bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical education in Aotearoa New Zealand primary schools
Authors: Dyson Ben , Cowan Jackie , Gordon Barrie , Powell Darren , Shulruf Boaz
Published: April 2017

Whilst globally there has been a great deal of discussion and rhetoric regarding the state of physical education at the primary level, there is a paucity of evidence regarding teachers’ perceptions of quality physical education in practice. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to explore and interpret primary school teachers’ perceptions of physical education in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) and identify the influence(s) of education, sport and health policies on these perceptions. This study utilized a mixed methods design, including a questionnaire of 487 classroom teachers from 133 different primary and intermediate schools in five regions (North Auckland, Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and Southland) across NZ. The research team also interviewed 41 classroom teachers from across the five regions. Three themes were drawn from the teacher surveys and interviews: muddled thinking; teacher levels of confidence; and physical education or sport. The findings suggest that a number of policies and practices have strongly shaped what occurs ‘in the name’ of physical education in primary schools. These have created a ‘perfect storm’ for primary physical education in NZ and there is concern that the reality of what occurs in practice does not meet the expectations of the national curriculum. There is a need to re-shape the principles and ideals of current practice in primary physical education rather than accepting the historical sports, competition, fitness, fundamental sport skills and ‘Kiwisportification’ of physical education.
A palace as legacy: The former French colonial museum – perspectives from the inside
Authors: Monjaret Anne , Roustan Mélanie
Published: April 2017

The Musée des Colonies was founded in 1931 in the Palais de la Porte Dorée, built for the Colonial Exhibition in Paris. Over the century, the lasting nature of the architecture has stood in counterpoint to the changing orientations of the museum as an institution, from arts to immigration. To what extent does the building continue to bear the stamp of its origins? Is a reversal of colonial material culture possible? This ethnography provides accounts of institutional discourses and employees’ memories collected by the authors, who have been conducting fieldwork on the site for 15 years. In focusing on permanent material culture (the building housing the museum) rather than on the circulation and changing status of collections, the authors provide an original take on colonial remains in France. They also set milestones on the specificities of permanency and monumentality in material culture approaches.
Epistemological challenges in contemporary Western healthcare systems exemplified by people’s widespread use of complementary and alternative medicine
Authors: Salamonsen Anita , Ahlzén Rolf
Published: April 2017

Modern Western public healthcare systems offer predominantly publicly subsidized healthcare traditionally based on biomedicine as the most important basis to cure persons who suffer from disorders of somatic or psychiatric nature. To which extent this epistemological position is suitable for this purpose is under scientific debate and challenged by some people’s personal understandings of health and illness, their individual illness experiences and their decision-making. Current studies show decreasing levels of patient trust in Western public healthcare and a widespread patient-initiated use of complementary and alternative medicine which is often linked to unmet patient-defined healthcare needs. Patients’/complementary and alternative medicine users’ understandings of their afflictions are often based on elements of biomedical knowledge as well as embodied and experience-based knowledge. We believe this points to the need for a phenomenologically and socially based understanding of health and illness. In this article, we analyze challenges in contemporary healthcare systems, exemplified by people’s widespread use of complementary and alternative medicine and based on three ways of understanding and relating to unhealth: disease (the biomedical perspective), illness (the phenomenological perspective), and sickness (the social perspective). In public healthcare systems aiming at involving patients in treatment processes, acknowledging the coexistence of differing epistemologies may be of great importance to define and reach goals of treatment and compliance.
Polish Culture — Dry or Wet?
Authors: Zieliński Antoni
Published: April 2017

The author argues against Harry Levine's “somewhat up-setting” classification of societies into temperance and non-temperance oriented cultures. This classification, he argues, does not apply to Poland as it is neither “dry” nor “wet”, which he illustrates by describing the development of sobriety movements in Polish territory in the 19th and 20th centuries. An important concept was the virtue of sobriety in Catholicism, which is not too distant from the Protestant doctrine. The temperance movement was significantly influential in contributing to the brisk decline of alcohol consumption during the second half of the 1800s. During the mid-war period consumption in Poland was among the lowest in Europe.

Today there are two conflicting systems of convictions as regards alcohol: the older one relates to common sense (in which some situations are wet and some are dry) and the newer one (moral option) finds support from a scientific approach. In the deep layers of consciousness the old system is still resident, while on the surface, the new ethical and rational system is evident in current debate. This situation leads to a conflict of values on the family level.
Alcoholics Anonymous in Finland
Authors: Mäkelä Klaus
Published: April 2017

The Finnish AA started early, and continues to be one of the strongest in Europe. The early growth was spectacular, and continued at a high and relatively stable pace in the 1960s and '70s. In the '80s, the growth rate decreased markedly, and in the early '90s there was almost a standstill.

The Finnish AA is strong, autonomous and somewhat secluded, but not isolated. There is a strong emphasis on organizational independence, equality, and direct democracy, accentuated by the lack of non-alcoholics as trustees. Every group can also send their representative directly to the annual meetings.

The AA meetings tend to be small, intimate and secluded. Circular seating arrangements, speaking in seating order and the lack of speakers' meetings symbolize the basic equality of all participants, in a way reminiscising radical Protestantism. Other parallels are the sparseness of rituals and the suspicious attitude to rhetoric skills and outward enthusiasm.

Although AA has an easy access to most treatment institutions, it has not been intimately involved in the treatment system, and the public sales to non-members is insignificant. The organization is working smoothly, and there are no financial problems. But as a social movement, AA in Finland may stand at a watershed, destined as it is either to grow or recede.
Alcohol and Primary Prevention in Scotland and Sweden
Authors: Leifman Håkan
Published: April 2017

This study compares primary alcohol prevention in Scotland and Sweden and the effectiveness of preventive actions with special reference to developments from the mid- or late 1970s when alcohol consumption peaked in both countries and when changes were made in their alcohol policies. A short historical overview shows many similarities between the countries, e.g. strong prohibition-oriented temperance movements, a history of alcohol (spirits) abuse and restrictive legislation. A major difference is the much more dominating role of private profit motives in Scottish alcohol trade. During the last 15-20 years, the two countries have chosen different strategies to prevent alcohol-related problems. Sweden has put heavy emphasis on restricting the availability of alcohol but also invested substantially in information, whereas Scotland has concentrated on the latter. A comparison of the trends during the last 15-20 years suggests that whereas Swedish alcohol control reduced the level of alcohol consumption and related problems in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Scottish did not, even though the upward trend was broken for most indicators. The drinking sensible message has not been powerful enough to reduce the number of non-sensible drinkers. In fact, a continuing upward trend of liver cirrhosis deaths in Scotland, especially for women, may suggest the opposite. The study also shows that, despite rather stable overall consumption for the last 10 years, the specific alcohol-related problem of drinking and driving has been decreasing in both countries. This indicates that even if consumption increases in the future, as is likely in Sweden due to current changes in alcohol control policy, drinking in specific contexts may still be preventable.
Alcohol and Communications Policies as Cultural Protectionism
Authors: Alasuutari Pertti
Published: April 2017

The article compares alcohol policy to electronic media policy as forms of cultural protectionism. This protectionism has coincided with an era of economic protectionism, which in Finland started after World War I and the Finnish Civil War in 1918, and which is now ending as a result of the GATT agreement and Finland's membership of the European Union. During that era, the Finnish nation has not only been protected against imports of foreign agricultural products. The Finnish common people have also been constructed as a populace in need of civilization, and that is why the borders have been closed to bad influences, such as cheap liquor and mass culture. The article discusses the way in which this ‘bio-policy’ (Foucault) affecting peoples' living conditions has formed the Finnish culture, and its notions about art, mass communication and alcoholic drinking. As to notions of alcohol, it is predicted that the meanings of protest aroused by state control policy are gradually fading, and will give way to notions of drinking problems as evidence of a disease.
Siv Byqvist: Cannabis, Amphetamine, or Opiates? Addicts' Choices of Drugs from First use to Established Abuse
Authors: Byqvist Siv
Published: April 2017

The progression of narcotics abuse from first use to regular use (> 2 days per week) to established abuse (a year prior to enrollment in a rehabilitation program) was analysed from a sample of 1 268 men and women in Sweden, who were interviewed at the beginning of treatment (BAK/SWEDATE-project). Cannabis was the most common initial substance, but amphetamine (CS), heroin (opiates) and hallucinogens were also cited. There were a number of paths from debut toward regular use and established abuse. However, from first use to regular use, most subjects continued with the initial substance. Between regular use and established abuse, subjects began using other substances as well. After approximately 10 years of abuse, extensive multiple drug abuse could be noted. Four main paths are described. Also cannabis, CS and heroin abuser progression is described. The results show significant gender differences. The progression was quicker for women: first use occurred earlier, the transition to regular use took place quickly and they were younger when they entered treatment. A larger share of women than men used heroin and amphetamine. Alcohol consumption was high and most extensive among cannabis-abusing women. The results are discussed in relation to earlier research on the stepping stone model and the drug career and show the importance of early intervention.
From Co-Operation to Competition: The Division of Labour between “Public” and “Private” Providers in Swedish 20th Century Alcoholism Treatment1
Authors: Stenius Kerstin
Published: April 2017

The development in the alcoholism and drug abuse treatment system in Sweden during the 1980s was called “the privatization of the century”. This paper tries to gain a perspective on this characterization. It looks both at the roles given to different types of providers in the legislation, public reports and Parliamentary debates and at the relative shares of the state, the municipalities, different organizations and private enterprises in treatment provision in Sweden during this century. The conclusion is that there has never been a public hegemony within alcoholism treatment provision in Sweden. Treatment has been produced jointly by different types of “public” and “private”, or semi-public, half-private providers. The “privatization” epithet was the result of an illusion, created by policy goals and misleading statistics from the 1970s and early 1980s. The 1980s introduced the new concept of “competition” between different welfare system sectors in the Swedish debate. The author argues that even competition seemingly was managed within the “common sector” of alcoholism treatment.
Structural Changes in the Danish Alcohol Market
Authors: Milhøj Anders
Published: April 2017

This paper examines annual (1978–1995) and quarterly (1990–1995) data on the Danish consumption of beer, wine and spirits, in order to identify changes in their respective market shares as a result of the major tax cuts introduced for beer and wine in 1991 and 1992. It is immediately clear that the sales of spirits have decreased while the sales of wine have increased. The changes are too large to be explained exclusively on the basis of the reduced level of border trade with Germany, the main motive for the tax reductions.

The statistical analyses give a more detailed picture of the reasons for the decline in the market share of spirits in total Danish alcohol sales from 14 % in 1990 to 11 % in 1993. It is included that the main part of this fall, at least 2 %, is due to the tax-induced changes in price relations, while more than 1 % comes from a trend movement. The market share of beer has been relatively constant for a number of years. However, this is the net effect of a trend movement tending to reduce its market share and, on the other hand, the reduced price of beer relative to the price of spirits caused by the tax reductions, which has increased its market share. The market share of wine has been steadily increasing since the 1970s. There is no evidence of any dependencies on the prices of alcohol. This conclusion cannot, however, be sufficiently documented on the basis of the Danish data series, as it is impossible to distinguish between effects due to changing wine prices and effects due to changing beer prices, because of the parallel tax cuts for beer and wine.
The Beverage Alcohol Concentration at Intake and Estimated Blood Alcohol Concentrations
Authors: Simpura Jussi , Paakkanen Pirjo , Mustonen Heli , Metso Leena , Kiianmaa Kalervo
Published: April 2017

Belief in differential health risks for different alcoholic beverages continues despite a relative lack of supporting evidence, and continues to influence alcohol policy debate both in Finland and elsewhere. The present data from a survey of Finnish drinking habits conducted in 1992 suggest that the central issue is not the actual strength of the beverage itself but rather the solution at intake and the amount of alcohol imbibed. The results are based on a one week survey of all occasions on which alcohol was consumed from a general population survey of drinking habits.

Spirits are diluted almost two times out of three when spirits are taken. The data indicate that the median alcohol content of spirits at intake was about 13 percent of volume: i.e. on half of the occasions when spirits were imbibed, the actual alcohol content was not higher than that of unfortified wines. Beer and wine were rarely diluted, white spirits and rum were almost always diluted, whereas cognac and liqueurs were taken unmixed. The data also provide a basis for estimating the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reached on each drinking occasion. There was hardly any correlation between the BAC and the actual alcohol concentration of the beverages imbibed. More detailed analyses showed mixed results. Drinking to intoxication (estimated BAC < 20 mM) was more likely with those spirits that are typically diluted than those drunk straight, but a higher percentage of the spirit intake in general occurred on such intoxicating occasions than was reported for other beverages. Older respondents reported that the primary beverage used when drinking to intoxication was spirits, but younger ones said beer.

The results are only for Finland, but show little basis here for the traditional tripartite (beer, wine, spirits) division of beverages in prevention of alcohol-related harm.
Use of Cannabis and Attitudes towards Cannabis in the Nordic Countries
Authors: Hakkarainen Pekka
Published: April 2017

The article presents some results of a comparative Nordic drug survey that was carried out in Finland and Norway in spring 1993, in Denmark in early 1994 and in Sweden in early 1995. The focus in this article is on the prevalence of cannabis use and on public attitudes towards cannabis.

The lifetime prevalence of cannabis use was clearly highest in Denmark (30.1 %). The other Nordic countries, Sweden (11.4 %), Norway (8.3 %) and Finland (7.3 %) were way behind Denmark. However, the six-month prevalence figures, which provide a more accurate description of current drug use, were about ten times lower than the lifetime prevalence figures in each country. Thus, for the most part, cannabis use in the general population was restricted to short-term experimentation. Danish people reported knowing drug users among their friends and acquaintances more often than respondents in other countries.

Not surprisingly, attitudes towards cannabis were most liberal in Denmark. Attitudes in Finland, Norway and Sweden were fairly similar to each other, although it may be noted that attitudes in Sweden were consistently the strictest of all. In addition to the national differences, the article shows that attitudes towards cannabis varied according to personal experiences with cannabis and cannabis users. Those who had never experimented with cannabis and had no friends or acquaintances who used drugs reported the most negative attitudes towards cannabis.
Temporal characteristics of paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures
Authors: McRae Bonnie , Nusem Iulian
Published: April 2017

Objective

Supracondylar humeral fractures are the most common elbow injury occurring in the paediatric population, accounting for 55–80% of all elbow fractures and 3–18% of all paediatric fractures. They occur most commonly due to a fall from play equipment or furniture. This study aims to determine if any relationship exists between supracondylar humeral fractures and any temporal or injury characteristics. It was hypothesised that an increased incidence of supracondylar fractures would be observed in summer months and on weekends.

Methods

All patients <18 years of age with an isolated distal humerus supracondylar fracture between 2004 and 2014 were included in this study ( n = 569). Patient demographics and fracture characteristic data were collected. Hypothesis testing was performed to assess for any statistically significant relationship between fracture incidence and temporal or injury characteristics. Patients were then divided based on their management (conservative vs. operative) and hypothesis testing was performed to determine whether any difference existed between the management groups with regards to temporal and injury characteristics.

Results

No statistically significant association was noted between fracture incidence and gender, laterality, or day/month/season of injury. Time of injury and presentation to the Emergency Department demonstrated significant results, with highest incidence in the afternoon hours (12:00–17:59).

Conclusions

Unlike previous international studies, no significant difference was noted between day/month/season of injury and incidence of supracondylar fracture. This is thought to be likely due to the difference in climate between Australia and other countries.
Online dating and courtship among Muslim American women: Negotiating technology, religious identity, and culture
Authors: Rochadiat Annisa MP , Tong Stephanie Tom , Novak Julie M
Published: April 2017

This research examines how online dating technology affects the experience of mate selection and courtship among Muslim American women. Sixteen individuals who (1) self-identified as Muslim American women and (2) were actively using online dating websites participated in interviews about their experiences. Qualitative data analysis suggests that these women balance the perceived advantages of online dating (e.g. increased individual agency in initiating romantic relationships, increased control over interaction, greater confidentiality and privacy) with their desire to maintain their cultural and religious courtship practices. Additionally, participants identified challenges they faced with online dating, including social stigma, fear of others’ misrepresentation, and frustrations with technology. This study contributes toward a deeper understanding of how new technologies integrate with existing religions and cultures and gives insights into the nature of technological change and adaptation in society more generally.
Vibration analysis of shearer cutting system using mechanical hydraulic collaboration simulation
Authors: Zeng Qingliang , Gao Kuidong , Zhang Haizhong , Jiang Shoubo , Jiang Kao
Published: April 2017

The cutting unit of a mining shearer is composed of a drum, gear transmission and hydraulic height adjusting mechanism. To obtain the dynamic characteristics of crucial components in the coal cutting process, a model of a drum cutting coal was constructed using LS-DYNA. The model of gear transmission was constructed with Adams, and a model of the hydraulic height adjusting system was constructed with AMESim. Data transmission and co-simulation of these three models were implemented with MATLAB. Changes of the meshing force, acceleration and amplitude–frequency characteristics of key gears under different conditions were obtained. From the research, we conclude that it is effective and feasible to apply the multi-software co-simulation used by this paper to research a complex mechanical–hydraulic system such as a shearer cutting unit; supports from a hydraulic cylinder can decrease the meshing force of gears to some extent; and the meshing force of gears increases significantly as the mining height of the drum increases.
The ethics of care and transformational research practices in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Brannelly Tula , Boulton Amohia
Published: April 2017

Democratising methodologies often require research partnerships in practice. Research partnerships between indigenous and non-indigenous partners are commonplace, but there is unsatisfactory guidance available to non-indigene researchers about how to approach the relationship in a way that builds solidarity with the aims of the indigenous community. Worse still, non-indigenous researchers may circumvent indigenous communities to avoid causing offense, in effect silencing those voices. In this article, we argue that the ethics of care provides a framework that can guide ethical research practice, because it attends to the political positioning of the people involved, acknowledges inequalities and aims to address these in solidarity with the community. Drawing on our research partnership in Aotearoa New Zealand, we explain how the ethics of care intertwines with Māori values, creating a synergistic and dialogic approach.
‘Let Us Go Then, You and I’ – Journeying with Ada Eliot Sheffield
Authors: Shaw Ian
Published: April 2017

My purpose in this article is to illustrate how framing social work in the life world of Ada Sheffield, a largely forgotten woman, yields not only knowledge and understanding, but may exemplify a way of doing social work history. The article draws on two kinds of material. First, I have developed a provisional, if still incomplete, bibliography of her work, included as an annex to this article. Second, I have searched the various Eliot archives in the USA and England to discover what survives of her correspondence. Through her surviving correspondence with her brother, T S (‘Tom’) Eliot, I take Ada Sheffield’s life experiences and thoughts – her self-consciousness – as the frame, wishing insistently to hear her voice. The article is written largely around a single year, which acts as a point of balance for her life. I conclude with several more direct suggestions for social work implications. I briefly attempt an outline of what would constitute her intellectual biography.
Around the table with policymakers: Giving voice to children in contexts of poverty and deprivation
Authors: Sarti Asia , Schalkers Inge , Bunders Joske FG , Dedding Christine
Published: April 2017

Increasingly, children are seen as social actors who are knowledgeable about issues that concern their lives, both in research and policymaking. However, this approach is not without challenges, particularly in relation to sensitive topics like poverty. One key challenge relates to how to involve children effectively so that their stories are actually listened to and acted upon by policymakers. This article reflects on the potential of photovoice as a method to make explicit children’s narratives about their lives and to inform policymakers of children’s perspectives. We involved two groups of children living in contexts of poverty and deprivation in urban areas of the Netherlands, supporting them to refine their narrative and presentation through photography. The children were brought into contact with policymakers after they had gained experience as photographers and experiential experts. The policymakers found their narratives compelling, and there is evidence that the children’s perspectives were taken on board in local government. Exhibition of the photographs using a specially designed table was also found to be an effective addition to the photovoice method. We conclude that photovoice can be successfully used to facilitate dialogue between children and policymakers, but that its use requires time, creativity and reflexivity.
Current views on neuropeptide Y and diabetes-related atherosclerosis
Authors: Sun Wei-wei , Zhu Ping , Shi Yan-chuan , Zhang Chen-liang , Huang Xu-feng , Liang Shi-yu , Song Zhi-yuan , Lin Shu
Published: April 2017

Diabetes-induced atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of diabetic patients. Neuronal regulation plays a critical role in glucose metabolism and cardiovascular function under physiological and pathological conditions, among which, neurotransmitter neuropeptide Y has been shown to be closely involved in these two processes. Elevated central neuropeptide Y level promotes food intake and reduces energy expenditure, thereby increasing adiposity. Neuropeptide Y is co-localized with noradrenaline in central and sympathetic nervous systems. As a major peripheral vascular contractive neurotransmitter, through interactions with its receptors, neuropeptide Y has been implicated in the pathology and progression of diabetes, by promoting the proliferation of endothelial cells and vascular fibrosis, which may contribute to diabetes-induced cardiovascular disease. Neuropeptide Y also participates in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the major form of cardiovascular disease, via aggravating endothelial dysfunction, growth of vascular smooth muscle cells, formation of foam cells and platelets aggregation. This review highlights the causal role of neuropeptide Y and its receptor system in the development of diabetes mellitus and one of its complications: atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The information from this review provides both critical insights onto the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and evidence for the development of therapeutic strategies.
Paid Posting in Chinese Cyberspace: Commodification and Regulation
Authors: Han Dong
Published: April 2017

This research examines paid online posting and its regulation in China. Profit-driven manipulation of online conversations, including paid posting and the so-called “dark public relations,” is a widespread problem on the Chinese Internet. Governmental regulation on paid posting, however, is ambiguous and inadequate. This research proposes a new approach to conceptualize paid posting. It argues that paid posting is a controversial form of content production that emerges in relation to market-oriented exploitation of the media as well as commodification of communicative labor in digital settings. On this basis, this research analyzes the law’s role in the installation of market relations in digital media. It argues that the ambiguous regulation of paid posting is part of a long-term problem that resulted from media policies that prioritize economic growth and political control over disruptive impacts of the market.
Validation of the Turkish Version of the Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment Screen
Authors: Yavuz Burcu Balam , Varan Hacer Dogan , O’Caoimh Rónán , Kizilarslanoglu Muhammet Cemal , Kilic Mustafa Kemal , Molloy D. William , Dogrul Rana Tuna , Karabulut Erdem , Svendrovski Anton , Sağır Aykut , Cankurtaran Eylem Sahin , Yesil Yusuf , Kuyumcu Mehmet Emin , Halil Meltem , Cankurtaran Mustafa
Published: April 2017

Background:

The objective of this study was to validate the Turkish version of the Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment (Q mci-TR) screen.

Methods:

In total, 100 patients aged ≥65 years referred to a geriatric outpatient clinic with memory loss were included. The Q mci was compared to the Turkish versions of the standardized Mini-Mental State Examination and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

Results:

The Q mci-TR had higher accuracy than the MoCA in discriminating subjective memory complaints (SMCs) from cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment [MCI] or dementia), of borderline significance after adjusting for age and education ( P = .06). The Q mci-TR also had higher accuracy than the MoCA in differentiating MCI from SMC, which became nonsignificant after adjustment ( P = .15). A similar pattern was shown for distinguishing MCI from dementia. Test reliability for the Q mci-TR was strong.

Conclusion:

The Q mci-TR is a reliable and useful screening tool for discriminating MCI from SMC and dementia in a Turkish population.
Effects of gonadectomy and testosterone treatment on aquaporin expression in the kidney of normotensive and hypertensive rats
Authors: Loh Su Yi , Giribabu Nelli , Salleh Naguib
Published: April 2017

We tested the hypothesis that testosterone-induced increase in blood pressure was due to changes in aquaporin (AQP) expression in kidneys. In this study, expression level of kidney AQPs was investigated under testosterone influence. Adult normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and hypertensive SHR male and female rats underwent gonadectomy. For female rats, testosterone was given for six weeks duration, two weeks following ovariectomy via subcutaneous silastic implant. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured in all the rats after eight weeks via carotid artery cannulation and the rats were then sacrificed and kidneys were harvested for analyses of AQP-1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 mRNA and protein expressions by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Distribution of AQP subunits’ protein in kidneys was observed by immunofluorescence. In male WKY rats, MAP, AQP-1, 2, 4, and 7 protein; and mRNA expression decreased however AQP-3 protein and mRNA expression increased following orchidectomy. The vice versa effects were observed in testosterone-treated ovariectomized female WKY rats. However, no changes in AQP-6 expression were observed. Meanwhile, in adult male SHR rats, MAP and expression level of all AQP subunits decreased following orchidectomy. The opposite effects were seen in ovariectomized female SHR rats following testosterone treatment. Immunofluorescence study showed AQP-1 and AQP-7 were distributed in the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) while AQP-2, AQP-4, and AQP-6 were distributed in the collecting ducts (CDs). AQP-3 was distributed in the PCT and CD. In conclusion, changes in AQP subunit expression in kidneys could explain changes in blood pressure under testosterone influence.

Impact statement

This study provides fundamental understanding on the mechanisms underlying testosterone-induced increase in blood pressure which involve regulation of aquaporin channel subunits in the kidneys. A better understanding of this issue can help to explain the reason for higher blood pressure in males as compared to females and may explain the reason for higher blood pressure in females after menopause than females before menopause, the former most probably related to the changes in female androgen.
A Rare Presentation of an Isolated Internal Iliac Artery Aneurysm: Report of a Case and Literature Review
Authors: Venturini Luigi , Grande Raffaele , Sapienza Paolo
Published: April 2017

Isolated internal iliac artery aneurysms (IIIAAs) are extremely rare. We present the case of a 75-year-old white Caucasian male patient admitted for right lower limb deep venous thrombosis and low-risk pulmonary embolism due to the compression of the external iliac vein from an IIIAA. A review of the literature was also performed to identify the epidemiologic, clinical characteristics and diagnostic and operative strategies of this disease. At present, a recommendation for the best operative strategy in the presence of an IIIAA is difficult. Our analysis demonstrated controversial results, but we are confident to recommend the endovascular treatment in an elective setting.
A distributed data secure transmission scheme in wireless sensor network
Authors: Liang Wei , Huang Yin , Xu Jianbo , Xie Songyou
Published: April 2017

Sensor nodes around monitoring area have various distances to the target node. Therefore, it is difficult to ensure security of broadcasting data transferred from a single wireless sensor node to base station. Multi-hop transmission of data between sensor nodes wastes network resource. In this case, a distributed data secure transmission scheme is proposed in a wireless sensor network. Data transmission is classified into two stages: constructing a collection of receiving nodes and selecting a unique forwarding node from this collection. These are implemented using analysis of relative movement distance between nodes and transfer time competitive mechanism. Besides, we have assumed a network model for distributed data secure transmission to improve efficiency of data transfer. This design includes secure model of node competition, data perception model, and anti-resistance model. Moreover, the security of competition transfer for nodes in wireless sensor network is evaluated. Finally, simulation proves that the proposed scheme has good performance in security and stability compared to similar schemes.
Process Evaluation of the Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus PULSE Program Randomized Controlled Trial: Recruitment, Engagement, and Overall Satisfaction
Authors: Aguiar Elroy J. , Morgan Philip J. , Collins Clare E. , Plotnikoff Ronald C. , Young Myles D. , Callister Robin
Published: April 2017

Background: Men are underrepresented in weight loss and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevention studies. Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of recruitment, and acceptability of the T2DM Prevention Using LifeStyle Education (PULSE) Program—a gender-targeted, self-administered intervention for men. Methods: Men (18–65 years, high risk for T2DM) were randomized to intervention ( n = 53) or wait-list control groups ( n = 48). The 6-month PULSE Program intervention focused on weight loss, diet, and exercise for T2DM prevention. A process evaluation questionnaire was administered at 6 months to examine recruitment and selection processes, and acceptability of the intervention’s delivery and content. Associations between self-monitoring and selected outcomes were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation. Results: A pragmatic recruitment and online screening process was effective in identifying men at high risk of T2DM (prediabetes prevalence 70%). Men reported the trial was appealing because it targeted weight loss, T2DM prevention, and getting fit, and because it was perceived as “doable” and tailored for men. The intervention was considered acceptable, with men reporting high overall satisfaction (83%) and engagement with the various components. Adherence to self-monitoring was poor, with only 13% meeting requisite criteria. However, significant associations were observed between weekly self-monitoring of weight and change in weight ( rs = −.47, p = .004) and waist circumference ( rs = −.38, p = .026). Men reported they would have preferred more intervention contact, for example, by phone or email. Conclusions: Gender-targeted, self-administered lifestyle interventions are feasible, appealing, and satisfying for men. Future studies should explore the effects of additional non-face-to-face contact on motivation, accountability, self-monitoring adherence, and program efficacy.
Primary Care–Based Health Coaching for the Management of Prediabetes
Authors: Sherman Ryan P. , Ganguli Ishani
Published: April 2017

Introduction. Prediabetes is a prevalent disease that has been associated with its own health risks and is a known precursor of type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle interventions are known to effectively treat prediabetes but are often not offered to patients within a primary care setting. Study Design. Exploratory and descriptive study. Objective. To assess if the use of a health coaching intervention among primary care patients, with prediabetes, warrants further examination. Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients who had prediabetes and received health coaching at the Ambulatory Practice of the Future between 2012 and 2014. Discussion. A health coaching intervention used among primary care patients, with prediabetes, deserves further examination, as participants had a significant reduction in hemoglobin A1c and weight over 2 years.
The interrelationship between phagocytosis, autophagy and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps following infection of human neutrophils by Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Ullah Ihsan , Ritchie Neil D , Evans Tom J
Published: April 2017

Neutrophils play an important role in the innate immune response to infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, the pneumococcus. Pneumococci are phagocytosed by neutrophils and undergo killing after ingestion. Other cellular processes may also be induced, including autophagy and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which may play a role in bacterial eradication. We set out to determine how these different processes interacted following pneumococcal infection of neutrophils, and the role of the major pneumococcal toxin pneumolysin in these various pathways. We found that pneumococci induced autophagy in neutrophils in a type III phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase dependent fashion that also required the autophagy gene Atg5. Pneumolysin did not affect this process. Phagocytosis was inhibited by pneumolysin but enhanced by autophagy, while killing was accelerated by pneumolysin but inhibited by autophagy. Pneumococci induced extensive NET formation in neutrophils that was not influenced by pneumolysin but was critically dependent on autophagy. While pneumolysin did not affect NET formation, it had a potent inhibitory effect on bacterial trapping within NETs. These findings show a complex interaction between phagocytosis, killing, autophagy and NET formation in neutrophils following pneumococcal infection that contribute to host defence against this pathogen.
Ambrisentan: a review of its use in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Rivera-Lebron Belinda N. , Risbano Michael G.
Published: April 2017

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease defined by an elevation in pulmonary arterial pressure that can lead to right heart failure and death. Ambrisentan is a selective endothelin receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of idiopathic, heritable PAH and connective tissue disease-associated PAH. Ambrisentan has been shown to improve exercise capacity and hemodynamics with an acceptable side-effect profile. It has also proven to be safely used in combination with other PAH-specific medications, especially with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. In the recent randomized trial, AMBITION, it was shown that upfront combination therapy of ambrisentan and tadalafil significantly decreased the risk of clinical failure compared with monotherapy. This review describes the drug profile of ambrisentan and its safety and efficacy in the treatment of PAH.
Investigating mediating effect of perceived organizational support between SHRM practices and employee trust
Authors: Adresi Alaeldeen Al , Darun Mohd Ridzuan
Published: April 2017

This article examines the relationship between strategic human resource management (SHRM) practices, perceived organizational support (POS) and employee trust. Due to uncertainty in the business environment, the Libyan oil and gas companies have been unable to focus on their internal organizational strengths and weaknesses. It has been a challenge for the organizations to deal with their internal capabilities. Therefore, the proposed framework and its findings are expected to improve our understanding of the importance of human resources (HRs) to deal with an environment that is fraught with uncertainties. Some analysis of the work in this article was conducted and presented in 2015. This article is a part of large project and a quantitative survey approach was used, followed by a sample frame consisting of the Libyan oil and gas sector companies that employ at least 50 employees. Structural equation modelling techniques were used to analyse the data. The results indicate that oil and gas companies pursuing best SHRM practices along with POS achieve enhanced trust of employees. This provides better understanding about the importance of SHRM practices to assist HR practitioners to support and manage employees, subsequently leading to sustainable performance.
The first Greek case of heterozygous cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy: An atypical clinico-radiological presentation
Authors: Bougea Anastasia , Velonakis George , Spantideas Nikolaos , Anagnostou Evangelos , Paraskevas George , Kapaki Elisabeth , Kararizou Evangelia
Published: April 2017

Cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CARASIL) was previously considered a rare, early-onset recessive form of small-vessel disease (SVD) caused by biallelic mutations in the serine protease gene HTRA1 with subsequent loss of its activity. However, very recently, there is growing interest of research showing heterozygous HTRA1 mutations as causes of SVD with a dominant inheritance pattern. This first Greek heterozygous CARASIL case with unusual clinico-radiological presentation extends our very recent knowledge on how heterozygous CARASIL mutations may be associated with cerebral SVD. Our findings highlight heterozygous HTRA1 mutations as an important cause of familial SVD, and that screening of HTRA1 should be considered in all patients with a hereditary SVD of unknown aetiology.
Does the Spine Surgeon’s Experience Affect Fracture Classification, Assessment of Stability, and Treatment Plan in Thoracolumbar Injuries?
Authors: Rajasekaran Shanmuganathan , Kanna Rishi Mugesh , Schroeder Gregory D. , Oner Frank Cumhur , Vialle Luiz , Chapman Jens , Dvorak Marcel , Fehlings Michael , Shetty Ajoy Prasad , Schnake Klaus , Kandziora Frank , Vaccaro Alexander R.
Published: April 2017

Study Design:

Prospective survey-based study.

Objectives:

The AO Spine thoracolumbar injury classification has been shown to have good reproducibility among clinicians. However, the influence of spine surgeons’ clinical experience on fracture classification, stability assessment, and decision on management based on this classification has not been studied. Furthermore, the usefulness of varying imaging modalities including radiographs, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the decision process was also studied.

Methods:

Forty-one spine surgeons from different regions, acquainted with the AOSpine classification system, were provided with 30 thoracolumbar fractures in a 3-step assessment: first radiographs, followed by CT and MRI. Surgeons classified the fracture, evaluated stability, chose management, and identified reasons for any changes. The surgeons were divided into 2 groups based on years of clinical experience as <10 years (n = 12) and >10 years (n = 29).

Results:

There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in correctly classifying A1, B2, and C type fractures. Surgeons with less experience had more correct diagnosis in classifying A3 (47.2% vs 38.5% in step 1, 73.6% vs 60.3% in step 2 and 77.8% vs 65.5% in step 3), A4 (16.7% vs 24.1% in step 1, 72.9% vs 57.8% in step 2 and 70.8% vs 56.0% in step3) and B1 injuries (31.9% vs 20.7% in step 1, 41.7% vs 36.8% in step 2 and 38.9% vs 33.9% in step 3). In the assessment of fracture stability and decision on treatment, the less and more experienced surgeons performed equally. The selection of a particular treatment plan varied in all subtypes except in A1 and C type injuries.

Conclusion:

Surgeons’ experience did not significantly affect overall fracture classification, evaluating stability and planning the treatment. Surgeons with less experience had a higher percentage of correct classification in A3 and A4 injuries. Despite variations between them in classification, the assessment of overall stability and management decisions were similar between the 2 groups.
Court Decisions and IDEA 1997 Compliance Issues that Affect Special Education Programs in Rural Schools
Authors: Tate James O.
Published: April 2017

This article reviews court decisions and compliance issues of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 1997, that impact rural public school special education programs. IDEA funding, alternative placement options, and qualitative standard requirements. Select elements of the IDEA 1997 Amendments are of particular importance to rural schools. Those elements are funding compliance requirements, changes in the identification and evaluation of eligible students with disabilities, and the qualitative standards required for providing special education and related services. Rural schools do not receive special compliance exemptions under the IDEA. The article presents court decisions in which litigation has produced guidelines for school administrators regarding use of resources, accommodations, modifications, and qualitative standards in rural special education programs.
Changing Paradigms: A New Teacher Education Model for Rural Hawaii
Authors: Lemke June , Harrison Suzanne
Published: April 2017

The Hawaii Department of Education anticipates a need for approximately 400 new special education teachers in each of the next three years. This critical need for special education teachers is compounded by an approximate 50% attrition rate every two-year period. Furthermore, individuals who are not certified special education teachers and are working under emergency credentials occupy over 50% of the special education teaching positions. Recently passed state legislation suggests that they may not be eligible for rehire. The Hawaii Department of Education, in an effort to address their shortage of public school teachers, a shortage particularly acute in rural areas, invited Gonzaga University to design a masters level preservice teacher preparation program to be delivered in on the Island of Oahu. The innovative special education teacher preparation program described in this article is based on Gonzaga University's campus based Masters of Initial Teaching program. Components of the modified initial certification program delivered in Hawaii are described, including adjustments to the fieldwork requirements. An overwhelming majority of the participants indicated a desire to continue teaching in the rural Wai'anae community on the island of Oahu.