bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Cotinine Assays of Value in Predicting Adverse Pregnancy Outcome?
Authors: Mathews Fiona , Smith Robert , Yukdin Patricia , Neil Andrew
Published: February 2014

We investigated the utility of maternal cotinine concentration as a predictor of preterm and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) deliveries. Subjects were randomly selected from antenatal clinics, and their serum cotinine concentrations at approximately 16 weeks' gestation were compared with self-reports of smoking. The value of these measures in predicting preterm and SGA deliveries was examined, using likelihood ratios and logistic regression, for 845 women with singleton, live births. Smoking status alone (defined by self-report or cotinine) only weakly predicted preterm or SGA delivery. Self-reported moderate/high smoking (top 15% of smokers) had a likelihood ratio (LR) of 2 and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 17%. In contrast, moderate/high cotinine concentration (top 15% of smokers) had an LR of 5 and a PPV of 33%. The predictive value of cotinine was independent of associated maternal characteristics. Cotinine concentration may therefore be a useful predictor of poor pregnancy outcome, and should be considered as a screening tool.
Clinical Usefulness of Biochemical Resorption Markers in Osteoporosis
Authors: Kyd P A , De Vooght K , Kerkhoff F , Thomas E , Fairney A
Published: February 2014

We have evaluated three commercial assays for collagen cross-links, two urine assays and a recently developed serum assay, as markers of bone turnover in 30 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis during their first year of treatment with the anti-resorptive drug alendronate.

Before treatment, urine free deoxypyridinoline crosslinks (Dpd), urine N-telopeptide crosslinks (NTx) and serum C-telopeptide (CTx) values were within postmenopausal reference ranges. After 3 months' treatment the decrease in NTx and CTx was greater than that of Dpd (−50%, P < 0·0001 and −48%, P < 0·0001, compared with −11%, NS), as it was after 6 months (−51%, P < 0·0001, and −57%, P < 0·0001, compared with −19%, P < 0·01). The decrease in resorption markers after 6 months was significant in 23% (Dpd), 66% (NTx) and 66% (CTx) of individuals. Neither baseline resorption marker values nor the per cent change after 6 months' therapy correlated with bone mineral density change (BMD) at either lumbar spine or femoral neck after one year's therapy, except baseline Dpd and lumbar spine BMD ( P < 0·01). We conclude that NTx and serum CTx were more sensitive markers of bone turnover suppression by alendronate, but only baseline Dpd was useful in the prediction of individual bone density response after one year.
‘Pseudohypouricosuria’ in Alcaptonuria: Homogentisic Acid Interference in the Measurement of Urinary Uric Acid with the Uricase — Peroxidase Reaction
Authors: Moriwaki Yuji , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Nasako Yumiko , Ohata Hiroyuki , Takahashi Sumio , Tsutsumi Zenta , Yamakita Jun-Ichi , Higashino Kazuya
Published: February 2014

Urinary excretion of uric acid was found to be extremely low in a 58-year-old female patient with alcaptonuria. This was due to interference with the uricase-peroxidase method used, because analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed a normal urinary concentration of uric acid. In vitro experiments demonstrated that a high concentration of homogentisic acid in the patient's urine inhibited the peroxidase reaction, possibly due to inhibition of the colour development of 3-methyl- N-ethyl- N-(β-hydroxyethyl)aniline (MEHA) and 4-aminoantipyrine, via the peroxidase reaction. A homogentisic acid concentration equivalent to that in plasma did not affect the uricase-peroxidase reaction. This result suggests that any assay based on a peroxidase method is affected by a high urinary concentration of homogentisic acid in patients with alcaptonuria.
Alleviation of Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Chronic Liver Injury and Related Dysfunction by L-Tryptophan in Rats
Authors: Ohta Yoshiji , Sahashi Daizo , Sasaki Emi , Ishiguro Isao
Published: February 2014

We examined whether l-tryptophan (Trp) alleviates carbon tetrachloride (CCl4-induced chronic liver injury and related dysfunction. Fifty rats were classified into four groups: the first (15 rats) served as the control; the second (10 rats) received subcutaneous injections of CCl4 (1·0 mL/kg) twice weekly for 8 weeks; the third (15 rats) received daily intraperitoneal injections of Trp (50 mg/kg) for 2 weeks after 6 weeks of CCl4 treatment; the fourth (10 rats) received both treatments. The activities of serum transaminases and the content of liver total hydroxyproline increased after 6 and 8 weeks of CCl4 treatment. The concentrations of serum albumin and liver protein and the in vitro activity of liver protein synthesis fell after 8 weeks of the treatment. Trp administration alleviated all these changes. At 6 and 8 weeks of CCl4 treatment the serum triglyceride concentration fell, whereas the liver triglyceride and lipid peroxide concentrations were elevated. Trp administration hardly affected these changes. These results indicate that Trp alleviates CCl4-induced chronic liver injury possibly by maintaining the activity of protein synthesis.
A New Method for Haptoglobin Phenotyping
Authors: Wassell Julie , Keevil Brian
Published: February 2014

Haptoglobin is an acute-phase protein with three major phenotypes: Hp 1-1, Hp 2-1 and Hp 2-2. Studies have shown that functional differences between these phenotypes have important consequences in a number of pathological disorders (e.g. cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, infectious disease), making phenotype determination of potential use in the clinical field. Previous methods for haptoglobin phenotyping have involved electrophoresis (starch, acetate and polyacrylamide gels) with phenotype visualization by peroxidase-sensitive stains that were often carcinogenic. Less hazardous immunoblotting and isoelectric focusing procedures are also available but the methods are lengthy, expensive and often complex. Here, we describe a new method for haptoglobin phenotyping using commercially available agarose gels and a non-carcinogenic stain (3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine). Our method showed 100% agreement with starch gel electrophoresis and reliably distinguished between commercial haptoglobin phenotype standards and serum samples from patients ( n = 125). We obtained a sensitivity of 0·4 g/L for all phenotypes and the gels were stable for up to 2 months. This safer and easier to use method may permit increased access to knowledge of haptoglobin phenotype, allowing improved patient management and better tailoring of treatment in a variety of clinical conditions.
No Relationship between Serum Lipoprotein(A) and Albumin Concentrations in Patients with Acute Phase Response
Authors: Min Won-Ki , Chun Sail , Hwang Sang-Hyun , Park Hyosoon
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and albumin concentrations in the serum of patients with acute phase response (APR). We have compared the Lp(a) concentrations and apolipoprotein [apo(a)] phenotypes of 40 controls with those of 40 APR patients with normoalbuminaemia and 40 APR patients with hypoalbuminaemia. We have also compared concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp) and α1-antitrypsin (AAT) containing a high sialic acid content, similar to Lp(a).

The mean serum Lp(a) concentration (SD) of the 40 controls was 0·190 (0·142) g/L. The mean serum Lp(a) concentration was 0·358 (0·257) g/L ( P < 0·001) in 80 APR patients. However, there was no difference in serum Lp(a) concentrations between the APR patients with hypoalbuminaemia [0·353 (0·268) g/L] and the APR patients with normoalbuminaemia [0·362 (0·249) g/L]. No significant difference was found in the distributions of apo(a) phenotypes between the controls, the APR patients with hypoalbuminaemia, and the APR patients with normoalbuminaemia ( P = 0·183). In the APR patients, the serum concentrations of AAT and Hp were respectively 2·709 (0·822) g/L and 2·631 (1·340) g/L, whereas those of normal controls were respectively 1·422 (0·219) g/L ( P < 0·001) and 0·956 (0·442) g/L ( P < 0·001).

In conclusion, the Lp(a) is one of the acute phase reactants whose synthesis concurrently increases with other APRs, especially those with a high sialic acid content. The increase of the serum Lp(a) concentrations in the APR patients is not related to serum albumin concentration.
Measurement of Platinum in Saliva of Patients Treated with Cisplatin
Authors: Holding J D , Lindup W E , Roberts N B , Salvatori P , Stell P M
Published: February 2014

A procedure for the measurement of platinum (Pt) in the saliva of patients treated with cisplatin has been developed. The saliva is collected and solubilized in hyamine hydroxide before analysis by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using assay by standard additions. The method has an analytical detection limit of 0·025 μg/mL and is precise, with coefficients of variation of 3-10·0% over a range of 0·05–2·0 μg/mL. Platinum was measured in saliva collected during an 8-h infusion of cisplatin from five patients, at the end of a 30-min infusion in nine, and 24 and 48 h later from a further 15 patients, all of whom were treated with cisplatin for squamous cell carcinoma of the neck. The platinum concentration in saliva taken at the end of a 30-min infusion was 0·27 ± 0·23 μg/mL (mean ± 1 SD) but was below the detection limit of 0·025 μg/mL at 24 and 48 h. After an 8-h infusion the salivary Pt was significantly less (0·12 ± 0·04 μg/mL; P < 0·05). The plasma Pt concentrations after 30-min and 8-h infusions were 2·98 ±1·03 and 2·54 ± 0·59 μg/mL, respectively, and were not significantly different. The results indicate higher concentrations of free platinum in plasma after 30 min compared with an 8-h infusion. The monitoring of salivary concentrations of platinum may therefore provide a non-invasive way to study the unbound fraction of cisplatin in blood and facilitate optimization of cisplatin treatment.
Precision, Accuracy and Linearity of Radiometer EML™ 105 Whole Blood Metabolite Biosensors
Authors: Cobbaert Christa , Morales Charlie , van Fessem Marianne , Kemperman Hans
Published: February 2014

The analytical performance of a new, whole blood glucose and lactate electrode system (EML™ 105 analyser, Radiometer Medical A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark) was evaluated. Between-day coefficients of variation were ≤1·9% and ≤3·1% for glucose and lactate, respectively. Recoveries of glucose were 100 ± 10% using either aqueous or protein-based standards. Recoveries of lactate depended on the matrix, being underestimated in aqueous standards (≈ −10%) and 95–100% in standards containing 40 g/L albumin at lactate concentrations of 15 and 30 mmoI/L. However, recoveries were high (up to 180%) at low lactate concentrations in protein-based standards. Carry-over, investigated according to National Clinical Chemistry Laboratory Standards EP10-T2, was negligible (α = 0·01). Glucose and lactate biosensors equipped with new membranes were linear up to 60 and 30 mmol/L, respectively. However, linearity fell upon daily use with increasing membrane lifetime. We conclude that the Radiometer metabolite biosensor results are reproducible and do not suffer from specimen-related carry-over. However, lactate recovery depends on the protein content and the lactate concentration.
Experience with Assessing the Quality of Comments on Clinical Biochemistry Reports
Authors: Li Ping , Challand G S
Published: February 2014

We assess a previously described scoring system for the appropriateness of interpretative comments on clinical biochemistry reports over 21 distributed cases and over a group of 41 UK-based participants. The distributed cases covered a range of clinical scenarios and included pre- and post-analytical problems. The UK-based participants had all registered an interest in using this case participation for their continuing professional development; all had higher professional qualifications in clinical biochemistry, and the group included participants based in teaching hospitals and district general hospitals as well as those with a medical or a scientific background. Although the present scoring system favours participants who mention more than one possible outcome and who include several ideas for further investigation, its advantages seem to outweigh its disadvantages. The scored cases are currently unique, and are seen to be of major educational value not only by active participants but also by those who are using them for teaching or in discussion groups.
Regional brain volumes in body dysmorphic disorder compared to controls
Authors: Buchanan Ben , Rossell Susan , Maller Jerome J , Toh Wei Lin , Brennan Sarah , Castle David
Published: February 2014

Objectives:

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is characterized by a preoccupation with a misperceived flaw in appearance, causing significant distress and disability. Neuropsychological research has revealed deficits in executive function and inhibitory control of emotional responses. The few previous structural neuroimaging studies have had inconclusive findings and we aimed to take this field of research forward by contributing high quality structural data.

Methods:

To investigate regional brain volumes we compared 20 BDD participants and 20 matched controls using high-resolution structural T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI data was subjected to cortical reconstruction and volumetric segmentation using Freesurfer software.

Results:

Results showed the right orbitofrontal cortex, bilateral thalamus, left anterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus and amygdala were significantly smaller in the BDD sample compared to controls. The most pronounced differences were in the right orbitofrontal cortex and left anterior cingulate cortex, as these areas were smaller in BDD participants independent of reduced global brain volumes. Duration of illness significantly negatively correlated with right orbitofrontal cortex volumes.

Conclusions:

This is the largest volumetric neuroimaging study in BDD to date and provides important data on volumetric differences that implicate fronto-limbic circuits.
The use of leverage in community mental health: Ethical guidance for practitioners
Authors: Dunn Michael , Sinclair Julia MA , Canvin Krysia J , Rugkåsa Jorun , Burns Tom
Published: February 2014

Background:

Leverage is a particular type of treatment pressure that is used within community mental health services to increase patients’ adherence to treatment. Because leverage involves practitioners making proposals that attempt to influence patients’ behaviours and choices, the use of leverage raises ethical issues.

Aim:

To provide guidance that can assist practitioners in making judgements about whether it is ethically acceptable to use leverage in a particular clinical context.

Method:

Methods of ethical analysis.

Results:

Four ethical duties relevant to making such judgements are outlined. These four duties are (1) benefitting the individual patient, (2) benefitting other individuals, (3) treating patients fairly and (4) respecting patients’ autonomy. The practical requirements that follow from each of these duties are considered in detail. It is argued that practitioners should determine whether the use of leverage will mean that care is provided in ways that are consistent with the requirements of these four duties, regardless of whether the patient accepts or rejects the terms of the proposal made.

Conclusion:

Particular attention must be paid to determine how the requirements of the four duties should be applied in each specific treatment scenario, and in making careful judgements when these duties pull in opposing directions.
A model describing the use of a bronchial blocking device and a sheathed bronchoscope for pulmonary aspiration studies in the Göttingen minipig
Authors: Hulse E , Reed F C , Eddleston M , Etherington R , Clutton R E
Published: February 2014

The administration of test substances into a single lung, or lung lobe, allows the remaining untreated lung to act as an experimental control and effectively halves the number of animals required in a given experiment. It reduces the likelihood of early fatal pulmonary failure when noxious substances are studied which may lessen the need for replacement animals. However, the ease of substance administration and the subsequent analysis of its effects, for example by bronchoalveolar lavage or bronchoscopy, depend critically on the size of the animal model. The advantages of using minipigs; ease of handling, reduced housing requirements, genetic homogeneity, etc. are reduced if their diminutive size makes lung studies difficult. This article describes the use of a bronchial blocking device and a sheathed bronchoscope which enabled sterile endobronchial substance administration in Göttingen minipigs, and allowed pulmonary aspiration studies to be conducted with each animal acting as its own control.
The relation between 8- to 17-year-olds’ judgments of other’s honesty and their own past honest behaviors
Authors: Evans Angela D. , Lee Kang
Published: February 2014

The present investigation examined whether school-aged children and adolescents’ own deceptive behavior of cheating and lying influenced their honesty judgments of their same-aged peers. Eighty 8- to 17-year-olds who had previously participated in a study examining cheating and lie-telling behaviors were invited to make honesty judgments of their peers’ denials of having peeked at the answers to a test. While participants’ accuracy rates for making honesty judgments were at chance levels, judgment biases were found based on participants own past cheating and lie-telling behaviors. Specifically, those who cheated and lied were biased towards believing that their peers would behave in the same manner. In contrast, participants who had not cheated were biased towards judging their peers as honest. These findings suggest that by 8 years of age there is a relation between one’s own deceptive behaviors and judgments of other’s honesty.
“Until We Live Like They Live in Europe”
Authors: Lindeman Sara
Published: February 2014

Building on the capability approach to poverty alleviation, this study argues for a shift in attention from the reduction of poverty to an increase in well-being. This shift opens up a new perspective in the research and the evaluation of business involvement in subsistence markets, and provides a theoretical foundation for a holistic approach in order to engage with subsistence markets. The empirical research follows the urban poor in Tanzania in creating an innovative low-cost housing project. The study argues that communities can, and should, play an active part in the design of markets in subsistence contexts, and presents a process model on how such capabilities for well-being and market agency on individual to system levels can gradually be increased.
Everyday terrorism
Authors: Pain Rachel
Published: February 2014

This paper remaps the geographies of terrorism. Everyday terrorism (domestic violence) and global terrorism are related attempts to exert political control through fear. Geographical research on violence neatly reflects the disproportionate recognition and resourcing that global terrorism receives from the state. The paper explores the parallels, shared foundations and direct points of connection between everyday and global terrorisms. It does so across four interrelated themes: multiscalar politics and securities, fear and trauma, public recognition and recovery, and the inequitable nature of counter-terrorisms. It concludes with implications for addressing terrorisms and for future research.
Studying comparative capitalisms by going left and by going deeper
Authors: Coates David
Published: February 2014

The article charts the continuing attempt to breathe fresh life into the original Hall and Soskice distinction between liberal market economies (LMEs) and coordinated market economies (CMEs). It surveys the critique of that original formulation from within the dominant ‘varieties of capitalism’ paradigm, and the recent attempt by Wolfgang Streeck to replace the LME-CME focus with a new institutionalist understanding of capitalism and its varieties. That move ‘to bring capitalism back in’ is welcome but inadequate, acting only as a beachhead out of which we now need to break, armed with a revitalised sense of the importance of Marxism as a theoretical framework with which to understand capitalist dynamics, capitalist institutional variations and capitalist contradictions.
Comparative capitalisms and Latin American neodevelopmentalism: A critical political economy view
Authors: Ebenau Matthias
Published: February 2014

This article engages critically with an emerging Brazilian research programme, ‘varieties of capitalism and development in Latin America’, a perspective which seeks to ascertain the institutional chances of, and limits to, the implementation of state-led ‘national development strategies’. Adopting a critical political economy viewpoint, the text discusses the deficiencies inherent in this perspective and its neoinstitutionalist and neodevelopmentalist fundamentals. In particular, it questions the vision of the world economy as an arena of free competition and that of the nation-state as a ‘collective actor’, both of which are politically and analytically problematic. These criticisms are substantiated through evidence drawn from a case analysis of the recent trajectory of the Argentinian neodevelopmentalist project.
Preoperative Factors Affecting Footprint Coverage in Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Koh Kyoung Hwan , Lim Tae Kang , Park Young Eun , Lee Seung Won , Park Won Hah , Yoo Jae Chul
Published: February 2014

Background:

One of the goals of rotator cuff repair is to restore the torn tendon to its original insertion anatomically. However, it is sometimes difficult to restore the entire footprint.

Purpose:

This study was undertaken to evaluate the variables affecting this repair coverage and to discern the differences in retear rate and clinical results between complete and incomplete footprint coverage in rotator cuff surgery.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

From 2007 to 2009, a total of 85 consecutive repairs for medium-to-large rotator cuff tears were identified as having complete or incomplete coverage of their original footprints. We defined the complete footprint coverage (CC) group as patients who had >50% of their footprint covered during repair and the incomplete (IC) group as <50% of their footprint. Factors affecting the amount of footprint coverage were evaluated, and multivariable analysis was conducted to identify independent factors. To assess the final outcome according to the amount of footprint coverage, retear and clinical outcomes were compared between the CC and IC groups.

Results:

Fifty-seven repairs were defined in the CC group and 28 repairs in the IC group. Preoperatively, age, tear size in coronal oblique and sagittal oblique planes, Goutallier fatty infiltration, and atrophy of the supraspinatus affected the amount of footprint coverage in univariate analysis. In multivariable analysis, however, tear size in the coronal plane was the only independent factor affecting footprint coverage in rotator cuff repair. On postoperative MRI, 45.6% of the CC group had an intact tendon, 45.6% had a delaminated partial retear, and 8.8% had a full-thickness retear; in the IC group, 17.9% had an intact tendon, 60.7% had a delaminated partial retear, and 21.4% had a full-thickness retear. There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of tendon integrity between groups ( P = .028). Clinical scores and range of motion at final follow-up showed no difference between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:

Tear size in the coronal plane was the only independent factor affecting the amount of footprint coverage. Repair quality based on retear classification was different between the 2 groups. However, both complete and incomplete footprint coverage in rotator cuff repair showed no differences in clinical scores and range of motion at short-term follow-up.
The Role of Immunologic Response in Fresh Osteochondral Allografting of the Knee
Authors: Hunt Harold E. , Sadr Kamran , DeYoung Allison J. , Gortz Simon , Bugbee William D.
Published: February 2014

Background:

Osteochondral allografting, a restorative treatment option for articular cartilage lesions in the knee, involves transplantation of fresh osteochondral tissue with no tissue matching. Although retrieval studies have not consistently shown evidence of immunologic response, development of anti–human leukocyte antigen class I cytotoxic antibodies has been observed in allograft recipients.

Hypothesis:

Postallograft antibody formation is related to graft size and may affect clinical outcome.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

This study retrospectively compared 42 antibody-positive postallograft patients with 42 antibody-negative patients. Groups were matched for age, sex, and body mass index but not intra-articular disease severity. Seventeen patients (20%) were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 67 patients (33 antibody-positive and 34 antibody-negative), average follow-up time was 50.3 months (range, 24-165 months). Mean age was 38.1 years (range, 15-68 years) with 58% being male. Graft area was categorized as small (<5 cm2), medium (5-10 cm2), or large (>10 cm2). Graft survival and Knee Society function scores were used to measure clinical outcome.

Results:

Of the 84 patients, 80 had graft area data. Of 27 patients with large graft area, 19 (70%) had positive postoperative antibody screens, compared with 1 of 16 (6%) with small graft area ( P < .001). Graft survival rates in the antibody-positive and antibody-negative groups were 64% and 79%, respectively ( P = .152). Mean postoperative Knee Society function scores in surviving antibody-positive and antibody-negative groups were 88.3 and 84.6 points, respectively ( P = .482).

Conclusion:

Antibody development after fresh, non-tissue-matched osteochondral allograft transplants in the knee appears related to graft size. No difference was observed in clinical outcome between groups. Graft survival is multifactorial, and the effect that the immunologic response has on clinical outcome merits further investigation.
Constructing and contesting the (post-) national sporting hero: Media, money, mobility and Marie-José Pérec
Authors: Kilcline Cathal
Published: February 2014

In terms of media coverage and sporting achievement, Marie-José Pérec dominated French athletics over the course of the 1990s. Pérec’s performances on and off the track produced a vast corpus of written and audiovisual material that illuminates abiding themes in French public discourse during this period, in particular attitudes towards money, fears regarding American-led globalisation, and the role of the media in society. As triple Olympic and double World champion, Pérec is enshrined among the pantheon of contemporary national heroes. Through the example of Pérec, this article investigates the construction of sporting heroes in contemporary France, shedding light on the multiple meanings that were associated with the athlete throughout her career and discussing in particular how her physical appearance, material wealth and mobility were implicated in this process.
A Survey on Nanotechnology in the View of the Turkish Public
Authors: Senocak Erdal
Published: February 2014

There is considerable interest in public understanding of emerging technologies because public understanding can have an important effect on the implementation of these technologies. Although there are many studies that have focused on public understanding of nanotechnology, no studies on this topic have been conducted in the Turkish public. Therefore, this study was conducted to reveal the status of the Turkish public’s perception of nanotechnology. A survey, including several items that assessed Turkish public opinion about nanotechnology and identified participant demographics, was used to collect data. The sample comprised 513 participants. The results of the dataset indicate that the Turkish public is unfamiliar with nanotechnology. In fact, most of the sample had heard little or nothing about nanotechnology. However, the respondents displayed positive emotions toward nanotechnology. The results of this study provide initial insights into the Turkish public’s perception of nanotechnology.
Negotiating the effects of uncertainty? The governance capacity of collective bargaining under pressure
Authors: Marginson Paul , Keune Maarten , Bohle Dorothee
Published: February 2014

The article makes four main arguments. First, that collective bargaining has the capacity to mitigate the negative externalities arising from market volatility, and the process of marketization, by establishing arrangements which provide substantive and procedural certainty for both workers and employers, and in particular greater security for workers. Secondly, that multi-employer bargaining arrangements are better equipped to fulfil this function than single-employer ones. Thirdly, that there are institutional differences amongst multi-employer bargaining arrangements concerning governance of bargaining at the company level which considerably influence their capacity to promote certainty and security. Fourthly, that under the pressures brought about by the crisis, the marketization of multi-employer collective bargaining is being accelerated either by the parties themselves or, more disruptively, by intervention from governments under pressure from international and European institutions, with potentially damaging consequences for the ability to address negative externalities.
Why do people join trade unions? The impact of workplace union density on union recruitment
Authors: Toubøl Jonas , Jensen Carsten Strøby
Published: February 2014

Against the background of the general decline in union membership in Western countries, this study analyses factors influencing an individual’s choice whether to join a trade union. The focus is on the effects of workplace union density and individual political attitudes. Micro data covering the entire Danish workforce combined with European Social Survey data enable for the first time the statistical analysis of the effect workplace union density has on union recruitment. Workplace union density is used to measure the power of social custom in workplace union membership, constituting an instrumental motive for joining the union. Self-placement on a political left-right scale measures political attitude which is assumed to constitute a value-rational motive. The statistical results indicate that workplace union density is the main predictor of whether or not an employee is going to join a union, even when other variables such as gender, occupation and industry worked in are taken into consideration. In addition, the results indicate that political attitude is also an important factor.
Complaining and the Management of Face in Online Counseling
Authors: Stommel Wyke , van der Houwen Fleur
Published: February 2014

In this article, we analyze how clients in online counseling by email do complaining. Complaining is a “face-threatening act” and can jeopardize the relationship between interlocutors. In online health interventions, we see high dropout rates. We suggest that because the interaction between client and counselor is at the basis of counseling, it is important to understand how a communicative act (e.g., a complaint) that signals potential dropout is constructed sequentially. Based on a corpus of 20 email exchanges, we illustrate how clients constructed complaints over several sentences and sometimes various emails, and how they designed the complaints to minimize threat to the counselor’s face. Counselors, in their responses, used various strategies to manage face threats. We show how complaints were mitigated to protect the counseling relationship and suggest that this is useful knowledge for health professionals.
Automatic detection of cracked rotors combining multiresolution analysis and artificial neural networks
Authors: Castejón C , García-Prada JC , Gómez MJ , Meneses J
Published: February 2014

In the maintenance of motor driven systems, detection of cracks in shafts play a critical role. Condition monitoring and fault diagnostics detect and distinguish different kinds of machinery faults, and provide a significant improvement in maintenance efficiency. In this study, we apply the discrete wavelet transform theory and multiresolution analysis (MRA) to vibration signals to find characteristic patterns of shafts with a transversal crack. The feature vectors generated are used as input to an intelligent classification system based on artificial neural networks (ANNs). Wavelet theory provides signal timescale information, and enables the extraction of significant features from vibration signals that can be used for damage detection. The feature vectors generated for every fault condition feed a radial basis function neural network (ANN-RBF) and apply supervised learning designed and adapted for different fault crack conditions. Together, MRA and RBF constitute an automatic monitoring system with a fast diagnosis online capability. The proposed method is applied to simulated numerical signals to prove its soundness. The numerical data are acquired from a modified Jeffcott Rotor model with four transverse breathing crack sizes. The results demonstrate that this novel diagnostic method that combines wavelets and an artificial neural network is an efficient tool for the automatic detection of cracks in rotors.
Pediatric provider’s perspectives on the transition to adult health care for youth with autism spectrum disorder: Current strategies and promising new directions
Authors: Kuhlthau Karen A , Warfield Marji E , Hurson Jill , Delahaye Jennifer , Crossman Morgan K
Published: February 2014

Few youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) nationally report receiving services to help them transition from the pediatric health care system to the adult health care system. For example, only one-fifth (21.1%) of youth with ASD receive any transition planning services. To better understand why the transition from pediatric to adult health care is so difficult, we interviewed pediatric health care providers with extensive experience serving youth with ASD. We gathered information about the strategies and interventions they use to transition their patients with ASD to an adult provider. Five interventions or strategies are currently being used. These include providing families with written medical summaries to give to adult providers, compiling lists of available adult providers or community resources, coordinating care and communication between individual pediatric and adult providers, making transition-specific appointments, and using checklists to track transition progress. Other interventions or strategies were identified as needed but not currently in practice, and these focused on education and training. For example, informational workshops were suggested to train families and youth about transition. Training adult providers and medical students was also seen as important. Several respondents additionally identified the need for a transition center where all services could be coordinated in one place. With large numbers of youth with ASD becoming young adults, it seems that pediatric practices might want to consider some of the activities described here. Some of these activities, such as family educational seminars and written medical summaries, are likely relatively easy for a practice to implement.
Pain as a predictor of sleep problems in youth with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Tudor Megan E , Walsh Caitlin E , Mulder Emile C , Lerner Matthew D
Published: February 2014

Evidence suggests that pain interferes with sleep in youth with developmental disabilities. This study examined the relationship between pain and sleep problems in a sample of youth with parent-reported autism spectrum disorder ( N = 62). Mothers reported on standardized measures of pain and sleep problems. Youth demonstrated atypically high levels of both observed pain and sleep problems. Pain predicted overall sleep disturbance and three specific sleep problems: sleep duration, parasomnias, and sleep-disordered breathing. These specific sleep problems were predicted by specific modalities of nonverbal pain communication (e.g. sleep duration problems were predicted by social communication of pain). Effects were consistent across probing of relevant moderators. These findings suggest that comprehensive assessment of both pain and sleep problems may provide important information for medical and behavioral treatment planning for youth with autism spectrum disorder.
Routes to decriminalization: A comparative analysis of the legalization of same-sex sexual acts
Authors: Hildebrandt Achim
Published: February 2014

In many places around the world, sexual acts between persons of the same sex have been criminalized for centuries. The process of decriminalization started as early as 1791 but has not been completed as same-sex acts remain illegal in 77 countries. This article analyses this process showing that in the course of the last two centuries it expanded in several dimensions. Geographically, legalization was for a very long time almost exclusively limited to Europe and Latin America until it became a global phenomenon in the 1980s. For 200 years, national legislators and scientific elites in advisory functions were the drivers of decriminalization. The late 20th century marks a critical turning point. Gay and lesbian movements, national and international courts, and international and supranational organizations such as the Council of Europe and the European Union came on the scene as key players in driving decriminalization. Countries that still criminalize same-sex acts are increasingly put under pressure by the international community to legalize them, which most African and Muslim countries have withstood so far. External intervention is perceived as the continuation of colonial politics, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Smells like teen spirit: Channelling subcultural traditions in contemporary Dr Martens branding
Authors: Davies Cath
Published: February 2014

In 2012, the Dr Martens footwear company announced profits of £22 million with a 230% rise in sales from 2011–2012. In the light of this achievement, this paper will investigate the ideologies behind recent marketing campaigns – ‘First and Forever’ (A/W 2011 and S/S 2012) and ‘Individual Style. United Spirit’ (A/W2012) – and will consider the specific branding strategies that have encouraged such consumer attention during this period.

A textual analytical approach to promotional materials, including website resources and product catalogue, will specifically identify the role that the brand’s heritage plays within the contemporary campaign. This paper will argue that youth subcultural appropriations of the brand during the 20th century are specifically channelled in the 21st century and provide an essential framework that positions the current identity of the brand in relation to its historical antecedents. It is argued that the Dr Martens’ company consciously promotes the ‘cultural biography’ of its product and subsequently utilises subcultural tropes to attract the contemporary consumer.
Use of a Bioprosthetic Mesh in Complex Hernia Repair
Authors: Lupinacci Renato Micelli , Gizard Anne Sophie , Rivkine Emmanuel , Debove Clotilde , Menegaux Fabrice , Barrat Christophe , Wind Philippe , Trésallet Christophe
Published: February 2014

Background. Implantation of synthetic meshes for reinforcement of abdominal wall hernias can be complicated by mesh infection, which often requires mesh explantation. The risk of mesh infection is increased in a contaminated environment or in patients who have comorbidities such as diabetes or smoking. The use of biological prostheses has been advocated because of their ability to resist infection. Initial results, however, have shown high hernia recurrence rates and wound occurrences. The objective of the present study is to evaluate early and mid-term outcomes in the largest French series that included 43 consecutive complex abdominal hernias repaired with biological prostheses. Materials and methods. Retrospective observational study of a prospective collected data bank. Patient demographics, history of previous repairs, intraoperative findings and degree of contamination, associated procedures, postoperative prosthetic-related complications, and long-term results were retrospectively reviewed. Results. There were 25 (58%) incisional, 14 parastomal, and 4 midline hernia repairs. Hernias were considered “clean” (n = 5), “clean-contaminated” (n = 19), “contaminated” (n = 12), or “dirty” (n = 7). Wound-related morbidity occurred in 17 patients; 4 patients needed reoperation for cutaneous necrosis or abscess. Smoking was the only risk factor associated with wound complication ( P = .022). No postoperative wound events required removal of the prosthesis. There were 4 hernia recurrences (9%). A previous attempt at repair ( P = .018) and no complete fascia closure ( P = .033) were associated with hernia recurrence. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that the use of bioprothesis in complex hernia repair allowed successful single-stage reconstruction. Wound-related complications were frequent. Cost-benefit analyses are important to establish the validity of these findings.
Comparable mid-term survival in patients undergoing elective fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair and endovascular aneurysm repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Nessvi Sofia , Gottsäter Anders , Acosta Stefan
Published: February 2014

Objective:

To evaluate mid-term survival in patients undergoing elective fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair and standard endovascular aneurysm repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Methods:

Consecutive patients treated from 2007 to 2011 with elective fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (n = 81) and endovascular aneurysm repair (n = 201) were evaluated concerning age, cardiovascular medication, comorbidities, and mid-term mortality.

Results:

Patients in the elective fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair group were younger than the endovascular aneurysm repair group (p = 0.006). In comparison with the endovascular aneurysm repair group, a lower proportion of patients in the elective fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair group had diabetes (p = 0.013) and anemia (p = 0.003), and a higher proportion had arterial hypertension (p = 0.009). When entering age, endovascular aneurysm repair or fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair operation, diabetes, anemia, and hypertension in a Cox regression model, only age (hazard ratio: 1.07; 95% confidence interval: 1.03–1.11; p < 0.001) was a risk factor for mid-term mortality.

Conclusion:

Careful patient selection and medical optimization resulted in comparable mid-term survival in patients undergoing elective fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair and endovascular aneurysm repair.
Medical errors in hospitalized pediatric trauma patients with chronic health conditions
Authors: Liu Xiaotong , Yin Han , Shi Junxin , Wheeler Krista Kurz , Groner Jonathan I , Xiang Huiyun
Published: February 2014

Objective:

This study compares medical errors in pediatric trauma patients with and without chronic conditions.

Methods:

The 2009 Kids’ Inpatient Database, which included 123,303 trauma discharges, was analyzed. Medical errors were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes. The medical error rates per 100 discharges and per 1000 hospital days were calculated and compared between inpatients with and without chronic conditions.

Results:

Pediatric trauma patients with chronic conditions experienced a higher medical error rate compared with patients without chronic conditions: 4.04 (95% confidence interval: 3.75–4.33) versus 1.07 (95% confidence interval: 0.98–1.16) per 100 discharges. The rate of medical error differed by type of chronic condition. After controlling for confounding factors, the presence of a chronic condition increased the adjusted odds ratio of medical error by 37% if one chronic condition existed (adjusted odds ratio: 1.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.21–1.5), and 69% if more than one chronic condition existed (adjusted odds ratio: 1.69, 95% confidence interval: 1.48–1.53). In the adjusted model, length of stay had the strongest association with medical error, but the adjusted odds ratio for chronic conditions and medical error remained significantly elevated even when accounting for the length of stay, suggesting that medical complexity has a role in medical error. Higher adjusted odds ratios were seen in other subgroups.

Conclusion:

Chronic conditions are associated with significantly higher rate of medical errors in pediatric trauma patients. Future research should evaluate interventions or guidelines for reducing the risk of medical errors in pediatric trauma patients with chronic conditions.
A randomised controlled feasibility study investigating the use of eccentric and concentric strengthening exercises in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy
Authors: Bateman Marcus , Adams Nicola
Published: February 2014

Objectives:

To conduct a feasibility study to compare concentric and eccentric rotator cuff strengthening exercises for rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Methods:

A total of 11 patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy who were on the waiting list for arthroscopic subacromial decompression surgery were randomised to perform eccentric rotator cuff strengthening exercises, concentric strengthening exercises or no exercises. Patients were evaluated in terms of levels of pain and function using the Oxford Shoulder Score and a Visual Analogue Scale initially, at 4 weeks and at 8 weeks.

Results:

The study design was found to be acceptable to patients and achieved a high level of 86% compliance. The drop-out rate was 0%. Two patients performing eccentric strengthening exercises improved sufficiently to cancel their planned surgery.

Conclusion:

Further research in this area is recommended. The study design was feasible and power calculations have been conducted to aid future research planning.
Influenza vaccination and treatment in children with neurologic disorders
Authors: Havers Fiona , Fry Alicia , Peacock Georgina , Finelli Lyn
Published: February 2014

Influenza viruses cause substantial morbidity in children each year, especially among children with specific chronic conditions. In particular, neurologic disorders have emerged as a strong risk factor for influenza-related complications. Children with these disorders may be vulnerable due to diminished respiratory muscle strength, decreased muscle tone or impaired mobility, which can compromise pulmonary function and the ability to handle secretions. Although they represent a small fraction of the general pediatric population, children with neurologic disorders make up a disproportionately high number of those children who are hospitalized and die as a result of influenza-associated complications. Annual vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications, and is recommended for all children 6 months through 18 years of age, including children with neurologic disorders. Family members and those who work with these children in institutional, educational and daycare settings should also be vaccinated against influenza annually. However, there have been few studies of influenza vaccination specifically in this population. In addition, vaccine effectiveness may vary from year to year and vaccination will not prevent all infections. Early empiric antiviral treatment should be started promptly in these children if they present to healthcare providers with symptoms suspicious for influenza. This article reviews influenza epidemiology in children with neurologic disorders and what is known about vaccines and other methods of protecting this vulnerable population from influenza-related complications.