polytomous data generated from each of these models. The relative magnitudes of the adjusted χ2/ df ratios for item pairs and item triples at the test level were used to evaluate fit. Two simulation studies were conducted, one for dichotomous data and the other for polytomous data. Relative fit of the ideal point and dominance models were compared with respect to different conditions: test length, sample size, and sample type. In many simulated conditions, it was found that comparing relative fits (using test-level doubles and triples adjusted χ2/ df ratios) almost always consistently pointed to the correct IRT model. However, GGUM could fit dichotomous two-parameter logistic (2PL) data well when the scale length was short (i.e., 15 items); nevertheless, an examination of estimated GGUM item parameters clearly shows dominance item characteristics. Results of the simulation studies and implications are discussed.
RE-AIM Evaluation of the Alcohol and Pregnancy Project: Educational Resources to Inform Health Professionals About Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Payne Janet M. , France Kathryn E. , Henley Nadine , D'Antoine Heather A. , Bartu Anne E. , O'Leary Colleen M. , Elliott Elizabeth J. , Bower Carol , Geelhoed Elizabeth
Published: February 2011

The objective was to evaluate the Alcohol and Pregnancy Project that provided health professionals in Western Australia (WA) with educational resources to inform them about prevention of prenatal alcohol exposure and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The authors developed, produced, and distributed educational resources to 3,348 health professionals in WA. Six months later, they surveyed 1,483 of these health professionals. The authors used the RE-AIM framework (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) to evaluate the project. The educational resources were effective in producing a 31% increase in the proportion of health professionals who routinely provided pregnant women with information about the consequences of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. One hundred percent of the settings adopted the project, it reached 96.3% of the target population, it was implemented as intended, and the resources were maintained (http://www.ichr.uwa.edu.au/alcoholandpregnancy). The educational resources for health professionals have potential to contribute to reducing prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD.
Quality of Life and Voice Outcomes after Thyroid Ala Graft Laryngotracheal Reconstruction in Young Children
Authors: Tirado Yamilet , Chadha Neil K. , Allegro Jennifer , Forte Vito , Campisi Paolo
Published: February 2011

Objectives

(1) To assess the long‐term impact of thyroid ala cartilage laryngotracheal reconstruction (TAC‐LTR) on health‐related quality of life (QOL) in infants using 4 validated instruments: Health Utility Index version 3 (HUI3), Pediatric Voice‐Related QOL (PVRQOL), Impact on Family Questionnaire, and a visual analog scale and (2) to perform acoustic and perceptual voice assessments to evaluate long‐term voice quality outcomes.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Tertiary academic pediatric hospital.

Subjects

Eligible children who received TAC‐LTR before the age of 24 months between 1995 and 2007.

Methods

Interviews with parents and children using 4 validated instruments, voice analyses, and endoscopic evaluation were performed.

Results

Twelve patients (7 male, 5 female, median age 10 years) were enrolled over a 6‐month period. The mean age at LTR was 5 months (range, 1‐20 months), and the mean study follow‐up period was 9 years (range, 2‐14 years). The average speech HUI3, PVRQOL, and Impact on Family scores were 0.83 (95% confidence interval = 0.74, 0.92), 0.93 (interquartile range [IQR] = 0.81, 1.00), and 0.65 (IQR = 0.54, 0.92), respectively. All acoustic scores were either normal or mildly abnormal for the variables jitter, shimmer, noise‐to‐harmonic ratio, peak amplitude variation, and fundamental frequency. The Consensus Auditory‐Perceptual Evaluation of Voice overall severity score was in the normal to mildly abnormal range for 8 of 9 patients.

Conclusion

This is the first study to explore and quantify long‐term QOL and voice quality in children following LTR with thyroid ala graft at a very young age. Most patients had very good functional voice outcome as evidenced by the HUI3 and PVRQOL scores. This was corroborated by acoustic and perceptual voice assessments.
Immunomodulatory Role of Histamine H2 Receptor in Allergen‐Specific Immunotherapy
Authors: Shin Ji‐Hyeon , Kim Byung‐Guk , Kim Sung Won , Cho Jin‐Hee , Park Yong‐Jin , Kim Soo Whan
Published: February 2011

Objective

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of HR2 on allergen‐specific immunotherapy in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis.

Study Design

An in vivo study using an animal model.

Setting

Catholic Research Institutes of Medical Science.

Methods

Fifty mice were divided into 5 groups: control, allergic rhinitis (AR), immunotherapy (IT), immunotherapy with HR2 agonist (HI), and immunotherapy with HR2 antagonist (HB). All mice except for the control group were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA). After 1 week, mice in the IT, HI, and HB groups underwent immunotherapy by intradermal injections of OVA. During immunotherapy, the HI group was injected with HR2 agonist, whereas the HB group was injected with HR2 antagonist. All sensitized mice were challenged with intranasal OVA. After the final challenge, allergic behavior was evaluated. Interleukin (IL)–13, interferon‐γ, IL‐10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)–β levels in nasal lavage fluid (NALF), as well as OVA‐specific IgE levels in serum, were measured. The number of eosinophils in lamina propria was evaluated.

Results

The levels of serum OVA‐specific IgE and IL‐13 in NALF were significantly increased in the HB group compared with the IT group (P <. 05). Also, the tissue eosinophil counts were higher in the HB group than in the IT group (P <. 05).

Conclusion

HR2 antagonist impaired OVA‐specific immunotherapy in mice. Although confirmation of this preliminary result is needed, these findings suggest that HR2 receptors may have inhibitory effects on immune tolerance. The authors suggest that application of this property could enhance the efficiency of allergen‐specific immunotherapy.
Three‐Dimensional Conformation of the Injected Bolus in Vocal Fold Injections in a Cadaver Model
Authors: Mau Ted , Brewer Jacquelyn M. , Gatzert Samuel T. , Courey Mark S.
Published: February 2011

Objective

To determine the 3‐dimensional (3D) conformation of the injected bolus in the larynx in vocal fold injections, to understand how the bolus interacts spatially with elements of the laryngeal framework, and to relate the above to clinical observations in performing vocal fold injections.

Study Design

Excised cadaveric larynx study.

Setting

Laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

Vocal folds of 12 human excised cadaveric larynges were injected with calcium hydroxylapatite. High‐resolution computed tomography scans were obtained of the injected larynges. Densities corresponding to the injected bolus and the laryngeal framework were extracted and processed with MATLAB routines to generate selective 3D reconstructions of the injected bolus within the laryngeal framework. Histology analysis was also performed to correlate with observations from the 3D reconstructions.

Results

Boluses injected into the lateral aspect of the thyroarytenoid muscle tended to be irregularly shaped, appeared to fill up the paraglottic space, and were associated with significant muscle compression. The vertical thickness of the injected boluses averaged 9.5 mm for lateral boluses and 7.6 mm for medial boluses, which were comparable to the vertical thickness of uninjected vocal folds.

Conclusion

Laterally injected boluses are shaped by spatial constraints imposed by elements of the laryngeal framework. Compression of vocal fold muscle may be a mechanism accounting for stiffness from overinjection. The irregular shapes of some boluses may affect the outcome of subsequent medialization attempts. Injections may enhance the vocal fold contact height as a favorable effect beyond simple medialization.
Parents’ divorce proneness: The influence of adolescent problem behaviors and parental efficacy
Authors: Moore Mary Julia C. , Buehler Cheryl
Published: February 2011

Early adolescents’ problem behaviors were examined as predictors of parents’ divorce proneness in a community-based sample of 416 families across a 4-year time span. Using family systems theory, it was hypothesized that adolescents’ problems are linked to parents’ divorce proneness through parents’ lower perceived parenting efficacy. Results indicated that adolescents’ externalizing problems were associated with wives’ increased divorce proneness, but not directly with husbands’ increased divorce proneness. Adolescents’ problem behaviors were linked with husbands’ increased divorce proneness through lower paternal efficacy. In terms of crossover effects, adolescents’ problem behaviors were linked with spouses’ increased divorce proneness through their spouses’ lower parenting efficacy. These results specified the family systems precept of interdependence by explicating transmission patterns across family members and subsystems.
Risk Factors for Syndesmotic and Medial Ankle Sprain
Authors: Waterman Brian R. , Belmont Philip J. , Cameron Kenneth L. , Svoboda Steven J. , Alitz Curtis J. , Owens Brett D.
Published: February 2011

Background: Syndesmotic and medial ankle sprains constitute up to 15% of all ankle sprains in athletic populations and can result in significant time lost to injury and long-term disability.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to estimate the rate of syndesmotic and medial ankle sprain injuries and identify risk factors associated with these injuries within the physically active cadet population at the United States Military Academy (USMA).

Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods: The Cadet Illness and Injury Tracking System (CIITS) database at USMA was queried for all ankle injuries between 2005 and 2009. Sex, level of competition, and exposure to sport were among risk factors analyzed.

Results: Among 20 336 person-years, 1206 cadets sustained ankle sprain. Syndesmotic (6.7%) and medial (5.1%) ankle sprains had an incidence rate (IR) of 4.8 and 3.5 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Compared with women, men were 3 times more likely to experience medial ankle sprain (IR ratio [IRR] 3.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05, 10.74], but there was no difference in rate of syndesmotic sprains by sex (IRR 1.06; 95% CI: 0.58, 1.95). Athletics accounted for 81% of syndesmotic sprains and 64% of medial sprains. Sprint football (52.3), team handball (men’s, 34.7), soccer (men’s, 30.5; women’s, 6.5), and basketball (men’s, 24.8; women’s, 6.7) had the highest syndesmotic IR per 100 000 athlete-exposures. Medial sprain IR was highest in men’s rugby (16.6) and gymnastics (14.0). When analyzed by athlete-exposure, male intercollegiate athletes had a greater risk of syndesmotic sprain than their female counterparts (3.53; 95% CI: 1.26, 9.83). Furthermore, intercollegiate level of competition had an increased risk of syndesmotic sprain when compared with intramural level (IRR 2.41; 95% CI: 1.03, 5.65).

Conclusion: Male athletes have an over threefold greater risk of medial ankle sprain. Male sex and higher level of competition are risk factors for syndesmotic ankle sprain during athletics.
Sequential Volume Reduction With Capsular Plications
Authors: Ponce Brent A. , Rosenzweig Seth D. , Thompson Kevin J. , Tokish John
Published: February 2011

Purpose: To quantify the relationship between the amount of shoulder capsule imbricated with a simple stitch and the degree of glenohumeral volume reduction in a multidirectional instability model. Secondary purposes were to identify the number of arthroscopic plication stitches required to reduce the shoulder volume equal to that of an open lateral-based inferior capsular shift and to compare volume reductions between suture anchor and suture-only capsular plication stitches.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Twelve fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders (mean age, 64.4 years) were dissected to the level of the rotator cuff. A viscous liquid was injected into each joint, and measurements were taken before and after six 1-cm arthroscopic capsular plication stitches were performed. The sizes of the capsular plications were measured to quantify the amount of capsule imbricated with each simple stitch. A repeated random-intercept regression model was fitted for each outcome, with significance set at P = .05.

Results: There was a near-linear relationship, with each 1 cm of total plication equaling 10% volume reduction up to 4.0 cm. After this, each additional 1-cm plication stitch resulted in 2% to 6% more reduction (mean, 4%). Five simple plication stitches reduced the volume by 52% in the suture anchor group and 49% in the suture-only group. The suture anchor achieved 3% greater volumetric reduction than the suture-only plication stitches, but this effect was not statistically significant ( P = .06).

Conclusion/Clinical Relevance: A 1-cm capsular plication stitch results in a roughly 10% volume reduction of the glenohumeral joint. Five simple capsular plication stitches result in a volume reduction equivalent to an open lateral-based capsular shift.
Effect of Complications After Minimally Invasive Surgical Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Authors: Metz Roderik , van der Heijden Geert J. M. G. , Verleisdonk Egbert-Jan M. M. , Kolfschoten Nicky , Verhofstad Michiel H. J. , van der Werken Christiaan
Published: February 2011

Background: Complications of acute Achilles tendon rupture treatment are considered to negatively influence outcome, but the relevance of these effects is largely unknown.

Purpose: The Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) was used to determine level of disability in patients with minimally invasive surgical Achilles tendon rupture repair with a complicated postoperative course.

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

Methods: The charts of 340 consecutive patients treated for an acute Achilles tendon rupture by minimally invasive surgical repair were reviewed. Complications were categorized as rerupture, severe wound infection, sural nerve injury, and other. Level of disability was evaluated by the 10-item ATRS with a sum score of minimum 0 to maximum 100 points.

Results: A total of 211 patients returned a completed questionnaire: mean follow-up was 6.2 years (range, 3-10 years). Mean ATRS for all 211 patients was 84 (95% confidence interval: 82, 87). The mean ATRS for the 135 (64%) uncomplicated cases was 89 of 100 points, 71 points for the 17 (8%) patients with a rerupture (95% confidence interval: 63, 79; P < .0001), 79 points for the 41 patients (19%) with a sural nerve injury (95% confidence interval: 74, 85; P = .0008), and 75 points for the 17 patients (8%) with another complication (95% confidence interval: 67, 83; P = .001). Of these other complications, 13 patients (6%) suffered a wound-healing complication considered minor. Their average ATRS score was 80 points (95% confidence interval: 71, 88.7; P = .0445). One patient suffered a severe wound infection as well, scoring 28 of 100 points. Rerupture significantly increased the risk of quitting or changing sport participation on the long term.

Conclusion: Long-term outcome after minimally invasive Achilles tendon rupture repair is excellent. Rerupture and severe wound infection are the most important complications with lasting negative effect on outcome. It justifies the use of rerupture as a relevant outcome measure in treatment evaluation.
Off-Duty and Under Arrest
Authors: Stinson Philip Matthew , Liederbach John , Freiburger Tina L.
Published: February 2011

The findings of independent commissions and research derived from a data set of career-ending misconduct among New York Police Department (NYPD) officers suggests that police engage in a wide variety of crimes while they are off duty including domestic violence, bar fights, drunk driving, burglary, and sex offenses (Fyfe & Kane, 2006; Kane & White, 2009; Mollen Commission, 1994). The off-duty misbehavior of police is an important concern for police agencies exposed to potential liability costs, and scholars engaged in debates about whether studies on police deviance should include acts committed while an officer is technically off duty. The problem for scholars interested in understanding off-duty police misconduct is that virtually all of the existing data describes the misbehavior of NYPD police. The purpose of the current study is to explore the nature and character of off-duty police crime in the United States through a content analysis of news articles on arrested off-duty police officers. Data are presented in terms of the arrested off-duty officer(s), his or her agency, and case outcomes including legal and/or employment dispositions. The article includes a discussion regarding the generalizability of existing data on off-duty police crime and the policy implications of our research.
An investigation into customer service policies and practices within the Scottish college library sector: A comparison between the customer service exemplars from the retail sector with current Scottish college library practice
Authors: Paterson Neil
Published: February 2011

The aim of this research project was to investigate the customer care methods within the Scottish college library sector.The researcher sought to compare examples of the customer care and service policies and practices from the sector with exemplars of good customer service from the retail sector. A qualitative, grounded theory approach was taken. Models of good practice were identified from published literature and from within the retail sector. Interviews were undertaken with a number of Scottish college librarians to determine if good practice existed already within the Scottish college sector. Analysis showed that high quality customer service models were present within the sector.
Vibration Analysis and Transient Response of an FGPM Beam under Thermo-Electro-Mechanical Loads using Higher-Order Shear Deformation Theory
Authors: Doroushi A. , Eslami M.R. , Komeili A.
Published: February 2011

This article presents the free and forced vibration characteristics of an FGPM beam under thermo-electro-mechanical loads using the higher-order shear deformation beam theory. The beam properties are assumed to vary through the thickness direction following the power law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituent materials. The governing equations of motion are derived using Hamilton’s principle. The resulting system of differential equations of vibration is solved using the finite element method. The effects of boundary conditions, material composition, slenderness ratio, mechanical, thermal and electric loading, and transverse shear deformation on natural frequencies and transient response are investigated.
Gaming Rail Cargo Management
Authors: Meijer Sebastiaan A. , Mayer Igor S. , van Luipen Jelle , Weitenberg Natasha
Published: February 2011

Stakeholders in the Netherlands’ rail cargo sector exhibit strategic behavior that causes irregularity and unpredictability in freight trains. This leads to the suboptimal use of scarce rail capacity. The authors present the results of a research project that used gaming to explore and validate alternative organizational methods for the management of rail cargo capacity with decision makers and subject matter experts from ProRail, the Netherlands’ railway infrastructure manager. Various scenarios for the organization of rail cargo capacity management were played out, tested, and extensively debriefed in three project phases. The gaming sessions demonstrated that open information sharing among stakeholders does not depend on the introduction of price mechanisms and is, indeed, a more effective way of managing capacity. The authors conclude that it is vital to introduce gaming gradually and build up organizational acceptance for this method. However, once acceptance has been achieved, gaming can generate valuable insight into strategic behavior and the performance of sociotechnical infrastructures.
A Description Grid to Support the Design of Learning Role-Play Games
Authors: Mariais Christelle , Michau Florence , Pernin Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2011

To strengthen the motivation of learners, the professional training sector is focusing more and more on game-based learning. In this context, the authors have become interested in the design of Learning Role-Play Game (LRPG) scenarios. The aim of this article is to improve the designers’ confidence in the validity of the game-based learning programs developed by providing a methodology and tools to support their choices. The first stage of this work is the creation of a grid to describe LRPG scenarios. This grid will serve to support the design methodology, the collecting and sharing of LRPG scenarios and components, and the operationalization of the scenarios designed. First, this article details the purpose of the authors’ work. Then, it outlines the main characteristics of the description grid constructed mainly based on Klabbers’ work and on the study of game mechanics. Furthermore, applications of the description grid in a design-support environment are discussed and future work is presented.
Speaking Their Language: Guitar Tablature in the Middle School Classroom
Authors: Thompson Douglas E.
Published: February 2011

In this article, the historical roots of tablature for stringed instruments are noted, and the use of tablature is explained. Modern guitar tablature is then shown and explained, and the author leads the reader through the basics of using Guitar Pro 6, a guitar tablature program that simultaneously displays standard Western staff notation. The argument is made that using such a program in music education classrooms will build bridges with students whose primary music education experiences occur beyond the classroom.