bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction Induced by Primary Hyperparathyroidism is Restored After Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Osto Elena , Fallo Francesco , Pelizzo Maria Rosa , Maddalozzo Anna , Sorgato Nadia , Corbetti Francesco , Montisci Roberta , Famoso Giulia , Bellu Roberto , Lüscher Thomas F. , Iliceto Sabino , Tona Francesco
Published: July 2012

Background—

Symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. However, data on the association between asymptomatic PHPT and cardiovascular risk are lacking. We assessed coronary flow reserve (CFR) as a marker of coronary microvascular function in asymptomatic PHPT of recent onset.

Methods and Results—

We studied 100 PHPT patients (80 women; age, 58±12 years) without cardiovascular disease and 50 control subjects matched for age and sex. CFR in the left anterior descending coronary artery was detected by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, at rest, and during adenosine infusion. CFR was the ratio of hyperemic to resting diastolic flow velocity. CFR was lower in PHPT patients than in control subjects (3.0±0.8 versus 3.8±0.7;
P
<0.0001) and was abnormal (≤2.5) in 27 patients (27%) compared with control subjects (4%;
P
=0.0008). CFR was inversely related to parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (
r
=−0.3,
P
<0.004). In patients with CFR ≤2.5, PTH was higher (26.4 pmol/L [quartiles 1 and 3, 16 and 37 pmol/L] versus 18 [13–25] pmol/L;
P
<0.007), whereas calcium levels were similar (2.9±0.1 versus 2.8±0.3 mmol/L;
P
=0.2). In multivariable linear regression analysis, PTH, age, and heart rate were the only factors associated with CFR (
P
=0.04,
P
=0.01, and
P
=0.006, respectively). In multiple logistic regression analysis, only PTH increased the probability of CFR ≤2.5 (
P
=0.03). In all PHPT patients with CFR ≤2.5, parathyroidectomy normalized CFR (3.3±0.7 versus 2.1±0.5;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

PHPT patients have coronary microvascular dysfunction that is completely restored after parathyroidectomy. PTH independently correlates with the coronary microvascular impairment, suggesting a crucial role of the hormone in explaining the increased cardiovascular risk in PHPT.
Coffee exports as ecological, social, and physical unequal exchange: A cross-national investigation of the java trade
Authors: Austin Kelly
Published: July 2012

This study employs an unequal exchange perspective to assess if dependency on coffee exports in less-developed nations significantly impacts rates of deforestation, secondary schooling, and malnutrition, capturing specific dimensions of environmental, social, and physical well-being. OLS regression analyses reveal that dependency on coffee exports is positively associated with deforestation, malnutrition, and low participation in secondary level education in coffee-producing nations, net of other relevant factors. The findings thus demonstrate that specialization in coffee cultivation is likely to produce limited developmental benefits in poor nations.
Thermal performance of steel fibrous lightweight aggregate concrete short columns
Authors: Haddad Rami H , Ashour Dima M
Published: July 2012

The thermal performance of fibrous lightweight aggregate concrete short columns was investigated in terms of compressive mechanical response and thermal and load cracking patterns and characteristics. Seventy-two scaled column specimens (120 × 120 × 400 mm) having varying lateral steel confinements were cast without and with hooked steel fiber reinforcement, before cured for 28 days and exposed to high temperatures (from 300 to 700℃) in an electric oven followed by slow cooling in laboratory air. The results indicated a marked reduction in their compressive load capacity and rigidity, and an increase in their strain at peak stress and compressive toughness as exposure temperatures exceeded 400℃. An enhancement in mechanical properties under high temperatures was noticed at moderate confinement levels. The benefit of using hooked-steel fibers in preserving post-heating mechanical properties of short columns was more pronounced in unconfined rather than in confined lightweight aggregate concrete specimens. Thermal cracking was proportional to exposure temperature with its extent reduced upon use of steel fibers or steel confinement. Failure modes of column specimens varied from brittle to semi-ductile fracture with longitudinal steel buckling noticed for those treated at 700℃.
Urban Form and Commuting Efficiency: A Comparative Analysis across Time and Space
Authors: Chowdhury Tufayel A. , Scott Darren M. , Kanaroglou Pavlos S.
Published: July 2012

In this paper, a method is proposed that relates several measures of average commute distance (actual, minimum, maximum) explicitly to urban form. Specifically, Brotchie’s urban triangle is modified to represent the commuting benchmarks (minimum and maximum commutes) and urban form of a city. By comparing the urban triangle of a city at different points in time, it is possible to determine whether commuting behaviour is becoming more or less efficient with respect to urban form. Also, comparisons can be made across multiple cities for a specific point in time. The method is applied empirically to examine the commuting efficiencies of three Canadian cities (Hamilton, Halifax and Vancouver) for three census years (1996, 2001 and 2006). Comparative analyses reveal the drawbacks of the excess commuting and commuting potential utilised approaches and demonstrate that the proposed method overcomes these limitations.
Association of Body Image and Health Beliefs With Health Behaviors in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Chao Hailun , Lao Iha , Hao Lyhjyh , Lin Chienhung
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between body image, health beliefs, and health behavior in patients with diabetes classified according to body mass index (BMI).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a community hospital between January and April 2010. One-hundred-sixty-eight patients with diabetes were enrolled. Main measure was the previously published and validated Health Belief Questionnaire. Data were analyzed and compared between two groups, one with BMI ≥ 24 Kg/m2 and another with BMI < 24 Kg/m2.

Results

Perceived body image affected health behavior of patients with BMI ≥ 24 Kg/m2 but did not affect health behavior in patients with BMI < 24 Kg/m2. Multivariate analysis found a positive association between health behavior and appearance evaluation and between health behavior and health evaluation in high BMI group. No significant association was found between body image and health behavior in the low BMI group. Patients with high BMI had lower body image than patients with low BMI as demonstrated by results of appearance evaluation, health evaluation, prevention behavior, and benefits.

Conclusions

Perceived body image and health beliefs are associated with self-reported health behavior among patients with diabetes with BMI measurement greater than 24 Kg/m2. Diabetes educators may apply the findings of this study and the Health Belief Questionnaire to instruct and monitor patients with diabetes about self management behaviors.
A Framework to Evaluate the Cultural Appropriateness of Intervention Research
Authors: Crowder Sharron Johnson , Broome Marion E.
Published: July 2012

Marked racial disparities exist in the prevalence, mortality, and treatment of asthma, between African American and White children and adolescents, despite increases in intervention trials to improve asthma outcomes. Yet, interventions to improve African American children’s health must be culturally appropriate. To date, limited frameworks are available to decide whether an intervention tested with a targeted minority population employs a culturally appropriate design. In this article, we applied Bernal, Bonilla, and Bellido’s Ecological Validity Model to examine the cultural appropriateness of 12 randomized controlled trials of asthma self-management interventions published from 2000 to 2010. Most frequently met criteria were culturally appropriate methods of development and/or adaptation of interventions and inclusion of theoretical models. Least often met criteria were incorporating metaphors pertinent to participants and application of the language dimension. Based on this analysis, it is clear that an overarching framework is needed to guide the development of culturally targeted interventions.
Can you connect with me now? How the presence of mobile communication technology influences face-to-face conversation quality
Authors: Przybylski Andrew K. , Weinstein Netta
Published: July 2012

Recent advancements in communication technology have enabled billions of people to connect over great distances using mobile phones, yet little is known about how the frequent presence of these devices in social settings influences face-to-face interactions. In two experiments, we evaluated the extent to which the mere presence of mobile communication devices shape relationship quality in dyadic settings. In both, we found evidence they can have negative effects on closeness, connection, and conversation quality. These results demonstrate that the presence of mobile phones can interfere with human relationships, an effect that is most clear when individuals are discussing personally meaningful topics.
A differential phenomenology of stalking
Authors: Hirtenlehner Helmut , Starzer Barbara , Weber Christoph
Published: July 2012

Stalking is a complex social phenomenon which can take on many different forms. In this article, efforts are made to reduce the multiplicity of heterogeneous patterns of stalking victimization to a small number of distinct victimization profiles. Based on a survey of Austrian stalking victims, a typology of stalking profiles is developed that reflects the different phenotypes of stalking victimization in terms of the behavioural components of the incidents. A latent class analysis identifies four types of stalking victimization that differ significantly in their determinants and their impact on the victim’s well-being and quality of life.
Labor Standards and Local Economic Development
Authors: Lester T. William
Published: July 2012

In times of economic crisis, state and local governments increasingly turn to economic development incentive programs to jumpstart job growth. However, recent efforts to attach minimum labor standards to incentives are seen as a threat to traditional practice. Critics of such “business assistance living wage” laws assert that they may reduce employment or redevelopment activity. This paper measures the actual impact of living wage laws using a time-series analysis of employment and business establishment trends in large U.S. cities that have enacted such laws and finds no evidence that ordinances mandating stronger labor standards affect aggregate economic development outcomes.
Public Perception of Tourette Syndrome on YouTube
Authors: Fat Mary Jane Lim , Sell Erick , Barrowman Nick , Doja Asif
Published: July 2012

We sought to determine public perception surrounding Tourette syndrome through viewers’ responses to videos on YouTube. The top 20 videos on YouTube for search terms Tourette’s, Tourette’s syndrome, Tourette syndrome and tics were selected. The portrayal of Tourette syndrome was assessed as positive, negative, or neutral. Top 10 comments for each video were graded as “sympathetic,” “neutral,” or “derogatory.” A total of 14 970 hits were obtained and 41 videos were retained, with an average of 590 113 views (1369 to 13 747 069) and 1761 comments (0 to 35 241). Twenty-two percent of videos retained portrayed Tourette syndrome negatively, 20% were neutral and 59% positive. Negative portrayals were significantly associated with more views (Spearman correlation rho = –.46, P =.003) and comments (Spearman correlation rho = –.47, P = .002). Although excellent examples of Tourette syndrome are available on YouTube, the popularity of negative portrayals may reinforce existing stigma in society.
A Bilingual Advantage in Visual Language Discrimination in Infancy
Authors: Sebastián-Gallés Núria , Albareda-Castellot Bàrbara , Weikum Whitney M. , Werker Janet F.
Published: July 2012

The origins of the bilingual advantage in various cognitive tasks are largely unknown. We tested the hypothesis that bilinguals’ early capacities to track their native languages separately and learn about the properties of each may be at the origin of such differences. Spanish-Catalan bilingual and Spanish or Catalan monolingual infants watched silent video recordings of French-English bilingual speakers and were tested on their ability to discern when the language changed from French to English or vice versa. The infants’ performance was compared with that of previously tested French-English bilingual and English monolingual infants. Although all groups of monolingual infants failed to detect the change between English and French, both groups of bilingual infants succeeded. These findings reveal that bilingual experience can modulate the attentional system even without explicit training or feedback. They provide a basis for explaining the ontogeny of the general cognitive advantages of bilinguals.
Pollen and macrofossil evidence of Late Pleistocene and Holocene treeline fluctuations from an alpine lake in Colorado, USA
Authors: Jiménez-Moreno Gonzalo , Anderson R Scott
Published: July 2012

High-resolution pollen, plant macrofossil and magnetic susceptibility (MS) data are presented from an alpine lake sediment core from west-central Colorado, recording changes in vegetation and sedimentation for the latest Pleistocene and Holocene ( c. the last 12.5 ka; 1 ka = 1000 cal. yr BP). During the Younger Dryas chron ( c. 12.9–11.5 ka), Artemisia steppe or tundra grew around the lake, but by the earliest Holocene (10.7–9.5 ka) a subalpine Picea and Abies parkland was established there. Picea remained important through the early Holocene, but also bristlecone and lodgepole pines ( Pinus aristata and P. contorta) grew around the lake. Warming conditions are indicated from 9.5 ka, lasting until c. 4.5–3.5 ka, which may have been the warmest period, with greatest development of monsoonal conditions. Trees subsequently retreated downslope from Kite Lake c. 150–200 m during the last 3.5 ka, establishing their present treeline position. A decrease in total Pinus and increases in Artemisia and piñon ( P. edulis) indicate a trend toward progressive climate cooling and enhanced winter precipitation. These long-term climatic trends correlate with Holocene changes in summer insolation.
The development of agriculture and its impact on cultural expansion during the late Neolithic in the Western Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Jia Xin , Dong Guanghui , Li Hu , Brunson Katherine , Chen FaHu , Ma Minmin , Wang Hui , An Chengbang , Zhang Keren
Published: July 2012

Based on radiocarbon dating and our analysis of plant and animal remains from Buziping, a Majiayao (5300–4300 BP) and Qijia (4200–3800 BP) period site located in Dingxi, Gansu Province, China, and our review of archaeobotanical studies in the Western Loess Plateau and adjacent areas, we discuss subsistence strategies during the Majiayao and Qijia periods. We also discuss the development of agriculture in the Western Loess Plateau and its influence on cultural expansion during the late Neolithic period. Humans settled at Buziping for the first time during the Majiayao period (4890–4710 cal. yr BP by 14C dating). Charred seeds from the site indicate that people engaged in millet-based agricultural production. People continued this type of agriculture during a second phase of occupation (4130–3880 cal. yr BP by 14C dating) during the Qijia period, but the proportion of foxtail millet to broomcorn millet increased from the Majiayao to Qijia period. Raising domestic animals was another aspect of subsistence during the Qijia period. The main domestic animals were likely pigs and dogs, although hunting of wild animals also took place. Subsistence at Buziping site was affected by the rapid development of intensive agriculture that diffused across eastern Gansu Province during the late Neolithic. Our work suggests that millet-based agriculture spread from east to west across the Western Loess Plateau and likely promoted the expansions of those two cultures in the area during the Majiayao period and early–mid Qijia period. Climate change might have also promoted Majiayao and Qijia expansions and probably facilitated the adoption of rain-fed agriculture in this region.
Recent Resurgence of Measles in a Community With High Vaccination Coverage
Authors: Ni Jin Dong , Xiong Yong Zhen , Li Tao , Yu Xiu Nian , Qian Bang Qun
Published: July 2012

Even though 2-dose measles vaccination coverage rate was maintained at more than 95%, the largest measles outbreaks since 1996 still occurred in Wuhu city, P R China. A total of 916 cases were reported during 2005-2010. The annual incidence was 6.7 cases per 100 000 population with the peak incidence of 17.6 cases per 100 000 population in 2008. The highest age-specific incidence rate was 222.1 per 100 000 population and occurred in infants aged between 8 and 12 months; the second was 151.9 per 100 000 population in infants aged <8 months. Also, 200 cases occurred in those aged to 22 to 30 years old, accounting for 21.8% of total cases, with the age-specific incidence being 12.8 per 100 000 population. The characteristics related to age distribution have changed in recent measles outbreaks. It underlines the need for vaccination of susceptible young adults and timely administration of the first dose of the measles vaccine.
Adult Tobacco Cessation in Cambodia
Authors: Tonstad Serena , Job Jayakaran S. , Batech Michael , Yel Daravuth , Kheam They , Singh Pramil N.
Published: July 2012

This study determined factors associated with quitting tobacco in Cambodia, a country with a high prevalence of men who smoke and women who use smokeless tobacco. As part of a nationwide survey, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 5145 current and 447 former tobacco users who had quit for ≥2 years. Determinants of quitting in multivariate analyses were age >48 years, age at initiation >25 years, ≥7 years of education, income ≥1 US dollar per day, professional (odds ratio [OR] = 2.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27-5.01) or labor (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.10-3.56) occupations, and heart disease (OR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.10, 3.42). Smokeless tobacco users were 10-fold less likely to quit (OR = 0.10; 95% = CI 0.05-0.20) than smokers. In conclusion, tobacco cessation among Cambodians was lower than in nations with decades of comprehensive tobacco control policies. Tobacco cessation programs and policies should include all forms of tobacco and target young to middle-aged users before onset of disease and premature death.
The Association Between Drinking Habits and Family Relationships in 3 Villages of Indigenous Taiwanese
Authors: Chen Ching-Hsin , Chang Yu-Chen , Hsieh Yu-Hui , Chen Yi-Chun , Huang Ya-Chun , Kuo Hsien-Wen
Published: July 2012

Although the vast majority of indigenous peoples in Taiwan consume alcohol, little is known about the relationship between alcoholic behavior and family relationships. A total of 471 residents from 3 villages in Alishan township in Taiwan were interviewed using a questionnaire that asked for demographic information and included the Family Function Scale and questions regarding the individual’s consumption of alcohol. It was found that 50% of the participants drink alcohol, and 71% of their family members consume alcohol; 47% of the respondents indicated excessive alcohol consumption (ie, were heavy drinkers). When individuals are knowledgeable about alcohol-related health issues, their families generally function better (odds ratio = 2.56; 95% confidence interval = 1.38-4.74; P < .01). Those who were moderate and heavy drinkers were 2.5 and 3.0 times, respectively, more likely to have poor family relationships than those who were light drinkers. It is necessary to promote the reduction of alcohol consumption among indigenous peoples.
Cause-Specific Mortality of Psychiatric Inpatients and Outpatients in a General Hospital in Korea
Authors: Park Subin , Kim Seong Yoon , Hong Jin Pyo
Published: July 2012

This study aimed to examine the cause-specific excess mortality of psychiatric patients in a general hospital in Korea. Between January 1995 and December 2006, 29 986 patients presented to the outpatient clinic of a general hospital in Seoul, Korea, or were admitted to that hospital for psychiatric disorders. Their cause-specific mortality risk was compared with that of age-matched patients from the general Korean population. The mortality risk of psychiatric patients was 1.6 times higher than that of the general population. Inpatients, younger adults, andpatients with alcohol use disorders or schizophrenia had the highest standardized mortality rates (SMRs). Alcohol use disorder was associated with extremely high SMRs of more than 20 for hematological disease and digestive system disease. Effective preventive measures are required to reduce the excess mortality of psychiatric patients, particularly alcohol-dependent patients and younger patients who have been admitted for general psychiatric care.
Public Health Strategies to Address Asian Men’s Health Needs
Authors: Tong Seng Fah , Low Wah Yun
Published: July 2012

Men’s health discourse has been around for more than 2 decades. The higher mortality rates and the shorter life expectancy in Asian men compared with their women counterparts show the disadvantaged status of men’s health. Thus, discussions on men’s health should address their health needs and not be confined to sex-specific male urology and reproductive health. In Asia, assessing men’s health needs is challenging because of the vast differences in the socioeconomic status and the diverse culture among its member countries. Although, the epidemiology of men’s health provides the focus for what to address in improving men’s health, having an optimal strategy requires the understanding of men’s health-seeking behaviors and the social determinants surrounding them. Thus, public health approaches addressing health behaviors and health promotion in the society should be one of the keys in improving men’s health status. Locally relevant information is needed to inform effective public health approaches.
Lessons Learned From the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Hayashi Kenji , Tomita Naoko
Published: July 2012

The Great East Japan Earthquake (the Tohoku Earthquake) was one of the most devastating natural disasters ever to hit Japan, and its social impact was so enormous that Japan may never be the same again. This was an unprecedented triple disaster: an earthquake followed by a devastating tsunami and, finally, the destruction of a major nuclear power plant with the leaking of large amounts of radiation. The destruction occurred despite the presence of a 10-m protection wall and the effects of the tsunami were seen as high as 40 m above sea level. About 78 000 residents from areas within a 20-km radius of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant were evacuated together with another 10 000 residents from areas with elevated levels of radiation. In the afflicted area, 30% of the population was older than 60 years of age, but more than 60% of the deaths were in this age cohort. Children and adolescents younger than 19 years accounted for 6.5% of the deaths, and there were 229 survivors younger than 18 years who lost both their parents in the disaster and 1295 who lost one of their parents. The long-term psychological effects on children and adolescents remain uncertain.
Young people and the post-recession labour market in the context of Europe 2020
Authors: Chung Heejung , Bekker Sonja , Houwing Hester
Published: July 2012

This article examines how the recent global recession, together with the general flexibilization of labour markets, is affecting young people. We examine different forms of social exclusion, including unemployment, temporary employment contracts and periods of inactivity, as well as the subjective insecurity arising from such labour market exclusion. We also examine what Member States have done to address this issue, especially as part of their response to the crisis. At both EU (through the Europe 2020 strategy) and national levels specific policy measures exist that target young people in the labour market, but these are mostly supply-driven. Thus, they do not take into account the true problems young people are facing, including problems finding first-time employment and bad-quality jobs with little prospect of moving up the employment ladder. In conclusion, a new generation with higher exposure to systematic labour market risks than previous generations is being left to fend for itself with little appropriate state support.
EU facing the crisis: social and employment policies in times of tight budgets
Authors: Bieling Hans-Jürgen
Published: July 2012

Over the past years the centre of the economic crisis has repeatedly shifted. Starting as a subprime crisis in the US, it soon unfolded as a global economic and financial crisis in order then to become a sovereign debt crisis, euro crisis and, eventually, also a social and democratic crisis. Against the background of the general political and economic conditions within the EU, this article traces the shifts of the political terrain. It focuses above all on the transition from a rather costly crisis management (bank rescues, economic stimulus programmes and automatic stabilizers) towards a new agenda of austerity policies. Structurally, this agenda can be seen as the reaction to significant increases in public debt. In addition, it has been promoted politically and institutionalized through successive European economic governance reforms. These reforms have also had a serious impact on domestic social and employment policies. In some countries dependent on external credits this is already evident, while in other countries the deregulatory aspects of the radicalized reform agenda have only just started to unfold.
The European social dimension in pension policy
Authors: Willert Michaela
Published: July 2012

This article analyses how the social objective of protecting lower earners from old-age poverty is supported at the EU level. It argues that although the Member States are responsible for pension policy, the EU framework could empower domestic social policy actors by providing them with cognitive and normative resources. The analysis is based on the situation in three countries: Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom. The article shows that there are well developed shared data and indicators, but that there is limited scope for common interpretation of the data. There is also a lack of common policy solutions due to two diverging pension reform paradigms: the adequacy paradigm and the sustainability paradigm. Although the latter increasingly has incorporated an adequacy perspective that limits pure cost containment policies, Europe 2020 limits the scope for positive social policy measures linked to the adequacy approach because it prioritizes a low tax wedge and growth-enhancing initiatives.
The Consequences of Educational Specialty and Nationality Faultlines for Project Teams
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Jackson Susan E. , Shaw James B. , Chung Yunhyung
Published: July 2012

This study examines the effects of educational specialty and nationality faultline strength on the team processes of task-relevant information sharing and social interactions and subsequent team performance using data from 308 individuals working in 50 student project teams. We found that educational specialty faultline strength negatively predicted task-relevant information sharing, and that nationality faultline strength negatively predicted off-task social interactions. Furthermore, task-relevant information sharing enhanced team performance and heightened identity salience. The theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed.
Child Welfare Worker Perception of the Implementation of Family-Centered Practice
Authors: Michalopoulos Lynn , Ahn Haksoon , Shaw Terry V. , O’Connor Julia
Published: July 2012

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of Family-Centered Practice (FCP) among child welfare workers who are expected to use FCP principles in their work with children and families. Method: Nine focus groups were conducted among child welfare workers across seven different regions within one state to assess caseworker’s experiences with FCP. Results: Themes related to time, resources and opportunities, work climate, and engagement emerged from the analysis in relation to the implementation of FCP. Conclusions: Implications of the implementation of the FCP framework for social work policy and practice are discussed.
A Health Education Pilot for Latina Women with Diabetes
Authors: Coffman Maren J. , Ferguson Barbara L. , Steinman Linnet , Talbot Laura A. , Dunbar-Jacob Jacqueline
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot test nutrition and physical activity educational tools for immigrant Latina women who have type 2 diabetes and low health literacy levels. Participants’ ability to use the tools was assessed and a focus group was conducted ( n = 26). During two classes, the women were taught diabetes concepts related to nutrition and physical activity and were given a pedometer. The women recorded in a log vegetables consumed and steps taken. Nearly all participants ( n = 24) completed the nutrition log, and most used the pedometer ( n = 25) and completed the step log for 5 or more days (n = 19). The women reported that the pedometer and logs helped them increase vegetable consumption and physical activity. Interventions for this population should use plain language, tools that are easy to use, and strategies that encourage behavioral change.
Evaluation of Children With Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Evans Syndrome Treated With Rituximab
Authors: Gokcebay DG , Tavil B , Fettah A , Yarali N , Azik FM , Tunc B
Published: July 2012

The primary objective was to evaluate the response rate of rituximab therapy for children with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and Evans syndrome (ES) and immune reconstitution of these children after rituximab therapy. Eleven patients with chronic ITP and 2 with ES between 6 and 18 years of age and platelet count less than 20 × 109/L received rituximab. Overall response (OR) was defined as an increase in platelet count above 50 × 109/L. The mean age of 13 children (9 girls, 4 boys) was 11.2 ± 3.8 years (6-18). One of the patients with ES had been splenectomized; others were not. The patients mean follow-up time was 10.3 ± 9.3 months after rituximab therapy. Two patients achieved complete response, 4 patients achieved partial response, and OR rate was 46% (6 of 13) after therapy. Seven patients have no response. In conclusion, rituximab may be considered prior to splenectomy in children with chronic ITP and ES with an acceptable toxicity profile.
Vitamin D status and functional performance in peripheral artery disease
Authors: McDermott Mary M , Liu Kiang , Ferrucci Luigi , Tian Lu , Guralnik Jack , Kopp Peter , Tao Huimin , Van Horn Linda , Liao Yihua , Green David , Kibbe Melina , Criqui Michael H
Published: July 2012

The clinical implications of low vitamin D in peripheral artery disease (PAD) are unknown. We hypothesized that among individuals with PAD, lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D would be associated with poorer functional performance, more adverse calf muscle characteristics, and poorer peripheral nerve function. Participants were 402 men and women with PAD who underwent measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (DiaSorin radioimmunoassay) along with 6-minute walk testing, measurement of walking velocity at usual and fastest pace, computed tomography-measured calf muscle density, and peripheral nerve conduction velocity (NCV). Among PAD participants, 20.4% had 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels < 30 nmol/L, consistent with deficient vitamin D status. Adjusting for age, sex, and race, lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were associated with poorer 6-minute walk performance ( p trend = 0.002), slower usual-paced 4-meter walking velocity ( p trend = 0.031), slower fast-paced 4-meter walking velocity ( p trend = 0.043), and lower calf muscle density ( p trend = 0.031). After additional adjustment for body mass index (BMI) and diabetes, none of these associations remained statistically significant. However, lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were associated with poorer peroneal NCV ( p trend = 0.013) and poorer sural NCV ( p trend = 0.039), even after adjusting for age, sex, race, BMI, comorbidities, smoking, physical activity, and other confounders. In conclusion, vitamin D deficiency is common among people with PAD encountered in clinical settings. After adjusting for BMI and diabetes mellitus, we found no significant associations of lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D with poorer functional performance or calf muscle characteristics. Associations of low vitamin D levels with poorer peripheral nerve function require further study.
Link between the renin–angiotensin system and insulin resistance: Implications for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Zhou Ming-Sheng , Schulman Ivonne H , Zeng Qiang
Published: July 2012

The incidence of metabolic syndrome is rapidly increasing in the United States and worldwide. The metabolic syndrome is a complex metabolic and vascular disorder that is associated with inappropriate activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) in the cardiovascular (CV) system and increased CV morbidity and mortality. Insulin activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway promotes nitric oxide (NO) production in the endothelium and glucose uptake in insulin-sensitive tissues. Angiotensin (Ang) II inhibits insulin-mediated PI3K pathway activation, thereby impairing endothelial NO production and Glut-4 translocation in insulin-sensitive tissues, which results in vascular and systemic insulin resistance, respectively. On the other hand, Ang II enhances insulin-mediated activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which leads to vasoconstriction and pathologic vascular cellular growth. Therefore, the interaction of Ang II with insulin signaling is fully operative not only in insulin-sensitive tissues but also in CV tissues, thereby linking insulin resistance and CV disease. This notion is further supported by an increasing number of experimental and clinical studies indicating that pharmacological blockade of RAAS improves insulin sensitivity and endothelial function, as well as reduces the incidence of new-onset diabetes in high-risk patients with CV disease. This article reviews experimental and clinical data elucidating the physiological and pathophysiological role of the interaction between insulin and RAAS in the development of insulin resistance as well as CV disease.
A case of pervasive refusal syndrome: A diagnostic conundrum
Authors: McNicholas Fiona , Prior Cara , Bates Gordon
Published: July 2012

A case is presented of an 11-year-old girl with pervasive refusal syndrome (PRS) who ultimately recovered acutely and completely after an 18-month paediatric hospitalisation. There was an apparent absence of previously proposed important aetiological factors in PRS, such as family pathology and markedly traumatic or abusive experiences, and her recovery was sudden and complete. The authors consider the differential diagnoses of PRS paying particular attention to the possibility of a conversion disorder or catatonia, given the absence of PRS in the North American literature. Consideration of catatonia is important as it has a diagnostic test and responds rapidly to appropriate treatment, in contrast to conventional treatment for PRS and conversion disorder.
The language-learning self, self-enhancement activities, and self perceptual change
Authors: Sampson Richard
Published: July 2012

This article presents an overview of action research conducted in an EFL university context, regarding primarily the relationship between individual possible self-images, socially constructed possible self-images, and language-learning motivation. The study used three cycles of action research over the course of one 15-week university semester, utilizing mixed-methods data collection and analysis. The results provide support for the assertion that initially inquiring with students as to their language possible self-images might assist the teacher to create more motivating lessons through self-enhancement activities. Furthermore, the article provides context-dependent evidence that assisting students to focus their language-learning possible self-images may positively affect motivation and bring a heightened recognition of self-regulation in language learning.
Comparing the effect of teacher codeswitching with English-only explanations on the vocabulary acquisition of Chinese university students: A Lexical Focus-on-Form study
Authors: Tian Lili , Macaro Ernesto
Published: July 2012

This study investigated the effect of teacher codeswitching on second language (L2) vocabulary acquisition during listening comprehension activities in a lexical Focus-on-Form context. To date there has been research on teacher beliefs about first language (L1) use, its functions and its distribution in the interaction, but little on its effect on aspects of learning. Previous research on intentional vocabulary teaching has shown it to be effective, but whether the lexical information provided to learners is more effective in L1 or L2 has been under-researched and, moreover, has only been investigated in a reading comprehension context. Eighty first-year students of English as an L2, in a Chinese university, were stratified by proficiency and randomly allocated to a codeswitching condition or to an English-only condition, and their performance in vocabulary tests compared to a control group of 37 students that did not receive any lexical Focus-on-Form treatment. Results confirm previous studies that lexical Focus-on-Form leads to better vocabulary learning than mere incidental exposure. Results also provide initial evidence that teacher codeswitching may be superior to the teacher providing L2-only information. Contrary to some theories of the mental lexicon, proficiency level did not clearly favour one condition against the other.
In pursuit of leanness: The management of appearance, affect and masculinities within a men’s weight loss forum
Authors: Bennett Eleanor , Gough Brendan
Published: July 2012

In a somatic society which promotes visible, idealized forms of embodiment, men are increasingly being interpellated as image-conscious body-subjects. Some research suggests that men negotiate appearance issues in complex and varied ways, partly because image concerns are conventionally feminized. However, little research has considered how overweight men construct body projects in the context of weight loss, or how men talk to each other about weight management efforts. Since sources of information and support for overweight men are now provided online, including dedicated weight loss discussion forums, our analysis focuses on one such forum, linked to a popular male-targeted magazine. We conducted a thematic analysis of selected extracts from seven threads on the forum. Our analysis suggests a widespread focus on appearance, as well as the use of emotion categories when describing difficult bodily experiences. Invariably, however, such talk was carefully constructed and constrained by hegemonic masculinities founded on discipline, work-orientation, pragmatism and self-reliance. The findings are discussed in relation to magazine masculinities and aesthetics, as well as literature on male embodiment.
‘Boundary work’ in a religious revival movement: The case of the ‘teshuvah movement’ in Israel
Authors: Sharabi Asaf
Published: July 2012

The concept of ‘boundary work’ generally refers to class, community, gender and ethnicity. This article shows how ‘boundary work’ can be usefully applied to the religious arena as well. Drawing on fieldwork among two religious movements in Israel, I maintain that within Religious-Zionist teshuvah, ‘return to religion’ is construed through a binary with Sephardic-Haredi teshuvah, the former taken as intellectual/rational, the latter as traditional/emotional. The content and mode of action of the movement define the religious-Zionist teshuvah field as intellectual and modern, but this is greatly strengthened by contrast with the more traditional Sephardic-Haredi teshuvah.
Syncretism as a creative act of mind: The narratives of children from four faith communities in London
Authors: Gregory E. , Lytra V. , Choudhury H. , Ilankuberan A. , Kwapong A. , Woodham M.
Published: July 2012

In this paper, we illustrate how young children from four faith communities (Tamil Hindu/Saiva, Bangladeshi Muslim, Polish Catholic and Ghanaian Pentecostal) new to London bring together and juxtapose an array of different languages, literacies, learning and discourse styles, communicative resources and experience to create unique personal narratives. We draw on the concepts of syncretism and syncretic literacy to examine and interpret the creative and transformative processes in which children engage, and to show how children combine and ultimately make sense of faith and everyday experiences.
Experimental and numerical analysis of micro/nanolayer coextrusion
Authors: Lee Patrick C , Dooley Joseph
Published: July 2012

Coextrusion is a common method used for producing multilayer films and sheets. Coextrusion is a process in which two or more polymers are extruded and joined together in a feedblock or die to form a single structure with multiple layers. This technique allows the processor to combine the desirable properties of multiple polymers into one structure with enhanced performance characteristics. The coextrusion process can be used to produce multilayer sheet, blown film, cast film, blow molding parts, tubing, wire coating and profiles. It is important to understand the effects of material and equipment parameters on the final micro-/nanolayer structures. Layers normally should have uniform thicknesses throughout the structure for optimal performance. However, layer thickness non-uniformities have been observed in many coextruded structures. It is a very complex and challenging problem due to coupled material and processing variables. This paper will discuss experimental programs as well as numerical modeling of the coextrusion process. The topics that will be covered include rheological measurements of coextruded structures as well as flow of coextruded structures through layer multipliers and dies.
Genetic dissection of growth, wood basic density and gene expression in interspecific backcrosses of Eucalyptus grandis and E. urophylla
Authors: Kullan Anand Raj Kumar , van Dyk Maria M , Hefer Charles A , Jones Nicoletta , Kanzler Arnulf , Myburg Alexander A
Published: July 2012

Background

F1hybrid clones ofEucalyptus grandisandE. urophyllaare widely grown for pulp and paper production in tropical and subtropical regions. Volume growth and wood quality are priority objectives inEucalyptustree improvement. The molecular basis of quantitative variation and trait expression in eucalypt hybrids, however, remains largely unknown. The recent availability of a draft genome sequence (http://www.phytozome.net) and genome-wide genotyping platforms, combined with high levels of genetic variation and high linkage disequilibrium in hybrid crosses, greatly facilitate the detection of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) as well as underlying candidate genes for growth and wood property traits. In this study, we used Diversity Arrays Technology markers to assess the genetic architecture of volume growth (diameter at breast height, DBH) and wood basic density in four-year-old progeny of an interspecific backcross pedigree ofE. grandisandE. urophylla. In addition, we used Illumina RNA-Seq expression profiling in theE. urophyllabackcross family to identify cis- and trans-acting polymorphisms (eQTLs) affecting transcript abundance of genes underlying QTLs for wood basic density.

Results

A total of five QTLs for DBH and 12 for wood basic density were identified in the two backcross families. Individual QTLs for DBH and wood basic density explained 3.1 to 12.2% of phenotypic variation. Candidate genes underlying QTLs for wood basic density on linkage groups 8 and 9 were found to share trans-acting eQTLs located on linkage groups 4 and 10, which in turn coincided with QTLs for wood basic density suggesting that these QTLs represent segregating components of an underlying transcriptional network.

Conclusion

This is the first demonstration of the use of next-generation expression profiling to quantify transcript abundance in a segregating tree population and identify candidate genes potentially affecting wood property variation. The QTLs identified in this study provide a resource for identifying candidate genes and developing molecular markers for marker-assisted breeding of volume growth and wood basic density. Our results suggest that integrated analysis of transcript and trait variation in eucalypt hybrids can be used to dissect the molecular basis of quantitative variation in wood property traits.
Osteomyelitis of a long bone due to Fusobacterium nucleatum and Actinomyces meyeriin an immunocompetent adult: A case report and literature review
Authors: Lee Min Ji , Ha Young Eun , Park Hye Yon , Lee Jun Hee , Lee Yoon Jung , Sung Ki Sun , Kang Cheol-In , Chung Doo Ryeon , Song Jae-Hoon , Peck Kyong Ran
Published: July 2012

Background

Fusobacterium species are uncommon causes of osteomyelitis. These organisms are normal flora of the oral cavity. Therefore, they mostly cause osteomyelitis of the head and neck. Hematogenous osteomyelitis at distant sites other than the head and neck has rarely been reported in pediatric or immunocompromised patients. Here, we report the first case of osteomyelitis of a long bone combined with a muscle abscess due to Fusobacterium nucleatum in an otherwise healthy adult.

Case presentation

A 59-year-old Korean man was admitted for pain and swelling of the right lower leg, which had been persistent for two weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging showed osteomyelitis of the right fibula with a surrounding muscle abscess of the right lower leg. Incision and drainage was performed, and repetitive tissue cultures grew F. nucleatum. In this patient, it was presumed that recurrent periodontitis caused hematogenous seeding of F. nucleatum to a distant site leading to osteomyelitis with a muscle abscess. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous ampicillin-sulbactam for three weeks and oral amoxicillin-clavulanate for eight weeks. He also underwent repeated surgical drainage. He has no evidence of recurrence after seven months of follow-up.

Conclusions

Clinicians should be aware that F. nucleatum could be the etiologic agent of hematogenous osteomyelitis of a long bone in an immunocompetent patient.