bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participatory peer research methodology: An effective method for obtaining young people’s perspectives on transitions from care to adulthood?
Authors: Lushey Clare J , Munro Emily R
Published: November 2014

Peer research has the potential to empower young people to participate in research by minimising power imbalances between researchers and participants; this may reduce bias and promote improved understanding to inform policy and practice. However, these benefits are not automatic; the relative inexperience of peer researchers adds layers of complexity to the research process. Moreover, the validity of findings from research adopting less traditional methods may be questioned and policy makers may be cautious about accepting this evidence, thus limiting its contribution and impact. This paper explores the advancement of participatory peer researcher methodology in research with children in and leaving care and ethical, practical and data quality issues that arose in two studies exploring young people’s transitions from care to adulthood. It concludes that the peer research methodology can yield rich data but that adequate resources and effective research management are crucial. The authors also caution against a reductionist approach that privileges peer research methodology above other methods of inquiry in the study of transitions from care to adulthood.
From Plato to Erikson: How the war on ‘bad play’ has impoverished higher education
Authors: Carnes Mark C
Published: November 2014

For centuries, the titans of educational reform—Plato, Rousseau, Dewey, Piaget, Erikson, Csikszentmihalyi and others—have championed the educational benefits of play. Yet many professors and administrators are boggled by the idea of playing academic games in college. They instantly dismiss faculty initiatives like ‘Reacting to the Past’, where students play complex role-playing games set in the past, their roles informed by classic texts. This article maintains that skepticism towards such forms of play derives from the ideas of the chief proponents of educational play: their endorsement of play has also included a powerful denunciation of competitive role-playing games. This centuries-old philosophical predisposition against such modes of play has impeded pedagogical innovation at the college level. That such games can revitalize higher education is demonstrated by the extraordinary response at the over 350 colleges and universities where faculty have adopted ‘Reacting’ during the past decade.
Leave only footprints? How traces of movement shape the appropriation of space
Authors: Brown Katrina M.
Published: November 2014

The tracks people leave behind in the landscape are more than mere imprints on the ground. They are traces that can work to shape peoples’ claims to particular spaces, both materially and semiotically. This article examines the ways in which such mark-making is caught up in contestations over the legitimate use of spaces deemed ‘wild’ and ‘natural’. It draws upon a mobile and video ethnographic study of walkers and mountain bikers in the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, to explore how the marks made on the ground through outdoor recreation become caught up in struggles over appropriate ways to move one’s body in nature. Here, a process of informal zoning is identified whereby walkers belong in mountains but mountain bikers do not. Emerging from the analysis are the ways in which footprints and tyre-tracks are constituted and contested as ‘damage’ in relation to mountain spaces, and thus used to ascribe or distance culpability from different modes of mobility: walking versus cycling. Particular attention is paid to how such configurations serve as the grounds for excluding certain recreational users from particular outdoor spaces. This article thus identifies traces of movement, and the ways in which they are rendered ‘visible’ or ‘natural’ in talk, action and terrain, as key territorialising devices. In particular, a social and cultural treatment of the environmental impacts of outdoor recreation highlights how absence, as well as presence, of traces can be a powerful device for staking claims to space. The analysis also prompts a greater appreciation of the role of surfaces in constituting particular natures (such as mountains) as natural and wild, and how particular subjects, ways of moving and technologies are implicated, (de)naturalised and disciplined therein.
Analysis of and control policies for light pollution from advertising signs in Taiwan
Authors: Ho CY , Lin HT
Published: November 2014

Densely installed advertising signs have become a common source of light pollution in Asian countries. Due to mixed land use, there is a question as to whether or not the sign luminance limits set by the CIE are effective in preventing light trespass from these signs. Light trespass from advertising signs was comprehensively analysed by field measurements and software simulations. The results show that, in Taiwan, although the luminances of almost all of the signs are much lower than the limit set by the CIE, they still cause serious light trespass due to their large coverage area, high density distribution and improper installation. From an urban planning point of view, control policies are recommended as models for other countries with similar environmental problems.
Latino Sexual and Gender Identity Minorities Promoting Sexual Health Within Their Social Networks
Authors: Sun Christina J. , García Manuel , Mann Lilli , Alonzo Jorge , Eng Eugenia , Rhodes Scott D.
Published: November 2014

The HOLA intervention was a lay health advisor intervention designed to reduce the disproportionate HIV burden borne by Latino sexual and gender identity minorities (gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, and transgender persons) living in the United States. Process evaluation data were collected for over a year of intervention implementation from 11 trained Latino male and transgender lay health advisors (Navegantes) to document the activities each Navegante conducted to promote condom use and HIV testing among his or her eight social network members enrolled in the study. Over 13 months, the Navegantes reported conducting 1,820 activities. The most common activity was condom distribution. Navegantes had extensive reach beyond their enrolled social network members, and they engaged in health promotion activities beyond social network members enrolled in the study. There were significant differences between the types of activities conducted by Navegantes depending on who was present. Results suggest that lay health advisor interventions reach large number of at-risk community members and may benefit populations disproportionately affected by HIV.
Professional Development Through Policy Advocacy
Authors: Garcia Lydia Berenice , Hernandez Kristen Eileen , Mata Holly
Published: November 2014

Communicating and advocating for evidence-based public health policy is a key component of health promotion practice, but public health professionals often lack experience in policy advocacy. This article provides perspectives from public health professionals who participated in successful public health policy advocacy efforts in their community. Their experiences using evidence-based research to advocate for policies that promote health equity contributed significantly to their career development, and also contributed to community capacity to reduce tobacco-related disparities. This article builds on previous work emphasizing the value of career development opportunities that enhance and diversify the public health workforce, and provides practical tips and “lessons learned” that are relevant to a wide range of public health professionals.
Producing Television and Reproducing Gender
Authors: O’Brien Anne
Published: November 2014

In a case study of Irish television, gendered production processes are created through the channeling of women and men into different types of roles where they receive differential rewards and opportunities from their work. Gender also impacts in complex ways on the routines of production, where it shapes the perspective applied to media content and expectations regarding the behavior of staff. Gendered production routines and role allocations become embedded over time and eventually form a gendered culture of television production that prohibits Irish women’s equal participation. Despite the reproduction of gendered work roles, routines, and cultures, women offer evidence of sustainable and valued careers in production. However, women’s adaptations to the constraints of gendered work processes and practices are founded on a neoliberal and postfeminist sensibility that denies the gendered nature of their work and refers responsibility for survival in the industry onto the individual worker, who in turn denies the relevance of gender to their careers.
Integration of Cognitive-Behavioral and Interpersonal Therapies in Treating Depression With Concurrent Relational Distress and Chronic Pain
Authors: Wischkaemper Katie C. , Coop Gordon Kristina
Published: November 2014

This is a single-case study of a middle-aged man presenting with relationship distress and simultaneous major depressive disorder with chronic back pain and a physical tic. Treatment was informed by cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), and psychodynamic principles. Over the course of treatment, a variety of techniques were utilized, including progressive muscle relaxation training, behavioral monitoring, cognitive restructuring, and interpersonal principles to address somatic complaints and underlying feelings of helplessness and inadequacy. Symptoms including general distress, frustration, back pain, worry about his wife’s mental illness, and amount of negative thinking were tracked on a daily basis over three assessment periods. In addition, clinically significant change was assessed using a comparison of baseline and follow-up results from the patient’s Outcome Questionnaire–45 (OQ-45.2). Evidence for symptomatic and characterological change is outlined, and treatment implications are discussed.
The fragile site WWOX gene and the developing brain
Authors: Tabarki Brahim , Al Mutairi Fuad , Al Hashem Amal
Published: November 2014

WWOX was cloned as a tumor suppressor gene mapping to chromosomal fragile site FRA16D. Loss of WWOX is closely related to tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and therapy resistance. Recent studies demonstrate the growing role of WWOX gene in other human pathologies such as metabolic and nervous system-related conditions. The neurologic phenotype of WWOX mutation includes seizures, ataxia, developmental delay, and spasticity of variable severity. WWOX is a ubiquitous protein with high expression in many tissues including brain, cerebellum, brain stem, and spinal cord. WWOX is highly expressed in different brain regions during murine fetal development and remained unchanged in the cortex and the corpus callosum in adult mice. The mechanism or the putative role of WWOX in the nervous system is still unclear but may include abnormal signaling protein, disruption of neuronal pathways, neuronal differentiation, mitochondrial dysfunction, or apoptosis. Homozygous mutations affecting WWOX in humans are likely to be more described in the future using exome sequencing. The described findings highlight that WWOX plays a critical role in normal central nervous system development and disease.

The aim of this review is to summarize the roles of WWOX in the developing brain.
Motor Switching and Motor Adaptation Deficits Contribute to Freezing of Gait in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Mohammadi Farshid , Bruijn Sjoerd M. , Vervoort Griet , van Wegen Erwin E. , Kwakkel Gert , Verschueren Sabine , Nieuwboer Alice
Published: November 2014

Background. Patients with freezing of gait (FOG) have more difficulty with switching tasks as well as controlling the spatiotemporal parameters of gait than patients without FOG. Objective. To compare the ability of patients with and without FOG to adjust their gait to sudden speed switching and to prolonged walking in asymmetrical conditions. Methods. Gait characteristics of 10 freezers, 12 non-freezers, and 12 controls were collected during tied-belt conditions (3 and 4 km/h), motor switching and reswitching (increase of speed in one belt from 3 to 4 km/h and vice versa), and adaptation (adjustment to asymmetrical gait) and re-adaptation (returning to symmetrical gait) on a split-belt treadmill. Results. Following switching, freezers showed the largest increase of step length asymmetry ( P = .001). All groups gradually adapted their gait to asymmetrical conditions, but freezers were slower and demonstrated larger final asymmetry than the other 2 groups ( P = .001). After reswitching, freezers again showed the largest step length asymmetry ( P = .01). During re-adaptation, both controls and non-freezers reached symmetrical levels, but freezers did not. Interestingly, only immediately after switching did one episode of FOG and one episode of festination occur in 2 different patients. Conclusions. Freezers have more difficulties adapting their gait during both suddenly triggered and continued gait speed asymmetry. The impaired ability of freezers during both switching and reswitching would suggest that they have an adaptive deficit rather than difficulties with asymmetry per se. Future work needs to address whether these adaptation problems can be ameliorated with rehabilitation.
A Mirror Therapy–Based Action Observation Protocol to Improve Motor Learning After Stroke
Authors: Harmsen Wouter J. , Bussmann Johannes B. J. , Selles Ruud W. , Hurkmans Henri L. P. , Ribbers Gerard M.
Published: November 2014

Background. Mirror therapy is a priming technique to improve motor function of the affected arm after stroke. Objective. To investigate whether a mirror therapy–based action observation (AO) protocol contributes to motor learning of the affected arm after stroke. Methods. A total of 37 participants in the chronic stage after stroke were randomly allocated to the AO or control observation (CO) group. Participants were instructed to perform an upper-arm reaching task as fast and as fluently as possible. All participants trained the upper-arm reaching task with their affected arm alternated with either AO or CO. Participants in the AO group observed mirrored video tapes of reaching movements performed by their unaffected arm, whereas participants in the CO group observed static photographs of landscapes. The experimental condition effect was investigated by evaluating the primary outcome measure: movement time (in seconds) of the reaching movement, measured by accelerometry. Results. Movement time decreased significantly in both groups: 18.3% in the AO and 9.1% in the CO group. Decrease in movement time was significantly more in the AO compared with the CO group (mean difference = 0.14 s; 95% confidence interval = 0.02, 0.26; P = .026). Conclusion. The present study showed that a mirror therapy–based AO protocol contributes to motor learning after stroke.
Impaired Functional Connectivity Unmasked by Simple Repetitive Motor Task in Early Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Petsas Nikolaos , Tomassini Valentina , Filippini Nicola , Sbardella Emilia , Tona Francesca , Piattella Maria Cristina , Pozzilli Carlo , Wise Richard G. , Pantano Patrizia
Published: November 2014

Background. Resting brain activity can be modulated by motor tasks to adapt to function. In multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, altered resting-state functional connectivity (RS-FC) has been reported and associated with impaired function and disability; little is known on how RS-FC is modulated by a simple repetitive motor task. Objective. To assess changes in RS-FC in early relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients associated with repetitive thumb flexions (RTFs). Methods. A total of 20 right-handed patients with early RRMS and 14 healthy controls underwent a resting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan, before and after 25 minutes of alternate 30-s blocks of right RTF and rest. Dual-regression analysis of resting fMRI data followed the independent component analysis. Individual spatial maps of coherence between brain areas for 2 networks of interest, sensorimotor and cerebellar, were compared at the group level and correlated with measures of both clinical impairment and brain damage. Results. Significant RTF-induced differences in RS-FC were observed between groups in the cerebellar network because of increased RS-FC in patients but not in controls. In the sensorimotor network, the RS-FC after RTF increased in both groups, with no significant between-group differences. The sensorimotor and the cerebellar RS-FC were intercorrelated only in patients and only after the RTF. The sensorimotor RS-FC increase in patients correlated with structural MRI alterations. Conclusions. Our study unmasked RS-FC changes of motor-related networks occurring after a simple repetitive motor task in early RRMS patients only. Evaluation of altered RSN dynamics might prove useful for anticipating neuroplasticity and for MRI-informed neurorehabilitation.
Combined Cognitive-Strategy and Task-Specific Training Improve Transfer to Untrained Activities in Subacute Stroke
Authors: McEwen Sara , Polatajko Helene , Baum Carolyn , Rios Jorge , Cirone Dianne , Doherty Meghan , Wolf Timothy
Published: November 2014

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach compared with usual outpatient rehabilitation on activity and participation in people <3 months poststroke. Methods. An exploratory, single-blind, randomized controlled trial, with a usual-care control arm, was conducted. Participants referred to 2 stroke rehabilitation outpatient programs were randomized to receive either usual care or CO-OP. The primary outcome was actual performance of trained and untrained self-selected activities, measured using the Performance Quality Rating Scale (PQRS). Additional outcomes included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), the Stroke Impact Scale Participation Domain, the Community Participation Index, and the Self-Efficacy Gauge. Results. A total of 35 eligible participants were randomized; 26 completed the intervention. Post intervention, PQRS change scores demonstrated that CO-OP had a medium effect over usual care on trained self-selected activities ( d = 0.5) and a large effect on untrained activities ( d = 1.2). At a 3-month follow-up, PQRS change scores indicated a large effect of CO-OP on both trained ( d = 1.6) and untrained activities ( d = 1.1). CO-OP had a small effect on COPM and a medium effect on the Community Participation Index perceived control and on the Self-Efficacy Gauge. Conclusion. CO-OP was associated with a large treatment effect on follow-up performances of self-selected activities and demonstrated transfer to untrained activities. A larger trial is warranted.
Efficacy and Feasibility of Functional Upper Extremity Task-Specific Training for Older Adults With and Without Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Schaefer Sydney Y. , Dibble Leland E. , Duff Kevin
Published: November 2014

Background. Although functional task-specific training is a viable approach for upper extremity neurorehabilitation, its appropriateness for older populations is unclear. If task-specific training is to be prescribed to older adults, it must be efficacious and feasible, even in patients with cognitive decline due to advancing age. Objective. This cross-sectional study tested the efficacy and feasibility of upper extremity task-specific training in older adults, including those with lower cognitive scores. Methods. Fifty older adults (age 65-89 years) without any confounding neuromuscular impairment were randomly assigned to a training group or no-training group. The training group completed 3 days (dosage = 2250 repetitions) of a functional upper extremity motor task (simulated feeding) with their nondominant hand; the no-training group completed no form of training at all. Both groups’ task performance (measured as trial time) was tested at pre- and posttest, and the training group was retested 1 month later. Efficacy was determined by rate, amount, and retention of training-related improvement, and compared across levels of cognitive status. Feasibility was determined by participants’ tolerance of the prescribed training dose. Results. The training group was able to complete the training dose without adverse responses and showed a significant rate, amount, and retention of improvement compared with the no-training group. Cognitive status did not alter results, although participants with lower scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment were slower overall. Conclusions. Task-specific training may be appropriate for improving upper extremity function in older adults, yet future work in older patients with specific neurological conditions is needed.
Endovascular interventions for human immunodeficiency virus-associated iliac artery aneurysms
Authors: Tsotetsi SC , Mulaudzi TV , Sikhosana MH , de Vries JPPM
Published: November 2014

Objective

Aneurysms associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are pseudo-aneurysms and the pathology is unique to HIV vasculopathy. We report outcomes of endovascular therapy for HIV iliac artery aneurysms in a series of patients to augment the sparse literature on these aneurysms.

Methods

The records from January 2010 to December 2013 of all patients treated for HIV-related iliac artery aneurysms were extracted from a prospectively maintained database at our institution.

Results

Preprocedural, periprocedural, and postprocedural data were retrieved for five black patients (three males and two females), who were treated for HIV-associated iliac artery aneurysms. All patients underwent endovascular therapy. There were seven aneurysms (three common iliac arteries, three internal, and one external). Pain was a common presenting feature, and two patients presented with rupture. One patient was receiving antiretroviral therapy, and one patient was receiving treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. Three patients had significant weight loss. The average hemoglobin value was 8 g/dl. Six aneurysms were managed with covered stents and one (internal iliac artery) with coil embolization. There were no procedure-related complications, and only one patient required a blood transfusion. Symptoms resolved in all patients. One re-intervention was required for stent thrombosis after 30 days.

Conclusion

Endovascular therapy for the HIV-associated iliac artery aneurysm has good short-term results and avoids pelvic dissection with its associated morbidity and mortality.
Never boring: Jock Young as cultural criminologist
Authors: Ferrell Jeff , Hayward Keith J.
Published: November 2014

Jock Young (1942–2013) was one of the world’s foremost criminologists. This paper traces his academic career in sociology and criminology and its culmination in the theoretical, methodological, and interventionist approach known as cultural criminology. Drawing on a 2008 interview with Professor Young and the authors’ longstanding relationship with him, this paper in addition explores the convergence of Young’s intellectual trajectory with the emerging contours of cultural criminology.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) treatment burden among low-income primary care patients
Authors: Kahn Linda S , Vest Bonnie M , Madurai Nethra , Singh Ranjit , York Trevor RM , Cipparone Charlotte W , Reilly Sarah , Malik Khalid S , Fox Chester H
Published: November 2014

Objective

This study explored the self-management strategies and treatment burden experienced by low-income US primary care patients with chronic kidney disease.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 patients from two primary care practices on Buffalo’s East Side, a low-income community. Qualitative analysis was undertaken using an inductive thematic content analysis approach. We applied normalization process theory (NPT) to the concept of treatment burden to interpret and categorize our findings.

Results

The sample was predominantly African-American (79%) and female (59%). Most patients (79%) had a diagnosis of stage 3 CKD. Four major themes were identified corresponding to NPT and treatment burden: (1) coherence—making sense of CKD; (2) cognitive participation—enlisting support and organizing personal resources; (3) collective action—self-management work; and (4) reflexive monitoring—further refining chronic illness self-care in the context of CKD. For each component, we identified barriers hindering patients' ability to accomplish the necessary tasks.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the substantial treatment burden faced by inner-city primary care patients self-managing CKD in combination with other chronic illnesses. Health care providers’ awareness of treatment burden can inform the development of person-centered care plans that can help patients to better manage their chronic illnesses.
The stress epidemic
Authors: Newbegin Claudia
Published: November 2014

There is a pervading belief that this nation is on the brink of a nervous breakdown. It is thought by some that stress has reached epidemic levels and that the effect will be disastrous for our economy. This is questionable. What is certain is that stress is a very real issue affecting a large number of people and that GPs should be aware of it as a contributing factor in many illnesses - mental and physical. We should have strategies for dealing with it in ourselves, our patients, our colleagues and our employees.
Tenosynovial (Extra-articular) Chondromatosis of the Extensor Digitorum Longus Tendon and Synovial Chondromatosis of the Ankle
Authors: Lui Tun Hing
Published: November 2014

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare pathology in the foot and ankle region. We present a case of concomitant tenosynovial chondromatosis of the extensor digitorum longus tendon and synovial chondromatosis of the ankle, which was successfully treated by extensor digitorum tendon tendoscopy and ankle arthroscopy.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Case study
United States National Trends in Ankle Arthroscopy
Authors: Best Matthew J. , Buller Leonard T. , Miranda Alejandro
Published: November 2014

Background. Ankle arthroscopy is increasingly being utilized for disorders previously limited to management with open surgery. Despite uniformly good results and few complications, little is known regarding national trends in ankle arthroscopy. This study sought to investigate changes in the use of inpatient and ambulatory ankle arthroscopy in the United States. Methods. The National Survey of Ambulatory Surgery and the National Hospital Discharge Survey were used to identify cases of ankle arthroscopy. The data were analyzed for trends in demographics, treatment, and use. Results: Between 1994 and 2006, the population-adjusted rate of ankle arthroscopy increased by 65% (4.9/100 000 capita to 8.1/100 000 capita). The rate of ambulatory procedures increased by 80%, whereas the rate of inpatient procedures decreased by 95%. Sex-adjusted rates increased by 90% for males and 32% for females. The largest increases in age-adjusted rates were among patients 35 to 54 years of age. The proportion of procedures performed in freestanding ambulatory facilities increased from 15% to 49%. Use of peripheral nerve blocks during ambulatory procedures increased from 6% to 26%. Private insurance was the largest compensator at all times, and the proportion of workers’ compensation payments increased from 8% to 22% during the study period. Conclusions. Results from the most recently available Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data demonstrated that rates of ambulatory ankle arthroscopy increased, whereas rates of inpatient ankle arthroscopy decreased dramatically between 1994 and 2006. Understanding national practice patterns can aid policy makers and surgeons in allocating health care resources, so as to ensure quality patient care.

Levels of Evidence: N/A (descriptive epidemiology study)
How Being an Optimist Makes a Difference
Authors: Tetzner Julia , Becker Michael
Published: November 2014

This longitudinal study of N = 1,566 adolescents investigated the protective role of optimism in adjustment to parental separation, focusing on two salient challenges faced by adolescents, namely academic achievement and self-esteem. Based on latent change models, the results indicated associations between parental separation and short-term declines in academic achievement as well as short-term and longer term declines in self-esteem. Although optimism in general showed positive associations with academic achievement and self-esteem, its role as a protective factor proved to be particularly important for academic achievement in adjustment following parental separation.
Stumbling in Their Shoes
Authors: Silverman Arielle M. , Gwinn Jason D. , Van Boven Leaf
Published: November 2014

Simulating other people’s difficulties often improves attitudes toward those people. In the case of physical disabilities, however, such experience simulations can backfire. By highlighting the initial challenges of becoming disabled, experience simulations decrease the perceived adaptability of being disabled and reduce the judged capabilities of disabled people. In two experiments, participants engaged in a challenging blindness simulation and afterward judged blind people as less capable of work and independent living than did participants after simulating a different impairment (Experiment 1), no impairment (Experiments 1 and 2), or after merely watching someone else simulate blindness (Experiment 2). Blindness simulators forecast that they would be less capable themselves if blind and that they would adapt to blindness more slowly (Experiment 2), highlighting the self-centered nature of judged capabilities of disabled people. The findings demonstrate that experience simulation can sometimes harm rather than help attitudes toward other people’s difficulties.
Tumor microvessel density–associated mast cells in canine nodal lymphoma
Authors: Woldemeskel Moges , Mann Elizabeth , Whittington Lisa
Published: November 2014

Objective:

Mast cells are associated in angiogenesis in various human and animal neoplasms. However, association of mast cells with tumor microvessel density in canine lymphoma was not previously documented. The objective of the study is to determine if mast cells are increased in canine nodal lymphomas and to evaluate their correlation with tumor microvessel density and grading of lymphomas.

Methods:

Nodal lymphomas from 33 dogs were studied and compared with nonneoplastic lymph nodes from 6 dogs as control. Mast cell count was made on Toluidine blue stained sections. Immunohistochemistry using antibody against Factor VIII was employed to visualize and determine microvessel density.

Results:

The mast cell count in lymphoma (2.95 ± 2.4) was significantly higher ( p < 0.05) than that in the control (0.83 ± 0.3) and was positively correlated with tumor microvessel density ( r = 0.44, p = 0.009). Significant difference was not observed in mast cell count and tumor microvessel density among different gradings of lymphomas.

Conclusions:

Mast cells are associated with tumor microvessel density in canine nodal lymphoma with no significant difference among gradings of lymphomas. Mast cells may play an important role in development of canine nodal lymphomas. Further detailed investigation on the role of mast cells as important part of tumor microenvironment in canine nodal lymphomas is recommended.
A case of non-paraneoplastic anti-N-methyl d-aspartate receptor encephalitis presenting as a neuropsychiatric disorder
Authors: Yoga Bindu , Kunc Marek , Ahmed Fayyaz
Published: November 2014

N-methyl d-aspartate receptor antibody encephalitis can often be a paraneoplastic manifestation of occult malignancy such as ovarian teratoma and rarely teratoma of mediastinum or testis and small cell lung carcinoma. We report a case of non-paraneoplastic anti- N-methyl d-aspartate receptor antibody–positive autoimmune encephalitis in a young patient who presented with neuropsychiatric features and made a very good recovery following treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and steroids. The case highlights the need for increased vigilance for the condition in young females with or without a previous psychiatric history and emphasises the need for a multidisciplinary approach in the management of this challenging disorder with a good prognosis.
Gray scale and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound imaging of malignant liver tumors of vascular origin
Authors: Schweitzer Nora , Soudah Bisharah , Gebel Michael , Manns Michael Peter , Boozari Bita
Published: November 2014

Objectives

Malignant vascular tumors of the liver are rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of gray scale and contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography in patients with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) of the liver and hepatic angiosarcoma (HA) and to describe the clinical presentation.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all patients with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma or hemangiosarcoma of the liver from 1998 to 2011, who underwent ultrasound investigation. We describe the findings in gray scale and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound and the clinical course of the disease of seven patients with EHE and five patients with HA.

Results

Ultrasound investigation in EHE showed mostly multiple hypoechoic irregular lesions close to the liver capsule and with a halo in some cases. Contrast enhancement revealed inhomogeneously and through all contrast phases vascularized tumors with a rim enhancement in 50%, with or without early wash out. All tumors had avascular parts. HA presented as multiple and irregular hypo‐, iso‐ or hyperechoic lesions. After contrast enhancement, hypervascularization with individual patterns was evident in all patients. Of five, three had liquid parts. Patients with HA were significantly older (58 vs. 37 years, p  = 0.014) and presented with lower thrombocyte counts (84 vs. 264, p  = 0.0025) and with higher CEA levels (4.6 vs. 1.5, p  = 0.03).

Conclusion

EHE and HA are inhomogeneous tumors, explaining the high inter‐individual variability and heterogeneity in ultrasound examination. The presence of multifocal lesions, heterogeneity and undefined margins may differentiate EHE or HA from hemangioma. A biopsy is essential in the diagnosis of vascular tumors.
Pharmacological intervention based on fecal calprotectin levels in patients with ulcerative colitis at high risk of a relapse: A prospective, randomized, controlled study
Authors: Lasson Anders , Öhman Lena , Stotzer Per-Ove , Isaksson Stefan , Überbacher Otto , Ung Kjell-Arne , Strid Hans
Published: November 2014

Background

Targeted therapy, using biomarkers to assess disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC), has been proposed.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether pharmacological intervention guided by fecal calprotectin (FC) prolongs remission in patients with UC.

Methods

A total of 91 adults with UC in remission were randomized to an intervention group or a control group. Analysis of FC was performed monthly, during 18 months. A FC value of 300 µg/g was set as the cut‐off for intervention, which was a dose escalation of the oral 5‐aminosalicylate (5‐ASA) agent. The primary study end‐point was the number of patients to have relapsed by month 18.

Results

There were relapses in 18 (35.3%) and 20 (50.0%) patients in the intervention and the control groups, respectively (p  = 0.23); and 28 (54.9%) patients in the intervention group and 28 (70.0%) patients in the control group had a FC > 300 µg/g, of which 8 (28.6%) and 16 (57.1%) relapsed, respectively (p  < 0.05).

Conclusion

Active intervention significantly reduced relapse rates, although no significant difference was reached between the groups overall. Thus, FC‐levels might be used to identify patients with UC at risk for a flare, and a dose escalation of their 5‐ASA agent is a therapeutic option for these patients.
Influenza Vaccination Rates Among Homeless Adults With Mental Illness in Toronto
Authors: Young Samantha , Dosani Naheed , Whisler Adam , Hwang Stephen
Published: November 2014

Objective: To determine the incidence of influenza vaccination among homeless individuals with mental illness in Toronto. Methods: A retrospective chart review was carried out using a random sample of homeless individuals with mental illness who were participants of the At Home/Chez Soi Study. Primary care charts were obtained and reviewed for the incidence influenza vaccination within a 1-year period. Results: Of the 75 participants for whom charts were reviewed, 5 (6.7%) had documentation indicating receipt of the influenza vaccination in the year prior to study recruitment. Conclusion: This study raises awareness of the low incidence of homeless adults receiving the influenza vaccination in Toronto. The data are concerning given the high risk of morbidity from communicable respiratory illnesses in this group. Further research into the causes of low influenza vaccination rates among homeless Canadians is needed to develop strategies for increased delivery of the vaccination.
Effectiveness of Cuscuta planiflora Ten. and Nepeta menthoides Boiss. & Buhse in Major Depression
Authors: Firoozabadi Ali , Zarshenas Mohammad M. , Salehi Alireza , Jahanbin Saye , Mohagheghzadeh Abdolali
Published: November 2014

Background.

Depression is one the most common mental disorders that can be seen all over the world. In traditional Persian medicine, some medicinal herbs are recommended for depression treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Cuscuta planiflora Ten. and Nepeta menthoides Boiss. & Buhse in patients with major depression.

Methodology.

This study is a randomized triple-blind controlled clinical trial conducted in the year 2010 in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences on patients with major depression. Pharmaceutical capsules of Cuscuta planiflora (500 mg) and Nepeta menthoides (400 mg) were prepared by a pharmacist. Patients were randomly assigned to 3 groups: group A (treated with Nepeta menthoides capsules and conventional drugs), group B (treated with Cuscuta planiflora capsules and conventional drugs), and group C (treated only with conventional drugs). The study period was 8 weeks and depression was measured before and after the study by Beck Depression Inventory and Hamilton Depression Inventory. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 and the P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results.

A total of 43 subjects participated in this study, of whom 81.4% were females (n = 35) and 18.6% were males (n = 8). The mean ± standard deviation of age of the participants was 38 ± 10.9 years. The majority of patients (65.1%, n = 28) were married. There were 15 patients (34.9%) in group A, 13 (30.29%) in group B, and 15 (34.9%) in group C. There was a significant decrease in mean scores of Beck and Hamilton depression inventories in the 3 groups after treatment ( P < .01); moreover, there was more decrease in scores of the Beck and Hamilton depression inventories in groups A and B compared with group C after treatment ( P < .01).

Conclusion.

Despite the paucity of the population under study, the findings showed that Cuscuta planiflora and Nepeta menthoides capsules could be effective, affordable herbal medicines with improved cost–benefit in treatment of major depression and it is worth designing further and more extensive studies to get to a more accurate conclusion.
Three Paradigms of Social Assistance
Authors: Daigneault Pierre-Marc
Published: November 2014

“Ideas,” which are defined as the normative and cognitive beliefs of actors, are fundamental to a full understanding of the welfare state and, in particular, of social assistance. However, policy ideas have been neglected in most typologies of social assistance regimes. Based on a selective review of the literature, this article proposes a brief but systematic analysis of policy paradigms in the field of social assistance. Three ideal types that emphasize the ideational dimension of social assistance are analyzed, namely, the entitlement, workfare, and activation paradigms. The value of the typology lies in its utility for characterizing the ideational orientation of social assistance regimes. Specifically, the typology provides a yardstick for measuring the ideas of policy actors with respect to social assistance and can facilitate the conduct of case studies, comparative research, and causal analyses on this policy sector.
Defining minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia: which platforms are ready for “prime time”?
Authors: Grimwade David , Freeman Sylvie D.
Published: November 2014

The past 40 years have witnessed major advances in defining the cytogenetic aberrations, mutational landscape, epigenetic profiles, and expression changes underlying hematological malignancies. Although it has become apparent that acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is highly heterogeneous at the molecular level, the standard framework for risk stratification guiding transplant practice in this disease remains largely based on pretreatment assessment of cytogenetics and a limited panel of molecular genetic markers, coupled with morphological assessment of bone marrow (BM) blast percentage after induction. However, application of more objective methodology such as multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) has highlighted the limitations of morphology for reliable determination of remission status. Moreover, there is a growing body of evidence that detection of subclinical levels of leukemia (ie, minimal residual disease, MRD) using MFC or molecular-based approaches provides powerful independent prognostic information. Consequently, there is increasing interest in the use of MRD detection to provide early end points in clinical trials and to inform patient management. However, implementation of MRD assessment into clinical practice remains a major challenge, hampered by differences in the assays and preferred analytical methods employed between routine laboratories. Although this should be addressed through adoption of standardized assays with external quality control, it is clear that the molecular heterogeneity of AML coupled with increasing understanding of its clonal architecture dictates that a “one size fits all” approach to MRD detection in this disease is not feasible. However, with the range of platforms now available, there is considerable scope to realistically track treatment response in every patient.
Dnmt3a loss predisposes murine hematopoietic stem cells to malignant transformation
Authors: Mayle Allison , Yang Liubin , Rodriguez Benjamin , Zhou Ting , Chang Edmund , Curry Choladda V. , Challen Grant A. , Li Wei , Wheeler David , Rebel Vivienne I. , Goodell Margaret A.
Published: November 2014

Key Points

Dnmt3a ablation in HSCs predisposes mice to develop a spectrum of myeloid and lymphoid malignancies. Dnmt3a-KO-derived myeloid malignancies and T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma show distinct methylation aberrations.
Surfactant-free synthesis of Cu2O hollow spheres and their wavelength-dependent visible photocatalytic activities using LED lamps as cold light sources
Authors: Wang Yuxi , Huang Da , Zhu Xingzhong , Ma Yujie , Geng Huijuan , Wang Ying , Yin Guilin , He Dannong , Yang Zhi , Hu Nantao
Published: November 2014

A facile synthesis route of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) hollow spheres under different temperatures without the aid of a surfactant was introduced. Morphology and structure varied as functions of reaction temperature and duration. A bubble template-mediated formation mechanism was proposed, which explained the reason of morphology changing with reaction temperature. The obtained Cu2O hollow spheres were active photocatalyst for the degradation of methyl orange under visible light. A self-designed equipment of light emitting diode (LED) cold light sources with the wavelength of 450, 550, and 700 nm, respectively, was used for the first time in the photocatalysis experiment with no extra heat introduced. The most suitable wavelength for Cu2O to photocatalytic degradation is 550 nm, because the light energy (2.25 eV) is closest to the band gap of Cu2O (2.17 eV). These surfactant-free synthesized Cu2O hollow spheres would be highly attractive for practical applications in water pollutant removal and environmental remediation.
Ferromagnetic ordering in Mn-doped ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Luo Xi , Lee Wai-Tung , Xing Guozhong , Bao Nina , Yonis Adnan , Chu Dewei , Lee Jiunn , Ding Jun , Li Sean , Yi Jiabao
Published: November 2014

Zn1 - x
Mn
x
O nanoparticles have been synthesized by hydrothermal technique. The doping concentration of Mn can reach up to 9 at% without precipitation or secondary phase, confirmed by electron spin resonance (ESR) and synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD). Room-temperature ferromagnetism is observed in the as-prepared nanoparticles. However, the room-temperature ferromagnetism disappears after post-annealing in either argon or air atmosphere, indicating the importance of post-treatment for nanostructured magnetic semiconductors.
Leptin receptor polymorphism Gln223Arg (rs1137101) in oral squamous cell carcinoma and potentially malignant oral lesions
Authors: Domingos Patrícia Luciana Batista , Farias Lucyana Conceição , Pereira Camila Santos , das Graças Pena Geórgia , Reis Tatiana Carvalho , Silva Rosângela Ramos Veloso , Fraga Carlos Alberto de Carvalho , de Souza Marcela Gonçalves , Soares Mariana Batista , Jones Kimberly Marie , Menezes Elytania Veiga , Nobre Sérgio Avelino Mota , Rodrigues Neto João Felício , de Paula Alfredo Maurício Batista , Velásquez-Meléndez Jorge Gustavo , Sena Guimarães André Luiz
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to assess the LEPR gene Gln223Arg polymorphism (rs1137101) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and in potentially malignant oral lesions (PMOL) in comparison to normal oral mucosa in a Brazilian population. Smokers (n = 89) were selected from a representative sample of 471 individuals from the general population of Montes Claros, Brazil. Participants were age and gender matched to patients with OSCC (n = 25) and oral epithelial dysplasia (n = 25). We investigated the LEPR Gln223Arg polymorphism (A>G; rs1137101) in these groups. Genotype variants were assessed by RFLP-PCR, using MspI (HPAII) restriction endonuclease. The institutional review board of the Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros approved the study (process number 2667/2011). Written informed consent for this study was obtained from all participants. The GG genotype (Arg223Arg) appears to be the more relevant polymorphic variant in OSCC. It occurred, approximately, twice as frequently in OSCC patients than in the general population. In contrast, the A allele in its homozygosis form (Gln223Gln) is significantly associated with the development of PMOL; 80% of the samples from the PMOL group exhibit AA genotype. Our findings suggest new insights regarding LEPR gene variations in the development of OSCC and PMOL.