bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence and Correlates of Mental and Emotional Health Among American Indian Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Walls Melissa L. , Aronson Benjamin D. , Soper Garrett V. , Johnson-Jennings Michelle D.
Published: February 2014

Aims

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of mental and emotional health factors among a sample of American Indian (Indigenous) adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Data are from a community-based participatory research project involving 2 Indigenous reservation communities. Data were collected from 218 Indigenous adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes via in-person paper-and-pencil survey interviews.

Results

Reports of greater numbers of mental/emotional health problems were associated with increases in self-reported hyperglycemia, comorbid health problems, and health-impaired physical activities.

Conclusions

This study addresses a gap in the literature by demonstrating the associations between various mental/emotional health factors and diabetes-related health problems for Indigenous Americans. Findings underscore the importance of holistic, integrated primary care models for more effective diabetes care.
The Influence of Electrolarynx Use on Postlaryngectomy Voice‐Related Quality of Life
Authors: Cox Steven R. , Doyle Philip C.
Published: February 2014

Objective

To investigate voice‐related quality of life in an effort to index self‐assessed voice disability in speakers who use the electrolarynx and to determine the perceived level of influence of the electrolarynx on vocal communication.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Setting

This study was conducted at a tertiary care facility.

Subjects and Methods

Forty laryngectomized adults (25 men, 15 women) who used the electrolarynx as a primary method of communication served as participants. The Voice‐Related Quality of Life measure was administered and scored in standard fashion and descriptive data generated for physical, social‐emotional, and total scores.

Results

Data indicate substantial variability in self‐perceived quality of life specific to voice use; a wide range of physical, social‐emotional, and total scores were observed. Only one‐quarter of these participants rated themselves as having “poor/fair” voice‐related quality of life.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that use of the electrolarynx as a postlaryngectomy method of verbal communication has a wide‐ranging influence on self‐perceived voice‐related quality of life and that mean scores from prior studies may not accurately reflect the potential value of the electrolarynx. Communication disability related to electrolarynx use does in fact vary; however, it is not uniformly poor, and some may be highly proficient users. Consequently, the Voice‐Related Quality of Life measure may also serve as a useful tool for clinical documentation of rehabilitation outcomes in those who use the electrolarynx as a postlaryngectomy method of speech.
Becoming music teacher educators: Learning from and with each other in a professional development community
Authors: Pellegrino Kristen , Sweet Bridget , Derges Kastner Julie , Russell Heather A. , Reese Jill
Published: February 2014

During this heuristic phenomenological inquiry, we examined our lived experiences as five women (three doctoral students, two early career faculty) in the process of becoming music teacher educators participating in a year-long, online, group-facilitated professional development community (PDC). Data included recorded meetings via Skype, journal entries via a private Facebook blog, and written introductory and final reflection statements. The three core themes that emerged from the data were as follows: (a) self-doubt and fear of failure as researchers; (b) struggle to establish balance; and (c) the PDC as a safe place. The essence of our lived experience in the group was developing our identities as music teacher educators through interactions in our PDC, which was a safe place for us to discuss our thoughts, concerns, and insecurities. We offer suggestions for PDCs, including future research and participation, as well as international sharing, collaboration, and community.
Which governance characteristics affect the incidence of divestitures in Australia?
Authors: Nguyen Pascal , Rahman Nahid
Published: February 2014

Event studies indicate that divestitures create shareholder value. However, managers are generally disinclined to execute a divestiture due to their inherent preferences for growing the firm’s assets. Governance structures can play a significant role in restraining this agency conflict. Using a sample of divestitures carried out by Australian firms over a recent 10-year period, we find that board compensation and ownership concentration increase the likelihood of a divestiture. In addition, board compensation has a stronger effect in firms that are more likely to divest, while larger boards inhibit divestitures in firms that are less likely to divest. Our analysis involves a propensity score matching method. We show that poor matching can lead to large biases and inconsistencies.
Extrapontine Myelinolysis in an 18-Month-Old Boy With Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Gencpinar Pinar , Tekguc Hakan , Senol A. Utku , Duman Ozgur , Dursun Oguz
Published: February 2014

Extrapontine myelinolysis is characterized by symmetric demyelination following rapid shifts in serum osmolality in the supratentorial compartment. Extrapontine myelinolysis in children is rare compared to adults. The most common underlying pathophysiology is rapid correction of hyponatremia. Only 2 cases were published after diabetic ketoacidosis without electrolyte imbalance in the English literature. This study presents an unusual and possibly the youngest case of extrapontine myelinolysis that occurred in the setting of diabetic ketoacidosis and complicated cerebral edema without electrolyte imbalance, along with a review of the literature.
Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (Anti-NMDA) Receptor Antibody Encephalitis in a Male Adolescent With a Large Mediastinal Teratoma
Authors: Sommeling Charlotte , Santens Patrick
Published: February 2014

We present a case of a 16-year-old boy with Klinefelter syndrome who presented with a syndrome of impaired alertness, orofacial dyskinesias, choreiform movements, epileptic seizures, and autonomic instability, pointing to a diagnosis of anti-N-methyl-Daspartate (anti-NMDA) receptor antibody encephalitis.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Secondary Schizophrenia
Authors: Stoos Catherine , Nelsen Laura , Schissler Kathryn A. , Elliott Amy J. , Kinney Hannah C.
Published: February 2014

We report the unique neuropathologic study of an adult brain of a patient with fetal alcohol syndrome who developed the well-recognized complication of schizophrenia in adolescence. The major finding was asymmetric formation of the lateral temporal lobes, with marked enlargement of the right superior temporal gyrus, suggesting that alcohol is preferentially toxic to temporal lobe patterning during gestation. Critical maturational changes unique to adolescence can unmask psychotic symptomatology mediated by temporal lobe pathology that has been clinically dormant since birth. Elucidating the neuropathologic basis of the secondary psychiatric disorders in fetal alcohol syndrome can help provide insight into their putative developmental origins.
Beyond “Victim-Criminals”
Authors: Majic Samantha
Published: February 2014

This article examines the St. James Infirmary (SJI), a nonprofit occupational health and safety clinic for sex workers in San Francisco, to consider how particular organizational spaces and practices may challenge gender ideologies in the United States—in this case, of women sex workers as “victim-criminals.” Drawing empirically from multimethod qualitative research and theoretically from feminist institutionalism, I indicate how the SJI’s broader institutional context has (re)produced a victim-criminal ideology of women in prostitution. Next, I consider the SJI’s organizational emergence and operations to argue that, by deploying particular spatial-discursive practices and operational procedures, nonprofits with legacies of activism may draw from these to challenge dominant gender ideologies, even as they work alongside the broader institutional structures that promote them. Although single case studies like the SJI cannot establish broad theoretical generalizations and propositions, I use it to build knowledge and highlight important lessons about nonprofits, gender, and institutional change.
Exploring Nested Identities
Authors: Meisenbach Rebecca J. , Kramer Michael W.
Published: February 2014

Although scholars theorize that identities are layered or nested within one another, little is understood about whether, how, and what layers are expressed by individuals. Such understanding could offer insight into organizational membership decisions, particularly within voluntary organizations where financial incentives are not involved. This study used semi-structured interviews to explore how individuals articulate identities and identification sources when discussing their desire to join and continue participation in a community choir, a voluntary leisure organization. The findings highlight how specific individual activities and higher order nested family and music identities, in addition to the more traditional organizational identifications, all play into membership decisions. The results also suggest that identity researchers and voluntary organization managers may benefit from focusing more attention on (a) higher order and cross-cutting social category identities, (b) individual activities in the organizations, and (c) the isomorphism among different layers of identity and identification.
What Makes Performance Feedback Seem Just? Synchronicity, Channel, and Valence Effects on Perceptions of Organizational Justice in Feedback Delivery
Authors: Westerman Catherine Y. K. , Heuett Kyle B. , Reno Katie M. , Curry Rick
Published: February 2014

Because organizations may increasingly utilize a variety of different methods to communicate with employees both on- and off-site, performance feedback may not continue to be bound to traditional face-to-face interaction. Knowing how channel and synchronicity may affect perceptions of feedback may be very useful to organizations and supervisors as the use of alternative work arrangements increases. This study was conducted to learn more about the delivery of performance feedback to employees and what would cause them to feel justly versus unjustly treated by their supervisors. Synchronicity, channel, and valence effects on perceptions of justice in feedback delivery were examined through a fully crossed 2 × 2 × 2 design of 447 participants. Findings suggest that positive feedback and delivery via phone call rather than text message were associated with higher perceptions of organizational justice. Practical implications for organizations are also addressed.
Electronic brake safety index for evaluating fail-safe control of brake-by-wire systems for improvement in the straight braking stability
Authors: Jeon Kwangki , Park Ji In , Choi Sungjin , Yi Kyongsu
Published: February 2014

An electronic brake safety evaluation index is proposed as a quantitative analysis metric for evaluating the fail-safe control strategies of brake-by-wire systems for improvement in the straight braking stability. The proposed electronic brake safety evaluation index is developed with the combination of a longitudinal deceleration deviation term and a lateral deviation term of a vehicle in straight braking situations. A fuel cell electric vehicle with a brake-by-wire system model is used to simulate the effectiveness of the electronic brake safety evaluation index in various failure modes. Brake safety evaluation scenarios are proposed to find effective fail-safe control strategies for the brake-by-wire systems. The simulation results for the fail-safe control strategies of a brake-by-wire system in various failure modes show that the proposed electronic brake safety evaluation index can be a useful and effective quantitative metric for evaluating fail-safe control strategies in the development, verification and validation stages of brake-by-wire systems.
Modelling of a Scottish Aviation Bulldog using reverse engineering, wind tunnel and numerical methods
Authors: Lawson NJ , Gautrey JE , Salmon N , Garry KP , Pintiau A
Published: February 2014

Wind tunnel and numerical results are presented from a 33% scale model of a Scottish Aviation Bulldog light aircraft. The model was developed using reverse engineering and computer aided design processes from a laser scan of the full scale aircraft. This solid model was subsequently used to provide a basic aerodynamic wind tunnel assessment of the aircraft, specifically in the region behind the canopy. The computer aided design model was also meshed with 3.4 million cells in Ansys ICEM CFD and solved using Ansys Fluent. The CFD solution was verified and validated using comparisons with flight test and type record data. Subsequent comparisons of the CFD pressure data behind the canopy with the wind tunnel data was found to match within a ΔCp of 0.05 which was within experimental error and scaling effects.
Costs of illness and quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in South Korea
Authors: Cho JH , Chang SH , Shin NH , Choi BY , Oh HJ , Yoon MJ , Lee EY , Lee EB , Lee TJ , Song YW
Published: February 2014

Objective

To assess the costs of illness, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and their associated factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in South Korea.

Method

Two hundred and one patients with SLE were enrolled at the Rheumatology clinic of Seoul National University Hospital. Direct, indirect and total costs and HRQOL were measured using hospital electronic data and face-to-face interview. Socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with cost of illness and HRQOL were analyzed using multiple regression and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

The average total cost of illness was estimated to be KRW 9.82 million (US $ 8993) per year, of which 41.6% was accounted for by direct costs and 58.4% by indirect costs. In multivariate regression, patients with renal involvement and those with depression incurred an average increment in annual total costs of 37.6% ( p = 0.050) and 49.1% ( p = 0.024), respectively, and an average increment in annual direct costs of 26.4% ( p = 0.050) and 43.3% ( p = 0.002), respectively, compared with patients without renal involvement and depression, respectively. In addition, disease damage was positively associated with an average increment in annual total and direct costs (55.3%, p = 0.006; 33.3%, p = 0.013, respectively), and the occurrence of indirect costs (OR 2.21, 1.09–4.88). There was no significant difference in HRQOL between patients with and without renal involvement (0.655 vs. 0.693, p = 0.203)

Conclusion

Renal involvement, depression, and disease damage were major factors associated with higher total and medical costs for patients with SLE in South Korea. Effective treatment of renal disorders and depression may reduce the high economic burden of SLE.
The dignity of the nursing profession
Authors: Sabatino Laura , Stievano Alessandro , Rocco Gennaro , Kallio Hanna , Pietila Anna-Maija , Kangasniemi Mari K
Published: February 2014

Background:

Nursing continues to gain legitimation epistemologically and ontologically as a scientific discipline throughout the world. If a profession gains respect as a true autonomous scientific profession, then this recognition has to be put in practice in all environments and geographical areas. Nursing professional dignity, as a self-regarding concept, does not have a clear definition in the literature, and it has only begun to be analyzed in the last 10 years.

Objectives:

The purpose of this meta-synthesis was to determine the various factors that constitute the notion of nursing professional dignity. The target was to create a tentative model of the concept.

Research design:

The research design was a meta-synthesis (N = 15 original articles) of nursing professional dignity described in the literature, based on the guidelines by Noblit and Hare.

Method and findings:

Original studies were sought out from electronic databases and manual searches. The selection of literature was conducted on stages based on titles (n = 2595), abstracts (n = 70), and full-texts (n = 15) according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. From this analysis, a clear definition of nursing professional dignity emerged that underscored two main macro-dimensions constituting this intertwined, multidimensional, and complex notion: characteristics of the human beings and workplace elements.

Conclusion:

The recognition of nursing professional dignity could have a positive impact on patients because the results clearly showed that nurses are more prone to foster patients’ dignity, patients’ safety, and a better quality of care if their own dignity is respected. If nurses are uncomfortable, humiliated, or not seen in their professional role, it is difficult to give to others good care, good support, or good relationships.
Factors Affecting the Implementation of Clinical Pharmacy Services in China
Authors: Penm Jonathan , Moles Rebekah , Wang Holly , Li Yan , Chaar Betty
Published: February 2014

New policies in China have recently led to the implementation of clinical pharmacy services in hospitals. We explored the views of hospital administrators, pharmacy directors, clinical pharmacists, and dispensing pharmacists about the factors affecting clinical pharmacy services in China, using the framework approach and organizational theory. We conducted 30 interviews with 130 participants at 29 hospitals (both secondary and tertiary) in Beijing, Zhengzhou, Luoyang, and Shanghai. We found that the barriers to and facilitators of implementation of clinical pharmacy services slotted into the environment and participant dimensions of Scott’s adapted version of Leavitt’s organizational model. External support from government was perceived as crucial to promoting pharmacy services. It is proposed that the internationally recognized Basel Statements of the International Pharmaceutical Federation also provide a strong foundation for guiding China in implementing clinical pharmacy services.
A Study of Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Volunteers’ Attitudes Toward Physician-Assisted Suicide
Authors: Claxton-Oldfield Stephen , Miller Kathryn
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of hospice palliative care (HPC) volunteers who provide in-home support (n = 47) and members of the community (n = 58) toward the issue of physician-assisted suicide (PAS). On the first part of the survey, participants responded to 15 items designed to assess their attitudes toward PAS. An examination of individual items revealed differences in opinions among members of both the groups. Responses to additional questions revealed that the majority of volunteers and community members (1) support legalizing PAS; (2) would choose HPC over PAS for themselves if they were terminally ill; and (3) think Canadians should place more priority on developing HPC rather than on legalizing PAS. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Cost Analysis of a Novel Interdisciplinary Model for Advanced Illness Management
Authors: Hopp Faith P. , Trzcinski Eileen , Roth Roxanne , Deremo Dorothy , Fonger Evan , Chiv Sokchay , Paletta Michael
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

This research project evaluated cost outcomes for patients in the @HOMe Support program, a novel interdisciplinary home-based program for patients and caregivers facing advanced illness drawing on the Chronic Care Model.

Methods:

Cost analysis involved paired sample t-tests to examine pre–post differences in health care expenditures obtained from Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) claims data for program participants.

Results:

Average 6-month costs per month significantly declined for patients older than 65 years of age from 1 HMO (US$9300-US$5900, P = .001). Evaluation of the second HMO showed that patients less than 65 years of age with lower preentry costs (<70 000) had a nonsignificant decline in total costs (US$18 787-US$13 781, P = .08).

Conclusions:

Study findings suggest @HOMe Support is associated with reductions in the use and cost for most health services over time.
First Metatarsocuneiform Joint Mobility
Authors: Doty Jesse F. , Coughlin Michael J. , Hirose Christopher , Stevens Faustin , Schutt Shane , Kennedy Michael , Grebing Brett , Smith Bertil , Cooper Truitt , Golanó Pau , Viladot Ramon , Remington Richard
Published: February 2014

Background:

The first metatarsocuneiform joint is involved in first ray biomechanics and related forefoot pathology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the first metatarsocuneiform joint radiographic findings in relation to angular position of the radiographic beam, and to assess the joint mobility as it relates to the anatomic orientation of the facets on both radiographic imaging and gross anatomic dissection.

Methods:

Thirty-nine cadaveric lower extremity limbs were stratified as normal, mild, moderate, or severe hallux valgus deformity. Mobility of the first metatarsocuneiform joint for each specimen was assessed using the Klaue device. The medial inclination angle (obliquity) of the first metatarsocuneiform joint was determined on both 10-degree and 20-degree anteroposterior radiographs. The lateral inclination angle of both the dorsal and plantar facets was determined on lateral radiographs. Each specimen was then dissected to directly inspect the metatarsocuneiform joint.

Results:

The metatarsocuneiform joint mean height was 28.3 mm and the mean width was 13.1 mm. Twenty-three feet demonstrated a continuous cartilaginous surface, 15 feet demonstrated a bilobed cartilaginous surface, and 1 foot demonstrated completely separated facets. Dorsal facets were curved in 37 specimens and flat 2 specimens. Plantar facets were flat in 30 specimens and curved in 9 specimens. The medial inclination angle measured 15.8 degrees on the 10-degree radiograph and 2.6 degrees on the 20-degree radiograph. We were unable to establish any correlations of metatarsocuneiform joint angles or facet contour with mobility measured by the Klaue device.

Conclusions:

The metatarsocuneiform joint has a height to width ratio of nearly 2:1. Continuous and bilobed facets are both very common anatomic variants. The contour of the dorsal facet was predominantly curved and the contour of the plantar facet was predominantly flat. First metatarsocuneiform joint mobility does not appear to be dependent on the contour of the facets or the degree of medial inclination of the joint.

Clinical Relevance:

Anatomic and radiographic findings with regard to mobility of the first metatarsocuneiform joint may assist the surgeon in interpreting the joint’s relationship to hallux valgus deformity and to aid in clinical decision making. Our findings suggest that radiographic interpretation of medial inclination is unreliable and should not be used to determine the appropriateness of specific operative procedures.
Resting-State fMRI
Authors: Guerra-Carrillo Belén , Mackey Allyson P. , Bunge Silvia A.
Published: February 2014

Although brain plasticity is greatest in the first few years of life, the brain continues to be shaped by experience throughout adulthood. Advances in fMRI have enabled us to examine the plasticity of large-scale networks using blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) correlations measured at rest. Resting-state functional connectivity analysis makes it possible to measure task-independent changes in brain function and therefore could provide unique insights into experience-dependent brain plasticity in humans. Here, we evaluate the hypothesis that resting-state functional connectivity reflects the repeated history of co-activation between brain regions. To this end, we review resting-state fMRI studies in the sensory, motor, and cognitive learning literature. This body of research provides evidence that the brain’s resting-state functional architecture displays dynamic properties in young adulthood.
Postmarketing Surveillance of Recombinant Human Soluble Thrombomodulin (Thrombomodulin α) in Pediatric Patients With Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Authors: Shirahata Akira , Mimuro Jun , Takahashi Hoyu , Tsuji Hajime , Kitajima Isao , Matsushita Tadashi , Eguchi Yutaka , Kitamura Naoya , Honda Goichi , Sakata Yoichi
Published: February 2014

Recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (thrombomodulin α [TM-α]) has been marketed as a novel anticoagulant for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in Japan since 2008. Postmarketing surveillance (PMS) has been conducted since its approval. As effectiveness and safety were not previously determined in pediatric patients, this study evaluated PMS data and examined the usefulness of TM-α in treating pediatric DIC. After excluding newborn infants, data for 210 pediatric patients were analyzed and compared to 3786 adult patients. The day after the last TM-α administration, DIC had resolved in 58.5% of the patients. At 28 days after the last TM-α administration, the survival rate was 71.6%. Nineteen episodes of adverse drug reactions were observed in 11 patients but no significant differences were noted for effectiveness and safety. Although this study was limited by its retrospective design, including selection biases and no limitation on concomitant use of other anticoagulants, TM-α appears to be useful for the treatment of DIC in both pediatric and adult patients.
The Spatial Distribution and Social Ecology of “Public” and “Private” Homicide Types in Toronto
Authors: Thompson Sara K.
Published: February 2014

The core assumption underlying the disaggregation of homicide by type is that a singular focus on the monolithic category “homicide” obscures the multidimensional nature of lethal violence. The goal of this article is to contribute to the emerging literature on neighborhoods and different homicide types by examining the spatial distribution and ecological correlates of young male homicide and intimate femicide in Toronto, Canada, for the period 1988-2003. Findings suggest that there is a significant difference across homicide types in the effect of only one of the independent variables under examination: an index of socioeconomic disadvantage. The discussion of this finding highlights the problems that small numbers associated with disaggregated homicide types may pose for detecting neighborhood effects in social ecological research.
The role of gender and sex hormones in determining the onset and outcome of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bove Riley , Chitnis Tanuja
Published: February 2014

Intriguing sex differences both in multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility and its disease course may offer important insights into MS disease pathophysiology, prevention and treatment. In this review, we first summarize the key sex-related differences in MS risk, heritability and disease progression. One promising hypothesis we explore is whether sexually-dimorphic responsiveness to cultural and environmental changes may explain the observation of an increasing female:male sex ratio in MS. We then review the evidence for hormonal modulation of MS, during such transitions as puberty and pregnancy. Finally, we review sex differences in the non-inflammatory facets of MS. We highlight those research gaps that may point to important sex or sex hormone-mediated mechanistic and therapeutic insights.
Twitter as “a journalistic substitute”? Examining #wiunion tweeters’ behavior and self-perception
Authors: Veenstra Aaron S , Iyer Narayanan , Park Chang Sup , Alajmi Fawaz
Published: February 2014

Twitter has been cited as a key factor behind a number of recent protest movements. Through interviews with heavy users of the #wiunion hashtag, this study examines the motivations and perceptions behind its usage during the 2011 Wisconsin labor protests. Findings suggest these users see a blurred boundary between citizen journalism and activism, but that their Twitter behavior is driven in part by distrust of traditional news sources and a desire to present an alternative. Notably, most do not see themselves as citizen journalists because they see journalism as an institutional, rather than individual, practice. Their orientation toward information credibility also diverges from traditional journalism, relying on interpersonal trust and the availability of visual evidence. These findings are discussed in the broader context of protest mobilization through information gathering and sharing.
A Vanishing Piece of the Pi
Authors: Curtin Michael , Vanderhoef John
Published: February 2014

Digital visual effects (VFX) now comprise one-third of total production spending on major feature film releases. They also are a significant and growing component of production budgets for television programming and commercials. Yet, despite the rising status of VFX, this sector of the media business has been in turmoil for over a decade, a situation made palpable by recurring waves of bankruptcies and layoffs, most notably including Rhythm & Hues, the company that scored the 2013 Oscar for VFX in Life of Pi. This essay analyzes the increasingly globalized mode of production in the VFX industry. We critically examine the specific practices and protocols of the VFX business, demonstrating their impact on workers and labor-organizing efforts. Tying together insights from political economy, creative economy, and production studies, the essay offers a middle-range analysis that connects specific local labor conditions to broader trends in the media industries.
Open surgery versus nonoperative treatments for paediatric trigger thumb: a systematic review
Authors: Farr S. , Grill F. , Ganger R. , Girsch W.
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the outcome of interphalangeal (IP) joint motion in children undergoing open surgical release, splinting, and passive exercising therapy for the treatment of paediatric trigger thumb. We conducted an online literature search of seven major databases. Only studies with a mean follow-up of at least 12 months were considered for inclusion. Seventeen retrospective studies and one prospective study met all the inclusion criteria. They reported on the results of surgery (634 children, 759 thumbs), splinting (115 children, 138 thumbs), and passive exercising (89 children, 108 thumbs). The mean follow-up periods were 59 (surgery), 23 (splinting), and 76 months (exercising), respectively. Full IP joint motion without residual triggering was achieved in 95% of all children undergoing surgery, in 67% of children treated with continuous splinting, and 55% after passive exercising. Based on the low level of evidence available, it seems that open surgery resulted in more reliable and rapid outcomes compared with nonoperative treatment.
What patients want from the treatment of Dupuytren’s disease — is the Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) scale relevant?
Authors: Rodrigues J. N. , Zhang W. , Scammell B. E. , Davis T. R. C.
Published: February 2014

Patients awaiting surgery for Dupuytren’s contractures listed the problems from their Dupuytren’s disease that had led them to request surgery and their relative priorities of the results of surgery. The listed problems were compared with the nine items comprising the Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) Dupuytren’s disease-specific outcome measure. One hundred and ten patients reported 278 problems. Ninety-four different combinations of problems were provided by patients, and over half (55%) of the problems were not captured by items in the URAM scale. The long-term outcome from surgery was relatively more important to patients than speed of recovery. The URAM tool may not be relevant to patients in the UK, and further assessment of its face validity is required before it is used.

Level of evidence: III
Real-life effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of amlodipine/valsartan or amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide single-pill combination in patients with hypertension from Pakistan
Authors: Khan Waheed , Moin Nasir , Iktidar Somia , Sakrani Javed , Abid Rizwan , Afzal Javed , Maheshwary Neeta , Kumar Kishore , Siddiqi Ahson , Qadir Murad
Published: February 2014

Objective:

EXCITE (clinical EXperienCe of amlodIpine and valsarTan in hypErtension) evaluated the real-life effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of single-pill combinations (SPCs) of amlodipine/valsartan (Aml/Val) and amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide (Aml/Val/HCTZ) in patients with hypertension from 13 countries in the Middle East and Asia. Here, we present data from Pakistan.

Methods:

This was a 26-week observational, multicenter, prospective, open-label study. At week 26, change from baseline in mean sitting systolic (msSBP) and diastolic blood pressure (msDBP) and the proportion of patients achieving BP goal (SBP/DBP <140/90 mmHg; <130/80 mmHg in patients with diabetes) and response rates (SBP <140 mmHg [130 mmHg for patients with diabetes] or reduction of ≥20 mmHg; DBP <90 mmHg [80 mmHg for patients with diabetes] or reduction of ≥10 mmHg), were evaluated. Incidence of adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs (SAEs) was recorded as safety variables. Subjective assessment of effectiveness, compliance and tolerability was done by the physician.

Results:

A total of 500 patients with hypertension (mean age of 48 years) were prescribed Aml/Val ( n = 471, 94%) or Aml/Val/HCTZ ( n = 29, 6%); 439 (87.8%) patients completed the study. At week 26, the mean BP decreased from 153.4/91.1 mmHg at baseline to 128.9/78.4 mmHg in the Aml/Val cohort (−24.5/−12.7 mmHg; p < 0.0001) and from 171.6/99.3 mmHg at baseline to 127.7/77.4 mmHg (−43.9/−21.9 mmHg; p < 0.0001) in the Aml/Val/HCTZ cohort. BP goals were achieved by 57% and 55.2% of patients in the Aml/Val and Aml/Val/HCTZ cohorts, respectively. A total of 40 (8%) patients reported at least one AE during the study period. Most common AEs included nausea (1.6%), headache (1.2%), vomiting (1.2%), and edema (1.2%). Most patients in Aml/Val cohort and all patients in Aml/Val/HCTZ cohort rated the effectiveness, compliance and tolerability as ‘good’ or ‘very good’.

Conclusions:

Aml/Val with or without HCTZ in a SPC was effective and well-tolerated for BP reduction in this cohort of patients with hypertension from Pakistan.
Necesidades de salud sexual y reproductiva en estudiantes de una universidad pública mexicana
Authors: González de León Deyanira , Salinas Addis Abeba , Torre María del Pilar , Mora Fernando
Published: February 2014

Este artículo aborda la necesidad de promover una sexualidad saludable en la comunidad estudiantil de la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Xochimilco (UAMX), ubicada en la Ciudad de México. Se presentan resultados de una encuesta sobre necesidades de salud sexual y reproductiva (SSR) en estudiantes de primer ingreso y se proponen estrategias para darles respuesta en el ámbito universitario mexicano. La encuesta forma parte de un proyecto de investigación y sus resultados apoyaron la creación del Programa Universidad Saludable de la UAMX. La encuesta fue anónima y auto-administrada, incluyó 64 preguntas y se aplicó a una muestra representativa de 315 estudiantes; se obtuvieron frecuencias simples y los datos se desagregaron por sexo y en función de que los estudiantes hubiesen tenido o no relaciones sexuales. Como otros estudios realizados en universidades mexicanas, los resultados muestran carencias notables de información básica sobre aspectos relativos a la sexualidad y la reproducción en adultos/as jóvenes que ingresan a las universidades. Además, proporciones no despreciables de estudiantes manifestaron su acuerdo o indecisión frente a estereotipos de género y mitos sobre la sexualidad fuertemente arraigados en el contexto sociocultural del país. Responder a las necesidades de SSR de las comunidades estudiantiles en las universidades implica que éstas asuman la responsabilidad de ofrecer a sus estudiantes servicios de consejería y atención de alta calidad en SSR, así como información que fomente el ejercicio responsable de la sexualidad y propicie la prevención de las infecciones de transmisión sexual, los embarazos no deseados y los abortos. Asimismo, es necesario implementar estrategias que permitan a los/as estudiantes cuestionar los mitos y estereotipos que influyen en sus percepciones sobre asuntos del ámbito de la SSR. Se trata, finalmente, de promover los derechos sexuales de los/as adultos jóvenes que estudian en las universidades para que vivan su sexualidad con plenitud y sin riesgos.
Retinal Microcirculation in Type 1 Diabetic Patients With and Without Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy
Authors: Forst Thomas , Weber Matthias M. , Mitry Michael , Müller Lena , Forst Senait , Tanis Mukkadar , Pfützner Andreas , Michelson Georg
Published: February 2014

In patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), early retinal microvascular alterations can be observed even before the clinical diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. This study aimed to investigate morphological and functional changes in retinal microvascular blood flow in type 1 diabetic patients with and without peripheral neuropathy (PNP) as compared to nondiabetic controls. Retinal microvascular blood flow (RBF) was assessed using scanning laser Doppler flowmetry (Heidelberg Retina Flowmeter, Heidelberg Engineering, Germany) before and after stimulation with flicker light. PNP was assessed using the neuropathy disability score (NDS) and by the evaluation of the vibration perception threshold (VPT). A total of 41 subjects were recruited for study participation and were stratified to 3 different groups according to their metabolic and neurological status: 14 nondiabetic subjects without PNP, 14 diabetic patients without PNP, and 13 diabetic patients with PNP. All subjects were free from diabetic retinopathy as assessed by fundoscopy. In diabetic patients with PNP, baseline and stimulated RBF was higher compared with diabetic patients without PNP and the nondiabetic control group. No difference with regard to RBF could be observed between the nondiabetic control subjects and patients with type 1 DM without PNP. No difference in the arterial WLR could be observed between the 3 groups. A linear correlation was found for VPT and RBF ( r = .38, P < .001) and for NDS and RBF ( r = .44, P < .0001). In our study population of patients with type 1 diabetes, PNP was associated with functional but not morphological changes in RBF.
Lipid-Lowering and Antioxidant Functions of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) Extract in Human Dyslipidemia
Authors: Katare Charu , Saxena Sonali , Agrawal Supriya , Joseph Anish Zacharia , Subramani Senthil Kumar , Yadav Dhananjay , Singh Nita , Bisen Prakash Singh , Prasad G. B. K. S.
Published: February 2014

The study validated the antidyslipidemic, antioxidant, and antihyperglycemic effects of Lagenaria siceraria fruit extract in human subjects with dyslipidemia along with subjects of normal health. A total of 200 mL of freshly prepared Lagenaria siceraria fruit extract was administered daily on empty stomach for 90 days. Significant reductions ( P < .01) were found in triglycerides and total cholesterol levels in blood. Cardiac risk ratio, atherogenic coefficient, and atherogenicity index of plasma were also improved. Appreciable reductions in body mass index ( P < .01) and blood pressure (systolic P < .01, diastolic P < .05) along with a significant reduction ( P < .05) in fasting blood glucose levels were also observed in these subjects. Lagenaria siceraria fruit extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity in dyslipidemic subjects as evident from elevations in SOD ( P < .05) and GSH levels ( P < .01) with marked improvement in catalase ( P < .01) and TBARS levels ( P < .05). Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. Lagenaria siceraria fruit extract serves as dietary adjunct in treatment of human dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease.
Guiding Students’ Scientific Practice
Authors: Peker Deniz , Dolan Erin L.
Published: February 2014

Many science education programs involve scientists in K-12 education to support students’ engagement in scientific practices and learning science process skills and scientific epistemologies. Little research has studied the actions of scientists in classrooms or how scientists’ actions may (or may not) supplement or complement the actions of teachers. In this descriptive study, we explore how teachers and scientists, working in pairs, guide high school students in the practice of scientific experimentation. In particular, we study the ways by which teachers and scientists act independently and in concert to guide students in designing and conducting biology experiments with unknown outcomes. We analyzed video recordings of classroom instruction in two different school settings, focusing on teachers’ and scientists’ acts as they are manifested through their language-in-use during face-to-face interactions with students. We argue that scientists and teachers act to support students in scientific experimentation in both distinct and common ways influenced by the particular teaching acts they perform and distinct authority roles they possess in the classroom (e.g., classroom authority vs. scientific authority).
Factors Influencing Students’ Perceptions of Online Teamwork
Authors: Falls Irina , Bahhouth Victor , Chuang Chiuchu Melody , Bahhouth Jocelyne
Published: February 2014

The evolution of online teaching in higher education demands a change in the types of pedagogies used in those courses. An example of one of these important pedagogies includes online teamwork. Teamwork in this context is one in which the majority of the individual’s grade is dependent on the positive or negative group experiences. This study utilized the theoretical framework of social motivation and cohesion to identify the factors shaping students’ perceptions of teamwork in online college courses. In these courses, the pedagogical approach known as the Five Pillars of effective collaborative work was applied. An Online Teamwork Learning Survey was developed based on these principles and completed by 62 undergraduate students enrolled in semester-long online courses required in their early childhood education program of study. Using a comparison between pre–postsurveys and regression analysis, the results showed that although the students’ perceptions of teamwork did not significantly change, the factors influencing their responses during the posttest doubled in number. The results showed that through carefully designed virtual teamwork activities, students learned that essential team characteristics such as promotive interaction, individual accountability, and positive interdependence are an integral part of effective collaboration and strong predictors of teamwork perception.
Spatial Demands of Concurrent Tasks Can Compromise Spatial Learning of a Virtual Environment
Authors: Sandamas George , Foreman Nigel
Published: February 2014

While active explorers in a real-world environment typically remember more about its spatial layout than participants who passively observe that exploration, this does not reliably occur when the exploration takes place in a virtual environment (VE). We argue that this may be because an active explorer in a VE is effectively performing a secondary interfering concurrent task by virtue of having to operate a manual input device to control their virtual displacements. Six groups of participants explored a virtual room containing six distributed objects, either actively or passively while performing concurrent tasks that were simple (such as card turning) or that made more complex cognitive and motoric demands comparable with those typically imposed by input device control. Tested for their memory for virtual object locations, passive controls (with no concurrent task) demonstrated the best spatial learning, arithmetically (but not significantly) better than the active group. Passive groups given complex concurrent tasks performed as poorly as the active group. A concurrent articulatory suppression task reduced memory for object names but not spatial location memory. It was concluded that spatial demands imposed by input device control should be minimized when training or testing spatial memory in VEs, and should be recognized as competing for cognitive capacity in spatial working memory.
The effect of smoking on DNA methylation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from African American women
Authors: Dogan Meeshanthini V , Shields Bridget , Cutrona Carolyn , Gao Long , Gibbons Frederick X , Simons Ronald , Monick Martha , Brody Gene H , Tan Kai , Beach Steven RH , Philibert Robert A
Published: February 2014

Background

Regular smoking is associated with a wide variety of syndromes with prominent inflammatory components such as cancer, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Heavy regular smoking is also associated with changes in the DNA methylation of peripheral mononuclear cells. However, in younger smokers, inflammatory epigenetic findings are largely absent which suggests the inflammatory response(s) to smoking may be dose dependent. To help understand whether peripheral mononuclear cells have a role in mediating these responses in older smokers with higher cumulative smoke exposure, we examined genome-wide DNA methylation in a group of well characterized adult African American subjects informative for smoking, as well as serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R) levels. In addition, complementary bioinformatic analyses were conducted to delineate possible pathways affected by long-term smoking.

Results

Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis with respect to smoking status yielded 910 significant loci after Benjamini-Hochberg correction. In particular, two loci from theAHRRgene (cg05575921 and cg23576855) and one locus from theGPR15gene (cg19859270) were identified as highly significantly differentially methylated between smokers and non-smokers. The bioinformatic analyses showed that long-term chronic smoking is associated with altered promoter DNA methylation of genes coding for proteins mapping to critical sub-networks moderating inflammation, immune function, and coagulation.

Conclusions

We conclude that chronic regular smoking is associated with changes in peripheral mononuclear cell methylation signature which perturb inflammatory and immune function pathways and may contribute to increased vulnerability for complex illnesses with inflammatory components.