bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of tyrosine metabolism in the pathogenesis of chronic migraine
Authors: D’Andrea Giovanni , D’Amico Domenico , Bussone Gennaro , Bolner Andrea , Aguggia Marco , Saracco Maria G , Galloni Elisabetta , De Riva Valentina , Colavito Davide , Leon Alberta , Rosteghin Valeria , Perini Francesco
Published: March 2013

Objective:

The pathogenesis of chronic migraine (CM) remains largely unknown. We hypothesized that anomalies of tyrosine metabolism, found in migraine without aura (MwwA) patients, play an important role in the transformation of MwwA into CM, since the increase in the number of MwwA attacks is the most predisposing factor for the occurrence of CM.

Methods:

To test our hypothesis we measured the plasma levels of dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NE) and trace amines, including tyramine (TYR) and octopamine (OCT), in a group of 73 patients with CM, 13 patients with chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) and 37 controls followed in the Headache Centers of the Neurology Departments of Asti, Milan and Vicenza hospitals in Italy.

Results:

The plasma levels of DA and NE were several-fold higher in CM patients compared with control subjects ( p > 0.001). The plasma levels of TYR were also extremely elevated ( p > 0.001); furthermore, these levels progressively increased with the duration of the CM.

Conclusions:

Our data support the hypothesis that altered tyrosine metabolism plays an important role in the pathogenesis of CM. The high plasma levels of TYR, a potent agonist of the trace amine associated receptors type 1 (TAAR1), may ultimately down-regulate this receptor because of loss of inhibitory presynaptic regulation, therein resulting in uncontrolled neurotransmitter release. This may produce functional metabolic consequences in the synaptic clefts of the pain matrix implicated in CM.
Challenging the Assumption of Fusion in Female Same-Sex Relationships
Authors: Frost David M. , Eliason Michele J.
Published: March 2013

In psychotherapeutic and lesbian popular culture literatures, there is an assumption that female same-sex couples are overly close and lack boundaries, a concept called “fusion.” Empirical efforts have yet to demonstrate whether fusion is experienced more often among women in same-sex relationships than among men in same-sex relationships or among men and women in heterosexual relationships. Furthermore, research on the topic has yet to fully incorporate feminist perspectives that challenge assumptions that high levels of closeness in and of themselves are problematic. Our study employed measures of Inclusion of Other in Self (Aron, Aron, & Smollan, 1992) to examine the distribution of indicators of fusion among 76 women and 58 men in same-sex relationships and 1,221 women and 285 men in heterosexual relationships. Women in same-sex couples differed from the other groups on only one indicator of fusion—they were more likely to desire less closeness in their relationships, even though their current relationships were rated as close as other types of relationships. Our study suggests that widely held assumptions that women in same-sex couples experience and idealize pathologically high closeness are not accurate.
Beyond Gender Differences
Authors: Ball Laura C. , Cribbie Robert A. , Steele Jennifer R.
Published: March 2013

Proponents of what has been termed the Gender Similarities Hypothesis (GSH) have typically relied on meta-analyses as well as the generation of nonsignificant tests of mean differences to support their argument that the genders are more similar than they are different. In the present article, we argue that alternative statistical methodologies, such as tests of equivalence, can provide more accurate (yet equally rigorous) tests of these hypotheses and therefore might serve to complement, challenge, and/or extend findings from meta-analyses. To demonstrate and test the usefulness of such procedures, we examined Scholastic Aptitude Test–Math (SAT-M) data to determine the degree of similarity between genders in the historically gender-stereotyped field of mathematics. Consistent with previous findings, our results suggest that men and women performed similarly on the SAT-M for every year that we examined (1996–2009). Importantly, our statistical approach provides a greater opportunity to open a dialogue on theoretical issues surrounding what does and what should constitute a meaningful difference in intelligence and achievement. As we note in the discussion, it remains important to consider whether even very small but consistent gender differences in mean test performance could reflect stereotype threat in the testing environment and/or gender biases in the test itself that would be important to address.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Deficient Patients With Passive Knee Joint Laxity Have a Decreased Range of Anterior-Posterior Motion During Active Movements
Authors: Boeth Heide , Duda Georg N. , Heller Markus O. , Ehrig Rainald M. , Doyscher Ralf , Jung Tobias , Moewis Philippe , Scheffler Sven , Taylor William R.
Published: March 2013

Background:

Although instability of the knee joint is known to modify gait patterns, the amount that patients compensate for joint laxity during active movements remains unknown.

Purpose:

By developing a novel technique to allow the assessment of tibiofemoral kinematics, this study aimed to elucidate the role of passive joint laxity on active tibiofemoral kinematics during walking.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Using motion capture, together with combinations of advanced techniques for assessing skeletal kinematics (including the symmetrical axis of rotation approach [SARA], symmetrical center of rotation estimation [SCoRE], and optimal common shape technique [OCST]), a novel noninvasive approach to evaluate dynamic tibiofemoral motion was demonstrated as both reproducible and repeatable. Passive and active anterior-posterior translations of the tibiofemoral joint were then examined in 13 patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures that were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and compared with those in their healthy contralateral limbs.

Results:

Passive tibial anterior translation was significantly greater in the ACL-ruptured knees than in the contralateral healthy controls. However, the femora of the ACL-ruptured knees generally remained more posterior (~3 mm) relative to the tibia within a gait cycle of walking compared with the healthy limbs. Surprisingly, the mean range of tibiofemoral anterior-posterior translation over an entire gait cycle was significantly lower in ACL-ruptured knees than in the healthy joints ( P = .026). A positive correlation was detected between passive laxity and active joint mobility, but with a consistent reduction in the range of tibiofemoral anterior-posterior translation of approximately 3 mm in the ACL-deficient knees.

Conclusion:

It seems that either active stabilization of tibiofemoral kinematics or anterior subluxation of the tibia reduces joint translation in lax knees. This implies that either a muscular overcompensation mechanism or a physical limitation due to secondary passive stabilizers occurs within the joint and thus produces a situation that has a reduced range of active motion compared with knees with physiological stability.

Clinical Relevance:

The reduced range of active tibiofemoral translation suggests overloading of the passive structures in passively lax knees, either through excessive muscular action or joint subluxation, and could provide a plausible mechanism for explaining posttraumatic degeneration of cartilage in the joint.
Synthesis of Research Symposium at CLD’s 34th International Conference on Learning Disabilities
Authors: Reed Deborah K. , Weiser Beverly L. , Cummings Kelli D. , Shapiro Edward
Published: March 2013

The members of the Council for Learning Disabilities’ Research Committee convene annually to discuss what they have identified as “Must Read” articles published within the last year. For the 34th Annual International Conference, the members were asked to select articles that exemplified the conference theme: Learning Disabilities: Looking Back and Looking Forward—Using What We Know to Create a Blueprint for the Future. The six articles presented by the panel are summarized and explained with respect to why they are considered a “Must Read.”
Levels of TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) Show a Long-term Stability in the Breast Milk of Mothers of Preterm Infants
Authors: Zauli Giorgio , Monasta Lorenzo , Rimondi Erika , Vecchi Brumatti Liza , Davanzo Riccardo , Demarini Sergio , Secchiero Paola
Published: March 2013

Background:

The immune modulator TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been found at extremely high levels in human milk of women with normal gestation at day 5 after delivery.

Objective:

To investigate the presence and the levels of soluble TRAIL in human milk of women with preterm delivery at different time points post-partum (32, 34, and 36 weeks from conception).

Methods:

The levels of soluble TRAIL were analyzed by ELISA in the breast milk of a group of 25 women with preterm delivery at different gestational ages.

Results:

Soluble TRAIL was present at high levels in human milk since early post-conceptional ages (32 weeks). No significant differences in TRAIL levels were noticed with respect to different gestational ages, or with respect to time of collection when comparing, in a selected group of patients, samples obtained between 15 and 26 days with those obtained 27 and 40 days after birth.

Conclusion:

Due to the key immunoregulatory role of human soluble TRAIL, the presence of high levels of TRAIL in the milk of women with preterm delivery and its maintenance at high levels up to 72 days after birth support the importance of breastfeeding the preterm newborn.
Missed Beeps and Missing Data
Authors: Silvia Paul J. , Kwapil Thomas R. , Eddington Kari M. , Brown Leslie H.
Published: March 2013

Experience sampling research measures people’s thoughts, feelings, and actions in their everyday lives by repeatedly administering brief questionnaires throughout the day. Nonresponse—failing to respond to these daily life questionnaires—has been a vexing source of missing data. The present research examined person-level, day-level, and signal-level predictors of nonresponse. We analyzed data from a sample of 450 young adults who were signaled 8 times a day for 7 days. At the person level, nonresponse was higher for men and for people high in positive schizotypy, depressive symptoms, and hypomania. At the day level, nonresponse increased over the first few days of the study and then declined toward the end. At the signal level, time of day strongly predicted nonresponse. Lagged signal-level analyses examined how emotions and experiences at a prior signal prospectively predicted the likelihood of ignoring the next signal. Only one variable—feelings of enthusiasm—had a significant lagged effect, which suggests that within-day experiences are not major sources of nonresponse. For the most part, the day of the study and the time of day had the most salient effects. Understanding the predictors of missing data allows researchers to implement methods to increase compliance and to handle missing data more effectively by including predictors of nonresponse.
Nuclear and Radiological Terrorism
Authors: Anderson Peter D. , Bokor Gyula
Published: March 2013

Terrorism involving radioactive materials includes improvised nuclear devices, radiation exposure devices, contamination of food sources, radiation dispersal devices, or an attack on a nuclear power plant or a facility/vehicle that houses radioactive materials. Ionizing radiation removes electrons from atoms and changes the valence of the electrons enabling chemical reactions with elements that normally do not occur. Ionizing radiation includes alpha rays, beta rays, gamma rays, and neutron radiation. The effects of radiation consist of stochastic and deterministic effects. Cancer is the typical example of a stochastic effect of radiation. Deterministic effects include acute radiation syndrome (ARS). The hallmarks of ARS are damage to the skin, gastrointestinal tract, hematopoietic tissue, and in severe cases the neurovascular structures. Radiation produces psychological effects in addition to physiological effects. Radioisotopes relevant to terrorism include titrium, americium 241, cesium 137, cobalt 60, iodine 131, plutonium 238, califormium 252, iridium 192, uranium 235, and strontium 90. Medications used for treating a radiation exposure include antiemetics, colony-stimulating factors, antibiotics, electrolytes, potassium iodine, and chelating agents.
Comparison between modeling and experiments on a two-stage rotary vane expander for an HFC-410A air conditioning system
Authors: Wang M , Cao F , Zhao Y , Wang Z , Bu G
Published: March 2013

Substituting throttle valve with expander can effectively enhance the performance of a refrigeration system. A novel rotary vane expander with two-stage internal expansion was developed for HFC-410A air conditioning system. The structural characteristics and operating principle of the expander are presented. A simulation model including thermodynamic and dynamic calculations is established. An HFC-410A air conditioning system was built for the purposes of testing the prototype and verifying the model. Through the experimental results, the maximum volumetric efficiency was 55% at 1800 r/min and the maximum isentropic efficiency of the prototype was 31.5% at 1404 r/min. The maximum improvement in the system coefficient of performance was 10.3% at 1404 r/min, in comparison with the coefficient of performance without the expander. Higher rotational speed could reduce leakage time thus improve volumetric efficiency; however, it also generated more frictional loss that eventually deteriorated the expander performance. Properly increasing the condensation pressure could help reducing frictional loss at high speed, thus further improve the overall performance of the expander. The results also show that the expander has a better adaptability to variable operating conditions at high rotational speed.
Peace, Violence, and Simulation/Gaming
Authors: Crookall David
Published: March 2013

I characterize violence as falling into two types, using Arthur Koestler’s two tendencies: integrative and self-assertive. It is the integrative tendency, the belief in a cause and the abrogation of one’s identity and obedience to a higher authority, that leads to integrative violence and wars. The principal cause of violence is not individual aggressiveness, but submission to ingroup, cause, ideology, or country. Simulation/games and debriefing protocols need to take into account a wide spectrum of research on the springs of violence if they are to promote durable peace.
Climate Change Gaming on Board and Screen
Authors: Reckien Diana , Eisenack Klaus
Published: March 2013

Climate change (CC) is an increasing societal concern for many countries around the world, and yet international negotiations continue to make slow progress. CC is an issue that is proving difficult to address using traditional approaches to information provision and education. This article reviews the development of climate and CC games and simulations in recent years as an alternative and novel way of addressing CC issues and communicating with decision makers. It gives an overview of published CC games and analyses a selection of 52 sophisticated CC games in detail. The results allow comparisons of the temporal development of climate games, actors involved in CC game development, game formats, and game subjects. Many climate games appeared around the time of the UN climate negotiations in Copenhagen in 2009, with an increasing number of commercial game developers entering the field. Role-play and management games dominate the scene, but we see a rapid increase in the number of online games or games with an online component. Both local and global mitigation issues are frequently addressed and as yet few games focus on adaptation to CC.
Bad Behavior in Groups
Authors: Priesemuth Manuela , Arnaud Anke , Schminke Marshall
Published: March 2013

Recent research shows the powerful impact of counterproductive behavior in teams. This study explores how team characteristics combine to influence bad behavior in groups. It builds upon recent work in organizational justice by exploring the relationship between overall justice climate and work groups’ deviant and political behavior. Findings suggest that the structure of the work itself, in the form of functional dependence, moderates this relationship. Specifically, it is argued that the relationship between injustice climate and deviant and political behavior will be strongest when functional dependence between employees is low. Results from a sample of 539 employees and 113 supervisors in 113 work units support the hypotheses.
A Review of Tier 2 Interventions Conducted Within Multitiered Models of Behavioral Prevention
Authors: Bruhn Allison Leigh , Lane Kathleen Lynne , Hirsch Shanna Eisner
Published: March 2013

To support students’ academic, behavioral, and social needs, many schools have adopted multitiered models of prevention. Because Tier 3 interventions are costly in terms of time and resources, schools must find efficient and effective Tier 2 interventions prior to providing such intense supports. In this article, we review the literature base on Tier 2 interventions conducted within the context of multitiered prevention models evidencing a Tier 1 behavioral plan. Article selection and coding procedures are described and results are presented. Finally, we summarize our findings of four research questions, reflect on limitations, and offer suggestions for future inquiry.
Parathyroid Carcinosarcoma
Authors: Taggart James L. , Summerlin Don-John , Moore Michael G.
Published: March 2013

Parathyroid carcinosarcoma was first described by Nacamuli et al in 2002. We present the second case of this rare disease. This rare carcinosarmoca presented as a parathyroid carcinoma with uncharacteristically normal parathyroid hormone levels. The patient is a 57-year-old woman with long-standing right-sided vocal cord paralysis presented with a progressive 3 × 2 × 3 cm mass in the right neck. She had previously undergone a total thyroidectomy revealing benign pathology. Parathyroid hormone and calcium blood levels were within normal limits. The mass was removed with negative surgical margins. Histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis showed a biphasic pattern, with positive for chromogranin and vimentin, consistent with carcinoma and sarcoma. The disease in our patient, as in the previously reported case, has shown systemic progression despite aggressive surgical resection and adjuvant therapy.
Hypertension as a Risk Factor for Aspirin and Clopidogrel Resistance in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Akturk Ibrahim Faruk , Caglar Fatma Nihan , Erturk Mehmet , Tuncer Nilgun , Yalcın Ahmet Arif , Surgit Ozgur , Uzun Fatih , Caglar Ilker Murat
Published: March 2013

Background:

Platelets play an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). The importance of dual antiplatelet therapy to prevent recurrent ischemic events in patients who have acute coronary syndrome and who will undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is well known and widely accepted as a gold standard. However, despite this apparently effective therapy, incidence of adverse ischemic events could not be decreased enough. Resistance to aspirin/clopidogrel is an important risk factor for adverse ischemic clinical events. Up-to-date studies revealed many risk factors for antiplatelet resistance, one of which is hypertension (HT). Currently, there is no sufficient number of studies evaluating the association between HT and antiplatelet resistance, which is the aim of this study.

Methods:

We enrolled 145 consecutive patients (19 female [13.1%], 126 male [86.9%], mean age 55 ± 10) with stable CAD receiving regular antiplatelet therapy composed of 100 mg/d aspirin and 75 mg/d clopidogrel. All patients had been implanted nondrug-eluting coronary stent and/or stents at least 1 month ago. The HT was diagnosed by 24-hour blood pressure (BP) monitoring. Clopidogrel and aspirin resistance was measured by impedance aggregometry method.

Results:

We included 49 patients with HT and 96 nonhypertensive patients with stable CAD. Aspirin resistance was detected in 22 (16.4%) of 134 patients who received aspirin. Clopidogrel resistance was detected in 55 (37.9%) of 145 patients who received clopidogrel. Prevalance of aspirin and clopidogrel resistance was significantly higher in the hypertensive group than in the nonhypertensive group ( P = .030 and P = .007, respectively). Correlation analysis revealed weak but significantly positive correlation between clopidogrel resistance and serum uric acid levels, mean platelet volume, platelet count, and 24-hour mean systolic BP ( r = −.180, P = .030; r = .189, P = .016; r = .226, P = .006; and r = .200, P = .016, respectively).

Conclusion:

We demonstrated higher incidence of antiplatelet resistance in patients with HT. Upon this finding, which is emerged from an actual group of patients with HT, cardioprotective effect of antiplatelet therapy in patients with HT should be argued.
Predictive and prognostic biomarkers with therapeutic targets in breast, colorectal, and non-small cell lung cancers: A systemic review of current development, evidence, and recommendation
Authors: Chung Clement , Christianson Matthew
Published: March 2013

Appropriate evidence-based roles of prognostic and predictive biomarkers of known therapeutic targets in breast, colorectal, and non-small cell lung cancers in adults are reviewed, with summary of evidence for use and recommendation. Current development in biomarker studies is also discussed. Computerized literature searches of PubMed (National Library of Medicine), the Cochrane Collaboration Library, and commonly accepted US and international guidelines (American Society of Clinical Oncology, European Society for Medical Oncology, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network) were performed from 2001 to 2012. Literature published before 2001 was noted for historical interest but not evaluated. Literature review was focused on available systematic reviews and meta-analyses of published predictive (associated with treatment response and/or efficacy) and prognostic (associated with disease outcome) biomarkers of known therapeutic targets in colorectal, breast, and non-small cell lung cancers. In general, significant health outcomes (e.g. predicted response to therapy, overall survival, disease-free survival, quality of life, lesser toxicity, and cost-effectiveness) were used for making recommendations. Four breast cancer biomarkers were evaluated, two of which (2D6 genotyping, Oncotype Dx) were considered emerging with insufficient evidence. Seven colorectal cancer biomarkers were evaluated, five of which ( EGFR gene expression, K- ras G13D gene mutation, B- raf V600E gene mutation, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency, and UGT1A1 genotyping) were considered emerging. Seven non-small cell lung cancer biomarkers were evaluated, five of which were emerging ( EGFR gene expression, ERCC gene expression, RRM1 gene expression, K- ras gene mutation, and TS gene expression). Of all 18 biomarkers evaluated, the following showed evidence of clinical utility and were recommended for routine use in practice: ER/PR and HER2 for breast cancer; K- ras gene mutation (except G13D gene mutation) for colorectal cancer; mismatch repair deficiency or microsatellite instability for colorectal cancer; and EGFR and EML4-ALK gene mutations for non-small cell lung. Not all recommendations for these biomarkers were uniformly supported by all guidelines.
Effect of high hydrostatic pressure on overall quality parameters of watermelon juice
Authors: Liu Y , Zhao XY , Zou L , Hu XS
Published: March 2013

High hydrostatic pressure as a kind of non-thermal processing might maintain the quality of thermo-sensitive watermelon juice. So, the effect of high hydrostatic pressure treatment on enzymes and quality of watermelon juice was investigated. After high hydrostatic pressure treatment, the activities of polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and pectin methylesterase of juice decreased significantly with the pressure ( P < 0.05). Inactivation of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase could be fitted by two-fraction model and that of pectin methylesterase could be described by first-order reaction model. Titratable acidity, pH, and total soluble solid of juice did not change significantly ( P > 0.05). No significant difference was observed in lycopene and total phenolics after high hydrostatic pressure treatment when compared to the control ( P > 0.05). Cloudiness and viscosity increased with pressure ( P < 0.05) but did not change significantly with treatment time ( P > 0.05). a*- and b*-value both unchanged after high hydrostatic pressure treatment ( P > 0.05) while L*-value increased but the values had no significant difference among treated juices. Browning degree after high hydrostatic pressure treatment decreased with increase in pressure and treatment time ( P < 0.05). Through the comparison of total color difference values, high hydrostatic pressure had little effect on color of juice. The results of this study demonstrated the efficacy of high hydrostatic pressure in inactivating enzymes and maintaining the quality of watermelon juice.
Toward Increased Patient Safety? Electronic Communication of Medication Information Between Nurses in Home Health Care and General Practitioners
Authors: Lyngstad Merete , Melby Line , Grimsmo Anders , Hellesø Ragnhild
Published: March 2013

This study investigates how the use of an electronic messaging system influences patient safety in the medication information process between home health care nurses and general practitioners. Focus group interviews and semistructured interviews with 34 nurses and general practitioners were applied, and the results show that using a messaging system in the clinical communication and collaboration led to nurses in home health care and general practitioners more easily connecting, medication information being more accessible and medication information having a higher quality. The results also revealed that the use of a messaging system caused errors in the medication information. However, according to the nurses in home health care and general practitioners, the overall conclusion was that medication information improved and thereby patient safety increased.
The Fate of Dermally Applied [14C]d-Limonene in Rats and Humans
Authors: Api Anne Marie , Ritacco Gretchen , Hawkins David R.
Published: March 2013

The fate of dermally applied [14C] d-limonene was evaluated in humans and Long-Evans rats. In rats, 5 mg/kg body weight of [14C] d-limonene applied dermally to the shaved back under occlusion, resulted in the absorption of approximately 12% of the dose. The absorbed d-limonene was completely metabolized and excreted rapidly, primarily from the urine (80%) with a small fraction (20%) excreted in the feces. There was no long-term retention of the test material in body tissues. In humans, following dermal application of 12 mg of [14C] d-limonene in ethanol (1 mL) to the back under nonocclusive conditions (for 1 h after application to allow the material to dry, thereafter under occlusion), only 0.16% of the dose was absorbed and the radioactivity was recovered from the urine. Radioactivity in human feces was below the limit of detection. These results indicate that under conditions of simulated use of fragrances and cosmetics, d-limonene has a low potential for dermal absorption and tissue accumulation, and the d-limonene that is absorbed is rapidly excreted in the urine. Based upon these findings and the knowledge that d-limonene possesses a low-systemic toxicity profile, it is reasonable to conclude that dermal exposure to d-limonene from fragrance and cosmetic applications is highly unlikely to result in any clinically significant human toxicity.
Reversible myocardial failure in a cat with primary hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Lie Andrew R , MacDonald Kristin A
Published: March 2013

A 4-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented with tetany. Laboratory testing confirmed severe hypocalcemia and primary hypoparathyroidism. The cat subsequently developed congestive heart failure secondary to myocardial failure and was treated with pimobendan, enalapril, furosemide, calcitriol and calcium salts. All clinical signs resolved and cardiac function returned to normal within 1 month, and remained normal after cessation of all medications except calcitriol. Hypocalcemia-associated cardiomyopathy is a rare, reversible condition that has not previously been reported in a veterinary patient, and it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with myocardial failure.
Illicit narcotic injection masquerading as acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Klochan Shelley A , Taleb Mohammed , Hoover Matthew J , Mauro Vincent F , Anandan Vasuki , Willey James , Cooper Christopher J
Published: March 2013

A 23-year-old male presented from a nursing home with hypotension, tachycardia, diaphoresis and electrocardiographic evidence of right ventricular strain that was confirmed by echocardiography. His differential diagnosis included sepsis and pulmonary embolism. A high-resolution computed tomography scan demonstrated no pulmonary emboli but did demonstrate multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules. Upon questioning he admitted to injecting a long-acting narcotic that had been manually macerated, dissolved in saline, and injected through an indwelling intravenous line. Lung biopsy findings were consistent with cellulose-induced perivascular granulomatosis. Cellulose granulomatosis can be seen in patients who inject medications designed for oral use and should be considered in patients who present with acute pulmonary hypertension.
Validation of the antenatal perceived stress inventory
Authors: Razurel Chantal , Kaiser Barbara , Dupuis Marc , Antonietti Jean-Philippe , Citherlet Catherine , Epiney Manuella , Sellenet Catherine
Published: March 2013

This article presents the Antenatal Perceived Stress Inventory. The originality of this scale is to assess the impact of events experienced during pregnancy on the stress perceived by mothers. Scale validation was performed using data from 150 French-speaking nulliparous mothers and collected between 36 and 39 weeks of gestation (T1), and between 2 days (T2) and 6 weeks postpartum (T3). Factor analysis revealed a hierarchical three-factor structure that closely fit the data, including medical and obstetric risks/fetal health (F1), psychosocial changes (F2), and the prospect of childbirth (F3). The Antenatal Perceived Stress Inventory is a valid French prenatal stress scale with good psychometric properties.
Sex work in China’s Pearl River Delta: Accumulating sexual capital as a life-advancement strategy
Authors: Ding Yu , Ho Petula Sik Ying
Published: March 2013

We develop the concept of sexual capital through examining cases of female sex workers (referred to as xiaojies in Chinese) in the Pearl River Delta, a highly industrialized region of south China. We explore the properties of sexual capital and the conditions that allow them to function. Xiaojies employ sexual and body practices to develop different ‘currencies’: those of bodily beauty; sexual values, knowledge, practices and skills; performance (entertainment and gender performance); and sexual and emotional sophistication – in exchange for economic, social and cultural capital. However, even if sexual capital fails to be converted to the social and economic capital needed for achieving desired goals, these women experience a self-transformation, from rural country girls into sexy, modern and urban women. Such sexual capital is essential for xiaojies who do not have many other resources and are constantly subject to regulations concerning rural migrants and prostitution. This is not only about ‘ guanxi’ (social capital, social connections with others) and social network, which were considered essential in earlier studies, but also about self-esteem, emotional capacity, cognitive understanding of life and so on. Sexual capital involves the capacity for sexual expression and developing a new relationship with oneself, and has emotional significance, in addition to its potential for acquiring social and economic capital.
Social moralities and discursive constructions of female sex offenders
Authors: Hayes Sharon , Carpenter Belinda
Published: March 2013

This article explores legal, scholarly and social responses to women identified as sex offenders. While much has been written on the male paedophile, rapist and sex offender, little research has been done on the role of gender and sexuality in sex offending. This article examines the ways in which the female sex offender is currently theorized and the discourses surrounding policy, legislative and media responses to their crimes. We identify contradictory public discourses where perceptions of female child abusers in particular often succumb to moral panic, in spite of many such offenders being given lenient sentences for their crimes. An examination of the discursive construction of female child abusers suggests that these contradictions are informed by underlying assumptions concerning harm and subjectivity in sex crimes. In exploring these contradictions we illustrate the ways in which such discourses are impacted by social moralities, and how social moralities construct offender and victim subjectivities differently, based on differences in gender, age and sexuality.
Against the quiet revolution: The rhetorical construction of intersex individuals as disordered
Authors: Topp Sarah S
Published: March 2013

There has been a widespread change in nomenclature surrounding intersex since a consortium of doctors issued a consensus document that stated the term intersex was imprecise and outdated. Suggesting Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) as the alternative, the document has been widely adopted by doctors internationally. Although some have celebrated the reform as a quiet revolution, the decision to label intersex individuals as disordered dangerously pathologizes them, labeling them as defective and in need of correction. This article analyzes the effects of the new nomenclature on intersex identities and offers Differences of Sex Development as a corrective.
Identity diversification among transgender sex workers in Thailand’s sex tourism industry
Authors: Ocha Witchayanee , Earth Barbara
Published: March 2013

This article looks at identity diversification among Thai (MTF) transgender sex workers who are in a semi-reassigned physical state; working in two famous sex tourism hot spots in Thailand. Locating the informants in their own gender system, then drawing on western queer and transgender theories, we examine the negotiation of gender and identity in this unique cultural, historical and political context. The research shows that the sex industry facilitates the emergence of new third-gender identities among MTF sex workers. The research finds that core gender identity, embodiment and preferred sexual practices are mutable but vary together. The research reinforces the centrality of the body in transgender studies, but highlights problems of cross-cultural differences in gender concepts.
Mental Health Promotion in the Health Care Setting
Authors: Horn Michelle A. , Rauscher Alana B. , Ardiles Paola A. , Griffin Shannon L.
Published: March 2013

Health Compass is an innovative, multiphased project that aims to transform health care practice and shift organizational culture by building the capacity of Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) health care providers to further promote the mental health and well-being of patients and families accessing PHSA’s health care services. Health Compass was developed within a health promotion framework, which involved collaboration and engagement with stakeholders across all partnering PHSA agencies. This approach led to the development of an educational and training resource that contributes to increased capacity for mental health promotion within the health care setting. Based on interviews with Health Compass’ internal Project Team and findings from a Stakeholder Engagement Evaluation Report, this article outlines the participatory approach taken to develop the Health Compass Mental Health Promotion Resource and E-Learning Tool. A number of key facilitators for collaboration and engagement are discussed, which may be particularly applicable to the implementation of a mental health promotion program or initiative within a complex health care setting.
Clearly Crisp, and Not Fuzzy
Authors: Thiem Alrik
Published: March 2013

In a recent contribution to this journal, Vink and van Vliet seek to raise researchers’ awareness of the potentials and pitfalls of multi-value Qualitative Comparative Analysis (MvQCA). The authors are unconvinced by the technique’s distinctness from the more established crisp-set QCA (csQCA) and fuzzy-set QCA (fsQCA) variants and question its added value to configurational comparative methodology on five points. This article demonstrates why none of them challenges mvQCA. Two points do not relate to the method, two are based on incorrect reasoning, and one results from a misunderstanding of notational systems. This comment seeks to prove the suspicion against mvQCA that has prevailed thus far in the literature unjustified. It argues that this variant is as useful a contribution to the toolbox of comparative social science methodology as csQCA and fsQCA.
Cognitive Insight in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Degirmenci Eylem , Degirmenci Taner , Dügüncü Yadigar , Yılmaz Gamze
Published: March 2013

Background/rationale:

We investigated the cognitive insight profile of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS).

Methods:

This study involved 30 patients with probable AD and 15 healthy participants (ie, the controls). All individuals completed the BCIS, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Results:

Mean scores of the HADS-depression subscale, HAMD, BCIS-self-reflectiveness (BCIS-R), and BCIS-self-certainty (BCIS-C) subscales were significantly different between the patients and the controls. However, there was no significant difference in BCIS reflectiveness–certainty index scores between the patients and the control groups. Regression analyses showed a moderately positive correlation between hallucinations and BCIS-C scores.

Conclusion:

This study is the first to investigate cognitive insight in patients with probable AD. The BCIS-R and BCIS-C scores were significantly lower in patients than in control group.
Utility of the AD8 as a Self-Rating Tool for Cognitive Impairment in an Asian Population
Authors: Chin Rowena , Ng Amanda , Narasimhalu Kaavya , Kandiah Nagaendran
Published: March 2013

Background:

AD8 is a brief informant interview used to detect early cognitive change. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of the participant-rated AD8 (p-AD8) in a predominantly Chinese population.

Methods:

Data on demographics, clinical, and cognitive features were collected from 73 participants with no cognitive impairment (NCI), 27 participants with mild cognitive impairments, and 78 participants with Alzheimer’s disease–informant dyads. Agreement and discriminative properties of p-AD8 were assessed.

Results:

AD8 scores were associated with dementia severity. Participant and informant AD8 scores were moderately correlated within dementia dyads. The p-AD8 showed good diagnostic performance in differentiating between participants with NCI and participants with cognitive impairment (sensitivity = 85.0%, specificity = 74.0%, and area under the curve = 0.80), with a cutoff score of ≥1. Combination of impairment in Mini-Mental State Examination and p-AD8 is more useful in detecting cognitive impairment than using the AD8 alone.

Conclusion:

Within a transcultural setting, the p-AD8 demonstrated good discriminative validity and can be used to gain a preliminary understanding of an individual’s cognitive status.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy With Survivors of Adult Sexual Assault
Authors: Burrows Caroline J.
Published: March 2013

A number of studies have found experiential avoidance to mediate the relationship between sexual assault and adverse long-term effects. One treatment approach that has been developed for the treatment of experiential avoidance is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). A small body of research has demonstrated preliminary efficacy for the use of ACT with trauma survivors suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, no treatment studies to date have evaluated ACT as a treatment model with survivors of adult sexual assault. In this case study, ACT was applied to an 18-year-old survivor of adult sexual assault suffering from PTSD symptoms. The results indicated that ACT was effective in reducing experiential avoidance, thought suppression, trauma symptomatology, and increasing valued action and quality of life. The findings of this study suggest that the use of grounding techniques, visual metaphors, and experiential mindfulness exercises in ACT may be particularly helpful for survivors of adult sexual assault.
Examining the Cultural Validity of a College Student Engagement Survey for Latinos
Authors: Hernandez Ebelia , Mobley Michael , Coryell Gayle , Yu En-Hui , Martinez Gladys
Published: March 2013

Using critical race theory and quantitative criticalist stance, this study examines the construct validity of an engagement survey, Student Experiences in the Research University (SERU) for Latino college students through exploratory factor analysis. Results support the principal seven-factor SERU model. However subfactors exhibited differential structure patterns suggesting sense of agency, initiative-taking, self-competency, and self-efficacy as a means of reflecting potential cultural nuances relative to Latinos. Implications highlight sociocultural values and perspectives to understand engagement based on Latino students’ unique college experiences and meaning making.
Where Do Virtual Worlds Come From?: A Genealogy of Second Life
Authors: Veerapen Maeva
Published: March 2013

Tens of millions of Internet users inhabit virtual worlds. Being inworld is a unique experience, shaped differently from other activities. This research examines the factors that allowed virtual worlds to develop into what they are. Drawing from personal experience in Second Life and a review of literature, this article maps out an interconnected web of developments across fields that influenced the formation of virtual worlds such as Second Life. The advancements identified in the fields of science fiction, video and computer games, media, role-playing traditions, and communication technologies are analyzed as precursors of the qualities of the contemporary inworld experience. Previous studies have examined the development of the individual fields separately. By undertaking an analysis on a macro level and across fields, this article offers a new insight into the development of the complex phenomenon of virtual worlds in the 21st century, whereby the evolution adopts the structure of a genealogy tree.
Rethinking Military Gaming
Authors: Schulzke Marcus
Published: March 2013

With the extensive use of military force by the U.S. government over the past decade, more scholarly attention has been directed at how mass culture is mobilized to support military objectives. Video games designed by the military or by civilians collaborating with military advisers are one of the major causes for concern, as these may provide ways of training players for military service or of building support for wars. This essay organizes prominent critiques of military gaming into structural/institutional, instrumental, and ideological perspectives and examines some of the most common arguments made from each. It argues that while critics of America’s Army and other military games are right to be cautious about military influence on gaming, critics tend to judge military games more harshly than the evidence warrants.
Confronting Heteronormativity in Online Games
Authors: Pulos Alexis
Published: March 2013

In 2008, ten million people were playing the massive multiplayer role-playing game World of Warcraft (WoW); a fantasy-based virtual landscape where players bridge real-life personas with digital identity. However, the construction of sexuality within this gaming environment has created an oppressive atmosphere for individuals who do not adhere to a heteronormative lifestyle. In this essay, I undress the bottom-up and top-down structures that are regulating an environment that has no use for a constructed sexual binary and yet has one strictly imbedded in it. This analysis utilizes discourse analysis to analyze 400 messages posted to a WoW discussion board regarding the topic of “LGBTQ players and the WOW Community” in order to queer the sexuality presented in this space. This essay is further supplemented with my own experience playing the game and with an analysis of the games structural elements.
Living memory of Roh Moo Hyun: Group cohesion, cultural politics, and the process of symbolic interaction
Authors: Moon Seungsook
Published: March 2013

This article examines how Roh Moo Hyun, the 16th President of South Korea, was remembered during the several months following his suicide in May 2009. For this purpose, the article focuses on major commemorative texts about Roh published during this period and identifies three recurring themes in the emerging commemorative narrative about him: (1) a defiant dreamer who aspired to build a good society, (2) a nonmainstream politician who challenged the status quo and therefore was destroyed, and (3) a democratic president of common people. Building upon sociological approaches to collective memory, this article situates these themes in the larger sociopolitical context of contemporary Korea and argues that the living memory of Roh helps us understand the role of collective memory in promoting group cohesion, the deeply political nature of memory, and the importance of cultural symbols to the interactive process of constructing the commemorative narrative.