bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comorbidities among patients with cancer who do and do not develop febrile neutropenia during the first chemotherapy cycle
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Luthra Rakesh , Morrow Phuong K , Fisher Maxine D , Reiner Maureen , Barron Richard L , Langeberg Wendy J
Published: September 2015

Patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy with certain comorbidities are at increased risk of febrile neutropenia. A comprehensive evaluation of febrile neutropenia-related comorbidities across cancers is needed. This study compared comorbidity prevalence among patients with cancer who did and did not develop febrile neutropenia during the first chemotherapy cycle. This case–control study used administrative claims from adult patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or breast, lung, colorectal, ovarian, or gastric cancer who received chemotherapy between 2007 and 2012. Each patient who developed febrile neutropenia (case) was matched with up to four patients without febrile neutropenia (controls) by cancer type, metastasis, chemotherapy regimen, age group, and sex. For each comorbidity (identified in the year before chemotherapy began), the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for febrile neutropenia by cancer type was evaluated using conditional logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounding factors. Of 31,331 eligible patients, 672 developed febrile neutropenia in the first chemotherapy cycle. A total of 3312 febrile neutropenia cases and matched controls were analyzed. Across tumor types, comorbidity prevalence was higher in patients who developed febrile neutropenia than in those without febrile neutropenia. Among patients with breast cancer, osteoarthritis was more prevalent in patients with febrile neutropenia (aOR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.07 to 3.18). Among patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, renal disease was more prevalent in patients with febrile neutropenia (aOR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.23 to 4.11). Patients who developed febrile neutropenia in the first chemotherapy cycle presented with comorbidities more often than otherwise similar patients who did not develop febrile neutropenia. These findings warrant further investigation and support the inclusion of comorbidities into febrile neutropenia risk models.
Activity of single-agent decitabine in atypical chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Hausmann Heidi , Bhatt Vijaya R , Yuan Ji , Maness Lori J , Ganti Apar K
Published: September 2015

Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia is a rare entity that presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Traditionally utilized therapeutic agents such as hydroxyurea or interferon result in a median survival of approximately two years, thus warranting identification of better options. We report a 49-year-old Caucasian female, who presented with extreme leukocytosis (white blood cells of 148,300/µL) with left shift, severe anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Following a diagnosis of atypical chronic myeloid leukemia, she was started on intravenous decitabine. She subsequently developed paraneoplastic vasculitis of large arteries, which responded to high-dose glucocorticoid. Decitabine therapy resulted in an excellent hematologic response, transfusion independence, and successful transition to an allogeneic peripheral stem cell transplantation. However, the patient subsequently succumbed to the complications of acute graft-versus-host-disease. This case illustrates an association between atypical chronic myeloid leukemia and steroid-responsive paraneoplastic vasculitis and highlights the single-agent disease activity of decitabine in atypical chronic myeloid leukemia, which may be utilized as a bridging therapy to allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
A generalised algorithm for anelastic processes in elastoplasticity and biomechanics
Authors: Grillo Alfio , Prohl Raphael , Wittum Gabriel
Published: September 2015

A computational algorithm for solving anelastic problems in finite deformations is introduced. The presented procedure, termed the Generalised Plasticity Algorithm (GPA) hereafter, takes inspiration from the Return Mapping Algorithm (RMA), which is typically employed to solve the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) system arising in finite elastoplasticity, but aims to modify and extend the RMA to the case of more general flow rules and strain energy density functions as well as to non-classical formulations of elastoplasticity, in which the plastic variables are not treated as internal variables. To assess its reliability, the GPA is tested in two different contexts. First, it is used for solving two classical problems (a shear-compression test and the necking of a circular bar). In both cases, the GPA is compared with the RMA in terms of structural set-up, computational effort and flexibility, and its convergence is evaluated by solving several benchmarks. Some restrictions of the classical form of the RMA are pointed out, and it is shown how these can be overcome by adopting the proposed algorithm. Second, the GPA is applied to characterise the mechanical response of a biological tissue that undergoes large deformations and remodelling of its internal structure.
Combined effect of ultrasound and essential oils to reduce Listeria monocytogenes on fresh produce
Authors: Özcan Gülçin , Demirel Zorba Nükhet Nilüfer
Published: September 2015

Salads prepared from contaminated fresh produce have a high risk of causing food-borne illnesses. Essential oils obtained from plants have antimicrobial activity and may provide a natural approach to reduce the pathogens on fresh produce. Additionally, ultrasound treatments have been shown to reduce the microbial counts on different foods. The objective of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activities of cinnamon and lemon essential oils in vitro and in food applications. Mixtures of lettuce, parsley and dill were inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes and then dip-treated for 5 min in one of the following treatments: sterile tap water, chlorinated water, 1% lemon essential oil, 2% cinnamon essential oil or 2% cinnamon essential oil + ultrasound. The samples were stored at 4 ℃ and collected at d 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 post inoculation. The 1% lemon (4 log) and 2% cinnamon (2 log) essential oil washes provided partial inhibition against L. monocytogenes by d 1. The combined application of 2% cinnamon oil and ultrasound resulted in only 0.85 log inhibition by d 1; however, the number of L. monocytogenes increased during storage and became nearly equal to the control at d 9. Therefore, different combinations of essential oils with other antimicrobials or novel technologies are required.
Attentional Mechanisms in Autism, ADHD, and Autism-ADHD Using a Local–Global Paradigm
Authors: Gargaro B. A. , May Tamara , Tonge B. J. , Sheppard D. M. , Bradshaw J. L. , Rinehart N. J.
Published: September 2015

Objective: Cognitive flexibility or attentional set-shifting capacity has long been considered a core area of executive dysfunction for individuals with autism. Whether these difficulties are due to higher-level attentional difficulties associated with comorbid ADHD remains unclear. Method: The current study compared the performance of 48 participants with autism, ADHD, autism-ADHD, and a comparison group ( N = 12 per group) on a set-shifting task, which included a local–global paradigm. Results: Results of this study revealed that participants with attentional difficulties (autism + ADHD and ADHD alone) exhibited a significant shifting cost (difference between maintaining and shifting attention). Conclusion: Attentional difficulties associated with ADHD may be associated with an enhanced attentional shifting cost. Implications of these results were discussed in relation to screening for ADHD symptoms in studies of individuals with autism which seek to determine the neuropsychological profile of this condition.
Evaluating the ParticipACTION “Think Again” Campaign
Authors: Gainforth Heather L. , Jarvis Jocelyn W. , Berry Tanya R. , Chulak-Bozzer Tala , Deshpande Sameer , Faulkner Guy , Rhodes Ryan E. , Spence John C. , Tremblay Mark S. , Latimer-Cheung Amy E.
Published: September 2015

Introduction. ParticipACTION’s 2011 “Think Again” campaign aimed to draw parents’, and specifically mothers’, attention to the amount of physical activity (PA) their children do relative to the national guidelines (physical activity guidelines [PAG]). Purpose. To evaluate ParticipACTION’s “Think Again” campaign in the context of the hierarchy of effects model. Methods. Data were drawn from “Think Again” campaign evaluations conducted among two cohorts of parents with children ages 5 to 11 years (3 months postcampaign launch [T1], n = 702; 15 months postlaunch [T2], n = 670). Results. At T2, campaign awareness was weakly associated with parents agreeing that their children were not active enough ( p = .01, d = .18). Parents who were aware of the campaign showed greater knowledge of PAG ( ps < .01, ϕs > .14), had higher outcome expectations about their children engaging in PA ( p < .01, d = .16), had stronger intentions to help their child meet the guidelines ( p < .01, d = .18), and engaged in more parental support behaviors ( p < .001, d = .31) as compared with parents who were not aware. At T1, parents aware of the campaign had greater perceived behavioral control (PBC) to influence their child’s PA participation ( p < .01, d = .22), whereas parents not aware of the campaign had greater PBC to find practical ways to help their child be active ( p < .01, d = .26). Parental awareness of the campaign was not associated with children meeting the PAG at either time point ( ps > .05). Conclusions. The campaign appeared marginally effective for increasing parental knowledge of PAG and for creating realistic awareness of children’s PA levels. Additional intervention strategies are needed to produce larger effects and to change parental behavior.
Exploring the Link Between Alcohol and Marijuana Use and Teen Dating Violence Victimization Among High School Students
Authors: Parker Elizabeth M. , Debnam Katrina , Pas Elise T. , Bradshaw Catherine P.
Published: September 2015

Background. Adolescence is a developmental period when dating behavior is first initiated and when the risk of abuse by or against a dating partner begins to emerge. It is also one in which experimentation with alcohol and illicit substances typically begins. The current study examined the association between recent alcohol use and recent marijuana use and the experience of physical and verbal teen dating violence (TDV) victimization while considering the potential influence of school contextual variables. Method. Data came from 27,758 high school students attending 58 Maryland public high schools. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to identify student- and school-level predictors associated with TDV. Results. Results indicated that approximately 11% of students reported experiencing physical TDV and 11% of students reported experiencing verbal TDV over the past year. In addition, 33% of students reported recent alcohol use and 21% reported recent marijuana use. Hierarchical linear modeling results revealed that students who reported frequent recent alcohol or recent marijuana use were at increased odds of experiencing physical (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]alcohol = 2.80, p < .001; AORmarijuana = 2.03, p < .001) or verbal TDV (AORalcohol = 2.63, p < .001; AORmarijuana = 2.20, p < .001) victimization compared to students who reported little or no alcohol or marijuana use. School support was a protective factor for both physical TDV (AOR = 0.74, p < .001) and verbal TDV (AOR = 0.76, p < .001) victimization. Conclusions. Findings suggested that prevention efforts to address alcohol and marijuana use may have an effect on TDV victimization. Results also highlight the potential utility of enhancing student perceptions of school support as an approach for reducing TDV victimization.
Presumptive acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion in 11 cats: clinical features, diagnostic imaging findings, treatment and outcome
Authors: Taylor-Brown Frances E , De Decker Steven
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The aim of the study was to describe the clinical features, diagnostic imaging findings, treatment and outcome in cats diagnosed with presumptive acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion.

Methods

Medical records and imaging studies of cats diagnosed with presumptive acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion were retrospectively reviewed. Information on long-term outcome was acquired from patient records and from either owners or referring veterinary surgeons via a telephone questionnaire.

Results

Eleven cats met the inclusion criteria. All cats had a peracute onset of clinical signs, with eight cats experiencing witnessed (n = 6) or suspected (n = 2) external trauma based on imaging findings. Neuroanatomical localisation included C1–C5 (n = 1), T3–L3 (n = 7) and L4–S3 (n = 3) spinal cord segments. MRI revealed acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusions located at C3–C4 (n = 1), T12–T13 (n = 1), T13–L1 (n = 1), L1–L2 (n = 1), L3–L4 (n = 3), L4–L5 (n = 1) and L5–L6 intervertebral disc spaces (n = 3). Treatment included supportive care and 10 cats were discharged with a median hospitalisation time of 10 days (range 3–26 days). One cat was euthanased during hospitalisation owing to complications unrelated to neurological disease. All cats that presented as non-ambulatory regained an ambulatory status with the median time to ambulation of 17 days (range 6–21 days). Overall, the outcome for cats diagnosed with acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion was successful, with almost 90% returning to ambulation with urinary and faecal continence.

Conclusions and relevance

The majority of cats diagnosed with acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion had good outcomes. Acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion should be considered as a differential diagnosis for cats presenting with peracute onset of spinal cord dysfunction, particularly if there is a clinical history or evidence of trauma.
Improving access: modifying Penchansky and Thomas’s Theory of Access
Authors: Saurman Emily
Published: September 2015

Access is defined as the degree of fit between the user and the service; the better the fit, the better the access. Using the theory developed by Penchansky and Thomas, access is optimized by accounting for the different dimensions of access: accessibility; availability; acceptability; affordability; and adequacy in service design, implementation and evaluation. These dimensions are independent yet interconnected and each is important to assess the achievement of access. However, I argue that one dimension is missing – awareness. I propose that awareness is integral to access, that it should become a permanent part of the theory, and be applied whenever using the theory to develop, implement, or evaluate health care services and access more generally.
General practitioners’ anticipated risk of cancer at referral and their attitude to risk taking and to their role as gatekeeper
Authors: Pedersen Anette , Vedsted Peter
Published: September 2015

Objectives

General practitioners have to deal with situations characterized by real but low likelihoods of serious illness. We aimed to investigate variations in general practitioners’ anticipated risk of cancer when referring a patient and associations both with general practitioners’ attitudes to risk taking and with their gatekeeper role.

Methods

In January 2012, all 835 active general practitioners in the county of Aarhus, Denmark, received a questionnaire including the Physician Reaction to Uncertainty scale, The Tolerance for Ambiguity scale, the Physician Risk Attitude scale and a number of single items assessing anticipated risk of cancer when referring a hypothetical 50-year-old patient, use of intuition and perception of their role as a gatekeeper.

Results

A total of 568 (68.0%) practitioners completed and returned the questionnaire. The median anticipated risk of cancer was 30% (inter-quartile range: 15%–50%) and the 5%–95% centiles were 5% and 80%. Increasing tolerance for ambiguity was strongly related to a declining anticipated risk of cancer. None of the other risk attitudes were associated with the anticipated risk of cancer at referral. Increased general practitioners’ age was related to increased anticipated risk of cancer when referring (25% for general practitioners under 45 years to 43% for those 60 years or over) but not statistically important.

Conclusions

General practitioners either overestimate the risk of cancer when referring for suspected cancer or they appear to need to be very sure of the cancer diagnosis before referral. Further, focus on tolerance for ambiguity should be included in the education of general practitioners.
The PRISMS taxonomy of self-management support: derivation of a novel taxonomy and initial testing of its utility
Authors: Pearce Gemma , Parke Hannah L , Pinnock Hilary , Epiphaniou Eleni , Bourne Claire LA , Sheikh Aziz , Taylor Stephanie JC
Published: September 2015

Background

Supporting self-management is a core response of health care systems globally to the increasing prevalence of long-term conditions. Lack of a comprehensive taxonomy (or classification) of self-management support components hinders characterization and, ultimately, understanding of these frequently complex, multi-component interventions.

Objective

To develop a comprehensive, descriptive taxonomy of self-management support components.

Methods

Components were derived from the 969 unique randomized controlled trials described in the 102 systematic reviews and 61 implementation trials, examining 14 diverse long-term conditions included in the Practical Reviews in Self-Management Support (PRISMS) project followed by discussion at an expert stakeholder workshop. The utility of the taxonomy was then tested using a self-management support intervention for cancer survivors.

Results

The PRISMS taxonomy comprises 14 components that might be used to support self-management (e.g. information about condition/management, provision of equipment, social support), when delivered to someone with a long-term condition or their carer. Overarching dimensions are delivery mode; personnel delivering the support; intervention targeting; and intensity, frequency and duration of the intervention. The taxonomy does not consider the effectiveness or otherwise of the different components or the overarching dimensions.

Conclusions

The PRISMS taxonomy offers a framework to researchers describing self-management support interventions, to reviewers synthesizing evidence and to developers of health services for people with long-term conditions.
A proof-of-concept evaluation of a cloud-based store-and-forward telemedicine app for screening for oral diseases
Authors: Estai Mohamed , Kanagasingam Yogesan , Xiao Di , Vignarajan Janardhan , Huang Boyan , Kruger Estie , Tennant Marc
Published: September 2015

Objective

It is widely considered that telemedicine can make positive contributions to dental practice. This study aimed to evaluate a cloud-based telemedicine application for screening for oral diseases.

Methods

A telemedicine system, based on a store-and-forward method, was developed to work as a platform for data storage. An Android application was developed to facilitate entering demographic details and capturing oral photos. As a proof-of-concept, six volunteers were enrolled in a trial to obtain oral images using smartphone cameras. Following an onsite oral examination, images of participants’ teeth were obtained by a trained dental assistant. Oral images were directly uploaded from the smartphone to a cloud-based server via broadband network. The assessments of oral images by offsite dentists were compared with those carried out via face-to-face oral examinations.

Results

A complete set of 30 oral images was obtained from all six participants. Out of 192 teeth reviewed, the proportion of ungradable teeth was 8%. Sensitivity and specificity of teledental screening were 57% and 100% respectively. The inter-grader agreement estimated for two examination modalities and between two teledental graders was 70% and 62% respectively. Findings indicate that the proposed system for screening of oral diseases can be implemented to provide a valid and reliable alternative to traditional oral screening.

Conclusion

This study provided evidence that a robust system for store-and-forward screening for dental problems can be developed, and leads to the need for further testing of its robustness to confirm the accuracy and reliability of the teledentistry system.
Speech pathologists’ perspectives on transitioning to telepractice: What factors promote acceptance?
Authors: Hines Monique , Lincoln Michelle , Ramsden Robyn , Martinovich Julia , Fairweather Craig
Published: September 2015

Little is understood about factors that influence speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs’) acceptance of telepractice. The aim of this study was to investigate SLPs’ perceptions and experiences of transitioning to a school-based telepractice service to identify factors that contributed to positive clinician attitudes. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 SLPs who recently commenced providing school-based telepractice services. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to interpret interviews, with themes compared and contrasted across the group. Results indicated that although SLPs reported initially having mixed feelings towards telepractice, they later evaluated telepractice positively and viewed it as a legitimate service delivery mode. The overarching theme was that positive beliefs about telepractice were associated with perceptions of its consistency with the underlying principles of face-to-face therapy. In evaluating telepractice, SLPs considered: (a) therapeutic relationships with children; (b) collaboration with parents and teachers; (c) adequacy of technology and resources; and (d) access to support for learning telepractice. Therapy assistants and specific clinician attributes emerged as key strategies used to manage threats to acceptability. Preparation of SLPs transitioning to telepractice should address factors that support positive experiences with, and attitudes towards, telepractice to ensure that training achieves the greatest, most sustained change.
Accuracy of dental images for the diagnosis of dental caries and enamel defects in children and adolescents: A systematic review
Authors: Inês Meurer Maria , Caffery Liam J , Bradford Natalie K , Smith Anthony C
Published: September 2015

Aim

The aim of this review was to determine if photographic examination and subsequent image analysis provides comparable accuracy to visual inspection for the diagnosis of common dental conditions in children and adolescents.

Methods

We searched the PubMed database for studies that compared diagnostic accuracy of the two inspection techniques. Studies were screened for inclusion and were assessed for quality and risk of bias using the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies tools. Findings were reported according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA).

Findings

Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Nine of the included studies evaluated dental caries and eight evaluated enamel defects (one study evaluated both conditions).

Conclusions

Three studies found image analysis to be superior. For the remaining six studies the diagnostic accuracy was comparable. For enamel defects, three studies found image analysis to be superior, two found visual inspection to be superior and three studies reported comparable diagnostic accuracy. Most studies have found at least comparable results between photographic and visual inspection techniques. However, the wide variation in equipment and personnel used for the collection and interpretation of photographic images made it impossible to generalise the results. It remains unclear exactly how effective store-and-forward teledentistry is for the diagnosis of common dental conditions in children.
Monitoring ear health through a telemedicine-supported health screening service in Queensland
Authors: Smith Anthony C , Brown Cecil , Bradford Natalie , Caffery Liam J , Perry Chris , Armfield Nigel R
Published: September 2015

The prevalence of ear disease and hearing loss is greater for Indigenous children than for their non-Indigenous counterparts. In 2009, we established a mobile ear-screening service in South Burnett, in which an Indigenous Health Worker (IHW) assesses children at school and shares results by telemedicine with ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists, who in turn provide review and biannual surgical outreach to the community. We reviewed service data for the first six years of the service (Jan 2009–Dec 2014), to calculate: total number of completed assessments; total number of patients failing at least one screening test; and overall proportion of failed screening assessments per annum. Subgroup analysis was conducted by usual home postcode. The service has provided 5539 screening assessments. The mean screening failure rate for children outside of postcode 4605 (Cherbourg/Murgon area) was 22% (range 17–29%) and 38% for children living inside postcode 4605 (range 34–41%). While screening activity has increased by more than 50% since 2009, there has been a slight reduction in the proportion of children failing assessment, with the mean failure rate changing from 33% in 2009 to 26% in 2014. These early results suggest that community-based screening, integrated with specialist ENT services may improve ear and hearing health.
My body imprisoned, my soul relieved: Youth, gangs and prison in Cape Verde
Authors: Zoettl Peter Anton
Published: September 2015

Urban street gangs flourish in the urban centres of the Cape Verdean archipelago. Most of their members belong to the male, young and economically disadvantaged strata of society. While in public discourse youth gangs are often peremptorily blamed for most of the violence and criminality that take place in the country, the internal dynamics of gang life often go unnoticed. Based on fieldwork in the cities of Praia and Mindelo, the article discusses the mechanisms that make Cape Verdean adolescents and youths join urban gangs and stick to them, despite the state’s politics of securitization and repression. Within this context, the experience of imprisonment is related to gang members’ pre-prison biographies and the conceptualization of prison itself, reinforced during individual ‘careers’ of marginality.
Transmedia world-building: The Shadow (1931–present) and Transformers (1984–present)
Authors: Fast Karin , Örnebring Henrik
Published: September 2015

The study of transmedia storytelling has in recent years turned towards a more historicized understanding of its object of study, and also shifted to a wider perspective on narrative and narrative elements, focusing more on the transmediality of story-worlds and world-building rather than just narratives (‘plots’) in the stricter sense. This article combines these interrelated perspectival shifts in an analysis of story-worlds/world-building in two transmedia franchises: The Shadow (1931–present) and Transformers (1984–present), with a focus on the mechanics and processes of world-building in relation to transmedial change (i.e. how world elements are transformed over time as well as when story-worlds move across media platforms).
Health information needs, sources, and barriers of primary care patients to achieve patient-centered care: A literature review
Authors: Clarke Martina A , Moore Joi L , Steege Linsey M , Koopman Richelle J , Belden Jeffery L , Canfield Shannon M , Meadows Susan E , Elliott Susan G , Kim Min Soon
Published: September 2015

To synthesize findings from previous studies assessing information needs of primary care patients on the Internet and other information sources in a primary care setting. A systematic review of studies was conducted with a comprehensive search in multiple databases including OVID MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus. The most common information needs among patients were information about an illness or medical condition and treatment methods, while the most common information sources were the Internet and patients’ physicians. Overall, patients tend to prefer the Internet for the ease of access to information, while they trust their physicians more for their clinical expertise and experience. Barriers to information access via the Internet include the following: socio-demographic variables such as age, ethnicity, income, education, and occupation; information search skills; and reliability of health information.

Conclusion:

Further research is warranted to assess how to create accurate and reliable health information sources for both Internet and non-Internet users.
The news framing of the ‘Syria fighters’ in Flanders and the Netherlands: Victims or terrorists?
Authors: Berbers Anna , Joris Willem , Boesman Jan , d’Haenens Leen , Koeman Joyce , Van Gorp Baldwin
Published: September 2015

In this article we present a cross-national comparison of framing of the issue of the ‘Syria fighters’ in Flanders and the Netherlands. We examine this topic using inductive and deductive framing analysis and interpret the results in terms of the advocates expressing the frames and the newspapers they were published in. We argue that variation in frame use can be explained by considering the background and social identification of the frame advocates. Furthermore, the subject of the ‘Syria fighters’ is depicted as mostly relating to (Islamic) religious motives and the overall societal construction is relatively one-sided and problematized in a negative sense. This article serves as a preliminary step to a multi-level analysis of societal discourse on integration-related issues in online and offline networks, with an emphasis on Moroccan minorities in Flanders and the Netherlands.
Indigenous health: Capabilities and freedom
Authors: O’Sullivan Dominic
Published: September 2015

The life expectancy differential between Indigenous and other Australians is in the order of 11 years and requires far-reaching, complex and multifaceted policy responses. Theories and instruments of international human rights are among those that have helped to shape responsive policy discourses. Developing these often abstract rights into people’s substantive capacities to make meaningful choices about how they will live is difficult, but the article shows how this is possible with reference to a general theory of capabilities as self-determination. Such a theory, proceeds from Sen and Nussbaum’s extension of Aristotle’s concern for ‘human flourishing’ where the political right to self-determination, affirmed at international law, presumes certain essentialist capabilities to secure, people’s political agency. These essentialist capabilities suggest a distribution of authority on the basis of equal opportunities to make choices of personal value, rather than just an egalitarian concern for equality of outcomes.
Health care professionals’ perspectives of advance care planning for people with dementia living in long-term care settings: A narrative review of the literature
Authors: Beck Esther-Ruth , McIlfatrick Sonja , Hasson Felicity , Leavey Gerry
Published: September 2015

This paper provides an overview of the evidence on the perspective of health care professionals (HCPs) in relation to advance care planning (ACP) for people with dementia, residing in long-term care settings. A narrative approach was adopted to provide a comprehensive synthesis of previously published literature in the area. A systematic literature search identified 14 papers for inclusion. Following review of the studies four themes were identified for discussion; Early integration and planning for palliative care in dementia; HCPs ethical and moral concerns regarding ACP; Communication challenges when interacting with the person with dementia and their families and HCPs need for education and training. Despite evidence, that HCPs recognise the potential benefits of ACP, they struggle with its implementation in this setting. Greater understanding of dementia and the concept of ACP is required to improve consistency in practice. Synthesising the existing evidence will allow for further understanding of the key issues, potentially resulting in improved implementation in practice.
‘This is my story, how I remember it’: In-depth analysis of Dignity Therapy documents from a study of Dignity Therapy for people with early stage dementia
Authors: Johnston Bridget , Lawton Sally , Pringle Jan
Published: September 2015

Dementia is a progressive condition that impacts on individuals, families and care professionals. Maintaining quality of life through engagement with the person with dementia is an important part of their care. Dignity Therapy is an interactive, psychotherapeutic intervention that uses a trained dignity therapist to guide the person with dementia through an interview that then creates a written legacy called a generativity document. This can provide knowledge to inform care, as the condition progresses.

Generativity documents were analysed using framework analysis. Main themes from the analysis were origin of values, essence and affirmation of self, forgiveness and resolution and existentialism/ meaning of life. These themes provide evidence of the type, scope and contribution that information generated from Dignity Therapy can make to the care and support of people with dementia. They provide information about the values, self-identity and the people and events that have been important to them and influenced their lives.
Radiative and hygrothermal properties of flax/viscose spunlaced nonwovens
Authors: Colinart Thibaut , Pierre Thomas
Published: September 2015

Biobased fabrics are now getting widely used as solar shading for managing solar gain and daylight management and reducing building peak load and annual energy consumption of existing buildings. This work proposes to characterize five spunlaced nonwovens made of 65% of flax and 35% of viscose with different grammage. Radiative properties (transmissivity, reflectivity and absorptivity) are evaluated not only over the sun’s spectrum, but also over UV, visible and IR spectra. In addition, hygrothermal properties, such as thermal resistance, specific heat capacity or water vapor resistance, are also evaluated. Results indicate that these nonwovens present low transmittivity, which is interesting in the view of managing solar gain. Furthermore, it was found that radiative properties are mainly influenced by nonwoven’s thickness and porosity, as well the relative humidity. Lastly, hygrothermal properties (thermal resistance, thermal conductivity and water vapor resistance) are impacted mainly by porosity.
Binding Specificity of Radiolabeled Cyclic Peptide 153Sm-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC) to MHCC97-H Human Liver Cancer Cells and its Antitumor Effects in vivo
Authors: Wu Qinghua , He Yujie , Gu Chen , Jiang Jianwei , Zhou Huan , Zhou Shi
Published: September 2015

Objective:

This objective of this study is to investigate the effects of the radiolabeled cyclic peptide 153Sm-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC) on MHCC97-H human liver cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Methods:

The protein expression levels were examined by Western blot analysis. Biological activity of 153Sm-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC) was assessed with the radioligand binding assay and competitive inhibition experiment. Subcellular localization of the cyclic peptide was observed by fluorescence microscopy. Animals were implanted with MHCC97-H cells and administered with 153Sm-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC). Hematoxylin and eosin staining, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate the effects of 153Sm-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC) on implanted tumors.

Result:

The expression levels of interleukin 11 receptor were significantly elevated, by 2-to 5-fold, in tumor cell lines, especially for MHCC97-H cells. Characterization of 153Sm-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC) showed that the biological activity of the cyclic peptide was not altered after labeling, and the radiolabeled cyclic peptide exhibited sufficient binding affinity to interleukin 11 receptor . The cyclic peptide of c(CGRRAGGSC) was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm and on the cell membrane of MHCC97-H cells. The in vivo experiments showed that the tumor growth was significantly inhibited by the treatment of 153Sm-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC). The inhibitory effect of 153Sm-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC) on tumor growth was further confirmed by Hematoxylin and eosin staining, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. Moreover, the expression levels of interleukin 11 receptor in implanted tumors were significantly decreased in the treatment groups.

Conclusion:

153Sm-DTPA-c (CGRRAGGSC) could specifically bind to interleukin 11 receptor on MHCC97-H liver tumor cells, inhibiting the cell proliferation and inducing cellular apoptosis. These findings provide experimental evidence for the development of individual treatment of liver cancers, as well as recurrence and metastasis.
Anticancer Opportunity Created by Loss of Tumor Suppressor Genes
Authors: Hui-Ying Xue , Da-Hong Zhang , Li-Juan Ji , Xiao-Jie Lu
Published: September 2015

Deletion of oncosuppressors occurs frequently in the cancer genome. A great deal of effort has been made to therapeutically restore the lost function of oncosuppressors, with little clinically translatable success, however. Reassuringly, besides the disappointing restoration endeavors, oncosuppressor loss can be therapeutically exploited in several other ways, such as the “synthetic lethality” strategies and the “therapeutic vulnerability” created by codeletion of neighboring genes. The study by Liu et al showed that codeletion of p53 and a neighboring essential gene POLR2A rendered colon cancer cells highly sensitive to further inhibition of POLR2A both in vitro and in vivo. In recent years, several studies have reported similar phenomenon in a wide range of cancer types. In this focus article, we will introduce several kinds of anticancer opportunities created by the loss of oncosuppressors and discuss their mechanisms. Given the frequency of oncosuppressor loss in cancer, its therapeutic exploitation rather merits further investigation and may open a new window for oncotherapy.
Affirmative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for a Male with Depression Following Sexual Orientation Discrimination
Authors: Zapor Heather , Stuart Gregory L.
Published: September 2015

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders, often causing serious impairments in social, occupational, and relational functioning. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown to be an effective treatment for depression; however, little research has considered its effectiveness with lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals, despite the reality that LGB individuals typically report higher rates of depression when compared with those who report opposite sex attraction. Affirmative CBT, a treatment that considers the unique experience of LGB individuals and seeks to develop all aspects of LGB identity, has been suggested as useful in treating those who identify as LGB, despite minimal research evidence regarding its effectiveness. The current case study presents the implementation of affirmative CBT for a gay male suffering from depression as the result of overt discrimination in the workplace. Treatment consisted of 10 sessions over 4 months, with outcome data yielding significant reductions in depressive symptoms at the end of treatment. This case study demonstrates the potential utility of affirmative CBT for depression in sexual minorities and highlights the need for further research and randomized controlled trials.
Transforming growth factor-β-sphingosine kinase 1/S1P signaling upregulates microRNA-21 to promote fibrosis in renal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Liu Xiujuan , Hong Quan , Wang Zhen , Yu Yanyan , Zou Xin , Xu Lihong
Published: September 2015

Renal fibrosis is a progressive pathological change characterized by tubular cell apoptosis, tubulointerstitial fibroblast proliferation, and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). miR-21 has been implicated in transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-stimulated tissue fibrosis. Recent studies showed that sphingosine kinase/sphingosine-1-phosphate (SphK/S1P) are also critical for TGF-β-stimulated tissue fibrosis; however, it is not clear whether SphK/S1P interacts with miR-21 or not. In this study, we hypothesized that SphK/S1P signaling is linked to upregulation of miR-21 by TGF-β. To verify this hypothesis, we first determined that miR-21 was highly expressed in renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) stimulated with TGF-β by using qRT-PCR and Northern blotting. Simultaneously, inhibition of miR-21, mediated by the corresponding antimir, markedly decreased the expression and deposition of type I collagen, fibronectin (Fn), cysteine-rich protein 61 (CCN1), α-smooth muscle actin, and fibroblast-specific protein1 in TGF-β-treated TECs. ELISA and qRT-PCR were used to measure the S1P and SphK1 levels in TECs. S1P production was induced by TGF-β through activation of SphK1. Furthermore, it was observed that TGF-β-stimulated upregulation of miR-21 was abolished by SphK1 siRNA and was restored by the addition of exogenous S1P. Blocking S1PR2 also inhibited upregulation of miR-21. Additionally, miR-21 overexpression attenuated the repression of TGF-β-stimulated ECM deposition and epithelial–mesenchymal transition by SphK1 and S1PR2 siRNA. In summary, our study demonstrates a link between SphK1/S1P and TGF-β-induced miR-21 in renal TECs and may represent a novel therapeutic target in renal fibrosis.
The Diagnostic Accuracy of Prolonged Ambulatory Versus Routine EEG
Authors: Keezer Mark R. , Simard-Tremblay Elisabeth , Veilleux Martin
Published: September 2015

Prolonged ambulatory electroencephalography (paEEG) is increasingly used in clinical practice but its diagnostic accuracy relative to that of routine EEG (rEEG) remains uncertain. We examined a consecutive sample of 72 individuals who had undergone 32-channel paEEG immediately after an rEEG, creating perfectly matched EEG samples. Each recording was prospectively assessed for epileptiform discharges (ED) and nonepileptiform abnormalities. The median paEEG duration was 22.5 hours (interquartile range: 22.0-23.0). The sensitivity of paEEG was 2.23 times greater than that of rEEG [sensitivity ratio: 2.23 (95% CI = 1.49-3.34)] if a positive test was limited to the presence of epileptiform discharges. This benefit of paEEG versus rEEG was no longer evident if the definition of a positive test included nonepileptiform abnormalities (sensitivity ratio 1.26; 95% CI = 1.02-1.55). The specificity of the 2 tests was not evidently different (specificity ratio 0.67; 95% CI = 0.17-2.67). Twenty-six percent of paEEG recorded epileptic seizures while none of the rEEG did (absolute difference 26.0% (95% CI = 11.8-40.2). Our findings quantify the benefit of 32-channel paEEG, relative to rEEG, and support its role in the diagnosis and characterization of epilepsy.
Recruiting and retaining young adults in a weight gain prevention trial: Lessons learned from the CHOICES study
Authors: Moe Stacey G , Lytle Leslie A , Nanney Marilyn S , Linde Jennifer A , Laska Melissa N
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims:

Young adults are at risk of weight gain, but little is known about designing effective weight control trials for young adults or how to recruit and retain participants in these programs. The Choosing Healthy Options in College Environments and Settings (CHOICES) study evaluated the effectiveness of a weight gain prevention intervention for 2-year college students. We describe the methods used to recruit and retain the colleges and their students, describe the sample and discuss recommendations for future studies.

Methods:

Students were recruited into a 24-month trial of a weight control intervention with assessment periods at baseline, 4-, 12- and 24-month follow-up.

Results:

We successfully recruited 441 students through partnerships with three 2-year colleges through a variety of campus-based methods. Ultimately, 83.4% of the randomized cohort participated in the 24-month assessment period. Those retained more often were White (p = 0.03) compared to those who dropped out or were lost to follow-up; no other socio-demographic factor (e.g. gender, ethnicity and education), body mass index, body fat, waist circumference or weight status was observed to differ between randomly assigned groups.

Conclusion:

Two-year colleges and their students are interested in participating in weight-related trials and partnering with universities for research. Researchers must work closely with administrators to identify benefits to their institutions and to resolve student-level barriers to recruitment and retention. Our experiences from the Choosing Healthy Options in College Environments and Settings study should be useful in identifying effective recruitment and retention methods for weight gain prevention trials among young adults.
Measuring copycat crime
Authors: Surette Ray
Published: September 2015

Copycat crimes have not been identified or measured in a coherent manner. To forward the study of copycat crime, a methodology was developed to empirically score crimes that are suspected of being copycat crimes on a scale from “unsubstantiated” to “substantiated”. The copycat crime measure utilized seven factors culled from the extant literature to differentiate and score a demonstration set of 51 candidate copycat crimes associated with commercial entertainment films. Two examples of analysis and research questions that can be subsequently pursued utilizing the scoring approach are provided. A means of measuring copycat crime will provide interested researchers the capability to examine research questions related to copycat crime trends, media content and copycat crime, social media and copycat crime, and different types of copycat crime.
Locating and building collective leadership and impact
Authors: Quick Kathryn S
Published: September 2015

This paper analyzes how collective leadership develops from more individualistic leadership through ethnographic analysis of the rise of urban environmental stewardship in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Longitudinal analysis of a 30-year period reveals how leadership shifted from being highly individualistic, to become more pluralistic, and ultimately more collective. I demonstrate how specifying the location of leadership action in the case addresses ambiguity regarding the definitions of and distinctions among collective, plural, and integrative leadership. I identify two processes that helped to relocate leadership from more individualistic to increasingly collective, emergent spaces, namely fueling a public imaginary and organizing inclusively. These processes were central to connecting and mutually advancing collective leadership and collective impact.
Is there an optimum range of airtightness for a building?
Authors: Bomberg Mark , Kisilewicz Tomasz , Nowak Katarzyna
Published: September 2015

Air transport control has been recognized as critical to the proper functioning of buildings. Airflow is related to all facets of environmental control because it influences transport of heat and moisture and affects indoor environment as well as the durability of the building enclosure. To a lesser degree, we also recognize that contamination of wall cavities in building assemblies by organic materials from inside or outside provides both the nutrients and the inoculation potential for mold growth. Moisture carried by air may also increase the rate of emission of volatile organic compounds from these materials. While keeping rain out of building enclosures is a primary consideration in design, controlling airflow through the building enclosure comes a close second in importance to allow environmental control within buildings. Yet, an increase in the airtightness comes with a cost as well as an increased risk of moisture entrapment in case of any failure, and this, in turn, relates to the type of the building.