bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Diverging Trajectories of the United States and Western Europe: A Neo-Polanyian Analysis
Authors: Block Fred
Published: February 2007

This article proposes a neo-Polanyian theoretical framework for understanding the dynamics within contemporary market societies. It uses this framework to analyze the divergence between the United States and other developed societies that has become more pronounced in the first years of the twenty-first century. The argument emphasizes the shifting political alliances of the business community in the United States and suggests that from 1994 onward, business lost power in the right-wing coalition to its religious Right allies. The growing power of a religious-based social movement is a critical ingredient in the unilateralist turn in the Bush Administration’s foreign policy.
The Politics of Institutional Renovation and Economic Upgrading: Recombining the Vines That Bind in Argentina
Authors: McDermott Gerald A.
Published: February 2007

Through a comparative, longitudinal analysis of the wine industry in two Argentine provinces, this article finds that different political approaches to reform and not simply socioeconomic endowments determine the ability of societies to build new institutions for economic upgrading. A “depoliticization” approach emphasizes the imposition of arm’s-length incentives by a powerful, insulated government but exacerbates social fragmentation and impedes upgrading. A “participatory restructuring” approach promotes the creation and maintenance of new public-private institutions for upgrading via rules of inclusive membership and multiparty, deliberative governance. This latter approach can facilitate collaboration and knowledge creation among the government and previously isolated, even antagonistic, stakeholder groups.
Institutional Barriers to Employment in Bureaucracy
Authors: Saltzstein Grace Hall
Published: March 2007

Advocates of enhanced representation of women and minorities in government bureaucracies have long argued that existing personnel systems impede such representation. Yet little is known about the effect of personnel policies, such as certification techniques and veterans' preference systems, on efforts to increase the representation of specific groups. This analysis examines the relative impact of personnel techniques and affirmative action mechanisms on female representation in municipal employment and explores the interaction among such factors.
Cultural Perspectives
Authors: Saleh Mahmoud Abdullah
Published: March 2007

The developing non-western nations have found themselves to be not only consumers of material goods produced by the more industrialized nations but also consumers of research findings and scientific theories originating in the west. The transmission of pure and natural sciences is more easily made as they are less controversial than are the behavioural sciences. Theories, models, research findings and techniques of application are not automatically transferable from a modern (western) to a traditional culture (Mar'i, 1982). This is particularly true of the Arab world, whose culture differs greatly from that of the west.
The Influence of Different Encoding Sets Upon the Formation of Illusory Correlations and Group Impressions
Authors: Pryor John B.
Published: March 2007

Subjects encoded information about two hypothetical groups using either an impression formation or memorization encoding set. One group was 44% as large as the other. In all, 33% of the information was negative and 67% of the information was positive about each group. Subjects were subsequently asked (1) to recognize the information attributed to each group from a larger list of information, (2) to estimate the number of positive and negative information items ascribed to each group, and (3) to indicate how much they liked each group. Results in the memorization condition replicated the illusory correlation results in memory and liking measures reported in Hamilton and Gifford (1976). However, the impression formation instructions moderated the influence of distinctiveness upon memory measures and eliminated any influence of illusory correlations upon the liking measure. These results are discussed with regard to their relevance for understanding memory/judgment interrelationships.
Teenagers, Pregnancy, and Childbearing in a Risk Society
Authors: KIVISTO PETER
Published: March 2007

This article attempts to make a connection between two heretofore analytically distinct discourses on risk. On one hand, it refers to ways in which social work professionals and the like use the term to identify certain categories of teens as high, moderate, or low risk. On the other hand, it refers to the way theorists such as Anthony Giddens and Ulrich Beck described the advent of the risk society as a manifestation of a novel stage in the development of modernity. Theoretical issues are raised in reference to the findings derived from a study on teenage sexuality and pregnancy conducted in a Midwestern metropolitan statistical area of approximately 300,000, paying particular attention to a comparative assessment of the following two groups of interviewees: teen mothers and adolescent women using the services of a family planning clinic.
Social Policy Experimentation
Authors: Berk Richard A. , Boruch Robert F. , Chambers David L. , Rossi Peter H. , Witte Ann D.
Published: March 2007

We review the argumentsfor and against randomized field experiments design to address important questions of social policy. Based on this review, we make a number of recommendations about how the use of randomized field experiments might be fostered.
Ending Discrimination and Promoting Equal Opportunities for People with Visual impairment and Additional Disabilities
Authors: Lock Peter
Published: March 2007

Supported Employment seeks to match the individual aptitude profiles of individual people with learning disabilities and the needs of employers, thus satisfying both parties and bridging the gap between the social services and employment sectors.
An In-Class Exercise Which Demonstrates Some of the Benefits and Problems Associated with Probability-Based Sampling in Marketing Research
Authors: Burton Scot , Zinkhan George M.
Published: March 2007

A sampling exercise is described which has proved effective for both undergraduate and graduate sections of marketing research. The goal of this sampling exercise is to give students experience in drawing various types of samples, including simple random, systematic, cluster, and snowball samples. In addition, this exercise enables students to appreciate, perhaps for the first time, some of the underlying theories and benefits of probability-based sampling methods.
Clinical Consequences of Posttraumatic Bone Bruise in the Knee
Authors: Boks Simone S. , Vroegindeweij Dammis , Koes Bart W. , Bernsen Roos M. D. , Myriam Hunink M.G. , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M. A.
Published: February 2007

Background

Bone bruise is often seen in posttraumatic knees, but the clinical relevance is unclear.

Hypothesis

The presence of bone bruise is associated with increased pain severity in patients with sustained knee trauma.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

We collected prospective data of 132 patients visiting their general practitioner after sustained knee trauma. Patients with bone bruise underwent a magnetic resonance imaging follow-up study that was discontinued when the bone bruise could no longer be discerned or after 1 year of follow-up. Bone bruise was assessed on magnetic resonance imaging, and pain severity was scored on a numeric rating scale (0-10) at baseline, and at 3, 6, and 12 months after trauma. The presence of bone bruise and pain severity (over time) were compared using linear regression analyses for repeated measurements. Adjustment was made for possible confounders: presence of meniscal tears, cruciate or collateral ligament ruptures, severe effusion, osteoarthritis, obesity, age, gender, work load, and sports load.

Results

At baseline as well as during follow-up, bone bruise was associated with a slightly higher pain score. The differences, however, were very small (adjusted difference in pain severity 0.34 or less) and not statistically significant nor clinically relevant.

Conclusion

There is no statistically significant relationship, nor a clinically relevant relationship, between the presence of bone bruise and pain severity in patients with sustained knee injury in general practice.
Knee and Hip Loading Patterns at Different Phases in the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Chaudhari Ajit M. W. , Lindenfeld Thomas N. , Andriacchi Thomas P. , Hewett Timothy E. , Riccobene Jennifer , Myer Gregory D. , Noyes Frank R.
Published: February 2007

Background

Menstrual cycle phase has been correlated with risk of noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury in women. The mechanism by which hormonal cycling may affect injury rate is unknown.

Hypotheses

Jumping and landing activities performed during different phases of the menstrual cycle lead to differences in foot strike knee flexion, as well as peak knee and hip loads, in women not taking an oral contraceptive but not in women taking an oral contraceptive. Women will experience greater normalized joint loads than men during these activities.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Twenty-five women (13 using oral contraceptives) and 12 men performed repeated trials of a horizontal jump, vertical jump, and drop from a 30-cm box on the left leg. Lower limb kinematics (foot strike knee flexion) and peak externally applied moments were calculated (hip adduction moment, hip internal rotation moment, knee flexion moment, knee abduction moment). Men were tested once. Women were tested twice for each phase of the menstrual cycle (follicular, luteal, ovulatory), as determined from serum analysis. An analysis of variance was used to examine differences between phases of the menstrual cycle and between groups (α = .05).

Results

No significant differences in moments or knee angle were observed between phases in either female group or between the 2 female groups or between either female group and the male controls.

Conclusions

Variations of the menstrual cycle and the use of an oral contraceptive do not affect knee or hip joint loading during jumping and landing tasks.

Clinical Relevance

Because knee and hip joint loading is unaffected by cyclic variations in hormone levels, the observed difference in injury rates is more likely attributable to persistent differences in strength, neuromuscular coordination, or ligament properties.
Femoral Fixation of Hamstring Grafts in Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Biomechanical Evaluation of Different Fixation Techniques
Authors: Niedzwietzki Patricia , Zantop Thore , Weimann Andre , Herbort Mirco , Raschke Michael J. , Petersen Wolf
Published: February 2007

Background

The literature provides little biomechanical data about femoral fixation of hamstring grafts in posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Hypothesis

A hybrid fixation technique with use of an undersized screw has sufficient strength to provide secure fixation of posterior cruciate ligament grafts. Additional aperture fixation with a biodegradable interference screw can prevent graft damage that might be caused by an acute angle on the edge of the femoral tunnel.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

In part 1, extracortical fixation of posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions with quadrupled porcine flexor digitorum grafts to simulate human hamstring grafts was compared with hybrid fixation methods using 6-, 7-, and 8-mm screws. Groups were tested in cycling loading with the load applied in line with the bone tunnel. In part 2, extracortical fixation was compared with hybrid fixation using a 1-mm undersized screw anterior and posterior to the graft. Structural properties and graft abrasion were evaluated after cyclic loading with the load applied at 90° to the tunnel. In each group, 8 porcine knees were tested.

Results

In part 1, stiffness, maximum load, and yield load were significantly higher for hybrid fixation than for extracortical fixation. Hybrid fixation with an 8-mm screw resulted in higher yield load than with a 7-mm screw. In part 2, graft laceration was more pronounced in specimens with extracortical fixation than with hybrid fixation. Posterior screw placement was superior to the anterior position.

Conclusion

For all parameters, hybrid fixation with an interference screw provided superior structural results. No relevant disadvantages of undersized screws could be found. Graft damage due to abrasion at the edge of the femoral bone tunnel was reduced by use of an interference screw. The posterior screw placement seems favorable.

Clinical Relevance

Hybrid fixation of hamstring grafts in posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is superior to extracortical fixation alone with no relevant disadvantages of undersized screws. The results raise the suspicion of an acute angle effect of the femoral bone tunnel.
Extracorporeal Shockwave for Chronic Patellar Tendinopathy
Authors: Wang Ching-Jen , Ko Jih-Yang , Chan Yi-Sheng , Weng Lin-Hsiu , Hsu Shan-Lin
Published: February 2007

Background

Chronic patellar tendinopathy is an overuse syndrome with pathologic changes similar to tendinopathies of the shoulder, elbow, and heel. Extracorporeal shockwave was shown effective in many tendinopathies.

Hypothesis

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy may be more effective than conservative treatment for chronic patellar tendinopathy.

Study Design

Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

This study consisted of 27 patients (30 knees) in the study group and 23 patients (24 knees) in the control group. In the study group, patients were treated with 1500 impulses of extracorporeal shockwave at 14 KV (equivalent to 0.18 mJ/mm 2 energy flux density) to the affected knee at a single session. Patients in the control group were treated with conservative treatments including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy, exercise program, and the use of a knee strap. The evaluation parameters included pain score, Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment score, and ultrasonographic examination at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and then once a year.

Results

At the 2- to 3-year follow-up, the overall results for the study group were 43% excellent, 47% good, 10% fair, and none poor. For the control group, the results were none excellent, 50% good, 25% fair, and 25% poor. The mean Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment scores were 42.57 ± 10.22 and 39.25 ± 10.85, respectively, before treatment (P = .129) and 92.0 ± 10.17 and 41.04 ± 10.96, respectively, after treatment (P < .001). Satisfactory results were observed in 90% of the study group versus 50% of the control group (P < .001). Recurrence of symptoms occurred in 13% of the study group and 50% of the control group (P = .014). Ultrasonographic examination showed a significant increase in the vascularity of the patellar tendon and a trend of reduction in the patellar tendon thickness after shockwave treatment compared with conservative treatments. However, no significant difference in the appearance, arrangement, and homogeneity of tendon fibers was noted between the 2 groups. There were no systemic or local complications or device-related problems.

Conclusion

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy appeared to be more effective and safer than traditional conservative treatments in the management of patients with chronic patellar tendinopathy.
Three-dimensional Motion Analysis of the Lumbar Spine during “Free Squat” Weight Lift Training
Authors: Walsh James C. , Quinlan John F. , Stapleton Robert , FitzPatrick David P. , McCormack Damian
Published: February 2007

Background

Heavy weight lifting using a squat bar is a commonly used athletic training exercise. Previous in vivo motion studies have concentrated on lifting of everyday objects and not on the vastly increased loads that athletes subject themselves to when performing this exercise.

Hypothesis

Athletes significantly alter their lumbar spinal motion when performing squat lifting at heavy weights.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Forty-eight athletes (28 men, 20 women) performed 6 lifts at 40% maximum, 4 lifts at 60% maximum, and 2 lifts at 80% maximum. The Zebris 3D motion analysis system was used to measure lumbar spine motion. Exercise was performed as a “free” squat and repeated with a weight lifting support belt. Data obtained were analyzed using SAS.

Results

A significant decrease (P < .05) was seen in flexion in all groups studied when lifting at 40% maximum compared with lifting at 60% and 80% of maximum lift. Flexion from calibrated 0 point ranged from 24.7° (40% group) to 6.8° (80% group). A significant increase (P < .05) was seen in extension when lifting at 40% maximum was compared with lifting at 60% and 80% maximum lift. Extension from calibrated 0 point ranged from —1.5° (40% group) to —20.3° (80% group). No statistically significant difference was found between motion seen when exercise was performed as a free squat or when lifting using a support belt in any of the groups studied.

Conclusion

Weight lifting using a squat bar causes athletes to significantly hyperextend their lumbar spines at heavier weights. The use of a weight lifting support belt does not significantly alter spinal motion during lifting.
Continued Sports Activity, Using a Pain-Monitoring Model, during Rehabilitation in Patients with Achilles Tendinopathy
Authors: Silbernagel Karin Grävare , Thomeé Roland , Eriksson Bengt I. , Karlsson Jon
Published: February 2007

Background

Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury, especially among athletes involved in activities that include running and jumping. Often an initial period of rest from the pain-provoking activity is recommended.

Purpose

To prospectively evaluate if continued running and jumping during treatment with an Achilles tendon-loading strengthening program has an effect on the outcome.

Study Design

Randomized clinical control trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods

Thirty-eight patients with Achilles tendinopathy were randomly allocated to 2 different treatment groups. The exercise training group (n = 19) was allowed, with the use of a pain-monitoring model, to continue Achilles tendon-loading activity, such as running and jumping, whereas the active rest group (n = 19) had to stop such activities during the first 6 weeks. All patients were rehabilitated according to an identical rehabilitation program. The primary outcome measures were the Swedish version of the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment—Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A-S) and the pain level during tendon-loading activity.

Results

No significant differences in the rate of improvements were found between the groups. Both groups showed, however, significant (P < .01) improvements, compared with baseline, on the primary outcome measure at all the evaluations. The exercise training group had a mean (standard deviation) VISA-A-S score of 57 (15.8) at baseline and 85 (12.7) at the 12-month follow-up (P < .01). The active rest group had a mean (standard deviation) VISA-A-S score of 57 (15.7) at baseline and 91 (8.2) at the 12-month follow-up (P < .01).

Conclusions

No negative effects could be demonstrated from continuing Achilles tendon-loading activity, such as running and jumping, with the use of a pain-monitoring model, during treatment. Our treatment protocol for patients with Achilles tendinopathy, which gradually increases the load on the Achilles tendon and calf muscle, demonstrated significant improvements. A training regimen of continued, pain-monitored, tendon-loading physical activity might therefore represent a valuable option for patients with Achilles tendinopathy.
Analysis of the Cross-Sectional Area of the Adductor Longus Tendon
Authors: Strauss Eric J. , Campbell Kirk , Bosco Joseph A.
Published: February 2007

Background

Strain injury to the adductor longus muscle is a common cause of groin pain in athletes and generally occurs in the proximal portion of the muscle, near its origin from the anterior aspect of the pubis. The composition and cross-sectional anatomy of this muscle's origin has not been previously described.

Hypothesis

We hypothesize that the adductor longus muscle origin is composed mainly of muscle fibers and that the tendon composes only a small part of the cross section at the origin of the muscle.

Study Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods

We harvested 42 adductor longus muscles from 28 cadavers and measured the cross-sectional dimensions of the tendon with microcalipers. Next, we determined the relative contributions of the tendon and muscle fibers to the cross-sectional anatomy of the muscle using optical scanning. These 2 sets of measurements were obtained at 3 locations: at the muscle origin and 1.0 and 2.0 cm distal to the origin.

Results

The average length and width of the tendon was 11.6 and 3.7 mm, respectively, at the origin. The average cross-sectional areas of the tendon were 49.3, 27.9, and 25.7 mm2 at points 0.0, 1.0, and 2.0 cm from its origin, respectively. The origin of the adductor longus muscle was composed of 37.9% tendon and 62.1% muscle tissue. At 1.0 cm from the origin, the percentage of tendon decreased to 34%. At 2.0 cm from the origin, the tendon composed 26.7% of the cross section.

Conclusion

The cross-sectional area of the tendon of the adductor longus muscle is relatively small. The muscle origin is composed predominantly of direct attachment of muscle fibers.

Clinical Relevance

Knowledge of the cross-sectional anatomy of the adductor longus muscle at its origin may help clinicians better understand the complex nature of injuries in this area.
Working with the Elderly: A One-Year Internship Training Program Combining Practice and Theory
Authors: Dubney Liselotte
Published: March 2007

The Golden AgeAssociation, a 6,000-member senior center, provides educational, recreational, social, cultural, and physical activities to well, aged people. In 1983, a training program was developed to enable the center to offer new services and programs to a growing senior population during a time of budgetary restrictions. The importance of maintaining and increasing the guality of life of seniors was paramount. A program was designed to recruit and train intern/staff assistants for a practical and theoretical one-year course. They received hands-on experience in the center and participated in an ongoing gerontology course. The center's goals were to provide high-caliber workers and generate a group of skilled people to work with seniors in the center and elsewhere in the community. This article focuses on recruitment, training, job assignment, and the evaluation process. The plausibility of this type of program is explored using a nontraditional adult education model and the "teachable moment" as well as staff-intern- volunteer relationships This program is an example of what can be done to provide service and simultaneously train future gerontology workers.
Pragmatism, Planning, and Power
Authors: Hoch Charles J.
Published: March 2007

Many contemporary planning theories share a pragmatic conception of action which does not adequately account for questions of power After a brief illustration of this limitation, the historical and structural criticisms of recent Marxist theories are analyzed It is argued that since both Mainstream and Marxist theories of planning both use the consequences of action as the ultimate test of theoretical validity, they tend to overemphasize their different interpretation of power as mutually exclusive The paper examines the work of four contemporary theorists the author calls Radical Pragmatists whose writings undermine this antagonism by introducing critical insights that broaden the meaning of what counts as action The result is a concept of power that critically combines our experience of what it means to choose, our knowledge of what it means to communicate without distortion, and our expectation of what it means to govern ourselves democratically
Employment of Adolescents while in High School: Employment Intensity, Interference with Schoolwork, and Normative Approval
Authors: Wirtz Philip W. , Rohrbeck Cynthia A. , Charner Ivan , Fraser Bryna Shore
Published: March 2007

Prior research documenting a negative relationship between intense parttime employment and grade point average among high school students has failed to address whether the students themselves perceive a negative relationship, and if so whether parents, teachers, and other school officials are perceived as discouraging intense employment by low-achieving students who want to go on to college. Based on the responses of 457 randomly sampled students intending to attend college who held fast food jobs during high school, the results of this study suggest that degree of perceived interference of the job with schoolwork is correlated with level of employment intensity, and that teachers (and other school personnel) are perceived as discouraging intense employment by low-achieving students while parents are not. Implications of these findings are discussed.
A Longitudinal Study of Perceived Differences in Parental Control and Parent-Child Relational Qualities in Chinese Adolescents in Hong Kong
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: February 2007

On two occasions separated by 1 year, 2,758 Chinese adolescents respond to instruments assessing perceived parental behavioral control (indexed by parental knowledge, expectation, monitoring, discipline, demandingness, and control based on Chinese concepts), parental psychological control, and parent-child relational qualities (satisfaction with parental control, readiness to communicate with the parents, and perceived mutual trust between parents and their children). Chinese adolescents generally perceive their fathers’ behavioral and psychological control to be lower than those of the mothers; mother-child relational qualities are also perceived to be relatively more positive than father-child relational qualities. Results further show that perceived parental differences in parental control are moderated by the gender of the participant, and adolescent girls have more favorable perceptions of parent-adolescent relational qualities than do adolescent boys. Regarding time differences, the scale scores of measures assessing perceived parental control and parent-child relational qualities decline in early adolescent years in the Chinese culture.
The Role of Organized Activities in Facilitating Social Adaptation Across the Transition to College
Authors: Bohnert Amy M. , Aikins Julie Wargo , Edidin Jennifer
Published: February 2007

This prospective study examined the relations between organized activity involvement, loneliness, and friendship quality across the transition to college. In all, 85 adolescents (54 females and 31 males) completed measures during the summer before their first year of college (Time 1) and 10 months later (Time 2). More intense involvement in activities during the first year of college promoted better Time 2 friendship quality and lower ratings of loneliness and social dissatisfaction for those individuals who had poor Time 1 social adaptation. Emerging adults who got involved in organized activities for social reasons were more likely to report having a different best friend following the transition to college. Findings from this study suggest that organized activity involvement provides certain emerging adults with contexts for exploration and development of friendships.
Types and Precipitants of Growth and Decline in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Gottlieb Benjamin H. , Still Eva , Newby-Clark Ian R.
Published: February 2007

To further explore central developmental themes of emerging adulthood, the authors conducted a study that combines qualitative and quantitative data about the types of personal growth and decline reported by a sample of emerging adults, who also described the life events and other experiences that brought about these personal changes. After completing a 42-item inventory of types of growth and decline, participants wrote descriptions of the life events and other experiences to which they attributed these personal changes. At least 50% of the participants reported growth in the relating to others, new possibilities, and personal strength domains. Their descriptive accounts attributed the growth largely to eventful experiences associated with their recent transition to university and to events involving the participants’ close social networks. The discussion centers on the study’s contribution to our understanding of development in emerging adulthood.
Romantic Relationships Trajectories of African American Gay/Bisexual Adolescents
Authors: Eyre Stephen L. , Milbrath Constance , Peacock Ben
Published: February 2007

The interview study reported here sought to identify the perceived trajectory of romantic relationships of a cohort of Oakland African American gay/bisexual adolescents. Biographical interviews were used to identify cultural models of romantic relationships in the study sample and discovered a trajectory of four phases. In the antecedent to the trajectory, the youth enters the gay/bisexual social environment. In the first phase, the youth meets a male partner. In the second phase, the youth talks to the partner over a period of days or weeks. In the third phase, the couple enters into a boyfriend relationship and initiates sex. In the fourth phase, the couple experiences conflicts over infidelity and breaks up. As a consequence, the gay/bisexual youth experiences an aftermath that includes low self-esteem, trying to get back with the partner, and revenge sex. Each phase is described with informant quotations. Some implications for HIV prevention with these adolescents are discussed.
Drug Information Rendered "Pay-by-Call"
Authors: Muno Francis J.
Published: March 2007

Drug information must be provided by multiple modalities—direct, verbal, telephonic, audiotext message, fax back and visual by monitor—to meet the patient's and public need, to be successful in the marketplace. Ability to make tablet and capsule identifications is critical to avoid participating in the caller's uncertainty. An innovative tablet and capsule identification method using electronic search of the logo and alphabetic and numeric imprint on the drug product is discussed. Service to the public and professions alike is provided on a "pay by call" basis, by subscription and under contract.
Effective Managerial Communication through Employee Newsletters
Authors: Waltman John L. , Golen Steven P.
Published: March 2007

This article discusses the employee newsletter as a medium of managerial communication and details the newsletter's usual contents and functions. The article illustrates how managers can use newsletters to communicate informa tion, as well as to motivate employees and to unify an organization. The arti cle also details an effective role for the newsletter editor.
Primary progressive multiple sclerosis: a comparative study of the diagnostic criteria
Authors: de Seze J. , Debouverie M. , Waucquier N. , Steinmetz G. , Pittion S. , Zephir H. , Fleury M. , Blanc F. , Vermersch P.
Published: February 2007

We assessed the different sets of diagnostic criteria for primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), in order to determine their sensitivity when applied to a cohort of 261 PPMS patients. According to the Thompson criteria, 168 patients (64.4%) had definite PPMS, 84 patients (32.2%) had probable PPMS, and nine patients (3.4%) had possible PPMS; according to the McDonald criteria, 180 patients (69%) had PPMS; according to the revised McDonald criteria, 194 patients (74.3%) had PPMS. Our findings indicate that the revised McDonald criteria are more sensitive than the original McDonald criteria, but less sensitive than the Thompson criteria. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 622-625. http://msj.sagepub.com
Assessment of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations in male and female multiple sclerosis patients and control volunteers
Authors: Barnes M.S. , Bonham M.P. , Robson P.J. , Strain J.J. , Lowe-Strong A.S. , Eaton-Evans J. , Ginty F. , Wallace J.M.W.
Published: February 2007

Populations with insufficient ultraviolet exposure and who consume diets low in vitamin D have low vitamin D status (plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations) and a reported higher incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS). The active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), is an effective anti-inflammatory molecule. No research to date has assessed 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations in individuals with MS. In this study, plasma concentrations of 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D 3 and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured in 29 individuals with MS and 22 age- and sex-matched control volunteers. There were no significant differences in plasma PTH, 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations between individuals with MS and control volunteers. Women with MS had significantly higher 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations than men with MS (79.1 ±45.4 versus 50.2±15.3 nmol/L, P=0.019 and 103.8± 36.8 versus 70.4±28.7 pmol/L, P=0.019, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D 3 concentrations in all subjects (r=0.564, P=0.000), but secondary analysis revealed that the correlation was driven by women with MS (r=0.677, P= 0.001). Significant sex differences in vitamin D metabolism were observed and were most marked in individuals with MS, suggesting that vitamin D requirements may differ between the sexes, as well as by underlying disease state. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 670-672. http://msj.sagepub.com
Human herpesvirus-6 and multiple sclerosis: relapsing-remitting versus secondary progressive
Authors: Alvarez-Lafuente Roverto , de las Heras Virginia , Garcia-Montojo Marta , Bartolome Manuel , Arroyo Rafael
Published: February 2007

Recently, it has been suggested that human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) may play a role in the pathogenesis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), but there is not enough information related to the role of HHV-6 in secondary-progressive MS (SPMS). To address this question, we evaluated HHV-6 prevalence, active viral replication and viral load measured by quantitative real-time PCR, in DNA and mRNA extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and DNA extracted from serum; the samples were collected from 31 SPMS and 31 RRMS patients in a one-year follow-up study, and sex- and age-matched controls. The results were as follows: i) We found a statistical significant difference in HHV-6 DNA prevalences between RRMS and SPMS patients in: DNA extracted from PBMCs (P= 0.027), DNA extracted from serum (P= 0.010) and mRNA extracted from PBMCs (P =0.010). When we compared HHV-6 prevalences from RRMS patients in relapse and in remission with those from SPMS patients, we only achieved a statistical significance for the relapses (P=0.003 in DNA from PBMCs, and P<0.001 in DNA from serum samples and mRNA from PBMCs). ii) We only found HHV-6 variant A among HHV-6 positive samples in serum. iii) We did not find any difference in HHV-6 viral loads. These results suggest that HHV-6A does not play an active role in SPMS, while this virus may contribute to the pathogenesis of RRMS triggering MS attacks in a subset of patients. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 578-583. http://msj.sagepub.com
The relationship between neuropsychological measures and the Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living task in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Goverover Y. , Genova HM , Hillary FG , DeLuca J.
Published: February 2007

Multiple sclerosis (MS) can result in cognitive deficits and a loss of functional independence. To date, little research has linked the observed cognitive and behavioral deficits in MS, especially those in the processing speed domain, to performance on tasks of everyday functioning. The present study examined the relationship between neuropsychological test performance and performance on the Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living task (TIADL) in individuals with MS, and in healthy controls (HCs). The TIADL is a functional measure, which assesses both accuracy and speed in one's performance of everyday activities. The MS group performed significantly worse on the TIADL relative to the HC group. Additionally, TIADL scores of individuals with MS were significantly correlated with neuropsychological measures of processing speed. TIADL scores were not, however, correlated with neuropsychological measures of verbal episodic memory or working memory. These results indicate that the impairments in processing speed may contribute to impairments in activities of everyday living in persons with MS. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 636-644. http://msj.sagepub.com
JC virus in cerebrospinal fluid samples of multiple sclerosis patients at the first demyelinating event
Authors: Alvarez-Lafuente Roberto , García-Montojo Marta , De Las Heras Virginia , Bartolomé Manuel , Arroyo Rafael
Published: February 2007

Objective To evaluate the possible involvement of JC virus (JCV) in the aetiology of multiple sclerosis (MS), through the comparison of DNA prevalences and viral loads of JCV in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients at the first demyelinating event and subjects suffering from other neurological diseases (OND).

Methods Seventy-three CSF samples (43 from MS patients at the first demyelinating event, and 30 from patients with OND) were collected; all MS cases were followed up from 1 to 6.7 years after they were diagnosed with clinically definite MS. DNA was extracted and analysed by real-time PCR for the detection of JCV genomes.

Results We found JCV DNA in the CSF of two MS patients (4.7%) with a mean viral load of 2.1 and 6.7 copies/mL of CSF. Among the patients of the OND group we did not find any positive sample. We did not find any difference in the course of the disease between MS patients with and without JCV genomes in their CSF along the follow up.

Conclusion JCV seems to be only a bystander in the pathology of MS, and the presence of cell-free viral particles could be related to the immunological activation of the disease, mainly during relapses. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 590-595. http://msj.sagepub.com
Dysarthria and dysphagia due to the opercular syndrome in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pender M.P. , Ferguson S.M.
Published: February 2007

We report a patient with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), who developed bilateral severe tongue weakness due to the anterior opercular syndrome. This was caused by a recent inflammatory demyelinating lesion in the right perisylvian juxtacortical region, superimposed on a pre-existing left perisylvian lesion, which had previously caused temporary isolated right tongue weakness. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 817-819. http://msj.sagepub.com
Patient information and coping styles in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lode K. , Larsen J.P. , Bru E. , Klevan G. , Myhr K.M. , Nyland H.
Published: February 2007

Background Patients with multiple sclerose (MS) live with their disease for many years. The cause of the disease is unknown and there are no curative therapies. Patients' adaption to chronic disease is dependent on the effectiveness of coping behaviour.

Objectives To explore the correlation between the quality of perceived disease information and to estimate the correspondance between the quality of perceived disease information and later coping styles applied by MS-patients in stress situations related to their disease.

Methods Of a total of 108 patients recently diagnosed with MS, 93 agreed to participate in the study and 86 of these completed two different questionnaires, one assessing quality of the perceived information and the other asessing coping styles (the COPE scale).

Results 43.2% of the patients were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the information by the time of diagnosis. MS-related coping styles were influenced by general coping styles and the most frequently employed strategies were `positive reinterpretation and growth', `planning' and `restraint coping' while `denial' was the most infrequently employed strategy. Patients who were satisfied with the information employed avoidance coping to a lesser extent and more actively both plan and seek information about the situation.

Conclusion Optimizing the information process in the early phase of the disease may induce coping styles that produce a better adaption to living with MS. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 792-799. http:// msj.sagepub.com
Smoking is a risk factor for multiple sclerosis: a metanalysis
Authors: Hawkes C.H.
Published: February 2007

Several case control studies have probed a link between cigarette smoking and subsequent multiple sclerosis (MS). Data collection and statistical methods have varied, and frequently, case numbers have been small. Publications relating to MS and smoking are reviewed and combined where comparable methods have been used. Metanalysis of six informative studies show significantly elevated odds or rate ratios, ranging from 1.22 to 1.51, depending on the method of analysis, confirming that the risk of MS is increased for those who smoke prior to disease onset, as measured by commencement of symptoms. A variety of direct causative mechanisms are discussed, but an indirect association through health adverse conduct is favoured. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 610-615. http://msj.sagepub.com
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for very active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: report of two cases
Authors: Portaccio E. , Amato M.P. , Siracusa G. , Pagliai F. , Sorbi S. , Guidi S. , Bosi A. , Saccardi R.
Published: February 2007

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) has been proposed as a rescue treatment in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients not responding to first- or second-line therapies. To date, most of the treated cases had a secondary progressive disease course. However, patients with high inflammatory activity, but no secondary progression of the disease, could be candidates to take greater advantage of AHSCT. In this paper, we report two cases with very active, relapsing-remitting (RR) MS, who underwent AHSCT, and obtained a dramatic resolution to disease activity. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 676-678. http://msj.sagepub.com
Effects of education level and employment status on HRQoL in early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Patti F. , Pozzilli C. , Montanari E. , Pappalardo A. , Piazza L. , Levi A. , Onesti E. , Pesci I. ,   the Italian Study Group on Quality of Life in MS
Published: February 2007

Purpose To evaluate the effects of education level and employment status on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a large cohort of patients affected by relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Patients This study included 648 patients with RRMS attending 40 Italian MS centers. Inclusion criteria were an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 1.0 and 5.5; stable disease on enrollment; and no previous treatment with interferons, glatiramer acetate, or immunosuppressive drugs. Quality of life (QoL) was evaluated by the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 questionnaire (MSQoL-54).

Results Employed patients scored significantly higher than other patient groups in the majority of MSQoL-54 domains. Similarly, patients with academic degrees and secondary education had higher scores than those with primary education (ie, eight years of education) in several domains of HRQoL. Patients who were employed with a high educational level achieved significantly better scores than unemployed patients with a lower educational level. In multivariate analysis, occupation and educational level were found to be significant and independent predictors of HRQoL.

Conclusions The results of our study suggest the importance of sustaining employment after a recent diagnosis of MS. In addition, education has a great influence on HRQoL; a higher education level may determine a stronger awareness of the disease, and a better ability to cope with the challenges of a chronic disease such as MS. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 783-791. http://msj.sagepub.com
Measuring and management of Anti-Interferon Beta Antibodies in subjects with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Farrell Rachel A , Giovannoni Gavin
Published: February 2007

Interferon Beta is well established as a first line agent to treat relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis. It frequently induces the formation of neutralising anti-Interferon Beta Antibodies (Nabs) which may abrogate the clinical efficacy of the drug. Numerous studies have shown a loss of bioactivity of the drug in the presence of Nabs. The focus has shifted to reliable quantification of Nabs and their appropriate incorporation into clinical practice. Here we review the development and persistence of Nabs, the effect on Interferon beta bioactivity, clinical and para-clinical autocome measures in trials, Nab assays and discuss management strategies to optimise the use of Interferon beta in relapsing remitting MS. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 567-577. http://msj.sagepub.com
Impact of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: the Fatigue Impact Scale for Daily Use (D-FIS)
Authors: Benito-León J. , Martínez-Martín P. , Frades B. , Martínez-Ginés M.L. , de Andrés C. , Meca-Lallana J.E. , Antigüedad A.R. , Huete-Antón B. , Rodríguez-García E. , Ruiz-Martínez J.
Published: February 2007

Objective The Fatigue Impact Scale for Daily Use (D-FIS) is an eight-item instrument designed to measure subjective daily experience of fatigue. This study sought to determine the metric properties of the D-FIS in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

Methods Sixty-eight patients with operationally-defined MS and fatigue (54.8% of the sample) underwent the D-FIS. Usual clinical measures for MS, the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis (FAMS) were also applied. In addition, patients with fatigue completed the Fatigue Descriptive Scale, the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), a Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F), and a Global Perception of Fatigue Scale (GPF).

Results Full computable data, 95.6%; both floor and ceiling effect=1.54%; item-total correlation =0.62 (item 1) to 0.84 (item 6); Cronbach's alpha =0.91; item homogeneity =0.55; standard error of measurement =3.18; convergent validity with other fatigue measures = -0.57 (VAS-F); 0.52 (GPF); and 0.46 (MFI-general fatigue). Test-retest reliability (ICC) =0.81. There was a strong association between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (FAMS) and D-FIS (rS=0.70).

Conclusions In this study, D-FIS proved to be a feasible and valid instrument for measuring MSrelated fatigue, a frequent symptom associated with deterioration of patients' HRQoL. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 645-651. http://msj.sagepub.com