bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lateral Tibial Posterior Slope Is Increased in Patients With Early Graft Failure After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Christensen Joshua J. , Krych Aaron J. , Engasser William M. , Vanhees Matthias K. , Collins Mark S. , Dahm Diane L.
Published: August 2015

Background:

The lateral tibial posterior slope (LTPS) has been reported in multiple studies to correlate with an increased risk for native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tearing. To date, no study has examined the effect of an increased LTPS as measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the likelihood of ACL graft failure.

Hypothesis:

An increased LTPS as measured on MRI would correlate with an increased risk for ACL graft failure.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Fifty-eight patients were initially identified who experienced graft failure after primary ACL reconstruction and underwent revision between 1998 and 2009. Exclusion criteria were clinical follow-up of less than 4 years, graft failure occurring greater than 2 years after primary surgery, skeletal immaturity, deep infection, lack of available preoperative MRI, and history of trauma to the proximal tibia. This left 35 patients with early (within 2 years) failure of primary ACL reconstruction. These patients were matched to 35 control participants who had undergone ACL reconstruction with a minimum of 4 years of clinical follow-up and no evidence of graft failure. Patients were matched by age, sex, date of primary surgery, and graft type. The LTPS was then determined on MRI in a blinded fashion.

Results:

The mean time to failure in patients in the study group was 1 year (range, 0.6-1.4 years). The mean follow-up of those in the matched control group was 6.9 years (range, 4.0-13.9 years). The mean LTPS in the early ACL failure group was found to be 8.4°, which was significantly larger than that in the control group at 6.5° ( P = .012). The odds ratio for graft failure considering a 2° increase in the LTPS was 1.6 (95% CI, 1.1-2.2) and continued to increase to 2.4 (95% CI, 1.2-5.0) and 3.8 (95% CI, 1.3-11.3) with 4° and 6° increases in the LTPS, respectively. No significant association was identified between graft type and graft failure.

Conclusion:

An increased LTPS is associated with an increased risk for early ACL graft failure, regardless of graft type. Orthopaedic surgeons should consider measuring the LTPS as part of the preoperative assessment of ACL-injured patients.
State Dementia Plans and the Alzheimer’s Disease Movement: Framing Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Motivation
Authors: Arbogast Charlotte E. , Welleford E. Ayn , Netting F. Ellen
Published: August 2015

An interpretive analysis of 38 state dementia plans compares similarities and differences in diagnostic framing (problem identification/trends/issues), prognosis framing (addressing the problem), and motivational framing (calls for action) across plans. In framing diagnosis, only 6 plans used dementia alone in their titles. In framing prognosis and the subsequent call to action, state plans were consistent in their dire prognostications about the progressive and fatal consequences of the disease with a primary focus on the cost. Motivational language mirrored that of the Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Movement, from raising awareness to using inflammatory words to incite action. The language used set up the frame for clinical interventions that may not distinguish between types of dementia and could undercut the provision of person-centered care, shifts the victimization focus from persons with AD to caregivers and ultimately the state, and may subintentionally reflect cultural biases.
The Association of Complementary Therapy Use With Prescription Medication Adherence Among Older Community-Dwelling Adults
Authors: Effoe Valery S. , Suerken Cynthia K. , Quandt Sara A. , Bell Ronny A. , Arcury Thomas A.
Published: August 2015

Medication adherence is a major health concern, particularly among older adults who have one or more chronic conditions. We examined the association between complementary therapy use and medication adherence among older community-dwelling adults. In a bi-ethnic sample of 165 adults aged 65 years and older, anthropometric variables, data on chronic medical conditions, and medication use were assessed. Medication adherence was modeled as a score (<50%, 50%-75%, and >75%) and complementary therapy use was categorized as a binary variable. Over half of the participants (50.3%) were female, and 47.3% were African American. Complementary therapy use was prevalent (87.9%) and did not differ by sex, ethnicity, income, and educational attainment. Medication adherence score was >75% in 84.8% of complementary therapy users and 80.0% of non-users ( p = .61). Despite a high use of complementary therapy in this population, there was no apparent association with low medication adherence.
Exploring a new method for the biological monitoring of plastic workers exposed to the vinyl chloride monomer
Authors: Azari Mansour Rezazadeh , Tayefeh-Rahimian Raana , Jafari Mohamad Javad , Souri Hamid , Shokoohi Yasser , Tavakol Alaheh , Yazdanbakhsh Zahra
Published: August 2015

Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) is widely used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics. VCM is recognized as a confirmed human and animal carcinogenic compound. Recent studies have reported poor health of plastic workers, even having exposure at concentrations below the permissible limit to VCM. There has not been any study regarding exposed workers to VCM in Iran. Similarly, no information exists as to the biological monitoring of such workers. The main purpose of this study was to conduct a thorough occupational and biological monitoring of Iranian plastic workers exposed to VCM.

A total of 100 workers from two plastic manufacturing plants (A and B) in Tehran along with 25 unexposed workers as controls were studied. The personal monitoring of all nonsmoking workers exposed to VCM at two plastic manufacturing plants (A and B) was performed in the morning shift (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) according to the National Institute For Occupational Safety And Health method no. 1007.

Biological monitoring of workers was carried out through collection of exhaled breath of all exposed and control workers in Tedlar bags and with a subsequent analysis using gas chromatography–flame ionization detector.

Not only the mean occupational exposure of workers to VCM at plant A was higher than the respective threshold limit value but also the statistical significance was higher than workers at plant B. Similarly, VCM concentration in exhaled breath of workers at plant A was also statistically significantly higher than at plant B. Correlation of occupational exposure of all workers to vinyl chloride with its concentration in exhaled breath was statistically significant.

This is the first study on biological monitoring for exposed plastic workers to VCM using exhaled breath. On the basis of the results in this study, a novel method of biological monitoring of plastic workers was proposed.
DNA damage assessment in the lymphocytes of construction painters by comet assay
Authors: Kianmehr Mojtaba , Amiri Mostafa , Ebrahimzadeh-bideskan Alireza , Hajavi Jafar
Published: August 2015

Background:

Exposure to chemicals is inevitable for certain occupational groups, particularly in industrial countries. Some cytogenetic tests such as comet assay are effectively utilized to screen genotoxic effects of these chemicals in humans. The purpose of this study has been to assess the DNA damage in construction painters’ lymphocytes using the comet assay.

Methods:

Fourteen male construction painters with 1 year of required work experience were randomly selected from the list of Painter Union in Gonabad city, Iran. In addition, 14 healthy male non-painters were randomly selected as controls. The DNA damage degree was determined using a fluorescence microscope and CometScore software. The obtained data were analyzed employing independent t-test using SPSS software v. 14 at the significant level of p < 0.05.

Results:

All participants were non-smokers and non-alcoholics. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of age, weight, height, body mass index, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The DNA damage in the painter group was significantly greater than that of the control group. Tail length (µm) was 12.63 ± 6.54 versus 2.90 ± 0.84, tail DNA (%) was 4.33 ± 1.84 versus 1.29 ± 0.43, and tail moment (µm) was 1.85 ± 0.98 versus 0.14 ± 0.20 in painter and control groups ( p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion:

The chemicals used in oil paint may increase the DNA damage in painter blood lymphocytes.
Risk of Intimate Partner Violence and Relationship Conflict Following Couple-Based HIV Prevention Counseling: Results From the Harlem River Couples Project
Authors: McMahon James M. , Chimenti Ruth , Trabold Nicole , Fedor Theresa , Mittal Mona , Tortu Stephanie
Published: August 2015

Heterosexual transmission of HIV often occurs in the context of intimate sexual partnerships. There is mounting evidence that couple-based HIV prevention interventions may be more effective than individual-based interventions for promoting risk reduction within such relationships. Yet, concerns have been raised about the safety of couple-based prevention approaches, especially with regard to the risk of intimate partner violence against women. Although several international studies have examined the potential for adverse consequences associated with couple-based interventions, with inconsistent results, there is little data from U.S. studies to shed light on this issue. The current study analyzed data from a randomized trial conducted in New York City with 330 heterosexual couples to examine whether participation in couple-based or relationship-focused HIV counseling and testing (HIV-CT) interventions resulted in an increased likelihood of post-intervention breakups, relationship conflicts, or emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, compared with standard individual HIV-CT. Multinomial logistic regression was used to model the odds of experiencing change in partner violence from baseline to follow-up by treatment condition. A high prevalence of partner-perpetrated violence was reported by both male and female partners across treatment conditions, but there was no conclusive evidence of an increase in relationship dissolution or partner violence subsequent to participation in either the couple-based HIV-CT intervention or relationship-focused HIV-CT intervention compared with controls. Qualitative data collected from the same participants support this interpretation. HIV prevention interventions involving persons in primary sexual partnerships should be sensitive to relationship dynamics and the potential for conflict, and take precautions to protect the safety of both male and female participants.
Breastfeeding-Friendly Erie County
Authors: Gregg Deborah J. , Dennison Barbara A. , Restina Kyle
Published: August 2015

Community-based lactation support groups help improve breastfeeding duration by offering practical peer and professional help and counseling through the sharing of information and experiences in a relaxed setting. The objective of this project, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was to establish at least 5 Baby Cafés in organizations that reach low-income women living in a high-need, racially/ethnically diverse, urban county with 1 of the lowest rates of breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and duration in New York. The New York State Department of Health partnered with the P2 Collaborative of Western New York and United Way of Buffalo & Erie County’s Healthy Start Healthy Future for All Coalition to facilitate the recruitment of 11 community-based agencies in Erie County, New York, to provide and/or enhance breastfeeding support. Six organizations were funded to establish licensed Baby Cafés, which provided skilled, free-of-charge, drop-in lactation support and counseling to mothers at easily accessible locations. The organizations provided staff training and staffing at the Baby Cafés, established coordinated hours of operation between all locations, and jointly marketed their services. Collectively, the 6 Baby Cafés provided 11 drop-in sessions per week. During the 7-month start-up time, mothers/babies made 276 visits and they averaged 75 visits per month, representing at least 150 clients. After the funding ended, 5 organizations continued to support and staff the Baby Cafés whereas 1 organization added another Baby Café. Future evaluation is needed to determine their effect on breastfeeding exclusivity and duration.
Humor Orgies as Ritual Insult
Authors: Murphy Scott Patrick
Published: August 2015

In-group members can display a sense of solidarity by earning license to direct verbal putdowns toward one another in the presence of others. An explanation of the process by which in-group members can maintain a sense of solidarity through putdowns in everyday life, however, is lacking in the literature. Set in a corner donut shop in southern California, this article describes how a group of old straight white middle-class men direct improvisational putdowns toward each other and explains how this banter maintains a sense of group solidarity for these men. The article puts forth a view of ritual insult in the form of “humor orgies” as emergent interactional phenomena characterized by successive, situation-dependent turns whereby group members play with interpersonal meanings in “givin’ it” “on top” and “takin’ it” “on bottom.” The findings raise questions about the extent to which superiority theories of humor are adequate and also suggest a need for ethnographies of everyday improvisational humor in public, non-workplace settings.
From Mao Zedong to Michael Jackson: Revisualizing culture and history in the YouTube age
Authors: Moskowitz Marc L.
Published: August 2015

There is an array of mash-up videos on YouTube, and its Chinese equivalent Tudou, that use visual footage from a Cultural Revolution performance with pop music soundtracks ranging from Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat It’ to the rap song ‘Ninja’ by Jay Chou, a Taiwanese Mandopop star. In merging temporal and regional sights and sounds in this manner, these videos playfully remap history and the contemporary moment. At first glance the commentary posted to these videos seems like little more than unreflexive praise or unrelated venting. Yet comparing the conversations that take place on YouTube and Tudou reveals a good deal about the cultural and historical understandings of the people making the comments. In the following pages I will analyse these mash-ups and their posted commentary on YouTube and Tudou. In combination they create a dialogue that frequently aligns with regionally bound understandings of culture, politics, and history, even as they undermine that sense of local unity with their dissent. The Chinese-language videos and posted commentary also work to undermine commonly held assumptions that YouTube is a Western domain, forcing us to question our views of cultural centres and peripheries, both globally and in Chinese-speaking Asia.
Influences on Case-Managed Community Aged Care Practice
Authors: You Emily (Chuanmei) , Dunt David , Doyle Colleen
Published: August 2015

Case management has been widely implemented in the community aged care setting. In this study, we aimed to explore influences on case-managed community aged care practice from the perspectives of community aged care case managers. We conducted 33 semistructured interviews with 47 participants. We drew these participants from a list of all case managers working in aged care organizations that provided publicly funded case management program(s)/packages in Victoria, Australia. We used a multilevel framework that included such broad categories of factors as structural, organizational, case manager, client, and practice factors to guide the data analysis. Through thematic analysis, we found that policy change, organizational culture and policies, case managers’ professional backgrounds, clients with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and case management models stood out as key influences on case managers’ practice. In the future, researchers can use the multilevel framework to undertake implementation research in similar health contexts.
A Regional ADHD Center-Based Network Project for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With ADHD
Authors: Bonati Maurizio , Reale Laura , Zanetti Michele , Cartabia Massimo , Fortinguerra Filomena , Capovilla Giuseppe , Chiappedi Matteo , Costantino Antonella , Effedri Paola , Luoni Chiara , Martinelli Ottaviano , Molteni Massimo , Ottolini Alberto , Saccani Monica ,   for the Lombardy ADHD Group
Published: August 2015

Objective: We aimed to define the sociodemographic, clinical, and prescription profiles of the participants enrolled in the Italian Lombardy ADHD Register. Method: Data on patients evaluated by the 18 regional ADHD reference centers in the 2012 to 2013 period were analyzed. Results: Seven hundred fifty-three of 1,150 (65%) suspected patients received a diagnosis of ADHD. In 24% of cases, there was a family history of ADHD. Four hundred eighty-three (64%) patients had at least one psychopathological disorder, the more common of which were learning disorders (35%). Eighty-four percent of patients received a prescription for psychoeducational interventions, 2% received only pharmacological treatment, and 14% a combination of both. Compared with patients treated with psychoeducational intervention alone, patients with drug prescriptions more commonly presented values of Clinical Global Impressions - Severity scale (CGI-S) of 5 or higher ( p < .0001). Conclusion: A continuous and systematic monitoring of patterns of care is essential in promoting significant improvements in clinical practice and ensuring an efficient and homogeneous quality of care.
When Sexism Cuts Both Ways
Authors: Russell Brenda L. , Oswald Debra
Published: August 2015

This study explored whether tolerance of sexual harassment of men (TSHM) is driven by a common set of sexist ideologies typically found to be related to tolerance of sexual harassment of women. University students ( N = 433) completed a modified version of the Sexual Harassment Attitude Scale (SHAS) designed to measure TSHM. Predictor variables included sexual harassment myths about women, modern sexism, hostile, and benevolent sexism toward men and women and participant gender. A factor analysis of the measure revealed two reliable factors (sexual harassment as flirtation and minimization of victimization). With the exception of benevolence toward women, men scored higher on all measures of sexism and TSHM, yet correlational patterns showed a similar trend among men and women, suggesting a shared ideological belief that justifies TSHM. Despite differences in participant sex on most measures, participant sex was not a significant moderating variable in regression analyses when examining factors relating to TSHM. These results provide support that tolerance of sexual harassment is driven by a common set of sexist attitudes.
Methods of fertility control in cats
Authors: Murray Jane K , Mosteller Jill R , Loberg Jenny M , Andersson Maria , Benka Valerie A W
Published: August 2015

Overview:

Fertility control is important for population management of owned and unowned cats, provides health benefits at the individual level and can reduce unwanted sexually dimorphic behaviors such as roaming, aggression, spraying and calling. This article reviews the available evidence regarding European and American veterinarian, owner and pedigree cat breeder attitudes toward both surgical sterilization and non-surgical fertility control. It additionally presents new data on veterinarians’ and pedigree cat breeders’ use of, and attitudes toward, alternative modalities of fertility control.

Proportion of cats that are neutered:

Within the United States and Europe, the proportion of cats reported to be sterilized varies widely. Published estimates range from 27–93% for owned cats and 2–5% for cats trapped as part of a trap–neuter–return (TNR) program. In some regions and populations of cats, non-surgical fertility control is also used. Social context, cultural norms, individual preferences, economic considerations, legislation and professional organizations may all influence fertility control decisions for cats.

Non-surgical methods of fertility control:

Particularly in Europe, a limited number of non-surgical temporary contraceptives are available for cats; these include products with regulatory approval for cats as well as some used ‘off label’. Non-surgical methods remove the risk of complications related to surgery and offer potential to treat more animals in less time and at lower cost; they may also appeal to pedigree cat breeders seeking temporary contraception. However, concerns over efficacy, delivery methods, target species safety, duration and side effects exist with current non-surgical options. Research is under way to develop new methods to control fertility in cats without surgery. US and European veterinarians place high value on three perceived benefits of surgical sterilization: permanence, behavioral benefits and health benefits. Non-surgical options will likely need to share these benefits to be widely accepted by the veterinary community.
Body dissatisfaction in older adults with a disabling health condition
Authors: Rakhkovskaya Liya M , Holland Jason M
Published: August 2015

Existing findings on body dissatisfaction in older adults are sparse. In addition, research suggests that chronic illness may elevate risk for body dissatisfaction. Accordingly, this study examined predictors of body dissatisfaction in 274 older adults with a disabling health condition. Most participants reported dissatisfaction with their weight, shape, and/or appearance. Higher body mass index and negative impact of health on appearance predicted body dissatisfaction. Gender comparisons revealed that depressed mood may fuel body dissatisfaction in women. Somatic symptoms predicted body dissatisfaction in men, despite men reporting lower somatic symptoms. Overall, results indicate substantial incidence of and unique risk factors for body dissatisfaction in this population.
Locating regional health policy: Institutions, politics, and practices
Authors: Riggirozzi Pia , Yeates Nicola
Published: August 2015

Poverty reduction and health became central in the agendas of Southern regional organisations in the last two decades. Yet, little is known about how these organisations address poverty, inclusion and social inequality, and how Southern regional formations are engaging in power constellations, institutions, processes, interests and ideological positions within different spheres of governance. This article reviews academic literatures spanning global social policy, regional studies and diplomacy studies, and the state of knowledge and understanding of the ‘place’ of regional actors in health governance as a global political practice therein. It identifies theoretical and thematic points of connection between disparate literatures and how these can be bridged through research focusing on the social policies of regional organisations and regional integration processes. This framework hence locates the contributions of each of the research articles of this Special Issue of Global Social Policy on the regional dimension of health policy and diplomacy in relation to Southern Africa and South America. It also highlights the ways in which the articles bring new evidence about how social relations of welfare are being (re)made over larger scales and how regional actors may initiate new norms to improve health rights in international arenas engaging in new forms of ‘regional’ diplomacy.
On the risk of studying practices in isolation: Linking what, who, and how in strategy research
Authors: Jarzabkowski Paula , Kaplan Sarah , Seidl David , Whittington Richard
Published: August 2015

This article challenges the recent focus on practices as stand-alone phenomena, as exemplified by the so-called “Practice-Based View of Strategy” proposed by Bromiley and Rau. While the goal of “Practice-Based View of Strategy” points to the potential for standard practices to generate performance differentials (in contrast to the resource-based view), it marginalizes well-known insights from practice theory more widely. In particular, by limiting its focus to practices, that is, “what” practices are used, it underplays the implications of “who” is engaged in the practices and “how” the practices are carried out. In examining practices in isolation, the “Practice-Based View of Strategy” carries the serious risk of misattributing performance differentials. In this article, we offer an integrative practice perspective on strategy and performance that should aid scholars in generating more precise and contextually sensitive theories about the enactment and impact of practices as well as about critical factors shaping differences in practice outcomes.
Economic Perceptions, Presidential Approval, and Causality
Authors: Dickerson Bradley
Published: August 2015

Citizens process economic information in ways that confirm their prior political beliefs. We therefore see stronger effects of presidential approval on economic perceptions than vice versa. Yet as economic conditions worsen, voters become heavily exposed to negative economic information and more likely to experience conflicting political and economic considerations. As conditions improve, identities and evaluations fall back into sync and political attitudes become more useful as an identity-confirming shortcut. I expect that the effect of economic perceptions on presidential approval grows stronger as economic conditions worsen and the effect of presidential approval on economic perceptions grows stronger as conditions improve. Using panel data from four American National Election Studies, I apply simultaneous equation extensions of the Anderson–Hsiao estimator to test the relationship between economic and political attitudes. Results show that the effect of economic perceptions on presidential approval was substantially stronger during the Great Recession than during the previous three panel studies.
MicroRNA-126 Overexpression Inhibits Proliferation and Invasion in Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Wang Shuaihua , Wang Xinlei , Guo Qiang , Wang Guilong , Han Xiangzhen , Li Xiao , Shi Zuo-Wei , He Wen
Published: August 2015

This study investigated the biological effects of microRNA-126 overexpression in human MG63 osteosarcoma cells. A recombinant plasmid expressing microRNA-126, pcDNA6.2-microRNA-126, was constructed and transfected into MG63 cells. Using real-time fluorogenic quantitative polymerase chain reaction, the microRNA-126 expression was measured in microRNA-126-MG63 group, Ctrl-MG63 group, and blank group. Cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, cell migration, and invasion were analyzed using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, flow cytometer, wound-healing assay, and transwell assay, respectively. As expected, microRNA-126 expression was higher in microRNA-126-MG63 group than in Ctrl-MG63 group and blank group (both P < .05). After 48/72 hours of transfection, cell proliferation in microRNA-126-MG63 group was significantly reduced compared to blank group (both P < .05). Compared to blank group, cell population in G0/G1 stage was significantly higher in microRNA-126-MG63 group, accompanied by lower cell numbers in the S and G2/M phases and decreased proliferation index (all P < .05). Wound-healing assay showed a wider scratch width in microRNA-126-MG63 group and reduced cell migration than blank group (both P < .05). Cells overexpressing microRNA-126 exhibited reduced ADAM9 expression levels compared to other 2 groups (all P < .05), suggesting ADAM9 is a target of microRNA-126. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion rates were reduced in microRNA-126 group after 48/72 hours of transfection, compared with blank group (all P < .05). Cotransfection of pcDNA6.2-microRNA-126 and pMIR-ADAM9 into MG63 cells led to higher cell proliferation, invasion, and migration rates, compared with transfection of pcDNA6.2-microRNA-126 alone (all P < .05). In summary, our data show that microRNA-126 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in human osteosarcoma cells by targeting ADAM9.
Meaningful Components of Exercise and Active Recreation for Spinal Cord Injuries
Authors: Luchauer Bryna , Shurtleff Timothy
Published: August 2015

This qualitative study used focus groups to identify meaningful components of exercise and active recreation (E/AR) related to consistent participation for those with spinal cord injury (SCI). Transcripts from each focus group were analyzed with classical content analysis, grounded theory coding, and meaning condensation using the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF). Variables within each of the ICF domains (body structures and functions, activities/participation, and environment) were indicated as meaningful components leading to increased participation, independence, and reasons why people consistently participated in E/AR. Occupational therapists can utilize these components to implement therapeutic intervisions, which provide clients with a sense of purpose and being, thus improving outcomes in meaningful occupations.
Effect of a novel compressible artificial disk on biomechanical performance of cervical spine: A finite element study
Authors: Chen Jou-Wen , Chen Wen-Chuan , Lai Yu-Shu , Chang Chia-Ming , Wang Shih-Tien
Published: August 2015

Spinal interbody fusion is the most common surgery for treatment of disk degeneration, but the increased stress on adjacent level has been noted. Disk replacement has become an alternative strategy for dealing with problem of disk degeneration. Compressibility of an intact intervertebral disk is contributive to protect spinal structure, but certain mechanism has seldom been preserved in most of the commercial products of ball-and-socket-styled artificial disks. A novel compressible artificial disk design for cervical spine has been developed and compared the biomechanical behaviors with intact and incompressible models by finite element method. Physiological loadings have been applied for evaluating the biomechanical performances in different implant designs. Compressible mechanism represented a similar kinematic behavior to intact cervical spine model. Greater mobility and larger facet joint contact force were observed in incompressible disk model. Biomechanical performances of cervical artificial disk with compressible mechanism may be better reproduced to those of intact cervical spine under physiological loadings. With adequate assigned structural stiffness of the compressible mechanism in the artificial disk, the concept is worth considering for further cervical artificial disk designs.
‘I wannabe a copper’: The engagement of Police Community Support Officers with the dominant police occupational culture
Authors: Cosgrove Faye M
Published: August 2015

Drawing upon ethnographic research with Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) working in two neighbourhood policing teams in northern England, this article presents a typology of PCSO orientations to work and for the first time details the ways in which PCSOs utilize aspects of the dominant culture to manage the discord between aspirations and opportunities within the PCSO role. Engagement with aspects of the dominant culture varied according to career aspirations and orientations to work; ‘Frustrated PCSOs’ were most likely to endorse cultural characteristics as a means of facilitating integration and enhancing opportunities for crime control, while Professional PCSOs selectively endorsed aspects of the dominant culture in an effort to diversify their deployment, enhance their effectiveness and to support the acquisition of craft skills, thereby strengthening any future applications to become police officers. The article concludes by considering the resilience of the traditional police culture, particularly the dominant crime-fighting ethos therein and the implications presented for the future of the PCSO role.
A clinically weighted approach to outcome assessment in radial polydactyly
Authors: Dijkman R. , Selles R. , van Rosmalen J. , Hülsemann W. , Mann M. , Habenicht R. , Hovius S. , van Nieuwenhoven C.
Published: August 2015

Currently available outcome assessment systems for radial polydactyly are mainly based on expert opinion. The aim of this study was to develop an outcome assessment system based on clinical data. We performed linear regression analysis on data from a multicentre study of 121 patients with radial polydactyly types II, IV and VII to develop a clinically weighted outcome assessment system. Items were weighted according to their influence on overall functional and aesthetic outcome in the regression analysis. Active flexion, scar appearance and prominence at amputation site were the main items influencing overall functional and aesthetic outcome (β = 0.393, β = 0.326 and β = 0.288, respectively). Palmar abduction, metacarpophalangeal joint deviation and nail appearance influenced overall functional and aesthetic outcome the least (β = −0.002, β = −0.104 and β = 0.070, respectively). Our proposed assessment system for radial polydactyly reflects the way clinicians value individual aspects of outcome as determinants of overall outcome and helps guide future treatment and evaluation of outcome.

Level of evidence: III.
Addressing psychological, mental health and other behavioural healthcare needs of the underserved populations in the United States: the role of local health departments
Authors: Shah Gulzar H , Luo Huabin , Winterbauer Nancy , Madamala Kusuma
Published: August 2015

Aims:

(1) To assess the extent to which local health departments (LHDs) implement and evaluate strategies to target the behavioural healthcare needs for the underserved populations and (2) to identify factors that are associated with these undertakings.

Methods:

Data for this study were drawn from the 2013 National Profile of Local Health Departments Study conducted by National Association of County and City Health Officials. A total of 505 LHDs completed the Module 2 questionnaire of the Profile Study, in which LHDs were asked whether they implemented strategies and evaluated strategies to target the behavioural healthcare needs of the underserved populations. To assess LHDs’ level of engagement in assuring access to behavioural healthcare services, descriptive statistics were computed, whereas the factors associated with assuring access to these services were examined by using logistic regression analyses. To account for complex survey design, we used SVY routine in Stata 11.

Results:

Only about 24.9% of LHDs in small jurisdiction (<50,000 population) and 35.3% of LHDs in medium-size jurisdiction implemented/evaluated strategies to target the behavioural healthcare services needs of underserved populations in their jurisdiction in 2013. Logistic regression model results showed that LHDs having city/multicity jurisdiction (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = .16, 95% confidence interval (CI): .04–.77), centralised governance (AOR = .12, 95% CI: .02–.85), and those located in South Region (AOR = .25, 95% CI: .08–.74) or the West Region (AOR = .36, 95% CI: 14–.94), were less likely to have implemented/evaluated strategies to target the behavioural healthcare needs of the underserved.

Conclusions:

The extent to which the LHDs implemented or evaluated strategies to target the behavioural healthcare needs of the underserved population varied by geographic regions and jurisdiction types. Different community needs or different state Medicaid programmes may have accounted for these variations. LHDs could play an important role in improving equity in access to care, including behavioural healthcare services in the communities.
Cybersecurity Regulation of Wireless Devices for Performance and Assurance in the Age of “Medjacking”
Authors: Armstrong David G. , Kleidermacher David N. , Klonoff David C. , Slepian Marvin J.
Published: August 2015

We are rapidly reaching a point where, as connected devices for monitoring and treating diabetes and other diseases become more pervasive and powerful, the likelihood of malicious medical device hacking (known as “medjacking”) is growing. While government could increase regulation, we have all been witness in recent times to the limitations and issues surrounding exclusive reliance on government. Herein we outline a preliminary framework for establishing security for wireless health devices based on international common criteria. Creation of an independent medical device cybersecurity body is suggested. The goal is to allow for continued growth and innovation while simultaneously fostering security, public trust, and confidence.
High-Resolution Methods for Diagnosing Cartilage Damage In Vivo
Authors: Novakofski Kira D. , Pownder Sarah L. , Koff Matthew F. , Williams Rebecca M. , Potter Hollis G. , Fortier Lisa A.
Published: August 2015

Advances in current clinical modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, allow for earlier diagnoses of cartilage damage that could mitigate progression to osteoarthritis. However, current imaging modalities do not detect submicrometer damage. Developments in in vivo or arthroscopic techniques, including optical coherence tomography, ultrasonography, bioelectricity including streaming potential measurement, noninvasive electroarthrography, and multiphoton microscopy can detect damage at an earlier time point, but they are limited by a lack of penetration and the ability to assess an entire joint. This article reviews current advancements in clinical and developing modalities that can aid in the early diagnosis of cartilage injury and facilitate studies of interventional therapeutics.
Patient and Provider Factors Associated With American Indian and Alaska Native Adolescent Tobacco Use Screening
Authors: Hiratsuka Vanessa Y. , Suchy-Dicey Astrid M. , Garroutte Eva M. , Booth-LaForce Cathryn
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Tobacco use is the leading behavioral cause of death among adults 25 years or older. American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) communities confront some of the highest rates of tobacco use and of its sequelae. Primary care–based screening of adolescents is an integral step in the reduction of tobacco use, yet remains virtually unstudied. We examined whether delivery of tobacco screening in primary care visits is associated with patient and provider characteristics among AI/AN adolescents. Methods: We used a cross-sectional analysis to examine tobacco screening among 4757 adolescent AI/AN patients served by 56 primary care providers at a large tribally managed health system between October 1, 2011 and May 31, 2014. Screening prevalence was examined in association with categorical patient characteristics (gender, age, clinic visited, insurance coverage) and provider characteristics (gender, age, tenure) using multilevel logistic regressions with individual provider identity as the nesting variable. Results: Thirty-seven percent of eligible patients were screened. Gender of both providers and patients was associated with screening. Male providers delivered screening more often than female providers (odds ratio [OR] 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7-3.9). Male patients had 20% lower odds of screening receipt (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7-0.9) than female patients, independent of patient age and provider characteristics. Individual provider identity significantly contributed to variability in the mixed-effects model (variance component 2.2; 95% CI 1.4-3.4), suggesting individual provider effect. Conclusions: Low tobacco screening delivery by female providers and the low receipt of screening among younger, male patients may identify targets for screening interventions.
Prediction of solidification behaviour and microstructure of Ni based alloys obtained by casting and direct additive laser growth
Authors: Travyanov A. Y. , Petrovskiy P. V. , Turichin G. A. , Zemlyakov E. V. , Kovac M. , Vondracek S. , Kondratiev A. , Khvan A. V. , Cheverikin V. V. , Ivanov D. O. , Bazhenova I. A. , Dinsdale A. T.
Published: August 2015

Numerical tools are now used widely in the prediction of material properties necessary in order to gain a better understanding of the relationship between material properties and performance, to improve the reliability of processes and the quality of the final product, and to reduce costs, waste and energy use. In this paper, the solidification properties and the microstructure of some commercial Ni based alloys were analysed and predicted numerically using the ProCAST software. The microstructure of a sample obtained by the direct additive laser growth, a new additive manufacturing technique based on the selective laser melting, is presented and discussed. Numerical approaches and software packages that can be used to model additive manufacturing processes are discussed and critically analysed.
EHMT1 and EHMT2 inhibition induces fetal hemoglobin expression
Authors: Renneville Aline , Van Galen Peter , Canver Matthew C. , McConkey Marie , Krill-Burger John M. , Dorfman David M. , Holson Edward B. , Bernstein Bradley E. , Orkin Stuart H. , Bauer Daniel E. , Ebert Benjamin L.
Published: August 2015

Key Points

EHMT1/2 inhibition increases human γ-globin and HbF expression, as well as mouse embryonic β-globin gene expression. EHMT1/2 inhibition decreases H3K9Me2 and increases H3K9Ac at the γ-globin gene locus in adult human erythroid cells.
2015 ESC/ERS Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Galiè Nazzareno , Humbert Marc , Vachiery Jean-Luc , Gibbs Simon , Lang Irene , Torbicki Adam , Simonneau Gérald , Peacock Andrew , Vonk Noordegraaf Anton , Beghetti Maurice , Ghofrani Ardeschir , Gomez Sanchez Miguel Angel , Hansmann Georg , Klepetko Walter , Lancellotti Patrizio , Matucci Marco , McDonagh Theresa , Pierard Luc A. , Trindade Pedro T. , Zompatori Maurizio , Hoeper Marius
Published: August 2015

Guidelines summarize and evaluate all available evidence on a particular issue at the time of the writing process, with the aim of assisting health professionals in selecting the best management strategies for an individual patient with a given condition, taking into account the impact on outcome, as well as the risk–benefit ratio of particular diagnostic or therapeutic means. Guidelines and recommendations should help health professionals to make decisions in their daily practice. However, the final decisions concerning an individual patient must be made by the responsible health professional(s) in consultation with the patient and caregiver as appropriate.
The Myth of Advertising: The Art of Legitimacy
Authors: Venkatesh Sudhir
Published: August 2015

This essay looks at the transformation of advertising over the past two decades. Three myths define the worldview of advertising practitioners and sustain their daily practices: advertising as art(istic), advertising as war, and advertising as revolution. They are all a response to the lack of industry legitimation: for more than a century, advertising has been unable to prove that ads cause sales. The digital era is no different in this regard. The mythmaking enables practitioners to legitimate their industry and their role in it.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate rapidly remodels PAP85-120, SEM1(45-107), and SEM2(49-107) seminal amyloid fibrils
Authors: Castellano Laura M. , Hammond Rebecca M. , Holmes Veronica M. , Weissman Drew , Shorter James
Published: August 2015

Semen harbors amyloid fibrils formed by proteolytic fragments of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP248-286 and PAP85-120) and semenogelins (SEM1 and SEM2) that potently enhance HIV infectivity. Amyloid but not soluble forms of these peptides enhance HIV infection. Thus, agents that remodel these amyloid fibrils could prevent HIV transmission. Here, we confirm that the green tea polyphenol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), slowly remodels fibrils formed by PAP248-286 termed SEVI (semen derived enhancer of viral infection) and also exerts a direct anti-viral effect. We elucidate for the first time that EGCG remodels PAP85-120, SEM1(45-107), and SEM2(49-107) fibrils more rapidly than SEVI fibrils. We establish EGCG as the first small molecule that can remodel all four classes of seminal amyloid. The combined anti-amyloid and anti-viral properties of EGCG could have utility in preventing HIV transmission.
Education, HIV, and Early Fertility: Experimental Evidence from Kenya
Authors: Duflo Esther , Dupas Pascaline , Kremer Michael
Published: August 2015

A seven-year randomized evaluation suggests education subsidies reduce adolescent girls' dropout, pregnancy, and marriage but not sexually transmitted infection (STI). The government's HIV curriculum, which stresses abstinence until marriage, does not reduce pregnancy or STI. Both programs combined reduce STI more, but cut dropout and pregnancy less, than education subsidies alone. These results are inconsistent with a model of schooling and sexual behavior in which both pregnancy and STI are determined by one factor (unprotected sex), but consistent with a two-factor model in which choices between committed and casual relationships also affect these outcomes. (JEL I12, I18, I21, J13, J16, O15)
Swedish health care system – some trends of its reforming
Authors: Moks Marcin
Published: August 2015

The constant increase in public health expenditure, which is being observed from the 60s, initiated research into way to optimize it. The aim the article is to show concepts of the health reforms which have been applied in the Swedish health service. In the article are presented main proposals of changes in the system financing and service provision. Article characterizes patient participation in costs of services, private health insurance, privatisation of health care facilities, purchase-provider split and providers reimbursement. The articles begins with the overview of concepts related to health care system reform. Next, the health system in Sweden is shortly presented. The main part of the article presents the reforms which has been implemented in the financing and services provision. Patients’ participation in financing of the health system has been extended by fees for service. The importance of private medical insurance is marginal. Purchaser-provider split has been introduced in most of counties. In general primary care facilities have been privatised. In regard to service providers reimbursement is generally used global budgeting, feed for service or diagnosis-related groups.
Harmful state aid – attempt to designate methods of identification
Authors: Bartniczak Bartosz
Published: August 2015

Implementing the concept of sustainable development is one of the major challenges facing the modern world. One of the instruments creating sustainable development might be state aid. State aid has an impact not only on the economic sphere but also the environmental and social. State aid can have beneficial, negative or neutral impact on the implementation of sustainable development. The impact of state aid should be considered including the three spheres: economic, social and environmental. The main objective of this article is to try to identify tools and approaches that can be used to examine the impact of the measure state aid for sustainable development and to show which state aid is detrimental to sustainable development. The article presents such instruments and give its in-depth describe. The article consists of three main parts. The first part shows state aid in the concept of sustainable development. Another part shows which state aid can be regarded as harmful to sustainable development. The third part presents the tool with which we can identify harmful state aid.