bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thrombin Inhibition by Argatroban Ameliorates Early Brain Injury and Improves Neurological Outcomes After Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Rats
Authors: Sugawara Takashi , Jadhav Vikram , Ayer Robert , Chen Wanqiu , Suzuki Hidenori , Zhang John H.
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

We investigated the role of thrombin in early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Methods—

The standard intravascular perforation model was used to produce experimental SAH in Sprague Dawley rats. Low-dose (0.3 mg/h) and high-dose (0.9 mg/h) argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor, were evaluated for effects on brain edema, blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, apoptotic cell death, inflammatory marker, and neurological outcomes after SAH.

Results—

Both doses of argatroban attenuated BBB disruption; however, only high-dose was effective in lowering edema in all brain regions, reducing cell death, and inflammatory marker expression, and improving neurological outcomes.

Conclusions—

Thrombin inhibition by argatroban improves neurological outcomes and provides neuroprotection against acute events after SAH such as BBB disruption, brain edema, and cell death.
Social Class, Risk Factors, and Stroke Incidence in Men and Women
Authors: McFadden Emily , Luben Robert , Wareham Nicholas , Bingham Sheila , Khaw Kay-Tee
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between occupational social class and stroke incidence and the extent to which classical, lifestyle, and psychosocial risk factors may explain such relationships.

Methods—

A prospective population study was conducted of 22488 men and women aged 39 to 79 years living in the general community in Norfolk, UK, recruited in 1993 to 1997 and followed up for stroke incidence to 2007.

Results—

An inverse relationship was observed between social class and stroke incidence with an age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio for social Class V compared with I of 2.62 (95% CI, 1.63 to 4.22;
P
=0.001). Adjusting for classical (systolic blood pressure, total blood cholesterol, smoking, history of diabetes, and body mass index), lifestyle (plasma vitamin C levels, alcohol intake, and physical activity), and psychosocial (5-item version of the Mental Health Inventory) risk factors had little effect, and a socioeconomic differential was still apparent: hazard ratio for social Class V compared with I of 2.55 (95% CI, 1.34 to 4.85,
P
=0.004 for comparison of V to I).

Conclusions—

Stroke incidence increased with lower social class in both men and women. Adjustment for a comprehensive range of classical, lifestyle, and psychosocial risk factors did not explain the socioeconomic differential in stroke incidence. If we are to reduce inequalities in health, further understanding of the mechanisms underlying the association is needed.
VEGF Stimulates the ERK 1/2 Signaling Pathway and Apoptosis in Cerebral Endothelial Cells After Ischemic Conditions
Authors: Narasimhan Purnima , Liu Jing , Song Yun Seon , Massengale Justin L. , Chan Pak H.
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral endothelial cells that line microvessels play an important role in maintaining blood flow homeostasis within the brain-forming part of the blood–brain barrier. These cells are injured by hypoxia-induced reperfusion, leading to blood–brain barrier breakdown and exacerbation of ischemic injury. We investigated the roles of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) protein after oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in primary endothelial cells.

Methods—

Primary mouse endothelial cells were isolated and subjected to OGD. Western analysis of VEGF and ERK 1/2 protein levels was performed. Cells were transfected with VEGF small interference RNA. A terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated uridine 5′-triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and DNA fragmentation assay were used on mouse endothelial cells that overexpress copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (SOD1).

Results—

VEGF protein expression was induced and its receptor, Flk-1, was stimulated by OGD. Phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 protein levels was upregulated. Inhibition of phosphorylated ERK (pERK) expression by U0126 reduced endothelial cell death by OGD. Transfection of small interfering RNA for VEGF also inhibited an increase in pERK, suggesting that VEGF acts via ERK. The TUNEL and DNA fragmentation assays showed a significant decrease in TUNEL-positivity in the SOD1-overexpressing endothelial cells compared with wild-type cells after OGD.

Conclusions—

Our data suggest that OGD induces VEGF signaling via its receptor, Flk-1, and activates ERK via oxidative-stress-dependent mechanisms. Our study shows that in cerebral endothelial cells the ERK 1/2 signaling pathway plays a significant role in cell injury after OGD.
New-Onset Constipation at Acute Stage After First Stroke
Authors: Su Yongjing , Zhang Xiaoyan , Zeng Jinsheng , Pei Zhong , Cheung Raymond Tak Fai , Zhou Qiuping (Pearl) , Ling Li , Yu Jian , Tan Jianling , Zhang Zhenlu
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

The prevalence of constipation after stroke varies from 30% to 60%. The incidence of new-onset constipation during the early stage of stroke remains uncertain. The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence of new-onset constipation, its risk factors, and its impact on stroke outcome in patients with their first stroke at acute stage.

Methods—

This is a prospective cohort study of 154 patients admitted with their first stroke. New-onset constipation during the first 4 weeks of stroke was recorded, using the Rome II criteria for constipation. Demographics, characteristics of the stroke, laboratory parameters, and use of medications were evaluated as risk factors for constipation. Death, recurrent stroke, and handicap at 12 weeks were regarded as poor outcome. The impact of constipation on poor outcome was also studied.

Results—

The cumulative incidence of new-onset constipation was 55.2% at 4 weeks poststroke. The occurrence of constipation was associated with dependence (
P
<0.01) and use of bedpan for defecation (
P
<0.05). Among patients with moderate stroke severity (NIHSS 4 to11) at baseline, constipation at 4 weeks was associated with a poor outcome at 12 weeks.

Conclusions—

New-onset constipation is a common complication of acute stroke. Its occurrence is associated with dependence and use of bedpan for defecation. Its development may predict a poor outcome at 12 weeks in patients with moderately severe stroke.
Postpublication External Review of the Japanese Guidelines for the Management of Stroke 2004
Authors: Shinohara Yukito , Nagayama Masao , Origasa Hideki
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

Many guidelines for management of stroke have been published throughout the world, but no postpublication external review of any set of stroke guidelines by users, using standard checklists, has been reported. The purpose of this article is to present the results of an external review of the Japanese Guidelines for the Management of Stroke 2004, conducted several months postpublication.

Methods—

Forty-one evaluators, who had not been involved in developing the guidelines, were selected from representative stroke centers and institutions in Japan. They consisted of 30 physicians including 22 stroke specialists, and 11 nurse practitioners. Three standard checklists, ie, Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) instrument, checklist by Shaneyfelt et al, and the Conference on Guideline Standardization (COGS) checklist, were used.

Results—

Confidence ratios according to the AGREE checklist were 75%, 77%, and 86% for stroke specialists, physicians other than stroke specialists, and nurse practitioners, respectively. The average scores were 2.98, 3.13, and 3.29, respectively. The confidence ratios according to the checklist by Shaneyfelt et al were 72%, 73% and 86% respectively, and those for the COGS checklist were 66%, 74%, and 91%, respectively.

Conclusions—

Although it is impossible to compare our results with those for other stroke guidelines, because none of them has been externally reviewed by users postpublication, our results seem better than those for published guidelines for treatment of other diseases in Japan. These results should be helpful in the process of updating stroke guidelines in Japan and elsewhere.
Green and Black Tea Consumption and Risk of Stroke
Authors: Arab Lenore , Liu Weiqing , Elashoff David
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

Experimental models of stroke provide consistent evidence of smaller stroke volumes in animals ingesting tea components or tea extracts. To assess whether a similar association of black or green tea consumption with reduced risk is evident in human populations, we sought to identify and summarize all human clinical and observational data on tea and stroke.

Methods—

We searched PubMed and Web of Science for all studies on stroke and tea consumption in humans with original data, including estimation or measurement of tea consumption and outcomes of fatal or nonfatal stroke. Data from 9 studies involving 4378 strokes among 194 965 individuals were pooled. The main outcome was the occurrence of fatal or nonfatal stroke. We tested for heterogeneity and calculated the summary effect estimate associated with consumption of ≥3 cups of tea (green or black) per day using random-effects and fixed-effects models for the homogeneous studies. Publication bias was also evaluated.

Results—

Regardless of their country of origin, individuals consuming ≥3 cups of tea per day had a 21% lower risk of stroke than those consuming <1 cup per day (absolute risk reduction, 0.79; CI, 0.73 to 0.85). The proportion of heterogeneity not explained by chance alone was 23.8%.

Conclusions—

Although a randomized clinical trial would be necessary to confirm the effect, this meta-analysis suggests that daily consumption of either green or black tea equaling 3 cups per day could prevent the onset of ischemic stroke.
Preeclampsia-Eclampsia and the Risk of Stroke Among Peripartum in Taiwan
Authors: Tang Chao-Hsiun , Wu Chuan-Song , Lee Tsong-Hai , Hung Sheng-Tzu , Yang Chen-Yuan Charlie , Lee Cheng-Hua , Chu Pao-Hsien
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

The occurrence of preeclampsia-eclampsia during pregnancy has been reported to increase the risk of stroke in mainly Western populations. However, few studies have evaluated stroke risk in Asian populations and followed women beyond the early postpartum period. Thus, the present study determined the risk of stroke in women in Taiwan during pregnancy and the first postpartum year.

Methods—

A population-based cohort study was performed on 1 132 019 parturients during 1999 to 2003 using a dataset linking birth certificates and National Health Insurance hospital discharge data. Stroke-free survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and the log-rank test was used to examine the effect of preelampsia-eclampsia on the prevalence of stroke. Sociodemographic factors and obstetric complications were used in multivariate logistic regression models to determine the adjusted odds ratios of preeclampsia-eclampsia on the risk of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke during pregnancy and within the first postpartum year.

Results—

The incidence of stroke was 21.47 cases per 100 000 deliveries. There were 139 cases of hemorrhagic stroke and 107 cases of ischemic stroke. The respective adjusted relative risk of preeclampsia-eclampsia for hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke were 10.68 (95% CI, 3.40 to 33.59) and 40.86 (95% CI, 12.14 to 137.47) within 3 months antepartum; 6.45 (95% CI, 1.42 to 29.29) and 34.71 (95% CI, 11.08 to 108.68) in the first 3 days postpartum; 5.61 (95% CI, 0.71 to 44.10) and 11.23 (95% CI, 2.45 to 51.59) from 3 days to 6 weeks postpartum; 11.76 (95% CI, 4.05 to 34.11) and 11.60 (95% CI, 3.30 to 40.82) from 6 weeks to 6 months pospartum; and 19.90 (95% CI, 7.75 to 51.11) and 4.35 (95% CI, 0.58 to 32.92) from 6 months to 12 months postpartum.

Conclusions—

Women with preeclampsia-eclampsia have a significantly higher risk of stroke during pregnancy and in the first postpartum year. These results suggest that women with preeclampsia-eclampsia should be closely monitored even after pregnancy.
Living Beyond Our Physiological Means
Authors: Thompson Charlie S. , Hakim Antoine M.
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

It is our premise that the pathophysiology of small vessel disease in the brain is similar to small vessel disease in other heavily perfused tissues and that the presence of small vessel disease elsewhere in the body foretells its presence in the brain as well as its consequences on cognitive function. The hypothesis presented in this article is that small vessel disease is a systemic condition of aging that is exacerbated by vascular risk factors, which results from dysfunction of arteriolar perfusion. This condition, which we term systemic arteriolar dysfunction, affects the brain as well as a number of extracranial systems.

Summary of Review—

Recent literature is synthesized to suggest a possible etiology of this condition, highlighting the multiple pathways that may conspire to produce the endothelial and other vascular changes seen in systemic arteriolar dysfunction.

Conclusions—

Regardless of the etiology, we emphasize that small vessel disease is a systemic condition with major healthcare consequences, requiring a new paradigm in the way we practice medicine. Because this condition can be decelerated by control of vascular risk factors, doing so may significantly reduce morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
Elderly Women Have Lower Rates of Stroke, Cardiovascular Events, and Mortality After Hospitalization for Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Lichtman Judith H. , Jones Sara B. , Watanabe Emi , Allen Norrina B. , Wang Yun , Howard Virginia J. , Goldstein Larry B.
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

Patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) are at increased risk for stroke, cardiovascular events, and death, yet little is known about whether these risks differ for men and women. We determined whether there are sex-based differences in these outcomes 30 days and 1 year after TIA using a national sample of elderly patients.

Methods—

Rates of 30-day and 1-year hospitalization for TIA (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision Code 435), stroke (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision Codes 433, 434, and 436), coronary artery disease (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision Codes 410 to 414), all-cause readmission, and mortality were determined for fee-for-service Medicare patients ≥65 years of age discharged with a TIA in 2002. Cox proportional hazards models and random-effects logistic models compared outcomes with risk adjustment for demographics, medical history, comorbidities, and prior hospitalizations.

Results—

The study included 122063 TIA hospitalizations (mean age, 79.0±7.6 years; 62% women; 86% white). Men were younger but had higher rates of cardiac comorbidities than women. Women had lower unadjusted rates of stroke, coronary artery disease, and mortality at 30 days and 1 year after TIA admission. These relationships persisted in risk-adjusted analyses at 30 days for stroke (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.64 to 0.77), coronary artery disease (hazard ratio, 0.86; 0.74 to 1.00), and mortality (odds ratio, 0.74; 0.68 to 0.82) as well as at 1 year for stroke (hazard ratio, 0.85; 0.81 to 0.89), coronary artery disease (hazard ratio, 0.81; 0.77 to 0.86), and mortality (odds ratio, 0.78; 0.75 to 0.81).

Conclusion—

These data suggest that women have a better prognosis than men within the first year after hospital discharge for a TIA. Additional research is needed to identify factors that may explain these sex-related differences in outcomes.
Creating Social Capital in the Early American Republic: The View from Connecticut
Authors: Neem Johann N.
Published: February 2009

During the early years of the American republic, Connecticut's elite helped to develop a new form of social order, based on voluntary association, replacing the authoritarian, theological hierarchy of the old regime. Social relations, which were once thought fixed in nature by divine sanction, became amenable to the initiatives of the populace. By the antebellum era, Americans had also discovered that social capital could be created through the ordinary activities of people engaged in civil society.
Yemeni Squares
Authors: Wichmann Brian , Rigby John
Published: February 2009

Having noted the simple but elegant design of a tiling pattern in a Yemeni mosque based on the division of a square into 10 × 10 small squares or cells, the authors have created Yemeni squares by generalizing the design to a square consisting of 2n × 2n cells. They prove an algebraic property of such squares and enumerate by computer all such squares up to n = 6. The original Yemeni square spells out the name Ali in square Kufic script; the reader may be able to find other examples of words in the figures provided in the article.
Australia
Authors: Morabito Vince
Published: February 2009

Opt-out class actions exist in the Federal Court and in Victoria, but not other states, supported by liberal funding and cost regimes.
Chile
Authors: Gubbins Martín , López Carla
Published: February 2009

Since 2004, class actions have been permitted for consumer claims. Claims may be brought by the National Consumer Service, which may intervene in any claim brought by groups of individuals and associations. The rule is opt in.
Class Actions in Denmark
Authors: Werlauff Erik
Published: February 2009

The standard European consumer representative injunction actions have been extended from 2008 by a general class action procedure. This is normally an opt-in mechanism, but under certain conditions, and only for actions brought by a designated public authority such as the consumer ombudsman, it can be brought on an opt-out basis.
European Union Legislation
Authors: Hodges Christopher
Published: February 2009

European Community legislation requires EU Member States to implement representative procedures for enforcement of consumer protection, intellectual property, and late payment laws, but not yet for compensation claims. The possible introduction of damages claims for competition law infringements and electronic privacy, and examination of collective redress in the consumer protection field, is being considered.
Finland
Authors: Viitanen Klaus
Published: February 2009

Finland has the Nordic traditional mixture of public and private mechanisms for collective redress, especially in consumer affairs, including a Public Consumer Dispute Board and Consumer Ombudsman. The latter's powers have been considerably extended from 2008 with the (exclusive) ability under the Group Action Act to bring opt-in collective actions for damages.
The Globalization of Class Actions: An Overview
Authors: Hensler Deborah R.
Published: February 2009

In less than a decade, the number of countries that permit representative litigation by private actors has multiplied dramatically. A minority of these procedures share all the features of the American class action for money damages. But there is a trend toward permitting private individuals and organizations to come forward on behalf of absent parties to obtain injunctive or declaratory relief or monetary compensation in some or all circumstances. Whether these procedures will spread to other countries or within countries to a wide variety of substantive legal matters and whether in particular private actors will be allowed to claim money damages in many or all instances is uncertain. Currently, the key obstacles to effective implementation of class action procedures are traditional legal funding rules that do not easily accommodate the realities of representative litigation.
France
Authors: Magnier Véronique
Published: February 2009

France has long-established procedures for approved consumer organizations bringing actions to defend general consumer or investor interests, involving injunctive relief, but debate on the introduction of collective damages actions has yet to resolve into reform. Traditional principles oppose an opt-out approach.
Israel
Authors: Magen Amichai , Segal Peretz
Published: February 2009

Israel's civil litigation system, derived primarily from that of England and Wales, gradually evolved a series of American-influenced provisions into sector-specific Israeli law (from 1988 to 2005). The 2006 general Class Action Law introduced a comprehensive class action legal framework, containing detailed provisions on, inter alia, permissible causes of action, certification, representation, case management, settlements, funding, costs, and fees.
Japan
Authors: Sugawara Ikuo
Published: February 2009

In addition to the traditional concepts of joinder and authorized representation, Japan permits only injunction claims by consumer organizations against unfair business practice and contract terms, with strong restrictions on approval of such organizations.
Malaysia: Principles and Procedural Obstacles
Authors: Yeow Choy Choong  , Balan Sujata
Published: February 2009

The Malaysian procedural system is based on the English rules that applied prior to the 1999 reforms and the introduction of the Group Litigation Order in the latter. The representative procedure that applies is similarly restrictive and limited as it then was in England and Wales.
The Netherlands
Authors: Tzankova Ianika , Lunsingh Scheurleer Daan
Published: February 2009

In comparison to the collective redress mechanisms available in other EU countries, the Netherlands has innovative legislation under which settlements of mass damage claims may be certified by a court and so become binding on all members of the group, unless they opt out.
Norway
Authors: Bernt Camilla
Published: February 2009

Representative litigation by associations, has a long history. A general class action was introduced as part of comprehensive review of civil procedure in the Dispute Act of 2005, in force from 2008, again giving standing to class members and relevant public and private associations. This is an opt-in procedure but the court may order an opt-out approach. Costs considerations may restrict activity to interest organizations and public bodies
Portugal
Authors: Sousa Antunes Henrique
Published: February 2009

The science of Law cannot ignore the phenomenon of the influence in Europe of the language, practice and teaching of American law, within an Americanization of Law which takes place alongside the Americanization of European culture. With regard to representative group litigation, Portuguese law has implemented a general set of rules in this area (Law 83/95). The law in force covers popular action to prevention, to the prosecution of offenses and to claims for damages. Popular action includes, amongst other interests protected by the law, public health, the environment, quality of life, consumers' rights, cultural heritage and the public domain. Standing is granted to any citizen who enjoys civil and political rights, and to associations and foundations, regardless of whether they have a direct interest in the claim or not, with the res judicata binding all members of the class who have not exercised their right to opt out.
Brazil
Authors: Pellegrini Grinover Ada
Published: February 2009

Brazil has led development of collective rights in Ibero-American states and has developed from consumer origins a general procedure on “public civil actions” largely brought by the attorney general. These have a two-stage process, involving a declaration on general liability followed by individuals bringing personal compensation claims.
Indonesia
Authors: Achmad Santosa Mas
Published: February 2009

Since 1997, class actions filing procedures have appeared in environmental, consumer protection, and forestry laws with increasing use. Pending clarification of detailed procedural aspects in expected legislation, the Supreme Court has issued an interim Regulation.
Sweden
Authors: Lindblom Per Henrik
Published: February 2009

Various forms of representative group litigation have existed for decades in the special Labor and Market Courts, initiated by private organizations such as trade unions and the Consumer Ombudsman. A “true” class action, brought in a general court by a member of a group, or by an organization, or an administrative agency (e.g. the Consumer Ombudsman)—allowing claims both for injunctive relief and individual damages for group members—was introduced in Sweden by the Group Proceedings Act, which entered into force on January 1, 2003. This is an opt-in procedure.
What Are People Trying to Do in Resolving Mass Issues, How Is It Going, and Where Are We Headed?
Authors: Hodges Christopher
Published: February 2009

This concluding article seeks to take an overview of some intriguing issues that emerge from the national reports. At first sight, class actions exist to provide a solution to mass issues raised in courts. What are litigants, their lawyers, and the courts trying to do here? How successful have they been? Might there be other ways of solving mass issues, and what are those alternatives? Is the position static or dynamic? If the latter, where are things heading? What will happen next?
Taiwan
Authors: Shen Kuan-Ling , Yang Alex Yueh-Ping
Published: February 2009

Taiwan, a civil law system, has several distinctive group procedures, reformed in the 2003 Code of Civil Procedure, which emphasized judicial economy. The representative party procedure, the “joining-into representative party” procedure and the “quasi-association's suit” procedure, are all based on the assignment of rights by parties. The “association's suit for injunction relief” procedure applies a statutory assignment.
The Association Between Iron Deficiency and Febrile Seizures in Childhood
Authors: Hartfield Dawn S. , Tan Jonathan , Yager Jerome Y. , Rosychuk Rhonda J. , Spady Don , Haines Christina , Craig William R.
Published: February 2009

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between iron deficiency and febrile seizures in a large cohort of children aged 6 to 36 months. Methods. A retrospective case control study with 361 patients who presented with febrile seizures to the emergency department and 390 otherwise healthy controls who presented with a febrile illness to the emergency department were reviewed to determine iron status using the MCV, RDW, and hemoglobin. Results. A total of 9% of cases had iron deficiency (ID) and 6% had iron deficiency anemia (IDA), compared to 5% and 4% of controls respectively. The conditional logistic regression odds ratio for ID in patients with febrile seizures was 1.84 (95% CI, 1.02-3.31). Conclusion. Children with febrile seizures were almost twice as likely to be iron deficient as those with febrile illness alone. The results suggest that screening for ID should be considered in children presenting with febrile seizure.
Clinical Inquiry and Reflective Design in a Secrecy-Based Organization
Authors: Stebbins Michael W. , Shani A.B. (Rami)
Published: February 2009

Edgar Schein has consistently maintained that clinical inquiry differs from action research because the setting is created by someone who wants help rather than by the researcher deciding what to study. The authors review emerging literature on clinical inquiry research, participatory action research, collaborative management research, and reflective organization design where change programs have often been initiated by the clients. These perspectives are explored in light of Schein's visual model of the researcher—client relationship, which focuses on different research interventions and different levels of involvement by researchers and clients. All four perspectives are used to analyze an in-depth and contemporary case of organization redesign within a high-technology, secrecy-based company in the defense industry. Implications for theory and research practice are explored.
Enacting the Scholar— Practitioner Role
Authors: Wasserman Ilene C. , Kram Kathy E.
Published: February 2009

An essential part of Edgar Schein's legacy is his modeling of the role of scholar—practitioner. To better understand this legacy, the authors explored how being a scholar—practitioner is defined by those who ascribe to this role and the challenges and opportunities these individuals face as they go about their work. Their inquiry consisted of 25 interviews, a systematic reflection on their own professional journeys as scholar—practitioners, and a review of others' related work. The authors confirmed that scholar—practitioners identify with the primary tasks of generating new knowledge and improving practice, yet how they prioritize and go about their work varies with where they are on the scholar—practitioner continuum. The authors highlight five themes to clarify the complexities of the role, stimulate further inquiry, continue dialogue, and ultimately lead to the creation of new venues in which scholar—practitioners can thrive and enhance their contributions to the world.
Toward a Philosophy of Clinical Inquiry/Research
Authors: Coghlan David
Published: February 2009

The hypothesis underpinning this philosophical reflection on Schein's notion of clinical inquiry/research is that clinical inquiry/research has solid foundations in the operations of human cognition and in the nature of the realm of practical knowing. The reflection draws on the work of the philosopher Bernard Lonergan, who articulates both a clear account of the operations of human knowing and of the realm of practical knowing where knowledge is contextually embedded, and there is a primary concern for the practical and the particular. The purpose of engaging in this philosophical reflection is to articulate the epistemic grounds on which clinical inquiry/research is based to aid clinical researchers to understand and appropriate its vibrant philosophy. The aim is to provide scholar-practitioners with an epistemology, a methodology, and an array of methods to conduct clinical inquiry/research.
Reinvigorating the Struggling Organization
Authors: Cataldo Christina G. , Raelin Jonathan D. , Lambert Melissa
Published: February 2009

With many scholars identifying organizational development and change as increasingly fragmented, it is time to push for coalescence by reuniting the field with its central principles. The work of Edgar Schein is used to derive a model that achieves this task by combining context, content, and process theories of change. This model also supports Schein's contribution to a growing body of knowledge based on the central tension between autonomy and structure. Integrating Schein's theories of career dynamics, process consultation, and culture change, along with the latter's subthemes of psychological safety and resocialization, this model contributes to the scientific body of knowledge by providing a guiding framework that uncovers the central tension as it permeates the context, content, and process of change. To provide practical validity, the model is used in a case study involving Unified Financial Services,1 a large financial services firm implementing a radical cultural change involving career development.
Dialogical Inquiry
Authors: Coget Jean-Francois
Published: February 2009

After examining the main principles and historical origins of Edgar Schein's clinical inquiry, this article introduces dialogical inquiry, an extension of clinical inquiry. Following clinical inquiry's main principles, dialogical inquiry adopts a dialogue over videotaped segments of behavior as its main tool. The goals of dialogical inquiry are (a) to raise participants' awareness about how they interpret work situations in the moment, so that they can increase their effectiveness and (b) to allow the researcher to build actionable academic knowledge. The process of dialogical inquiry has four phases: (a) a life interview with the participant, (b) shadowing and filming the participant in action in the work environment, (c) selecting episodes from the videotaped shadowing for discussion, and (d) a discussion with the participant about these episodes. Like clinical inquiry, and more generally action research, dialogical inquiry is intended to be a method that can help fill the gap between theory and practice.
Yes We Can? The New Push for American Health Security
Authors: Hacker Jacob S.
Published: February 2009

What are the prospects for meaningful reform of U.S. health care? To answer this question requires understanding why previous reform efforts (and in particular the 1993 Clinton health plan) failed—the combination of deep structural biases against large-scale public provision and the inherited constraints posed by the rise of employment-based insurance. Generally, the context is more favorable today than it was fifteen years ago. But the prospects for change hinge on learning the right lesson of history: Politics comes first. Putting politics first means avoiding the overarching mistake of the Clinton reformers: envisioning a grand policy compromise rather than hammering out a real political compromise. It also means addressing the inevitable fears of those who believe they are well protected by our eroding employment-based framework. And it means premising political strategies on the contemporary realities of hyperpolarized politics, rather than wistfully recalled images of the bipartisan politics of old.
Front and Center: Sexual Violence in U.S. Military Law
Authors: Hillman Elizabeth L.
Published: February 2009

Military-on-military sexual violence—the type of sexual violence that most directly disrupts operations, harms personnel, and undermines recruiting—occurs with astonishing frequency. The U.S. military has responded with a campaign to prevent and punish military-on-military sex crimes. This campaign, however, has made little progress, partly because of U.S. military law, a special realm of criminal justice dominated by legal precedents involving sexual violence and racialized images. By promulgating images and narratives of sexual exploitation, violent sexuality, and female subordination, the military justice system has helped to sustain a legal culture that reifies the connection between sexual violence and authentic soldiering.
Digging in the Archives: The Promise and Perils of Primary Documents
Authors: Leiby Michele
Published: February 2009

This article explores the methodological obstacles to research on wartime sexual violence and the extent to which they can be overcome with archival research. It discusses issues of concept formation, counting victims of human rights abuse, and coding violations. It compares figures from the Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report, an analysis of the Commission's published materials, and an analysis of the primary documents and finds that (1) the number of reported cases of sexual violence is significantly higher than the 538 cited by the Commission, (2) men were more often the targets of sexual violence than previously thought, and (3) sexual humiliation and sexual torture were common practices during the war.
Armed Groups and Sexual Violence: When Is Wartime Rape Rare?
Authors: Wood Elisabeth Jean
Published: February 2009

This article explores a particular pattern of wartime violence, the relative absence of sexual violence on the part of many armed groups. This neglected fact has important policy implications: If some groups do not engage in sexual violence, then rape is not inevitable in war as is sometimes claimed, and there are stronger grounds for holding responsible those groups that do engage in sexual violence. After developing a theoretical framework for understanding the observed variation in wartime sexual violence, the article analyzes the puzzling absence of sexual violence on the part of the secessionist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam of Sri Lanka.
Obama's Political Philosophy
Authors: Schultz Bart
Published: February 2009

In early work, I argued that Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, often represented, in his political speeches and writings, a form of philosophical pragmatism with special relations to the University of Chicago and its reform tradition. That form of pragmatism, especially evident in the work of such early figures as John Dewey and Jane Addams, and such later figures as Saul Alinsky, Abner Mikva, David Greenstone, Richard Rorty, Danielle Allen, and Cass Sunstein, contributed greatly to the intellectual atmosphere that Obama breathed during his many years in Chicago as a community organizer, senior lecturer in the University of Chicago Law School, and emerging figure in Illinois politics. And that form of pragmatism has, from Dewey to Obama, been keenly concerned to appropriate for its purposes the legacy of Abraham Lincoln. My purpose in this essay is to set out these filiations in ways more accessible to a global audience, and to carry the story forward through the opening moves of the Obama presidency.
Childlessness, Parenthood, and Depressive Symptoms Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Bures Regina M. , Koropeckyj-Cox Tanya , Loree Michael
Published: February 2009

Prior research has examined whether parenthood is associated with higher levels of well-being among older adults, but definitions of parental status have varied. The authors examine links between parental status and depressive symptoms among older adults, comparing biological and social definitions of parenthood. The study finds few differences between biological and social parenthood but substantial variation in the relationship between parental status and depressive symptoms by gender and marital status. Biologically and socially childless adults had the lowest predicted levels of depression across all marital status groups. Widowed men averaged higher levels of depression than other men. For women, the highest predicted levels of depressive symptoms were observed among never-married biological parents and formerly married women who had outlived their children. Increased sampling of less common parental subgroups and diverse kinship relations to allow for more precise classifications and the consideration of joint marital—parental statuses in future research.
Pathophysiology of Cyclooxygenase Inhibition in Animal Models
Authors: Radi Zaher A.
Published: February 2009

Cyclooxygenase (COX) catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins (PGs), which play a significant role in health and disease in the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and in the renal, skeletal, and ocular systems. COX-1 is constitutively expressed and found in most normal tissues, whereas COX-2 can be expressed at low levels in normal tissues and is highly induced by pro-inflammatory mediators. Inhibitors of COX activity include: (1) conventional nonselective, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ns-NSAIDs) and (2) COX-2 selective nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (COX-2 s-NSAIDs). Inhibition of COX-1 often elicits GI toxicity in animals and humans. Therefore, COX-2 s-NSAIDs were developed to provide a selective COX-2 agent, while minimizing the attendant COX-1-mediated GI toxicities. Rats and dogs overpredict COX inhibition for renal effects such as renal handling of electrolytes in humans. COX inhibitors are shown to have both beneficial and detrimental effects, such as on healing of ligament or tendon tears, on the skeletal system in animal models. Certain ophthalmic conditions such as glaucoma and keratitis are associated with increased COX-2 expression, suggesting a potential role in their pathophysiology.
Isolated Type II Superior Labral Anterior Posterior Lesions
Authors: Neri Brian R. , Vollmer Emily A. , Kvitne Ronald S.
Published: February 2009

Background

Superior labral anterior posterior tears have been described as symptomatic lesions in shoulders of patients of varying ages. It is unknown if age affects clinical outcome of arthroscopic fixation of type II superior labral anterior posterior repairs.

Hypothesis

Clinical outcome of arthroscopic fixation of isolated type II superior labral anterior posterior tears differs between younger (<40 years) and older (≥40 years) patients.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Clinical results of arthroscopic fixation of isolated unstable type II superior labral anterior posterior repairs were compared between 25 patients younger than 40 years (group 1) and 25 patients aged 40 years or older (group 2). Patients with concomitant procedures, prior/subsequent shoulder surgeries, and use of non—suture anchor devices were excluded. Outcomes at a minimum 1-year follow-up were assessed using range of motion measurements and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons questionnaire as compared with preoperative data. Ability and time to return to prior level of activity were assessed.

Results

At a mean 3-year follow-up, there were statistically significant improvements in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores for both groups (P < .0001) but no significant difference between final American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (group 1, 91; group 2, 87; P > .198). Both groups demonstrated good or excellent results in >80% of patients. A traumatic mechanism of injury (P = .0346) and presence of osteoarthritis (P = .0401) were independent factors resulting in significantly lower postoperative scores. There were statistically significant differences in preoperative and postoperative range of motion for internal rotation (group 1, P = .0321) and forward elevation (group 2, P = .0003). Return to prior level of activity was similar between younger and older age groups: 80% versus 74%. Time to return to sport was prolonged for group 2 (11.0 months) compared with group 1 (8.45 months). Patients without osteoarthritis were significantly more likely to return to previous levels of activity than were those who had osteoarthritis (P = .0044).

Conclusion

Good to excellent results and high return to prior level of activity can be expected for the majority of properly indicated patients who undergo isolated type II superior labral anterior posterior repairs, regardless of age. Subtle deficits in range of motion were experienced by both age groups; this did not seem to affect final outcomes. The presence of osteoarthritis was associated with lower American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores and inability to return to prior level of activity. Time to return to activity was prolonged for the older group.
Force in the Achilles Tendon During Walking With Ankle Foot Orthosis
Authors: Fröberg Åsa , Komi Paavo , Ishikawa Masaki , Movin Tomas , Arndt Anton
Published: February 2009

Background

Ankle foot orthoses are used for postoperative treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures and decrease calf muscle electromyography activity during walking.

Hypothesis

Achilles tendon load decreases with increased restriction of dorsiflexion and is associated with decreased triceps surae activity.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

In 8 subjects, the maximum force and rate of force development in the Achilles tendon were measured with an optic fiber technique, and the activity of the gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior muscles was recorded using electromyography. Trial conditions were walking barefoot and wearing an ankle-foot orthoses set in 3 different positions: (1) locked at 20° of plantar flexion and with free plantar flexion but restricted dorsiflexion to (2) 10° plantar flexion and (3) 10° dorsiflexion, respectively. The design of the ankle foot orthoses did not provide heel support when fixed in a plantarflexed position.

Results

Maximum Achilles tendon force was highest at the ankle-foot orthoses setting of 20° plantar flexion (3.1 times body weight) and decreased to 2.1 times body weight during barefoot walking ( P < .01). The rate of Achilles tendon force showed an increasing trend with less-restricted dorsiflexion. Soleus activity was 52% of mean barefoot walking activity at 3 20° plantar flexion ( P < .001) and then increased as dorsiflexion was less restricted.

Conclusion

Weightbearing in ankle-foot orthoses when dorsiflexion is restricted beyond neutral may result in increased forces in the Achilles tendon compared with barefoot walking, despite reduced electromyography activity in the triceps surae and decreased rate of force development.

Clinical Relevance

If patients bear full weight in an ankle-foot orthoses locked at 20° plantar flexion without heel support, the maximum force in the tendon may exceed that encountered during barefoot walking.
Arthroscopic Treatment of Isolated Type II SLAP Lesions
Authors: Boileau Pascal , Parratte Sebastien , Chuinard Christopher , Roussanne Yannick , Shia Derek , Bicknell Ryan
Published: February 2009

Background

Overhead athletes report an inconsistent return to their previous level of sport and satisfaction after arthroscopic SLAP lesion repair.

Hypothesis

Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis offers a viable alternative to the repair of an isolated type II SLAP lesion.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Twenty-five consecutive patients operated for an isolated type II SLAP lesion between 2000 and 2004 were evaluated at a mean of 35 months postoperatively (range, 24-69). Patients with associated instability, rotator cuff rupture, posterosuperior impingement, or previous shoulder surgery were excluded. Ten patients (10 men) with an average age of 37 years (range, 19-57) had a SLAP repair performed with suture anchors. Fifteen patients (9 men and 6 women) with an average age of 52 years (range, 28-64) underwent arthroscopic biceps tenodesis performed with an absorbable interference screw. Arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment were performed by a single experienced shoulder surgeon, and all patients were reviewed by an independent examiner.

Results

In the repair group, the Constant score improved from 65 to 83 points; however, 60% (6 of 10) of the patients were disappointed because of persistent pain or inability to return to their previous level of sports participation. In the tenodesis group, the Constant score improved from 59 to 89 points, and 93% (14/15) were satisfied or very satisfied. Thirteen patients (87%) were able to return to their previous level of sports participation following biceps tenodesis, compared with only 20% (2 of 10) after SLAP repair (P = .01). Four patients with failed SLAP repairs underwent subsequent biceps tenodesis, resulting in a successful outcome and a full return to their previous level of sports activity.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis can be considered an effective alternative to the repair of a type II SLAP lesion, allowing patients to return to a presurgical level of activity and sports participation. The results of biceps reinsertion are disappointing compared with biceps tenodesis. Furthermore, biceps tenodesis may provide a viable alternative for the salvage of a failed SLAP repair. As the age of the 2 treatment groups differed, these findings should be confirmed by future studies.
Historical GIS
Authors: Bailey Timothy J. , Schick James B. M.
Published: February 2009

Explaining much of what exists today or has happened in the past can be approached from both spatial and temporal perspectives. Often overlooked by traditional methodologies and paradigms, the locational element can provide significant new analytical perspectives and explanations that open up fresh opportunities for research. The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies in the pursuit of historical research is emerging as an intriguing approach to understanding our world and its underlying historical dimension.