bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A model-based fault prognostics scheme for uncertain non-linear discrete-time systems with multiple distinct faults
Authors: Thumati Balaje T , Jagannathan S
Published: October 2013

In this paper, an online prognostics framework is proposed for a class of uncertain non-linear discrete-time systems with multiple faults affecting the system state with all the states being considered measurable. Multiple faults imply that each system state is affected by several faults at the same time provided the faults are separable. In this framework, multiple faults (incipient or a combination of incipient faults) are detected by using the proposed fault detection (FD) estimator, which consists of an online approximator in discrete time and a robust adaptive term. Subsequently, the fault isolation (FI) module is initiated such that each state of the FI observer corresponds to a particular fault type in the case of single fault or fault combination in the case of multiple faults. The faults will be isolated successfully when the corresponding FI state residuals converge to zero in contrast with other FI schemes where they guarantee only boundedness. In addition, multiple isolation estimators are not required here since a decision scheme is utilized by using FD and FI estimators to determine the fault location, type and number of faults that occurred. Suitable mathematical conditions are derived to show the class of faults that could be isolated. Time to failure is determined by using the parameter update law of the FI estimator and the failure thresholds. Finally, a simulation example is used to demonstrate the proposed prognostics scheme.
Mental Models at Work
Authors: Halevy Nir , Cohen Taya R. , Chou Eileen Y. , Katz James J. , Panter A. T.
Published: October 2013

This research investigated the reciprocal relationship between mental models of conflict and various forms of dysfunctional social relations in organizations, including experiences of task and relationship conflicts, interpersonal hostility, workplace ostracism, and abusive supervision. We conceptualize individual differences in conflict construals as reflecting variation in people’s belief structures about conflict and explore how different elements in people’s associative networks—in particular, their beliefs about their best and worst strategy in conflict—relate to their personality, shape their experiences of workplace conflict, and influence others’ behavioral intentions toward them. Five studies using a variety of methods (including cross-sectional surveys, a 12-week longitudinal diary study, and an experiment) show that the best strategy beliefs relate in theoretically meaningful ways to individuals’ personality, shape social interactions and relationships significantly more than the worst strategy beliefs, and are updated over time as a result of individuals’ ongoing experiences of conflict.
Mental Contrasting and Transfer of Energization
Authors: Sevincer A. Timur , Busatta P. Daniel , Oettingen Gabriele
Published: October 2013

Mental contrasting a desired future with present reality is a self-regulation strategy that fosters energization in line with a person’s expectations of successfully attaining the desired future. We investigated whether physiological energization (measured by systolic blood pressure) elicited by mental contrasting a desired future of solving a given task transfers to effort in an unrelated task. As predicted, mental contrasting a desired future of excelling in an intelligence test (Study 1) and of writing an excellent essay (Study 2) triggered changes in energization that translated into physical effort in squeezing a handgrip (Study 1) and translated into mental effort in writing a get-well letter (Study 2). Results suggest that mental contrasting of solving one task triggers energization that may fuel effort for performing an unrelated task. Implications for intervention research are discussed.
The Variety of Governance Structures Beyond Market and Hierarchy
Authors: Ebers Mark , Oerlemans Leon
Published: October 2013

While research has identified a variety of hybrid governance structures, it has described and sought to explain this variety from different theoretical perspectives that are not readily reconcilable. This limits our ability systematically to compare different types of hybrids and on this basis to further theoretical understanding. Results of an empirical survey of transactions in buyer–supplier relations in the German construction industry provide novel insights into three distinct, widely employed types of hybrid governance structures. The study systematically compares the found hybrid governance structures and explores their rationales. As its main theoretical contribution, this study offers an empirically based typology of hybrid governance structures that complements earlier theorizing. It suggests that embeddedness and transaction cost arguments complement one another in explaining different and previously theoretically unspecified types of hybrid governance structures.
Interpersonal Cross-Cultural Contact
Authors: Ghosh Apoorva
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study is to qualitatively investigate how interpersonal cultural encounters in daily lives make individuals culturally competent at workplace. Using in-depth interviews of Indian working executives, I conducted an inquiry to arrive at my findings. The findings suggest that cultural encounters in work as well as non-work settings influence cultural competence at workplace. Especially, the role of family-based encounters was found to be significant. Contribution of this study towards the scholarship on cross-cultural management and future scope for research are discussed.
Measuring the Prevalence of Current, Severe Symptoms of Mental Health Problems in a Canadian Correctional Population
Authors: Brown Gregory P. , Hirdes John P. , Fries Brant E.
Published: October 2013

This study measured the prevalence of current, severe symptoms of a mental health problem in an adult population of inmates in Ontario, Canada. The Resident Assessment Instrument–Mental Health was used to measure the prevalence of symptoms among a sample of 522 inmates. Propensity score weighting was used to adjust for nonrandom selection into the sample. Prevalence estimates were derived for the total inmate population, remand and sentenced, males and females, and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal inmates. It is estimated that 41.1% of Ontario inmates will have at least one current, severe symptom of a mental health problem; of this group, 13.0%, will evidence two or more symptoms. The number of symptoms is strongly associated with presence of a psychiatric diagnosis and level of mental health care needs. Female (35.1%) and Aboriginal (18.7%) inmates are more likely to demonstrate two or more current, severe symptoms. Greater efforts must be made to bridge the gap between correctional and mental health care systems to ensure inmates in correctional facilities can access and receive appropriate mental health care services.
Adolescent Student Burnout Inventory in Mainland China
Authors: Li Bi , Wu Yan , Wen Zhonglin , Wang Mengcheng
Published: October 2013

This article assessed the measurement invariance of the Adolescent Student Burnout Inventory (ASBI) across gender and educational track, and investigated the main and interaction effects of gender and educational track on the facets of student burnout with a sample consisting of 2,216 adolescent students from China. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis was used to test measurement invariance of the ASBI, and the Multiple-Indicator, Multiple-Cause Models (MIMIC) was used to test the main and interaction effects of gender and educational track on the facets of student burnout. Results showed that the three-factor (exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced efficacy) structure of student burnout was invariant across gender and educational track. It was also shown that boys suffered more cynicism than girls; the educational track affected the student burnout; the interaction effect of gender and educational track were found on reduced efficacy in Grade 9 students, and on exhaustion and reduced efficacy in Grade 12 students.
Victimization Experiences and Adolescent Substance Use
Authors: Pinchevsky Gillian M. , Fagan Abigail A. , Wright Emily M.
Published: October 2013

Evidence indicates an association between victimization and adolescent substance use, but the exact nature of this relationship remains unclear. Some research focuses solely on the consequences of experiencing indirect victimization (e.g., witnessing violence), others examine direct victimization (e.g., being personally victimized), and still others combine both forms of victimization without assessing the relative impact of each on substance use. Furthermore, many of these studies only assess these relationships in the short-term using cross-sectional data. This study uses data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN) to explore the impact of experiencing only indirect victimization, only direct victimization, both forms of victimization, and no victimization on substance use at two time points during adolescence. We find that of those adolescents who are victimized, the majority experience indirect victimization only, followed by experiencing both forms of victimization, and experiencing direct victimization only. Each of the victimization experiences were associated with increased contemporaneous substance use, with the strongest effects for those experiencing multiple forms of violence. For all victims, however, the impact on substance use declined over time.
Traumatic Childhood Experiences in the 21st Century
Authors: Greeson Johanna K. P. , Briggs Ernestine C. , Layne Christopher M. , Belcher Harolyn M. E. , Ostrowski Sarah A. , Kim Soeun , Lee Robert C. , Vivrette Rebecca L. , Pynoos Robert S. , Fairbank John A.
Published: October 2013

The study objectives were to (a) examine the association between total number of trauma types experienced and child/adolescent behavioral problems and (b) determine whether the number of trauma types experienced predicted youth behavioral problems above and beyond demographic characteristics, using a diverse set of 20 types of trauma. Data came from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s (NCTSN) Core Data Set (CDS), which includes youth assessed and treated for trauma across the United States. Participants who experienced at least one type of trauma were included in the sample ( N = 11,028; age = 1½-18 years; 52.3% girls). Random effects models were used to account for possible intraclass correlations given treatment services were provided at different NCTSN centers. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate associations among demographic characteristics, trauma, and emotional and behavioral problems as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Significant dose–response relations were found between total number of trauma types and behavior problems for all CBCL scales, except Sleep, one of the subscales only administered to 1½- to 5-year-olds. Thus, each additional trauma type endorsed significantly increased the odds for scoring above the clinical threshold. Results provide further evidence of strong associations between diverse traumatic childhood experiences and a diverse range of behavior problems, and underscore the need for a trauma-informed public health and social welfare approach to prevention, risk reduction, and early intervention for traumatized youth.
Flexibility, performance and perceptions of job security: a comparison of East and West German employees in standard employment relationships
Authors: Bernhardt Janine , Krause Alexandra
Published: October 2013

This article examines the determinants of perceived job security in German standard employment relationships (SER). Although SERs still dominate and shape the labour market, they have undergone several modifications in the recent past. Using survey data from 2006, the article examines how work organizations and particularly multiple workplace demands influence the perceived job security of employees in SERs. The article also asks whether − 20 years after reunification – structural and cultural differences still exist between East and West Germany. The results show that employees in East German SERs are more willing to accept flexibility and performance requirements. The article suggests that a new psychological contract has emerged, which promises long-term employment only if employees eventually meet the new workplace demands. Yet the overall lower job security of East Germans, fuelled by lower trust in their employers’ information policies, indicates the fragile nature of this arrangement.
Organizing immigrants: meaning generation in the community
Authors: Yu Kyoung-Hee
Published: October 2013

This article examines the role of community organizations in generating meaning during a campaign to organize Haitian nursing assistants in Boston, USA. There is by now a sizeable literature on labour-community coalition formation, yet it is not understood how repertoires are generated in the community and how they are translated into the realm of employment relations. This study examines how meanings generated in three community organizations, churches, ethnic media and hometown associations were transferred into the organizing process. Findings indicate that collective identities and political selves constructed through experiences in the community can help low-wage immigrant workers overcome the sense of powerlessness that they often experience at work. Contributions to scholarship on community unionism and mobilization theory are discussed.
A Person-by-Situation Approach to Emotion Regulation
Authors: Troy Allison S. , Shallcross Amanda J. , Mauss Iris B.
Published: October 2013

Emotion regulation is central to psychological health. For instance, cognitive reappraisal (reframing an emotional situation) is generally an adaptive emotion-regulation strategy (i.e., it is associated with increased psychological health). However, a person-by-situation approach suggests that the adaptiveness of different emotion-regulation strategies depends on the context in which they are used. Specifically, reappraisal may be adaptive when stressors are uncontrollable (when the person can regulate only the self) but maladaptive when stressors can be controlled (when the person can change the situation). To test this prediction, we measured cognitive-reappraisal ability, the severity of recent life stressors, stressor controllability, and level of depression in 170 participants. For participants with uncontrollable stress, higher cognitive-reappraisal ability was associated with lower levels of depression. In contrast, for participants with controllable stress, higher cognitive-reappraisal ability was associated with greater levels of depression. These findings support a theoretical model in which particular emotion-regulation strategies are not adaptive or maladaptive per se; rather, their adaptiveness depends on the context.
Surgical informed consent in Iran—how much is it informed?
Authors: Faghanipour Somayeh , Joolaee Soodabeh , Sobhani Marzieh
Published: October 2013

Introduction:

Informed consent constitutes one of the most important legal, professional, and ethical principles of a surgical operation. Consent obtained from a patient is only valid when the patient has received enough information regarding the proposed treatment option. This study aims to determine how much the patients are informed before undergoing surgery, as well as the factors influencing it in hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Method:

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive–analytic study of 300 patients undergoing surgery in 7 teaching hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The patients were recruited through clustered sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire completed by interview. Data were analyzed on SPSS software using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Result:

The mean score of data provision for patients was 27.09 out of 60, indicating the level of information provided as unacceptable. Among 12 questions dealing with data provision, patients had received an intermediate level of information about nature of the disease, type of surgery, benefits and importance of the surgery, and complications of rejecting the recommended therapy. On the contrary, they had not received enough information about the surgical procedure, type of anesthesia, potential complications of surgery, potential risks of surgery, other therapy options instead of surgery, length of hospital stay for surgery, postsurgical follow-up, and expenses of the surgery. In the majority (85%) of cases, the surgeon was reported to be the information provider. Among the variables studied, level of information received was directly related to the patient’s education level.

Discussion:

The findings of this study indicate that during the process of obtaining an informed consent for surgery, patients do not receive sufficient information, and it is necessary to provide the essential information in an understandable manner adjusted for the patient’s level of education.
Extending zygonic theory to analyse patterns of musical influence between children creating pieces of music in groups, in England and Japan
Authors: Shibazaki Kagari , Ockelford Adam , Marshall Nigel A.
Published: October 2013

This article reports on initial exploratory trials of a methodological extension of zygonic theory, through which this psychomusicologically-based approach was used to analyse patterns of musical influence within pieces created by groups of primary school children aged 9–11 years in England and Japan. Previously, the theory had been used in educational and therapeutic contexts to gauge the musical impact of each participant on the other in one-to-one musical interactions. The preliminary findings reported here suggest that zygonically-derived analytical techniques may potentially be of value not only in defining children’s musical contributions and patterns of influence as they seek to create pieces in groups, but also in comparative studies that examine the potentially dissimilar improvisatory approaches adopted by different cohorts of pupils. It is further argued that zygonic measures of musical influence may be of value as inverse proxy measures of creativity.
Home-Based Family Counseling
Authors: Hammond Cherée , Czyszczon Greg
Published: October 2013

Home-based family counseling (HBFC), also described as “intensive in-home” or “Multi-Systemic” therapy, has been utilized since 1990 and is a growing market trend. However, this modality has only recently become an accepted counseling practice. Currently, there are no professional guidelines for HBFC interventions. Even among accredited counseling programs, it seems that little training is offered specific to HBFC programs and too often in-home interventions are executed by paraprofessionals with little to no formal counseling training. This article will clarify the role of counselors within this growing practice, explore the ethical and multicultural implications of HBFC interventions, and provide an opening for the profession to begin to discuss the professionalization of home-based interventions.
Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Antunes-Alves Sara , Stefano Jack De
Published: October 2013

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has received increasing public awareness in recent decades because of its prevalence and widespread deleterious and sometimes fatal effects. While clinicians and researchers alike are turning their attention more than ever to the treatment of the problem, there is continuing debate in the field on how to best address and manage the problem legally, socially, and therapeutically. This article adds to the debate by reviewing some of the major issues in IPV and its treatment. In spite of advances in our understanding, the use of gender exclusive batterer groups continues to be a preferred approach to dealing with the problem. We describe how and why, in many cases, conjoint couple therapy has replaced group treatment as an alternate approach and provide empirical evidence in support of this practice. We conclude with some practical guidelines for clinicians who are to engage in conjoint treatment for IPV.
Prevention Nearby
Authors: Leclerc Benoit , Smallbone Stephen , Wortley Richard
Published: October 2013

The main aim of this study was to examine the effect of a potential guardian on the severity of child sexual abuse. Using data obtained on crime events from adult child sexual offenders incarcerated in Queensland (Australia), mixed-effects logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the effect of potential guardianship on the severity of abuse. Controlling for victim and situational characteristics, the analyses showed that the presence of a potential guardian reduced the duration of sexual contact and the occurrence of penetration. Presence of a potential guardian decreased the risk of sexual penetration by 86%. The study highlights the importance of the presence of a potential guardian for reducing the severity of child sexual abuse, and suggests more broadly that guardianship may be an important protective factor in sexual offending.
Preparing Adult Educators
Authors: Shawer Saad
Published: October 2013

This paper examines why communicative language teaching (CLT) fails to improve student learning in certain contexts by assessing two adult educators’ communicative and noncommunicative practices through qualitative case studies, interviews, and participant observations. Results show no inherent CLT problems that prevent teachers from grasping CLT theory and transforming it into classroom practices. Communicative classroom practices lead to significant improvements in student communicative competence and four skills, whereas noncommunicative practices bring about poor student learning outcomes. Moreover, noncommunicative teaching incurs negative consequences for teachers and students more than traditional pattern-drill instruction. The study points to the teachers for CLT failures in certain contexts and recommends CLT to underpin English as a foreign language/English as a second language (EFL/ESL) curriculum and instruction, alongside changes in adult educator preparation programs and in-service teacher training. To avoid noncommunicative instruction, policymakers and initial and in-service teacher training programs should offer communicative training that mixes and balances theory and practice, and should monitor teacher cognition and behavior in actual classrooms.
Reduced axonal motor protein expression in non-lesional grey matter in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hares K , Kemp K , Rice C , Gray E , Scolding N , Wilkins A
Published: October 2013

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease characterised by central nervous system inflammation, demyelination, axonal degeneration and neuronal injury. Preventing neuronal and axon damage is of paramount importance in attempts to prevent disease progression. Intact axonal transport mechanisms are crucial to axonal integrity and evidence suggests these mechanisms are disrupted in MS. Anterograde axonal transport is mediated to a large extent through the kinesin superfamily proteins. Recently, certain kinesin superfamily proteins (KIF5A, KIF1B and KIF21B) were implicated in MS pathology.

Objectives:

To investigate the expression of KIF5A, KIF21B and KIF1B in MS and control post-mortem grey matter.

Methods:

Using both quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Immunodot-blots assays, we analysed the expression of kinesin superfamily proteins in 27 MS cases and 13 control cases not linked to neurological disease.

Results:

We have shown significant reductions in KIF5A, KIF21B and KIF1B messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression and also KIF5A protein expression in MS grey matter, as compared to control grey matter.

Conclusion:

We have shown significant reductions in mRNA and protein levels of axonal motor proteins in the grey matter of MS cases, which may have important implications for the pathogenesis of neuronal/axonal injury in the disease.
HLA-E restricted CD8+ T cell subsets are phenotypically altered in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Pannemans Kim , Broux Bieke , Goris An , Dubois Bénédicte , Broekmans Tom , Van Wijmeersch Bart , Geraghty Daniel , Stinissen Piet , Hellings Niels
Published: October 2013

Background:

The importance of Qa-1 restricted CD8+ T cells in regulating autoreactive T cell responses has been demonstrated in animal models for autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

We hypothesize that their human variant, HLA-E restricted CD8+ T cells, fulfills a similar regulatory role in man and that these cells are of importance in MS.

Methods:

A large cohort of MS patients and healthy controls was genotyped for the two known HLA-E polymorphisms. Flow cytometry was used to determine HLA-E expression kinetics and to phenotype HLA-E restricted CD8+ T cells. Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate HLA-E expression in the central nervous system (CNS) of MS patients.

Results:

HLA-E is upregulated on immune cells upon in vitro activation and this upregulation is polymorphism-dependent for T and B cells. T and B cells in lesions of MS patients show enhanced HLA-E expression. Furthermore, NKG2C+CD8+ T cells of MS patients have a significantly lower Foxp3 expression, while NKG2A+CD8+ T cells of MS patients produce higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to those of healthy individuals.

Conclusion:

Our study indicates that the HLA-E system is altered in MS and could play a regulatory role in disease.
Toward an instructional approach to developing interactive second language listening
Authors: Yeldham Michael , Gruba Paul
Published: October 2013

This study details the development of six second language learners in an English listening course that focused on developing their bottom-up listening skills. The research employed longitudinal multi-case studies to chart the development of these lower proficiency-level Taiwanese university learners, and their progress in the course was analysed in light of the main theoretical claims of this instructional approach. The study found that many of the learners did not develop in the manner theorized, at least over the 22-hour period of the course, spread over a semester and a half. The study also found that there was no particular ‘type’ of learner, in terms of their predominant approach to listening (i.e. top-down or bottom-up), most likely to benefit from such a course. It was concluded that bottom-up skills ought to be taught in conjunction with more knowledge-based listening strategies to develop learners’ interactive listening abilities. The study also underscored how listeners need to develop an interaction between bottom-up and top-down processes in order to progress.
Serological markers in psoriatic arthritis: promising tools
Authors: Ramonda Roberta , Modesti Valentina , Ortolan Augusta , Scanu Anna , Bassi Nicola , Oliviero Francesca , Punzi Leonardo
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to identify specific biomarkers that could be used to screen for psoriatic arthritis (PsA), as well as to assess disease activity and treatment outcome in affected patients. Forty-three outpatients considered eligible for anti-TNF-α treatment (etanercept 50 mg/week) were enrolled. Serum samples of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3), pentraxin 3 (PTX3), and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were collected at baseline (t0) and after 6 (t6), 12 (t12), and 24 months (t24) of treatment. Baseline values were compared with those of a group of healthy controls matched for age and sex. Disease activity scores and functional tests (DAS28, BASDAI, PASI, BASFI, HAQ, VAS pain, and VAS patient global disease activity) after treatment were found to be significantly different from baseline values. At baseline, MMP3, hs-CRP and VEGF values in the PsA-patients were found to be significantly higher with respect to levels in the controls. There were no differences in the PTX3 values. MMP3 was significantly lower at t6 ( P < 0.0001), t12 ( P < 0.0001) and t24 ( P < 0.0001). hs-CRP and VEGF were significantly lower, respectively, at t12 ( P < 0.01; P < 0.05) and t24 ( P < 0.05; P < 0.01). PTX3 was significantly higher at t24 ( P < 0.05). A correlation was found between MMP3 and hs-CRP (r = 0.45, P = 0.0005).

MMP3, hs-CRP, and VEGF appear to be useful for the early detection of PsA and to monitor disease progression. The rise in PTX3 did not appear to be linked to the inflammatory state of the disease but might be an expression of the atherosclerotic process frequently observed in PsA.
Is Insecurity Worse for Well-being in Turbulent Times? Mental Health in Context
Authors: Lam Jack , Fan Wen , Moen Phyllis
Published: October 2013

Using General Social Survey data, we examine whether any association between job insecurity and well-being is contingent on economic climate (comparing those interviewed in turbulent 2010 vs. pre-recessionary 2006), as well as income and gender. We find respondents with higher levels of job insecurity in 2010 reported lower levels of happiness compared to those similarly insecure in 2006. The positive relationship between job insecurity and days of poor mental health becomes more pronounced for those in the third quartile of personal income in 2010, suggesting middle-class vulnerability during the economic downturn. Men (but not women) with higher insecurity report more days of poor mental health in both 2006 and 2010. These findings reinforce a “cycles of control” theoretical approach, given the mental health–job insecurity relationship is heightened for workers in turbulent times.
Transitioning From High School to College
Authors: Taylor Zoe E. , Doane Leah D. , Eisenberg Nancy
Published: October 2013

During the transition from high school to college, youths navigate increasingly adult roles, take on new academic and economic responsibilities, and forge new social networks. We examined longitudinal relations among internalizing symptoms (depression and anxiety), perceived social support, and the personality trait of ego-resiliency across three time points at the end of high school and during the first year of college ( N = 82). Internalizing symptoms were concurrently negatively correlated with perceived social support from friends and family as well as with ego-resiliency, and ego-resiliency was positively, concurrently correlated with perceived social support from friends. Across time, internalizing symptoms were negatively associated with perceived social support from friends, whereas ego-resiliency was positively associated with perceived social support from family. Findings demonstrate the potential importance of coping resources for youths’ mental health and highlight the negative associations between internalizing symptoms and later perceptions of social support during this transitional stage.
Clinical, genomic, and imaging predictors of myeloma progression from asymptomatic monoclonal gammopathies (SWOG S0120)
Authors: Dhodapkar Madhav V. , Sexton Rachael , Waheed Sarah , Usmani Saad , Papanikolaou Xenofon , Nair Bijay , Petty Nathan , Shaughnessy John D. , Hoering Antje , Crowley John , Orlowski Robert Z. , Barlogie Bart
Published: October 2013

Key Points

First prospective US cooperative trial group in preneoplastic gammopathies. Prospective demonstration that genomic features of preneoplastic cells predict disease risk.
Association of frailty and physical function in patients with non-dialysis CKD: a systematic review
Authors: Walker Simon R , Gill Kamalpreet , Macdonald Kerry , Komenda Paul , Rigatto Claudio , Sood Manish M , Bohm Clara J , Storsley Leroy J , Tangri Navdeep
Published: October 2013

Background

Frailty is a condition characterized by a decline in physical function and functional capacity. Common symptoms of frailty, such as weakness and exhaustion, are prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The increased vulnerability of frail patients with coexisting CKD may place them at a heightened risk of encountering additional health complications. The purpose of this systematic review was to explore the link between frailty, CKD and clinical outcomes.

Methods

We searched for cross sectional and prospective studies in the general population and in the CKD population indexed in EMBASE, Pubmed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane and Ageline examining the association between frailty and CKD and those relating frailty in patients with CKD to clinical outcomes.

Results

We screened 5,066 abstracts and retrieved 108 studies for full text review. We identified 7 studies associating frailty or physical function to CKD. From the 7 studies, we identified only two studies that related frailty in patients with CKD to a clinical outcome. CKD was consistently associated with increasing frailty or reduced physical function [odds ratios (OR) 1.30 to 3.12]. In patients with CKD, frailty was associated with a greater than two-fold higher risk of dialysis and/or death [OR from 2.0 to 5.88].

Conclusions

CKD is associated with a higher risk of frailty or diminished physical function. Furthermore, the presence of frailty in patients with CKD may lead to a higher risk of mortality. Further research must be conducted to understand the mechanisms of frailty in CKD and to confirm its association with clinical outcomes.
Using intervention mapping for the development of a targeted secure web-based outreach strategy named SafeFriend, for Chlamydia trachomatis testing in young people at risk
Authors: Theunissen Kevin ATM , Hoebe Christian JPA , Crutzen Rik , Kara-Zaïtri Chakib , de Vries Nanne K , van Bergen Jan EAM , van der Sande Marianne AB , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole HTM
Published: October 2013

Background

Many young people at high risk for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) are not reached by current sexual health care systems, such as general practitioners and public sexual health care centres (sexually transmitted infection clinics).Ct is the most frequently diagnosed bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) among sexually active people and in particular young heterosexuals. Innovative screening strategies are needed to interrupt the transmission of Ct among young people and connect the hidden cases to care.

Methods

Intervention Mapping (IM), a systematic approach to develop theory- and evidence-based interventions, was used to develop a strategy to target Ct testing towards young people who are currently hidden to care in The Netherlands. Both clinical users (i.e. sexual health care nurses) and public users (i.e., young people at risk for Ct) were closely involved in the IM process. A needs assessment study was carried out using semi-structured interviews among users (N = 21), a literature search and by taking lessons learned from existing screening programmes. Theoretical methods and practical applications to reach high risk young people and influence testing were selected and translated into specific programme components.

Results

The IM approach resulted in the development of a secure and web-based outreach Ct screening strategy, named SafeFriend. It is developed to target groups of high-risk young people who are currently hidden to care. Key methods include web-based Respondent Driven Sampling, starting from young Ct positive sexual health care centre clients, to reach and motivate peers (i.e., sex partners and friends) to get tested for Ct. Testing and the motivation of peers were proposed as the desired behavioural outcomes and the Precaution Adoption Process Model was chosen as theoretical framework. End users, i.e., young people and sexual health care nurses were interviewed and included in the development process to increase the success of implementation.

Conclusions

IM proved useful to develop an intervention for targeted Ct testing among young people. We believe this to be the first web-based outreach screening strategy which combines chain referral sampling with the delivery of targeted Ct testing to high risk young people within their sexual and social networks.
Psychological Impact of Prostate Biopsy: Physical Symptoms, Anxiety, and Depression
Authors: Wade Julia , Rosario Derek J. , Macefield Rhiannon C. , Avery Kerry N.L. , Salter C. Elizabeth , Goodwin M. Louise , Blazeby Jane M. , Lane J. Athene , Metcalfe Chris , Neal David E. , Hamdy Freddie C. , Donovan Jenny L.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To investigate the psychological impact of prostate biopsy, including relationships between physical biopsy-related symptoms and anxiety and depression.

Patients and Methods

A prospective cohort of 1,147 men, nested within the Prostate Testing for Cancer and Treatment trial and recommended to receive prostate biopsy, completed questionnaires assessing physical and psychological harms after biopsy in the Prostate Biopsy Effects study. Psychological impact was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and scores were compared according to experiences of biopsy-related symptoms at biopsy, and at 7 and 35 days afterward, and in relation to biopsy results.

Results

A total of 1,144 men (99.7%) returned questionnaires at biopsy, with 1,090 (95.0%) and 1,016 (88.6%) responding at 7 and 35 days postbiopsy. Most men experienced biopsy-related symptoms as no problem or a minor problem, and overall levels of anxiety and depression were low and similar to normative levels. Of men receiving a negative biopsy result (n = 471), anxiety was greater in those experiencing problematic biopsy-related symptoms compared with those experiencing nonproblematic symptoms at 7 days for the following symptoms: pain (P < .001), shivers, (P = .020), hematuria (P < .001), hematochezia (P < .001), and hemoejaculate (P < .001). Anxiety was reduced, although symptoms were not, after 35 days. Overall levels of anxiety were low across all time points except at the 35-day assessment among men who had received a cancer diagnosis.

Conclusion

Problematic postbiopsy symptoms can lead to increased anxiety, distinct from distress related to diagnosis of prostate cancer. Men and doctors need to consider these additional potential harms of biopsy when deciding whether to initiate prostate-specific antigen testing.
Keratin 8 modulates β-cell stress responses and normoglycaemia
Authors: Alam Catharina M. , Silvander Jonas S. G. , Daniel Ebot N. , Tao Guo-Zhong , Kvarnström Sofie M. , Alam Parvez , Omary M. Bishr , Hänninen Arno , Toivola Diana M.
Published: October 2013

Keratin intermediate filament (IF) proteins are epithelial cell cytoskeletal components that provide structural stability and protection from cell stress, among other cellular and tissue-specific functions. Numerous human diseases are associated with IF gene mutations, but the function of keratins in the endocrine pancreas and their potential significance for glycaemic control are unknown. The impact of keratins on β-cell organisation and systemic glucose control was assessed using keratin 8 (K8) wild-type (K8+/+) and K8 knockout (K8−/−) mice. Islet β-cell keratins were characterised under basal conditions, in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes and in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. STZ-induced diabetes incidence and islet damage was assessed in K8+/+ and K8−/− mice. K8 and K18 were the predominant keratins in islet β-cells and K8−/− mice expressed only remnant K18 and K7. K8 deletion resulted in lower fasting glucose levels, increased glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, blunted glucose stimulated insulin secretion and decreased pancreatic insulin content. GLUT2 localisation and insulin vesicle morphology were disrupted in K8−/− β-cells. The increased levels of cytoplasmic GLUT2 correlated with resistance to high-dose STZ-induced injury in K8−/− mice. However, K8 deletion conferred no long-term protection from STZ-induced diabetes and prolonged STZ-stress caused increased exocrine damage in K8−/− mice. β-cell keratin upregulation occurred 2 weeks after low-dose STZ-treated K8+/+ mice and in diabetic NOD mice, suggesting a role for keratins particularly in non-acute islet stress responses. These results demonstrate previously unrecognised functions for keratins in β-cell intracellular organisation as well as for systemic blood glucose control under basal conditions and in diabetes-induced stress.
The effect of a Galeazzi fracture on the strength of pronation and supination two years after surgical treatment
Authors: Ploegmakers J. J. W. , The B. , Brutty M. , Ackland T. R. , Wang A. W.
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a Galeazzi fracture on the strength of pronation and supination at a mean of two years after surgical treatment. The strength of pronation and supination was measured in varying rotational positions of the forearm of ten male patients (mean age 38.9 years (21 to 64)) who had undergone plate fixation for a Galeazzi fracture. The stability of the distal radioulnar joint was assessed, and a clinical assessment using the quick-Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (quickDASH) questionnaire and patient-related wrist examination (PRWE) scores was undertaken. In addition, the strength of pronation and supination was measured in a male control group of 42 healthy volunteers (mean age 21.8 years (18 to 37)).

The mean absolute loss of strength of supination in the injured compared with the non-injured arm throughout all ranges of forearm rotation was 16.1 kg (sem 5.3), corresponding to a relative loss of 12.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.6 to 21.4). For the strength of pronation, the mean loss was 19.1 kg (sem 4.5), corresponding to a relative loss of 27.2% (95% CI 14.2 to 40.1). Loss of strength of supination following a Galeazzi fracture correlated with poor quickDASH (p = 0.03) and PRWE scores (p < 0.01).

Loss of strength of pronation (27.2%), and of supination (12.5%) in particular, after a Galeazzi fracture is associated with worse clinical scores, highlighting the importance of supination of the forearm in function of the upper limb.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1508–13.
Adverse peri-operative outcomes following elective total hip replacement in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tsang S-T. J. , Gaston P.
Published: October 2013

Total hip replacement (THR) has been shown to be a cost-effective procedure. However, it is not risk-free. Certain conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, are thought to increase the risk of complications. In this study we have evaluated the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients undergoing THR and the associated risk of adverse operative outcomes. A meta-analysis and systematic review were conducted according to the guidelines of the meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology. Inclusion criteria were observational studies reporting the prevalence of diabetes in the study population, accompanied by reports of at least one of the following outcomes: venous thromboembolic events; acute coronary events; infections of the urinary tract, lower respiratory tract or surgical site; or requirement for revision arthroplasty. Altman and Bland’s methods were used to calculate differences in relative risks. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was found to be 5.0% among patients undergoing THR, and was associated with an increased risk of established surgical site infection (odds ratio (OR) 2.04 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.52 to 2.76)), urinary infection (OR 1.43 (95% CI 1.33 to 1.55)) and lower respiratory tract infections (OR 1.95 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.26)). Diabetes mellitus is a relatively common comorbidity encountered in THR. Diabetic patients have a higher rate of developing both surgical site and non-surgical site infections following THR.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1474–9.
The long-term outcome of uncemented Low Contact Stress total knee replacement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Abram S. G. F. , Nicol F. , Hullin M. G. , Spencer S. J.
Published: October 2013

We reviewed the long-term clinical and radiological results of 63 uncemented Low Contact Stress (LCS) total knee replacements (TKRs) in 47 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 69 years (53 to 81). At a mean follow-up of 22 years (20 to 25), 12 patients were alive (17 TKRs), 27 had died (36 TKRs), and eight (ten TKRs) were lost to follow-up.

Revision was necessary in seven patients (seven TKRs, 11.1%) at a mean of 12.1 years (0 to 19) after surgery. In the surviving ten patients who had not undergone revision (15 TKRs), the mean Oxford knee score was 30.2 (16 to 41) at a mean follow-up of 19.5 years (15 to 24.7) and mean active flexion was 105° (90° to 150°). The survival rate was 88.9% at 20 years (56 of 63) and the Kaplan–Meier survival estimate, without revision, was 80.2% (95% confidence interval 37 to 100) at 25 years.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1497–9.
Exam Corner – November 2013
Authors: Khanduja V.
Published: October 2013

The FRCS (Tr & Orth) examination has three components: MCQs, Vivas and Clinical Examination. The Vivas are further divided into four sections comprising Basic Science, Adult Pathology, Hands and Children’s Orthopaedics and Trauma. The Clinical Examination section is divided into Upper and Lower limb cases. The aim of this section in the Journal is to focus specifically on the trainees preparing for the exam and to cater to all the sections of the exam. The vision is to complete the cycle of all relevant exam topics (as per the syllabus) in four years.
Assessing the Adequacy of Concrete Mixes Utilizing PCB Powders
Authors: Huang Hsiu Lung , Hwang Chao-Lung , Peng Sheng Szu , Wang Edward H. , Chen Chun Tsun , Chiang Chu Chan
Published: October 2013

Solid waste management is becoming a sustainability issue in highly industrialized societies. Recycling or reuse of solid waste is desirable to reduce the adverse impact of this material. The vast annual production of printed circuit board (PCB) waste in Taiwan creates environmental concerns because of the leaching of toxic chemicals into landfills. This study assessed the feasibility of utilizing resin powder and glass fiber recycled from PCB waste as a partial replacement of fine aggregate (natural river sand) in concrete. It also established a comprehensive test program to promote the use of recycling waste for waste reduction. The crushed powder of PCB mixed with standard mortar in fixed volumetric mix proportion, as sand:cement:water = 2.75:1:0.485 was the control group to test the fresh and hardened properties of the material. The test results of hardened specimen properties showed that the addition of PCB resin powder should be less than 10 %, and the addition level of glass fiber should be less than 2 %. The engineering properties and durability matched those of the cement mortar of the standard control group. Because toxic chemicals released from PCB powder and hardened concretes were found to be less than the tolerance limit in the local ordinances, waste PCB can be used in cement mortar, providing an alternative for recycling industrial waste PCB.