bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiographic Study of Pes Planovarus
Authors: Aebi Janic , Horisberger Monika , Frigg Arno
Published: February 2017

Background:

Depending on the direction of the subtalar joint, a foot deformity generally tends towards pronation (pes planovalgus) or supination (pes cavovarus). However, the combination of hindfoot varus and flat midfoot/forefoot (pes planovarus) is an exception to this rule. Pes planovarus has so far only been referred to in connection with Müller-Weiss disease and congenital disease. We diagnosed pes planovarus in otherwise healthy patients without these diseases.

Methods:

Forty patients with 54 symptomatic feet who were treated between August 2012 and July 2016 were included (mean age, 44.1 ± 15.7 years; 15 male/25 female). They were selected from 1064 consecutive cases (3.8%). Inclusion criteria were hindfoot varus and flat midfoot/forefoot. Their symptoms, radiographs, and therapies within the first 3 months were retrospectively analyzed. The position in the hindfoot alignment view (HAV), talometatarsal-1 angle lateral (TMT1lat) and dorsoplantar (TMT1dp), talocalcaneal angle lateral (TCAlat) and dorsoplantar (TCAdp), and calcaneal pitch angle (CPA) were measured on a DICOM/PACS system.

Results:

The mean radiological results (standard values from the literature in brackets) were as follows: the hindfoot was significantly in varus in the HAV (−6.9 ± 3.6 mm [−1.6 ± 7.2 mm]; P < .001), the TMT1lat was significantly flatter (−6.7 ± 5.8 degrees [8.4 ± 5.9 degrees]; P < .001), the TMT1dp was significantly less in abduction (1.5 ± 7.9 degrees [7.7 ± 8.2 degrees]; P = .005), the TCAdp showed no difference (25.9 ± 7.9 degrees [24.1 ± 5.7 degrees]; P = .118), the TCAlat was significantly larger (47.5 ± 6.1 degrees [43.4 ± 7.1 degrees]; P < .001), and the CPA was significantly flatter (17.6 ± 3.9 degrees [24.5 ± 3.0 degrees]; P < .001). The most frequent symptoms were stress-induced foot pain (n = 33), hallux valgus (n = 20), chronic ankle instability (n = 17), metatarsalgia (n = 15), chronic midfoot pain (n = 13), heel pain (n = 12), and lesser toe deformities (n = 8). Thirty-one feet were treated conservatively and 23 operatively.

Conclusion:

This study showed the existence of pes planovarus without Müller-Weiss disease or congenital disease. This unusual foot form leads to difficulties if standard treatment strategies are applied, which raises the issue of the correct treatment for such patients.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Sexual Scripts and Criminal Statutes: Gender Restrictions, Spousal Allowances, and Victim Accountability After Rape Law Reform
Authors: Levine Ethan Czuy
Published: February 2017

The author provides a mixed-methods assessment of U.S. rape statutes to assess progress in reform. Contemporary statutes offer restrictive frameworks for distinguishing criminal from noncriminal sexual violence, many of which are grounded in gendered and heterosexist assumptions. Fourteen states retain gender restrictions in rape statutes. Twenty maintain marital distinctions that limit accountability for spousal rape. Furthermore, whereas explicit resistance requirements have been eliminated nationwide, implicit resistance expectations manifest through emphasis on physical force and involuntary intoxication. Analyses conclude with recommendations for further legal reform and a discussion of the potential for legislation to affect broader social perceptions of rape.
Group Treatment for Adults With ADHD Based on a Novel Combination of Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Interventions: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Nasri Berkeh , Castenfors Malin , Fredlund Peggy , Ginsberg Ylva , Lindefors Nils , Kaldo Viktor
Published: February 2017

Objectives: To evaluate feasibility and preliminary effects of a new group treatment manual for adults with ADHD and to explore adherence to treatment and its relation to outcome. Method: Eighteen adults with ADHD recruited from neuropsychiatric units in Stockholm underwent a 14-week program including combined cognitive and dialectical behavior therapy. Assessments were made at baseline, posttreatment, and follow-up, at one and six months after treatment end. Primary outcome measure was the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale version 1.1. Results/Conclusion: ADHD symptoms significantly decreased ( d = 1.29) and remained stable for 6 months. Measures of depression, perceived stress, and anxiety were also significantly reduced. Attendance and patient satisfaction was high. Use, comprehension, and perceived benefit of treatment components varied from medium to high. Total use of treatment components was, in general, positively correlated with favorable outcome. The current combination of treatment components may be a valuable addition to available treatments in psychiatric care.
Young Adults’ Perceptions of Calcium Intake and Health: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Marcinow Michelle L. , Randall Simpson Janis A. , Whiting Susan J. , Jung Mary E. , Buchholz Andrea C.
Published: February 2017

Many young Canadian adults are not meeting dietary calcium recommendations. This is concerning as adequate calcium is important throughout young adulthood to maximize peak bone mass for osteoporosis prevention. There are limited studies that have explored young adults’ perceptions toward calcium and health. Our objectives were to determine young adults’ (18-34 years) knowledge of calcium in relation to health, facilitators and barriers to adequate calcium intake, and to explore both their suggestions for individual strategies to increase calcium intake and ways to communicate calcium-related messaging to this population. Eight gender-specific focus groups (18 men; 35 women) were conducted using a semistructured interview guide, guided by social cognitive theory. Deductive thematic analysis was used to generate themes. Participants perceived adequate calcium intake to be important for children and older adults but were uncertain of the benefits for their own age group. Perceived positive outcomes (e.g., aesthetics such as strong nails) associated with adequate calcium intake were cited as a motivator to increase intake. Perceived barriers to achieving increased calcium intake included the high cost and inconvenience of milk products and negative practices of dairy farmers. Participants suggested planning healthy well-balanced meals and forming a habit of consuming calcium-rich foods as individual strategies to increase calcium intake. Strategies to convey calcium-related information to young adults included increasing awareness of the importance of calcium via credible sources of information and developing nutrition education curricula. Social media and advertising were perceived as ineffective. Our findings provide key information for nutrition education initiatives.
Repeatability of quantitative sensory testing in healthy cats in a clinical setting with comparison to cats with osteoarthritis
Authors: Addison Elena S , Clements Dylan N
Published: February 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the repeatability of quantitative sensory tests (QSTs) in a group of healthy untrained cats (n = 14) and to compare the results with those from cats with osteoarthritis (n = 7).

Methods

Peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse were measured on a pressure plate system. Thermal sensitivity was assessed using a temperature-controlled plate at 7°C and 40°C. Individual paw lifts and overall duration of paw lifts were counted and measured for each limb. Paw withdrawal thresholds were measured using manual and electronic von Frey monofilaments (MVF and EVF, respectively) applied to the metacarpal or metatarsal pads. All measurements were repeated twice to assess repeatability of the tests.

Results

In healthy cats all tests were moderately repeatable. When compared with cats with osteoarthritis the PVF was significantly higher in healthy hindlimbs in repeat 1 but not in repeat 2. Cats with osteoarthritis of the forelimbs showed a decrease in the frequency of paw lifts on the 7°C plate compared with cats with healthy forelimbs, and the duration of paw lifts was significantly less than healthy forelimbs in the first repeat but not in the second repeat. Osteoarthritic limbs had significantly lower paw withdrawal thresholds with both MVF and EVF than healthy limbs.

Conclusions and relevance

QSTs are moderately repeatable in untrained cats. Kinetic gait analysis did not permit differentiation between healthy limbs and those with osteoarthritis, but thermal sensitivity testing (cold) does. Sensory threshold testing can differentiate osteoarthritic and healthy limbs, and may be useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of this condition in cats in the clinical setting.
Winter tourism in Germany is much more than skiing! Consumer motives and implications to Alpine destination marketing
Authors: Bausch Thomas , Unseld Carolin
Published: February 2017

Winter sports tourism is a key economic factor in many mountain regions worldwide. Research to date has concentrated on economic and environmental questions related to winter sports and winter outdoor activities, with the impacts of climate change and adaptation strategies being the dominant fields of discussion. An analysis of German winter holidays indicates that winter sports are only one of several product types. The fact that the majority of German travellers prefer long-haul warm weather destinations in the winter raises the question of triggering factors for winter holiday trips. A qualitative study based on a Germany-wide online discussion forum analyses all aspects of winter trips. It centres on people’s everyday life during the winter and their linked emotions, travel motives, destination choices and general expectations, in particular with relation to trips to Alpine destinations. The results show that the grey winter weather and factors such as cold, humidity, lack of sun and dull atmosphere are the dominant factors in the desire to escape on a holiday trip. Non-skiers expect snow-covered landscapes and an environment conducive to relaxation-related activities and are therefore likely to be looking for sustainable winter products. This supports Alpine destination managers who are developing sustainable winter products in addition to winter sports in order to become more competitive in the non-skier market.
Consumer perspectives on mHealth for weight loss: a review of qualitative studies
Authors: Lyzwinski Lynnette N , Caffery Liam J , Bambling Matthew , Edirippulige Sisira
Published: February 2017

Introduction

With increasing development and use of mobile health (mHealth) interventions for weight loss in overweight and obese populations, it is timely to gain greater insight into consumer experience with these technologies. The aims of this review were to identify common themes across studies that included user preferences for mHealth intervention for weight loss.

Methods

The databases PubMed (Medline), CINAHL, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for relevant qualitative studies on mHealth for weight loss. Searches were conducted in May 2016.

Results

Several common high preference themes were identified relating to simple and attractive apps that allowed for self-monitoring with feedback. The five key themes concerning text messages for weight loss involved a careful consideration of personalization, message tone, structure, frequency and content. Key optimization themes for weight loss apps were personalization, simplicity with appeal and engagement/entertainment. Common identified benefits of mHealth for weight loss included self-monitoring, goal setting, feedback, ability to motivate, educate, and remind. Common barriers users identified were related to technological and psychological issues as well as message overload/inappropriate timing of messages.

Conclusion

When planning an mHealth weight loss intervention, critical factors are the message tone, structure and the frequency of message delivery. Personalization also seems to be important. Designing simple apps while still ensuring that they engage the user is also essential. Additionally, it seems important to tailor the content in accordance with different target group demographic preferences. The successful reach and adoption of mHealth interventions requires minimizing perceived barriers and maximizing perceived benefits.
Reproducibility of an extensive self-report questionnaire used in secondary coronary prevention
Authors: Peersen Kari , Munkhaugen John , Gullestad Lars , Dammen Toril , Moum Torbjorn , Otterstad Jan Erik
Published: February 2017

Aims: Self-reported information from questionnaires is frequently used in clinical epidemiological studies, but few provide information on the reproducibility of instruments applied in secondary coronary prevention studies. This study aims to assess the test–retest reproducibility of the questionnaire applied in the cross-sectional NORwegian CORonary (NOR-COR) Prevention Study. Methods: In the NOR-COR study 1127 coronary heart disease (CHD) patients completed a self-report questionnaire consisting of 249 questions, of which there are both validated instruments and de novo questions. Test–retest reliability of the instrument was estimated after four weeks in 99 consecutive coronary patients. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Kappa (κ) were calculated. Results: The mean interval between test and retest was 33 (±6.4) days. Reproducibility values for questions in the first part of the questionnaire did not differ from those in the latter. A good to very good reproducibility was found for lifestyle factors (smoking: κ = 1.0; exercise: ICC = 0.90), medical factors (drug adherence: ICC = 0.74; sleep apnoea: ICC = 0.87), and psychosocial factors (anxiety and depression: ICC = 0.95; quality of life 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF12): ICC = 0.89), as well as for the majority of de-novo-created variables covering the patient’s perceptions, motivation, needs, and preferences. Conclusions: The present questionnaire demonstrates a highly acceptable reproducibility for all key items and instruments. It thus emerges as a valuable tool for evaluating patient factors associated with coronary risk factor control in CHD patients.
The effect of free cooling and demand-based ventilation on energy consumption of self-regulating and traditional chilled beam systems in cold climate
Authors: Kosonen Risto , Penttinen Jani
Published: February 2017

This paper presents the energy-saving potential of free cooling and demand-based ventilation with chilled beam system. In the analysis, four beam concepts were considered: standard, self-regulating, free cooling and demand-based ventilation chilled beam systems. The self-regulating chilled beam system utilizes high temperature water for cooling and there is no need for regulation valve. The inlet water temperature is close to room air temperature (20–22℃) and the room air temperature is allowed to vary between 21 and 25℃. The free cooling for the inlet water is provided by the preheat coil of the air handling unit. The introduction of demand-based ventilation further increases the energy efficiency. Energy consumption of the robust self-regulating system is slightly higher than with traditional chilled beam system: self-regulating system keeps the room air temperature lower than with traditional beam system. With free cooling, it is possible to save about 15% of the delivered energy compared with the standard beam system. With the occupancy rate of 60%, energy consumption is reduced by 36% with demand-based ventilation, respectively. When both free cooling and demand-based ventilation are used with 60% occupancy rate, the energy consumption is 44% lower than with the traditional beam system.
Toward a Political Urban Planning: Learning from Growth Machine and Advocacy Planning to “Plannitize” Urban Politics
Authors: Grooms Wes , Frimpong Boamah Emmanuel
Published: February 2017

This article examines Advocacy Planning through the lens of political–economic urban governance theories—primarily Growth Machine. The first part of the article engages Advocacy Planning and Growth Machine in a conceptual dialogue to search for new insights into the causes of, and potential solutions to, planning’s hitherto inability to significantly mitigate urban social inequity and injustice. The analysis corroborates long-standing assertions of planning’s ineffectiveness in redressing inequitable urban planning outcomes as being resultant of the unequal—and dominant—power held by the governing growth coalition. The second part proffers three lessons that Growth Machine offers to Advocacy Planning, specifically, and urban planning, generally. These lessons constitute the axes of plannitizing urban politics by way of bridging planning’s long-standing power gap through an evolved normative planning education and praxis—a political urban planning.
The Prevalence of Sexual Revictimization: A Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Walker Hannah E. , Freud Jennifer S. , Ellis Robyn A. , Fraine Shawn M. , Wilson Laura C.
Published: February 2017

The literature consistently demonstrates evidence that child sexual abuse survivors are at greater risk of victimization later in life than the general population. This phenomenon is called sexual revictimization. Although this finding is robust, there is a large amount of variability in the prevalence rates of revictimization demonstrated in the literature. The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to calculate an average prevalence rate of revictimization across the literature and to examine moderators that may potentially account for the observed variability. Based on a review of PsycINFO and PILOTS, 1,412 articles were identified and reviewed for inclusion. This process resulted in the inclusion of 80 studies, which contained 12,252 survivors of child sexual abuse. The mean prevalence of sexual revictimization across studies was 47.9% (95% confidence intervals [43.6%, 52.3%]), suggesting that almost half of child sexual abuse survivors are sexually victimized in the future. The present study failed to find support for any of the examined moderators. Potential explanations of and implications for the results are offered, including suggestions for therapists.
Helping Survivors of Human Trafficking: A Systematic Review of Exit and Postexit Interventions
Authors: Dell Nathaniel A. , Maynard Brandy R. , Born Kara R. , Wagner Elizabeth , Atkins Bonnie , House Whitney
Published: February 2017

Background:

Human trafficking is a global problem and results in deleterious psychological, social, and physical effects on the lives of those who are trafficked; however, it is not clear how to best intervene with survivors. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the evidence of exit and postexit intervention programs for survivors of human trafficking to inform practice and research.

Method:

Systematic review methods were used to search, select, and extract data from published and unpublished experimental, quasi-experimental, and preexperimental studies that assessed the effects of any exit or postexit interventions for victims of human trafficking. The authors searched eight databases, reviewed bibliographies, and conducted forward citation searches from relevant reports and prior reviews to find studies authored between 2005 and 2015.

Results:

The search yielded six eligible studies that included 155 female and 6 male survivors from four countries. Interventions were diverse, with three using a trauma-informed approach. Authors measured a myriad of outcomes, including mental health, social network, community reintegration, and employment; however, the quality of most studies was poor.

Discussion:

Evidence of effects of exit and postexit interventions is sparse, and much of the research is poorly designed and executed; however, the needs of trafficking survivors are complex and effective interventions are desperately needed. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
The properties of bioactive substances obtained from seaweeds and their applications in textile industries
Authors: Janarthanan M , Senthil Kumar M
Published: February 2017

Technical textiles are one of the fastest emergent sectors of textile industries worldwide. Medical textiles and healthcare textiles are the most important development areas within technical textiles. A rapid advancement in the health care and hygiene sector together with an increase in health consciousness has made medical textiles an important field. In order to protect people against harmful pathogens, an antimicrobial textile has been developed and as a result, finishes began to evolve in recent years. A critical problem regarding healthcare and hygiene products chemical based synthetic antimicrobial finishes or coatings for infection control. To provide the potential solution and to avoid such critical problem, seaweeds may be used. Seaweeds are plant-like organisms that commonly live attached to rocks in the coastal areas. Seaweeds of brown, green and red colour contain major pigments such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, phycobiliproteins, beta carotene and lutein; these are used for the extraction of natural dyes in textiles. Marine macroalgae (seaweeds) is rich in bioactive compounds that could potentially be exploited as functional ingredients with potential medicinal, health care or pharmaceutical activities for both human and animal health applications. The present review discusses the research potential of different bioactive compounds and its salient features that are mainly responsible for the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties present in seaweeds and their applications in the area of medical textiles.
Fluorescent Imaging With Indocyanine Green During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Patients at Increased Risk of Bile Duct Injury
Authors: Ankersmit Marjolein , van Dam Dieuwertje A. , van Rijswijk Anne-Sophie , van den Heuvel Baukje , Tuynman Jurriaan B. , Meijerink Wilhelmus J. H. J.
Published: February 2017

Background. Although rare, injury to the common bile duct (CBD) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) can be reduced by better intraoperative visualization of the cystic duct (CD) and CBD. The aim of this study was to establish the efficacy of early visualization of the CD and the added value of CBD identification, using near-infrared (NIR) light and the fluorescent agent indocyanine green (ICG), in patients at increased risk of bile duct injury. Materials and Methods. Patients diagnosed with complicated cholecystitis and scheduled for LC were included. The CBD and CD were visualized with NIR light before and during dissection of the liver hilus and at critical view of safety (CVS). Results. Of the 20 patients originally included, 2 were later excluded due to conversion. In 6 of 18 patients, the CD was visualized early during dissection and prior to imaging with conventional white light. The CBD was additionally visualized with ICG-NIR in 7 of 18 patients. In 1 patient, conversion was prevented due to detection of the CD and CBD with ICG-NIR. Conclusions. Early visualization of the CD or additional identification of the CBD using ICG-NIR in patients with complicated cholecystolithiasis can be helpful in preventing CBD injury. Future studies should attempt to establish the optimal dosage and time frame for ICG administration and bile duct visualization with respect to different gallbladder pathologies.
Force Comparison of Commercially Available Transfascial Suture Passers
Authors: Shope Alexander J. , Winder Joshua S. , Bliggenstorfer Jonathan T. , Crowell Kristen T. , Haluck Randy S. , Pauli Eric M.
Published: February 2017

Background. Transfascial suture passers (TSPs) are a commonly used surgical tool available in a wide array of tip configurations. We assessed the insertion force of various TSPs in an ex vivo porcine model. Methods. Uniform sections of porcine abdominal wall were secured to a 3D-printed platform. Nine TSPs were passed through the abdominal wall both without and with prolene suture under the following scenarios: abdominal wall only and abdominal wall plus underlay ePTFE or composite ePTFE/polypropylene mesh. Insertion forces were recorded in Newton (N). Results. When passed without suture through the abdominal wall, smaller diameter TSPs required less insertional force (1.50 ± 0.17 N vs 9.68 ± 1.50 N [ P = 0.00072]). Through composite mesh, the solid tipped TSPs required less force than hollow tipped ones (3.87 ± 0.25 N vs 7.88 ± 0.20 N [ P = 0.00026]). Overall, smaller diameter TSPs required less force than the larger TSPs when passed through ePTFE empty (Gore 2.95 ± 0.83 N vs Carter-Thomason 16.07 ± 2.10 N [ P = .0005]) or with suture (Gore 8.37 ± 2.59 N vs Carter-Thomason 19.12 ± 1.10 N [ P = .003]). Conclusions. Diameter plays the greatest role in the force required for TSP penetration. However, when passed through underlay mesh or while holding suture, distal tip shape, the mechanism of suture holding, and shaft diameter all contribute to the forces necessary for penetration. These factors should be considered when choosing a TSP for intraoperative use.
Mechanisms and Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Authors: Giordano James , Bikson Marom , Kappenman Emily S. , Clark Vincent P. , Coslett H. Branch , Hamblin Michael R. , Hamilton Roy , Jankord Ryan , Kozumbo Walter J. , McKinley R. Andrew , Nitsche Michael A. , Reilly J. Patrick , Richardson Jessica , Wurzman Rachel , Calabrese Edward
Published: February 2017

The US Air Force Office of Scientific Research convened a meeting of researchers in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, engineering, and medicine to discuss most pressing issues facing ongoing research in the field of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and related techniques. In this study, we present opinions prepared by participants of the meeting, focusing on the most promising areas of research, immediate and future goals for the field, and the potential for hormesis theory to inform tDCS research. Scientific, medical, and ethical considerations support the ongoing testing of tDCS in healthy and clinical populations, provided best protocols are used to maximize safety. Notwithstanding the need for ongoing research, promising applications include enhancing vigilance/attention in healthy volunteers, which can accelerate training and support learning. Commonly, tDCS is used as an adjunct to training/rehabilitation tasks with the goal of leftward shift in the learning/treatment effect curves. Although trials are encouraging, elucidating the basic mechanisms of tDCS will accelerate validation and adoption. To this end, biomarkers (eg, clinical neuroimaging and findings from animal models) can support hypotheses linking neurobiological mechanisms and behavioral effects. Dosage can be optimized using computational models of current flow and understanding dose–response. Both biomarkers and dosimetry should guide individualized interventions with the goal of reducing variability. Insights from other applied energy domains, including ionizing radiation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and low-level laser (light) therapy, can be prudently leveraged.
Engaging Fathers in the Promotion of Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors
Authors: Arlinghaus Katherine R. , Johnston Craig A.
Published: February 2017

Parental engagement is an important component in lifestyle behavior change interventions for children as parents are uniquely positioned to establish a healthy environment and model healthy eating and physical activity habits for their children. Despite both mothers and fathers being important agents of behavioral change for their children, fathers are typically underrepresented in programming interventions. Physical activity may be an important strategy for fathers to become involved in lifestyle change with their children as, compared to mothers, fathers traditionally tend to be comfortable engaging in physical activity with their children.
Construct the closed-form solution of A-net of Petri nets by case study
Authors: Chao Daniel Yuh , Yu Tsung Hsien
Published: February 2017

After our researches on the effect of a non-sharing resource in a kth order which is the concept of customization manufacturing, in this article we extend the research on the closed-form solution of control-related states to the so-called A-net which has one top non-sharing circle subnet connected to the idle place of left process in a deficient kth order system and is the fundamental model of different productions sharing the same common parts in manufacturing. The formulas just are depended on the parameter k and states’ function of top non-sharing circle subnet for a subclass of nets with k sharing resources. By combining the concept of the partial deadlock avoidance/prevention policy, the moment to launch resource (controller) allocation based on the current state, and the construction of closed-form solution for deficient kth order system, it can realize the concept of dynamic non-sharing processes’ allocation.
Challenges of academic healthcare leaders in a higher education context in South Africa
Authors: Jooste Karien , Frantz Jose , Waggie Firdouza
Published: February 2017

Universities are in a highly competitive environment, needing strong academic leadership. Some heads of departments have been appointed into leadership positions in a healthcare faculty after having been mere academics for a few years. They are more likely to experience challenges.

This study aimed to explore the views and understanding of heads of departments in a healthcare faculty on being appointed as academic leaders in a higher education context in South Africa. A qualitative design using 12 individual unstructured interviews was conducted with all the heads of departments in a health sciences faculty. Open coding was conducted and two themes emerged, focusing on the varied skills needed for academic leadership positions and developing leadership skills amongst senior academics. The findings indicated that development of senior academics in leadership should be undertaken by a knowledgeable professional in formal or informal settings, to encourage mentorship and more regular group meetings, while addressing the core role of a leader. Implications of these findings for a faculty of health sciences and suggestions for leadership succession in future are discussed.
Diclofenac potassium for oral solution (CAMBIA®) in the acute management of a migraine attack: clinical evidence and practical experience
Authors: Joshi Shivang , Rapoport Alan M.
Published: February 2017

Migraine headache affects about 12% of Western populations and is the third most common disease worldwide (sixth in terms of disability). In 1993, triptans were introduced in the United States as a new treatment for managing migraine attacks, but their use is limited by lack of response and safety concerns in some patients. Treatment options for patients with migraine who fail or cannot tolerate triptans include switching to another medication or adding an adjunctive medication. Desirable characteristics reported by patients for acute treatment of migraine attacks include complete pain relief, fast onset of action, and no pain recurrence. Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication that has been established as effective for acute treatment of migraine by the American Headache Society based on available evidence. Diclofenac potassium for oral solution is rapidly absorbed, achieving maximal plasma concentrations in 15 min, which coincides with a rapid onset of effect. In a comparison of diclofenac potassium for oral solution with diclofenac potassium tablets, the solution achieved a significant reduction in headache intensity beginning at 15 min compared with 60 min for the tablet. Across randomized clinical trials, approximately 25% of patients were pain free 2 h after administration of diclofenac oral solution and the effects were maintained over a 24-h period. Diclofenac potassium for oral solution is well tolerated; the most common adverse events are dizziness and gastrointestinal complaints, with incidences similar to placebo. No serious adverse events have been reported in clinical trials of diclofenac potassium for oral solution in the acute treatment of migraine. Diclofenac oral solution may offer rapid and sustained pain relief for patients who do not achieve pain resolution with other medications. In addition, patients who experience central sensitization with allodynia may benefit from the cyclooxygenase-blocking activity of diclofenac, which is needed in this advanced phase of migraine.
Risk of Nonfatal Stroke in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Retrospective Comparison Between Disease Management Programs and Standard Care
Authors: Wiefarn Stefan , Heumann Christian , Rettelbach Anja , Kostev Karel
Published: February 2017

Objective:

The present retrospective study examines the influence of disease management programs on nonfatal stroke in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Germany.

Methods:

The evaluation is based on retrospective patient data from the Disease Analyzer (IMS Health). The analysis included 169 414 T2DM patients aged 40 years and older with an initial prescription of antihyperglycemic therapy between January 2004 and December 2014. A total of 86 713 patients participated in a disease management program (DMP) for T2DM and 82 701 patients received standard care. The main outcome measure of this study was nonfatal stroke. Kaplan-Meier curves of DMP and SC patients were compared using log rank test. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to provide an adjusted estimate of the DMP effect.

Results:

It is apparent from the baseline characteristics that the general health of patients receiving standard care was poorer than that of patients participating in a DMP. The baseline HbA1c value was 7.6% in the DMP group and 7.8% in the SC group. Furthermore, the SC group had a higher proportion of preexisting conditions, such as coronary heart disease (CHD), peripheral arterial occlusive disease (pAOD), and renal insufficiency. The proportion of patients who received insulin in first year therapy was higher in the SC group. Time to event analysis showed that DMP was associated with a delayed occurrence of stroke, because stroke occurred an average of 350 days later in DMP patients than in patients receiving SC (DMP: 1.216 days, RV: 866 days). The Cox model with covariable adjustment confirmed the significant association of DMPs with nonfatal stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (HR 0.71; 95% CI: 0.69-0.74).

Conclusion:

The present study indicates that DMPs are positively associated with stroke. The possible reasons for this must be verified in further studies.
Accountability and Oversight of State Functions
Authors: Roffee James A.
Published: February 2017

This article offers an evaluation of the use of volunteers in providing accountability of state detention in the prison system of England and Wales through a review of their efforts to monitor the humane and just treatment of those held in custody. A content and dialogical analysis was conducted on 280 reports submitted to the Secretary of State to analyze their practice of reporting and monitoring of equality and diversity. The article argues that the use of volunteers is appropriate to performing monitoring functions that act to enhance intelligent accountability, but volunteers are ineffective for the purposes of improving technical accountability. Evidence suggests some role confusion and use of volunteers for the achievement of both intelligent and technical accountability. The use of volunteers for the latter may result in poor quality repetition of other reporting mechanisms. In addition, it is argued that members require better training, and clearer communications concerning expectations from their reporting functions, which in turn is linked to the quality of their monitoring. The volunteers’ monitoring and surveillance of the detention estate can be more than symbolic and may act as a crucial antidote to technical accountability, furthering the humane and just treatment of some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens.
Negotiation and Management Strategies of Street Vendors in Developing Countries
Authors: Forkuor John B. , Akuoko Kofi O. , Yeboah Eric H.
Published: February 2017

The existing literature on the relationship between regulators and street vendors remain fragmented and limited to specific countries and contexts. This article presents a narrative review of the existing literature on the relationship between regulators and street vendors, and through that creates a unified picture of an otherwise fragmented literature and knowledge base. The concepts of negotiation, power, social network, and perception are used to analyze the various strategies street vendors have used in gaining access to urban public spaces in different parts of the developing world. It is revealed that even though city regulators have access to formal power, street vendors possess a variety of negotiating strategies that gives them access to both formal and informal power.
Etiology of Triarchic Psychopathy Dimensions in Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Latzman Robert D. , Patrick Christopher J. , Freeman Hani D. , Schapiro Steven J. , Hopkins William D.
Published: February 2017

The current study undertook analyses of genealogical data from a sample of 178 socially housed chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes) with well-documented pedigrees to clarify the etiologic bases of triarchic psychopathy dimensions and the influence of early social rearing experiences. Whereas biometric analyses for the full sample indicated significant heritability for the boldness dimension of psychopathy only, heritability estimates varied by early rearing, with all three triarchic dimensions showing significant heritabilities among mother-reared but not nursery-reared apes. For mother-reared apes, both genes and environment contributed to covariance between meanness and disinhibition, whereas environment contributed mainly to covariation between these dimensions and boldness. Results indicate contributions of both genes and environment to psychopathic tendencies, with an important role for early rearing in their relative contributions to distinct phenotypic subdimensions. In conjunction with findings from human studies, results provide valuable insights into core biobehavioral processes relevant to psychological illness and health.
Assessing the Poverty Impact of India’s Largest Livelihood Security Programme: A Study Based on 68th Round of NSSO
Authors: Dey Sagarika
Published: February 2017

The enactment of India’s historic livelihood guarantee programme in the form of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) has been coterminous with a phase of rapid decline in India’s rural poverty rates. This naturally motivates the question as to whether the observed decline in rural poverty can be attributed, at least partly, to efficient targeting and implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS). This study underscores the fact that the welfare impact of anti-poverty programmes such as the MNREGS is critically dependent on whether these programmes actually reach the intended beneficiaries. Using the unit-level data from the 68th round of the NSSO survey on Employment and Unemployment, the article first investigates the possible ‘capture’ of the MNREGS at the national and also at the state levels and the consequent ‘crowding out’ of asset poor rural households. Statistical analysis of household data reveals that although at the national level, the scheme seems to be predominantly directed towards the poor, considerable variations exist among states. After correcting for confounders in treatment and control groups, the study finds that access to MNREGS employment significantly lowers the probability of a rural household of falling in the poverty trap. The article, therefore, concludes that the scheme has the potential of favourably impacting and protecting consumption standards among rural poor. Maximisation of this potential, however, would depend upon proper identification of needy households and rooting out of the pseudo-poor from the ambit of the programme.
Prophylaxis usage, bleeding rates, and joint outcomes of hemophilia, 1999 to 2010: a surveillance project
Authors: Manco-Johnson Marilyn J. , Soucie J. Michael , Gill Joan Cox
Published: February 2017

Key Points

Bleeding in US hemophilia patients has decreased dramatically in parallel with increased use of prophylaxis. Only prophylaxis started before age 4 years preserves normal joint function.
Expression and regulation of C/EBPα in normal myelopoiesis and in malignant transformation
Authors: Avellino Roberto , Delwel Ruud
Published: February 2017

One of the most studied transcription factors in hematopoiesis is the leucine zipper CCAAT-enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), which is mainly involved in cell fate decisions for myeloid differentiation. Its involvement in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is diverse, with patients frequently exhibiting mutations, deregulation of gene expression, or alterations in the function of C/EBPα. In this review, we emphasize the importance of C/EBPα for neutrophil maturation, its role in myeloid priming of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, and its indispensable requirement for AML development. We discuss that mutations in the open reading frame of CEBPA lead to an altered C/EBPα function, affecting the expression of downstream genes and consequently deregulating myelopoiesis. The emerging transcriptional mechanisms of CEBPA are discussed based on recent studies. Novel insights on how these mechanisms may be deregulated by oncoproteins or mutations/variants in CEBPA enhancers are suggested in principal to reveal novel mechanisms of how CEBPA is deregulated at the transcriptional level.
The GATA factor revolution in hematology
Authors: Katsumura Koichi R. , Bresnick Emery H. ,   the GATA Factor Mechanisms Group
Published: February 2017

The discovery of the GATA binding protein (GATA factor) transcription factor family revolutionized hematology. Studies of GATA proteins have yielded vital contributions to our understanding of how hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells develop from precursors, how progenitors generate red blood cells, how hemoglobin synthesis is regulated, and the molecular underpinnings of nonmalignant and malignant hematologic disorders. This thrilling journey began with mechanistic studies on a β-globin enhancer- and promoter-binding factor, GATA-1, the founding member of the GATA family. This work ushered in the cloning of related proteins, GATA-2-6, with distinct and/or overlapping expression patterns. Herein, we discuss how the hematopoietic GATA factors (GATA-1-3) function via a battery of mechanistic permutations, which can be GATA factor subtype, cell type, and locus specific. Understanding this intriguing protein family requires consideration of how the mechanistic permutations are amalgamated into circuits to orchestrate processes of interest to the hematologist and more broadly.
GATA factor mutations in hematologic disease
Authors: Crispino John D. , Horwitz Marshall S.
Published: February 2017

GATA family proteins play essential roles in development of many cell types, including hematopoietic, cardiac, and endodermal lineages. The first three factors, GATAs 1, 2, and 3, are essential for normal hematopoiesis, and their mutations are responsible for a variety of blood disorders. Acquired and inherited GATA1 mutations contribute to Diamond-Blackfan anemia, acute megakaryoblastic leukemia, transient myeloproliferative disorder, and a group of related congenital dyserythropoietic anemias with thrombocytopenia. Conversely, germ line mutations in GATA2 are associated with GATA2 deficiency syndrome, whereas acquired mutations are seen in myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia, and in blast crisis transformation of chronic myeloid leukemia. The fact that mutations in these genes are commonly seen in blood disorders underscores their critical roles and highlights the need to develop targeted therapies for transcription factors. This review focuses on hematopoietic disorders that are associated with mutations in two prominent GATA family members, GATA1 and GATA2.
Protean proteases: at the cutting edge of lung diseases
Authors: Taggart Clifford , Mall Marcus A. , Lalmanach Gilles , Cataldo Didier , Ludwig Andreas , Janciauskiene Sabina , Heath Nicole , Meiners Silke , Overall Christopher M. , Schultz Carsten , Turk Boris , Borensztajn Keren S.
Published: February 2017

Proteases were traditionally viewed as mere protein-degrading enzymes with a very restricted spectrum of substrates. A major expansion in protease research has uncovered a variety of novel substrates, and it is now evident that proteases are critical pleiotropic actors orchestrating pathophysiological processes. Recent findings evidenced that the net proteolytic activity also relies upon interconnections between different protease and protease inhibitor families in the protease web.

In this review, we provide an overview of these novel concepts with a particular focus on pulmonary pathophysiology. We describe the emerging roles of several protease families including cysteine and serine proteases.

The complexity of the protease web is exemplified in the light of multidimensional regulation of serine protease activity by matrix metalloproteases through cognate serine protease inhibitor processing. Finally, we will highlight how deregulated protease activity during pulmonary pathogenesis may be exploited for diagnosis/prognosis purposes, and utilised as a therapeutic tool using nanotechnologies.

Considering proteases as part of an integrative biology perspective may pave the way for the development of new therapeutic targets to treat pulmonary diseases related to intrinsic protease deregulation.
Tussive challenge with ATP and AMP: does it reveal cough hypersensitivity?
Authors: Fowles Helen Elizabeth , Rowland Tim , Wright Caroline , Morice Alyn
Published: February 2017

Recent studies have demonstrated that blockade of P2X3 ATP receptors can profoundly inhibit chronic cough. We have considered whether inhaled ATP produces a tussive response and whether chronic cough patients are hypersensitive to inhaled ATP compared to healthy volunteers.

A standardised inhalational cough challenge was performed with ATP and AMP. We randomised 20 healthy volunteers and 20 chronic cough patients as to the order of challenges. The concentration of challenge solution causing at least five coughs (C5) was compared for ATP and AMP.

The study population consisted of six male and 14 female volunteers in each group. Two out of 19 healthy volunteers coughed with AMP (one volunteer could not take part in this challenge) and none reached C5. Eight out of 20 chronic cough patients coughed with AMP and two reached C5. Of the 20 healthy volunteers, 18 coughed with ATP, with 15 reaching C5. All 19 chronic cough patients completing the ATP challenge coughed with ATP and 18 reached C5. The chronic cough patients had a greater cough response at lower concentrations of ATP.

The greater potency of ATPversusAMP in the inhalational challenge suggests that tussive responses are mediated through members of the P2X purinergic receptor family. This acute effect was, however, not sufficient to explain cough hypersensitivity syndrome.