bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘My life has changed, but his life hasn’t’: Making sense of the gendering of parenthood during the transition to motherhood
Authors: Sevón Eija
Published: August 2011

A narrative approach to the study of the gendered nature of parenting acknowledges that different kinds of cultural narratives surround the couple relationship and parenting. This narrative study illustrates the process of the gendering of parenthood from the points of view of seven Finnish first-time mothers. The data were obtained from 28 in-depth longitudinal interviews. Two main narratives were found: a turbulent transformation and a smooth transformation narrative. The turbulent transformation narrative demonstrates how the transition to parenthood may lead to biographical disruption in first-time mothers’ lives. The contradictory cultural narratives of intensive mothering and shared parenthood created ambivalence in the women’s identifications with motherhood and negotiation of parenthood with their partner. For these women, traditional, gendered narratives supported narrative reorientation and the construction of a coherent identity as a mother and as a partner for the women. The smooth transformation narrative, in turn, showed that willingness and effort are required from both parties of the couple in order to depart from intensive mothering and to achieve shared parenting.
Human performance index – a generic performance indicator
Authors: Parthornratt T , Parkin R M , Jackson M
Published: August 2011

Human skill evaluation or human skill quantification in the original definition of a human adaptive mechatronics system is the main concern of this paper. However, a deficiency in terms of consistency and subjectivity makes human skill not fully indicative of actual human performance. That is, the term human skill can mean repeatability, adaptability, or learning capability depending on the aspects and systems of interest. This paper proposes a human performance index (HPI) concept to focus on human performance instead. The main contributions are the quantification of speed–accuracy characteristics based on Fitts’ classical speed–accuracy trade-off and the determination of human control strategy involved in completing a task. The experiment in this paper was conducted on a computer-based simple tracking system by using a computer mouse to follow a set of random circles on a display. Human operators were told to complete the task as quickly as possible. HPI values were then calculated with and without weightings on speed and accuracy criteria. Different human performance values reflect how human operators accomplish the same task under the same working conditions. These control strategies are associated with a degree of emphasis on the speed and accuracy characteristics of the operators’ control actions.
Deterioration of glomerular endothelial surface layer and the alteration in the renal function after a growth promoter boldenone injection in rabbits
Authors: Alm-Eldeen A , Tousson E
Published: August 2011

Boldenone is an anabolic steroid developed for veterinary use. Recently, it is used by bodybuilders in both off-season and precontest, where it is well known for increasing vascularity while preparing for a bodybuilding contest. However, the side effect of this steroid on the human health is still unclear. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the possible effect of the growth promoter, boldenone undecylenate, on the function and structure of the rabbit’s kidneys. A total of 36 adult New Zealand rabbits were divided into 4 groups. Control group includes animals that were injected intramuscularly with olive oil and dissected after 3 weeks. Three experimental groups include animals that receive one, two and three intramuscular injections of 5 mg/kg body weight boldenone, and dissected after 3, 6, and 9 weeks, respectively, and the interval of each dose of boldenone was 3 weeks. The biochemical analysis of the blood serum of treated rabbit showed a significant increase in the total protein, urea and creatinine concentrations, with a significant decrease in albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio. At the same time, a significant glomerulus mass reduction that accompanied with the expression of CD34, a marker for endothelial cells deterioration, was also determined. The incidence of the glomerulosclerosis was significantly increased compared with the control group (0.46 ± 0.05, p < 0.05). The glomerulosclerosis scores were 1.32 ± 0.10, 2.14 ± 0.11 and 3.02 ± 0.09 in groups 2, 3 and 4, respectively. These findings suggest that misuse of the boldenone undecylenate may contribute to the occurrence of a chronic renal injury that may lead to a progressive renal failure.
Response to Homeless Childbearing Women’s Health Care Learning Needs
Authors: Stringer Marilyn , Averbuch Tali , Brooks Pamela Mack , Jemmott Loretta Sweet
Published: August 2011

The study findings showed that homeless childbearing women are at greatest risk for cancer, violence, poor nutrition, sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Collaborating with personnel at a women’s shelter, the authors studied homeless childbearing women’s knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about general health promotion, healthy pregnancy promotion, and preterm labor prevention. Guided by the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction and Change, 45 homeless women participated in focus groups. They were 28.7 years old (range 18-44 years), and approximately 87% of these women had custody of their children. Three themes identified included things you do to stay healthy during pregnancy, where you learned about staying healthy, and women’s knowledge about preterm labor and general health promotion. These findings informed an 8-week educational session (1 hr/week). During the past year, four 8-week sessions were conducted with attendance between 8 and 14 participants. Each week a different health topic was discussed incorporating the associated unique challenges of homelessness.
Potential Life-Threatening Events in Schools Involving Rescue Inhalers, Epinephrine Autoinjectors, and Glucagon Delivery Devices: Reports From School Nurses
Authors: Allen Katherine , Henselman Kimbra , Laird Brian , Quiñones Ana , Reutzel Thomas
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this research is to use the reports of school nurses to facilitate the understanding of how schools experience and manage asthmatic, anaphylactic, and diabetic emergencies by quantitative and qualitative analysis of online surveys. E-mails with a link to SurveyMonkey® were sent to all U.S. members of the National Association of School Nurses (13,695). Subjects were asked to describe their self-reported knowledge, opinions, practices, and experiences with such emergencies and the devices used to manage them. Regarding the frequency of emergencies in a given school year, the medians were 8 for asthma, 0 for anaphylaxis, and 10 for hypoglycemia. Twenty-two, five, and one subjects, respectively, reported that events like these resulted in deaths during their careers as school nurses. These diseases create substantial potential for emergencies in schools, and the schools represented by these nurses appear to be somewhat, but not ideally, equipped to handle such crises.
Methylation-dependent PAD2 upregulation in multiple sclerosis peripheral blood
Authors: Calabrese Roberta , Zampieri Michele , Mechelli Rosella , Annibali Viviana , Guastafierro Tiziana , Ciccarone Fabio , Coarelli Giulia , Umeton Renato , Salvetti Marco , Caiafa Paola
Published: August 2011

Background: Peptidylarginine deiminase 2 (PAD2) and peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) are two members of PAD family which are over-expressed in the multiple sclerosis (MS) brain. Through its enzymatic activity PAD2 converts myelin basic protein (MBP) arginines into citrullines – an event that may favour autoimmunity – while peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) is involved in chromatin remodelling.

Objectives: Our aim was to verify whether an altered epigenetic control of PAD2, as already shown in the MS brain, can be observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with MS since some of these cells also synthesize MBP.

Methods: The expression of most suitable reference genes and of PAD2 and PAD4 was assessed by qPCR. Analysis of DNA methylation was performed by bisulfite method.

Results: The comparison of PAD2 expression level in PBMCs from patients with MS vs. healthy donors showed that, as well as in the white matter of MS patients, the enzyme is significantly upregulated in affected subjects. Methylation pattern analysis of a CpG island located in the PAD2 promoter showed that over-expression is associated with promoter demethylation.

Conclusion: Defective regulation of PAD2 in the periphery, without the immunological shelter of the blood–brain barrier, may contribute to the development of the autoimmune responses in MS.
The euro area's common default risk: Evidence on the Commission's impact on European fiscal affairs
Authors: Goldbach Roman , Fahrholz Christian
Published: August 2011

Sovereign creditworthiness within the euro area hinges upon the credibility of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP). We analyse whether political events that worsen the SGP's credibility result in a shared default risk premium for all euro members, therefore leading to a joint deterioration of creditworthiness. We especially examine the decisions and statements of the Commission and the Council of Economic and Finance Ministers. Analysing daily data through the 1999–2005 period with an ARMA-GARCH model, we find the Commission plays a decisive role in affecting investor evaluations, where its credibility-strengthening decisions decrease volatility and statements signalling a weakening of fiscal credibility spark uncertainty on financial markets. Our results stress the importance of creating credible fiscal institutions that preserve sovereign creditworthiness within the euro area.
Secondary use of randomized controlled trials to evaluate drug safety: a review of methodological considerations
Authors: Hammad Tarek A , Pinheiro Simone P , Neyarapally George A
Published: August 2011

Background Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are often positioned at the top of evidence hierarchies. Meta-analyses of RCTs aim to integrate the state of knowledge on a given scientific question, particularly for rare drug-related outcomes. However, although RCTs are valuable tools in our armamentarium, they are rarely designed to evaluate drug safety and are thus susceptible to limitations that may hamper the ability of both RCTs and meta-analyses to fully characterize the safety profiles of drugs. Their potential limitations might be exacerbated in the study of rare outcomes, often encountered in drug safety assessment, when even minor deviations from the intended randomization could impact the stability of the risk estimates.

Purpose This article considers the methodological caveats of both RCTs and meta-analyses of RCTs pertinent to the study of drug-related harms. It is intended to stimulate discussion about the impact of these caveats on interpreting findings of RCTs and meta-analyses for drug safety, which would foster more robust, critical evaluations, and thus enhance clinical and regulatory decision-making.

Methods Pertinent issues that can influence the interpretation of drug-related harms discussed in this article were based on authors’ expertise and review of the literature.

Results Investigators and clinicians should be cognizant of the potential limitations of the secondary use of RCTs and meta-analyses in the assessment of drug-related harms and, when applicable, should consider potential remedies to overcome these limitations.

Limitations Only few practical examples are included in the article due to the fact that many of the discussed caveats are not examined and/or reported in many publications. In addition, the confidential nature of data reviewed at a regulatory agency forestalls an in depth discussion of examples pertaining to specific drugs. Furthermore, our ability to quantify the extent of encountering, or the actual impact of, the caveats addressed in this review on the RCTs findings is limited. It is worth noting that the mere encounter of a given caveat does not mean that it will obviate the utility of drug safety information from a given trial. The extent of its impact is expected to vary based on the specifics of the trial, the drugs studied, the indications, and the nature of the adverse events.

Conclusions Although some of the limitations described are inherent in RCTs, some of the sources of bias highlighted in this article could be minimized by careful RCT design, planned follow-up, and improved collection of information on adverse events. As future research sheds more light on pertinent knowledge gaps and issues, the ability to maximize the use of RCTs and meta-analyses of RCTs to address drug safety questions of interest will be greatly enhanced.
Blood CD34−c-Kit+ cell rate correlates with aggressive forms of systemic mastocytosis and behaves like a mast cell precursor
Authors: Georgin-Lavialle Sophie , Lhermitte Ludovic , Baude Cédric , Barete Stéphane , Bruneau Julie , Launay Jean-Marie , Chandesris Marie-Olivia , Hanssens Katia , de Gennes Christian , Damaj Gandhi , Lanternier Fanny , Hamidou Mohamed , Lortholary Olivier , Dubreuil Patrice , Feger Frédéric , Lepelletier Yves , Hermine Olivier
Published: August 2011

Mastocytosis is a heterogeneous disease characterized by the accumulation of mast cells in one or more organs. Our objective was to identify a peripheral mast cell precursor and assess its variation rate in mastocytosis. A peripheral blood phenotypic analysis was performed among 50 patients with mastocytosis who were enrolled in a prospective multicentric French study, and the phenotypic analysis results of the patients were compared with those of healthy donors. The rate of peripheral blood CD34−c-Kit+ cells correlated with the severity of mastocytosis. This cellular population was isolated from healthy donors as well as from patients with systemic mastocytosis. After 30 days of culture, the CD34−c-Kit+ cells gave birth to mature mast cells, indicating that this cellular population constitutes a mast cell circulating precursor. Monitoring peripheral CD34−c-Kit+ cells by flow cytometry could be a useful and low-invasive tool to determine the disease severity and the relapses and to assess treatment efficiency.
Inhibitory effect of semaphorin-3A, a known axon guidance molecule, in the human thymocyte migration induced by CXCL12
Authors: Garcia Flavia , Lepelletier Yves , Smaniotto Salete , Hadj-Slimane Réda , Dardenne Mireille , Hermine Olivier , Savino Wilson
Published: August 2011

Intrathymic T cell differentiation takes place within the thymic lobules and depends on interactions between developing thymocytes and cells of the thymic microenvironment. Along with differentiation, thymocytes migrate in an oriented progression, which is tightly regulated by a number of interactions, including one mediated by the chemokine CXCL12. It has been shown recently that SEMA-3A, a soluble member of the semaphorin family, is also involved in this human thymocyte migration and can have a chemorepulsive and de-adhesive role. Herein, we study the role of SEMA-3A on the CXCL12-driven migration of human thymocytes. We have shown that SEMA-3A is able to inhibit the chemotaxis triggered by CXCL12. Such an inhibition was seen in respect to immature and mature CD4/CD8-defined thymocyte subsets and can be reverted specifically by neutralizing anti-SEMA-3A mAb. We have also shown that SEMA-3A consistently down-regulates CXCR4 membrane expression in all CD4/CD8-defined thymocyte subsets, and this down-regulation is accompanied by a decrease in the phosphorylation of FAK and ZAP-70 protein kinases. Taken together, these results demonstrate the involvement of SEMA-3A in the regulation of CXCL12-driven human thymocyte migration, where it acts as a physiological antagonist.
Macrophage phagocytosis: effects of environmental pollutants, alcohol, cigarette smoke, and other external factors
Authors: Karavitis John , Kovacs Elizabeth J
Published: August 2011

The ability of a pathogen to evade host immunity successfully, in contrast to the host's capacity to defend itself against a foreign invader, is a complex struggle, in which eradication of infection is dictated by a robust immunologic response. Often, there are external factors that can alter the outcome by tipping the scale to benefit pathogen establishment rather than resolution by the host's defense system. These external sources, such a cigarettes, alcohol, or environmental pollutants, can negatively influence the effectiveness of the immune system's response to a pathogen. The observed suppression of immune function can be attributed to dysregulated cytokine and chemokine production, the loss of migratory potential, or the inability to phagocytose pathogens by immune cells. This review will focus on the mechanisms involved during the toxin-induced suppression of phagocytosis. The accumulated data support the importance of studying the mechanisms of phagocytosis following exposure to these factors, in that this effect alone cannot only leave the host susceptible to infection but also promote alterations in many other macrophage functions necessary for pathogen clearance and restoration of homeostasis.
Editorial: The double life of M-ficolin: what functions when circulating in serum and tethered to leukocyte surfaces?
Authors: Thielens Nicole M
Published: August 2011

Commentary on the paper by Kjaer et al. and questions arising from cellular self-recognition by the pattern recognition molecule M-ficolin.
Modulating impact of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone on the maturation and function of hematopoietic cells
Authors: Koldehoff Michael , Katzorke Thomas , Wisbrun Natalie C , Propping Dirk , Wohlers Susanne , Bielfeld Peter , Steckel Nina K , Beelen Dietrich W , Elmaagacli Ahmet H
Published: August 2011

hCG hormone is a naturally occurring, immune-modulating agent, which is highly expressed during pregnancy and causes improvements of some autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. Little is known about its immune-modulating effects. This study in MNCs of women who received hCG as preconditioning prior to IVF demonstrates that hCG increases anti-inflammatory IL-27 expression and reduces inflammatory IL-17 expression. In addition, we found increased IL-10 levels and elevated numbers of Tregs in peripheral blood of women after hCG application. Rejection of allogeneic skin grafts was delayed in female mice receiving hCG. We conclude that hCG may be useful for the induction of immune tolerance in solid organ transplantation.
THE ELECTROMAGNETIC RESPONSE OF A CONDUCTIVE INHOMOGENEITY IN A LAYERED EARTH
Authors: Lajoie J. J. , West G. F.
Published: August 2011

A numerical model has been constructed to determine the three‐dimensional electromagnetic fields in the vicinity of a finite, thin, conductive plate buried in a horizontally stratified, conductive environment. The EM source is a rectangular loop. The problem is formulated as an integral equation for the electric field in the plate. However, to avoid certain numerical difficulties, the actual working variables are a pair of scalar potentials which represent divergence‐free and curl‐free current flows in the plate, and whose values are known at the nodes of a rectangular grid. The basic integral equation is then reduced to a set of linear equations which can be solved numerically.

The cases modeled are a simulation of the Turam method. The models were a shallow plate and a deep plate in a conductive half‐space, a deep plate in an insulating host rock under a conductive layer, and a deep plate in a conductive host rock under a conductive layer. In all cases, the top of the plate was separated from the overburden, and the conductivities of the plate, layer, and host rock were varied widely.

It was found that a conductive overburden layer alone causes a phase rotation and an attenuation of the local anomaly, while a conductive host medium causes, mainly, the addition of a “current gathering” component to the anomaly. The importance of the current gathering effect may vary from negligible to enormous as its amplitude and phase depend strongly on the conductivity of the host rock. When a conductive overburden and a moderately conducting host rock are present, both effects may arise.

Anomaly enhancement by a conductive host rock is not likely to be advantageous in most prospecting situations, for while the detectability of a target bedrock conductor goes up, the ability to distinguish its anomaly from other weaker conductors is markedly decreased.
Mutant p62P392L Stimulation of Osteoclast Differentiation in Paget's Disease of Bone
Authors: Sundaram Kumaran , Shanmugarajan Srinivasan , Rao D. Sudhaker , Reddy Sakamuri V.
Published: August 2011

Paget's disease of the bone (PDB) is an autosomal dominant trait with genetic heterogeneity, characterized by abnormal osteoclastogenesis. Sequestosome 1 (p62) is a scaffold protein that plays an important role in receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK) signaling essential for osteoclast (OCL) differentiation. p62P392L mutation in the ubiquitin-associated (UBA) domain is widely associated with PDB; however, the mechanisms by which p62P392L stimulate OCL differentiation in PDB are not completely understood. Deubiquitinating enzyme cylindromatosis (CYLD) has been shown to negatively regulate RANK ligand-RANK signaling essential for OCL differentiation. Here, we report that CYLD binds with the p62 wild-type (p62WT), non-UBA mutant (p62A381V) but not with the UBA mutant (p62P392L) in OCL progenitor cells. Also, p62P392L induces expression of c-Fos (2.8-fold) and nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (6.0-fold) transcription factors critical for OCL differentiation. Furthermore, p62P392L expression results in accumulation of polyubiquitinated TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF)6 and elevated levels of phospho-IκB during OCL differentiation. Retroviral transduction of p62P392L/CYLD short hairpin RNA significantly increased TRAP positive multinucleated OCL formation/bone resorption activity in mouse bone marrow cultures. Thus, the p62P392L mutation abolished CYLD interaction and enhanced OCL development/bone resorption activity in PDB.
ERBIN is a new SARA-interacting protein: competition between SARA and SMAD2 and SMAD3 for binding to ERBIN
Authors: Sflomos George , Kostaras Eleftherios , Panopoulou Ekaterini , Pappas Nikolaos , Kyrkou Athena , Politou Anastasia S. , Fotsis Theodore , Murphy Carol
Published: August 2011

SARA, an early endosomal protein, plays a key role in TGFβ signalling, as it presents SMAD2 and SMAD3 for phosphorylation by the activated TGFβ receptors. Here, we show that ERBIN is a new SARA-interacting protein that can be recruited by SARA to early endosomes. ERBIN was recently shown to bind and segregate phosphorylated SMAD2 and SMAD3 (SMAD2/3) in the cytoplasm, thereby inhibiting SMAD2/3-dependent transcription. SARA binds to ERBIN using a new domain, which we have called the ERBID (ERBIN-binding domain), whereas ERBIN binds to SARA using a domain (amino acids 1208–1265) that also interacts with SMAD2 and SMAD3, which we have called the SSID (SARA- and SMAD-interacting domain). We additionally show that SARA competes with SMAD2/3 for binding to ERBIN. In agreement, overexpression of SARA or the ERBID peptide reverses the inhibitory effect of ERBIN on SMAD2/3-dependent transcription. Taken together, these data suggest that the response of cells to TGFβ and activin A can be influenced by the relative concentrations of SARA, ERBIN and SMAD2/3.
Identification of SH2B1β as a focal adhesion protein that regulates focal adhesion size and number
Authors: Lanning Nathan J. , Su Hsiao-Wen , Argetsinger Lawrence S. , Carter-Su Christin
Published: August 2011

The adaptor protein SH2B1β participates in regulation of the actin cytoskeleton during processes such as cell migration and differentiation. Here, we identify SH2B1β as a new focal adhesion protein. We provide evidence that SH2B1β is phosphorylated in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced protein kinase C (PKC) activation and show that PMA induces a rapid redistribution of SH2B1β out of focal adhesions. We also show that growth hormone (GH) increases cycling of SH2B1β into and out of focal adhesions. Ser161 and Ser165 in SH2B1β fall within consensus PKC substrate motifs. Mutating these two serine residues into alanine residues abrogates PMA-induced redistribution of SH2B1β out of focal adhesions, decreases SH2B1β cycling into and out of focal adhesions in control and GH-stimulated cells, and increases the size of focal adhesions. By contrast, mutating Ser165 into a glutamate residue decreases the amount of SH2B1β in focal adhesions and increases the number of focal adhesions per cell. These results suggest that activation of PKC regulates SH2B1β focal adhesion localization through phosphorylation of Ser161 and/or Ser165. The finding that phosphorylation of SH2B1β increases the number of focal adhesions suggests a mechanism for the stimulatory effect on cell motility of SH2B1β.
Making the most of evaluation: A mixed methods study in the English NHS
Authors: Salisbury Chris , Stewart Kate , Purdy Sarah , Thorp Helen , Cameron Ailsa , Lart Rachel , Peckham Stephen , Calnan Michael
Published: August 2011

Objectives:

To increase understanding about how evaluations of health policy initiatives are commissioned, conducted and used.

Methods:

A mapping exercise was conducted to identify evaluation of initiatives promoted by the White Paper ‘Our health, our care, our say’ in the English NHS. All evaluations were subjected to critical appraisal and 21 were purposively selected as case studies, involving documentary analysis and 60 interviews with those commissioning, conducting and affected by the evaluation.

Results:

Variation in the types of evaluation being undertaken did not reflect the importance of the initiatives being evaluated. Most evaluations collected evidence about uptake, processes of care and users’ perceptions. While some provided useful information about how initiatives could be improved, few provided robust evidence about the benefits or costs of the initiatives. Those who commissioned evaluations had similar concerns to those who conducted them. There was a commitment to the concept of evaluation but little clarity about how findings would be used. Evaluation was often commissioned too late to influence decisions about implementation. Compromises over research design and difficulties collecting data limited the potential to provide robust evidence about benefits. There were tensions between the desire of evaluators for methodological rigour and the needs of service providers for swift, contextually relevant findings. There were concerns about the transparency of methods and results.

Conclusions:

Considerable public resources are committed to evaluation, but this investment is less productive than it could be. This article specifies several ways in which the use of evaluation of initiatives in health and social care could be improved.
Treatment protocol and relapses of brucella endocarditis; cotrimoxazole in combination with the treatment of brucella endocarditis
Authors: Fedakar Ali , Cakalagaoglu Canturk , Konukoglu Oguz , Yanartaş Mehmet , Göçer Sinan , Zeybek Rahmi , Balkanay Mehmet
Published: August 2011

Antibiotic treatment, surgical intervention and postoperative antibiotic regimens are recommended for the treatment of brucella endocarditis (BE). Our clinical antibiotic regimens involve a triple antibiotic regimen for treating BE before the operation. The combination of three antibiotics is continued for at least six months and until the titres of the Wright serologic test are diminished to 1:160 levels. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the effects of combined medical and surgical treatments on survival and relapse rates in the periods of mid to late terms. We investigated 13 patients who were treated between January 1993 and June 2009. Our clinical observations led us to use a combination of rifampicin (900 mg twice a day), streptomycin (12 to 16 mg/kg/24 h intramuscularly) and doxycycline (200 mg/kg twice a day); rifampicin, tetracycline (8 mg/kg three times a day) and cotrimoxazole (15 mg/kg twice a day) or rifampicin, doxycycline and cotrimoxazole regimen for treating BE before the operation. This treatment should be continued for at least six months after surgery in order to prevent relapses.
Clubfoot in Malawi: treatment-seeking behaviour
Authors: Bedford K Juliet A , Chidothi Paul , Sakala Harris , Cashman John , Lavy Chris
Published: August 2011

We explore the treatment-seeking behaviour of guardians of patients undergoing treatment for clubfoot at clinics run by the Malawi National Clubfoot Programme (MNCP). Core data was collected and analysed using qualitative methodologies of critical medical anthropology. Sixty detailed case studies were completed, each based on an extended open-ended interview with patient guardians. Two positive drivers in seeking treatment for clubfoot were identified: a desire to correct the impairment; and a direct instruction to do so, usually from a health-care professional. Four main barriers prevented treatment seeking: lack of knowledge about the condition and its treatment; familial resistance; logistical obstacles; and socio-economic pressures. In delivering effective health care, organizations should seek to minimize barriers and their impact, whilst maximizing drivers that lead to positive action.
Performance Based Fire Engineering Research of Steel and Composite Structures: A Review of Joint Behaviour
Authors: Wang Yong C
Published: August 2011

Joints are critical members of a structure at both ambient temperature and in fire. Under fire conditions, joint behaviour has crucial influence on control of fire induced progressive collapse of the structure. Joint behaviour in fire is also considerably more complex than that at ambient temperature, because the joint forces change at elevated temperatures in fire.

This paper will present a review of some recent research studies on steel joint behaviour under fire conditions. These studies include temperatures in different components of different types of joint, mechanical behaviour of different joint components, experimental study and numerical modelling of joint behaviour, either as an individual joint or as part of a structure. Afterwards, this paper will present some results of the influence of joint behaviour on structural fire behaviour. Compared with other aspects of steel structural fire behaviour, research on joint behaviour in fire is relatively recent so comprehensive design guides are not yet available. Nevertheless, it is possible to provide some guidance on potential joint influence on improving steel structural fire resistance or reducing the risk of fire-induced progressive structural collapse.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Versus Serotonin Syndrome: The Search for a Diagnostic Tool
Authors: Sokoro AbdulRazaq AH , Zivot Joel , Ariano Robert E
Published: August 2011

Objective:

To Evaluate the use of urine dopamine and catecholamine concentrations as diagnostic aids in a patient with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) in the emergency department setting.

Case Summary:

A 61-year-old female on multiple medications, Including several antipsychotics, rapidly deteriorated, with fever, lead-pipe rigidity, and decreased level of consciousness. The patient died 20 days after initial presentation to an emergency department. The Naranjo probability scale indicated probable causality for NMS due to quetiapine, haloperidol, and risperidone in this patient, whereas the Naranjo scale assigned only possible causality for serotonin syndrome developing with serotonergic agents. Laboratory investigations of blood and urine revealed elevations in dopamine, metanephrines, and epinephrines, as well as trazodone and risperidone. Serotonin metabolites were not elevated.

Discussion:

NMS is a rare and potentially severe adverse effect associated with the use of antipsychotic medications. It is mainly characterized by hyperthermia, altered mental state, hemodynamic dysregulation, elevated serum creatine kinase, and rigors. It has been associated with multisystem organ failure potentially leading to rhabdomyolysis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The prevalence of this syndrome is associated with the use of neuroleptics. Serotonin syndrome is another adverse drug reaction leading to NMS associated with elevated serotonin. II occurs when multiple serotonergic medications are ingested and is associated with rapid onset of altered mental status, myoclonus, and autonomic instability. Differentiating between NMS and serotonin syndrome can be challenging because of their similar clinical presentation. This case highlights the importance of a diagnostic aid being available to help distinguish between the 2 syndromes.

Conclusions:

We propose that laboratory findings that include dopamine and serotonin metabolites can be used as adjuncts to clinical and prescription histories in the diagnosis of NMS. The use of urinary catecholamine as a diagnostic aid in NMS needs further evaluation.
An Army of Soldiers or a Meadow
Authors: Scott Felicity D.
Published: August 2011

An Army of Soldiers or a Meadow: The Seagram Building and the "Art of Modern Architecture" focuses on the New York headquarters of Joseph E. Seagram & Sons (1954–58), designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in association with Philip Johnson. Drawing upon archival documents and the history of the building's design and reception, Felicity D. Scott demonstrates the participation of the tower and its plaza in an important transformation of modern architecture—usually identified as the rise of Postmodernism. She closely analyzes the shifting assessment of a key interpreter of the building, Arthur Drexler (of New York's Museum of Modern Art) and carefully tracks the construction and reception of the landmark building's image within American consumer culture. Although Mies demanded that art grow out of the immanent forces of its time, he was ultimately sorrowful that cultural and economic forces made his design vocabulary the lingua franca of postwar commercial architecture. The author situates this landmark building in a manner that complicates our reading of its importance both to the field of architectural history and to the career of Mies van der Rohe.
Surgery for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Heitz Florian , du Bois Andreas , Kurzeder Christian , Pfisterer Jacobus , Barinoff Jana , Grabowski Jacek , Hilpert Felix , Mahner Sven , Harter Philipp
Published: August 2011

Cytoreductive surgery is accepted as a major treatment of primary ovarian cancer. The role in recurrent ovarian cancer remains a field of discussion and controversy, mainly owing to missing data from prospective randomized trials and lack of universal definitions. Retrospective data indicate that complete resection of recurrent tumor formations should be aimed for, since survival prolongation is mainly seen for patients with no residual disease. Thus, it is most important to find predictors of complete resection, on the one hand to offer the best therapeutic chances to patients, but on the other hand to protect patients with limited life expectancy from additional surgical burden. The first prospective surgical trial in recurrent ovarian cancer, AGO-DESKTOP II validated a score (‘AGO score’) for complete resection. It was shown that patients with a good general condition (ECOG 0), no residual disease after surgery for primary ovarian cancer and absence of ascites in presurgical diagnostics have a 76% likelihood of undergoing complete resection. In this article, further recent data regarding surgery for recurrent ovarian cancer are going to be discussed and the advantages of incorporating these patients into randomized trials are highlighted.
Hemochromatosis and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Robertson David M
Published: August 2011

Evaluation of: Gannon PO, Medelci S, Le Page C et al. Impact of hemochromatosis gene ( HFE) mutations on epithelial ovarian cancer risk and prognosis. Int. J. Cancer 128(10), 2326–2334 (2011). The frequency of two mutations (C282Y and D62H) of the hemochromatosis gene were investigated in women with ovarian cancer. A single allele mutation of the C282Y but not the H63D gene product was detected in 8–9% of women with benign ovarian tumors (n = 124) and ovarian cancers (n = 360) compared with 2.5% for controls (n = 80) representing a 4.9-fold increase in risk. With high-grade serous ovarian cancers (n = 179), the survival rate of women with a single allele C282Y mutation was reduced from 39 to 19 months. These results implicate mutations of the hemochromatosis gene in the generation and severity of ovarian cancers, which may have prognostic value.
Comparison of the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Revised in Rural Native American and White Children
Authors: Whorton James E. , Morgan Robert L.
Published: August 2011

The Test of Nonverbal Intelligence (TONI) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Revised (WISC—R) were administered to 46 Native American and white students who were suspected by their classroom teachers of having learning handicaps. Pearson correlations between these sets of IQs ranged from .42 (TONI and WISC—R Performance) to .89 (WISC—R Verbal and Full Scale).
Relation between Speed of Reaction and Psychometric Tests of Mental Ability in Musculoskeletal Injury-Prone Subjects
Authors: Taimela Simo
Published: August 2011

Long reaction time (RT), long choice reaction time (CRT), and low scores on psychometric tests of mental ability (MA) have in previous studies been related to musculoskeletal injuries. There has been controversy concerning the relation between slow reaction and low-grade MA recently, the old hypothesis of negative correlation between RT and MA being discussed. The aim of this study was to analyze the relation between speed of reaction and MA. For a sample of 123 volunteer healthy young men simple RT, choice RT, and spatial (block design), verbal and arithmetic components of MA were tested. A principal component analysis was performed and the factor matrix was rotated orthogonally using the varimax method. Two factors were extracted accounting for 73% of the total variance in data space. The mental ability factor, which was responsible for 70% of the variance in factor space, was comprised of components of MA and choice RT. The speed of reaction factor accounted for the remaining 30% of the variance in factor space and was comprised of simple and choice RTs. As choice RT had significant loading on the mental ability factor, the subjects having scores in the lowest quartile on both choice RT and MA total score were compared with the independent expected value by using the chi-squared test. The results of low-grade MA and slow choice reaction were not independent. Accordingly, the results do not support the entire distinction between traditional mental ability or convergent thinking and speed of reaction in normal subjects. Moreover, as slow simple RT, slow choice RT, and low scores on MA tests have in previous studies been related to musculoskeletal injuries, it can be suspected that slow choice RT and low-grade MA together may be related to especially high risk of musculoskeletal injury.
Attention of Preschool Children: Electrodermal Activity during Auditory Stimulation
Authors: Shibagaki Masamitsu , Yamanaka Tadashige
Published: August 2011

Electrodermal activity during passive and active listening tasks of 43 healthy preschool children (aged 4 yr., 8 mo. to 6 yr., 5 mo.) was studied. The procedure included the following phases: baseline recording (3 min.), a passive listening task, instructions, and an active listening task. An increase in mean amplitude of skin conductance response (SCR) was found during the active listening task over the level for the passive listening task over 10 trials. On the passive listening task from Trial 1 to Trial 10, habituation of mean SCR amplitude occurred. The younger children, moreover, exhibited significantly greater habituation than the older children. Habituation of mean SCR amplitude did not occur during the active listening task. No significant difference was found in mean SCR amplitude during the active listening task for the two age groups. The children seemed to pay more attention during the active listening task than during the passive listening task. The younger children, moreover, are believed to have shorter attention spans.
Sex Differences in Response to the Odor of Alpha Androstenone
Authors: Filsinger Erik E. , Braun J. Jay , Monte Woodrow C.
Published: August 2011

Additional analyses of ratings by 98 male and 102 female college students assigned to one of four odor conditions showed no significant correlations for the methyl anthranilate or skatole odor conditions, but the pattern of correlations for men and women was different in the alpha androstenone condition, e.g., if men found alpha androstenone pleasant they tended to rate the target male positively.
The Hand Apraxia Scale
Authors: Burd L. , Cook J. , Randall T.
Published: August 2011

A scale for the assessment of hand apraxia was developed on a population of 239 institutionalized mentally retarded adults. Guttman scaling indicates adequate reliability and validity.
Speech and Music Draw Attention to the Right Ear in Stereophonic Listening
Authors: Cheatham Bart H.
Published: August 2011

This study investigated whether right-handed subjects would prefer the right ear for normal speech and the left ear for musical stimuli. Right-handed college students (9 women and 2 men) were presented two stereophonic tape recordings, one of normal speech, the other of nonlyrical, orchestral music. Subjects used an attenuator to match the intensity of signals in the left and right earphones. The subjects consistently favored the right side in both conditions. These findings are inconsistent with those of other researchers, such as Segalowitz and Plantery. However, the findings support the 1980 research of Porac, Coren, and Duncan, offering perceptual evidence of a general right-ear bias in right-handed subjects.
Effect of Alcohol on Visual Constancy Values and Possible Relation to Driving Performance
Authors: Farrimond Thomas
Published: August 2011

The effects of the constancy phenomena in vision seem to be to provide information about the environment which is not solely dependent upon the characteristics of shape or size of the retinal image but which is modified by the brain to appear closer to the idealized characteristics of the real object. There is a regression away from the retinal image towards the actual object's characteristics. A plate viewed from an angle tends to look more like a disc than would be predicted from the geometry of perspective. This ability of the brain to impose conditions on perception is a high-level process which may be adversely affected by the depressive action of alcohol on the nervous system. In this case, objects such as road signs, etc. would tend to look smaller and so more distant than when sober if regression is inhibited. Drivers' reactions may be delayed if hazards are seen as smaller and further away, thereby increasing the possibility of accident. This research indicates a reduction in phenomenal regression after ingestion of alcohol. There are implications for accident-rates in driving or in industry.
Effects of Extrinsic Conditions on Measurement of Sensation Seeking
Authors: Schroth Marvin L.
Published: August 2011

The effects of experimentally induced changes in levels of arousal on a measure of arousal (sensation-seeking) were studied. Different levels of arousal were induced in three groups of 40 subjects, then the Sensation Seeking Scale was administered to each group. Total arousal score and several subscores were significantly affected by the experimental conditions. Although individual differences in arousal levels measured by the scale are postulated to be relatively enduring, situational functions must be taken into consideration in the interpretation of test scores.
Subjective Comparisons of Auditory Distortion
Authors: Farrimond Thomas
Published: August 2011

To assess the accuracy of comparing different levels of distortion when levels are well above threshold, judgments were elicited from 340 subjects using two test tones of similar harmonic distribution in terms of frequency. Even though the total level of distortion in one of the tones had been reduced, subjects could not invariably select the less distorted tone in a comparison. This was true even for those subjects who stated that they could tell that the two tones sounded different from each other. There are implications concerning the validity of subjects' reports in making auditory estimations of ‘quality’ between signals.
Validity of Visually Recorded Temporal-Distance Measures at Selected Walking Velocities for Gait Analysis
Authors: Stuberg Wayne , Straw Laurie , Devine Laura
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of measures of temporal distance in a clinical analysis of gait. Data were collected from 15 normal subjects by one examiner. Equipment consisted of a 10-meter laminated walking track, dictaphone, metronome, and ink markers. The number of errors at four walking speeds were examined using a standardized analysis of gait. Analysis of variance showed a significant number of errors between the first and last halves of the measurement distance and among the four walking velocities. Post hoc analysis using the Scheffé test indicated significant differences in the mean number of errors at the velocities of 60 and 75 versus 25 and 40 m.min−1. An F test for simple effects indicated a significant number of errors occurred during the second half of the measured distance and at walking velocities of 60 and 75 m.min−1. These results indicate that the gait analysis is valid for measurements taken at all of the walking velocities only when recorded over a three-meter distance and only at the velocities of 25 and 40 m.min−1 over a six-meter distance.
Influence of Physical Activity on Concentration among Junior High-School Students
Authors: Raviv S. , Low M.
Published: August 2011

The level and quality of concentration were tested before and after each lesson in one class session. Two of the four classes participated in physical education activities, and the other two studied science. Each subject matter was studied at the beginning and at the end of the school day. The research design was 2×2×2 factorial (two subject matters, two times of the school day, and as a repeated measure two times of test for each group at the beginning and end of each lesson). The level and the quality of concentration found at the end of each lesson were significantly higher than at the beginning. The subject matters did not influence concentration. It may be concluded that the time of day was the main influence on concentration, so teachers' claims against physical education activity lessons can be rejected. The increase in concentration toward the end of the lesson implies the need for careful lesson planning or even the consideration of increasing duration of lessons.
Home-Cage Open-Field Ambulation after Maze Learning in Mice
Authors: Kvist Béatrice , Selander Ritva-Kajsa
Published: August 2011

The present paper indicates that it is with appropriate methods, i.e., maze learning and a not-previously used home-cage open-field, possible to observe a learning-induced ambulation increase in a familiar environment lacking novel cues. This finding is at variance with an earlier one achieved by electromagnetic recordings indicating a decrease in activity in the home-cage after passive avoidance conditioning.
Influence of Age, Sex, Hearing Loss, and Balance on Development of Sidearm Striking by Deaf Children
Authors: Butterfield Stephen A.
Published: August 2011

131 deaf boys and girls were evaluated on development of the sidearm striking pattern. Mature form in this skill was related to chronological age and to proficiency in balance. Sex and hearing loss do not appear to influence development of this skill.