bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arrantly Absent
Authors: Brewster Melanie E. , Robinson Matthew A. , Sandil Riddhi , Esposito Jessica , Geiger Elizabeth
Published: April 2014

This study provides a content analysis of the past 12 years (2001-2012) of academic scholarship about atheism and atheist individuals from a social scientific lens in the United States. The content analysis yielded 100 articles across disciplines including psychology, sociology, religious studies, and political science. Although the number of articles about atheism published since 2001 has increased steadily per year ( n = 0 in 2001 compared with n = 20 in 2012), the topics discussed in the atheism literature were narrow in scope and involved (a) comparing religious/spiritual (R/S) belief systems to atheism or (b) discussing bias against atheists. In addition, most of the articles were nonempirical (58%). Content analysis data suggest that atheism is an understudied topic in psychological science (31% of the total articles were from psychology), and discourse on atheism is often presented from cognitive and social-psychology perspectives, rather than a counseling psychology lens. Only a handful of the total articles centered on topics related to mental health (e.g., psychological distress and well-being) or counseling and training; however, such studies suggested that atheists have comparable levels of mental health to R/S people, a conclusion that contradicts most prior research on R/S and psychological well-being. Findings from this content analysis suggest that atheist individuals are an underserved and understudied group that would benefit from advancements in counseling psychology scholarship specific to their experiences.
Expanding the boundaries of boundary theory: Regulative institutions and work–family role management
Authors: Piszczek Matthew M , Berg Peter
Published: April 2014

With the changing demographics of the labor force, management of work and family role boundaries has become an important area of research. However, the literature surrounding boundary theory – one of the most prevalent theories of work–family role management – has evolved too narrowly. Although early boundary theory development acknowledged the importance of higher level social institutions, they have been largely omitted from the current research, which is predominantly individual-focused. The present article further develops the role of international regulative institutions in managing work and family role boundaries, including the consequences of their omission in the current literature for individual employees, organizations and the fit between them.
Housing breeding mice in three different IVC systems: maternal performance and pup development
Authors: Spangenberg EMF , Wallenbeck A , Eklöf A-C , Carlstedt-Duke J , Tjäder S
Published: April 2014

A proper cage environment is essential for the welfare of laboratory mice, especially for females during the energy demanding lactation period and for pups during early development and growth. The most common housing system for laboratory mice is individually ventilated cages (IVCs) of which there are different layouts and ventilation strategies available on the market. The present study investigates the impact of cage environment in three different IVC types, on the maternal performance of females, and pup development and growth in C57BL/6NCrl and Crl:NMRI Foxn1nu mice. The results show differences in in-cage climate, female body weight, pup growth, feed and water consumption, and nest quality between cage types. There was a distinct effect of genotype in these differences, with the main effects found in NMRI NU mice. The results indicate that IVC systems might need to be managed differently for mice of different types and/or different physiological status. Many of the differences seen between cage systems could be drawn to the physical construction of the cage, such as location of feed hopper and location of air inlet and outlet. In conclusion, IVC in-cage climate affects the maternal performance of female mice and pup growth, but with differences between the two strains tested.
Oral self-administration of buprenorphine in the diet for analgesia in mice
Authors: Molina-Cimadevila M J , Segura S , Merino C , Ruiz-Reig N , Andrés B , de Madaria E
Published: April 2014

Postsurgical oral self-administration of analgesics in rodents is an interesting technique of providing analgesia, avoiding the negative effects of manipulation. Several strategies, using gelatin or nutella, have already been described. However, rodents require some habituation period to reach a good intake because of their neophobic behavior. The current study aimed to explore whether buprenorphine when mixed with an extruded diet offers a potential treatment option in the pain management of mice using a triple approach: by measuring the spontaneous intake in healthy animals; by using the hot-plate test; and finally by assessing the drug’s ability to provide postoperative analgesia in a surgical intervention of moderate severity (intra-utero electroporation). Mice consumed during 20 hours, similar amounts of extruded diet alone, mixed with glucosaline, and mixed with buprenorphine (0.03 mg per pellet) or meloxicam (0.25 mg per pellet) both of which were diluted in glucosaline, showing that no neophobia was associated with these administrations. Relative increase from baseline latency (% maximal possible effect) in the hot-plate test at 20 h of administration was significantly higher for oral buprenorphine in diet 0.03 mg/pellet, and diet 0.15 mg/pellet, compared with placebo and no differences were found between those oral administrations and subcutaneous buprenorphine 0.1 mg/kg measured 3 h later. The treatment was also effective in attenuating the reductions in food consumption and body weight that occur after surgery. These data suggest that providing buprenorphine with the diet is a feasible and effective way of self-administration of analgesia in mice and does not cause neophobia and may easily contribute to the refinement of surgical procedures.
Validating a Mentoring Relationship Quality Scale
Authors: Rhodes Jean E. , Schwartz Sarah E. O. , Willis Margaret M. , Wu Max B.
Published: April 2014

Youth mentoring relationships have significant potential for promoting positive youth development. Nonetheless, the benefits derived from such relationships depend considerably on the length and quality of the bonds that are created between mentors and youth. Although some attention has been paid to youth’s experience of relationship quality, few studies have focused on mentors’ experience of relationship quality. In the context of a national sample of mentor and youth dyads in Big Brothers Big Sisters community-based mentoring programs ( N = 5,222), the current study validated a new mentor-reported measure of relationship quality, explored associations between mentor and youth assessments of relationship quality, and investigated the capacity of early assessments of relationship quality to predict mentoring relationship duration. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Model-based passive bilateral teleoperation with time delay
Authors: Li Hongbing , Tadano Kotaro , Kawashima Kenji
Published: April 2014

Noisy behaviour of time domain passivity control (TDPC) at low velocity is a well known problem for delayed teleoperation systems. This paper presents a novel adaptive model-based passive controller to alleviate some of the noise problems associated with delayed teleoperation system using the TDPC approach. By composing an online estimation of phantom human tissue model and passivity observer on the master side, a high transparency of teleoperation can be achieved while the system passivity is maintained by modifying the damping of the master. The performance of the developed approach was validated using one-degree-of-freedom master–slave robot system with constant time delay. Results show that the phantom tissue parameters can be accurately estimated. In addition, the passivity of the system is observed by the passivity observer using the output of the identified tissue model. Results demonstrate that stable teleoperation with time delay can be achieved and the environment force can be accurately reflected to the operator without chattering.
Semi-automatic Breast Ultrasound Image Segmentation Based on Mean Shift and Graph Cuts
Authors: Zhou Zhuhuang , Wu Weiwei , Wu Shuicai , Tsui Po-Hsiang , Lin Chung-Chih , Zhang Ling , Wang Tianfu
Published: April 2014

Computerized tumor segmentation on breast ultrasound (BUS) images remains a challenging task. In this paper, we proposed a new method for semi-automatic tumor segmentation on BUS images using Gaussian filtering, histogram equalization, mean shift, and graph cuts. The only interaction required was to select two diagonal points to determine a region of interest (ROI) on an input image. The ROI image was shrunken by a factor of 2 using bicubic interpolation to reduce computation time. The shrunken image was smoothed by a Gaussian filter and then contrast-enhanced by histogram equalization. Next, the enhanced image was filtered by pyramid mean shift to improve homogeneity. The object and background seeds for graph cuts were automatically generated on the filtered image. Using these seeds, the filtered image was then segmented by graph cuts into a binary image containing the object and background. Finally, the binary image was expanded by a factor of 2 using bicubic interpolation, and the expanded image was processed by morphological opening and closing to refine the tumor contour. The method was implemented with OpenCV 2.4.3 and Visual Studio 2010 and tested for 38 BUS images with benign tumors and 31 BUS images with malignant tumors from different ultrasound scanners. Experimental results showed that our method had a true positive rate (TP) of 91.7%, a false positive (FP) rate of 11.9%, and a similarity (SI) rate of 85.6%. The mean run time on Intel Core 2.66 GHz CPU and 4 GB RAM was 0.49 ± 0.36 s. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method may be useful in BUS image segmentation.
Addressing the Problem of Cultural Anchoring
Authors: Miles Andrew
Published: April 2014

One of the primary challenges in the study of culture and action is determining which cultural elements “anchor” (or influence) other elements. Notable attempts to address this problem include tool kit theory and dual-process models of culture and action. Insightful as these efforts are, they do not adequately explain action that crosscuts contexts, in part because they do not detail the specific types of cultural content that matter. This article draws on identity theory from sociological social psychology and a variety of perspectives from cultural sociology to propose an identity-based model of culture in action that begins to address these shortcomings. Past research supports the theory’s major claims, although additional work is required to fully verify the proposed sequence of situated action.
Regulation of political parties and party functions in Malawi: Incentive structures and the selective application of the rules
Authors: Svåsand Lars
Published: April 2014

The party system in Malawi has been characterised by instability and fragmentation since the reintroduction of multiparty democracy in 1993. In part this instability is rooted in the legal framework regulating political parties as organisations and the functions that parties perform in a democracy. The article outlines the constitutional and legal framework of political parties. But more important is how regulation of functions such as candidate nomination, campaigning and representation in parliament interacts with the structure of the political system, leading to party system instability. Moreover, the effect of regulation of political parties and their activities is strongly influenced by ‘selective’ application of the formal regulations and weak party organisations. Formal rules meant to strengthen political parties have therefore not functioned as intended.
The Proportion of Malignancy in Incidental Thyroid Lesions on 18‐FDG PET Study: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Nayan Smriti , Ramakrishna Jayant , Gupta Michael K.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To evaluate through a systematic review and meta‐analysis the malignancy rates of thyroid incidentalomas identified in adults by 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, computed tomography (18‐FDG PET‐CT) imaging studies.

Data Sources

The literature search was conducted using OVID Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Pubmed, and reference list review (inception to April 2013) by 2 independent review authors.

Review Methods

Studies with adults undergoing 18‐FDG PET scan identifying a thyroid incidentaloma with definitive histological or cytological results reported were included.

Results

Thirty‐one studies with a total of 197,296 PET studies and 3659 focal thyroid incidentalomas were identified with 1341 having definitive cytopathology or histopathology. The pooled proportion of malignancy was calculated as 19.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.3%‐24.7%) with 15.4% (95% CI, 11.4%‐20.0%) of the total cases being papillary thyroid cancer. Distant metastases represented 1.1% (95% CI, 0.6%‐1.8%) of the total cases.

Conclusions

Our systematic review and meta‐analysis suggests that the incidence of malignancy is high in thyroid incidentalomas identified through 18‐FDG PET imaging studies. Thyroid incidentalomas identified through 18‐FDG PET require thorough investigation.
Worry in adolescents with visual impairment
Authors: Pinquart Martin , Pfeiffer Jens P
Published: April 2014

We assessed worries of 162 German adolescents with visual impairment. Most adolescents reported low levels of worry. Nonetheless, about 25% showed moderate to high levels of worry related to a further decline of vision and not finding the right romantic partner. While adolescents with visual impairment reported lower levels of worry than an age- and gender-matched sample of sighted adolescents, adolescents with stronger visual impairment worried more than those with lower levels of visual impairment. In addition, higher levels of worry were associated with more depressive symptoms and, in part, with less optimism, negative changes of vision in recent years, higher age, and worse grades at school. Possible reasons for the inconsistent associations of visual impairment with levels of worry are discussed.
The effect of yoga practice on proprioception in congenitally blind students
Authors: Mohanty Soubhagyalaxmi , Pradhan Balaram , Nagathna R
Published: April 2014

Mobility of the visually impaired (VI) requires greater proprioception. Yoga practice has been shown to improve proprioception in normal sighted children and may therefore be expected to do so in VI students. To study the effect of yoga practice on proprioception in VI students. In a wait-listed two-armed-matched case–control study, 54 (28 yoga, 26 control) VI students of both genders aged 10–19 years from two blind schools were assessed for proprioceptive function on a kinesthesiometer on the 1st and 30th days. The yoga group practiced a specific yoga module for 1½ hr daily, which included a complete spectrum of yoga activities. The control group had no intervention. Baseline data matched between groups on all variables. There was a significant decrease in error score of proprioceptive sense measurement at 20° and 120° positions of the right elbow within the yoga group, whereas significant difference between the groups at 120° position of the right elbow. Overall, the yoga group showed improvements at all six positions measured, and similarly, their percentage improvements were greater than controls in all six positions. Sign tests yielded p = (1/64) < 0.016 against null hypotheses, indicating that yoga generally improves proprioception in blind children, significantly outperforming no-intervention. In contrast, only 3 of the 12 t-tests reached significance. The yoga module used may help improve proprioceptive function in VI children. Further studies are necessary to refine details of this result.
Are Waiting List Prioritization Guidelines Being Followed in Australia?
Authors: Johar Meliyanni
Published: April 2014

Objective. When waiting lists are used to ration treatments for nonemergency procedures, a prioritization rule is required to ensure that urgent patients are admitted first. This study investigates how the introduction of an explicit prioritization guideline affected the prioritization behavior of doctors, who previously had full discretion for assigning patients. Design. The analysis exploits the publication of recommended priority categories in public hospitals. Taking the recommendations as a reference, deviations from the recommended priority assignments by doctors before and after the guideline publication are assessed. Multinomial logit models are used to control for patient and hospital characteristics. Heterogeneity in the impact of the guideline across patient characteristics is explored through interaction terms. Setting. The state of New South Wales, Australia, between July 2004 and December 2010. Participants. Admissions via waiting lists in public hospitals ( N = 753,010). Main Outcome Measure. Priority categories assigned by doctors. Results. The guideline increased the likelihood that doctors would actually assign a semi-urgent priority to admissions with a recommended priority of semi-urgent by 11.7 percentage points ( P < 0.000) and would assign a nonurgent priority to admissions with a recommended priority of non-urgent by 13.1 percentage points ( P < 0.000). In contrast, the guideline lowered the likelihood of an urgent priority being assigned to admissions with a recommended priority of urgent by 13.7 percentage points ( P < 0.000). Priority assignments are affected by payment status; specifically, a higher priority is given to paying patients, and this preferential treatment is not diminished by the presence of the guideline. Conclusion. The presence of a simple clinical priority guideline at the procedural level has not produced systematic, clinically based prioritization behaviors among doctors. The New South Wales priority guideline has curtailed assignments to the highest priority. This result raises a question concerning the usefulness of such a guideline in improving timely and equitable access to health care.
Subjective Numeracy and Preference to Stay with the Status Quo
Authors: Fraenkel Liana , Cunningham Meaghan , Peters Ellen
Published: April 2014

Background: Preference for the status quo, or clinical inertia, is a barrier to implementing treat-to-target protocols in patients with chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objectives of this study were to examine the influence of subjective numeracy on RA-patient preference for the status quo and to determine whether age modifies this relationship. Methods: RA patients participated in a single face-to-face interview. Numeracy was measured using the Subjective Numeracy Scale. Treatment preference was measured using Adaptive Conjoint Analysis. Results: Of 205 eligible subjects, 156 agreed to participate. Higher subjective numeracy was associated with lower preference for the status quo in a regression model including race, employment, and use of biologics (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.71 [0.52–0.95], P = 0.02). Higher subjective numeracy was protective against status quo preferences among subjects younger than 65 years (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.64 (0.43–0.94), P = 0.02) but not among older subjects. Conclusions: Subjective numeracy is independently associated with younger, but not older, RA patients’ preferences for the status quo. Our results add to the literature demonstrating age and numeracy differences in treatment preferences and medical decision-making processes.
Beyond Coxian Historicism: 19th Century World Order and the Promise of Uneven and Combined Development
Authors: Green Jeremy
Published: April 2014

This article scrutinises Robert Cox’s theorisation of 19th century world order, proposing ‘uneven and combined development’ as an alternative conceptual approach. I contend that Cox’s understanding of 19th century world order is insufficient as it neglects the significance of German ascendance. Privileging hegemonic construction of world order, Cox’s account of the decomposition of Pax Britannica reifies the neo-realist anarchy problematique. Overall, Cox exaggerates the degree of rupture between phases of world order, obscuring developmental continuities that produce different ‘geopolitical’ contexts. Uneven and combined development, I propose, enables a fruitful reappraisal of the period. Process-based international historical sociology is suggested as an alternative way to think about 19th century world order and critical IR.
The digital revolution: Camouflage in the twenty-first century
Authors: King Anthony
Published: April 2014

It has been widely acknowledged that military uniforms are significant not only in terms of their practical utility but in terms of their symbolic function. If this is the case, then it is surely noteworthy that in the last ten years there has been a revolution in military uniforms. The disruptive patterns which were the global norm among all military forces in the late twentieth century are in the process of being replaced by new digital patterns. Drawing on the sociology of science and technology, this article explores the development of these uniforms to argue that while neither the scientific research behind digital patterns nor their possible superiority over disruptive designs can be denied, the development of these patterns cannot be seen in purely instrumental or technical terms. Status considerations have been equally important. The paper explores the way in which these new uniforms communicate the new status which professional western forces in the early twenty-first century have been trying to project.
Hobson’s Eurocentric World Politics: The Journey Begins
Authors: Ling L.H.M.
Published: April 2014

Hobson gives us a definitive accounting of Eurocentrism in IR. The only missing element is gender. Race needs gender to work, I argue. Otherwise, race serves as a mere descriptor.
A Realist View of the Eurocentric Conception of World Politics
Authors: Schmidt Brian C.
Published: April 2014

This article provides a critical review of John Hobson’s The Eurocentric Conception of World Politics. More specifically, it challenges Hobson’s interpretation of realism and it questions the extent to which he accuses earlier thinkers of being racists.
A Great-Grandson Breaks New Ground in Critical IR Thought
Authors: Vitalis Robert
Published: April 2014

The author underscores the importance of the book under review and raises a few questions about its method and certain of its findings.
The Fascial Elevation and Tendon Origin Resection Technique for the Treatment of Chronic Recalcitrant Medial Epicondylitis
Authors: Kwon Bong Cheol , Kwon Yong Shin , Bae Kee Jeong
Published: April 2014

Background:

Medial epicondylitis is a tendinopathy of the common flexor-pronator origin, and surgical treatment is required when this condition fails to respond to nonoperative methods. This study details the development of a new technique, termed fascial elevation and tendon origin resection (FETOR), which facilitates the complete visualization and resection of the CFPO with limited soft tissue dissection.

Purpose:

To evaluate the outcomes of FETOR for the treatment of chronic recalcitrant medial epicondylitis.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The electronic medical records of patients who underwent FETOR from January 2008 to July 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome assessments included the visual analog scale (VAS) for average pain, pain at rest, and pain experienced during hard work or heavy lifting; the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire; and pain-free grip strength. Preoperative and postoperative data were compared.

Results:

A total of 22 elbows in 20 patients with a mean age of 48.8 years (range, 29-58 years) were included. At a mean follow-up of 35.6 months (range, 16-77 months), the VAS score decreased by 93% for average pain, 94% for pain at rest, and 83% for pain during hard work or heavy lifting ( P < .001). The patients’ perception of arm function as assessed using the DASH recovered to the level of the healthy population (from a mean of 51.6 ± 18.0 to 8.0 ± 11.1; P < .001). The mean pain-free grip strength improved significantly from 53.7% ± 30.3% to 97.3% ± 19.8% of the uninvolved arm ( P < .001). Eighteen (90%) patients were satisfied with the surgical outcomes, while 2 patients changed their jobs because of decreased elbow function. No major complications occurred.

Conclusion:

The FETOR technique is an effective and safe method for the treatment of chronic recalcitrant medial epicondylitis.
Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety After the Disclosure of the Diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Mormont Eric , Jamart Jacques , Jacques Denis
Published: April 2014

Background and purpose:

Many people fear that the disclosure of the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) to patients will prompt depressive symptoms or catastrophic reactions. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the modification of anxiety and depressive symptoms 3 months after the disclosure of the diagnosis of AD.

Methods:

A total of 100 consecutive newly diagnosed patients with AD (mild or moderate stage) and their caregivers were included. The evolution of symptoms of depression and anxiety was assessed with the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (Zung SDS) and the depression item of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-d) and the anxiety item of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-a). After 3 months, the caregivers were asked their opinions on the global effect of the disclosure using a Likert-type scale.

Results:

At 3 months, there was no significant change in the mean NPI-d ( P = .87) and Zung SDS ( P = .18) and a significant reduction in the NPI-a ( P = .05). The NPI-d worsened in 22% of patients, improved in 22%, and remained unchanged in 56%. The NPI-a worsened in 12% of patients, improved in 33%, and remained unchanged in 54%. The caregivers rated the global effect of the disclosure as negative in 8%, neutral in 71%, and positive in 21% of patients. None of the patients or their proxies reported suicide attempts or catastrophic reactions.

Conclusions:

The disclosure of AD is safe in most cases and may improve anxiety. Symptoms of depression and anxiety worsen only in a minority of patients. The fear of depression or catastrophic reaction should not prevent clinicians to disclose the diagnosis of AD.
Introducing matrix management within a children’s services setting – personal reflections
Authors: Brooks Michael , Kakabadse Nada K
Published: April 2014

This article reflects on the introduction of ‘matrix management’ arrangements for an Educational Psychology Service (EPS) within a Children’s Service Directorate of a Local Authority (LA). It seeks to demonstrate critical self-awareness, consider relevant literature with a view to bringing insights to processes and outcomes, and offers recommendations regarding the use of matrix management. The report arises from an East Midland’s LA initiative: ALICSE − Advanced Leadership in an Integrated Children’s Service Environment. Through a literature review and personal reflection, the authors consider the following: possible tensions within the development of matrix management arrangements; whether matrix management is a prerequisite within complex organizational systems; and whether competing professional cultures may contribute barriers to creating complementary and collegiate working. The authors briefly consider some research paradigms, notably ethnographic approaches, soft systems methodology, activity theory and appreciative inquiry. These provide an analytic framework for the project and inform this iterative process of collaborative inquiry. Whilst these models help illuminate otherwise hidden processes, none have been implemented following full research methodologies, reflecting the messy reality of local authority working within dynamic organizational structures and shrinking budgets. Nevertheless, this article offers an honest reflection of organizational change within a children’s services environment.
In situ ultrasonic synthesis and characterization of nanocopper/poly(acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate–styrene) composites
Authors: Xing Hong Long , Gao Sheng Tao , Xu Guo Cai , Sun Li Qiu
Published: April 2014

Nanocopper (nano-Cu)/poly(acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate (AAEM)–styrene (St)) (P(AAEM-St)) composites were synthesized by reducing copper acetate solution in AAEM and St monomer by ultrasonic technique without adding emulsifier. The morphology, structure, thermal stability, and the interaction between Cu nanoparticles (NPs) and P(AAEM-St) matrix of the composites were characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The results show that Cu NPs possessed face-centered cubic structure, and they were homogeneously dispersed in P(AAEM-St) matrix. XPS and FTIR analyses reveal the interaction between Cu NPs and C=O of the acetoacetoxy in the copolymer of AAEM and St. TGA proves that the thermal stability of the pure P(AAEM-St) is higher than that of the nano-Cu/P(AAEM-St) composites.
The preparation and performance of nanomagnesium oxide-filled polyvinylidene fluoride membranes
Authors: Tang Gang , Hu Xiong , Wang Wei , Chen Qinglan , Li Xilei , Sun Dejian
Published: April 2014

This study tended to modify polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) microfiltration membranes by the addition of nanomagnesium oxide (nano-MgO) particles via fabrication of the phase inversion method. The detailed structure and properties of these composite membranes were characterized. The findings showed that the membrane hydrophilicity was significantly improved with the addition of nano-MgO content increasing from 0% to 1%. The improved hydrophilicity and decrease in roughness of the composite membrane enhanced the antifouling performance during the reclaimed water treatment.
2014 European Guideline on HIV testing
Authors: Gökengin Deniz , Geretti Anna Maria , Begovac Josip , Palfreeman Adrian , Stevanovic Milena , Tarasenko Olga , Radcliffe Keith
Published: April 2014

Testing for HIV is one of the cornerstones in the fight against HIV spread. The 2014 European Guideline on HIV Testing provides advice on testing for HIV infection in individuals aged 16 years and older who present to sexually transmitted infection, genito-urinary or dermato-venereology clinics across Europe. It may also be applied in other clinical settings where HIV testing is required, particularly in primary care settings. The aim of the guideline is to provide practical guidance to clinicians and laboratories that within these settings undertake HIV testing, and to indicate standards for best practice.
Gratitude
Authors: DeSteno David , Li Ye , Dickens Leah , Lerner Jennifer S.
Published: April 2014

The human mind tends to excessively discount the value of delayed rewards relative to immediate ones, and it is thought that “hot” affective processes drive desires for short-term gratification. Supporting this view, recent findings demonstrate that sadness exacerbates financial impatience even when the sadness is unrelated to the economic decision at hand. Such findings might reinforce the view that emotions must always be suppressed to combat impatience. But if emotions serve adaptive functions, then certain emotions might be capable of reducing excessive impatience for delayed rewards. We found evidence supporting this alternative view. Specifically, we found that (a) the emotion gratitude reduces impatience even when real money is at stake, and (b) the effects of gratitude are differentiable from those of the more general positive state of happiness. These findings challenge the view that individuals must tamp down affective responses through effortful self-regulation to reach more patient and adaptive economic decisions.
L’amour de l’art en France est toujours aussi fécond : La Maison d’Éditions Verve et la reproduction de manuscrits à peintures conservés dans les Bibliothèques de France pendant les années noires (1939–1944)
Authors: Kolokytha Chara
Published: April 2014

Cette étude vise à l’examen de l’édition artistique en France pendant la Seconde Guerre Mondiale à travers l’exemple de la Maison d’Éditions Verve. Spécifiquement, l’article présente les conditions sous lesquelles un nombre considérable d’enluminures médiévales françaises ont été reproduites dans les pages de la revue Verve entre les années 1939 et 1944, afin de questionner le rôle qu’a joué l’art médiéval pendant l’occupation en termes idéologiques, symboliques et formalistes. A la suite de deux expositions de la Bibliothèque Nationale, « Les plus beaux manuscrits français du VIIIe au XVIe siècle » de 1937 et « Arts de l’Iran » de 1938, la maison Verve en collaboration avec l’Imprimerie Draeger Frères ont achevé de mener à bien la reproduction fidele, pour la première fois dans l’histoire de l’édition en France, des chefs-d’œuvre des manuscrits médiévaux préparant le terrain pour la publication d’une série de luxueux livres d’artistes modernes illustrés par les plus célèbres artistes du vingtième siècle.
Maintaining a “good girl” position: Young Filipina women constructing sexual agency in first sex within Catholicism
Authors: Delgado-Infante Margarita Lia , Ofreneo Mira Alexis P
Published: April 2014

How young women negotiate sexual agency in first sex is contingent upon the specific social construction of female and male sexuality and the sexual double standards in a particular local context. Within Philippine Roman Catholicism, a strong religious moral discourse equates virginity with a woman’s honor, making first sex or virginity loss a source of shame. This has implications for women’s experiences of sexual agency. We report on research in which a group of eight young Filipina women wrote their memories of first sex and collectively analyzed these memories. Using thematic analysis, we derived five themes about why they engaged in first sex: (1) “giving in,” (2) “nadala” or “carried away,” (3) love, (4) self-expression, and (5) coercion. Avoiding sexual agency in giving in and nadala is linked to the experience of pain, loss, and shame. Recognizing sexual agency by articulating first sex as a need for sexual self-expression is tied to the experience of pleasure. The absence of sexual agency is seen in the experience of coercion and subsequent trauma. Despite variations in these women’s constructions of first sex, each can be seen as ways of preserving a woman’s social status and maintaining a “good girl” position.
Worldwide research productivity of paracetamol (acetaminophen) poisoning
Authors: Zyoud SH , Al-Jabi SW , Sweileh WM
Published: April 2014

Purpose:

There is a lack of data concerning the evaluation of scientific research productivity in paracetamol poisoning from the world. The purposes of this study were to analyse the worldwide research output related to paracetamol poisoning and to examine the authorship pattern and the citations retrieved from the Scopus database for over a decade.

Methods:

Data were searched for documents with specific words regarding paracetamol poisoning as ‘keywords’ in the title or/and abstract. Scientific output was evaluated based on a methodology developed and used in other bibliometric studies. Research productivity was adjusted to the national population and nominal gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.

Results:

There were 1721 publications that met the criteria during study period from the world. All retrieved documents were published from 72 countries. The largest number of articles related to paracetamol poisoning was from the United States (US; 30.39%), followed by India (10.75%) and the United Kingdom (UK; 9.36%). The total number of citations at the time of data analysis was 21,109, with an average of 12.3 citations per each documents and median (interquartile range) of 4 (1–14). The h-index of the retrieved documents was 57. After adjusting for economy and population power, India (124.2), Nigeria (18.6) and the US (10.5) had the highest research productivity. Countries with large economies, such as the UK, Australia, Japan, China and France, tended to rank relatively low after adjustment for GDP over the entire study period.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrates evidence that research productivity related to paracetamol poisoning has increased rapidly during the recent years. The US obviously dominated in research productivity. However, certain smaller country such as Nigeria has high scientific output relative to their population size and GDP. A highly noticeable increase in the contributions of Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions to scientific literature related to paracetamol poisoning was also observed.
Environmental exposures, epigenetic changes and the risk of lupus
Authors: Somers EC , Richardson BC
Published: April 2014

A dose-dependent combination of environmental exposures, estrogenic hormones and genetic predisposition is thought to be required for lupus to develop and flare, but how the environment modifies the immune system in genetically predisposed people is unclear. Current evidence indicates that environmental agents that inhibit DNA methylation can convert normal antigen-specific CD4+ T lymphocytes into autoreactive, cytotoxic, pro-inflammatory cells that are sufficient to cause lupus-like autoimmunity in animal models, and that the same changes in DNA methylation characterize CD4+ T cells from patients with active lupus. Environmental agents implicated in inhibiting T-cell DNA methylation include the lupus-inducing drugs procainamide and hydralazine, as well as diet, and agents causing oxidative stress, such as smoking, UV light exposure, and infections, which have been associated with lupus onset or disease activity. Other studies demonstrate that demethylated T cells cause only anti-DNA antibodies in mice lacking a genetic predisposition to lupus, but are sufficient to cause lupus-like autoimmunity in genetically predisposed mice and likely people, and that estrogens augment the disease. Collectively, these studies suggest that environmental agents that inhibit DNA methylation, together with lupus genes and estrogens or endocrine disruptors, combine in a dose-dependent fashion to cause lupus flares.
Immune thrombocytopaenic purpura: an autoimmune cross-link between infections and vaccines
Authors: Rinaldi M , Perricone C , Ortega-Hernandez O-D , Perricone R , Shoenfeld Y
Published: April 2014

Immune thrombocytopaenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune systemic disease detectable by the presence of low blood platelets count (<105/µl) and the production of autoantibodies against glycoproteins expressed on the platelet surface. The clinical course is often acute, and life-threatening events may occur especially in children, with 52% of paediatric patients recovering either spontaneously or after treatment. A chronic ITP evolution is observed in 64% of adults, of whom 12% will develop an overlapping autoimmune disease.

Several microbial agents such as CagA-positive Helicobacter pylori or Candida albicans and a number of viruses including CMV, EBV or HIV can potentially trigger ITP through molecular mimicry. Moreover, ITP improves after treatment of the underlying infection. Similarly, vaccines such as MMR may prompt ITP (IRR 5.48, 1.61–18.64, p < 0.006).

Early recognition of the underlying microbial trigger and the removal of modifiable aetiopathogenetic factors should be integrated as a complementary treatment strategy in all patients who do not readily improve with standard ITP care.
Cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Takvorian SU , Merola JF , Costenbader KH
Published: April 2014

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex multisystem autoimmune disease whose pathogenesis is thought to involve both genetic and environmental factors. It is possible that common environmental exposures, such as cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, might modify risk of disease development in certain individuals. Here we aim to review the epidemiologic evidence related to the association of cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and the risk of developing SLE. A growing body of evidence suggests that cigarette smoking confers a short-term increased risk of SLE in genetically susceptible individuals. On the other hand, alcohol consumption in moderate doses may have a protective effect against the development of SLE, although this is still debated. We also have reviewed proposed mechanistic explanations underlying the role of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption in SLE pathogenesis.
Association between serum trace element concentrations and the disease activity of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sahebari M , Abrishami-Moghaddam M , Moezzi A , Ghayour-Mobarhan M , Mirfeizi Z , Esmaily H , Ferns G
Published: April 2014

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with a complex, incompletely understood, etiology. Several genetic and environmental factors are suspected to be involved in its aetiology. Oxidative stress may be implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE and may be affected by trace element status. Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) are essential components of several anti-oxidative enzymes and are also involved in several immune functions. The current study aimed to assess the relationship between serum concentrations of these trace elements and the clinical disease activity of SLE assessed using the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). Serum concentrations of albumin (Alb) ( p = 0.001), Se ( p = 0.001), Zn ( p = 0.001) and the Zn to Cu ratio (Zn/Cu R) ( p = 0.001) were lower in patients with SLE than the age- and sex-matched healthy controls. However, only Alb ( p = 0.001) and Cu ( p = 0.03) were negatively correlated with disease activity, which was supported by regression analysis. In summary, lower serum values of Alb, Zn, Se and Zn/Cu R were found in SLE patients compared with healthy controls; however, in addition to serum Alb concentrations, serum Cu concentrations were also negatively correlated with lupus disease activity.
Beyond territoriality: Rethinking human mobility, border security and geopolitical space from the Indonesian island of Bintan
Authors: McNevin Anne
Published: April 2014

The key contention of this article is that contemporary practices of border security threaten to outrun the explanatory capacity of the spatial (territorial) and subject (citizen/migrant) registers habitually employed to think through human mobility. This represents a political problem as much as an empirical one. First, it implies that migration scholarship deploying categories of analysis informed by prevailing registers offers a limited perspective on contemporary techniques of migration governance; second, it suggests that such scholarship obscures the operation of power that works to enforce profoundly unequal hierarchies of mobility and represent them as politically neutral. In this article, I propose that resisting reversion to problematic categories of analysis offers the potential to think of human mobility without the state and territory as its foremost container concepts. I contend that such an approach – ‘beyond territoriality’ – is a crucial step on the way to negotiating the normative dimensions of border politics. The case is developed empirically via a grounded investigation of the mundane yet symptomatic practices of border security on the Indonesian island of Bintan.
Synergistic hemolysis between β-lysin–producing Staphylococcus species and Rothia nasimurium in primary cultures of clinical specimens obtained from dogs
Authors: Bemis David A. , Bryant Mary Jean , Reed Porsha P. , Brahmbhatt Rupal A. , Kania Stephen A.
Published: April 2014

Nonhemolytic isolates of catalase-positive, Gram-positive cocci were observed that produced strong synergistic hemolysis with colonies of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus schleiferi subsp. coagulans in primary cultures of clinical specimens from dogs. The isolates appeared similar to nonhemolytic staphylococci but were not identified with conventional biochemical tests or commercial biochemical test kits. Partial 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences from each of 9 tested isolates were nearly identical to that of Rothia nasimurium. The isolates produced positive Christie–Atkins–Munch–Peterson test reactions with Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC strain 25923) and Staphylococcus intermedius Hajek (ATCC strain 49052). The latter was identified in the current study as S. pseudintermedius. Rothia nasimurium appears to be a previously unreported commensal organism in dogs. Its potential significance as an opportunistic contributor to polymicrobial infections in dogs is not known.
Lack of association of ABCB4 insertion mutation with gallbladder mucoceles in dogs
Authors: Cullen John M. , Willson Cynthia J. , Minch Jonathan D. , Kimbrough Carie L. , Mealey Katrina L.
Published: April 2014

The etiology of canine gallbladder mucocele (GBM) has not yet been identified. However, several studies have linked GBM in dogs to particular breeds (Shetland Sheepdogs are commonly implicated), concurrent endocrine disease (hyperadrenocorticism and/or hypothyroidism), and a mutation in the canine ABCB4 gene ( ABCB4 1583_1584G), particularly in Shetland Sheepdogs. The current study assessed ABCB4 1583_1584G, in a wider sample of dogs with GBM compared with age and breed-matched controls. ABCB4 1583_1584G was identified in 4 of 8 Shetland Sheepdogs and 13 of 28 other breeds with GBM. ABCB4 1583_1584G was also detected in 9 of 12 Shetland Sheepdogs and 23 of 37 other breeds that did not have GBM. No statistically significant association existed between ABCB4 1583_1584G and the presence of GBM for all dogs combined or for Shetland Sheepdogs alone. In contrast to previously reported findings, the current study did not identify a strong association between ABCB4 1583_1584G and GBM in Shetland Sheepdogs or other breeds.
Changing Bodies
Authors: Pearce Gemma , Thøgersen-Ntoumani Cecilie , Duda Joan L. , McKenna Jim
Published: April 2014

We aimed to explore the lived experiences of women who had a surgical menopause as a result of undergoing a hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oopherectomy (BSO). We adopted a qualitative interview design using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), and recruited 7 women aged 47 to 59. We conducted synchronous online semistructured interviews using the MSN (Microsoft Network) Messenger program. In the findings, we examine the prominent and underresearched theme of body image change. We discuss the women’s journey from a deep internal bodily change, the meaning of this changing body image, through to the thoughts and behaviors involved with self-presentation concerns and coping with body image changes. A woman’s perceived attractiveness and appearance investment are important factors to consider regarding adaptation to change over this transition. The findings might have implications for interventions designed to enhance mental well-being and increase health behaviors in women experiencing gynecological illness and/or menopause.