bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five-Year Follow-Up of Concomitant Accelerated Hypofractionated Radiation in Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Buccal Mucosa: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Iqbal Hassan , Jamshed Arif , Bhatti Abu Bakar Hafeez , Hussain Raza , Jamshed Sarah , Irfan Muhammad , Hameed Natasha , Illyas Adeel
Published: May 2015

In resource limited settings, induction chemotherapy with Gemcitabine and Cisplatinum and concurrent hypofractionated chemoradiation for locally advanced carcinoma of buccal mucosa (BMSCC) are a cost effective option but remain under reported. The objective of this study was to report long term survival outcome after concurrent hypofractionated radiotherapy in locally advanced BMSCC. Between February 2005 and 2009, 63 patients received treatment. Induction chemotherapy (IC) regimen consisted of two drugs: Gemcitabine and Cisplatin. All patients received 55 Gy of radiation in 20 fractions with concurrent single agent Cisplatin (75 mg/m2). Five-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were determined. Based on AJCC staging, 7 (11%) patients were stage III, 31 (49%) stage IV a, and 25 (40%) stage IVb at presentation. After IC, 8 (18%) patients had complete radiological response, 33 (73%) had partial response, and 4 (9%) had stable disease. After concurrent hypofractionated chemoradiation, thirty-nine (62%) patients were complete responders and 24 (38%) had stable disease. With a minimum follow-up of 60 months, 5-year OS, DFS, and PFS were 30%, 49%, and 30%, respectively. In locally advanced buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma, concurrent hypofractionated chemoradiation results in acceptable survival and regimen related toxicity.
Flushing and Locking of Venous Catheters: Available Evidence and Evidence Deficit
Authors: Goossens Godelieve Alice
Published: May 2015

Flushing and locking of intravenous catheters are thought to be essential in the prevention of occlusion. The clinical sign of an occlusion is catheter malfunction and flushing is strongly recommended to ensure a well-functioning catheter. Therefore fluid dynamics, flushing techniques, and sufficient flushing volumes are important matters in adequate flushing in all catheter types. If a catheter is not in use, it is locked. For years, it has been thought that the catheter has to be filled with an anticoagulant to prevent catheter occlusion. Heparin has played a key role in locking venous catheters. However, the high number of risks associated with heparin forces us to look for alternatives. A long time ago, 0.9% sodium chloride was already introduced as locking solution in peripheral cannulas. More recently, a 0.9% sodium chloride lock has also been investigated in other types of catheters. Thrombolytic agents have also been studied as a locking solution because their antithrombotic effect was suggested as superior to heparin. Other catheter lock solutions focus on the anti-infective properties of the locks such as antibiotics and chelating agents. Still, the most effective locking solution will depend on the catheter type and the patient’s condition.
Quantifying the Landscape for Development and Cancer from a Core Cancer Stem Cell Circuit
Authors: Li Chunhe , Wang Jin
Published: May 2015

Cancer presents a serious threat to human health. The understanding of the cell fate determination during development and tumor-genesis remains challenging in current cancer biology. It was suggested that cancer stem cell (CSC) may arise from normal stem cells or be transformed from normal differentiated cells. This gives hints on the connection between cancer and development. However, the molecular mechanisms of these cell-type transitions and the CSC formation remain elusive. We quantified landscape, dominant paths, and switching rates between cell types from a core gene regulatory network for cancer and development. Stem cell, CSC, cancer, and normal cell types emerge as basins of attraction on associated landscape. The dominant paths quantify the transition processes among CSC, stem cell, normal cell, and cancer cell attractors. Transition actions of the dominant paths are shown to be closely related to switching rates between cell types, but not always to the barriers in between, because of the presence of the curl flux. During the process of P53 gene activation, landscape topography changes gradually from a CSC attractor to a normal cell attractor. This confirms the roles of P53 of preventing the formation of CSC through suppressing self-renewal and inducing differentiation. By global sensitivity analysis according to landscape topography and action, we identified key regulations determining cell-type switchings and suggested testable predictions. From landscape view, the emergence of the CSCs and the associated switching to other cell types are the results of underlying interactions among cancer and developmental marker genes. This indicates that the cancer and development are intimately connected. This landscape and flux theoretical framework provides a quantitative way to understand the underlying mechanisms of CSC formation and interplay between cancer and development. Cancer Res; 75(13); 2607–18. ©2015 AACR.
Response to MET Inhibitors in Patients with Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinomas Harboring MET Mutations Causing Exon 14 Skipping
Authors: Paik Paul K. , Drilon Alexander , Fan Pang-Dian , Yu Helena , Rekhtman Natasha , Ginsberg Michelle S. , Borsu Laetitia , Schultz Nikolaus , Berger Michael F. , Rudin Charles M. , Ladanyi Marc
Published: May 2015

Mutations in the MET exon 14 RNA splice acceptor and donor sites, which lead to exon skipping, deletion of the juxtamembrane domain containing the CBL E3-ubiquitin ligase-binding site, and decreased turnover of the resultant aberrant MET protein, were previously reported to be oncogenic in preclinical models. We now report responses to the MET inhibitors crizotinib and cabozantinib in four patients with stage IV lung adenocarcinomas harboring mutations leading to MET exon 14 skipping, highlighting a new therapeutic strategy for the 4% of lung adenocarcinoma patients whose tumors harbor this previously underappreciated genetic alteration.

Significance: Oncogenic mutations in the MET exon 14 splice sites that cause exon 14 skipping occur in 4% of lung adenocarcinomas. We report responses to the MET inhibitors crizotinib and cabozantinib in patients with lung adenocarcinomas harboring MET exon 14 splice site mutations, identifying a new potential therapeutic target in this disease. Cancer Discov; 5(8); 842–9. ©2015 AACR.

See related commentary by Ma, p. 802.

See related article by Frampton et al., p. 850.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 783
Activation of MET via Diverse Exon 14 Splicing Alterations Occurs in Multiple Tumor Types and Confers Clinical Sensitivity to MET Inhibitors
Authors: Frampton Garrett M. , Ali Siraj M. , Rosenzweig Mark , Chmielecki Juliann , Lu Xinyuan , Bauer Todd M. , Akimov Mikhail , Bufill Jose A. , Lee Carrie , Jentz David , Hoover Rick , Ou Sai-Hong Ignatius , Salgia Ravi , Brennan Tim , Chalmers Zachary R. , Jaeger Savina , Huang Alan , Elvin Julia A. , Erlich Rachel , Fichtenholtz Alex , Gowen Kyle A. , Greenbowe Joel , Johnson Adrienne , Khaira Depinder , McMahon Caitlin , Sanford Eric M. , Roels Steven , White Jared , Greshock Joel , Schlegel Robert , Lipson Doron , Yelensky Roman , Morosini Deborah , Ross Jeffrey S. , Collisson Eric , Peters Malte , Stephens Philip J. , Miller Vincent A.
Published: May 2015

Focal amplification and activating point mutation of the MET gene are well-characterized oncogenic drivers that confer susceptibility to targeted MET inhibitors. Recurrent somatic splice site alterations at MET exon 14 (METex14) that result in exon skipping and MET activation have been characterized, but their full diversity and prevalence across tumor types are unknown. Here, we report analysis of tumor genomic profiles from 38,028 patients to identify 221 cases with METex14 mutations (0.6%), including 126 distinct sequence variants. METex14 mutations are detected most frequently in lung adenocarcinoma (3%), but also frequently in other lung neoplasms (2.3%), brain glioma (0.4%), and tumors of unknown primary origin (0.4%). Further in vitro studies demonstrate sensitivity to MET inhibitors in cells harboring METex14 alterations. We also report three new patient cases with METex14 alterations in lung or histiocytic sarcoma tumors that showed durable response to two different MET-targeted therapies. The diversity of METex14 mutations indicates that diagnostic testing via comprehensive genomic profiling is necessary for detection in a clinical setting.

Significance: Here we report the identification of diverse exon 14 splice site alterations in MET that result in constitutive activity of this receptor and oncogenic transformation in vitro. Patients whose tumors harbored these alterations derived meaningful clinical benefit from MET inhibitors. Collectively, these data support the role of METex14 alterations as drivers of tumorigenesis, and identify a unique subset of patients likely to derive benefit from MET inhibitors. Cancer Discov; 5(8); 850–9. ©2015 AACR.

See related commentary by Ma, p. 802.

See related article by Paik et al., p. 842.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 783
STAT1-Induced HLA Class I Upregulation Enhances Immunogenicity and Clinical Response to Anti-EGFR mAb Cetuximab Therapy in HNC Patients
Authors: Srivastava Raghvendra M. , Trivedi Sumita , Concha-Benavente Fernando , Hyun-bae Jie , Wang Lin , Seethala Raja R. , Branstetter Barton F. , Ferrone Soldano , Ferris Robert L.
Published: May 2015

The goal of this study was to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying cetuximab-mediated upregulation of HLA class I antigen-processing machinery components in head and neck cancer (HNC) cells and to determine the clinical significance of these changes in cetuximab-treated HNC patients. Flow cytometry, signaling studies, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were performed using HNC cells treated with cetuximab alone or with Fcγ receptor (FcγR)-bearing lymphocytes to establish the mechanism of EGFR-dependent regulation of HLA APM expression. A prospective phase II clinical trial of neoadjuvant cetuximab was used to correlate HLA class I expression with clinical response in HNC patients. EGFR blockade triggered STAT1 activation and HLA upregulation, in a src homology-containing protein (SHP)-2–dependent fashion, more prominently in HLA-B/C than in HLA-A alleles. EGFR signaling blockade also enhanced IFNγ receptor 1 (IFNAR) expression, augmenting induction of HLA class I and TAP1/2 expression by IFNγ, which was abrogated in STAT1−/− cells. Cetuximab enhanced HNC cell recognition by EGFR853–861-specific CTLs, and notably enhanced surface presentation of a non-EGFR peptide (MAGE-3271–279). HLA class I upregulation was significantly associated with clinical response in cetuximab-treated HNC patients. EGFR induces HLA downregulation through SHP-2/STAT1 suppression. Reversal of HLA class I downregulation was more prominent in clinical responders to cetuximab therapy, supporting an important role for adaptive immunity in cetuximab antitumor activity. Abrogating EGFR-induced immune escape mechanisms and restoring STAT1 signaling to reverse HLA downregulation using cetuximab should be combined with strategies to enhance adaptive cellular immunity. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(8); 936–45. ©2015 AACR.
Changes in Depressive Symptoms and Incidence of First Stroke Among Middle‐Aged and Older US Adults
Authors: Gilsanz Paola , Walter Stefan , Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric J. , Patton Kristen K. , Moon J. Robin , Capistrant Beatrix D. , Marden Jessica R. , Kubzansky Laura D. , Kawachi Ichiro , Glymour M. Maria
Published: May 2015

Background

Although research has demonstrated that depressive symptoms predict stroke incidence, depressive symptoms are dynamic. It is unclear whether stroke risk persists if depressive symptoms remit.

Methods and Results

Health and Retirement Study participants (n=16 178, stroke free and noninstitutionalized at baseline) were interviewed biennially from 1998 to 2010. Stroke and depressive symptoms were assessed through self‐report of doctors’ diagnoses and a modified Center for Epidemiologic Studies ‐ Depression scale (high was ≥3 symptoms), respectively. We examined whether depressive symptom patterns, characterized across 2 successive interviews (stable low/no, onset, remitted, or stable high depressive symptoms) predicted incident stroke (1192 events) during the subsequent 2 years. We used marginal structural Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for demographics, health behaviors, chronic conditions, and attrition. We also estimated effects stratified by age (≥65 years), race or ethnicity (non‐Hispanic white, non‐Hispanic black, Hispanic), and sex. Stroke hazard was elevated among participants with stable high (adjusted hazard ratio 2.14, 95%
CI
1.69 to 2.71) or remitted (adjusted hazard ratio 1.66, 95%
CI
1.22 to 2.26) depressive symptoms compared with participants with stable low/no depressive symptoms. Stable high depressive symptom predicted stroke among all subgroups. Remitted depressive symptoms predicted increased stroke hazard among women (adjusted hazard ratio 1.86, 95%
CI
1.30 to 2.66) and non‐Hispanic white participants (adjusted hazard ratio 1.66, 95%
CI
1.18 to 2.33) and was marginally associated among Hispanics (adjusted hazard ratio 2.36, 95%
CI
0.98 to 5.67).

Conclusions

In this cohort, persistently high depressive symptoms were associated with increased stroke risk. Risk remained elevated even if depressive symptoms remitted over a 2‐year period, suggesting cumulative etiologic mechanisms linking depression and stroke.
Attentional Bias Through Oscillatory Coherence Between Excitatory Activity and Inhibitory Minima
Authors: Blaes Sebastian , Burwick Thomas
Published: May 2015

An implementation of attentional bias is presented for a network model that couples excitatory and inhibitory oscillatory units in a manner that is inspired by the mechanisms that generate cortical gamma oscillations. Attentional biases are implemented as oscillatory coherences between excitatory units that encode the spatial location or features of the target and the pool of inhibitory units. This form of attentional bias is motivated by neurophysiological findings that relate selective attention to spike field coherence. Including also pattern recognition mechanisms, we demonstrate how this implementation of attentional bias leads to selection of an attentional target while suppressing distracters for cases of spatial and feature-based attention. With respect to neurophysiological observations, we argue that the recently found positive correlation between high firing rates and strong gamma locking with attention (Vinck, Womelsdorf, Buffalo, Desimone, & Fries, 2013 ) may point to an essential mechanism of the brain’s attentional selection and suppression processes.
Clusterless Decoding of Position from Multiunit Activity Using a Marked Point Process Filter
Authors: Deng Xinyi , Liu Daniel F. , Kay Kenneth , Frank Loren M. , Eden Uri T.
Published: May 2015

Point process filters have been applied successfully to decode neural signals and track neural dynamics. Traditionally these methods assume that multiunit spiking activity has already been correctly spike-sorted. As a result, these methods are not appropriate for situations where sorting cannot be performed with high precision, such as real-time decoding for brain-computer interfaces. Because the unsupervised spike-sorting problem remains unsolved, we took an alternative approach that takes advantage of recent insights into clusterless decoding. Here we present a new point process decoding algorithm that does not require multiunit signals to be sorted into individual units. We use the theory of marked point processes to construct a function that characterizes the relationship between a covariate of interest (in this case, the location of a rat on a track) and features of the spike waveforms. In our example, we use tetrode recordings, and the marks represent a four-dimensional vector of the maximum amplitudes of the spike waveform on each of the four electrodes. In general, the marks may represent any features of the spike waveform. We then use Bayes’s rule to estimate spatial location from hippocampal neural activity.

We validate our approach with a simulation study and experimental data recorded in the hippocampus of a rat moving through a linear environment. Our decoding algorithm accurately reconstructs the rat’s position from unsorted multiunit spiking activity. We then compare the quality of our decoding algorithm to that of a traditional spike-sorting and decoding algorithm. Our analyses show that the proposed decoding algorithm performs equivalent to or better than algorithms based on sorted single-unit activity. These results provide a path toward accurate real-time decoding of spiking patterns that could be used to carry out content-specific manipulations of population activity in hippocampus or elsewhere in the brain.
A Hebbian/Anti-Hebbian Neural Network for Linear Subspace Learning: A Derivation from Multidimensional Scaling of Streaming Data
Authors: Pehlevan Cengiz , Hu Tao , Chklovskii Dmitri B.
Published: May 2015

Neural network models of early sensory processing typically reduce the dimensionality of streaming input data. Such networks learn the principal subspace, in the sense of principal component analysis, by adjusting synaptic weights according to activity-dependent learning rules. When derived from a principled cost function, these rules are nonlocal and hence biologically implausible. At the same time, biologically plausible local rules have been postulated rather than derived from a principled cost function. Here, to bridge this gap, we derive a biologically plausible network for subspace learning on streaming data by minimizing a principled cost function. In a departure from previous work, where cost was quantified by the representation, or reconstruction, error, we adopt a multidimensional scaling cost function for streaming data. The resulting algorithm relies only on biologically plausible Hebbian and anti-Hebbian local learning rules. In a stochastic setting, synaptic weights converge to a stationary state, which projects the input data onto the principal subspace. If the data are generated by a nonstationary distribution, the network can track the principal subspace. Thus, our result makes a step toward an algorithmic theory of neural computation.
Comments and Correction on ”U-Processes and Preference Learning” (Neural Computation Vol. 26, pp. 2896–2924, 2014)
Authors: Rejchel Wojciech , Li Hong , Ren Chuanbao , Li Luoqing
Published: May 2015

This note corrects an error in the proof of corollary 1 of Li et al. ( 2014 ). The original claim of the contraction principle in appendix D of Li et al. no longer holds.
Taxonomy, typification and karyology of Crepis lacera (Asteraceae)
Authors: Roma Marzio Francesco , Astuti Giovanni , Peruzzi Lorenzo
Published: May 2015

Crepis lacera is a diploid species (2n = 8), mostly occurring in Italy, with a disjunct population in Albania. The names C. lacera, C. latialis and C. lacera f. titani are here lectotypified, and their taxonomic value is discussed. For the latter name, based on morphological, biogeographical and karyological results, we propose here the subspecific rank (C. lacera subsp. titani stat. nov.). In addition, basal leaf morphology variation, the main distinguishing feature between the two subspecies, is discussed in the light of paedomorphosis, and a distribution map for both subspecies is presented.
Clitocybula sulcata—a new species from India
Authors: LATHA K. P. DEEPNA , RAJ K. N. ANIL , SHARAFUDHEEN Shahina A. , Manimohan Patinjareveettil
Published: May 2015

Clitocybula sulcata sp. nov. is described from Kerala State, India. This species is characterized by a distinctly sulcate, finely granulose pileal surface, and a possible association with the bark of living Hydnocarpus (Flacourtiaceae) trees. A comprehensive description, photographs, and comparisons with phenetically similar species are provided. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on ITS sequences coupled with morphology confirmed the placement of this species in Clitocybula. The present study is the first description of a species of this genus from India.
Long-Period Tides in an Atmospherically Driven, Stratified Ocean
Authors: Ponte Rui M. , Chaudhuri Ayan H. , Vinogradov Sergey V.
Published: May 2015

Long-period tides (LPT) are studied using a stratified, primitive equation model on a global domain and in the presence of a fully developed, atmospherically forced ocean general circulation. The major LPT constituents, from termensual to nodal (18.6 yr) periods, are examined. Ocean circulation variability can overwhelm the longest tide signals and make inferring LPT from data difficult, but model results suggest that bottom pressure offers cleaner signal-to-noise ratios than sea level, particularly at low latitudes where atmospherically driven variability is substantially stronger at the surface than at the bottom. Most tides exhibit a significant large-scale dynamic response, with the tendency for weaker nonequilibrium signals in the Atlantic compared to the Pacific as seen in previous studies. However, across most tidal lines, the largest dynamic signals tend to occur in the Arctic and Nordic Seas and also in Hudson Bay. Bathymetry and coastal geometry contribute to the modeled nonequilibrium behavior. Baroclinic effects tend to increase with the tidal period. Apart from short spatial-scale modulations associated with topographic interactions, the excitation of various propagating baroclinic wave modes is clearly part of the modeled LPT, particularly at tropical latitudes, for fortnightly and longer-period tides.
Opioid Prescribing and Potential Overdose Errors Among Children 0 to 36 Months Old
Authors: Basco William T. , Ebeling Myla , Garner Sandra S. , Hulsey Thomas C. , Simpson Kit
Published: May 2015

Objective. To estimate the frequency of potential overdoses among outpatient opioid-containing prescriptions. Method. Using 11 years of outpatient Medicaid prescription data, we compared opioid dose dispensed (observed) versus expected dose to estimate overdose error frequencies. A potential overdose was defined as any preparation dispensed that was >110% of expected based on imputed, 97th percentile weights. Results. There were 59 536 study drug prescriptions to children 0 to 36 months old. Overall, 2.7% of the prescriptions contained potential overdose quantities, and the average excess amount dispensed was 48% above expected. Younger ages were associated with higher frequencies of potential overdose. For example, 8.9% of opioid prescriptions among infants 0 to 2 months contained potential overdose quantities, compared with 5.7% among infants 3 to 5 months old, 3.6% among infants 6 to 11 months old, and 2.3% among children >12 months ( P < .0001). Conclusions. Opioid prescriptions for infants and children routinely contained potential overdose quantities.
Comparison of biodegradation of low-weight hydroentangled raw cotton nonwoven fabric and that of commonly used disposable nonwoven fabrics in aerobic Captina silt loam soil
Authors: Nam Sunghyun , Slopek Ryan , Wolf Duane , Warnock Mary , Condon Brian D , Sawhney Paul , Gbur Edward , Reynolds Michael , Allen Chuck
Published: May 2015

The increasing use of synthetic disposable nonwoven products generates a large amount of non-biodegradable solid waste. In an effort to enhance the use of raw cotton in nonwoven wipes applications, this study compares the biodegradation of low-weight nonwoven fabrics (around 50 g/m2) made of mechanically pre-cleaned raw cotton, rayon, polypropylene (PP), and polylactic acid (PLA) in a Captina silt loam soil. The biodegradation rates of raw cotton and rayon fabrics were fitted to the first-order kinetics model with half-life values of 12.6 and 7.6 days, respectively. The slightly faster disintegration of cellulose structure for rayon was confirmed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectra, and distinct morphological changes in the fiber (cracks and breakage were prevalent in raw cotton, whereas the thinning and merging of fibers occurred in rayon) were observed during their biodegradation. PLA and PP nonwoven fabrics exhibited no weight loss during the burial periods studied, but showed some evidence of oxidation in ATR-FTIR spectra. The breaking and burst strengths of PLA fabric decreased by 45% and 23% of the original strengths, respectively, while neither significantly decreased in PP fabric. The results suggest that mixing raw cotton or rayon low-weight nonwoven wastes with surface soil provides an alternative disposal method, but this land application could not be recommended for PLA and PP nonwoven wastes.
Off-pump right atrial surgery: Vena caval inflow occlusion in cardiac lesions
Authors: Torabi Asad John , Dobrilovic Nikola , Raman Jai S
Published: May 2015

Background

Vena caval inflow occlusion, despite its utility in pediatrics, is rarely used in adults. We report the use of inflow occlusion in adults when cardiopulmonary bypass is contraindicated.

Methods

Between January 1999 and July 2014, 35 patients in 3 hospitals presented with right-sided cardiac lesions; 27 had right-sided endocarditis with sepsis despite maximal medical therapy, the rest had organized sterile masses with embolic potential in the right side of the heart. Comorbidities included immunosuppression, malignancy, and dialysis-dependent renal failure. Twelve patients had heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Using inflow occlusion on a beating heart, tricuspid valve vegetectomy was performed in 23 patients, vegetectomy and tricuspid valve repair in 3, removal of infected pacing leads in 7, and removal of a migrated inferior vena cava filter in 1. Eight patients had a single 2-min period of vena caval inflow occlusion, and 25 had additional periods of vena caval inflow occlusion after periods of reperfusion. The first 23 procedures were performed through a sternotomy. Nine patients underwent a right minithoracotomy (redo in 2).

Results

There were no deaths. Infected patients had resolution of sepsis and improvement in respiratory status. Three patients had moderate tricuspid regurgitation, the rest had trivial to mild tricuspid regurgitation. One patient had a transient neurological deficit postoperatively, and one had late empyema.

Conclusion

Removal of infective material, sterile masses, and retained foreign bodies can safely be performed under vena caval inflow occlusion when cardiopulmonary bypass is contraindicated.
Occupations and personal projects: A comparison of the concepts
Authors: Arcand-Dusseault Caroline , Egan Mary
Published: May 2015

Introduction

The concept of personal projects has been used in occupational therapy research to understand occupation better. However, no clear distinction has been made between personal projects and occupations. An argumentative review was carried out to determine if the concepts of occupation, as outlined in the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement and the Person Environment Occupation Model and personal projects are interchangeable.

Method

Definitions of each concept and seven points of comparison were identified through reading and discussion of key material related to: framework and origins; association with health and well-being; consideration of the environment; individualized and self-directed nature; consideration of aspects of the person; categories; and balance.

Findings

Occupation and personal projects represent similar concepts when they refer to concrete and time-limited activities. More abstract and extended personal projects may be broken down into more concrete, shorter-term occupations. Differences were noted with respect to consideration of the environment, aspects of the person, categories and balance.

Conclusion

Differences in the way the environment, aspects of the person, categories and balance are considered in personal projects may provide helpful insights for occupational therapists as they attempt to practice in a client-centered, strengths-based manner with a focus on occupation.
Rules of Engagement as Survival Consciousness
Authors: Collins Joshua C. , Rocco Tonette S.
Published: May 2015

Gay men face decisions associated with disclosure, the process of coming out as gay, when and if to disclose, and how much information. These decisions carry more weight in masculinized industries such as law enforcement. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to critically explore gay male law enforcement officers’ experiences working in a masculinized industry. A critical interpretation process revealed that gay male law enforcement officers learn tacit and informal “rules of engagement,” which are enacted as a form of survival consciousness to cope in an industry that is continually hostile toward gay identity.
Using CBPR Methods in College Health Research
Authors: Bulmer Sandra M. , Barton Barbara A. , Liefeld Julie , Montauti Sara , Santos Stephanie , Richard Melissa , Hnath Laura , Pelletier Kara , Lalanne Jude
Published: May 2015

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a collaborative methodology that uniquely involves stakeholders in all stages of the research process. CBPR has been widely utilized in the field of public health, but not widely employed with college populations. This study utilized CBPR methods within a college community to gain insight into excessive alcohol consumption. Six student researchers planned and carried out a rigorous qualitative study at a public university in the Northeast region of the United States. A total of 48 undergraduate participants were recruited for focus groups that were facilitated by two student researchers, and transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis methods. Students’ reasons for drinking alcohol were focused within the themes of inclusion, habitual default, and the student development process. Social media, strict policy/enforcement, and student’s desire to avoid responsibility led to increased risk and consequences related to drinking. Students recommended late night transportation and a Good Samaritan policy as strategies to improve student safety. This study led to student advocacy and policy change directed at improving student’s health and safety and demonstrated that CBPR methods show promise for engaging students and producing meaningful data.
The gender gap in employment hours: do work-hour regulations matter?
Authors: Landivar Liana Christin
Published: May 2015

In all developed countries, women, especially mothers, work fewer paid hours than their spouses. However, the magnitude of the gender gap varies significantly by country, ranging from 2 to 20 hours per week in this study. Using data from the 2002 International Social Survey Programme, this article investigates whether work-hour regulations have a significant effect on household allocation of paid labour and gender work-hour inequality. Two main types of work-hour regulations are examined: standard weekly work hours and the maximum allowable weekly work hours. Results show that households in countries with shorter maximum weekly work hours had less work-hour inequality between spouses, as each additional allowable overtime hour over the standard working week increased the work-hour gap between couples by 20 minutes. These results indicate that couples’ inequality in work hours and gender inequality in labour supply are associated with country-level work-hour regulations.
Work beyond the bounds: a boundary analysis of the fragmentation of work
Authors: Hatton Erin
Published: May 2015

Scholars have examined many different types of labour, including ‘nonmarket’, ‘informal’ and ‘underground’ work. Such studies elucidate the conditions and consequences for workers in these jobs, while also generally accepting as unproblematic the basic distinctions between such categories of labour and ‘market’ work. Yet such distinctions should be a central point of interrogation. This article probes these distinctions by analysing the overlapping social and legal boundaries which fragment work into categories of ‘market’, ‘nonmarket’, ‘informal’ and ‘underground’ labour. Instead of reifying these categorizations, however, this analysis shows them to be socially constructed categories that mutually constitute one another. By systematizing their points of connection and departure, the boundary map presented in this article provides the analytical structure for new comparative research across seemingly dissimilar categories of work, which will extend scholarly understanding of the fragmentation of work and the relationship between work and inequality.
Welfare reform, precarity and the re-commodification of labour
Authors: Greer Ian
Published: May 2015

While welfare reform matters for workers and workplaces, it is peripheral in English-language sociology of work and industrial relations research. This article’s core proposition is that active labour market policies (ALMPs) are altering the institutional constitution of the labour market by intensifying market discipline within the workforce. This re-commodification effect is specified drawing on Marxism, comparative institutionalism, German-language sociology and English-language social policy analysis. Because of administrative failure and employer discrimination, however, ALMPs may worsen precarity without achieving the stated goal of increasing labour market participation.
Acceptability and feasibility of HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men in Peru and Brazil
Authors: Volk Jonathan E , Lippman Sheri A , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Lama Javier R , Fernandes Nilo M , Gonzales Pedro , Hessol Nancy A , Buchbinder Susan
Published: May 2015

HIV self-testing has the potential to increase testing frequency and uptake. This pilot study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of HIV self-testing in a sample of sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM) in Peru and Brazil. Participants were trained to use a whole blood rapid HIV self-test and instructed to use the self-test monthly during this three-month study. Test acceptability was measured with self-reported use of the test at the one-month and three-month study visits, and test feasibility was assessed by direct observation of self-test administration at the final three-month visit. A total of 103 participants (52 in Peru and 51 in Brazil) were enrolled, and 86% completed the three-month study. Nearly all participants reported use of the self-test (97% at one-month and 98% at three-month visit), and all participants correctly interpreted the self-administered test results when observed using the test at the final study visit. HIV self-testing with a blood-based assay was highly acceptable and feasible. HIV self-testing may have the potential to increase testing frequency and to reach high-risk MSM not currently accessing HIV-testing services.
Electroconvulsive therapy as a treatment for refractory neuropsychiatric lupus with catatonia: three case studies and literature review
Authors: Bica B E R G , Moro A L D , Hax V , Nicol N A , Campos G S , Rivera L M S , da Costa A F C , Xavier R M , Monticielo O A
Published: May 2015

Neuropsychiatric disorders associated with systemic lupus erythematosus are very common. Treatment generally consists of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive therapy; however, some cases are unresponsive. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a recognized treatment modality in psychiatry and is an option for refractory cases of neuropsychiatric lupus. This report describes three cases of neuropsychiatric lupus that improved with ECT after failure of antipsychotics and immunosuppressive therapy. All cases met DSM-5 criteria for catatonia (case 1: agitation, stereotypies, and grimacing; case 2: stupor, mutism, and grimacing; case 3: agitation, mutism, and stereotypies); therefore, ECT was indicated. This case series shows that ECT can be a therapeutic option in patients with neuropsychiatric lupus, especially when associated with catatonia and unresponsive to conventional treatment.
Task-Shifting From Physicians to Nurses in Primary Care and its Impact on Resource Utilization
Authors: Martínez-González Nahara Anani , Rosemann Thomas , Djalali Sima , Huber-Geismann Flore , Tandjung Ryan
Published: May 2015

Task-shifting from physicians to nurses has gained increasing interest in health policy but little is known about its efficiency. This systematic review was conducted to compare resource utilization with task-shifting from physicians to nurses in primary care. Literature searches yielded 4,589 citations. Twenty studies comprising 13,171 participants met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses showed nurses had more return consultations and longer consultations than physicians but were similar in their use of referrals, prescriptions, or investigations. The evidence has limitations, but suggests that the effects may be influenced by the utilization of resources, context of care, available guidance, and supervision. Cost data suggest physician–nurse salary and physician’s time spent on supervision and delegation are important components of nurse-led care costs. More rigorous research involving a wider range of nurses from many countries is needed reporting detailed accounts of nurses’ roles and competencies, qualifications, training, resources, time available for consultations, and all-cause costs.
Increasing enjoyable activities to treat depression in nursing home residents with dementia: A pilot study
Authors: Travers Catherine
Published: May 2015

This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a behavioral activities intervention (BE-ACTIV) in Australian nursing homes. BE-ACTIV was developed by researchers at the University of Louisville, USA, to improve mood and quality of life (QOL) in nursing home residents with mild to moderate dementia. An eight-week trial was conducted and 10 residents with mild to moderate dementia received the BE-ACTIV intervention while eight residents received a Walking and Talking intervention. Measures of depression (GDS-12R) and QOL (QOL-AD-NH) were administered prior to and following the interventions. Qualitative feedback indicated residents benefited from BE-ACTIV, evident by improved mood, although no statistically significant treatment effect was found. Moreover, the intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable to Australian nursing home staff and our findings highlight the importance of individualizing activities for people with dementia, of which 1:1 staff attention was a key component.
High prevalence of elevated haemoglobin A1C among adolescent blood donors: Results from a voluntary screening programme including 31,546 adolescents
Authors: Gore M Odette , Eason Stephen J , Ayers Colby R , Turer Aslan T , Khera Amit , de Lemos James A , McGuire Darren K , Sayers Merlyn
Published: May 2015

More than 1 in 10 US adolescents have prediabetes or diabetes, and elevated glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) in youth is associated with increased risk of death before the age of 55 years. We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional study of 31,546 consecutive volunteer blood donors, 16–19 years of age, who donated blood during school blood drives between 1 September 2011 and 21 December 2012 in Texas. In the overall cohort, the prevalence of elevated HbA1C was 11.5%, including 11.0% in the prediabetes range (HbA1C 5.7%–6.4%) and 0.5% in the diabetes range (HbA1C ⩾ 6.5%). The prevalence of elevated HbA1C was higher in boys compared with girls (15.7% vs 7.9%, p < 0.001) and was especially high in racial/ethnic minorities (Blacks 32.7%, Asians 19.7%, Hispanics 13.1%) compared with Whites (8.0%, p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in total cholesterol and blood pressure across categories of increasing HbA1C in the overall cohort and stratified by sex and race/ethnicity. Blood donation programmes can serve as unique portals for health screening with potential for intervention in adolescents.
Evidence for the Efficacy of the Child Advocacy Center Model
Authors: Herbert James Leslie , Bromfield Leah
Published: May 2015

The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) model has been presented as the solution to many of the problems inherent in responses by authorities to child sexual abuse. The lack of referral to therapeutic services and support, procedurally flawed and potentially traumatic investigation practices, and conflict between the different statutory agencies involved are all thought to contribute to low conviction rates for abuse and poor outcomes for children. The CAC model aims to address these problems through a combination of multidisciplinary teams, joint investigations, and services, all provided in a single child friendly environment. Using a systematic search strategy, this research aimed to identify and review all studies that have evaluated the effectiveness of the approach as a whole, recognizing that a separate evidence base exists for parts of the approach (e.g., victim advocacy and therapeutic responses). The review found that while the criminal justice outcomes of the model have been well studied, there was a lack of research on the effect of the model on child and family outcomes. Although some modest outcomes were clear, the lack of empirical research, and overreliance on measuring program outputs, rather than outcomes, suggests that some clarification of the goals of the CAC model is needed.
Flow-diverter stenting of post-traumatic bilateral anterior cerebral artery pseudoaneurysm: A case report
Authors: Giorgianni Andrea , Pellegrino Carlo , Minotto Renzo , Mercuri Anna , Frattini Lara , Baruzzi Fabio , Valvassori Luca
Published: May 2015

The use of flow-diverter (FD) stents in recent years has positively changed the therapeutic approach to some vascular diseases, especially of certain types of aneurysms. This paper describes the case of a young patient after a major head trauma causing multiple skull fractures. The trauma occasioned two pseudoaneurysms from the A1 segment of the right anterior cerebral artery and from the A2 segment of the left anterior cerebral artery.

Both lesions were treated with two Pipeline devices (ev3, Irvine, CA, USA) in two different sessions. The CT study and angiographic investigations performed in the following month showed a complete resolution of the post-traumatic pseudoaneurysmal lesions.

Although the use of FD stents is described in the literature, particularly in the treatment of selected aneurysms, this paper shows good technical results in the use of these stents in cases of intracranial post-traumatic pseudoaneurysms with clinical improvement.
The association of simple renal cysts with abdominal aortic aneurysms and their impact on renal function after endovascular aneurysm repair
Authors: Spanos Konstantinos , Rountas Christos , Saleptsis Vasileios , Athanasoulas Athanasios , Fezoulidis Ioannis , Giannoukas Athanasios D
Published: May 2015

We validated the association of simple renal cysts with abdominal aortic aneurysm and other cardiovascular factors and assessed simple renal cysts’ impact on renal function before and after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted. Computed tomography angiograms of 100 consecutive male patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm who underwent endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (Group 1) were reviewed and compared with 100 computed tomography angiogram of aged-matched male patients without abdominal aortic aneurysm (Group 2). Patients’ demographic data, risk factors, abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter, the presence of simple renal cyst and laboratory tests were recorded. No difference was observed between the two groups in respect to other cardiovascular risk factors except hyperlipidemia with higher prevalence in Group 1 ( p < 0.05). Presence of simple renal cysts was independently associated with age ( p < 0.05) and abdominal aortic aneurysm ( p = 0.0157). There was no correlation between simple renal cysts and abdominal aortic aneurysm size or pre-operative creatinine and urea levels. No difference was observed in post-operative creatinine and urea levels either immediately after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair or in 12-month follow-up. In male patients, the presence of simple renal cysts is associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm and is increasing with age. However, their presence is neither associated with impaired renal function pre-endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and post-endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair nor after 12-month follow-up.
Criminal justice system responses to intimate partner violence: The Italian case
Authors: Arcidiacono Davide , Crocitti Stefania
Published: May 2015

This article presents the results of research carried out in two Italian cities, aimed at analysing the criminal justice system’s response to intimate partner violence. Research data were collected through the content analysis of judicial files concerning offences involving violence against women by a partner or a former partner. From the research, it appears that the Italian penal system tends to selectively de-construct and fragment the acts of violence, rather than to re-construct the facts as they actually took place. In criminal proceedings, the centrality of the woman’s cooperation is unquestionable. However, the ineffective response by the penal agencies could represent an instance of ‘circular causation’ linked to the so-called ‘trained inability’ of penal actors. In order to deal adequately with these issues, specific training is required for criminal justice system practitioners. It also seems necessary to resort to specific tools for risk assessment, in order to ensure the protection of the victim.
New Magic as an Artification Movement: From Speech Event to Change Process
Authors: Jones Graham M.
Published: May 2015

In recent years, a small but prolific network of French magicians and their allies have taken calculated, systematic, and very public steps to reposition magic as a form of high culture, produced and received according to a set of distinctively artistic criteria, and linked institutionally to the realm of fine arts. They call what they are doing ‘new magic’ ( la magie nouvelle). This article takes a conversation analytic approach to a verbal disagreement between one of new magic’s principal proponents and a relatively senior music scholar who questions how art-like new magic really is. The speakers mutually accomplish the activity of arguing by realizing associated design features such as negative personal assessments, overlapping talk, format tying, sarcasm, bald directives, and interruption. In so doing, they also co-construct interactional identities as cultural insurgent and cultural gatekeeper, shaping this particular speech event as a skirmish in a conflictual and unresolved process of artification.