bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Concepts and Controversies in Stroke Recovery: Rehabilitation Implications
Authors: Shah Surya
Published: April 2015

This paper summarises the stroke incidence crude rate as 3.02 per 1000 people of 25 years and over and that of ‘mini-strokes’ as 2.89 per 1000 people. Many people with a mini-stroke may develop a full stroke within one year. Occupational therapists therefore need to shift their attention first to primary prevention to alter original organic pathology and then to restitution of hemiplegia.

A number of issues in neurological recovery following hemiplegia are then highlighted. These include ‘penumbra’, a metabolic disorder, the understanding of which helps to know if a hemiplegic lesion is able to tolerate the loss of oxygen and whether it can adapt to the ischaemia, early mortality and implications of regional cerebral circulation changes for treatment of hemiplegia and for prognosis. In the treatment of hemiplegia, there is a need to understand the role of ipsilateral brain, that is, brain plasticity in stroke recovery, the role of uncrossed pyramidal fibres, the parallel versus hierarchical operation of the descending cortical influences, and the interactions of the pre-motor systems with the primary cortex. In treatment, the paper explains the implications of the use of Bobath-type therapeutic procedures, the use of unilateral or bilateral tasks in occupational therapy and the learned non-use of the hemiplegic side.
Guidelines for Managing Falls among Elderly People
Authors: Simpson Janet M , Marsh Nicola , Harrington Rachel
Published: April 2015

Falling among elderly people is recognised as a serious problem for the health services as well as for elderly people's welfare. Nevertheless, the rehabilitative management, as opposed to the medical management, has received little systematic attention. This report describes the ‘Guidelines for the Collaborative Rehabilitative Management of Elderly People who have Fallen’. They have been drawn up and endorsed by three organisations of specialist rehabilitation clinicians. A national audit of the implementation of these guidelines is taking place, funded by the NHS Executive.
Developing Occupational Therapy Services within an Integrated Mental Health Service
Authors: Lloyd Chris , Kanowski Helen , Samra Pam
Published: April 2015

Health care reform has been taking place in a number of countries around the world. Changes have been occurring in Australian government mental health policies regarding service delivery for people with a mental illness. The National Mental Health Policy and Plan 1992 and the Queensland Mental Health Plan 1994 have set the directions for the reform of mental health services. As a result, occupational therapists have been required to examine and develop their role in service delivery within integrated mental health services. Occupational therapists within one integrated mental health service have responded by developing their practice across service components with a focus on the consumer and with service development links.
A Survey of Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Mental Health
Authors: Craik Christine , Chacksfield John D , Richards Gabrielle
Published: April 2015

As part of the College of Occupational Therapists' Mental Health Project, a survey of occupational therapists practising in mental health in the United Kingdom was conducted. A questionnaire was sent to 200 members of the Association of Occupational Therapists in Mental Health and achieved a 68.5% response rate.

The majority of the 137 respondents were female, with Senior I staff between 20 and 30 years of age, who were unlikely to have worked in another area, forming the largest group. Although most had received additional training, they identified the need for more training, especially in aspects of occupational therapy. Most were managed by an occupational therapist and 96% received supervision. Community mental health was the most frequently reported area of work, with leisure, counselling, anxiety management and creative activities the most frequently used interventions. The respondents were committed to the core principles of occupational therapy and the need to develop outcome measures and evidence-based practice, and were concerned about moves to generic working.

This study has provided data not only for the position paper on the way ahead for occupational therapy in mental health but also for individual occupational therapists and managers.
A Degree in Occupational Therapy: How Do Traditional and Non-Traditional Entry Routes Compare?
Authors: Howard Lynne M , Watson Martin J
Published: April 2015

There are different entry qualification routes to an honours degree course in occupational therapy. These differences, coupled with the considerable age-range of applicants, mean that students commence their courses from widely different starting points, which may have a bearing on their academic career.

This study examined some chosen starting points briefly and, by retrospective analysis of 47 student progress files, looked at how students fared over their university careers. In particular, it examined whether certain pre-entry factors were associated with good degree results. A secondary focus was the relevance of A-level biology as an entrance criterion. The results indicated that students coming into occupational therapy via both traditional and non-traditional routes did equally well and that A-level biology was not associated with degree performance.
The Casson Memorial Lecture 1998: Occupation for Health – and Wealth?
Authors: Richards Sheelagh E
Published: April 2015

The Casson Memorial Lecture 1998, given on 26 June at the 22nd Annual Conference of the College of Occupational Therapists, held at the University of Ulster.
Occupation for Health
Authors: Wilcock Ann A
Published: April 2015

A Keynote lecture, given on 24 June 1998 at the 22nd Annual Conference of the College of Occupational Therapists, held at the University of Ulster at Jordanstown.
Levels of Stress and Perceived Need for Supervision in Senior Occupational Therapy Staff
Authors: Allan Fiona , Ledwith Frank
Published: April 2015

A survey was carried out to examine the links between self-reported levels of stress in occupational therapists, the perceived needs for professional supervision and future job intentions. A request was posted to a representative sample of 60 occupational therapy managers, who were each asked to give out anonymous questionnaires to five senior occupational therapy staff. The questionnaire asked for information on grade, length of time since qualifying, specialty area, perceived level of stress, extent of satisfaction with five aspects of supervision (opportunities to reflect on practice, to offload feelings, for professional support, for learning and for encouragement of professional development) and job intentions in 5 years' time.

A return rate of 70% (211 out of 300) was achieved. Around a third of staff reported ‘high’ or ‘very high’ levels of stress and 19% said that they intended to have a job outside occupational therapy within 5 years. Around 40% wished for more of each of the aspects of supervision and only 25% were satisfied with all aspects of supervision. There was evidence that those who felt most stressed were more likely to want more supervision and that those intending to leave the profession felt particularly lacking in opportunities to offload feelings.

It was estimated from the data that, across the United Kingdom, 2300 senior occupational therapists intended to leave the profession, which would take 3 years' Intake of new graduates to make good. It is suggested that more adequate levels of supervision, which could well be informal, would help to address the problem of the potential loss of many senior and experienced staff.
A Question of Good Practice? Community Cafe Law and Occupational Therapists
Authors: Mandelstam Michael
Published: April 2015

Occupational therapists working in social services departments and delivering community care continue to be subject to anxiety about the legality of some of their actions. This article considers aspects of relevant legislation, decisions of the law courts and recommendations of the local ombudsmen. Community care law, afflicted by uncertainties and rapid change, sometimes lacks neat and precise answers; even so, legal awareness will assist occupational therapists to ask the right questions about the lawfulness of the local authority policies to which they work and of the individual decisions flowing from those policies.

Readers might conclude that they face a formidable legal minefield, but will also observe that the principles applied by the law courts coincide to a significant extent with good professional practice and basic common sense. For example, judges have dealt with issues such as individual and holistic assessment of need, the importance of assessment as a benefit in its own right, bringing an open mind to assessment, taking account of what service users have to say, looking out for exceptional needs, identifying a range of solutions, formulating coherent care plans, writing accurate letters and keeping good records. In combination, lawful decision making and good practice form a dual incentive for occupational therapists to improve standards of service, even if both are sometimes jeopardised by the short cuts forced on local authorities by limited resources.
The Changing Policy Context of Occupational Therapy
Authors: Cameron Ailsa , Masterson Abigail
Published: April 2015

The work of health care professionals in the United Kingdom is continually influenced by the directions, goals and principles of government and dominant groups in the policy-making process (Ackers and Abbott 1996). For too long many occupational therapists have failed to acknowledge that their work exists within a wider social context. This context controls and rations the resources that support the health and social care system and ultimately affects what occupational therapy is and the way in which occupational therapy is delivered (Øvretveit 1992). For instance, Pringle (1996) suggested that in the 1970s and 1980s occupational therapy had experienced increased autonomy and freedom to define the role and scope of its practice. As a consequence of the recent health service reforms, it is argued that this autonomy and freedom seems to have been progressively undermined. This article aims to stimulate an awareness amongst occupational therapists of the fundamental importance and relevance of an understanding of social policy to their everyday practice.
A Critical Review of Functionality Assessment in Natural and Prosthetic Hands
Authors: Light C M , Chappell P H , Kyberd P J , Ellis B S
Published: April 2015

Functionality is a generic term used when considering the dexterity and manipulative ability provided by both natural and artificial hands. Despite this, there has been little standardised work to quantify this terminology, or to allow the performance of a hand prosthesis to be compared to that of the human hand.

This paper details, with wide-ranging emphasis, existing hand assessment procedures developed for both clinical and research applications. The absence of conformity in these protocols, along with a reliance on subjective evaluations, produces concerns over their reliability and validity for providing meaningful information on hand performance. The assessment of prosthetic hands has been largely dependent on engineering tests and minimal activities of daily living. An evaluation of these procedures reveals a lack of uniformity and, moreover, an inability to quantify the functionality of such devices with respect to a benchmark, such as the human hand.

Conclusions from the critical review of both natural and prosthetic hand assessment procedures are used to provide criteria for a standardised and objective protocol for use in a clinical environment, where emphasis on the collation of tangible and repeatable data is as important as the speed and cost of the procedure.
The Use of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure for the Assessment of Outcome on a Neurorehabilitation Unit
Authors: Bodiam Carolyn
Published: April 2015

The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was used as a client-centred outcome measure on a neurological rehabilitation unit. Seventeen clients with a variety of neurological disorders (eight with physical deficits and nine with physical and cognitive deficits) were assessed using the COPM on admission, and their occupational therapy incorporated activities that they identified as important to improve. Forty-six per cent of the chosen activities were related to productivity and leisure and 54% were related to self-care. The COPM was repeated on discharge.

The results showed a statistically significant increase in client ratings of performance and satisfaction. The increase in ratings between initial and final assessments was higher for satisfaction than for performance in clients with only physical problems, compared with clients with both physical and cognitive problems where the increases were less marked. Further study of a group with only cognitive problems would confirm whether the differences were due to difficulty in self-rating of performance or to a lack of awareness of cognitive deficits.

The effective use of the COPM as an outcome measure of occupational therapy in a rehabilitation setting is shown. Further studies in the hospital and community settings are suggested.
Making a Cup of Tea as Part of a Culturally Sensitive Service
Authors: Fair Ann , Barnitt Rosemary
Published: April 2015

Cultural variation is an aspect of practice which may be neglected by therapists when assessing functional activities. A study was undertaken in which 15 people from a variety of cultural backgrounds were observed carrying out the activity of making a cup of tea. The results demonstrated that there were differences in the methods used between cultures, within cultures and between generations. If interventions by therapists are to be effective, it is imperative that assessments are culturally sensitive and that each client is treated as a unique individual. Occupational therapy departments, where making a cup of tea or making a hot drink is a routine part of client assessment, should review practice to allow for cultural variation.
Management Strategies for Musculoskeletal Stress in the Parents of Children with Restricted Mobility
Authors: Nicholson Janet
Published: April 2015

This article presents the results of a postal survey of parents caring for children with restricted mobility in Southern Derbyshire. The survey investigated the incidence of musculoskeletal problems in the study group and looked at the ways that these parents managed to care for themselves and what strategies they used to perform tasks that involved lifting and supporting their child.

The results revealed a high incidence of musculoskeletal problems, particularly back pain. Few parents had received advice on lifting and handling issues, although they considered it useful. Their use of and attitude towards lifting equipment was poor; however, housing adaptations were instigated and valued. The implications for occupational therapy are considered and areas for further research are discussed.
Clinical Placements for the Professions Allied to Medicine, Part 1: A Summary
Authors: Huddleston Rosalind
Published: April 2015

The shortage of clinical placements for undergraduate students from the professions allied to medicine has been a longstanding problem. A research project was commissioned by the National Health Service Executive (North West) and the Lancashire and South Cumbria Education and Training Consortium to explore the issues around the present clinical placement provision and to identify alternative models of clinical education that could be used in North-West England. A combination of quatitative and quantitative research methods was used to explore the clinical placement difficulties and to identify potential solutions.

The report highlighted the complexity of the clinical placement issues and concluded that a combination of strategies needs to be used in tandem in order to address the difficulties. The problem is multifaceted and, consequently, there is no one single solution. The way forward lies in the cooperation and collaboration of education and training consortia, education providers and service providers in implementing the recommendations, which have the potential to increase the numbers of fieldwork education placements that prepare students not only for current but also for future practice.
Audit of a Group Programme for Inpatients in an Acute Mental Health Setting
Authors: Parkinson Sue
Published: April 2015

This article documents an audit of the ward occupational therapy service in the Hartington Wing, an Acute Mental Health Unit in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Royal Hospital NHS Trust. A revised service based on ‘open-door’ groups aims to make occupational therapy more accessible at the point of admission and more responsive to changing needs, and it drew praise at the unit's last visit from the Mental Health Act Commission.

The findings of the audit demonstrate increased uptake of occupational therapy, with patient contacts almost doubling and the time taken from referral to first patient contact being significantly reduced. The ward nursing staff were positive about the changes but their perception of the occupational therapist's role in ward group programmes remains unclear.
Staff Supervision for Occupational Therapists
Authors: Hunter Elaine P , Blair Sheena E E
Published: April 2015

In the literature, supervision is described as a process to ensure accountability in the workplace and also to facilitate clinicians to reflect upon their practice. Within occupational therapy the process of supervision is not new, but little has been published on what supervision involves for the occupational therapist. This article is a practice-based paper, intended to be of particular use to occupational therapists who wish to establish supervision systems. The paper is based on 10 years' experience of the first author in evolving a supervise structure for occupational therapists.

The central themes of effective supervision, as highlighted in the literature, are presented. The benefits and potential difficulties are described, with an emphasis on the need to understand the aims of supervision. The article suggests that supervision should be supportive but challenging in order to be effective. The essential components of quality supervision are presented; for example, written supervision contracts, training in supervision, reviews and feedback for both supervisor and supervisee.

A brief overview of a supervision package is provided as one way to implement supervision for occupational therapists. The package offers a practical guide to the process of supervision, with an emphasis on a supportive and enabling approach. Occupational therapists need to debate the merits and pitfalls of supervision to ensure that the supervision offered is effective and of a high quality.
Spatial relations, histories from below and the makings of agency
Authors: Featherstone David , Griffin Paul
Published: April 2015

In this paper we propose a conversation between work in labour history and labour geography, in part centring on the formative contribution of E.P. Thompson. We contend that the commitment to multiple and political forms of agency and working-class experience and the positioning of class as process, which are lasting contributions of The Making of the English Working Class, offer resources for re-invigorating debates on agency within labour geography and beyond. The paper scrutinizes the spatial politics at work in Thompson’s account of agency and experience through drawing on critiques of Thompson by feminist and post-colonial scholars. The paper explores the significance of Thompson’s work for asserting a spatial politics of labour and argues for attention to the diverse agentic spatial practices shaped through labour organizing and struggles. The paper concludes by setting out some key aspects of the terms of a conversation between labour geographies and labour histories.
Study on inhibitory activity of chitosan-based materials against biofilm producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains
Authors: Machul Agnieszka , Mikołajczyk Diana , Regiel-Futyra Anna , Heczko Piotr B , Strus Magdalena , Arruebo Manuel , Stochel Grażyna , Kyzioł Agnieszka
Published: April 2015

Six antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, isolated from chronic diabetic foot infections, were chosen for studying the influence of different chitosan-based materials: chitosan solution and chitosan submicroparticles in both planktonic and 24 h-old biofilm-forming models. Chitosan solution occurred to be more effective in the reduction of bacterial populations than chitosan submicroparticles for both planktonic and biofilm-related Pseudomonas cells. It seems that the antimicrobial activity of the tested chitosan preparations depends on the individual bacterial strain susceptibility probably related to differences in the phenotypes and natural antioxidant abilities of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains.
Incorporating Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations to Promote Holistic Communication Between Older Adults and Nursing Students
Authors: Deane William H. , Fain James A.
Published: April 2015

With the increased life expectancy, older adults will interact with multiple health care providers to manage acute and chronic conditions. These interactions include nursing students who use various health care settings to meet the clinical practicum requirements of their programs. Nursing faculty are charged with facilitating students’ learning throughout the program from basic human needs, to holistic communication, to advanced medical surgical concepts. Despite educating students on holistic communication, there remains a lack of a reliable framework to undertake the task of teaching holistic communication skills. Nursing students preparing to function as licensed practitioners need to develop appropriate knowledge to holistically care for older adults. The purpose of this article is to examine Hildegard Peplau’s interpersonal relations theory as a framework to assist nursing students to understand holistic communication skills during their encounters with older adults. Peplau’s theory provides nursing a useful set of three interlocking and oftentimes overlapping working phases for nurses’ interaction with patients in the form of the nurse–patient relationship. Nursing education could adopt the three phases of Peplau’s interpersonal relations theory to educate students on holistically communicating with older adults.
Trichloroethylene-mediated cytotoxicity in human epidermal keratinocytes is mediated by the rapid accumulation of intracellular calcium
Authors: Ali F , Khan AQ , Khan R , Sultana S
Published: April 2015

Industrial solvents pose a significant threat to the humankind. The mechanisms of their toxicity still remain in debate. Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a widespread industrial solvent responsible for severe liver dysfunction, cutaneous toxicity in occupationally exposed humans. We utilized an in vitro system of human epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells in this study to avoid complex cell and extracellular interactions. We report the cytotoxicity of organic solvent TCE in HaCaT and its reversal by a natural flavanone, naringenin (Nar). The cytotoxicity was attributed to the rapid intracellular free calcium (Ca2+) release, which might lead to the elevation of protein kinase C along with robust free radical generation, instability due to energy depletion, and sensitization of intracellular stress signal transducer nuclear factor κB. These effects were actually seen to induce significant amount of genomic DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, all these effects of TCE were effectively reversed by the treatment of Nar, a natural flavanone. Our studies identify intracellular Ca as a unique target used by organic solvents in the cytotoxicity and highlight the Ca2+ ion stabilizer properties of Nar.
“When sense of time disappears”—Or does it? Online video gamers’ time management and time apprehension
Authors: Majamäki Maija , Hellman Matilda
Published: April 2015

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games are graphical virtual environments in which gamers interact with each other through avatars many hours a day on a daily basis. The most widely accepted criterion of problematic variants of the gaming is the amount of time spent on the games. In this study, we show that time use might not be a very adequate measurement of the extent of the problem. We have analyzed an interview material with 17 (=n) gamers, and 115 (=n) applications to a gamers’ guild, identifying gamers’ perception of time and temporality. Firstly, our study shows that time spent on gaming varies a lot over time depending on other life activities and the overall life situation of the gamer. Secondly, our study indicates that due to the nature of the activity, gamers can develop time management skills over time. Concrete techniques to enjoy the flow of the game, but still function well in other life spheres involve, for example, economizing other activities, setting alarm clocks, and schedule “gaming binges.” We also discuss some conceptual differences made between serious leisure, on the one hand, and addiction, on the other.
The Child and Family Hospital Experience
Authors: Franck Linda S. , Ferguson Deron , Fryda Sarah , Rubin Nicole
Published: April 2015

Patient and family experiences are important indicators of quality of care and little is known about how family accommodation affects hospital experience. We added questions about accommodation to standardized inpatient pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit family experience surveys at 10 U.S. hospitals to determine the accommodation types used by families, compare characteristics across accommodation types and explore accommodation-type influences on overall hospital experience outcomes. Parents of inpatient children ( n = 5,105; 93.4%) most often stayed in the child’s room (76.8%). Parents of neonatal intensive care unit infants ( n = 362; 6.6%) most often stayed overnight in their own home or with relatives/friends (47.2%). Accommodation varied based on hospital, parent, and child factors. Accommodation type was a significant predictor for most hospital experience outcomes, with families who stayed at a Ronald McDonald House reporting more positive overall hospital experiences (odds ratios: ranging from 1.83 to 4.86 for contrasted accommodation types and three experience outcomes).
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors for epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutation–positive non-small cell lung cancers: an update for recent advances in therapeutics
Authors: Chung Clement
Published: April 2015

The presence of activating gene mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor of non-small cell lung cancer patients is predictive (improved progression-free survival and improved response rate) when treated with small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as gefitinib, erlotinib and afatinib. The two most common mutations that account for greater than 85% of all EGFR gene mutations are in-frame deletions in exon 19 (LREA deletions) and substitution in exon 21 ( L858R). Exon 18 mutations occur much less frequently at about 4% of all EGFR gene mutations. Together, exon 19 deletion and exon 21 L858R gene substitution are present in about 10% of Caucasian patients and 20–40% of Asian patients with non-small cell lung cancer. T790M gene mutation at exon 20 is associated with acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Early studies showed that activating EGFR gene mutations are most common in patients with adenocarcinoma histology, women, never smokers and those of Asian ethnicity. A recent multi-center phase III trial suggested that frontline epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy with afatinib is associated with improved progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy regardless of race. Moreover, guidelines now suggest EGFR gene mutation testing should be conducted in all patients with lung adenocarcinoma or mixed lung cancers with an adenocarcinoma component, regardless of characteristics such as smoking status, gender or race. The success of targeted therapies in non-small cell lung cancer patients has changed the treatment paradigm in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. However, despite a durable response of greater than a year, resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors inevitably occurs. This mini-review describes the clinically relevant EGFR gene mutations and the efficacy/toxicity of small molecule epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors as targeted therapies for these gene mutations. Therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance, including emerging and novel therapies, are discussed.
Bleomycin-induced flagellate erythema in a patient with Hodgkin’s lymphoma – A case report and review of literature
Authors: Vennepureddy A , Siddique MN , Odaimi M , Terjanian T
Published: April 2015

Bleomycin is a glycopeptide used as a chemotherapeutic agent for lymphomas, germ cell tumors, and pleurodesis of malignant pleural effusions. The pulmonary toxicity of bleomycin is well known while the cutaneous side effects are uncommon and varies from generalized hyperpigmentation, sclerodermoid changes, erythema multiformae, and gangrene to flagellate dermatosis. Here we report a characteristic but rare side effect of flagellate erythema, which developed secondary to bleomycin in a 27-year old woman with Hodgkin’s lymphoma after two cycles of treatment with adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine regimen. The rash subsided after discontinuation of bleomycin and treatment with steroids.
We have not lived long enough: Sensemaking and learning from bushfire in Australia
Authors: Dwyer Graham , Hardy Cynthia
Published: April 2015

Organizations increasingly find themselves responding to unprecedented natural disasters that are experienced as complex, unpredictable, and harmful. We examine how organizations make sense and learn from these novel experiences by examining three Australian bushfires. We show how sensemaking and learning occurred during the public inquiries that followed these events, as well as how learning continued afterward with the help of “learning cues.” We propose a model that links public inquiry activities to changes in organizational practices. Given the interesting times in which we live, this model has important implications for future research on how new organizational practices can be enacted after public inquiries have concluded their work.
Multidimensional profiles of health locus of control in Hispanic Americans
Authors: Champagne Brian R , Fox Rina S , Mills Sarah D , Sadler Georgia Robins , Malcarne Vanessa L
Published: April 2015

Latent profile analysis identified health locus of control profiles among 436 Hispanic Americans who completed the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales. Results revealed four profiles: Internally Oriented-Weak, -Moderate, -Strong, and Externally Oriented. The profile groups were compared on sociocultural and demographic characteristics, health beliefs and behaviors, and physical and mental health outcomes. The Internally Oriented-Strong group had less cancer fatalism, religiosity, and equity health attributions, and more alcohol consumption than the other three groups; the Externally Oriented group had stronger equity health attributions and less alcohol consumption. Deriving multidimensional health locus of control profiles through latent profile analysis allows examination of the relationships of health locus of control subtypes to health variables.
Reassembling the social life of a Medicine Man: Reassessing otherness, agency and authorship in the Wellcome archives
Authors: Marsh Diana E
Published: April 2015

This article traces the social life of a Medicine Man in a life-size diorama at the London Science Museum. While the author shows that the representations the model has perpetuated throughout its social life, largely due to its particular material and social contexts, were often laden with misperception and exoticization, she also argues that the model came to be on contemporary view through an unusual set of actions, spaces, and happenings which, first, question the notion of curatorial authorship, and second, expand the growing body of work that considers the wide-ranging kinds of networks and agencies that shape the life histories of things. She begins by describing the context for the model, including its relationship to colonial histories of display and more recent work on agency and technologies of representation. Next, she describes the model’s early life in the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum and its relationship to early ethnography in Ibibioland and London. Then, she describes its shifts in representation amidst changes to the network of associated objects, spaces, events and persons that made up its representational framework over a 30-year period, before recounting its most recent move to the Science Museum in the late 1970s. Thus detailing this model’s social life, the article illustrates the ways in which authorship, colonial relationships, and representation emerge as complex and distributed amidst networks of material and social contexts. The author therefore argues for a particularist (rather than broad discursive) approach to tracing the associations and networks by which displays come to exist in museum spaces and become embedded with complex histories of colonial involvement.
Transaortic Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation as a second choice over the Transapical access
Authors: Ropponen J. , Vainikka T. , Sinisalo J. , Rapola J. , Laine M. , Ihlberg L.
Published: April 2015

Background and Aims:

In this report, we present our experience with the transaortic transcatheter aortic valve implantation using the SAPIEN valve. The procedural success, 30-day outcome, and survival up to 2 years are compared with the transapical access performed in patients in our institution.

Material and Methods:

Of a total of 282 transcatheter aortic valve implantation patients, 100 consecutive patients had a non-transfemoral approach. The transaortic and transapical access routes were used in 36 and 64 patients, respectively. The transaortic group had a higher mean logistic EuroSCORE (32.6 vs 25.2, p = 0.021) and more patients with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40% (33.3% vs 14.1%, p = 0.023).

Results:

The respective technical success rates for the transaortic and transapical groups were 100% and 95.2% (p = NS). There were significantly more perioperative hemodynamic problems necessitating cardiopulmonary resuscitation or mechanical circulatory support in the transapical group (18.8% vs 2.8%, p = 0.023). The transaortic group had a slightly shorter hospital stay (7 vs 8 days, p = 0.018). The 30-day mortality was 8.6% and 10.9% in the transaortic and transapical group, respectively (p = NS). Combined safety outcome was similar in both groups at 30 days. The respective 1-year survival rates for the transaortic and transapical groups were 71.5% and 68.3%, respectively (p = NS).

Conclusion:

The trans transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a considerable choice to transapical approach. Despite a higher risk patient cohort, the clinical outcome is at least comparable to the transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation, and it can be utilized as a second choice for patients with prohibitive iliac-femoral anatomy for transfemoral access.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Suppress Fibroblast Proliferation and Reduce Skin Fibrosis Through a TGF-β3-Dependent Activation
Authors: Wu Yan , Peng Yan , Gao Dongyun , Feng Changjiang , Yuan Xiaohuan , Li Houzhong , Wang Ying , Yang Lan , Huang Sha , Fu Xiaobing
Published: April 2015

Recent studies showed that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) significantly decreased tissue fibrosis; however, little attention has been paid to its efficacy on attenuating skin fibrosis, and the mechanism involved in its effect is poorly understood. In this work, we investigated the effects of MSCs on keloid fibroblasts and extracellular matrix deposition through paracrine actions and whether the antifibrotic properties of MSCs involved transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-dependent activation. In vitro experiments showed that conditioned media (CM) from MSCs decreased viability, a-smooth muscle actin expression, and collagen secretion of human keloid fibroblasts. In addition, TGF-β3 secreted by MSCs was expressed at high level under inflammatory environment, and blocking the activity of TGF-β3 apparently antagonized the suppressive activity of MSC CM, which demonstrated that TGF-β3 played a preponderant role in preventing collagen accumulation. In vivo studies showed that MSC CM infusion in a mouse dermal fibrosis model induced a significant decrease in skin fibrosis. Histological examination of tissue sections and immunohistochemical analysis for α-smooth muscle actin revealed that TGF-β3 of CM-mediated therapeutic effects could obviously attenuate matrix production and myofibroblast proliferation and differentiation. These findings suggest that TGF-β3 mediates the attenuating effect of MSCs on both the proliferation and extracellular matrix production of human keloid fibroblasts and decreases skin fibrosis of mouse model, thus providing new understanding and MSC-based therapeutic strategy for cutaneous scar treatment.
Featured Article: microRNA-125a in pulmonary hypertension: Regulator of a proliferative phenotype of endothelial cells
Authors: Huber Lars C , Ulrich Silvia , Leuenberger Caroline , Gassmann Max , Vogel Johannes , von Blotzheim Leonardo Glutz , Speich Rudolf , Kohler Malcolm , Brock Matthias
Published: April 2015

Vascular remodeling due to excessive proliferation of endothelial and smooth muscle cells is a hallmark feature of pulmonary hypertension. microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, non-coding RNA fragments that have recently been associated with remodeling of pulmonary arteries, in particular by silencing the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II (BMPR2). Here we identified a novel pathway involving the concerted action of miR-125a, BMPR2 and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKN) that controls a proliferative phenotype of endothelial cells. An in silico approach predicted miR-125a to target BMPR2. Functional inhibition of miR-125a resulted in increased proliferation of these cells, an effect that was found accompanied by upregulation of BMPR2 and reduced expression of the tumor suppressors CDKN1A (p21) and CDKN2A (p16). These data were confirmed in experimental pulmonary hypertension in vivo. Levels of miR-125a were elevated in lung tissue of hypoxic animals that develop pulmonary hypertension. In contrast, circulating levels of miR-125a were found to be lower in mice with pulmonary hypertension as compared to control mice. Similar findings were observed in a small cohort of patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension. These translational data emphasize the pathogenetic role of miR-125a in pulmonary vascular remodeling.
Framing Gaming
Authors: Kümpel Anna Sophie , Haas Alexander
Published: April 2015

This study investigates the effects of media frames on attitudes toward video games, perceptions of their users, and consequences. Prior research has shown that gaming is a controversial issue, with media coverage focusing on either risks or opportunities. To examine the effects of these portrayals, the present study used a 2 × 2 experimental design and exposed participants ( N = 360) to a news article that framed gaming in terms of risk or opportunity on the journalistic level and on the level of a corresponding expert statement. By examining the perceived negative effects of games, this study extends previous research by combining framing and third-person research. Results showed that framing gaming indeed had an effect on participants’ attitudes. This framing effect was moderated by individual video game use. Despite identifying a traditional third-person perception regarding negative video game effects, we found framing to have no significant influence on third-person perceptions.
Effect of Trigonella foenum graecum L on the Activities of Antioxidant Enzyme and Their Expression in Tissues of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Sharma Sapneh , Mishra Vibhuti , Jayant Shiv Kumar , Srivastava Nalini
Published: April 2015

Diabetes is a life-threatening metabolic disorder. This study was undertaken to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and antioxidative potential of seed powder of Trigonella foenum-graecum L in alloxan (55 mg/kg) induced diabetic rats. The results obtained showed that extensive oxidative stress is generated in tissues of diabetic rats as evidenced by increased production of hydrogen peroxide, increased accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonanal (4HNE) and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) in tissues of diabetic rats. It was observed that the transcription of genes of SOD, GPx, and CAT was also significantly decreased when compared with control. Treatment of Trigonella for 15 days to diabetic rats showed hypoglycemic effect and improved the altered levels of H2O2, MDA, and 4HNE, the activities of SOD, GPx, and CAT as well as transcription of these genes in the liver and the brain of diabetic rats.
Can Voter Identification Laws Increase Electoral Participation in the United States? Probably Not—A Simple Model of the Voting Market
Authors: Weaver Russell
Published: April 2015

Proponents of voter photographic identification (ID) laws in the United States have argued that such measures can increase overall voter turnout. The implications of this proposition contradict classic models of voting behavior, which state that voting costs and electoral participation are inversely related. The present article/research note explores this tension in the context of some fundamental economic concepts. Namely, after identifying characteristics of a voting “market” that might facilitate the outcome in question, a simple model of that market is developed and used to simulate changes in turnout due to changes in voter ID rules for a hypothetical polity. Counter to proponents’ claims, the findings suggest that voter ID laws tend to decrease turnout, even when most voters place positive value on stricter (i.e., fraud preventing) voting regulations. That being said, the model is intentionally simplistic, and it is put forward primarily as a tool for thinking critically about the relationship between voter ID laws and electoral participation. Because data that are suited to empirical analyses of this relationship are lacking, complementary techniques, such as modeling and simulation, are useful for testing unverified hypotheses about voter ID rules from the political discourse. The simple exercises in this research note begin to fill this gap, though they function most readily as points of departure for future research.
Campus Suicide Prevention
Authors: VanDeusen Karen M. , Ginebaugh Kathryn J. Lewis , Walcott Delores D.
Published: April 2015

A public health approach to suicide prevention (SP) emphasizes using a comprehensive plan utilizing multiple strategies to address suicide in the community of interest. Universities using this approach are called to develop interventions to increase SP knowledge, reduce suicide risk factors, enhance protective factors, and examine their efforts scientifically to evaluate program effectiveness. The current study polled responding college students ( N = 819) about their exposure to campus SP messaging materials, participation in SP activities, and whether they experiencedhavinga person close to them attempt or die by suicide during the three years of a SP program funded by the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act (2004). Students were also queried about their perceived level of SP knowledge, knowledge of suicide facts, and the stigma associated with receiving treatment for suicidal thoughts and behaviors using the Suicide Prevention Exposure, Awareness, and Knowledge Survey (SPEAKS). Simultaneous multiple regression analyses were used to examine relationships between study variables. Results indicated that exposure to SP messaging materials predicted a higher level of self-perceived knowledge and a lower level of perceived stigma. Participating in SP activities and having someone close to you attempt or die by suicide predicted both a higher level of perceived knowledge and actual knowledge of suicide facts. Self-identifying as male predicted a higher level of stigma. Implications for campus SP programming are discussed.
Modeling the National Health Education Standards
Authors: Hall Cougar , West Joshua , Herbert Patrick
Published: April 2015

Teacher role modeling of health behaviors and skills is an essential component of school health education. Using the National Health Education Standards as a framework is one way to organize modeling efforts. The purpose of this article is to provide suggestions for how school health educators can model each national standard.
Acute adult-onset still’s disease presenting as pulmonary hemorrhage, urticaria, angioedema and leukemoid reaction: a case report and literature review
Authors: Mora Alfonso Sergio A , Rodríguez Daniel M Cuestas , Londoño John D , Valle-Oñate Rafael , Quintana Gerardo
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Adult-onset Still’s disease is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology characterized by the classic triad of persistent high spiking fevers, joint pain and a distinctive salmon-colored bumpy rash however, the multiorgan involvement can be present.

Case description

A 40-year-old woman previously healthy was referred to our hospital with 7 days of high fever and generalized arthralgia, The physical exam revealed angioneurotic edema detected on soles, palms and tongue and widespread red, urticated plaques in a symmetrical distribution affecting the arms, dorsal hands, upper and lower chest and back. Followed 5 days later by fever, the patient presented dyspnea, cough and hypoxemia, the imaging studies showed unilateral consolidation and pleural effusion. The bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and skin biopsy were consistent with neutrophilic urticarial. The hematological disorders, infections and other autoimmune diseases were excluded.

Discussion and evaluation

The diagnosis of adult-onset Still’s disease can be very difficult. There are no specific tests and reliance is usually placed on a symptom complex and the well described typical rash seen in most patients. In recent years, however, other cutaneous manifestations of Adult-onset Still’s disease have been reported but these are not so well known.

Conclusions

The evidence of rare manifestations is growing and the early clinical presentation of Adult-onset Still’s is extremely variable, making diagnosis difficult. For this reason, data on early clinical presentation of the disease are of interest. We reported the first case of acute Adult-onset Still’s disease with the association of pulmonary hemorrhage, urticaria and angioedema including a rare systemic manifestation as leukemoid reaction.