bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dramatic regression of coronary artery stenosis three years after diagnosis
Authors: Narayan P , Khetan A
Published: January 2015

While strategies for the prevention of the progression of coronary artery lesions have been proposed, documentation of the regression of significant coronary artery lesions is rare. Lifestyle modifications and exercise have been reported to influence the regression of coronary disease, but a dramatic disappearance of coronary artery lesions demonstrated angiographically has been rarely reported. We describe a case where diet and lifestyle modifications, along with lipid-lowering therapy, led to the significant regression of coronary artery stenosis.
Systematic Technique-Dependent Differences in CT Versus MRI Measurement of the Tibial Tubercle–Trochlear Groove Distance
Authors: Ho Charles P. , James Evan W. , Surowiec Rachel K. , Gatlin Coley C. , Ellman Michael B. , Cram Tyler R. , Dornan Grant J. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: January 2015

Background:

The tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TTTG) distance is used to quantify the degree of lateralization of the patellar tendon insertion on the tibial tubercle relative to the deepest part of the trochlear groove. Disagreement exists as to whether the TTTG distance measured on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be considered equivalent.

Purpose:

To compare TTTG distance as measured on axial CT and MRI and to investigate the potential effect of patient positioning between modalities.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients who received both CT and MRI of the same knee for any indication from August 2010 to April 2014 were included in this study. The TTTG distances were measured twice by 2 raters in a randomized order, with at least 30 days between ratings to minimize recall bias. Inter- and intrarater reliability of CT and MRI measurements and intermethod reliability were assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Bland-Altman plots were also created to assess agreement. Differences in patient positioning were investigated to determine its effect on the TTTG distance.

Results:

Fifty-nine patients (age, 32.8 ± 12.9 years) were included. Interrater ICCs were excellent for both CT and MRI measurements. Intrarater ICCs were excellent for both raters. Absolute agreement ICCs for intermethod reliability were fair to good, but consistency type agreement was excellent. A systematic bias of lower MRI distances (bias = −2.8 mm) compared with CT was observed. The investigation of CT versus MRI imaging techniques demonstrated that the standard MRI examination places the knee in approximately 4.6° of relative varus alignment compared with CT.

Conclusion:

A systematic bias toward lower TTTG distances on MRI compared with CT was found. This finding is likely dependent on imaging technique, including patient positioning. Patient knees were positioned in varus on the MRI compared with the CT examination, with resulting lower TTTG distances on MRI compared with CT. The TTTG distances on CT and MRI vary with imaging technique, which may be attributable to patient positioning and result in differences among imaging centers.
The critical value of György Márkus’s philosophical anthropology
Authors: Jaffe Aaron
Published: January 2015

This article critically re-reads György Márkus’s seminal Marxism and Anthropology in light of its recent reissue with an introduction by Hans Joas and Axel Honneth. Joas and Honneth problematically identify the normative source of Márkus’s position as an a-historical and extra-natural account of the human. In fact, when the human essence is thought as natural while also historical, developing new powers and needs through changing strategies of socially organized work, Marx’s materialist conception of history can be used to generate a critique of social organizations, relations, and structures that constrain rather than promote such development. Such constraint on developing powers can be read as ‘alienation’ from the human essence. Márkus’s work develops this reading of Marx in a textually sensitive way, but his analysis of alienation in the Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts of 1844 focuses on the individual when such analysis could in fact be profitably extended to apply to groups and the species as whole.
The effects of point pollutants-originated heavy metals (lead, copper, iron, and cadmium) on fish living in Yeşilırmak River, Turkey
Authors: Polat Fatih , Akın Şenol , Yıldırım Alper , Dal Tarık
Published: January 2015

In this study, the association between heavy metals in water and cyprinids sampled from the Yeşilırmak River stretch, which is frequently exposed to pollutant sources (a sugar production factory (Turhal) and solid wastes dump area (Taşlıçiftlik) was explored, and the oxidative effects of heavy metals on cyprinids were evaluated through analyzing some liver enzymes, namely, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and cortisol. The heavy metal concentrations of both fish and water, collected from three different locations along the river during the summer of 2011 and winter of 2010 (Turhal, Taşlıçiftlik, and Gümenek), were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The water and fish liver heavy metal concentrations exhibited increasing trends from upstream (Gümenek) to downstream (Turhal). The water and liver samples collected during the summer had higher heavy metal concentrations than those obtained during the winter. The mean heavy metal concentrations increased from Gümenek to Turhal. The liver heavy metal concentrations were higher than those in the water and exhibited almost the same increasing trend from Gümenek to Turhal. Positive relationships between liver and water heavy metal concentrations, especially for cadmium ( R2 = 0.91) and lead ( R2 = 0.98), were obtained. Among the liver enzymes, only MDA followed the same increasing trend from Gümenek to Turhal as was obtained for heavy metals. On the other hand, CAT and SOD had a contrary spatial pattern of change to those of heavy metals and MDA. Although the values of heavy metals and MDA in Taşlıçiftlik were between the two other locations, fish inhabiting this locality had significantly higher values of cortisol, which is an indication of the other stress-causing factors for fish.
What’s Taking So Long? Identifying the Underlying Causes of Delays in Planning Transportation Megaprojects in the United States
Authors: Plotch Philip Mark
Published: January 2015

By integrating literature on transportation planning, megaprojects, and public choice theory, this article identifies the following eight factors that can cause delays in planning transportation megaprojects in the United States: impacts to neighborhoods and the environment, laws and regulations relating to the environment and planning, insufficient funding, changes in scope and design of a project, government bureaucracies and conflict between agencies, overly optimistic expectations, uncertainty involved in identifying the best alternative, and the absence of an effective public sector champion.
Islamic Values and Nursing Practice in Kuwait
Authors: Atkinson Carolyn
Published: January 2015

Purpose:This qualitative study sought to illuminate the perception among Muslim nurses in Kuwait of the role of Islamic values on their nursing practice. Design: Ethnography, specifically Leininger’s small scale ethnonursing design, guided the study. Method: Eighteen male and female Muslim nurses from five countries, who were working as nurses in Kuwait, were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and examined for themes. Findings: Seven themes emerged (1) altruistic relationships as a core value; (2) all care as spiritual care; (3) desire for greater understanding and respect as nurses and as Muslims; (4) professional kinship that transcends culture, religion, and nationality; (5) nursing ethics from divine ethics; (6) religious teachings promoting health; (7) radical acceptance of God’s will, balanced with hope of reward. Conclusions: The centrality of the value altruism to nursing care from the Islamic perspective and the apparent seamless integration of care of the spirit with care of the body were significant findings consistent with the literature. The deep longing to be better understood, both as nurses and as Muslims, speaks to needed public education across the spectrum of religious belief and needed strengthening of professional kinship.
Globally stable pressure-observer-based servo control of an electro-pneumatic clutch actuator
Authors: Qian Pengfei , Tao Guoliang , Liu Hao , Li Xin
Published: January 2015

To achieve rapid disengagement and smooth engagement of clutch in automated manual transmission systems, servo control of an electro-pneumatic clutch actuator controlled by solenoid on–off valves is considered. Nevertheless, realization of high-accuracy servo control usually depends on model-based non-linear control technologies requiring full-state knowledge of the system. Pressure sensors are not used in automated manual transmission systems owing to cost considerations. Thus, the pressure states in the chambers are unknown. To address this issue, non-linear pressure observers taking the place of pressure sensors were proposed in this paper. It is stable in the sense of the Lyapunov theory and independent of the load. Furthermore, the pressure observer’s polytropic exponent was analysed and then determined experimentally. Finally, a compound sliding-mode controller with pressure observers was presented. Extensive experiments demonstrated the feasibility and the effectiveness of the proposed pressure-observer-based controller.
Investigations into the influence of internal and external exhaust gas recirculation on the combustion stability in an optical gasoline spark ignition engine
Authors: Xie Hui , Xu Kang , Wan Minggang , Chen Tao , Zhao Hua
Published: January 2015

Combustion stability is the major concern for engines operated in highly diluted conditions, particularly during the mode transition between controlled autoignition and spark ignition. In this research, studies were performed to investigate the influence of the dilution of internal exhaust gas recirculation and the dilution of external exhaust gas recirculation on early flame development and combustion stability in a single-cylinder optical engine. It is found that a higher external exhaust gas recirculation rate slows do‘wn the early flame development, which is responsible for the higher cyclic fluctuation of combustion. The cyclic variation in the normalized flame area matches well the coefficient of variation of the early flame development period, which decreases with development of the flame. The dilution of the internal exhaust gas recirculation shows a more complicated influence on the combustion than the dilution of the external exhaust gas recirculation does. Although more hot residual gas is trapped in the cylinder, the increase in the internal exhaust gas recirculation rate does not contribute to the promotion of the in-cylinder thermal state in the studied cases. However, with a moderate increase in the internal exhaust gas recirculation rate from 9.8% to 13%, faster initial flame kernel formation is observed, which benefits the combustion by accelerating the early flame development, advancing the combustion timing and stabilizing the combustion. With the internal exhaust gas recirculation rate further increased to 19.6%, a sharp decrease in the mean expansion speed of the flame front results in a retarded early flame development and a slower heat release, which leads to severe deterioration in the combustion stability. In addition, by substituting part of the external exhaust gas recirculation with internal exhaust gas recirculation, an advanced combustion timing, a shorter combustion duration and an improved combustion stability can be achieved; this implies that a higher total exhaust gas recirculation tolerance can be achieved with the same limitation of the coefficient of variation in the indicated mean effective pressure. This result can be instructive in optimizing the control strategy of the valve timing and the external exhaust gas recirculation rate during the mode transition between controlled autoignition and spark ignition.
Greater Maternal Insensitivity in Childhood Predicts Greater Electrodermal Reactivity During Conflict Discussions With Romantic Partners in Adulthood
Authors: Raby K. Lee , Roisman Glenn I. , Simpson Jeffry A. , Collins W. A. , Steele Ryan D.
Published: January 2015

In this study, we drew on prospective, longitudinal data to investigate the long-term predictive significance of the quality of early parent-child relationship experiences for adults’ sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity during conflict discussions with their romantic partners. Maternal sensitivity was repeatedly assessed across childhood via direct observations of mother-child interactions. When the children in the study became adults (34–37 years old), electrodermal activity—an index of SNS arousal and a psychophysiological marker of behavioral inhibition—was recorded for 37 participants while at rest and while they attempted to resolve conflicts in their romantic relationships. Individuals who had experienced less sensitive maternal caregiving during childhood had greater increases in electrodermal activity during conflict discussions with their adult partners, relative to resting conditions. This longitudinal association was not accounted for by observed or self-reported romantic-relationship quality, gender, ethnicity, or early socioeconomic factors.
Multi-model soft switching tracking control for near-space interceptor based on the disturbance observer
Authors: Guo Chao , Liang Xiao-Geng , Wang Jun-Wei
Published: January 2015

A disturbance observer–based multi-model soft switching tracking control design is proposed for the near-space interceptor. Initially, based on the Takagi–Sugeno modeling approach, a slow–fast loop soft switching model is employed to approximately describe the nonlinear dynamics of the near-space interceptor. Subsequently, a disturbance observer is constructed to estimate the unknown disturbance. Based on the disturbance observer, a descriptor system approach is proposed to solve the multi-model soft switching tracking control design problem. The suggested controller can not only ensure the stability of the closed-loop near-space interceptor system but also provide an upper bound of the cost function. Moreover, a robust least-squares weighted control allocation algorithm is employed to distribute the virtual control command among the redundant actuators (the aerodynamic fins and reaction jets). Finally, simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Measuring the skill of variance-scaled climate reconstructions and a test for the capture of extremes
Authors: McCarroll Danny , Young Giles HF , Loader Neil J
Published: January 2015

Climate reconstructions produced using regression, with a proxy as the independent variable, are inevitably biased towards the mean, exhibit reduced variance and underestimate extremes. Scaling the mean and variance to fit those of the target climate data produces a more realistic range of reconstructed values but the cost, in terms of inflated error, is seldom assessed. We provide a simple metric that allows the loss of skill because of scaling to be quantified. It can be calculated retrospectively for published studies, some of which exhibit little or no reconstructive skill. Although scaled reconstructions must have a range that is close to that of the target climate data, there is no guarantee that the correct years are pushed to the extremes. We propose a simple non-parametric test for ‘Extreme Value Capture’ that gives the statistical significance of a given number of the correct years being ‘captured’ beyond the thresholds defined by the upper and lower 10% of the measured climate data. The methods are tested using three annually resolved case studies. A tree-growth-based summer temperature reconstruction for northern Fennoscandia captures cold summers very well, but the capture rate of the warmest summers is no better than might be expected purely because of chance. Such failure to correctly capture the warmest years has important implications for interpretation of the frequency and magnitude of very warm summers in the past.
Measuring the burden of interval cancers in long-standing screening mammography programmes
Authors: Andersen Sune Bangsbøll , Törnberg Sven , Kilpeläinen Sini , Lynge Elsebeth , Njor Sisse Helle , Von Euler-Chelpin My
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Mammography screening programme sensitivity is evaluated by comparing the interval cancer rate (ICR) with the expected breast cancer incidence without screening, ie. the proportional interval cancer rate (PICR). The PICR is usually found by extrapolating pre-screening incidence rates, whereas ICR is calculated from data available in the screening programmes. As there is no consensus regarding estimation of background incidence, we seek to validate the ICR measure against the PICR.

Methods

Screening data from the three mammography screening programmes of Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Funen in the period 1989-2011 provided data to calculate the ICR. The most commonly described methods of extrapolating pre-screening incidence rates to calculate the PICR were illustrated and PICRs were calculated by year and programme using these different methods and compared with the ICRs.

Results

PICRs varied greatly, reaching a difference of 32–34% in Stockholm, 79% in Copenhagen, and 100–106% in Funen between the highest and the lowest value, depending on which method was applied. PICRs exhibited large variations yearly and from programme to programme. ICRs did not vary to the same extent, ranging on average from 0.100 to 0.136 in the first 12-months and between 0.201 and 0.225 in the last 12-months of the two-year period after a negative screen across the three programmes.

Conclusion

The value of the PICR is hugely influenced by which method is applied, whereas the ICR is calculated purely on data available within programmes. We find that the PICR, the establishing indicator for sensitivity, could preferably be replaced by the ICR.
Participation in four rounds of a French colorectal cancer screening programme with guaiac faecal occult blood test: a population-based open cohort study
Authors: Denis Bernard , Gendre Isabelle , Perrin Philippe
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Four randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of screening using a guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) on colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality. Whether their results are transposable to the real world is unknown. This study aimed to assess the determinants of participation in the first four rounds of the CRC screening programme using a gFOBT implemented since 2003 in the Haut-Rhin (Alsace) part of the French national programme.

Methods

We performed a population-based open cohort study of all residents aged 50–74, around 200,000 people. They were invited by mail to participate every other year. The gFOBT kits (Hemoccult II) were first provided by general practitioners, and then directly mailed to persons who failed to comply.

Results

The uptake decreased significantly across all rounds, from 54.3% to 47.1% (p < 0.0001), mainly in people younger than 60. The proportion of people screened by general practitioners increased significantly from 77.0% in the first round to 84.2% in the fourth (p < 0.01). Overall, 61.3% of the invited population participated at least once, and 14.3% had completed all the four tests. The colonoscopy uptake was around 91%, among the highest ever reported.

Conclusions

Despite the involvement of general practitioners, the uptake and adherence to repeat testing are modest and deteriorate with time, so that the reduction in CRC mortality in reality will be significantly lower than that in the trials. The benefit-risk balance of the French programme is, at present, less favourable than that shown in the trials.
Meshing Gears
Authors: Chen Chin-Mi , Hsu Bi-Hua , Chen Yueh-Chih , Cheng Shin-Nan , Liaw Jen-Jiuan
Published: January 2015

Adolescents with cancer and their parents have to deal with the challenge of returning to their pre-diagnosis social life. The purpose of this study was to describe the subjective lived experiences of Taiwanese mothers and their adolescents who had completed cancer treatment and were returning to school. Eight Taiwanese mother-adolescent dyads were recruited by purposive sampling. Core themes were extracted using phenomenological method and dyadic analysis. Findings were metaphorically captured by the theme “meshing gears.” The mothers and their adolescents were initially like 2 gears spinning alone, side by side due to experiencing different distress related to their social roles. To move toward a normal and healthy life journey, the mothers and their adolescents worked together as a well-tuned machine. This phenomenon is similar to gears meshing without friction to keep moving forward together. Our results suggest that health care professionals should provide follow-up care and interdisciplinary school reentry services to adolescent cancer survivors to improve their quality of life.
Improving Adherence to Evidence-Based Guidelines for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Authors: Wood Margaret , Hall Laura , Hockenberry Marilyn , Borinstein Scott
Published: January 2015

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most common side effects experienced by patients receiving chemotherapy. Antiemetic medications can be used to effectively prevent and treat CINV. Choice and dose of antiemetics are often based on provider preference rather than evidenced-based information. CINV antiemetic prescribing guidelines provide an evidence-based approach and standardization for the management of this common side effect. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve adherence to CINV antiemetic guidelines. Despite distribution of CINV guidelines, there was inconsistent compliance with their use. When providers reported unfamiliarity with the guidelines, they were reintroduced and direct provider feedback was given to improve adherence. This quality improvement project demonstrates the need for continued reinforcement to sustain change that results in the best care for children experiencing CINV.
Chronic Sorrow in Mothers of Children With Cancer
Authors: Nikfarid Lida , Rassouli Maryam , Borimnejad Leili , Alavimajd Hamid
Published: January 2015

Chronic sorrow, a progressive, persistent, and endless feeling of grief, is seen in parents of children with chronic diseases. This study aimed to investigate chronic sorrow in mothers of children with cancer in selected hospitals in Tehran, Iran. It also sought to clarify the relationships between chronic sorrow and some demographic characteristics. In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, 264 mothers attending 3 pediatric teaching hospitals in Tehran were selected using convenience sampling. The subjects completed a demographic questionnaire and Kendall Chronic Sorrow Questionnaire (Persian version). Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential (Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests) statistics in SPSS 16.0. The mean score on the Kendall Chronic Sorrow Questionnaire was 76.39 ± 15.81. Chronic sorrow was likely present or present in 97.7% of the mothers (n = 252). The mean scores on the Disparity, Sadness, and Getting Along subscales were 30.26 ± 104.209, and 33.38 ± 42.777, respectively, and the mean score for coping was 12.75 ± 11.922. The relationships between most demographic characteristics and scores on the Kendall Chronic Sorrow Questionnaire were not significant. Chronic sorrow is a concept experienced by families of children with cancer. The health care provider’s knowledge about this concept and its components can facilitate the development of better support and treatment programs and lead to improved quality of life for children and their families.
Pregnancy in a Patient With a Malignant Brain Tumor Taking Temozolomide
Authors: Evans Anna C. , Nelson Mary Baron , Dhall Girish
Published: January 2015

Temozolomide (TMZ), an alkylating agent used in the treatment of malignant gliomas, is a pregnancy category D medication that is not advised for use in pregnant women. We report the case of a 19-year-old woman with anaplastic oligodendroglioma (high-grade glioma) who became pregnant during maintenance chemotherapy consisting of TMZ 200 mg/m2 administered 5 days monthly. The TMZ was immediately discontinued after she developed a positive pregnancy test. She delivered a full-term healthy baby boy with no prenatal or perinatal complications. Adolescents and young adults with brain tumors are often sexually active and should receive intensive and repeated anticipatory guidance regarding contraception while receiving chemotherapy. Pediatric oncology nurses are in a unique position to provide this education for patients and ensure that young women have appropriate pregnancy testing prior to chemotherapy administration.
“Three in the Room”
Authors: Harris Magdalena
Published: January 2015

The researcher’s body in qualitative research is often absented, an absence that can render deceptively tidy research accounts. In this article, I reflect on the interplay of embodiment and disclosure in the interview dynamic and the way in which my body became an object of inquiry in the research process. Three qualitative studies inform the article: the first exploring the experiences of 40 people living with hepatitis C in New Zealand and Australia, the second comprising life-history interviews with 38 people who inject drugs in London, and the third following 27 people through hepatitis C treatment in London. Bodily and verbal disclosures of my history, as someone with/without hepatitis C and a former heroin user, affected the energy of the interview dynamic, also embodied understandings of illness and drug use. Disclosure can enhance researcher vulnerability and I close with reflection on the ethical implications of “enhanced rapport” in the research situation.
Exploring the Legacies of Filmed Patient Narratives
Authors: Adams Mary , Robert Glenn , Maben Jill
Published: January 2015

We trace the legacies of filmed patient narratives that were edited and screened to encourage engagement with a participatory quality improvement project in an acute hospital setting in England. Using Gabriel’s theory of “narrative contract,” we examine the initial success of the films in establishing common grounds for participatory project and later, and more varied, interpretations of the films. Over time, the films were interpreted by staff as either useful sources of learning by critical reflection, dubious (invalid or unreliable) representations of patient experience, or as “closed” items available as auditable evidence of completed quality improvement work. We find these interpretations of the films to be shaped by the effect of social distance, the differential outcomes of project work, and changing organizational agendas. We consider the wider conditions of patient narrative as a form of quality improvement knowledge with immediate potency and fragile or fluid legitimacy over time.
Evaluating Outcomes of Alternative Dosing Strategies for Cefepime
Authors: Burgess Sarah V. , Mabasa Vincent H. , Chow Ivy , Ensom Mary H. H.
Published: January 2015

Objective: To perform a qualitative systematic review of the evidence comparing traditional with prolonged intermittent or continuous infusions of cefepime based on clinical and pharmacodynamic outcomes. Data Sources: PubMed (1946 to October 2014), EMBASE (1980 to October 2014), CENTRAL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970 to October 2014) were searched using the terms cefepime, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug administration, intravenous infusions, intravenous drug administration, continuous infusion, extended infusion, and intermittent therapy. Reference lists from relevant materials were reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Articles evaluating administration regimens of cefepime, one of which included the traditional, manufacturer-recommended 0.5-hour infusion and the other a prolonged or continuous infusion were included. Prespecified clinical outcomes of interest included all-cause mortality, length of hospital stay, clinical cure, and adverse events. The primary pharmacodynamic outcome was percentage time of unbound drug concentration remaining above the minimum inhibitory concentration. Data Synthesis: In all, 18 studies were included; 6 studies assessed clinical outcomes, and 12 assessed pharmacodynamic outcomes. Prolonged or continuous infusions of cefepime achieved the pharmacodynamic targets more often than traditional infusions. The association of improved clinical outcomes with prolonged or continuous infusions is unclear. All-cause mortality was significantly decreased with the use of a prolonged cefepime infusion in a retrospective study. Two prospective, randomized studies demonstrated no statistically significant difference in mortality between prolonged and intermittent infusions. Conclusions: The available literature on prolonged and continuous infusions of cefepime demonstrated an improved achievement of pharmacodynamic targets; however, the effect on clinical outcomes is inconclusive. Well-designed prospective studies are required to determine optimal dosing and administration strategies.
Genotype-Guided Dosing of Coumarin Anticoagulants
Authors: Tang Tao , Liu Jie , Zuo Keqiang , Cheng Jie , Chen Linyin , Lu Chenhui , Han Shilong , Xu Jichong , Jia Zhongzhi , Ye Meng , Pei Erli , Zhang Xiaoping , Li Maoquan
Published: January 2015

Background:

Coumarin anticoagulants (acenocoumarol, phenprocoumon, and warfarin) are generally used for the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation or for the therapy and prevention of venous thromboembolism. However, the safe use of coumarin anticoagulants is restricted by a narrow therapeutic window and large interindividual dosing variations. Some studies found that the effectiveness and safety of coumarin anticoagulants therapy were increased by pharmacogenetic-guided dosing algorithms, while others found no significant effect of genotype-guided therapy.

Methods:

Four electronic databases were searched from January 1, 2000, to March 1, 2014, for randomized controlled trials of patients who received coumarin anticoagulants according to genotype-guided dosing algorithms. The primary outcome was the percentage of time that the international normalized ratio (INR) was within the normal range (2.0-3.0). Secondary outcomes included major bleeding events, thromboembolic events, and INR ≥4 events.

Results:

Eight studies satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Genotype-guided dosing of coumarin anticoagulants improved the percentage of time within the therapeutic INR range (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02-0.28; P = .02; I2 = 70%). Subgroup analysis was performed after dividing the nongenotype-guided group into a standard-dose group (95% CI, 0.14-0.49; P = .0004; I2 = 50%) and a clinical variables-guided dosing algorithm group (95% CI, −0.07-0.15; P = .48; I2 = 34%). There is a statistically significant reduction in numbers of secondary outcomes (INR ≥4 events, major bleeding events, and thromboembolic events; 95% CI, 0.79-1.00; P = .04). Subgroup analysis of secondary outcomes showed no significant difference between genotype-guided dosing and clinical variables-guided dosing (95% CI, 0.84-1.10; P = .57; I2 = 11%), but genotype-guided dosing reduced secondary outcomes compared with standard dosing (95% CI, 0.62-0.92; P = .006; I2 = 0%).

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis showed that genotype-guided dosing increased the effectiveness and safety of coumarin therapy compared with standard dosing but did not have advantages compared with clinical variables-guided dosing.
Reliability and Validity of the Before-School Functioning Scale in Children With ADHD
Authors: Faraone Stephen V. , Hammerness Paul G. , Wilens Timothy E.
Published: January 2015

Objective: Children with ADHD frequently manifest behavioral difficulties in the morning prior to school. We sought to assess the reliability and validity of the Before-School Functioning Questionnaire (BSFQ) as a measure of morning behaviors impaired by ADHD. Method: We used pre-treatment data from a randomized crossover study of 6- to 12-year-old participants comparing the methylphenidate transdermal delivery system (MTS) with a placebo transdermal system (PTS) for a total of 4 weeks. Results: The BSFQ investigator–rated scale shows very good internal homogeneity (Cronbach’s α = .91), good test–retest reliability ( r = .60), good concurrent validity ( r range = .42-.86), and a strong treatment effect (effect size = −.93). The self-rated BSFQ showed lower levels of reliability and validity. Conclusion: The investigator-rated BSFQ should be used in future trials of ADHD medications aimed at assessing efficacy in the morning before school.
Adolescent Diet and Time Use Clusters and Associations With Overweight and Obesity and Socioeconomic Position
Authors: Ferrar Katia , Golley Rebecca
Published: January 2015

Risk factors for adolescent overweight and obesity include low levels of physical activity, high levels of sedentary behavior, low fruit and vegetable intake, and low socioeconomic position (SEP). To date, the vast majority of research investigating associations between lifestyle behaviors and weight status analyze dietary and time use factors separately. Our research aimed to describe Australian youth time use and diet clusters and explore relationships with weight status and SEP (parental education and income). Cluster analysis of the National Children’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey data from Australians aged 9 to 16 years (random sample n = 1,853) was conducted. Time use data (17 age-adjusted time use variables) and dietary data (7 age-adjusted diet variables) were collected via 24-hour recalls. Two clusters were associated with a reduced frequency of overweight and obesity (the boys’ Active Sitter and girls’ Healthy Academic clusters) and one with an increased frequency of overweight and obesity (the boys’ Unhealthy cluster). Of these three clusters, two demonstrated associations with parental income and/or parental education level. The boys’ Unhealthy cluster was associated with low SEP status (parental income and education), and the girls’ Healthy Academic cluster was associated with high parental income. Not all unhealthy adolescent clusters were associated with overweight and obesity. The findings suggest sex-specific diet and activity clusters can be used to identify at-risk subgroups and inform multifaceted interventions to address overweight and obesity.
The Effect of First-Line Supervision on Patrol Officer Job Satisfaction
Authors: Ingram Jason R. , Lee Sung Uook
Published: January 2015

This study examines the extent to which attitudinal dimensions associated with supervisor and officer styles explain subordinate officers’ satisfaction levels. Two frameworks, the average leadership style and person–supervisor fit, were employed and tested. To do so, survey data of 765 patrol officers and 146 patrol sergeants across five departments were used. The results provided little empirical support for the average leadership framework. After controlling for demographics and officer perceptions of work and organizational environments, sergeant style dimensions failed to exert a top-down effect on subordinate officer satisfaction. Support, however, was found for the person–supervisor fit framework. Specifically, when sergeant and officer views were congruent in the areas of support relations and expectations of aggressive enforcement, officers were more satisfied with their jobs. On the other hand, when sergeants viewed aggressive enforcement as important, but officers did not, officers were less satisfied. Finally, the patterning of results from a subsample analysis suggested that supervisory influences were more pronounced in the early stages of the officer–sergeant relationship. Practical implications associated with the person–supervisor fit framework are discussed.
Neurogenetic and Neuroimaging Evidence for a Conceptual Model of Dopaminergic Contributions to Obesity
Authors: Stanfill Ansley Grimes , Conley Yvette , Cashion Ann , Thompson Carol , Homayouni Ramin , Cowan Patricia , Hathaway Donna
Published: January 2015

As the incidence of obesity continues to rise, clinicians and researchers alike are seeking explanations for why some people become obese while others do not. While caloric intake and physical activity most certainly play a role, some individuals continue to gain weight despite careful attention to these factors. Increasing evidence suggests that genetics may play a role, with one potential explanation being genetic variability in genes within the neurotransmitter dopamine pathway. This variability can lead to a disordered experience with the rewarding properties of food. This review of literature examines the extant knowledge about the relationship between obesity and the dopaminergic reward pathways in the brain, with particularly strong evidence provided from neuroimaging and neurogenetic data. Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature searches were conducted with the search terms dopamine, obesity, weight gain, food addiction, brain regions relevant to the mesocortical and mesolimbic (reward) pathways, and relevant dopaminergic genes and receptors. These terms returned over 200 articles. Other than a few sentinel articles, articles were published between 1993 and 2013. These data suggest a conceptual model for obesity that emphasizes dopaminergic genetic contributions as well as more traditional risk factors for obesity, such as demographics (age, race, and gender), physical activity, diet, and medications. A greater understanding of variables contributing to weight gain and obesity is imperative for effective clinical treatment.
Online activism and subject construction of the victim of gender-based violence on Spanish YouTube channels: Multimodal analysis and performativity
Authors: Núñez Puente Sonia , Fernández Romero Diana , Rubira García Rainer
Published: January 2015

This article analyzes the construction of female subjectivity in the specific context of audiovisual cyberspaces in Spain dedicated to the struggle against violence against women. Looking at the YouTube channels of two virtual feminist communities that deal with violence against women, the authors analyze how the victim-subject is configured in terms of agency and activism. The authors adopt a multimodal model of studying the sign complexes of the videos as semiotic artifacts that produce meaning. Sign complexes are always engaged because representation is never neutral because what is represented in sign is meant to realize the values and positions of those who make the sign. In this article, the authors understand feminist activism in the fight against violence targeting women as constructing in its discourse not only the activist process, but also the subject of this activism: the victim-subject of gender-based violence. The analysis engages in the discussion about the various ways in which this subject is interpellated by the audiovisual texts in terms of agency. As a result, this study proposes the necessity to devise new ways of articulating this subject as a political and agential one.
The formation of American exceptional identities: A three-tier model of the “standard of civilization” in US foreign policy
Authors: Cha Taesuh
Published: January 2015

The dominant structuralist/materialist schema in International Relations accords little importance to the domestic ideational base of the state in its concern to explain the pattern of foreign policy. In contrast, my article, following the tenets of unit-level constructivism, asks how American identity was formed, contested, and manifested through its interaction with two significant others — the European empires and the Native Americans — in the USA’s formative era in order to understand the origins of American liberal internationalism and popular imperialism. I argue that the US identity was constituted in two different ways: as a transformative state against the Westphalian system and as a civilizing force over “barbarian” natives. The two main US foreign policy orientations — the Jeffersonian tradition and the Jacksonian tradition — were produced by these ambivalent American selves. In this context, a hierarchical, tripartite model of the “standard of civilization” in the American security imaginary emerged at the turn of the 19th century: the USA at the top as a revolutionary vanguard in human history; European international society, which should be negotiated and reformed in America’s own image later, in the middle; and the “Rest” at the bottom, which need to be removed or assimilated.
Development and validation of a predictive model for all-cause hospital readmissions in Winnipeg, Canada
Authors: Cui Yang , Metge Colleen , Ye Xibiao , Moffatt Michael , Oppenheimer Luis , Forget Evelyn L
Published: January 2015

Objective

A number of predictive models have been developed to identify patients at risk of hospital readmission. Most of these have focused on readmission within 30 days of discharge. We used population-based health administrative data to develop a predictive model for hospital readmission within 12 months of discharge in Winnipeg, Canada.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study with derivation and validation data sets. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed and factors significantly associated with readmission were selected to construct a risk scoring tool.

Results

Several variables were identified that predicted readmission (i.e. older age, male, at least one hospital admission in the previous two years, an emergent (index) hospital admission, Charlson comorbidity score >0 and length of stay). Discrimination power was acceptable (C statistic =0.701). At a median risk score threshold, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 45.5%, 79%, 68.8% and 58.6%.

Conclusions

This predictive model demonstrated that hospital readmission within 12 months of discharge can be reasonably well predicted based on administrative data. It will help health care providers target interventions to prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions.
The transition from primary to secondary school in mainstream education for children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Mandy William , Murin Marianna , Baykaner Ozlem , Staunton Sara , Hellriegel Josselyn , Anderson Seonaid , Skuse David
Published: January 2015

The transition from primary to secondary education (hereafter ‘school transition’) is a major ecological shift that poses considerable social, emotional, academic and organisational challenges. It is commonly assumed that this school transition is especially difficult for children with autism spectrum disorder, but that idea is mainly based on anecdotal evidence and requires systematic investigation. We describe change and continuity for children with autism spectrum disorder ( N = 28, mean age = 11.29 years, mean full-scale IQ = 87.86) transitioning in mainstream education from primary to secondary school. Levels of psychopathology, adaptive functioning and peer victimisation were measured by parent, self and teacher report in the last year of primary school, and again after one term of secondary school. At follow-up, all participants were still in their secondary school, and there was no evidence for a marked escalation of difficulties during the transition. Instead, we observed high levels of psychopathology and maladaption at baseline which persisted across the transition and were in some cases under-recognised. By parent report, levels of bullying fell from primary to secondary school. Future research should investigate factors, such as school characteristics, that influence the move to secondary education in autism spectrum disorder, to inform the development of interventions to promote successful school transition.
Positive intergroup contact, negative intergroup contact, and threat as predictors of cognitive and affective dimensions of prejudice
Authors: Aberson Christopher L.
Published: January 2015

Research on intergroup contact suggests that contact relates more strongly to affective than cognitive dimensions of prejudice. However, work on these forms of prejudice focuses primarily on positive contact experiences. One goal of this study is to examine whether positive and negative contact experiences differentially predict affective and cognitive dimensions of prejudice. The second goal is to examine intergroup threats as mediators of contact–prejudice relationships. Results demonstrated that negative contact more strongly predicted cognitive dimensions of prejudice such as stereotypes. Both types of contact were similarly predictive of affective dimensions of prejudice. The mediation of the negative contact–prejudice relationship was stronger across all dependent measures than mediation of the positive contact–prejudice relationship. Together these results suggest that either form of contact predicts affective prejudice but negative contact is particularly important in explaining cognitive dimensions of prejudice. Additionally, results suggest an important role for feelings of threat in explaining contact–prejudice relationships.
Long-term survival in pre-specified groups at risk in the Oslo Study, 1972–1973
Authors: Holme Ingar
Published: January 2015

Aims: Using the Oslo Study of 1972–1973, we wished to compare the long-term mortality pattern up to 40 years, in both the healthy cardiovascular groups at supposedly high and low risk, and in some groups having cardiovascular disease at screening. Methods: At the screening, 16,203 (63% of those invited) men aged 40–49 years participated. Study groups were identified by means of questionnaires regarding diseases, blood pressure and measurements of total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose. We identified six groups: very high cholesterol, very high blood pressure, very high glucose, non-smoking with non-elevated such risk factors, from a randomized diet and antismoking trial, and a randomized drug treatment in mild-to-moderate hypertension. Statistical analyses were by Cox regression analysis, with Kaplan-Meier graphs. Results: The supposedly low-risk group had a total mortality of one-third of other groups, such as: men with hypertension, diabetes or hypercholesterolemia, or those whom participated in the two trials. Between these latter groups, we found 2–5 years of difference in their median survival time, but their absolute risk stayed at rather high levels through all the years, with the median remaining a lifetime that was 3–8 years shorter than the men whom were free of known cardiovascular disease, diabetes or hypertension. Conclusions: The long-term preventive effects on total mortality seem large, if the levels of the classical risk factors of blood pressure, total cholesterol and glucose can be adequately controlled, concurrently with a non-smoking behavior. The study indicated that non-smoking and a low total cholesterol value were the most important contributors to extended survival.