bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender, Power, and Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Conroy Amy A.
Published: November 2013

Gender-based power imbalances are perhaps the most compelling underlying explanation for intimate partner violence (IPV) among women in sub-Saharan Africa. However, an overemphasis on female victimization results in an incomplete understanding of men’s experiences as victims and the broader dyadic context in which violence occurs. This study examines the role of three domains of relationship power (power resources, processes, and outcomes) on sexual and physical IPV victimization in a unique sample of 466 young couples from Malawi. Two power resources were studied, namely, income and education level. Power processes were captured with a measure of couple communication and collaboration called unity. Power outcomes included a measure of relationship dominance (male dominated or female-dominated/egalitarian). Multilevel logistic regression using the Actor Partner Interpersonal Model framework was used to test whether respondent and partner data were predictive of IPV. The findings show that unity and male dominance were salient power factors that influenced young people’s risk for sexual IPV. Unity had a stronger protective effect on sexual IPV for women than for men. Involvement in a male-dominated relationship increased the risk of sexual IPV for women, but decreased the risk for men. The findings also showed that education level and unity were protective against physical IPV for both men and women. Contrary to what was expected, partner data did not play a role in the respondent’s experience of IPV. The consistency of these findings with the literature, theory, and study limitations are discussed.
Compound sliding-mode predictive control for a temperature system of high-speed heat-airflow wind tunnel
Authors: Cai Chaozhi , Li Yunhua , Dong Sujun
Published: November 2013

The mathematical model of the temperature system under the mode of the proportional throttle valve control and the variable frequency pump control is established, respectively. A compound control strategy that consists of a compensation controller and a sliding-mode predictive feedback controller is designed. The compensation controller, which takes the change of the wind speed as parameter, is used to eliminate the impact on the system caused by the change of the working conditions (wind speed); the sliding-mode predictive feedback controller is used to solve the problems in the system such as time delay, time-varying parameters and disturbance. In order to solve the problem of temperature disturbance caused by the mode switch between pump control and valve control and the oil-rich combustion phenomenon in the high-temperature case, a method takes the ramp signal in which the slope is adjustable as a temperature setting signal is proposed. The experimental results show that the designed strategy obtains a satisfactory control performance and can achieve the temperature control with fast response time and no overshoot. In addition, it takes the ramp signal in which the slope is adjustable as the temperature setting signal can achieve the undisturbed switching control of the temperature and prevent the oil-rich combustion effectively.
Application of the state deterioration evolution based on bi-spectrum in wind turbine
Authors: Xiaoli Xu , Zhanglei Jiang , Hongjun Wang , Guoxin Wu , Yunbo Zuo , Peng Chen , Liyong Wang
Published: November 2013

Concerning the problem of large rotating machinery like wind turbine which runs in low speed and non-stationary state, this research mainly focuses on separating fault trend feature from non-fault feature and the method of state deterioration evolution based on bi-spectrum. Firstly, the experimental signal such as low-speed startup vibration signal of rotor test rig in the normal state and a plurality of unbalanced state have been collected. Bi-spectrum method is applied to extract fault feature which submerged in complex background noise. On the basis of bi-spectrum analysis, the fault feature evolutionary matrix is defined to represent the state of equipment deterioration. The eigenvalues of fault feature evolutionary matrix are computed and fitted to a normal distribution curve, from which the mean value and variance are taken as fault feature parameters. Fault feature parameters are verified effectively by experiments. Finally, depending on fault feature parameters, graphical representation of state deterioration evolution is established. It is beneficial to provide guidelines for equipment deterioration trend. This method is applied to analyze the real vibration signal of wind turbine with the type of WD646/600 KW, and actual equipment condition verified the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Air/mist cooling in a rectangular duct with varying shapes of ribs
Authors: Elwekeel Fifi NM , Zheng Qun , Abdala Antar MM
Published: November 2013

A numerical investigation of turbulent forced convection in a three-dimensional channel with periodic ribs on the lower channel wall is conducted. The lower wall is subjected to a uniform heat flux condition while the upper wall insulated. This study was conducted to investigate the forced convection, flow friction, and performance factor in a horizontal air and air/mist cooled rectangular duct, with various shaped ribs. Calculations are carried out for square ribs (case A), triangular ribs (case B), and trapezoidal ribs (case C and case D) cross sections over a range of Reynolds numbers (8000–20,000), constant mist mass fraction (6%), and fixed rib height and pitch. To investigate turbulence model effects, computations based on a finite volume method are carried out by utilizing three turbulence models: the standard k-ω, Omega Reynolds stress, and shear stress transport turbulence models. The predicted results from using several turbulence models reveal that the shear stress transport turbulence model provides better agreement with available measurements than others. It is found that the average mist cooling enhancement is about 1.8 times. The air/mist provides the higher heat transfer enhancement over air with trapezoidal-shaped ribs (38°, case C).
Evaluating moral reasoning in nursing education
Authors: McLeod-Sordjan Renee
Published: November 2013

Evidence-based practice suggests the best approach to improving professionalism in practice is ethics curricula. However, recent research has demonstrated that millennium graduates do not advocate for patients or assert themselves during moral conflicts. The aim of this article is the exploration of evaluation techniques to evaluate one measurable outcome of ethics curricula: moral reasoning. A review of literature, published between 1995 and 2013, demonstrated that the moral orientations of care and justice as conceptualized by Gilligan and Kohlberg are utilized by nursing students to solve ethical dilemmas. Data obtained by means of reflective journaling, Ethics of Care Interview (ECI) and Defining Issues Test (DIT), would objectively measure the interrelated pathways of care-based and justice-based moral reasoning. In conclusion, educators have an ethical responsibility to foster students' ability to exercise sound clinical judgment, and support their professional development. It is recommended that educators design authentic assessments to demonstrate student's improvement of moral reasoning.
Symbolic capital, accounting and caciques in local political life: The charity of Mr Rafael Tenorio (1909–20)
Authors: Baños Sánchez-Matamoros Juan , López-Manjón Jesús D , Carrasco-Fenech Francisco , Funnell Warwick
Published: November 2013

The contributions of accounting to discourses of domination and repression across a variety of times and places have assumed a significant place in the accounting literature. The present study extends this research to early twentieth-century Spain by establishing how accounting provided the means to enhance the position of powerful groups of individuals, known as caciques or chiefs, who dominated rural village life. The caciques were capable of ruthlessly exerting their power to control village life, its politics, economic activities and social relations. Bourdieu’s framework is used to study the relationship between caciques and a charitable organisation which operated during the period 1909–20 in the village of Villalba del Alcor, situated in the province of Huelva, southwest Spain. The study identifies the way in which accounting practices became essential weapons in the political struggle between competing caciques to dominate a field by resorting to the symbolic capital by which accounting practices are characterised. In this particular struggle, the poly-vocal ability of accounting played a key role.
“This won’t hurt a bit”
Authors: Brakoulias Vlasios
Published: November 2013

Background:

In our quest to improve the lives of our patients, we can often be swept up by the euphoria associated with new treatments. At times, our enthusiasm for new treatments can lead us to forget the fundamental principles of patient care and lose focus of an individual’s suffering and personal journey.

Objective:

To illustrate the importance of understanding a patient’s predicament in the context of our own need to cure.

Methods:

Oil on canvas (92 × 122cm).

Results:

By focusing on a centrally positioned patient who has hypothetically just had new electronic devices installed into her scalp and chest wall, I was able to see a weakened lady with a turbulent past attempting to protect herself with her jet black hair. Many around her remain oblivious to the storm. An observant medical student glances away from his textbook to see that all is not well outside the hospital walls.

Conclusions:

Several perspectives are required to adequately assess the way that we treat patients. Contrary to our expectations, our treatments might hurt a bit.
How universal can an intelligence test be?
Authors: Dowe David L , Hernández-Orallo José
Published: November 2013

The notion of a universal intelligence test has been recently advocated as a means to assess humans, non-human animals and machines in an integrated, uniform way. While the main motivation has been the development of machine intelligence tests, the mere concept of a universal test has many implications in the way human intelligence tests are understood, and their relation to other tests in comparative psychology and animal cognition. From this diversity of subjects in the natural and artificial kingdoms, the very possibility of constructing a universal test is still controversial. In this paper we rephrase the question of whether universal intelligence tests are possible or not into the question of how universal intelligence tests can be, in terms of subjects, interfaces and resolutions. We discuss the feasibility and difficulty of universal tests depending on several levels according to what is taken for granted: the communication milieu, the resolution, the reward system or the agent itself. We argue that such tests must be highly adaptive, i.e. that tasks, resolution, rewards and communication have to be adapted according to how the evaluated agent is reacting and performing. Even so, the most general expression of a universal test may not be feasible (and, at best, might only be theoretically semi-computable). Nonetheless, in general, we can analyze the universality in terms of some traits that lead to several levels of universality and set the quest for universal tests as a progressive rather than absolute goal.
Product-portfolio management: A framework based on Methods, Organization, and Strategy
Authors: Jugend Daniel , da Silva Sérgio Luis
Published: November 2013

Product-portfolio management is a decisive element for the good performance of new product development and compliance with business objectives because it not only defines new product projects but also defines revisions, updates, and even decisions regarding the discontinuation of products that are produced and commercialized. Decision-making evaluations related to the portfolio are considered one of the main critical factors for success associated with new product development, and these decisions’ primary characteristics are the high number of project ideas with great uncertainty about results, making the management complex. This article proposes a framework with the specific objective of presenting an approach that could be useful to product-portfolio management. The framework proposed in this article presents a holistic perspective of product-portfolio management, suggesting the use of a set of formal management methods for not only evaluating product projects but also extending to organizational aspects and including them in strategic planning and portfolio reviews.
Spinoza’s Liberal Republicanism and the Challenge of Revealed Religion
Authors: Herold Aaron L.
Published: November 2013

Spinoza’s Theologico-Political Treatise is a foundational liberal work whose republican teaching also anticipates today’s communitarian critiques. Those critiques reopen the Treatise’s guiding question of whether politics must be grounded in a religious teaching, and they compel us to reconsider Spinoza’s claim that civic dedication can be rooted in an attachment to intellectual freedom. I assess Spinoza’s liberal republicanism by examining how it emerges from a critique of the Bible. I conclude that Spinoza’s attempt to reconcile individual liberty with civic dedication clarifies liberalism’s moral power and ultimate vulnerabilities—vulnerabilities which help explain why revealed religion has reemerged to challenge it.
Site Selection and Pain Outcome After Autologous Bone Graft Harvest
Authors: Baumhauer Judith , Pinzur Michael S. , Donahue Rafe , Beasley William , DiGiovanni Christopher
Published: November 2013

Background:

In foot and ankle surgery, there are multiple sites used for autologous bone graft, including the proximal (PT) or distal tibia (DT), calcaneus (C), and iliac crest (ICBG). There has been no comparison between these anatomic areas and the potential for acute or persistent pain at 1 year. The purpose of this study was to prospectively compare patient-reported outcomes of acute and persistent pain at 1 year after surgery to determine if harvest site selection made a difference.

Methods:

As part of a clinical trial examining ankle and hindfoot fusion rates with autograft compared with synthetic graft, the autologous bone graft harvest sites were assessed with visual analog pain outcome scores at 3, 24, 36, and 52 weeks after surgery. Patients with a score of 20+ defined clinically significant pain. Four harvest sites were compared: ICBG, PT, DT, and C. Fisher exact test was used to compare the graft site pain between locations.

Results:

Twelve percent of subjects reported clinically significant pain at 24 weeks and 8.5% at 52 weeks postoperatively. Each lower extremity harvest site (C, DT, PT) showed higher rates of clinically significant graft harvest site pain than the ICBG at 52 weeks.

Conclusions:

Autologous bone graft harvest carried a risk of persistent pain at up to 1 year (weeks 24-52) in 18% of patients. Lower-extremity bone graft sites had the greatest risk for persistent pain at 1 year.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective comparative study.
Evaluation of a Care Coordination Measure for the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) Medicare Survey
Authors: Hays Ron D. , Martino Steven , Brown Julie A. , Cui Mike , Cleary Paul , Gaillot Sarah , Elliott Marc
Published: November 2013

There is widespread interest in assessing care coordination to improve overall care quality. We evaluated a five-item measure of care coordination included in the 2012 Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Medicare survey ( n = 326,194 respondents, 46% response rate). This measure includes patient reports of whether their personal doctor discusses their medicines, has medical records and other relevant information, and is informed about care from specialists, and whether the patient gets help in managing care and timely follow-up on test results. A one-factor categorical confirmatory factor analytic model indicated that five items constituted a coherent scale. Estimated health-plan-level reliability was 0.70 at about 102 responses per plan. The composite had a strong unique association with the CAHPS global rating of health care, controlling for the CAHPS core composite scores. This measure can be used to evaluate relative plan performance and characteristics associated with better care coordination.
State Residence Restrictions and Forcible Rape Rates
Authors: Socia Kelly M.
Published: November 2013

This study examines whether the presence of state residence restrictions resulted in changes in statewide rates of forcible rape. It builds on the limited geographic coverage of prior studies by including state-level Uniform Crime Report (UCR) data across 19 years for 49 states and the District of Columbia. It uses a quasi-experimental research method based on a longitudinal fixed-effects panel model design, which can help control for relatively static differences between states. Results indicate that when a state residence restriction was present, regardless of how it was measured, rates of UCR forcible rape were higher in the state than when the policy was not present. This suggests that residence restrictions, at least at the state level, are not useful as an overall crime prevention measure, but may be useful for increasing detection or reporting levels of such crimes. However, results also suggest that the size of the increase varied by whether the policy only applied to offenders with child victims or also included those with adult victims. Implications for research and policy are discussed.
Does Environmental Management Improve Financial Performance? A Meta-Analytical Review
Authors: Albertini Elisabeth
Published: November 2013

The relationship between corporate environmental performance and financial performance has received a high degree of attention in research literature and the results are still contradictory. Most of the findings have shown that environmental performance improves financial performance while others have suggested that the relationship is neutral or even negative. Our article integrates prior research studying this relationship and identifies the potential moderators that may have played a role in the apparent inconsistent results observed to date. We conducted a meta-analysis of 52 studies over a 35-year period that confirms a positive relationship between environmental performance and financial performance. Moderators’ analysis reveals that the relationship is significantly influenced by the environmental and financial performance measures, the regional differences, the activity sector and the duration of the studies. After discussing the theoretical and managerial implications, this meta-analysis tries to answer the question: “When and how does it pay to be green?”
How Patient Interactions With a Computer-Based Video Intervention Affect Decisions to Test for HIV
Authors: Aronson Ian David , Rajan Sonali , Marsch Lisa A. , Bania Theodore C.
Published: November 2013

The current study examines predictors of HIV test acceptance among emergency department patients who received an educational video intervention designed to increase HIV testing. A total of 202 patients in the main treatment areas of a high-volume, urban hospital emergency department used inexpensive netbook computers to watch brief educational videos about HIV testing and respond to pre–postintervention data collection instruments. After the intervention, computers asked participants if they would like an HIV test: Approximately 43% ( n = 86) accepted. Participants who accepted HIV tests at the end of the intervention took longer to respond to postintervention questions, which included the offer of an HIV test, F(1, 195) = 37.72, p < .001, compared with participants who did not accept testing. Participants who incorrectly answered pretest questions about HIV symptoms were more likely to accept testing F(14, 201) = 4.48, p < .001. White participants were less likely to accept tests than Black, Latino, or “Other” patients, χ2(3, N = 202) = 10.39, p < .05. Time spent responding to postintervention questions emerged as the strongest predictor of HIV testing, suggesting that patients who agreed to test spent more time thinking about their response to the offer of an HIV test. Examining intervention usage data, pretest knowledge deficits, and patient demographics can potentially inform more effective behavioral health interventions for underserved populations in clinical settings.
Molecular characterisation and phylogenetic analysis of feline astrovirus in Korean cats
Authors: Cho Yoon-Young , Lim Seong-In , Kim Young Kwan , Song Jae-Young , Lee Joong-Bok , An Dong-Jun
Published: November 2013

Astroviruses (AstVs) are important pathogens associated with enteric diseases in humans and other animals. However, most animal AstVs, including feline astrovirus (FAstV), are poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and association of FAstV with enteric diseases in cats, and to conduct a molecular analysis of FAstVs, in Korea. Eleven faecal samples from 62 hospitalised cats at animal hospitals in the Moran market in South Korea tested positive for FAstV. The prevalence of FAstV was higher in cats <2 months old (25%) than in cats >2 months old (14.3%) ( P = 0.31). Diarrhoea and normal faeces were observed in 19% (8/42) and 15% (3/20) of cats with FAstV, respectively ( P = 1.00). Amino acid sequences alignment and phylogenetic tree analysis showed that FAstVs, including Korean strains, formed a single clade within the mamastroviruses.
The effect of real-time teleconsultations between hospital-based nurses and patients with severe COPD discharged after an exacerbation
Authors: Sorknaes Anne Dichmann , Bech Mickael , Madsen Hanne , Titlestad Ingrid L , Hounsgaard Lise , Hansen-Nord Michael , Jest Peder , Olesen Finn , Lauridsen Joergen , Østergaard Birte
Published: November 2013

Summary

We investigated the effect of daily real-time teleconsultations for one week between hospital-based nurses specialised in respiratory diseases and patients with severe COPD discharged after acute exacerbation. Patients admitted with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) at two hospitals were recruited at hospital discharge. They were randomly assigned to intervention or control. The telemedicine equipment consisted of a briefcase with built-in computer including a web camera, microphone and measurement equipment. The primary outcome was the mean number of total hospital readmissions within 26 weeks of discharge. A total of 266 patients (mean age 72 years) were allocated to either intervention (n = 132) or control (n = 134). There was no significant difference in the unconditional total mean number of hospital readmissions after 26 weeks: mean 1.4 (SD 2.1) in the intervention group and 1.6 (SD 2.4) in the control group. In a secondary analysis, there was no significant difference between the two groups in mortality, time to readmission, mean number of total hospital readmissions, mean number of readmissions with AECOPD, mean number of total hospital readmission days or mean number of readmission days with AECOPD calculated at 4, 8, 12 and 26 weeks. Thus the addition of one week of teleconsultations between hospital-based nurses and patients with severe COPD discharged after hospitalisation did not significantly reduce readmissions or affect mortality.
Understanding the affective investment produced through commenting on Australian alternative journalism website New Matilda
Authors: Barnes Renee
Published: November 2013

Much attention has been paid to the role of the audience in online news production. However, very little research has addressed how the audience understands this participation. Using the theories of affect and fandom, this paper will investigate the most popular form of online participation – comments. Based on a case study of Australian alternative journalism site, New Matilda, it will argue for a broader understanding of participation online, one that incorporates those who ‘internalise’ their participation and in particular the role emotion plays in audience engagement.
Lost objects: Feminism, sexualisation and melancholia
Authors: Egan R. Danielle
Published: November 2013

A prolific discourse on the sexualisation of girls has developed in the Anglophone west. Since 2006, at least six governmental policy papers, four think tank reports, ten parenting manuals as well as over a thousand newspaper articles have been published on the topic. Deconstructing popular feminist narratives, one finds that beneath calls for protection there often resides a deeply ambivalent construction of the middle-class white girl. I argue that these narratives are beset by a melancholic subtext, one that is fuelled by care and a desire for the future as well as an undercurrent of suspicion, anger and resentment.
Teen girls, sexual double standards and ‘sexting’: Gendered value in digital image exchange
Authors: Ringrose Jessica , Harvey Laura , Gill Rosalind , Livingstone Sonia
Published: November 2013

This article explores gender inequities and sexual double standards in teens’ digital image exchange, drawing on a UK qualitative research project on youth ‘sexting’. We develop a critique of ‘postfeminist’ media cultures, suggesting teen ‘sexting’ presents specific age and gender related contradictions: teen girls are called upon to produce particular forms of ‘sexy’ self display, yet face legal repercussions, moral condemnation and ‘slut shaming’ when they do so. We examine the production/circulation of gendered value and sexual morality via teens’ discussions of activities on Facebook and Blackberry. For instance, some boys accumulated ‘ratings’ by possessing and exchanging images of girls’ breasts, which operated as a form of currency and value. Girls, in contrast, largely discussed the taking, sharing or posting of such images as risky, potentially inciting blame and shame around sexual reputation (e.g. being called ‘slut’, ‘slag’ or ‘sket’). The daily negotiations of these new digitally mediated, heterosexualised, classed and raced norms of performing teen feminine and masculine desirability are considered.
Charting weight four times daily as an effective behavioural approach to obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yamada Tomohide , Kiuchi Yuka , Nemoto Mitsuru , Yamashita Shigeo
Published: November 2013

Although many obese people successfully lose weight by dieting and/or behavioural therapy, most of them subsequently regain the lost weight. Thus, new therapeutic strategies are required to maintain weight loss. We report a woman with type 2 diabetes and moderate obesity who succeeded in achieving good glycaemic control and long-term weight loss with weaning from insulin therapy, while charting her weight four times daily. This charting method might be useful for long-term maintenance of weight reduction in obese diabetic patients. Obese patients can monitor their irregular weight fluctuations produced by overeating and correct both their food intake and their lifestyle. Further studies, including randomized control trials, will be needed to confirm the efficacy of this approach in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Relationship between peripheral artery disease and combined albuminuria and low estimated glomerular filtration rate among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yap Yit-Sheung , Chuang Hung-Yi , Chien Chih-Ming , Tai Yen-Kuang
Published: November 2013

This study aimed at investigating the combined effects of albuminuria and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on peripheral artery disease (PAD) among elderly patients with diabetes. A total of 236 subjects were cross-classified into four groups according to the presence or absence of albuminuria (urinary albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥ 30 mg/g) and low eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Cardiovascular risk factors and the ankle–brachial index (ABI) were also assessed. After multivariate adjustment using logistic regression analysis, the odds ratios (OR) for prevalent PAD related to albuminuria with preserved eGFR, normoalbuminuria with low eGFR and albuminuria with low eGFR compared to normoalbuminuria with preserved eGFR were 1.10 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.43–2.79], 3.14 (95% CI = 1.20–8.22) and 3.87 (95% CI = 1.72–8.72), respectively. In conclusion, in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes, both normoalbuminuria with low eGFR and albuminuria with low eGFR are associated independently with PAD.
‘Consumed by breathing’ – a critical interpretive meta-synthesis of the qualitative literature
Authors: Harrison Samantha Louise , Apps Lindsay , Singh Sally J , Steiner Michael C , Morgan Mike DL , Robertson Noelle
Published: November 2013

Objective

To derive an improved understanding of how patients respond to, appraise, and understand the experience of an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via a critical interpretive meta-synthesis.

Methods

Search terms – Exacerbate* OR hospital* AND ‘Chronic obstructive’ OR emphysema OR bronchitis AND interview* OR qualitative. Inclusion criteria – Primary research published in English of patients’ experiences of an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Data extraction and synthesis – eight papers were identified. Data were extracted by three researchers and constructs elicited via reciprocal translational analysis.

Findings

Themes reflected two domains of understanding an acute exacerbation: (1) Acute effect – encompassing intense emotions, somatic awareness and patients need for rescue. (2) Sustained regulation – reflecting life as interrupted, ongoing beliefs and behaviour and help-seeking.

Discussion

Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease result in heightened patient arousal, vigilance and powerlessness in response to symptoms. Ongoing, psychological interventions which promote partnership working by both acknowledging patients fear and shaping their appraisals may mitigate distress, enhancing the impact of health messages and engagement in pulmonary rehabilitation.
Applying an Alcohol Brief Intervention (ABI) model to the community justice setting: Learning from a pilot project
Authors: Orr Kate Skellington , McAuley Andrew , Graham Lesley , McCoard Shirley
Published: November 2013

A pilot study was implemented in three local authority areas in Scotland to test the feasibility and acceptability of delivering Alcohol Brief Interventions (ABIs) as part of routine practice in community justice. Screening for Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) was undertaken with offenders given Probation or Community Service Orders, with randomization of participants into control (information only) and experimental (ABI) groups. A total of 419 offenders were assessed; 195 meeting inclusion criteria, consenting to take part and for whom a report was returned. Of these, 42 per cent ( n = 82) fell within the harmful/hazardous drinking ranges (eligible for an ABI) and just over half (52%; n = 43) were randomized to receive an ABI. Despite limited follow-up data to measure potential effectiveness of ABIs, the study showed that alcohol screening tools can be used successfully in this context, and that screening and ABIs can be accommodated into routine community justice practice with reasonable levels of acceptability.
Radiation-induced small bowel disease: latest developments and clinical guidance
Authors: Stacey Rhodri , Green John T.
Published: November 2013

Ionizing radiation is commonly used to treat a number of malignancies. Although highly effective and now more targeted, many patients suffer side effects. The number of cancer survivors has increased and so there are more patients presenting with symptoms that have arisen as a result of radiotherapy. Radiation damage to small bowel tissue can cause acute or chronic radiation enteritis producing symptoms such as pain, bloating, nausea, faecal urgency, diarrhoea and rectal bleeding which can have a significant impact on patient’s quality of life. This review outlines the pathogenesis of radiation injury to the small bowel along with the prevention of radiation damage via radiotherapy techniques plus medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, statins and probiotics. It also covers the treatment of both acute and chronic radiation enteritis via a variety of medical (including hyperbaric oxygen), dietetic, endoscopic and surgical therapies.
Elevated liver enzymes associated with dronedarone for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ragucci Kelly R
Published: November 2013

A 51-year-old male with documented atrial fibrillation who was taking dronedarone 400 mg twice daily for approximately 3 months returned to the cardiologist for an ablation procedure. Baseline liver enzymes were within normal range prior to starting the medication and increased after the 3 months of therapy. Aspartate aminotransferase increased from 31 IU/L to 98 IU/L, and alanine aminotransferase increased from 21 IU/L to 101 IU/L. Two and a half months after discontinuation of the medication, liver enzymes normalized (aspartate aminotransferase: 30 IU/L and alanine aminotransferase: 25 IU/L). The Food and Drug Administration has now alerted health-care professionals of the potential for liver injury based upon post-marketing surveillance. The chronological course of elevated liver enzymes noted in our patient is suggestive of a dronedarone-induced problem. Clinicians should have a heightened awareness of the potential for liver enzyme elevation and injury with dronedarone and should monitor enzymes periodically, especially within the first 6 months of use.
Altered cortical microarchitecture in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
Authors: Farr Joshua N. , Zhang Wei , Kumar Shaji K. , Jacques Richard M. , Ng Alvin C. , McCready Louise K. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Drake Matthew T.
Published: November 2013

Key Points

MGUS patients have significantly increased cortical bone porosity and reduced bone strength relative to matched controls.
GATA2 deficiency: a protean disorder of hematopoiesis, lymphatics, and immunity
Authors: Spinner Michael A. , Sanchez Lauren A. , Hsu Amy P. , Shaw Pamela A. , Zerbe Christa S. , Calvo Katherine R. , Arthur Diane C. , Gu Wenjuan , Gould Christine M. , Brewer Carmen C. , Cowen Edward W. , Freeman Alexandra F. , Olivier Kenneth N. , Uzel Gulbu , Zelazny Adrian M. , Daub Janine R. , Spalding Christine D. , Claypool Reginald J. , Giri Neelam K. , Alter Blanche P. , Mace Emily M. , Orange Jordan S. , Cuellar-Rodriguez Jennifer , Hickstein Dennis D. , Holland Steven M.
Published: November 2013

Haploinsufficiency of the hematopoietic transcription factor GATA2 underlies monocytopenia and mycobacterial infections; dendritic cell, monocyte, B, and natural killer (NK) lymphoid deficiency; familial myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)/acute myeloid leukemia (AML); and Emberger syndrome (primary lymphedema with MDS). A comprehensive examination of the clinical features of GATA2 deficiency is currently lacking. We reviewed the medical records of 57 patients with GATA2 deficiency evaluated at the National Institutes of Health from January 1, 1992, to March 1, 2013, and categorized mutations as missense, null, or regulatory to identify genotype-phenotype associations. We identified a broad spectrum of disease: hematologic (MDS 84%, AML 14%, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia 8%), infectious (severe viral 70%, disseminated mycobacterial 53%, and invasive fungal infections 16%), pulmonary (diffusion 79% and ventilatory defects 63%, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis 18%, pulmonary arterial hypertension 9%), dermatologic (warts 53%, panniculitis 30%), neoplastic (human papillomavirus+ tumors 35%, Epstein-Barr virus+ tumors 4%), vascular/lymphatic (venous thrombosis 25%, lymphedema 11%), sensorineural hearing loss 76%, miscarriage 33%, and hypothyroidism 14%. Viral infections and lymphedema were more common in individuals with null mutations (P = .038 and P = .006, respectively). Monocytopenia, B, NK, and CD4 lymphocytopenia correlated with the presence of disease (P < .001). GATA2 deficiency unites susceptibility to MDS/AML, immunodeficiency, pulmonary disease, and vascular/lymphatic dysfunction. Early genetic diagnosis is critical to direct clinical management, preventive care, and family screening.
Bendamustine-bortezomib-dexamethasone is an active and well-tolerated regimen in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Ludwig Heinz , Kasparu Hedwig , Leitgeb Clemens , Rauch Elisabeth , Linkesch Werner , Zojer Niklas , Greil Richard , Seebacher Adelheid , Pour Ludek , Weißmann Adalbert , Adam Zdeněk
Published: November 2013

Key Points

Bendamustine-bortezomib-dexamethasone is active and well tolerated in relapsed/refractory myeloma.
Analysis of Sry duplications on the Rattus norvegicus Y-chromosome
Authors: Prokop Jeremy W , Underwood Adam C , Turner Monte E , Miller Nic , Pietrzak Dawn , Scott Sarah , Smith Chris , Milsted Amy
Published: November 2013

Background

Gene copy number variation plays a large role in the evolution of genomes. In Rattus norvegicus and other rodent species, the Y-chromosome has accumulated multiple copies of Sry loci. These copy number variations have been previously linked with changes in phenotype of animal models such as the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). This study characterizes the Y-chromosome in the Sry region of Rattus norvegicus, while addressing functional variations seen in the Sry protein products.

Results

Eleven Sry loci have been identified in the SHR with one (nonHMG Sry) containing a frame shift mutation. The nonHMGSry is found and conserved in the related WKY and SD rat strains. Three new, previously unidentified, Sry loci were identified in this study (Sry3BII, Sry4 and Sry4A) in both SHR and WKY. Repetitive element analysis revealed numerous LINE-L1 elements at regions where conservation is lost among the Sry copies. In addition we have identified a retrotransposed copy of Med14 originating from spliced mRNA, two autosomal genes (Ccdc110 and HMGB1) and a normal mammalian Y-chromosome gene (Zfy) in the Sry region of the rat Y-chromosome. Translation of the sequences of each Sry gene reveals eight proteins with amino acid differences leading to changes in nuclear localization and promoter activation of a Sry-responsive gene. Sry-β (coded by the Sry2 locus) has an increased cytoplasmic fraction due to alterations at amino acid 21. Sry-γ has altered gene regulation of the Sry1 promoter due to changes at amino acid 76.

Conclusions

The duplication of Sry on the Rattus norvegicus Y-chromosome has led to proteins with altered functional ability that may have been selected for functions in addition to testis determination. Additionally, several other genes not normally found on the Y-chromosome have duplicated new copies into the region around the Sry genes. These suggest a role of active transposable elements in the evolution of the mammalian Y-chromosome in species such as Rattus norvegicus.
Trends in chloroquine resistance marker, Pfcrt-K76T mutation ten years after chloroquine withdrawal in Tanzania
Authors: Mohammed Asia , Ndaro Arnold , Kalinga Akili , Manjurano Alphaxard , Mosha Jackline F , Mosha Dominick F , van Zwetselaar Marco , Koenderink Jan B , Mosha Frank W , Alifrangis Michael , Reyburn Hugh , Roper Cally , Kavishe Reginald A
Published: November 2013

Background

Plasmodium falciparum resistance to anti-malarial drugs remains a major obstacle to the control of malaria. In 2001 Tanzania replaced chloroquine (CQ) with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) as first-line drug, which in turn was replaced by artemisinin combination therapy in 2006. SP has however, continued to be used in intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) despite reports of high levels of resistance to SP due to the lack of alternatives to SP for IPTp. Recent reports have indicated recovery of CQ-susceptibility in Malawi, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania based on the prevalence of wild types at codon 76 of the Pfcrt gene in indigenous P. falciparum populations. The current prevalence of this Pfcrt- 76 CQ resistance marker from six regions of Tanzania mainland is hereby reported.

Methods

DNA extracted from filter-paper dried blood spots and rapid diagnostics kit strips collected from finger-prick blood were used to genotype the Pfcrt-76 resistance marker using PCR-RFLP. Data from previously published studies were used to generate CQ susceptibility recovery trends using logistic regression model.

Results

Seven hundred and forty one (741) samples were genotyped. The current frequency of the CQ-susceptible Pfcrt-K76 was above 92% and did not differ between regions in Tanzania (χ 2 = 2.37; p = 0.795). The K76 allelic prevalence was between 85.7 and 93% in regions (χ 2 = 7.88, p = 0.163). The CQ resistance recovery trends showed regional variability that may be caused by differences in malaria transmission intensity, but overall the trends converge as the susceptibility levels in all regions approach >90%.

Conclusions

CQ withdrawal in Tanzania has resulted into >90% recovery of susceptibility in ten years of withdrawal. These findings are in support of the search for CQ-based combination drugs as a possible future alternative to SP for IPTp in places where full recovery of CQ-susceptibility will be evident.
Differences of left ventricular systolic deformation in hypertensive patients with and without apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kao Yu-Cheng , Lee Ming-Feng , Mao Chun-Tai , Chen Wei-Siang , Yang Ning-I , Cherng Wen-Jin , Hung Ming-Jui
Published: November 2013

Background

We tested the hypothesis that the apical myocardial mechanics differ from those of other ventricular segments in hypertensive patients with and without apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM).

Methods

We retrospectively studied hypertensive patients with and without ApHCM. Left ventricular longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strains were examined by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography at the basal, middle, and apical walls of the parasternal short-axis and apical 2-, 3- and 4-chamber views.

Results

Fourteen consecutive patients with hypertension and ApHCM and 14 patients with hypertension without ApHCM were studied. Lower mitral annular peak systolic velocity and greater diastolic dysfunction were present in hypertensive patients with ApHCM than in hypertensive patients without ApHCM. Compared with hypertensive patients without ApHCM, hypertensive patients with ApHCM had significantly lower apical longitudinal (−13.9% vs −21.9%, p = 0.010) and radial strains (4.4% vs 11.5%, p = 0.017) without the base-to-apex gradient. The global longitudinal (−15.6% vs −18.8%, p = 0.027) and circumferential strains (−16.1% vs −19.2%, p = 0.019) were significantly lower in hypertensive patients with ApHCM than in hypertensive patients without ApHCM. Among systolic parameters, the global longitudinal strain was independently associated with hypertension with ApHCM (odds ratio, 1.457; 95% confidence interval, 1.002–2.119; p = 0.049).

Conclusions

Reduced apical longitudinal and radial strains without a base-to-apex gradient were present in hypertensive patients with ApHCM. The global longitudinal strain was independently associated with ApHCM in hypertensive patients.
N-Type Voltage Gated Calcium Channels Mediate Excitatory Synaptic Transmission in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex of Adult Mice
Authors: Kang SukJae Joshua , Liu Ming-Gang , Shi Tian-Yao , Zhao Ming-Gao , Kaang Bong-Kiun , Zhuo Min
Published: November 2013

Voltage gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are well known for its importance in synaptic transmission in the peripheral and central nervous system. However, the role of different VGCCs in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has not been studied. Here, we use a multi-electrode array recording system (MED64) to study the contribution of different types of calcium channels in glutamatergic excitatory synaptic transmission in the ACC. We found that only the N-type calcium channel blocker ω-conotoxin-GVIA (ω-Ctx-GVIA) produced a great inhibition of basal synaptic transmission, especially in the superficial layer. Other calcium channel blockers that act on L-, P/Q-, R-, and T-type had no effect. We also tested the effects of several neuromodulators with or without ω-Ctx-GVIA. We found that N-type VGCC contributed partially to (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid- and (R)-Baclofen-induced synaptic inhibition. By contrast, the inhibitory effects of 2-Chloroadenosine and carbamoylcholine chloride did not differ with or without ω-Ctx-GVIA, indicating that they may act through other mechanisms. Our results provide strong evidence that N-type VGCCs mediate fast synaptic transmission in the ACC.
Phenotypic differentiation between wild and domesticated varieties of Crescentia cujeteL. and culturally relevant uses of their fruits as bowls in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: Aguirre-Dugua Xitlali , Pérez-Negrón Edgar , Casas Alejandro
Published: November 2013

Background

Selection criteria are important for analyzing domestication of perennial plant species, which experience a selection pressure throughout several human generations. We analyze the preferred morphological characteristics of Crescentia cujete fruits, which are used as bowls by the Maya of Yucatan, according to the uses they are given and the phenotypic consequences of artificial selection between one wild and three domesticated varieties.

Methods

We performed 40 semi-structured interviews in seven communities. We calculated Sutrop’s salience index (S) of five classes of ceremonial and daily life uses, and of each item from the two most salient classes. We sampled 238 bowls at homes of people interviewed and compared their shape, volume and thickness with 139 fruits collected in homegardens and 179 from the wild. Morphology of varieties was assessed in fruit (n = 114 trees) and vegetative characters (n = 136 trees). Differences between varieties were evaluated through linear discriminant analysis (LDA).

Results

Use of bowls as containers for the Day of the Dead offerings was the most salient class (S = 0.489) with chocolate as its most salient beverage (S = 0.491), followed by consumption of daily beverages (S = 0.423), especially maize-based pozol (S = 0.412). The sacred saka’ and balche' are offered in different sized bowls during agricultural and domestic rituals. Roundness was the most relevant character for these uses, as bowls from households showed a strong selection towards round shapes compared with wild and homegarden fruits. Larger fruits from domesticated varieties were also preferred over small wild fruits, although in the household different sizes of the domesticated varieties are useful. LDA separated wild from domesticated trees (p < 0.001) according to both fruit and vegetative variables, but domesticated varieties were not different among themselves.

Conclusions

The association between C. cujete bowls and traditional beverages in ritual and daily life situations has driven for centuries the selection of preferred fruit morphology in this tree. Selection of fruit roundness and volume has allowed for the differentiation between the wild variety and the three domesticated ones, counteracting gene flow among them. By choosing the best fruits from domesticated varieties propagated in homegardens, the Maya people model the domestication process of this important tree in their culture.