bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sociocultural Influences on Weight-Related Behaviors in African American Adolescents
Authors: Tate Nutrena H. , Davis Jean E. , Yarandi Hossein N.
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the sociocultural factors related to weight behaviors in African American adolescents utilizing a social ecological approach. A descriptive correlational design included a sample of 145 African American adolescents. Perceived familial socialization, ethnic identity, physical activity, and eating behavior patterns were measured. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product–moment correlations, and multiple regression equations. Perceived maternal socialization was significantly related to adolescent eating behaviors and physical activity whereas perceived paternal socialization was significantly related only to their physical activity. The adolescents’ ethnic identity was not significantly related to their eating behaviors or physical activity. Health care providers who work with adolescents and their families can use the initial findings from this study to encourage healthy weight-related behaviors while reducing the obesity epidemic within the African American adolescent population in a developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive manner.
Success of Salvage Treatment: A Critical Appraisal of Salvage Rates for Different Subsites of HNSCC
Authors: Matoscevic Katja , Graf Nicole , Pezier Thomas F. , Huber Gerhard F.
Published: June 2014

Objective

Despite advances in interdisciplinary treatment protocols, the chance of cure for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) following failed primary therapy is poor and often entails a high morbidity. Recurrence rates vary widely in the literature depending on tumor localization, primary tumor stage, and treatment modality, and only a minority of patients can be salvaged.

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

This study valuates the outcomes of patients treated for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, pharynx, and oral cavity in the largest tertiary referral center of Switzerland to find predictors for survival in salvage surgery with curative intent.

Subjects and Methods

Included were 176 consecutive patients with recurrent disease after primary curative treatment of HNSCC, in locations mentioned previously. Kaplan‐Meier survival analyses with log‐rank testing were performed depending on T and N stage, gender, treatment, and location of first relapse to evaluate the impact on overall survival, disease specific survival, and recurrence free survival.

Results

Overall successful salvage rates were 49.2% for laryngeal recurrence, 35.1% for oral cavity, 32.7% for oropharyngeal, and a mere 17.4% for hypopharyngeal recurrences. Predictive factors for better outcome were location of recurrence, female gender, lymph node status, and extent of salvage treatment.

Conclusion

In case of recurrent disease, laryngeal cancers showed the best salvage rates, whereas in hypopharyngeal relapses, very few patients could be successfully salvaged. Patients therefore should be carefully selected and counseled for salvage treatment according to patient motivation, age, type of previous treatment, surgical resectability, and exclusion of distant recurrence.
Medication Associated with Hearing Loss: 25 Years of Medical Malpractice Cases in the United States
Authors: Ruhl Douglas S. , Cable Benjamin B. , Martell David W.
Published: June 2014

Objectives

Many medications have the potential for ototoxicity. To potentiate management of this risk, this study examines malpractice litigation trends of lawsuits involving hearing loss associated with medication use. As experts in hearing loss, it may benefit otolaryngologists to be familiar with this information.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

All US civil trials.

Subjects and Methods

Court records of legal trials from 1987 to 2012 were obtained from 2 major computerized databases. Data were compiled on the demographics of the defendant and plaintiff, use of otolaryngologists as expert witnesses, medication used, legal allegations, verdicts, and judgments.

Results

Forty‐six unique cases met inclusion criteria and were selected for review. Antibiotics (72%), specifically aminoglycosides (47%), were the most common medications cited as causing hearing loss. Eleven (22%) cases were resolved through a settlement before a verdict was reached. Verdicts in favor of the plaintiffs (37%) were awarded an average of $1,134,242. Pediatric patients were more likely to have outcomes in their favor (P =. 03) compared to adults. Of the cases found in favor of the plaintiff, the most common reasons cited were inappropriate medication, dose, or duration (59%); failure to properly monitor (39%); and failure to choose a less toxic medication (18%).

Conclusions

Physicians must be aware of the potential effects of the medications they prescribe. An understanding of potential drug interactions, proper monitoring, and appropriate substitution with less toxic medications are important to improve patient care. Analyzing litigation trends may be used to prevent future lawsuits and improve physician awareness.
Minimizing the perfusion system by integration of the components. Does it affect the hematocrit drop and transfused red blood cells? A retrospective audit
Authors: Boks RH , van Pelt C , Takkenberg JJM , Bogers Ad JJC
Published: June 2014

Background:

We evaluate the affect on the hematocrit (Hct) drop and the amount of transfused red blood cells (RBCs) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in adult cardiac surgery patients due to minimizing the CPB circuit by using integrated components.

Methods:

Two hundred and seventy-two patients were included in this retrospective audit. Patients were assigned to three cohorts: the first cohort consisted of patients operated on with a CPB circuit volume of 1630 ml in 2008; the second cohort of such patients in 2010, with 1380 ml; and the third cohort of such patients in 2011, with 1250 ml.

Results:

There were no significant differences with respect to patient demographics. The priming volume was consecutively significantly reduced; (1635 ± 84 ml, 1384 ± 72 ml and 1256 ± 130 ml, p<0.0001). A trend of decreased amount of RBCs during CPB was visible (cohort 1630: 98 ± 195 ml, cohort 1380: 35 ± 151 ml and cohort 1250: 48 ± 113 ml, p=0.02). Also, the amount of RBCs during the total CPB procedure shows a decreased trend (cohort 1630: 122 ± 230 ml, cohort 1380: 52 ± 180 ml and cohort 1250: 71 ± 156 ml, p=0.04). Blood loss during CPB was significantly lower in cohorts 1380 and 1250 (1630: 922 ± 378 ml, 1380: 706 ± 347 ml and 1250: 708 ± 418 ml, p<0.0001). The volume of diuresis was significantly larger in cohort 1630 (1630: 1166 ± 800 ml, 1380: 477 ± 530 ml and 1250: 523 ± 504 ml, p<0.0001). The Hct drop at the start and end of CPB was significantly reduced comparing cohort 1630 with cohort 1250 (1630: 32 ± 7%, 1380: 30 ± 7% and 1250: 28 ± 10%, p=0.002) at the start of CPB and (1630: 31 ± 7%, 1380: 29 ± 7% and 1250: 28 ± 8%, p=0.016) at the end of CPB. The Hct values at the start and end of CPB were significantly different between the cohorts (1680: 0.23 ± 0.03 L/L - 0.22 ± 0.02 L/L, 1380: 0.25 ± 0.03 L/L - 0.25 ± 0.03 L/L and 1250: 0.25 ± 0.03 L/L- 0.25 ± 0.03 L/L, p= 0.001 and 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Minimizing our CPB circuit by using integrated components has affected the drop of Hct and the amount of transfused RBCs.
Task-specific balance training improves self-assessed function in community-dwelling older adults with balance deficits and fear of falling: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Roaldsen Kirsti Skavberg , Halvarsson Alexandra , Sahlström Theres , Ståhle Agneta
Published: June 2014

Objective:

To evaluate the effects of a 12-week balance training programme on self-assessed function and disability in healthy community-dwelling older adults with self-perceived balance deficits and fear of falling.

Design:

A prospective, randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Stockholm County, Sweden.

Participants:

A total of 59 community-dwelling older adults (42 women and 17 men) aged 67–93 were randomized to either an intervention group ( n = 38) or to serve as controls ( n = 21) after baseline testing.

Intervention:

The intervention was a 12-week, three times per week, progressive, specific and individually adjusted group balance-training programme.

Main measures:

Self-perceived function and disability measured with Late Life Function and Disability Instrument.

Results:

The intervention group reported improvement in overall function ( p = 0.016), as well as in basic ( p = 0.044) and advanced lower extremity function ( p = 0.025) compared with the control group. The study showed no improvement in overall disability or upper extremity function.

Conclusion:

This group balance training programme improves self-assessed function in community-dwelling older adults with balance deficits and fear of falling.
Comparing the effects of hydrotherapy and land-based therapy on balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Volpe Daniele , Giantin Maria Giulia , Maestri Roberto , Frazzitta Giuseppe
Published: June 2014

Objective:

Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of a hydrotherapy treatment in patients with Parkinson’s disease and the effectiveness of this treatment on balance parameters in comparison to a traditional land-based physical therapy.

Design:

A randomized single-blind controlled trial.

Setting:

Outpatients.

Subjects:

Thirty-four patients with Parkinson’s disease in Hoehn-Yahr stage 2.5–3.

Intervention:

Group 1 hydrotherapy treatment, group 2 land-based rehabilitation treatment. The two groups underwent the same rehabilitation period (60 minutes of treatment, five days a week for two months).

Main measures:

The primary outcome measures were the centre of the pressure sway area recorded with open and closed eyes, using a stabilometric platform. Secondary outcome measures were Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale II and III, Timed Up and Go Test, Berg Balance Scale, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Falls Efficacy Scale, Falls diary and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39.

Results:

Hydrotherapy treatment proved to be feasible and safe. Patients in both groups had a significant improvement in all outcome variables. There was a better improvement in patients who underwent hydrotherapy than in patients treated with land-based therapy in the centre of pressure sway area closed eyes (mean SD change: 45.4 SD64.9 vs. 6.9 SD45.3, p = 0.05), Berg Balance Scale (51.2 SD3.1 vs. 6.0 SD3.1, p = 0.005), Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (16.8 SD10.6 vs. 4.1 SD5.4, p = 0.0001), Falls Efficacy Scale (−5.9 SD4.8 vs. −1.9 SD1.4, p = 0.003), Parkinson’s Disease Quetionnaire-39 (−18.4 SD12.9 vs. −8.0 SD7.0, p = 0.006) and falls diary (−2.4 SD2.2 vs. −0.4 SD0.5, p = 0.001).

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that hydrotherapy may constitute a possible treatment for balance dysfunction in Parkinsonian patients with moderate stage of disease.
Preparation and characterization of biodegradable amphiphilic polymers and nanoparticles with high protein-loading capacity
Authors: Solimando Antonella , Dessy Alberto , Alderighi Michele , Altomare Angelina , Chiellini Federica , Solaro Roberto
Published: June 2014

Multiblock copolymers containing carboxyl groups in the side-chains and at the chain ends were prepared from ABA triblock copolymers of ε-caprolactone, or lactide (as A block), and ethylene glycol (as B block). ABAn multiblock copolymers were prepared after chain-end functionalization and chain extension with pyromellitic dianhydride. A series of polymers were synthesized by varying the poly(ethylene glycol) and polyester molecular weight and the chirality of the lactide. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis was used to confirm free carboxyl groups in the polymer backbone and at the chain ends. Thermal analysis indicated that the presence of pyromellitic dianhydride residues interfered not only with the formation of crystalline phases but also with the thermal degradation of chain-extended polymers. The biocompatibility of these amphiphilic polymers as evaluated with mouse embryo fibroblasts was acceptable. Both the parent ABA triblock copolymers and the carboxylated polymers were processed into nanoparticles. Depending on the polymer structure and reaction conditions, a narrow size nanoparticle distribution from ~10 to 250 nm was obtained. The nanoparticles were loaded with 60%–90% albumin and released 80%–90% of the albumin absorbed. Overall, this system was found to be well suited for the preparation of high-capacity injectable protein drug delivery.
A social net? Internet and social media use during unemployment
Authors: Feuls Miriam , Fieseler Christian , Suphan Anne
Published: June 2014

Many people who are unemployed tend to experience forms of psychological and social losses, including a weakened time structure, diminished social contacts, an absence of collective purpose, falling status, and inactivity. This article focuses on the experience of diminished social contacts and addresses whether social media help the unemployed maintain their relationships. Based on qualitative interviews with unemployed individuals, the article identifies various types of social support networks and their impact on individual experiences of inclusion and exclusion. Although the unemployed use social media to cultivate their social support networks, the opportunity to establish new contacts, both private and professional, is underutilized. Thus, social network differentiation between the unemployed and employed persists online in social media.
Assessment of the impact of the London Olympics 2012 on selected non-genitourinary medicine clinic sexual health services
Authors: Hartley A , Foster R , Brook MG , Cassell JA , Mercer CH , Coyne K , Hughes G , Crook P
Published: June 2014

With minimal information on sexual health provision during mass-gathering events, our aim was to describe the use of sexual health, contraceptive, sex worker and sexual assault services during the London 2012 Olympics. We analysed data from five sources. One contraceptive service provider reported a 10% increase in attendance during the main Games, while emergency contraception prescriptions rose during the main Olympics, compared to the week before, but were similar or lower than at the beginning and end of the summer period. A health telephone advice line reported a 16% fall in sexual health-related calls during the main Olympics, but a 33% increase subsequently. London sexual assault referral centres reported that 1.8% of sexual assaults were Olympics-linked. A service for sex workers reported that 16% started working in the sex industry and 7% moved to London to work during the Olympics. Fifty-eight per cent and 45% of sex workers reported fewer clients and an increase in police crack-downs, respectively. Our results show a change in activity across these services during the 2012 summer, which may be associated with the Olympics. Our data are a guide to other services when anticipating changes in service activity and planning staffing for mass-gathering events.
Sleep Underpins the Plasticity of Language Production
Authors: Gaskell M. Gareth , Warker Jill , Lindsay Shane , Frost Rebecca , Guest James , Snowdon Reza , Stackhouse Abigail
Published: June 2014

The constraints that govern acceptable phoneme combinations in speech perception and production have considerable plasticity. We addressed whether sleep influences the acquisition of new constraints and their integration into the speech-production system. Participants repeated sequences of syllables in which two phonemes were artificially restricted to syllable onset or syllable coda, depending on the vowel in that sequence. After 48 sequences, participants either had a 90-min nap or remained awake. Participants then repeated 96 sequences so implicit constraint learning could be examined, and then were tested for constraint generalization in a forced-choice task. The sleep group, but not the wake group, produced speech errors at test that were consistent with restrictions on the placement of phonemes in training. Furthermore, only the sleep group generalized their learning to new materials. Polysomnography data showed that implicit constraint learning was associated with slow-wave sleep. These results show that sleep facilitates the integration of new linguistic knowledge with existing production constraints. These data have relevance for systems-consolidation models of sleep.
The Adaptive Nature of Visual Working Memory
Authors: Orhan A. Emin , Sims Chris R. , Jacobs Robert A. , Knill David C.
Published: June 2014

A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that visual working memory and statistical learning are intrinsically linked. Although visual working memory is severely resource limited, in many cases, it makes efficient use of its available resources by adapting to statistical regularities in the visual environment. However, experimental evidence also suggests that there are clear limits and biases in statistical learning. This raises the intriguing possibility that performance limitations observed in visual working memory tasks can to some degree be explained in terms of limits and biases in statistical-learning ability, rather than limits in memory capacity.
Beyond Pubertal Timing
Authors: Mendle Jane
Published: June 2014

Dramatic physical and emotional changes mark puberty as one of the most important transitions of the human life span. To date, the majority of psychological studies on puberty have focused on pubertal timing, or when children mature relative to their peers. Yet understanding why puberty is meaningful requires adequate attention to multiple domains of developmental variation. The current article outlines four additional aspects of puberty relevant to health and well-being: tempo, synchrony, secular trends, and perceived development.
Seeing Eye to Body
Authors: Heflick Nathan A. , Goldenberg Jamie L.
Published: June 2014

Scholars have long argued that women are denied a basic sense of humanness—are objectified—when focus is directed toward their physical rather than mental qualities. Early research on objectification focused on women’s self-objectification and measured objectification indirectly (as an emphasis on physical appearance). Recent research, however, has provided direct evidence that a focus on the physical aspects of women by others causes women to be perceived like, and act like, objects lacking mind. Manifestations of this literal objectification include attributing women less of the traits that distinguish people from objects and visual-recognition and neural responses consistent with nonhuman-object perception. Women themselves also behave more like objects (by, e.g., speaking less) when they are aware of this focus by others. Real-world implications and ways to defuse literal objectification are discussed.
Serial-Position Effects in Evaluative Judgments
Authors: Unkelbach Christian , Memmert Daniel
Published: June 2014

Serial evaluations are the basis of many judgment and decision processes (e.g., in sports, talent shows, or academic examinations). We address the advantages and disadvantages of being in the beginning or the end of such evaluation series. We propose that for serial evaluations, people must calibrate a transformation function that translates observable stimulus input (e.g., performances) into available judgment categories (e.g., “pass” or “fail”). Until this function is calibrated, people are motivated to avoid extreme categories. Therefore, being good in the beginning is disadvantageous because one is more likely to be categorized as “average” than “good,” whereas being bad is advantageous because one is more likely to be categorized “average” than “bad.” We present real-life and laboratory examples of the proposed calibration effects and compare the calibration explanation with other accounts of serial-position effects. Based on these theoretical considerations, we suggest possible ways to avoid these position effects in serial evaluations.
The Vividness of the Happy Face
Authors: Becker D. Vaughn , Srinivasan Narayanan
Published: June 2014

An emerging literature reveals that happy faces are vivid: They automatically and rapidly engage cognitive processing at many different levels. They do this in part because their form has evolved to take advantage of preexisting efficiencies in visual perception. In addition to “happy advantages” at the earliest stages of perception, perceivers add their own benefits, with both attentional and memory mechanisms appearing to favor happy faces. These effects exist because for humans, prosocial communication is critical. Coevolution has sculpted both the signaler and the receiver to enhance the efficiency of this communication as a way to undergird our highly social nature.
Copy but Not Paste
Authors: Waterval Dominique G. J. , Frambach Janneke M. , Driessen Erik W. , Scherpbier Albert J. J. A.
Published: June 2014

Crossborder curriculum partnerships, entailing the transposition of an entire curriculum and the related degree(s) from “home” to “host” institution, are a rather new phenomenon in internationalization in education. The literature describes successful and unsuccessful partnerships, but critical factors for the success or failure of sustainable partnerships remain to be identified. We conducted a narrative literature review to find such factors. Using an iterative approach, we analyzed 39 articles retrieved from Web of Science, Google Scholar, ERIC, PubMed, and PsycInfo and meeting the inclusion criteria. We developed a framework of 13 factors in four domains: students, teachers, curriculum, and soft and hard project management. Simply copy-pasting a curriculum is generally considered to be destined for failure. To overcome challenges, partners should take preventive and affirmative measures across multiple domains. The findings may provide guidance to those considering or engaged in designing, developing, managing, and reviewing a crossborder partnership.
Efforts to Bridge the Gap Between Research and Practice in Social Work
Authors: Rubin Allen
Published: June 2014

This keynote address discusses previous and ongoing efforts to reduce the persistent gap between research and practice in social work and offers recommendations for further bridging that gap. Key among those recommendations is the need to conduct descriptive outcome studies of efforts to adapt research-supported interventions in everyday practice settings to develop a database of case studies that can be analyzed to ferret out the factors associated with variations in client outcomes. These studies would have additional value in bridging the gap by showing agencies whether the intervention they adapted is as effective in their setting and with their clients as they hoped it would be and whether they might need to tweak it or replace it. The keynote address also discusses ways to incentivize academia-based researchers to conduct such studies and the impact of pressure on them to obtain major research funding.
Coping With Stillbirth Among Ultraorthodox Jewish Women
Authors: Hamama-Raz Yaira , Hartman Hadas , Buchbinder Eli
Published: June 2014

Stillbirth is a traumatic prenatal loss with personal, familial, and social implications. We explored the meaning of stillbirth for ultraorthodox Israeli women for whom grieving for prenatal loss derived from the power of faith. We conducted semistructured interviews with ten ultraorthodox women, ages 26 to 55, in a qualitative study that was focused on thematic content analysis and influenced by the phenomenological-hermeneutic tradition. The loss of the fetus was experienced as a test to the women’s belief in God, and was perceived as a way to experience God’s love. The women’s faith became stronger and provided relief, calm, and confidence in God as benefactor. The meanings they attributed to their losses enabled them to move on. Findings are discussed in the context of research and theoretical literature on coping, bereavement, and mourning processes, and meaning for pregnancy-related losses. Awareness of ethnic meanings of stillbirth promotes implementation of culture-sensitive psychosocial interventions.
A novel image encryption using Fourier series
Authors: Khan Majid
Published: June 2014

In this paper, a technique is presented to synthesize resilient nonlinear mechanisms used for image encryption. The proposed nonlinear component assists in transforming the intelligible message or plain image into a ciphered image by the use of Fourier series. Experiments are performed by taking a standard picture to authenticate the strength of the proposed algorithm.
Procedures matter: Justice and effectiveness in international trade negotiations
Authors: Albin Cecilia , Druckman Daniel
Published: June 2014

International negotiators have faced repeated stalemates in a number of significant areas. Justice issues are at the heart of the matter in many cases, as vividly illustrated by trade negotiations, particularly at the multilateral level. Yet, issues of justice have received limited attention in research on trade negotiation. This article asks: do trade negotiators who take justice principles into account arrive at more effective agreements? Specifically, it explores relationships between two types of justice during the negotiation process — procedural and distributive justice — and the effectiveness of outcomes (agreements) in 22 cases of bilateral and multilateral international trade negotiation. It evaluates the impacts of these types of justice on negotiation effectiveness. The results from analyses clearly demonstrate that procedural justice plays a central role in contributing to effective outcomes in both bilateral and multilateral trade cases. The correlations between procedural justice and effectiveness are very strong, and significantly stronger than between distributive justice and effectiveness. Moreover, distributive justice impacts upon effectiveness only when procedural justice principles are observed. These findings contribute knowledge about factors that enhance effective outcomes in international negotiations. They extend earlier work on justice in peace agreements and fill a gap in the research literature. They also provide advice for negotiators, and add important questions to the future research agenda.
Celebrity, ageing and the construction of ‘third age’ identities
Authors: Marshall Barbara L. , Rahman Momin
Published: June 2014

This article explores celebrity as a point of articulation between consumer culture and the reconfiguration of ageing lifestyles and identities in contemporary culture – described by cultural gerontologists as the ‘Third Age’. We focus on ageing stars whose celebrity is used to promote a particular vision of successful ageing, describing the cultural basis and significance of this phenomenon through a case study of cover celebrities in Zoomer, a contemporary Canadian lifestyle magazine for older adults. We identify and analyse four key elements of an aspirational identity for Third Agers – fit, fashionable, functional and flexible – within the discourses of representation used. In conclusion, we discuss how the social functions of celebrity are central to constructing this new vision of ageing, both through its promotional role and, crucially, in its ability to mediate the contradictions of discourses of positive ageing in youth oriented consumer societies.
Cost-Effectiveness of a Community-Based Weight Control Intervention Targeting a Low-Socioeconomic-Status Mexican-Origin Population
Authors: Wilson Kimberly J. , Brown H. Shelton , Bastida Elena
Published: June 2014

Introduction. The objective of our study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a community-based intervention designed to improve physical activity levels and dietary intake and to reduce diabetes risk in a largely Hispanic population residing along the U.S.-Mexico border. Method. We forecasted disease outcomes, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained, and lifetime costs associated with actual and projected attainment of 2% and 5% weight loss taking a societal cost perspective. We extrapolated changes in beverage calorie consumption between baseline and 6-month follow-up to attain projected weight loss measures. Outcomes were projected 5, 10, and 20 years into the future and discounted at a 3.0% rate. Results. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $57,430 and $61,893, respectively, per QALY gained when compared with usual care for the 2% and 5% weight loss scenarios. The intervention was particularly cost-effective for morbidly obese participants. Cost-effectiveness improves when using 3-year weight loss projections based on changes in sugar-sweetened beverage caloric consumption to $49,478 and $24,092 for the 2% and 5% weight loss scenarios. Conclusions. This analysis demonstrates that a culturally sensitive community-based weight loss and maintenance intervention can be cost-effective even when healthy weight individuals participate.
Higher Resident Neuroticism Is Specifically Associated With Elevated State Cancer and Heart Disease Mortality Rates in the United States
Authors: McCann Stewart J. H.
Published: June 2014

Relations between state-aggregated responses of 619,397 residents to the neuroticism items of the Big Five Inventory and 2005-2007 age-adjusted state cancer, heart disease, total all-cause, other-disease, and non-disease mortality rates for the 50 states were examined. Partial correlations controlling for four state demographic variables and three risk variables showed neuroticism correlated significantly only with cancer mortality (.34) and heart disease mortality (.31). Hierarchical regression with demographic variables entered first, neuroticism second, and risk variables last showed neuroticism accounted for another significant 7.6% of cancer mortality variance and an additional significant 4.6% of heart disease mortality variance. Significant βs of .28 and .30, respectively, showed higher neuroticism was associated with higher cancer and heart disease mortality when all seven demographic and risk variables were controlled. Overall, the results show resident neuroticism is related to state cancer and heart disease mortality rates but not to total all-cause, other-disease, or non-disease mortality rates.
Prevalence and Predictors of High Sexual Prejudice Among Medical Students From Two Colombian Cities
Authors: Flórez-Salamanca Ludwing , Herazo Edwin , Oviedo Heidi Celina , Campo-Arias Adalberto
Published: June 2014

Around the world, sexual prejudice is still a concerning attitude present in health care providers and institutions. Identification of sexual prejudice during medical training could be an initial strategy to improve health care assistance to this particular population. Despite significant knowledge in the area, almost all previous studies were based on samples from developed countries, and there are no studies evaluating sexual prejudice and its conditionings among Latin American medical students. Objectives of the study were to estimate prevalence and predictors of sexual prejudice among medical students from two large cities in Colombia. This research found that 22.9% of medical students had a high sexual prejudice. Males and individuals with high religiosity were associated with a higher sexual prejudice and may require more sensitization and education in the area. Medical training represents a very good opportunity to approach the problem and decrease sexual prejudice in future physicians.
Measuring the Quality of Ecotourism Services
Authors: Yusof Nor’Aini , Abd Rahman Faiz , Che Jamil Mohd Fitri , Iranmanesh Mohammad
Published: June 2014

Ecotourism forms the pillar of the country’s tourism industry. Ecotourists make up more than 10% of international tourists in Malaysia. When service quality is thought of as an important factor to the success of tourism service providers, the importance of estimating service quality provided to tourists becomes apparent. Estimating service quality provides tourism service providers with the necessary information needed to manage their marketing operations appropriately. Therefore, this estimation should be performed with the right measurement scales. Despite the high volume of research on service quality (SERVQUAL) models in recent years, limited effort has been directed toward improving the tool for measuring service quality, particularly to apply to the ecotourism sector in developing countries. This article aims to improve a SERVQUAL model that is suitable for ecotourism areas in developing countries using five dimensions of the original model and one additional sustainability dimension. Based on a survey of 127 tourists in Tasik Kenyir, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to discover the underlying dimension of ecotourism services and test for reliability and validity. Using EFA resulted in seven factors totaling 27 items. These factors are labeled as follows: tangible sustainability, sustainable practices, tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. The results reveal that when SERVQUAL is applied within the ecotourism context, new dimensions of tangible sustainability and sustainable practices may emerge. The result implies the need to refine the SERVQUAL model when used in different contexts.
Surgically Relevant Bony and Soft Tissue Anatomy of the Proximal Femur
Authors: Philippon Marc J. , Michalski Max P. , Campbell Kevin J. , Goldsmith Mary T. , Devitt Brian M. , Wijdicks Coen A. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: June 2014

Background:

Hip endoscopy facilitates the treatment of extra-articular disorders of the proximal femur. Unfortunately, current knowledge of proximal femur anatomy is limited to qualitative descriptions and lacks surgically relevant landmarks.

Purpose:

To provide a quantitative and qualitative analysis of proximal femur anatomy in reference to surgically relevant bony landmarks.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Fourteen cadaveric hemipelvises were dissected. A coordinate measuring device measured dimensions and interrelationships of the gluteal muscles, hip external rotators, pectineus, iliopsoas, and joint capsule in reference to osseous landmarks.

Results:

The vastus tubercle, superomedial border of the greater trochanter, and femoral head-neck junction were distinct and reliable osseous landmarks. The anteroinferior tip of the vastus tubercle was 17.1 mm (95% CI: 14.5, 19.8 mm) anteroinferior to the center of the gluteus medius lateral insertional footprint and was 22.9 mm (95% CI: 20.1, 25.7 mm) inferolateral to the center of the gluteus minimus insertional footprint. The insertions of the piriformis, conjoint tendon of the hip (superior gemellus, obturator internus, and inferior gemellus), and obturator externus were identified relative to the superomedial border of the greater trochanter. The relationship of the aforementioned footprints were 49% (95% CI: 43%, 54%), 42% (95% CI: 33%, 50%), and 64% (95% CI: 59%, 69%) from the anterior (0%) to posterior (100%) margins of the superomedial border of the greater trochanter, respectively. The hip joint capsule attached distally on the proximal femur 18.2 mm (95% CI: 14.2, 22.2 mm) from the head-neck junction medially on average.

Conclusion:

The vastus tubercle, superomedial border of the greater trochanter, and the femoral head-neck junction were reliable osseous landmarks for the identification of the tendinous and hip capsular insertions on the proximal femur. Knowledge of the interrelationships between these structures is essential for endoscopic navigation and anatomic surgical repair and reconstruction.

Clinical Relevance:

The qualitative and quantitative clinically relevant anatomic data presented here will aid in the diagnosis of proximal femur pathology and will provide a template for anatomic repair or reconstruction.
Association of both Langerhans cell histiocytosis and Erdheim-Chester disease linked to the BRAFV600E mutation
Authors: Hervier Baptiste , Haroche Julien , Arnaud Laurent , Charlotte Frédéric , Donadieu Jean , Néel Antoine , Lifermann François , Villabona Carles , Graffin Bruno , Hermine Olivier , Rigolet Aude , Roubille Camille , Hachulla Eric , Carmoi Thierry , Bézier Maud , Meignin Véronique , Conrad Marie , Marie Laurence , Kostrzewa Elise , Michot Jean-Marie , Barete Stéphane , Taly Valerie , Cury Karine , Emile Jean-François , Amoura Zahir
Published: June 2014

Key Points

The association of both Langerhans cell histiocytosis and Erdheim-Chester disease is not exceptional. This association is linked to BRAFV600E mutation.
Imaging: how to recognise idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Devaraj Anand
Published: June 2014

It is well known that high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is an essential component of the diagnostic pathway in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Honeycombing, a common feature of IPF seen on HRCT, is crucial for an accurate diagnosis. Unfortunately, identification of honeycombing is not always straightforward, and there is some disagreement regarding its imaging features. It can be difficult to distinguish honeycombing from traction bronchiectasis and emphysema, although several imaging characteristics can be helpful. Recently, there has been an interest in expanding the use of HRCT beyond diagnosis for disease monitoring and prognostication, and several studies have provided valuable contributions in this regard. Traction bronchiectasis and the extent of fibrosis, for example, have been reported to be powerful prognostic predictors for mortality. Finally, considering the difficulties in diagnosis of “possible usual interstitial pneumonia”, clinicians should always be aware that clinical factors must be considered together with HRCT in order to reach an accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment.
Patient-centred management in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: similar themes in three communication models
Authors: Wuyts Wim A. , Peccatori Fedro A. , Russell Anne-Marie
Published: June 2014

The progressive and highly variable course of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can present patients and their families with various challenges at different points of the disease. Structured communication between the healthcare professional and the patient is vital to ensure the best possible support and treatment for the patient. While research in this area has been limited, an increasing number of studies are emerging that support the role of communication in patients with debilitating and fatal lung diseases.

Communication models used in other conditions that share many challenges with IPF, such as cancer, provide important insights for developing specifically designed patient support and communications models in IPF. Three communication models will be described: 1) the patient-centred care model (for oncology); 2) the three pillars of care model (for IPF); and 3) the Brompton model of care (for interstitial lung disease). Themes common to all three models include comprehensive patient education, encouraged patient participation and an accessible healthcare system, all supported by a collaborative provider–patient relationship. The development of effective communication skills is an on-going process and it is recommended to examine communication models used in other chronic diseases.
Diagnosis and management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: French practical guidelines
Authors: Cottin Vincent , Crestani Bruno , Valeyre Dominique , Wallaert Benoit , Cadranel Jacques , Dalphin Jean-Charles , Delaval Philippe , Israel-Biet Dominique , Kessler Romain , Reynaud-Gaubert Martine , Aguilaniu Bernard , Bouquillon Benoit , Carré Philippe , Danel Claire , Faivre Jean-Baptiste , Ferretti Gilbert , Just Nicolas , Kouzan Serge , Lebargy François , Marchand-Adam Sylvain , Philippe Bruno , Prévot Grégoire , Stach Bruno , Thivolet-Béjui Françoise , Cordier Jean-François ,   the French National Reference Centre and the Network of Competence Centres for Rare Lung Diseases
Published: June 2014

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most frequent chronic idiopathic interstitial pneumonia in adults. The management of rare diseases in France has been organised by a national plan for rare diseases, which endorsed a network of expert centres for rare diseases throughout France. This article is an overview of the executive summary of the French guidelines for the management of IPF, an initiative that emanated from the French National Reference Centre and the Network of Regional Competence Centres for Rare Lung Diseases. This review aims at providing pulmonologists with a document that: 1) combines the current available evidence; 2) reviews practical modalities of diagnosis and management of IPF; and 3) is adapted to everyday medical practice. The French practical guidelines result from the combined efforts of a coordination committee, a writing committee and a multidisciplinary review panel, following recommendations from the Haute Autorité de Santé. All recommendations included in this article received at least 90% agreement by the reviewing panel. Herein, we summarise the main conclusions and practical recommendations of the French guidelines.
Management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: selected case reports
Authors: Kreuter Michael , Kardos Peter , Hoffstein Victor
Published: June 2014

In 2011, revised international guidelines were issued jointly by the American Thoracic Society, the European Respiratory Society, the Japanese Respiratory Society and the Latin American Thoracic Association, which provide a valuable framework for the diagnosis and management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, due to the complexity of IPF, these guidelines may not comprehensively account for the management of individual IPF patients in clinical practice.

We describe three patient cases that were presented and discussed during the 2013 AIR: Advancing IPF Research meeting in Nice, France. These cases highlight the heterogeneity in the presentation, history and clinical course of IPF, together with expert insights regarding the diagnosis and management of IPF in the real-life setting.
On stability of functional equations related to quadratic mappings in fuzzy Banach spaces
Authors: Kim Seong Sik , Hussain Nawab , Cho Yeol Je
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we establish the generalized Hyers-Ulam stability problem of radical quadratic functional equations

f
(

x
2

+

y
2

)
=
f
(
x
)
+
f
(
y
)

in fuzzy Banach spaces via the direct and fixed point methods.

MSC:39B72, 39B82, 39B52, 47H09.
Carbonic anhydrase 9 is associated with chemosensitivity and prognosis in breast cancer patients treated with taxane and anthracycline
Authors: Aomatsu Naoki , Yashiro Masakazu , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Kawajiri Hidemi , Takashima Tsutomu , Ohsawa Masahiko , Wakasa Kenichi , Hirakawa Kosei
Published: June 2014

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is one of the standard care regimens for patients with resectable early-stage breast cancer. It would be advantageous to determine the chemosensitivity of tumors before initiating NAC. One of the parameters potentially compromising such chemosensitivity would be a hypoxic microenvironment of cancer cells. The aim of this study was thus to clarify the correlation between expression of the hypoxic marker carbonic anhydrase-9 (CA9) and chemosensitivity to NAC as well as prognosis of breast cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 102 patients with resectable early-stage breast cancer was treated with NAC consisting of FEC (5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide) followed by weekly paclitaxel before surgery. Core needle biopsy (CNB) specimens and resected tumors were obtained from all patients before and after NAC, respectively. Chemosensitivity to NAC and the prognostic potential of CA9 expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

Results

CA9 positivity was detected in the CNB specimens from 47 (46%) of 102 patients. The CA9 expression in CNB specimens was significantly correlated with pathological response, lymph node metastasis, and lymph-vascular invasion. Multivariate analysis revealed that the CA9 expression in CNB specimens was an independent predictive factor for pathological response. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve revealed a significant negative correlation (p = 0.013) between the disease-free survival (DFS) and the CA 9 expression in resected tissues after NAC. Multivariate regression analyses indicated that the CA9 expression in resected tissues was an independent prognostic factor for DFS.

Conclusions

CA9 expression in CNB specimens is a useful marker for predicting chemosensitivity, and CA9 expression in resected tissue is prognostic of DFS in patients with resectable early-stage breast cancer treated by sequential FEC and weekly paclitaxel prior to resection.
Exploring health-related quality of life in eating disorders by a cross-sectional study and a comprehensive review
Authors: Baiano Monica , Salvo Pierandrea , Righetti Pierluigi , Cereser Lucia , Baldissera Erika , Camponogara Ilenia , Balestrieri Matteo
Published: June 2014

Background

People with eating disorders (ED) often report poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which is explicitly correlated to illness’ severity and its effects on cognitive performance. We aimed to analyze health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in subgroups of eating disorder (ED) patients by using the brief version of WHOQoL questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF) before treatment administration. Moreover, in order to compare our findings with other published data, we carried out a comprehensive review of the literature on HRQoL in ED patients.

Methods

Our review was carried out by means of an accurate data mining of PsychInfo and Medline databases and other available sources. In our cross-sectional study, eighty female ED patients (26 with bulimia nervosa, 33 with anorexia nervosa, 7 with binge eating disorder and 14 with ED not otherwise specified) completed the WHOQoL-BREF. HRQoL scores were compared among ED subgroups and clinical information (presence of previous contacts, length of illness, psychiatric comorbidity) was considered in the analysis.

Results

Our review shows that with few exceptions ED patients have a poorer HRQoL than the healthy population of control and sometimes the mental component of HRQoL is the most involved dimension. Moreover, there are no differences in the HRQoL among ED groups, even if AN patients in some studies have a lower HRQoL scores. Furthermore, BED patients have a poorer HRQoL than obese patients who do not have binge episodes. Finally, all treatments were positively correlated with an improvement on general and specific QoL dimensions. In our sample, ED subgroups differed only for Psychological Health HRQoL scores (F = 4.072, df = 3; p = 0.01). No differences were found between inpatients and outpatients, treatment naïve and previously treated patients and patients with or without psychiatric comorbidity. Moreover, HRQoL scores were not correlated to length of illness within each ED subgroup.

Conclusions

The analysis of the literature adds some relevant information on HRQoL in ED and may address the future research toward the exploration of specific questions. One of these may be the prominent role of Psychological Health domain in HRQoL, since our study confirms that this component is able to differentiate eating disorders.