bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dermatosurgery: Total Quality Management in a Dermatology Department
Authors: Ingen-Housz-Oro S. , Amici J.M. , Roy-Geffroy B. , Ostojic A. , Domergue Than Trong E. , Buffard V. , Lafaye S. , Moreno J.C. , Goldszal S. , Mirkamali A. , Plaquet J.L. , Thuillot D. , Meningaud J.P. , Wolkenstein P. , Chosidow O.
Published: November 2012

Background: Dermatosurgery (DS) is a growing sector in dermatology. Performance measurement is organized worldwide to improve the quality of health care. Clinical audit relies on self-assessment, comparison with guidelines, frames of references and implementation of improvement actions. Objective: To assess the efficiency of our DS department. Methods: A clinical audit focusing on the organization of the DS unit, patient routing, continuing medical education and training for students was conducted by two external auditors. After an initial evaluation, improvements were implemented and reassessed 1 year later by the same auditors. Results: The audit resulted in the implementation of preoperative consultation, improved pre- and postoperative information leaflets for patients, standardizing of surgery reports, earmarking of funds for materials, and patient satisfaction survey. The training of residents was organized. Conclusion: This audit was a driving force for communication among the medical and paramedical teams and helped improve patient care and training of residents in DS. It also highlighted areas needing further improvement.
Most Important Chronic Complications of Arteriovenous Fistulas for Hemodialysis
Authors: Stolic Radojica
Published: November 2012

The aim of this review was to highlight the most important complications of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) for hemodialysis (HD). The quality of vascular access for HD should be suitable for repeated puncture and allow a high blood flow rate for high-efficiency dialysis with minimal complications. The dialysis staff must be well versed in manipulation of the AVF, and there should be a minimal need for corrective interventions. Construction of an AVF creates conditions for increasing the flow of blood through the venous system. Fulfillment of these conditions reduces the risk of turbulence and endothelium injury, which, in turn, minimizes the potential for stenosis. An AVF is closest to the ideal model of vascular access. The most important complications of fistulae for HD are lymphedema, infection, aneurysm, stenosis, congestive heart failure, steal syndrome, ischemic neuropathy and thrombosis. In HD patients, the most common cause of vascular access failure is neointimal hyperplasia. It is important to gain information about early clinical symptoms of AVF dysfunction in order to prevent and adequately treat potential complications.
Low Blood Levels of Long-Chain n–3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in US Hemodialysis Patients: Clinical Implications
Authors: Friedman Allon N. , Yu Zhangsheng , Tabbey Rebeka , Denski Cheryl , Tamez Hector , Wenger Julia , Thadhani Ravi , Li Yong , Watkins Bruce A.
Published: November 2012

Background: Cardioprotective and other clinical benefits of long-chain n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are inversely related to dietary intake and hence blood content. We therefore investigated, in the first study of its kind, the blood content and distribution of these fatty acids in a large representative population of US hemodialysis patients. Methods: Frozen sera were obtained from 400 individuals who were part of a large, contemporary, representative cohort of US incident hemodialysis patients. Long-chain n–3 PUFA were measured in total serum lipids and in the neutral and polar serum fractions using gas chromatography and solid phase extraction techniques. Mean long-chain n–3 PUFA levels were compared to levels in other dialysis and nondialysis populations from published reports. Results: The study population was qualitatively similar to the overall US hemodialysis population in terms of major clinical characteristics. Long-chain n–3 PUFA were present in the serum polar fraction, with essentially none being detected in the neutral fraction (p < 0.0001 for polar vs. neutral fractions for all three long-chain n–3 PUFA). Mean serum long-chain n–3 PUFA levels (weight percent (±SD): total 1.55 ± 0.95, polar 3.99 ± 1.45) were low compared to nondialysis and most other non-US hemodialysis cohorts. Conclusions: While US hemodialysis patients have a blood distribution of long-chain n–3 PUFA that is similar to that in the general population, blood content is among the lowest recorded in the medical literature. This has implications for renal dietary recommendations and makes US patients an ideal group for testing the clinical effects of long-chain n–3 PUFA supplementation.
Differential Effects of High-Temperature Stress on Nuclear Topology and Transcription of Repetitive Noncoding and Coding Rye Sequences
Authors: Tomás D. , Brazão J. , Viegas W. , Silva M.
Published: November 2012

The plant stress response has been extensively characterized at the biochemical and physiological levels. However, knowledge concerning repetitive sequence genome fraction modulation during extreme temperature conditions is scarce. We studied high-temperature effects on subtelomeric repetitive sequences (pSc200) and 45S rDNA in rye seedlings submitted to 40°C during 4 h. Chromatin organization patterns were evaluated through fluorescent in situ hybridization and transcription levels were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR. Additionally, the nucleolar dynamics were evaluated through fibrillarin immunodetection in interphase nuclei. The results obtained clearly demonstrated that the pSc200 sequence organization is not affected by high-temperature stress (HTS) and proved for the first time that this noncoding subtelomeric sequence is stably transcribed. Conversely, it was demonstrated that HTS treatment induces marked rDNA chromatin decondensation along with nucleolar enlargement and a significant increase in ribosomal gene transcription. The role of noncoding and coding repetitive rye sequences in the plant stress response that are suggested by their clearly distinct behaviors is discussed. While the heterochromatic conformation of pSc200 sequences seems to be involved in the stabilization of the interphase chromatin architecture under stress conditions, the dynamic modulation of nucleolar and rDNA topology and transcription suggest their role in plant stress response pathways.
Prognostic Significance of Invasion Depth in Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Tan Winson Jianhong , Chia Claramae Shulyn , Tan Hiang Khoon , Soo Khee-Chee , Iyer N. Gopalakrishna
Published: November 2012

Purpose: Staging for tongue carcinoma does not consider its depth of invasion. We aim to determine the prognostic significance of invasion depth in tongue cancer. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of patients with tongue carcinoma who underwent curative surgery between 2002 and 2005; 67 patients were analyzed. Tumors were divided into 2 groups: group A = invasion depth <4 mm; group B = invasion depth ≥4 mm. Recurrence and survival rates were calculated for each group and compared. Results: The local recurrence rate in group B was significantly higher (10 vs. 29.7%, p = 0.048). Group A patients had a superior 5-year overall survival (68.8 vs. 41.6%, p = 0.012), disease-specific survival (67.1 vs. 41.1%, p = 0.026) and local recurrence-free survival (89.5 vs. 65.4%, p = 0.035). Five-year regional recurrence, locoregional recurrence and distant recurrence-free survival rates were not significantly different between the 2 groups (p = 0.390, p = 0.173 and p = 0.207). The impact of invasion depth on survival was maintained on multivariate analysis (p = 0.031). Conclusion: Invasion depth is an important prognostic indicator in tongue cancer.
Multimodality Treatment of Gynecomastia in Patients Receiving Antiandrogen Therapy for Prostate Cancer in the Era of Abiraterone Acetate and New Antiandrogen Molecules
Authors: Alesini Daniele , Iacovelli Roberto , Palazzo Antonella , Altavilla Amelia , Risi Emanuela , Urbano Federica , Manai Chiara , Passaro Antonio , Magri Valentina , Cortesi Enrico
Published: November 2012

Gynecomastia is a pathological enlargement of male breasts due to hormonal imbalance and elevation of estrogens at the expense of testosterone. It is very important to diagnose this disease precociously because it can be the expression of different underlying pathologies. Besides genetic, chromosomal or chronic diseases, drugs often represent the principal cause of this hormonal disequilibrium. In the elderly population, antiandrogen therapy for prostate cancer frequently induces gynecomastia, thus negatively affecting the patients’ compliance to treatment because of physical and psychological discomfort deriving from this condition; gynecomastia can in fact be associated with severe breast pain, and it can modify how patients see their own body. During the past decades and even today, many different surgical, radiotherapeutic or clinical approaches have been proposed to prevent or treat this hypertrophy. This article focuses on gynecomastia associated with antiandrogen-based hormonal treatment and shortly reviews the currently most often used therapeutic options for preventing and treating this pathology.
Toward an Ethics of Psychoanalysis: A Critical Reading of Lacan’s Ethics
Authors: Kirshner Lewis A.
Published: November 2012

Lacan’s seminar The Ethics of Psychoanalysis (1959–1960) pursues, from a Freudian perspective, a fundamental philosophical question classically addressed by Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics: How is human life best lived and fulfilled? Is there is an ethic of this type intrinsic to psychoanalysis? Lacan placed the problem of desire at the center of his Ethics. His notorious self-authorized freedom from convention and probable crossing of limits (see Roudinesco 1993) may have led mainstream analysts to ignore his admonition: “At every moment we need to know what our effective relationship is to the desire to do good, to the desire to cure” (Lacan 1959–1960, p. 219). This means that the analyst’s desire, as well as the patient’s, is always in play in his attempt to sustain an ethical position. An examination of Lacan’s seminar highlights this link, but also points to a number of unresolved issues. The patient’s desire is a complex matter, readily entangled in neurotic compromise, defense, and transference, and the analyst’s commitment to it is also problematic because of the inevitable co-presence of his own desire. Lacan suggested that more emphasis be placed in training on the desire of the analyst, but beyond that a proposal is advanced for the institutionalization of a “third” as reviewer and interlocutor in routine analytic practice. Analysis may not be a discipline that can be limited to a dyadic treatment relationship.
Screening Children for Autism in an Urban Clinic Using an Electronic M-CHAT
Authors: Harrington John W. , Bai Robert , Perkins Amy M.
Published: November 2012

Background. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) is a screening tool for autism spectrum disorders in the clinic. However, the follow-up questions in the M-CHAT are difficult to implement on a paper format. Objective. To compare the effectiveness of the M-CHAT on an electronic format versus paper format in an outpatient clinic setting. Methods. A prospective study used electronic M-CHAT on the iPad. A retrospective review of paper M-CHATs 6 months prior to implementation was used as the comparison group. Results. A total of 176 participants completed the electronic M-CHAT format and 197 paper M-CHATs were retrospectively reviewed. The electronic format (3%) resulted in a significant difference in the frequency of children found to be at risk for autism compared with the paper version (11%); 99% of parents rated the experience as “good” or “excellent.” Conclusion. The electronic format lowered both false at-risk screens and false not-at-risk screens and had higher parental satisfaction.
Trafficking in women for sexual exploitation: Building Australian knowledge
Authors: Flynn Catherine , Alston Margaret , Mason Robyn
Published: November 2012

This article examines the current knowledge shaping our understanding of human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation in Australia, a major destination country in a poorly researched region (Oceania). Challenges to developing accurate and useful knowledge: varied and poorly understood definitions, difficulties in gathering accurate data about a hidden problem, and narrowly focused research are explored. The article describes Australia’s current responses to sex trafficking and critiques current knowledge development strategies, concluding with recommendations for ways forward in researching this challenging and globally significant problem.
How do social workers understand and respond to domestic violence and relate this to organizational policy and practice?
Authors: Heffernan Kristin , Blythe Betty , Nicolson Paula
Published: November 2012

This study explores British social workers’ abilities to recognize incidents of interpersonal violence, how much domestic violence training social workers typically receive, and how awareness of organizational policies and practice experiences impact workers’ attitudes about domestic violence. Based on our findings we suggest that traditional higher education teaching methods of lecture and seminar combined with a service-learning component to course work should be explored. Additionally, local authorities and other health and social care agencies need to take more responsibility for ensuring their employees understand agency policy regarding domestic violence and how to apply it.
Dynamics of poverty in old age: The case of older persons in Zimbabwe
Authors: Dhemba Jotham Joaquim
Published: November 2012

This article explores the factors associated with the syndrome of poverty in old age in developing countries in general and Zimbabwe in particular. Available data show that the majority of older persons in Zimbabwe are not covered by existing social security schemes. Furthermore, the benefits for the minority who are covered are not adequate. It is therefore necessary to adopt legislation specific to older persons through the establishment of old age pensions in order to address poverty in old age.
Social Norms in the Aftermath of Ethnic Violence
Authors: Whitt Sam
Published: November 2012

This study considers prospects for the revitalization of social norms after ethnic violence using a behavioral experiment in postwar Bosnia. In the experiment, subjects are asked to distribute a ten-unit monetary sum between two anonymous recipients of random ethnicity. The results indicate a surprisingly high number of egalitarian distributions across ethnicity, which is interpreted as evidence of a norm of fairness. Discriminating behavior in the experiment is explained as a product of ethnic parochialism (rewarding co-ethnics and punishing non-co-ethnics). Overall, the experiment speaks to the resiliency of an important aspect of pro-social behavior after violence—impartiality in the treatment of others.
Belief in a Just World and Children's Cognitive Scores
Authors: Armstrong Angus
Published: November 2012

Parental beliefs are recognised by psychologists as an important causal influence on child development. A two-period model of human capital accumulation in the framework of Becker and Tomes (1986) is presented. In the first period parents transfer their beliefs, distinct from genes, to children by signalling their ‘belief in a just world’ or their perceived return to effort. Children respond by choosing effort, irrespective of the real world returns, which combines with their genes to create early ability. This determines the rate of return to second-period investment and final attainment. If parents are credit constrained, both beliefs and income determine attainment. Empirical analysis using the second generation of the NCDS shows that beliefs are a strong predictor of early attainment and significantly reduce the importance of parental income. The identifying assumption is that parent beliefs are slow-moving and not conditioned on the child.
The Effects of Part-Time Work on Women's Occupational Mobility in Britain: Evidence from the 1958 Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Dex Shirley , Bukodi Erzsébet
Published: November 2012

The effects of working part time on job downgrading and upgrading are examined over the life course of British women born in 1958. We use longitudinal data with complete work histories from a large-scale nationally representative cohort study. Occupations were ranked by their hourly average earnings. Analyses show a strong link between full-time/part-time transitions and downward and upward occupational mobility over the course of up to thirty years of employment. Probabilities of occupational mobility were affected by women's personal traits, occupational characteristics and demand-side factors. Downward mobility on moving from full-time to part-time work was more likely for women at the top levels of the occupational hierarchy working in male-dominated or mixed occupations and less likely in higher occupations with more part-time jobs available.
Influence of temperature and mechanical compression on thermophysical properties of car interior foam plastics insulation
Authors: Kolich M , Hoke P , Dooge D , Doroudian M , Litovsky E , Kleiman J
Published: November 2012

The thermophysical properties of interior insulation in cars can depend strongly on mechanical compression of the insulation. No data exists presently on such dependence for this insulation. The main aim of this work was to measure the thermal conductivity and specific heat of different car interior parts (seat cushion, back cushion and leather–foam cover) in a temperature range of −20°C to +60°C and at four different compression values of 0%, 20%, 40% and 60%. Due to complicated mechanisms of material’s structure deformation under compression, theoretical predictions of these dependencies are very complicated. Therefore, experimental results have both scientific and practical interest.
A Preliminary Evaluation of Repeated Exposure for Depersonalization and Derealization
Authors: Weiner Elliot , McKay Dean
Published: November 2012

Dissociative symptoms including depersonalization and derealization are commonly experienced by individuals suffering from panic disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few studies have been published investigating the specific treatment of these symptoms in individuals diagnosed with panic disorder or PTSD, despite evidence that the subset of individuals with panic disorder who experience depersonalization and derealization report more panic attacks as well as greater panic severity and functional impairment. Furthermore, it has been shown that these symptoms can impede treatment and recovery in PTSD. Finally, recent research has shown that interoceptive exposure generally enhances the efficacy of treatment outcome for PTSD and PTSD with comorbid panic. This study investigated the use of a novel interoceptive exposure technique for treatment of depersonalization and derealization in individuals with high anxiety sensitivity and/or symptoms of PTSD. Results indicated significant reductions on six of seven items as well as total score on an outcome measure of depersonalization and derealization. Thus, this technique appears to hold promise for utilization as a form of interoceptive exposure in the treatment of these symptoms.
Website content persistence and change: Longitudinal analysis of pro-white group identity
Authors: McCluskey Michael
Published: November 2012

Despite the ability of websites to quickly evolve, little attention has been paid to persistence and change in site content. Longitudinal examination of 163 pro-white advocacy group websites, in which establishing a core group identity is a critical strategic goal, showed a half-life of 2.40 years and 34% remained active after five years. Analysis of text content from 28 sites collected annually from 2007 to 2012 ( n = 1947) showed that persistence was more likely for advocacy group identity, while examples of group goals were transient. Content persistence trends reflect broader phenomena of ideologically oriented website persuasive material.
The choice of healthcare models: How much does politics matter?
Authors: Toth Federico
Published: November 2012

This article discusses the main hypotheses generated within the strand of research that focuses on health politics. These hypotheses are subjected to a brief empirical test, presenting data from 15 OECD countries. There seems to be a correspondence between the healthcare models adopted in different national contexts and the ideological orientation of the governments that have instituted them. Most laws instituting a system of social health insurance have been advanced by conservative governments, while those instituting a national health service have been passed – in the majority of cases – by social-democratic governments. The resulting clashes between governments and competing interest groups are largely attributable to the institutional setting. Thus, in the period from 1945 to 2000, most of those countries where political power was more concentrated implemented a national health service. Conversely, those countries where political power was more dispersed tended to maintain a system of voluntary or social health insurance.
Effects of self-disclosure role on liking, closeness, and other impressions in get-acquainted interactions
Authors: Sprecher Susan , Treger Stanislav , Wondra Joshua D.
Published: November 2012

We experimentally examined whether giving or receiving self-disclosure leads to greater liking and other positive impressions (e.g., closeness) in initial interactions. We also contributed to a recent debate about the familiarity-attraction link by examining whether knowledge about another leads to greater (or lesser) degrees of liking and perceived similarity. Pairs of unacquainted undergraduates completed a structured self-disclosure task. We randomly assigned one participant to disclose while the other listened in a first interaction; participants switched roles for a second interaction. After the first interaction, listeners (vs. disclosers) reported more liking and other positive interpersonal impressions. These differences disappeared after participants switched roles in the second interaction. Furthermore, listening was associated with greater degrees of perceived similarity.
Predictors of relationship satisfaction in adoptive mothers
Authors: South Susan C. , Foli Karen J. , Lim Eunjung
Published: November 2012

Relationship satisfaction has been widely studied among biological parents; however, concomitant research on adoptive parents is relatively lacking. The current study reports on a survey completed by 251 mothers who had adopted a child in the past 24 months. Participants completed measures of several aspects of the vulnerability–stress–adaptation model of marital satisfaction. Results indicated that satisfaction, as measured by a short form of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS-7), was related to several enduring vulnerabilities, adaptive processes, and stressors. Significant individual predictors of relationship satisfaction included: socioeconomic status, partner support, enthusiasm of partner for being a parent, and feelings of rest. Findings suggest that the relationship satisfaction of adoptive mothers is not affected by infertility or factors related to the adoption process, but rather by aspects of mental health, well-being, and support that are common to the parenting experience.
Rotation thromboelastography for the detection and characterization of lipoteichoid acid-induced activation of haemostasis in an in vitro sepsis model
Authors: Sucker C , Paniczek S , Scharf RE , Litmathe J , Hartmann M
Published: November 2012

Objectives:

In gram-positive sepsis, lipoteichoic acid (LTA) can induce alterations of haemostasis, potentially leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Patients and Methods:

Here, we demonstrate the effects of LTA on haemostasis in an in vitro model of gram-positive sepsis based on rotation thromboelastrography (ROTEM).

Results:

In this model, LTA leads to time- and dose-dependent shortening of the clotting time (CT), whereas other ROTEM parameters are unaffected. Following heat shock simulation, the LTA effect was blunted with equal CTs in the presence and in the absence of LTA. In addition, the shortening of CT by LTA was inhibited by addition of the protein synthesis inhibitor.

Conclusion:

Our work demonstrates that the ROTEM system is capable of detecting the LTA effect on haemostasis and provides a sensitive in vitro tool for research into the links between gram-positive sepsis and coagulation.
Feasibility, safety and preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of a home-based exercise programme for older people with Alzheimer’s disease: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Suttanon Plaiwan , Hill Keith D , Said Catherine M , Williams Susan B , Byrne Karin N , LoGiudice Dina , Lautenschlager Nicola T , Dodd Karen J
Published: November 2012

Objective:

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a home-based exercise programme for people with Alzheimer’s disease, and to provide preliminary evidence of programme effectiveness in improving balance and mobility and reducing falls risk.

Design:

A randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Community.

Participants:

Forty people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease (mean age 81.9, SD 5.72; 62.5% female).

Interventions:

Participants were randomized to a six-month home-based individually tailored balance, strengthening and walking exercise programme (physiotherapist) or a six-month home-based education programme (control) (occupational therapist). Both programmes provided six home-visits and five follow-up phone calls.

Main measures:

Balance, mobility, falls and falls risk were measured at baseline and programme completion. Intention-to-treat analysis using a generalized linear model with group allocation as a predictor variable was performed to evaluate programme effectiveness. Feasibility and adverse events were systematically recorded at each contact.

Results:

Fifty-eight per cent of the exercise group finished the programme, completing an average of 83% of prescribed sessions, with no adverse events reported. Functional Reach improved significantly ( P = 0.002) in the exercise group (mean (SD), 2.28 (4.36)) compared to the control group (–2.99 (4.87)). Significant improvement was also observed for the Falls Risk for Older People – Community score ( P = 0.008) and trends for improvement on several other balance, mobility, falls and falls risk measures for the exercise group compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

The exercise programme was feasible and safe and may help improve balance and mobility performance and reduce falls risk in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Occupational therapy predischarge home visits for patients with a stroke (HOVIS): results of a feasibility randomized controlled trial
Authors: Drummond AER , Whitehead P , Fellows K , Sprigg N , Sampson CJ , Edwards C , Lincoln NB
Published: November 2012

Objective:

To assess the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial of occupational therapy predischarge home visits for people after stroke.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial and cohort study. We randomized eligible patients for whom there was clinical uncertainty about the need to conduct a home visit to a randomized controlled trial; patients for whom a visit was judged ‘essential’ were enrolled into a cohort study.

Setting:

Stroke rehabilitation unit of teaching hospital.

Participants:

One hundred and twenty-six participants hospitalized following recent stroke.

Interventions:

Predischarge home visit or structured, hospital-based interview.

Main outcome measures:

The primary objective was to collect information on the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial, including eligibility, control intervention and outcome assessments. The primary outcome measure was the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale at one month after discharge from hospital. Secondary outcomes included mood, quality of life and costs at one week and one month following discharge.

Results:

Ninety-three people were allocated to the randomized controlled trial; 47 were randomized to intervention and 46 to control. Thirty-three were enrolled into the cohort study. More people were allocated to the randomized controlled trial as the study progressed. One hundred and thirteen people (90%) received the proposed intervention, although there was a need for stricter protocol adherence. Follow-up was good: at one month 114 (90%) were assessed. There were no significant differences between the groups in the randomized controlled trial for the primary outcome measure at one month. The average cost of a home visit was £208.

Conclusion:

A trial is feasible and warranted given the resource implications of predischarge occupational therapy home visits.
DRD2/ANKK1 Taq1A (rs 1800497 C>T) genotypes are associated with susceptibility to second generation antipsychotic-induced akathisia
Authors: Lawford BR , Barnes M , Swagell CD , Connor JP , Burton SC , Heslop K , Voisey J , Morris CP , Nyst P , Noble EP , Young RM
Published: November 2012

Although the advent of atypical, second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) has resulted in reduced likelihood of akathisia, this adverse effect remains a problem. It is known that extrapyramidal adverse effects are associated with increased drug occupancy of the dopamine 2 receptors (DRD2). The A1 allele of the DRD2/ANKK1, rs1800497, is associated with decreased striatal DRD2 density. The aim of this study was to identify whether the A1(T) allele of DRD2/ANKK1 was associated with akathisia (as measured by Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale) in a clinical sample of 234 patients who were treated with antipsychotic drugs. Definite akathisia (a score ≥ 2 in the global clinical assessment of akathisia) was significantly less common in subjects who were prescribed SGAs (16.8%) than those prescribed FGAs (47.6%), p < 0.0001. Overall, 24.1% of A1+ patients (A1A2/A1A1) who were treated with SGAs had akathisia, compared to 10.8% of A1- (thus, A2A2) patients. A1+ patients who were administered SGAs also had higher global clinical assessment of akathisia scores than the A1- subjects ( p = 0.01). SGAs maintained their advantage over FGAs regarding akathisia, even in A1+ patients who were treated with SGAs. These results strongly suggested that A1+ variants of the DRD2/ANKK1 Taq1A allele do confer an associated risk for akathisia in patients who were treated with SGAs, and these variants may explain inconsistencies found across prior studies, when comparing FGAs and SGAs.
In vivo and in vitro characterization of naltrindole-derived ligands at the κ-opioid receptor
Authors: Casal-Dominguez Joseph J , Clark Mary , Traynor John R , Husbands Stephen M , Bailey Sarah J
Published: November 2012

Accumulating evidence supports a role for κ−opioid receptor antagonists in the treatment of mood disorders. Standard κ-antagonists have an unusual pharmacodynamic action, with a single injection blocking receptor signaling for several weeks. Here, we have characterized the κ-selective properties of two ligands, 5’-(2-aminomethyl) naltrindole (5’-AMN) and N-((Naltrindol-5-yl) methyl) pentanimidamide (5’-MABN), to identify whether modifications of the naltrindole side chain produces short-acting κ-antagonists. Opioid receptor binding affinity and activity were assessed using [3H]-diprenorphine binding, guanosine-5’-O-(3-[35S]-thio) triphosphate ([35S]-GTPγS) binding and isolated guinea-pig ileum. Pharmacodynamic profiles of 5’-AMN and 5’-MABN (1–10 mg/kg) were investigated using the tail-withdrawal assay and diuresis. Efficacy was also determined in depression- and anxiety-related behavioral paradigms in CD-1 mice. Both 5’-AMN and 5’-MABN had high affinity for κ−receptors ( Ki 1.36±0.98 and 0.27±0.08, respectively) and were revealed as potent κ-antagonists ( pA2 7.43 and 8.18, respectively) and μ-receptor antagonists ( pA2 7.62 and 7.85, respectively) in the ileum. Contrary to our hypothesis, in vivo, 5’-AMN and 5’-MABN displayed long-lasting antagonist effects in mice, reducing the antinociceptive actions of U50,488 (10 mg/kg) at 28 and 21 days post-injection, respectively. Interestingly, while 5’-AMN and 5’-MABN were not κ-selective, both compounds did show significant antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects at 7–14 days post-injection in mice.
Effects of antipsychotic treatment on cognition in healthy subjects
Authors: Veselinović Tanja , Schorn Holger , Vernaleken Ingo B , Hiemke Christoph , Zernig Gerald , Gur Ruben , Gründer Gerhard
Published: November 2012

Cognitive impairments can be observed in the majority of diseases with disturbed dopamine transmission. They are considered as core symptoms of schizophrenia, a disorder in which they appear to be particularly pronounced. Their neurobiological background is not yet sufficiently investigated, but dopaminergic systems are believed to play a crucial role. The aim of this single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study was to examine the effects of subchronic antidopaminergic treatment on cognitive functions in healthy subjects. In total, 72 healthy volunteers, randomised into four groups, received one antidopaminergic substance (aripiprazole, haloperidol or reserpine) or placebo, respectively, for 7 days. A comprehensive neurocognitive assessment was conducted at baseline, 24 h after the last medication intake and 7 days later. In the Digit Symbol Substitution Test a distinct, statistically significant improvement was measured in the second session in the placebo but not in the medication group. A significant group*time interaction for reaction times in three subtests of the Test battery for Attentional Performance (TAP) was also found. Our findings indicate that modulation of dopaminergic systems affects primarily speed of information processing, attention and learning. Absence of effects on other functions, differing from previous reports, may be an expression of a sufficient counter-regulation.
Mass Effect 2
Authors: Bizzocchi Jim , Tanenbaum Theresa Jean
Published: November 2012

Digital games have matured substantially as a narrative medium in the last decade. However, there is still much work to be done to more fully understand the poetics of story-based-games. Game narrative remains an important issue with significant cultural, economic and scholarly implications. In this article, we undertake a critical analysis of the design of narrative within Mass Effect 2: a game whose narrative is highly regarded in both scholarly and vernacular communities. We follow the classic humanities methodology of “close-reading”: the detailed observation, deconstruction, and analysis of a text. Our close-reading employs a critical framework from our previous work to isolate and highlight the central narrative design parameters within digital games. This framework is grounded in the scholarly discourse around games and narrative, and has been tested and revised in the process of close-reading and analyzing contemporary games. The narrative design parameters we examine are character, storyworld, narrativized interface, emotion, and plot coherence. Our analysis uses these parameters to explicate a series of design decisions for the effective creation of narrative experience in Mass Effect 2, and by extension, for game narratives in general. We also expand our previous methodology through a focused “edge-case” strategy for exploring the limits of character, action, and story in the game. Finally, we position our analysis of Mass Effect 2 within contemporary discourses of “bounded agency”, and explore how the game negotiates the tension between player-expression, and narrative inevitability to create opportunities for sophisticated narrative poetics including tragedy and sacrifice.
Video Games, Identity, and the Constellation of Information
Authors: Martin Crystle
Published: November 2012

This article explores the identity of youth in relation to the information sources they choose in the constellation of information of video games, using the massively multiplayer online game World of Warcraft as an example. From this study, several identities are recognized that are combinations of the participants skill and level in the game, as well as their play style and the information practices they use in relation to school success.
Return to Sports Activity After Tibial Plateau Fractures
Authors: Kraus Tobias M. , Martetschläger Frank , Müller Dirk , Braun Karl F. , Ahrens Philipp , Siebenlist Sebastian , Stöckle Ulrich , Sandmann Gunther H.
Published: November 2012

Background:

Tibial plateau fractures requiring surgery are severe injuries. For professionals, amateurs, and recreational athletes, tibial plateau fractures might affect leisure and professional life.

Hypothesis:

Athletic patients will be affected in their sporting activity after a tibial plateau fracture. Despite a long rehabilitation time and program, physical activity will change to low-impact sports.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 89 consecutive patients (age range, 14-76 years) were included in the study and were surveyed by a questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures between 2003 and 2009 with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. The sporting activity was determined at the time of injury, 1 year postoperatively, and at the time of the survey at an average of 52.8 months postoperatively. The clinical evaluation included the Lysholm score, the Tegner activity scale, the activity rating scale (ARS), and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain perception. Fractures were classified and analyzed using both the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) and the Schatzker classifications.

Results:

At the time of injury, 88.8% of all patients were engaged in sports compared with 62.9% 1 year postoperatively and 73.0% at the time of the survey. Of the professional or competitive athletes (n = 11 at the time of injury), only 2 returned to competition at the time of the survey. The number of different sporting activities declined from 4.9 at the time of injury to 3.6 at the time of the survey ( P < .001). The sports frequency and the activity duration per week, being 2.8 sessions and 4.5 hours at the time of injury, respectively, declined to 2.4 sessions and 3.8 hours ( P < .001 and P = .007, respectively) at the time of the survey, respectively. The Lysholm score (98.7 points before accident) and the VAS for pain perception (0.2 before accident) illustrated significant declines to 76.6 points for the Lysholm score and 2.6 for the VAS ( P < .001 and P < .001, respectively) at the time of the survey. The high-energy traumas, Schatzker IV to VI, had significant worse results in the clinical scores compared with the low-energy traumas (Lysholm, P < .001; Tegner, P = .027).

Conclusion:

The majority of patients could not return to their previous level of activity, and for patients playing competitive sports, this injury can be a career ender. Overall, we noticed a postinjury shift toward activities with less impact. However, at the time of the survey, 73% of all patients were engaged in sports.
Waist Circumference Cutoff Points for Central Obesity in the Korean Elderly Population
Authors: So Eun Sun , Yoo Kwang Soo
Published: November 2012

The aim is to determine the appropriate cutoff values of waist circumference (WC) for an increased risk of the metabolic syndrome in the Korean elderly population. We analyzed the WC cutoff values of four groups divided according to sex and age with a total of 2,224 elderly participants aged 65 years old and above from the Fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey using the receiver operating characteristic curve and multiple logistic regression. The WC cutoff values associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome were 89.6 cm for men and 90.5 cm for women for those who were 65 to 74 years old, and 89.9 cm for men and 87.9 cm for women for those who were 75 years old or older. WC cutoff points for estimating metabolic risk are similar in elderly men and women. Age-specific optimal WC cutoff points should be considered especially for elderly women in screening for metabolic syndrome.
Reliability and Validity of the BRIEF-A for Assessing Deaf College Students’ Executive Function
Authors: Hauser Peter C. , Lukomski Jennifer , Samar Vince
Published: November 2012

This study investigated the reliability and validity of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions–Adult Form (BRIEF-A) when used with deaf college students. The BRIEF-A was administered to 176 deaf and 184 hearing students of whom 25 deaf students and 56 hearing students self-identified as having an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnoses. Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency reliabilities for the deaf participants ranged from .55 to .96, similar to the published BRIEF-A normative sample. Differential Item Function analysis revealed that only 3 of the 75 items showed evidence of item bias for deaf students. The participants with ADHD had significantly higher scores on all nine scales. Discriminant analysis revealed comparable sensitivity and specificity of the BRIEF-A for discriminating ADHD from non-ADHD individuals for deaf and hearing groups. Finally, the deaf and hearing ADHD groups exhibited score profiles across the nine BRIEF-A scales that followed the pattern of the BRIEF-A ADHD clinical sample profile. The results suggest that the BRIEF-A is a reliable, largely unbiased diagnostic tool for deaf college students, with comparable discriminant and predictive validity for ADHD.
Child Care as a Work Support
Authors: Roll Susan , East Jean
Published: November 2012

Research has shown that welfare policy plays a significant role in the subordination of women, and with each new policy iteration, it is important to continue to expose the way in which policy intentionally or unintentionally places women at a disadvantage. Using a socialist feminist framework, this article explores child care as a work-support benefit and the realities of the lived experience of those who receive child care subsidies. This policy is examined for its role in subordinating women as they attempt to navigate both work and family responsibilities while trying to move toward financial independence.
An Ecological Understanding of the Risk Factors Associated With Stalking Behavior
Authors: Cho Hyunkag , Hong Jun Sung , Logan TK
Published: November 2012

In this article, we review the literature on the risk factors that are associated with stalking victimization and perpetration using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory. More specifically, we identified individual-level (sociodemographic), interpersonal-level (the relationship between the perpetrators and victims), societal-level (policies), and cultural-level (gender role socialization and social norms) factors that are associated with stalking behavior. We then draw implications from our review for assessment, prevention, and intervention strategies for social workers who are working with victims and perpetrators of stalking.
Quality of Life and Attitudes Toward Aging Among Older Women in Turkey
Authors: Top Mehmet , Eriş Hüseyin , Kabalcioğlu Feray
Published: November 2012

This quantitative and descriptive study investigated the quality of life (QOL) and attitudes toward aging of 270 older women in Sanliurfa Province, Turkey. The Turkish versions of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument—Older Adults Module and the World Health Organization—Attitudes Toward Aging Questionnaire were administered to the participants. The results indicated that there was significant relationship between the women’s QOL and attitudes toward aging. Two dimensions of attitudes toward aging (physical change and psychological growth) were significant predictors of QOL in the women. It was also found that literacy and happiness affected some dimensions of the women’s QOL and some subscales of attitudes toward aging.
An Autoethnography of a Childless Woman in Korea
Authors: Yang Sungeun
Published: November 2012

The study presented here explored the experiences of a Korean childless woman through self-reflection. The autoethnographic narrative describes the social encounters of the childless woman and how she constructs and presents her childlessness to others. It reveals her divided self experiencing ambivalence and inner conflict between her authentic self and her regard for cultural values. It shows her efforts to achieve the integration of the self and her struggle for destigmatization. The article focuses on a woman’s freedom of choice and highlights the need to empower childless women in a pronatalist society. Implications for social work professionals are discussed.
The Contribution of Heart Failure to Sleep Disturbances and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults
Authors: Johansson Peter , Riegel Barbara , Svensson Erland , Broström Anders , Alehagen Urban , Dahlström Ulf , Jaarsma Tiny
Published: November 2012

Background:

The aim of this study was to explore the associations between physical symptoms, sleep disturbances, and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling elderly individuals, comparing persons with and without heart failure (HF).

Methods:

A total of 613 older adults (mean age 78 years) underwent clinical and echocardiographic examinations. Questionnaires were used to evaluate sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms. A model was developed in those with HF (n = 107) and compared with those without HF (n = 506).

Results:

Cardiopulmonary symptoms (ie, dyspnea and nighttime palpitations) and pain had significant direct associations with sleep disturbances, which indirectly affected depressive symptoms. The model was essentially the same in those with and without HF except that the effect of sleep disturbances on depressive symptoms was stronger in those with HF (β = 0.64 vs β = 0.45, P = .006).

Conclusion:

In community-dwelling older adults, regardless of their diagnosis, physical symptoms had a direct effect on sleep disturbances and an indirect effect on depressive symptoms.
Organisational culture and intelligence analysis: A perspective from senior managers in the Defence Intelligence Assessments Staff
Authors: Hare Nicolas Paul , Collinson Paul
Published: November 2012

We highlight some key elements of the organisational culture of structures engaged in all-source intelligence analysis and draw on a preliminary survey of a small cadre of senior managers in the Defence Intelligence Assessments Staff (DIAS). This suggests that DIAS has a strong identity and value system, and that it is introspective and somewhat averse to change. Our provisional findings based on a limited sample of senior managers suggest that physical and demographic isolation, and the recent history of the organisation, may be significant in shaping DIAS’s culture, but that intrinsic factors such as the nature of the job and the personalities attracted to it also play a part. It is not possible to state with certainty what the impact of culture change (and what it would take to achieve) would be on analytical capability, but the continued impetus towards a more customer-facing culture appears to carry both costs and benefits in terms of the kinds of tasks at which the organisation is likely to excel.