bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Savings in public services after the crisis: a multilevel analysis of public preferences in the EU-27
Authors: Van de Walle Steven , Jilke Sebastian
Published: July 2014

Policy responses to the global financial crisis can be divided into pro- and counter-cyclical approaches. The former advocates reducing public spending in times of financial constraints. The latter approach advocates public spending to boost the economy. Using public opinion ( N = 23,652) data from 27 EU member countries, we empirically test a model for citizen preferences for reducing spending in public services versus government investment in measures to boost the economy as a response to the financial crisis. We look at individual- and country-level determinants of attitudes to savings in public services, and concentrate on four groups of explanations: political disaffection, ideology, self-interest, and macro-economic conditions. It was found that political disaffection and the respondent’s ideological orientation both have effects on preferences, as well as whether one experiences economic strain or receives welfare services. Macro-economic conditions, such as a country’s government deficit level, public debt or public expenditure have, surprisingly, no effect on citizens’ financial policy preferences. We discuss the implications of our results for public administration theory and practice.

Points for practitioners

The article analyses citizens’ preferred government reactions to the financial crisis. It distinguishes between reducing public spending and measures to boost the economy. It was found that macro-economic conditions matter very little for these preferences. In fact, explanations for these attitudes and preferences need to be looked for primarily at the individual level, not the country level. Preferences for or against savings in public services are largely influenced by ideological dispositions, age, education, overall levels of political trust, and whether citizens are (potential) beneficiaries of welfare services. The article contributes to understanding why citizens support or oppose pro- or counter-cyclical policy measures to emerge from the crisis.
Design and properties of a new braided poly lactic-co-glycolic acid catheter for peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Wang Biqiao , Zhang Peihua , Song Weiping , Zhao Li , He Chenguang
Published: July 2014

A new braided poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) (LA : GA = 10 : 90) catheter, consisting of an outside-tube and an inside-scaffold, was designed and fabricated to guide and support peripheral nerve regeneration. According to the process of peripheral nerve regeneration, the functional division of the outside-tube and the inside-scaffold was confirmed as follows: the major function of the outside-tube was support for the space of the nerve regeneration and the needed good compression performance and the major function of the inside-scaffold was simulation of the matrix bridge in the nerve regeneration process. Therefore, the outside-tube was braided for a higher density with PLGA ply yarns and coated with chitosan; the inside-scaffold was braided for a lower density with PLGA single filaments treated by H2O2. The arrangement and number of micro-tubes were designed and theoretically calculated. In this paper, the basic thickness and density performance of the new catheter was tested first. Then, the fibroblast cytocompatibility and the fiber tensile in degradation were assessed as indications of the performance change of the unmodified and modified materials. Finally, the compression performance of the new catheter was compared with two other catheters. The results showed that the new catheter had a uniform and stable structure. The modified inside-scaffold had a higher cytocompatibility and facilitation of fibroblast growth than the unmodified one; meanwhile, it maintained enough mechanical properties to support nerve regeneration in degradation. Furthermore, the elastic recovery and compressive resistance retention respectively reached 84% and 93%, which meant excellent compression performance. In summary, the performance of this new braided PLGA catheter attained the designed targets.
News production in the ‘post-broadcasting’ era: BBC Scotland’s move towards convergence
Authors: Larrondo Ainara
Published: July 2014

In the current media landscape, convergence represents a key analytical concept for understanding the rapid developments and the reshaping of news organizations into multimedia providers. Such redefinition entails changes in the rationale of media corporations and has turned out to be central for public service broadcasting (PSB). Yet relatively little work has focused on the implications of convergence for these particular broadcasting organizations at the newsroom level. As a contribution to filling this gap, this article reports on case study research conducted inside the main Scottish public broadcaster, BBC Scotland. Based upon in-house documents and semi-structured interviews, the research findings describe what is happening inside this major news centre and in what way convergence is shaped and embedded within this organization, in terms of news production and journalistic practices. These findings are put into perspective with regard to previous studies, as well as with contextual issues, such as the reinvention of the PSB model in the 21st century, with special mention made of the BBC, and the specific Scottish politico-communicative scenario.
Reducing bias due to systematic attrition in longitudinal studies: The benefits of multiple imputation
Authors: Asendorpf Jens B. , van de Schoot Rens , Denissen Jaap J. A. , Hutteman Roos
Published: July 2014

Most longitudinal studies are plagued by drop-out related to variables at earlier assessments (systematic attrition). Although systematic attrition is often analysed in longitudinal studies, surprisingly few researchers attempt to reduce biases due to systematic attrition, even though this is possible and nowadays technically easy. This is particularly true for studies of stability and the long-term prediction of developmental outcomes. We provide guidelines how to reduce biases in such cases particularly with multiple imputation. Following these guidelines does not require advanced statistical knowledge or special software. We illustrate these guidelines and the importance of reducing biases due to selective attrition with a 25-year longitudinal study on the long-term prediction of aggressiveness and delinquency.
Psychological Profile, Salivary Cortisol, C-Reactive Protein, and Perceived Health of Grandmothers With Childrearing Responsibility
Authors: Trail Ross Mary Ellen , Kang Duck-Hee , Cron Stanley
Published: July 2014

Grandmothers with primary responsibility for raising grandchildren are increasing, particularly among African Americans (AA). These caregiving grandmothers were compared with AA grandmothers who did not have such responsibility ( N = 30) for levels of stress, anxiety, depression, burden, and coping. Furthermore, the association between these psychobehavioral factors and salivary cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and perceived health and the feasibility of collecting six saliva samples over 2 days were assessed. Grandmother caregivers had higher stress than noncaregiving grandmothers, but the difference was not statistically significant. The two groups did not differ in anxiety, depression, and coping. Grandmother caregivers, however, reported significantly poorer perceived health than their age cohort ( p = .007). There was a clear increase from morning to bedtime CRP ( p = .02), which was more prominent in grandmother caregivers. The cortisol levels for the combined grandmother groups were inversely correlated ( p = .01) with the confrontive coping style. One hundred percent of saliva samples were collected sufficiently.
Courtship Progression Rate and Declines in Expressed Affection Early in Marriage
Authors: Niehuis Sylvia , Reifman Alan , Feng Du , Huston Ted L.
Published: July 2014

According to the disillusionment model, dating partners may idealize each other due to romantic feelings and partners’ presenting themselves favorably to each other. However, this idealization can fade once couples marry and experience routine daily living. Highly passionate (i.e., quickly accelerating) courtships, replete with idealization, likely make partners vulnerable to subsequent declines in marital affection—or disillusionment. To test this notion, 168 newlywed couples provided retrospective survey and interview information on how passionate their courtship was and brief series of daily assessments of affectionate behavior during the first 2 years of marriage. Results from multilevel analyses showed that respondents who experienced highly passionate courtships reported their spouses as behaving more affectionately toward them as newlyweds, but experienced declines in perceived affectionate expression as the marriage progressed. Results persisted after controlling for possible confounding variables (e.g., age at dating onset, courtship length, premarital love, cohabitation, and conflict). Findings support the disillusionment model.
Progressive resistance training before and after total hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review
Authors: Skoffer Birgit , Dalgas Ulrik , Mechlenburg Inger
Published: July 2014

Objective:

To investigate the effect of progressive resistance training (PRT) on muscle strength and functional capacity before and/or after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The effects of THA and TKA upon quality of life and the rate of adverse events were also investigated.

Data sources:

Literature from nine databases.

Review methods:

Studies were included if 1) the effect of a PRT intervention was compared with no intervention or another type of intervention; 2) the outcomes included muscle strength and/or functional capacity; 3) all participants were scheduled for or had just undergone THA or TKA; 4) they were randomized, controlled trials (RCT); and 5) only full-length papers in English were studied. Data on patient characteristics, training regime, controls, and outcome measures were extracted.

Results:

Four RCT studies on PRT and THA including 136 patients and three RCT studies on PRT and TKA including 284 patients were identified and rated according to the PEDro scale. The general methodological quality of the studies was low. No adverse events were reported in any of the studies. Weak evidence of a beneficial effect of PRT before and/or after THA on muscle strength and functional capacity was found. No effect of PRT before TKA on muscle strength and functional capacity was found. The results of postoperative PRT were too heterogeneous to allow conclusions.

Conclusion:

PRT is safe and feasible before and/or after THA. PRT is safe, but the methodological quality of existing evidence permits no conclusion on the effectiveness of PRT before and/or after TKA.
Is the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists’ rehabilitation guideline better than standard care when applied to Bankart-operated patients? A controlled study
Authors: Damkjær Lars , Petersen Tom , Juul-Kristensen Birgit
Published: July 2014

Objective:

To determine whether there is a difference in shoulder-related physical function and quality of life between postoperative rehabilitation patients receiving standard care and those receiving care according to the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists’ rehabilitation guideline for arthroscopic anterior capsulolabral repair of the shoulder.

Design:

Descriptive studies with comparison between a retrospective and a prospective cohort.

Setting:

Municipal outpatient rehabilitation centre.

Patients:

A total of 96 arthroscopic Bankart-operated patients.

Interventions:

A total of 52 patients received standard care; 44 patients underwent rehabilitation according to the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists’ rehabilitation guideline.

Main measurements:

Primary outcome variable was Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index. Secondary outcome measures were Patient-Specific Functional Scale, shoulder range of motion, return to work, return to sports, and costs.

Results:

There was no significant difference in adjusted mean change scores between the standard care group and the guideline group in the primary outcome variable (Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index total = 574.85 vs. 644.48) or the secondary outcomes (Patient-Specific Functional Scale = 4.6 vs. 5.0; range of motion in forward flexion = 46.49° vs. 49.58°; external rotation in adduction = 28.58° vs. 34.18°; external rotation in abduction = 51.29° vs. 47.55°; weeks until return to work = 5.2 vs. 6.9; weeks until return to sports =13.9 vs. 13.1; costs = number of visits; 18.5 vs. 15.9).

Conclusions:

There were no significant between-group differences in shoulder-related physical function and quality of life between the standard care group and the guideline group, following Bankart operations.
Graft Maturation of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Authors: Niethammer Thomas R. , Safi Elem , Ficklscherer Andreas , Horng Annie , Feist Markus , Feist-Pagenstert Isa , Jansson Volkmar , Pietschmann Matthias F. , Müller Peter E.
Published: July 2014

Background:

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) using tissue-engineered cartilage is a successful therapy for full-thickness cartilage lesions in the knee joint. However, in vivo graft maturation is still unclear.

Purpose:

The aim of this prospective study was to analyze graft maturation after ACI in the knee using objective T2 mapping in correlation with the clinical outcomes within a 3-year postoperative course.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 13 patients with isolated cartilage defects of the knee were treated with Novocart 3D, a matrix-based ACI procedure in the knee joint. The patients had complete data from International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores and MRI examinations for 6 to 36 months postoperatively. All cartilage defects were arthroscopically classified as Outerbridge grades III and IV. The mean area of the cartilage defect was 5.6 cm2. Postoperative clinical and MRI examinations were conducted at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery. The modified magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score was used to evaluate the quality and integration of the Novocart 3D implants on MRI. The T2 relaxation time values of the ACI graft and healthy native cartilage areas were determined to assess graft maturation using T2 mapping.

Results:

The T2 relaxation times of the ACI graft showed significant improvement, with decreasing values from 41.6 milliseconds at 6-month follow-up to 32.4 and 30.9 milliseconds after 24 and 36 months, respectively. These values were similar to the T2 relaxation times of the native surrounding cartilage. There was no correlation between the clinical outcomes (IKDC score) and T2 relaxation time values.

Conclusion:

The T2 relaxation time in the repaired tissue showed similar values compared with normal hyaline cartilage. Graft maturation after ACI in the knee joint needs at least 1 year, with ongoing adjustment of the T2 relaxation time values compared with native surrounding cartilage. A correlation between increasing ACI graft maturation and clinical outcomes (IKDC score) could not be found with the data available.
Digital Media and Political Participation
Authors: Bimber Bruce , Cunill Marta Cantijoch , Copeland Lauren , Gibson Rachel
Published: July 2014

Political interest is a potentially important moderator of the relationship between digital media use and traditional forms of political participation. We theorize that the interaction between interest and digital media can be either positive or negative, depending on whether the action is voting, an elite-directed act, or a self-directed act. To test our expectation, we use British Election Studies data from 2001, 2005, and 2010. We find that digital media use is positively and consistently associated with political talk for those lower in political interest. For voting, we find a similar relationship that appears to be strengthening over time. For the elite-directed acts of donating money and working for a party, we find a highly variable moderating effect of political interest that can be positive, negative, or nonexistent.
Two Different Debates? Investigating the Relationship Between a Political Debate on TV and Simultaneous Comments on Twitter
Authors: Trilling Damian
Published: July 2014

While watching television, more and more citizens comment the program live on social media. This is especially interesting in the case of political debates, as viewers’ comments might not only allow us to tap into public opinion, but they can also be an influential factor of their own and contribute to public discourse. This article analyzes how the TV debate between the candidates for chancellor during the German election campaign 2013 was discussed on Twitter. To do so, the transcript of the debate is linked to a set of N = 120,557 tweets containing the hashtag #tvduell. The results indicate that the candidates were only to a minor degree successful in getting their topics to the Twitter debate. An optimistic reading of the results suggests that Twitter serves as a complement to draw attention to topics neglected in the official debate. A more pessimistic reading would point to the fact that the discourse on Twitter seems to be dominated by sarcastic or funny rather than by substantial content.
The effects of longitudinal fins on thermal performance of a curved microchannel: A numerical study
Authors: Soltanipour Hosseinali , Pourmahmoud Nader , Mirzaee Iraj
Published: July 2014

In this paper, flow structure, heat transfer, and entropy generation in an internally finned curved microchannel are studied. Three dimensional numerical simulations are performed using a finite volume approach. The effect of fin height, mass flow rate, and curvature radius on heat transfer enhancement and pressure losses are explored. The field synergy principle is employed to explain the heat transfer enhancement mechanism. The second law analysis is also performed to indicate the influence of fins on the entropy generation in the curved microchannel. It is found that regardless of mass flow rate, the fin height of a* = 0.35 provides the maximum heat transfer enhancement. Numerical results reveal that the ratio of heat transfer coefficient (and pressure drop) of finned microchannel to unfinned microchannel depends on the curvature radius and mass flow rate. The field synergy principle and the second law analysis confirm that for the fin height of a* = 0.35, the microchannel has the optimal thermal performance.
Successful Treatment of Ventriculostomy-Associated Meningitis Caused by Multidrug Resistant Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus epidermidis Using Low-Volume Intrathecal Daptomycin and Loading Strategy
Authors: Denetclaw Tina Harrach , Suehiro Ion , Wang Phyllis K. , Tolliver Gregg L.
Published: July 2014

Objective: To report successful use of low-volume intrathecal (IT) daptomycin and loading strategy for the treatment of ventriculostomy-associated meningitis. Case Summary: A 23-year-old man with a history of multiple ventriculoperitoneal shunt revisions resulting from multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis shunt infection presented with meningitis despite suppressive antibiotic therapy. After source control surgery, the patient improved with intravenous daptomycin plus IT vancomycin. Then, 4 days later, significant ventriculostomy output occurred, and the S epidermidis was confirmed to be intermediately sensitive to vancomycin (MIC = 8 µg/mL) and susceptible to daptomycin (MIC = 2 µg/mL). IT vancomycin was changed to IT daptomycin 5 mg in 3 mL normal saline (NS) every 24 hours for 3 days, then every 72 hours for 18 days. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was sterile after 1 day of IT daptomycin and remained so. Creatine kinase remained normal throughout the course of treatment. The patient was discharged on hospital day 50 without antibiotics. Discussion: IT daptomycin has been reported for adult doses ranging from 5 to 10 mg once every 24 to 72 hours in volumes ranging from 5 to 10 mL; drug accumulation has been seen after the third dose of once every 24 hours dosing, and delayed improvement has been seen with once every 72 hours dosing. We planned for rapid load and CSF sterilization and extended the dosing interval once drug accumulation was expected to have occurred. Conclusions: IT daptomycin 5 mg diluted to 3 mL in NS and dosed in a loading strategy was effective and without adverse sequelae.
Delayed hypersensitivity reaction related to the use of pegfilgrastim
Authors: Dadla Aliakbar , Tannenbaum Susan , Yates Breton , Holle Lisa
Published: July 2014

Filgrastim and pegfilgrastim are granulocyte colony-stimulating factor products, which have been part of the supportive treatment of cancer patients for years to increase the white blood cell count and absolute neutrophil count with the objective of preventing neutropenic fever in patients at risk because of chemotherapy. Pegfilgrastim is a glycosylated form of filgrastim with a prolonged duration of effect, a reduced renal clearance, and relatively fewer side effects. We present a patient with early breast cancer who developed a rash more than a week after the use of pegfilgrastim. Clinicians must be aware of the possibility of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction as the application of this drug is increasing and an adverse event can result in delay of chemotherapy treatment.
The Traumatogenic Dynamics of Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Among Arab American, Muslim, and Refugee Clients
Authors: Kira Ibrahim A. , Lewandowski Linda , Ashby Jeffrey S. , Templin Thomas , Ramaswamy Vidya , Mohanesh Jamal
Published: July 2014

Understanding the dynamics of mental health stigma through existing frameworks, especially in minorities with higher stigma, is problematic. There is a need to reconceptualize stigma, particularly in highly traumatized groups. The current study examines the validity of a new development-based trauma framework that conceptualizes stigma as a type III chronic trauma that contributes to negative mental health effects. This framework proposes that public stigma is a unique chronic traumatic stress that mediates the effects of similar trauma types in mental health patients. To test this proposition, this study explores the relationships between internalized stigma of mental illness (ISMI), different trauma types, and posttrauma spectrum disorders. ISMI, posttraumatic stress disorder, other posttrauma spectrum disorders, and cumulative trauma measures were administered to a sample of 399 mental health patients that included Arab (82%), Muslim (84%), and refugee (31%), as well as American patients (18%). Age in the sample ranged from 18 to 76 years ( M = 39.66, SD = 11.45), with 53.5% males. Hierarchical multiple regression, t tests, and path analyses were conducted. Results indicated that ISMI predicted posttraumatic stress disorder and other posttrauma spectrum disorders after controlling for cumulative trauma. ISMI was associated with other chronic collective identity traumas. While Arab Americans, Muslims, and refugees had higher ISMI scores than other Americans, the elevated chronic trauma levels of these groups were significant predictors of these differences. The results provide evidence to support ISMI traumatology model. Implications of the results for treating victims of ISMI, especially Arab Americans, Muslims and refugees are discussed.
ADHD Drug Prescribing Trend Is Increasing Among Children and Adolescents in Hong Kong
Authors: Man Kenneth K. C. , Ip Patrick , Hsia Yingfen , Chan Esther W. , Chui Celine S. L. , Lam May P. S. , Wong Wilfred H. S. , Chow C. B. , Yung Ada , Wong Ian C. K.
Published: July 2014

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of ADHD medication prescribing of school-aged children in Hong Kong (HK) from 2001 to 2013 and to compare with other countries. Method: Using the Hong Kong Hospital Authority Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System, we investigated the epidemiology and prevalence of ADHD medication prescribing. Results: The prevalence of children on ADHD medication increased 14 times throughout the study period—0.072% in 2001 (95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.068%, 0.077%]) to 1.027% (95% CI = [1.008%, 1.047%]) in 2013. Prevalence in females increased at a faster rate than in males. The prescribing trend in kindergarten children (3- to 5-year-old) was relatively steady from 2001 to 2008—0.025% (95% CI = [0.019%, 0.033%]) in 2001—until a marked increase from 2009 to 2013—0.121% (95% CI = [0.105%, 0.139%]) in 2013. Conclusion: The prevalence of ADHD medication prescribing in Hong Kong is increasing but remains lower than most Western countries. However, the prevalence of ADHD medication prescribing for kindergarten children should be monitored to ensure appropriate use.
The socio-technical architecture of digital labor: Converting play into YouTube money
Authors: Postigo Hector
Published: July 2014

This article uses the case of video game commentators and examples from research to highlight implications for conceptualizing the concept of “architectures of digital labor.” The concept draws attention not only to the social practices that position activities straddling labor/leisure into a commercial framework but also to the technological platforms that make that possible in a seemingly invisible fashion. The main analytical lens is that of “affordances.” It is used to map how technological features designed into YouTube create a set of probable uses/meanings/practices for users while serving YouTube’s business interests. The analysis is transferable to other social web platforms whose central business model focuses on user-generated content (UGC).
‘A culture of sharing’: Drug exchange in a Norwegian prison
Authors: Mjåland Kristian
Published: July 2014

Despite growing numbers of drug users in prisons all over the western world, drug exchange behind bars has received little scholarly attention. The few studies that exist describe the prison drug economy as mainly following market-based principles of exchange. However, ethnographic fieldwork in a closed Norwegian prison reveals something different: prisoners share their drugs, rather than selling them. In this article, I describe and try to explain this ‘culture of sharing’. Drawing on anthropological theories of exchange, drug sharing is understood as continuous gift-giving. The gift perspective allows us to see how sharing is shaped by motives of caring, compassion and solidarity, while it simultaneously emphasizes the self-interest embedded in such drug exchanges. The article argues that sharing is a highly effective form of drug exchange because there is a strong commitment to reciprocate when a prisoner receives drugs. The ‘culture of sharing’ is both contingent upon and produces social relations between prisoners. On the one hand, it offers an inclusive and solidary community for drug using prisoners; on the other hand it is upheld by strong social controls, by which deviations from accepted norms of conduct (i.e. failing to share) are sanctioned in a variety of ways.
Haptoglobin genotype and cerebrovascular disease incidence in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Costacou Tina , Secrest Aaron M , Ferrell Robert E , Orchard Trevor J
Published: July 2014

Objective:

We prospectively evaluated the haptoglobin (Hp)–stroke association in type 1 diabetes and hypothesized that despite increasing the risk of coronary artery disease, the presence of the Hp 2 allele would be associated with a lower incidence of stroke.

Methods:

Participants from the Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications study without prevalent stroke and Hp available were evaluated ( n = 607; mean age 27.6 years and duration 19.3 years).

Results:

During 22 years of follow-up, stroke incidence did not differ by Hp genotype ( p = 0.49). Restricting analyses to those diagnosed with diabetes ≥1965 (13% mortality vs 40% in the <1965 cohort) to diminish potential survival bias, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for Hp 1-1 was 3.08 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.81–11.77, p = 0.10). Further stratifying by hypertension prevalence, an increased stroke incidence was observed with Hp 1-1 only in those with hypertension (HR = 7.03, 95% CI = 1.42–34.89, p = 0.02).

Conclusion:

Despite the protective effect against vascular diabetes complications, a borderline increased risk of stroke was observed with Hp 1-1 in type 1 diabetes. This mixed Hp effect on cardiovascular risk by outcome studied merits further investigation and cautions against the universal application of preventive therapies across all Hp genotypes.
Trauma Management Therapy for a Veteran With Co-Occurring Combat PTSD and Hallucinations
Authors: Arens Ashley M.
Published: July 2014

Despite the development of evidence-based treatment protocols for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), many clinicians are hesitant to begin trauma-focused treatment for individuals presenting with co-occurring conditions, particularly disorders with psychotic features. The current clinical case describes the treatment of a male veteran with PTSD with hallucinogenic features and recurrent depression who was treated with Trauma Management Therapy, a comprehensive treatment program for combat-related PTSD incorporating virtual-reality assisted exposure therapy and group therapy. Following treatment, the veteran demonstrated clinically significant decreases in overall PTSD symptoms as well as combat-themed hallucinations. Treatment gains were maintained at the 3-month follow-up. This case illustrates how exposure therapy can safely and effectively be delivered to individuals with complex co-occurring conditions.
Three-dimensional osteogenic and chondrogenic systems to model osteochondral physiology and degenerative joint diseases
Authors: Alexander Peter G , Gottardi Riccardo , Lin Hang , Lozito Thomas P , Tuan Rocky S
Published: July 2014

Tissue engineered constructs have the potential to function as in vitro pre-clinical models of normal tissue function and disease pathogenesis for drug screening and toxicity assessment. Effective high throughput assays demand minimal systems with clearly defined performance parameters. These systems must accurately model the structure and function of the human organs and their physiological response to different stimuli. Musculoskeletal tissues present unique challenges in this respect, as they are load-bearing, matrix-rich tissues whose functionality is intimately connected to the extracellular matrix and its organization. Of particular clinical importance is the osteochondral junction, the target tissue affected in degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA), which consists of hyaline articular cartilage in close interaction with subchondral bone. In this review, we present an overview of currently available in vitro three-dimensional systems for bone and cartilage tissue engineering that mimic native physiology, and the utility and limitations of these systems. Specifically, we address the need to combine bone, cartilage and other tissues to form an interactive microphysiological system (MPS) to fully capture the biological complexity and mechanical functions of the osteochondral junction of the articular joint. The potential applications of three-dimensional MPSs for musculoskeletal biology and medicine are highlighted.
Articular Chondroprogenitor Cells Maintain Chondrogenic Potential but Fail to Form a Functional Matrix When Implanted Into Muscles of SCID Mice
Authors: Marcus Paula , De Bari Cosimo , Dell’Accio Francesco , Archer Charles W.
Published: July 2014

Objective

Articular cartilage is a complex tissue comprising phenotypically distinct zones. Research has identified the presence of a progenitor cell population in the surface zone of immature articular cartilage. The aim of the present study was to determine the in vivo plasticity of articular cartilage progenitor.

Design

Chondropogenitor cells were isolated from bovine metacarpalphalangeal joints by differential adhesion to fibronectin. Cells were labeled with PKH26 and injected into the thigh muscle of severe-combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. After 2 weeks, the muscles were dissected and cryosectioned. Sections were stained with safranin O and labeled for sox9 and collagen type II. Polymerase chain reaction analysis was carried out to determine plasticity for a number of tissue-specific markers. Full-depth chondrocytes acted as a control.

Results

Fluorescent PKH26 labeled cells were detected after 2 weeks in all samples analyzed. A cartilage pellet was present after injection of freshly isolated chondrocytes. After injection with clonal and enriched populations of chondroprogenitors, no distinct pellet was detected, but diffuse cartilage nodules were found with regions of safranin O staining and Sox9. Low levels of collagen type II were also detected. Polymerase chain reaction analysis identified the presence of the endothelial cell marker PECAM-1 in one clonal cell line, demonstrating phenotypic plasticity into the phenotype of the surrounding host tissues.

Conclusions

The bovine articular cartilage progenitor cells were able to survive in vivo postimplantation, but failed to create a robust cartilage pellet, despite expressing sox9 and type II collagen. This suggests the cells require further signals for chondrogenic differentiation.
Contraception and Sexual and Reproductive Awareness Among Ghanaian Muslim Youth
Authors: Yusuf Jibrail Bin
Published: July 2014

Ghana, a lower-middle income country that is still grappling with fertility and birth rates, initiated family planning for the youth decades ago. This mainly targeted deprived communities, and the Muslim youth were also exposed to contraception. However, contraception awareness among the Muslim youth has had difficulties and repercussions. Against the social and economic challenges facing the Ghanaian Muslim youth, this article evaluates their awareness about contraception focusing on the issues and their ramification with the aim of identifying prospects for development. The findings reveal that awareness is high but not in a positive sense as the general patronage among couples is low, while among the unmarried, the awareness has negatively affected their morality. Among the issues, there is a disconnection between service providers and the community while some Muslims think that contraception can reduce the Muslim population and is un-Islamic. It was argued that contraception is permitted for Muslims provided there is ethical justification and that in view of the social and economic challenges, including school dropouts and Muslim child migration due to the poverty of parents, the Muslim youth must plan their childbirth. Hence, it was recommended that government must tackle the problem of education in Muslim communities. The Ulama should also dialogue with the service providers to create trust between the health providers and the Muslims.
Addressing Parenting Disputes Between Estranged Parents Through Community Mediation
Authors: Palihapitiya Madhawa , Eisenkraft Kaila Obstfeld
Published: July 2014

Mediation provides a means of resolving disputes that promises to reduce litigation while avoiding further damage to party relationships. The present study addressed the question whether parents engaged in parenting disputes generated by divorce or separation received the promised benefits of mediation when services were delivered by means of community mediation, which combined the dual features of free services and volunteer mediators. Reported outcomes such as agreements, party satisfaction, relationship changes, and court involvement, as well as the connection between these outcomes and party factors of custodial status and income level, were examined, and several encouraging trends emerged. Results indicated that an economically diverse group of disputing parents were provided access to mediation services delivered under community mediation. Moreover, the prospect of avoiding litigation motivated a majority of parents to participate in community mediation. The positive outcomes reported by most parents, irrespective of income level and custodial status, included agreement and process satisfaction rates consistent with national trends, the development of parenting plans, and for a sizable minority of parents, reduced court involvement and improved between-parent interactions. However, non-custodial parents tended to be significantly more positive about mediation’s helpfulness with parenting issues than were custodial parents.
Hear nothing, see nothing, say nothing: Can states reduce the risk of armed conflict by banning census data on ethnic groups?
Authors: Strand Håvard , Urdal Henrik
Published: July 2014

Can states reduce the risk of violent political conflict by simply refusing to collect or publish data on their ethnic makeup and change? This study addresses a neglected aspect of the ethnic conflict literature and provides the first systematic empirical study of the significance of recording ethnic affiliation in censuses for the risk of armed conflict. A general empirical regularity noted in the ethnic heterogeneity and civil war literature is that ethnicity is associated with a somewhat higher risk of conflict in bipolar societies. However, few quantitative studies focus on how changes in the relative strength of groups may affect the risk of civil war. Some recent literature indicates that differential growth may destabilize heterogeneous democracies internally. In democratic societies, political power is distributed according to popular support in elections. A changing balance between groups may thus alter the distribution of power in regimes where ethnic, linguistic or religious divisions to a certain extent determine voting behavior, and this may potentially lead to political instability and ultimately civil conflict. We argue that the relationship between differential growth and instability and violence may be even more important in semidemocracies with electoral systems, but with weak and inconsistent political institutions. We start from the premise that, for differential growth to become a potential driver of instability and violent conflict, information about such change has to be recorded with a national census and actually published. In a cross-national time-series study we investigate whether countries publishing identity data from censuses are at a greater risk of experiencing low-intensity armed conflict. We find that the effect of publishing data on group size is indeed mediated through political institutions. In countries with stable institutions, publication of population identity data is associated with a lower risk of conflict, whereas unstable institutional arrangements are associated with an increase conflict risk when publishing such data.
Fluid populations, immobile assets: Synchronizing infrastructure investments with shifting demography
Authors: Ansar Atif , Pohlers Martin
Published: July 2014

In this article we reconstruct and test conventional economic theory’s deductive claims about the nature of infrastructure assets and the demography of end-users who demand infrastructure outputs. We find that the conventional theory puts forward three mutually reinforcing propositions: that infrastructure assets have a natural tendency towards monopoly owing to technical economies of scale; that infrastructure outputs (such as cubic metres of water or kilowatt–hours of electricity) and end-users of these outputs are essentially homogenous; and that future demand of infrastructure is predictable with a reasonable degree of certainty. These conventional propositions in practice have promulgated a ‘bigger is better’ paradigm in the planning of infrastructure assets and networks that has entrenched the practice of building large immobile infrastructure assets. In contrast, building on evidence from multiple cases – Berlin water authority (Berliner Wasserbetriebe) and World Bank-financed water supply projects in six developing countries – we show that conventional economics theory has led to the development of poor planning practices that are yielding unfavourable outcomes in infrastructure investments. We find that the heterogeneous populations of end-users (individuals, households and organizations) are fluid across space and time. This fluidity makes immobile assets subject to frequent and costly obsolescence. Instead of being theorized as large immobile (and monopoly tending) assets, infrastructure assets should be viewed as modular, plug-and-play, increments. These modules can be flexibly assembled over time to expand or contract capacity in specific places for specific users.
Perceived Value of Research Preparation Opportunities for Future Music Education Professors
Authors: Rohwer Debbie , Svec Christina
Published: July 2014

The purpose of the study was to describe research leaders’ perceptions of the relative importance of various research preparation opportunities for future music education professors. The 122 questionnaire respondents answered 38 Likert-type and open-ended content questions that asked about research experiences, research skills, research resources, and research coursework. The highest rated research experience was having each doctoral student do an oral presentation of his or her research, the highest rated research skill was the ability to choose an important research question for a study, the highest rated research resource was SPSS, and the most common response for what coursework should be required for doctoral students was a basic course that introduced the students to research concepts. Conclusions address the possible programmatic applications of the results.
Microstructure–properties relationships in martensitic stainless steel resistance spot welds
Authors: Alizadeh-Sh M. , Marashi S. P. H. , Pouranvari M.
Published: July 2014

The paper addresses the phase transformations and mechanical response of martensitic stainless steel resistance spot welds. The fusion zone microstructure consists of carbon-rich martensite together with a relatively high amount of retained delta ferrite along the grain boundaries with a transition in solidification mode from equiaxed to columnar dendritic grains across the fusion zone. The heat affected zone microstructure is featured by martensitic matrix together with carbide precipitation. The very high hardness of the fusion zone and the heat affected zone, the sharpness of the notch at sheet/sheet interface, which is located in the hard microstructural zone, and the presence of delta ferrite in the weld nugget play important roles in failure characteristics and mechanical performance of the joint.
Common genes underlying asthma and COPD? Genome-wide analysis on the Dutch hypothesis
Authors: Smolonska Joanna , Koppelman Gerard H. , Wijmenga Cisca , Vonk Judith M. , Zanen Pieter , Bruinenberg Marcel , Curjuric Ivan , Imboden Medea , Thun Gian-Andri , Franke Lude , Probst-Hensch Nicole M. , Nürnberg Peter , Riemersma Roland A. , van Schayck Constant P. , Loth Daan W. , Brusselle Guy G. , Stricker Bruno H. , Hofman Albert , Uitterlinden André G. , Lahousse Lies , London Stephanie J. , Loehr Laura R. , Manichaikul Ani , Barr R. Graham , Donohue Kathleen M. , Rich Stephen S. , Pare Peter , Bossé Yohan , Hao Ke , van den Berge Maarten , Groen Harry J.M. , Lammers Jan-Willem J. , Mali Willem , Boezen H. Marike , Postma Dirkje S.
Published: July 2014

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are thought to share a genetic background (“Dutch hypothesis”).

We investigated whether asthma and COPD have common underlying genetic factors, performing genome-wide association studies for both asthma and COPD and combining the results in meta-analyses.

Three loci showed potential involvement in both diseases: chr2p24.3, chr5q23.1 and chr13q14.2, containingDDX1,COMMD10(both participating in the nuclear factor (NF) κβ pathway) andGNG5P5, respectively. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs9534578 inGNG5P5reached genome-wide significance after first replication phase (p=9.96×10−9). The second replication phase, in seven independent cohorts, provided no significant replication. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis in blood cells and lung tissue on the top 20 associated SNPs identified two SNPs inCOMMD10that influenced gene expression.

Inflammatory processes differ in asthma and COPD and are mediated by NF-κβ, which could be driven by the same underlying genes,COMMD10andDDX1. None of the SNPs reached genome-wide significance. Our eQTL studies support a functional role for twoCOMMD10SNPs, since they influence gene expression in both blood cells and lung tissue. Our findings suggest that there is either no common genetic component in asthma and COPD or, alternatively, different environmental factors,e.g.lifestyle and occupation in different countries and continents, which may have obscured the genetic common contribution.
The COPD assessment test: a systematic review
Authors: Gupta Nisha , Pinto Lancelot M. , Morogan Andreea , Bourbeau Jean
Published: July 2014

The COPD assessment test (CAT) is a self-administered questionnaire that measures health-related quality of life. We aimed to systematically evaluate the literature for reliability, validity, responsiveness and minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of the CAT.

Multiple databases were searched for studies analysing the psychometric properties of the CAT in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Two reviewers independently screened, selected and extracted data, and assessed methodological quality of relevant studies using the COSMIN checklist.

From 792 records identified, 36 studies were included. The number of participants ranged from 45 to 6469, mean age from 56 to 73 years, and mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s from 39% to 98% predicted. Internal consistency (reliability) was 0.85–0.98, and test–retest reliability was 0.80–0.96. Convergent and longitudinal validity using Pearson’s correlation coefficient were: SGRQ-C 0.69–0.82 and 0.63, CCQ 0.68–0.78 and 0.60, and mMRC 0.29–0.61 and 0.20, respectively. Scores differed with GOLD stages, exacerbation and mMRC grades. Mean scores decreased with pulmonary rehabilitation (2.2–3 units) and increased at exacerbation onset (4.7 units). Only one study with adequate methodology reported an MCID of 2 units and 3.3–3.8 units using the anchor-based approach and distribution-based approach, respectively. Most studies had fair methodological quality.

We conclude that the studies support the reliability and validity of the CAT and that the tool is responsive to interventions, although the MCID remains debatable.
Nitric oxide-releasing porous silicon nanoparticles
Authors: Kafshgari Morteza Hasanzadeh , Cavallaro Alex , Delalat Bahman , Harding Frances J , McInnes Steven JP , Mäkilä Ermei , Salonen Jarno , Vasilev Krasimir , Voelcker Nicolas H
Published: July 2014

In this study, the ability of porous silicon nanoparticles (PSi NPs) to entrap and deliver nitric oxide (NO) as an effective antibacterial agent is tested against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. NO was entrapped inside PSi NPs functionalized by means of the thermal hydrocarbonization (THC) process. Subsequent reduction of nitrite in the presence ofd-glucose led to the production of large NO payloads without reducing the biocompatibility of the PSi NPs with mammalian cells. The resulting PSi NPs demonstrated sustained release of NO and showed remarkable antibacterial efficiency and anti-biofilm-forming properties. These results will set the stage to develop antimicrobial nanoparticle formulations for applications in chronic wound treatment.