bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Randomized Controlled Trials in Otolaryngology
Authors: Banglawala Sarfaraz M. , Lawrence Lauren A. , Franko‐Tobin Emily , Soler Zachary M. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Ioannidis John
Published: December 2014

Objective

To assess recent trends in the prevalence and quality of reporting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in 4 otolaryngology journals.

Study Design

Methodology and reporting analysis.

Setting

Randomized controlled trials in 4 otolaryngology journals.

Subjects and Methods

All RCTs published from 2011 to 2013 in 4 major otolaryngology journals were examined for characteristics of study design, quality of design and reporting, and funding.

Results

Of 5279 articles published in 4 leading otolaryngology journals from 2011 to 2013, 189 (3.3%) were RCTs. The majority of RCTs were clinical studies (86%), with the largest proportion consisting of sinonasal topics (31%). Most interventions were medical (46%), followed by surgical (38%) and mixed (16%). In terms of quality, randomization method was reported in 54% of RCTs, blinding in 33%, and adverse events in 65%. Intention‐to‐treat analysis was used in 32%; P values were reported in 87% and confidence intervals in 10%. Research funding was most often absent or not reported (55%), followed by not‐for‐profit (25%).

Conclusions

Based on review of 4 otolaryngology journals, RCTs are still a small proportion of all published studies in the field of otolaryngology. There seem to be trends toward improvement in quality of design and reporting of RCTs, although many quality features remain suboptimal. Practitioners both designing and interpreting RCTs should critically evaluate RCTs for quality.
TORP Ossiculoplasty Outcomes with and without a Stapes Footplate Prosthesis
Authors: Cox Matthew D. , Russell James S. , Dornhoffer John L.
Published: December 2014

Objective

The titanium stapes footplate prosthesis (FPP) was designed to ensure a stable connection of a total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) to the stapes footplate and maximize acoustic coupling by centering the footplate on the oval window. Our goal was to assess the impact of the FPP on TORP ossiculoplasty outcomes.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects

Adult patients undergoing TORP ossiculoplasty with (n = 53) or without (n = 108) a stapes FPP.

Methods

Rate of prosthesis displacement and audiologic outcomes were tabulated for statistical analysis.

Results

A lower rate of prosthesis displacement and statistically better audiologic outcomes were seen in FPP patients. The pure‐tone average air‐bone gap (PTA‐ABG) was closed to <20 dB in 69.8% (37/53) of patients in the study arm and 44.4% (48/108) of patients in the control arm (P =. 003). The PTA‐ABG was decreased by a mean ± SD of 19.3 ± 11.7 dB and 12.6 ± 11.0 dB in the study and control groups, respectively (P =. 0012).

Conclusions

Use of the titanium stapes FPP during TORP ossiculoplasty provides a statistically significant advantage in short‐term PTA‐ABG closure and a higher rate of successful rehabilitation of conductive hearing loss. Further studies are necessary to assess any long‐term advantages a FPP may offer.
Assessment of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in HEI‐OC1 and LLC‐PK1 Cells Treated with Gentamicin and Mitoquinone
Authors: Ng Maria Raye Anne V. , Antonelli Patrick J. , Joseph Jerin , Dirain Carolyn Ojano
Published: December 2014

Objective

To determine the effects of concurrent treatment with gentamicin and the mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant mitoquinone (MitoQ; which may prevent gentamicin ototoxicity) on change in the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), a precursor of apoptosis.

Study Design

Prospective and controlled.

Setting

Academic research laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

LLC‐PK1 (Lilly Laboratories Culture–Pig Kidney Type 1) and HEI‐OC1 (House Ear Institute Organ of Corti 1) cells—renal and auditory cell lines, respectively—were used in this study. Δψm was assessed by flow cytometry through the MitoProbe JC‐1 Kit for Flow Cytometry in untreated LLC‐PK1 and HEI‐OC1 cells and cells exposed to low‐ (100µM) or high‐ (2000µM) dose gentamicin for 24 hours, with and without 0.5µM each of MitoQ or idebenone (IDB; an untargeted ubiquinone).

Results

Δψm was not different in untreated LLC‐PK1 cells and cells coincubated with low‐dose gentamicin and MitoQ or IDB (P >. 05). In HEI‐OC1 cells, coincubation with low‐dose gentamicin and MitoQ decreased Δψm (P =. 002). Coincubation of LLC‐PK1 cells with high‐dose gentamicin and DMSO, MitoQ, or IDB depolarized Δψm (P <. 0001), with MitoQ depolarizing the Δψm to a greater extent than that of IDB (P =. 03). In contrast, HEI‐OC1 cells demonstrated a hyperpolarized Δψm when coincubated with high‐dose gentamicin and DMSO, MitoQ, or IDB (P <. 001).

Conclusion

The combination of gentamicin and MitoQ holds the potential to disrupt Δψm. This suggests a heightened need to monitor for toxicity in patients receiving both agents.
Familism
Authors: Campos Belinda , Perez Oscar Fernando Rojas , Guardino Christine
Published: December 2014

Familism is a cultural value that emphasizes interdependent family relationships that are warm, close, and supportive. We theorized that familism values can be beneficial for romantic relationships and tested whether (a) familism would be positively associated with romantic relationship quality and (b) this association would be mediated by less attachment avoidance. Evidence indicates that familism is particularly relevant for U.S. Latinos but is also relevant for non-Latinos. Thus, we expected to observe the hypothesized pattern in Latinos and explored whether the pattern extended to non-Latinos of European and East Asian cultural background. A sample of U.S. participants of Latino ( n = 140), European ( n = 176), and East Asian ( n = 199) cultural background currently in a romantic relationship completed measures of familism, attachment, and two indices of romantic relationship quality, namely, partner support and partner closeness. As predicted, higher familism was associated with higher partner support and partner closeness, and these associations were mediated by lower attachment avoidance in the Latino sample. This pattern was not observed in the European or East Asian background samples. The implications of familism for relationships and psychological processes relevant to relationships in Latinos and non-Latinos are discussed.
Budget Transparency and Legislative Budgetary Oversight
Authors: Ríos Ana-María , Bastida Francisco , Benito Bernardino
Published: December 2014

This article attempts to evaluate the role the legislative budgetary oversight plays in enhancing budget transparency. This relationship has not been empirically tested so far. For a sample of 93 countries surveyed by International Budget Partnership in 2010, we show that, as expected, legislative budgetary oversight has a positive influence on budget transparency. Besides, the legal system, political competition, and economic level are also found to affect budget transparency. As an additional analysis, we investigate the determinants of legislative budgetary oversight along the budgetary process. In this vein, the type of legislature, legal system, Supreme Audit Institution’s budgetary oversight, economic level, and democratic level determine legislative budgetary oversight.
Addition of Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Whole Blood for Bioenhanced ACL Repair Has No Benefit in the Porcine Model
Authors: Proffen Benedikt L. , Vavken Patrick , Haslauer Carla M. , Fleming Braden C. , Harris Chad E. , Machan Jason T. , Murray Martha M.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Coculture of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the retropatellar fat pad and peripheral blood has been shown to stimulate anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) fibroblast proliferation and collagen production in vitro. Current techniques of bioenhanced ACL repair in animal studies involve adding a biologic scaffold, in this case an extracellular matrix–based scaffold saturated with autologous whole blood, to a simple suture repair of the ligament. Whether the enrichment of whole blood with MSCs would further improve the in vivo results of bioenhanced ACL repair was investigated.

Hypothesis:

The addition of MSCs derived from adipose tissue or peripheral blood to the blood–extracellular matrix composite, which is used in bioenhanced ACL repair to stimulate healing, would improve the biomechanical properties of a bioenhanced ACL repair after 15 weeks of healing.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twenty-four adolescent Yucatan mini-pigs underwent ACL transection followed by (1) bioenhanced ACL repair, (2) bioenhanced ACL repair with the addition of autologous adipose-derived MSCs, and (3) bioenhanced ACL repair with the addition of autologous peripheral blood derived MSCs. After 15 weeks of healing, the structural properties of the ACL (yield load, failure load, and linear stiffness) were measured. Cell and vascular density were measured in the repaired ACL via histology, and its tissue structure was qualitatively evaluated using the advanced Ligament Maturity Index.

Results:

After 15 weeks of healing, there were no significant improvements in the biomechanical or histological properties with the addition of adipose-derived MSCs. The only significant change with the addition of peripheral blood MSCs was an increase in knee anteroposterior laxity when measured at 30° of flexion.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that the addition of adipose or peripheral blood MSCs to whole blood before saturation of an extracellular matrix carrier with the blood did not improve the functional results of bioenhanced ACL repair after 15 weeks of healing in the pig model.

Clinical Relevance:

Whole blood represents a practical biologic additive to ligament repair, and any other additive (including stem cells) should be demonstrated to be superior to this baseline before clinical use is considered.
Effects of framework structure and coupling modification on the properties of mesoporous silica/poly(methyl methacrylate) composites
Authors: Jiao Jian , Wang Lei , Wu Guangli , Lv Panpan , Cui Yonghong
Published: December 2014

Mesoporous silicas (MPSs) with two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal framework (SBA-15) and worm-hole framework (MSU-J) were synthesized with poly(ethylene oxide- b-propylene oxide- b-ethylene oxide) (P123) and α,ω-polyoxypropylene diamine (D2000) as templates, respectively. Both SBA-15 and MSU-J were further modified with γ-(methacryloyloxy) propyl trimethoxy silane (MAPTS) via post-grafting to prepare organic mesoporous silicas (denoted SBA-15-G and MSU-J-G, respectively) with –C = C groups on the surface of mesopores. All mesoporous silicas were employed as filler to prepare improved poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites with lower dielectric constant, higher thermal, and mechanical properties. It was found that all mesoporous silicas retained their mesostructure in MPS/PMMA composites to introduce a lot of voids into the composites. So, the dielectric constant of composites decreased with the loading of mesoporous silica and their organic derivatives increased. Also, all composites exhibited stabilized dielectric constant with lower value in comparison to pure PMMA over the whole frequency from 1 to 160 MHz. Specifically, with the addition of MPS to PMMA, the dielectric constants of the composite can be reduced from 2.91 of the pure PMMA to 2.73 and 2.64 by incorporating 4 wt% SBA-15 and 7 wt% MSU-J, respectively. All the composites exhibited improved mechanical properties, glass transmission temperature ( Tg), and thermal stability in comparison to PMMA. All these differences in macro-properties are attributed to the different structure between MPS/PMMA composites and PMMA. MSU-J silica with the larger framework pore size provides the composite with the best improvement in dielectric, thermal, and mechanical properties.
An Exploratory Study of Universal Design for Teaching Chemistry to Students With and Without Disabilities
Authors: King-Sears Margaret E. , Johnson Todd M. , Berkeley Sheri , Weiss Margaret P. , Peters-Burton Erin E. , Evmenova Anya S. , Menditto Anna , Hursh Jennifer C.
Published: December 2014

In this exploratory study, students in four co-taught high school chemistry classes were randomly assigned to a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) treatment or a comparison condition. Each co-teaching team taught one comparison and treatment class. UDL principles were operationalized for treatment: (a) a self-management strategy (using a mnemonic, IDEAS) for the multi-step mole conversion process; (b) multi-media lessons with narration, visuals, and animations; (c) procedural facilitators with IDEAS for conversion support; and (d) student workbooks mirroring video content and containing scaffolded practice problems. All students completed a pre-test, post-test, and a 4-week delayed post-test. There were no significant differences between conditions; however, there was an interaction effect between students with and without disabilities for post-tests. Social validity indicated students found IDEAS helpful. Implications for future research include continued focus on disaggregated learning outcomes for students with and without disabilities for UDL interventions, and refinements for UDL interventions that benefit students with and without disabilities.
Minority Threat Hypothesis and NYPD Stop and Frisk Policy
Authors: Ferrandino Joseph
Published: December 2014

This study analyzes New York Police Department (NYPD) stop and frisk policy using a minority and Black threat framework. Using Blacks in White-dominated neighborhoods as the reference group, this study compares four distinct police actions (frisks, searches, sanctions, and force used) during 481,027 stops in 2012 in 297 geographic information system (GIS)-defined New York City (NYC) neighborhoods. Descriptive analysis reveals the scope of isolation between Whites and Blacks as well as the ratios of police action for each group within each neighborhood type, with Blacks in White-dominated and nondominated high White neighborhoods exceeding their population proportion and crime propensity ratios across all four police actions, consistent with the Black threat hypothesis. Logistic regression results provide further support for the application of Black threat hypothesis to NYPD stops and frisks. When controlling for other factors, race/neighborhood factors remain significant though the odds ratios are far below the population proportion and crime propensity benchmarks. These results are placed in the context of previous research findings and the implications of minority threat hypothesis are discussed in light of the specific Black threat in NYC. In the aggregate, the findings also include limited support for the “out of place” and defended neighborhood perspectives though much less for the criminogenic perspective relative to Blacks in White-dominated and other race/neighborhood categories.
Prevalence of Inadequate Vitamin D Status and Associated Factors in Children With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Norton Laura , Page Sarah , Sheehan Melissa , Mazurak Vera , Brunet‐Wood Kim , Larsen Bodil
Published: December 2014

Background: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of inadequate serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in a pediatric Canadian cystic fibrosis (CF) population and to assess the effectiveness of a vitamin D supplementation protocol on improving vitamin D status. A secondary objective was to analyze factors that may be associated with inadequate 25(OH)D levels. Methods: Vitamin D supplementation, 25(OH)D levels, and factors hypothesized to be associated with 25(OH)D levels were collected through a retrospective chart review (2010 and 2011) of 96 patients (1–18 years) at one CF clinic in Canada. Adequacy of 25(OH)D was set at ≥75 nmol/L. Patients with inadequate 25(OH)D levels in 2010 were prescribed an additional 1000 IU/d for levels <60 nmol/L or 400 IU/d for levels 60–75 nmol/L. Results: Inadequate 25(OH)D levels were observed in 26% of patients in 2010 and 23% in 2011. After supplementation was increased for those with inadequate 25(OH)D levels in 2010 (n = 20), a significant increase in 25(OH)D levels was observed in 2011 (P = .03). Adequate status was achieved in 50% of these patients (n = 10). Age was significantly negatively associated with 25(OH)D levels in both years (P = .002). Percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 second was significantly positively associated with 25(OH)D levels in 2011 (P = .03). Conclusion: While vitamin D supplementation was effective at increasing serum 25(OH)D, this protocol did not achieve optimal serum 25(OH)D levels in 25% of the population. Increasing age had the strongest association with 25(OH)D. Current supplementation protocols may require reevaluation based on emerging evidence and revised Cystic Fibrosis Foundation guidelines.
Abuse Characteristics and Individual Differences Related to Disclosing Childhood Sexual, Physical, and Emotional Abuse and Witnessed Domestic Violence
Authors: Bottoms Bette L. , Peter-Hagene Liana C. , Epstein Michelle A. , Wiley Tisha R. A. , Reynolds Carrie E. , Rudnicki Aaron G.
Published: December 2014

Many adult survivors of childhood abuse hide their victimization, avoiding disclosure that could identify perpetrators, end the abuse, and bring help to the victim. We surveyed 1,679 women undergraduates to understand disclosure of childhood sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, and, for the first time, witnessed domestic violence, which many consider to be emotionally abusive. A substantial minority of victims failed to ever disclose their sexual abuse (23%), physical abuse (34%), emotional abuse (20%), and witnessed domestic violence (29%). Overall, abuse-specific factors were better predictors of disclosure than individual-level characteristics. Disclosure of sexual abuse was related to experiencing more frequent abuse (by the same and by multiple perpetrators), being more worried about injury and more upset at the time of the abuse, and self-labeling as a victim of abuse. Disclosure of physical abuse was related to experiencing more frequent abuse (by the same and multiple perpetrators), being less emotionally close to the perpetrator, being older when the abuse ended, being more worried and upset, and self-labeling as a victim. Disclosure of emotional abuse was associated with being older when the abuse ended, and being more worried and upset. Disclosure was unrelated to victim demographic characteristics or defensive reactions (dissociative proneness, fantasy proneness, repressive coping style, and temporary forgetting), except that among physical and emotional abuse victims, repressors were less likely to disclose than non-repressors. Disclosure of witnessing domestic violence was not significantly related to any factors measured.
Violence and Abuse Against Women Who Have Attempted Suicide by Deliberate Self-Poisoning
Authors: Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein , Zamani Nasim , Sarjami Saeedeh
Published: December 2014

Sources of data about the occurrence of domestic violence are scarce in Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavioral effects of different types of domestic violence on women who had attempted suicide by deliberate self-poisoning (DSP). A total of 195 women who had attempted suicide by DSP in response to “violence and abuse” were followed up for 2 years. The most common type of violence, as mentioned by the women themselves as the motive of self-poisoning, was physical abuse (92%) followed by verbal abuse (2.1%), multi-abuses (2.1%), emotional abuse (1.6%), and sexual abuse (1.1%). Suicidal ideation and attempt were more common in those who were consulted sometime after they had initially presented to the hospital with DSP or those who had suffered repeated domestic abuse. It was concluded that invention of methods other than the current consultation system is necessary to prevent repeated suicide attempts among abused women in Iran.
Beyond Militarization and Repression: Liberal Social Control as Pacification
Authors: Kienscherf Markus
Published: December 2014

This article will argue that the concepts of repression and militarization are inadequate tools for a radical critique of the targeted and selective application of coercion and consent in efforts to (re)produce a liberal capitalist order. The article will first of all show how liberal social control is best understood as uneven processes of pacification targeting specific individuals, groups and populations through a combination of coercion and consent. Secondly, the article will examine historical and current efforts to control protest through the lens of pacification. The analytic of pacification will then be applied to broader trends in US social control. Last but not least, the article will show that the apparently technical distinctions that allow for the targeted application of coercion and/or consent frequently reflect and reinforce existing societal divisions along the lines of race, class and gender.
The Problem of the Color Lines: Studies of Racism and Resistance
Authors: Jung Moon-Kie
Published: December 2014

This essay introduces the special issue, which originates from a two-day symposium on race and transnationalism. It proposes a particular angle from which to consider the following seven articles and the study of race and racism in general. In response to sociology and neighboring disciplines’ mounting predictions of ‘Black exceptionalism’ and imminent assimilation of Asians and Latina/os into whiteness/non-Blackness, a two-part alternative approach is briefly suggested: (1) critically engage the most theoretically and politically challenging scholarship in Black studies (notably outside sociology) that asserts the singularity of anti-Black racism; and (2) think through the social positions of non-Black peoples of color in light of and not losing sight of the first part. An overview of the special issue follows.
Rethinking the relationship between gender and technology: a study of the Indian example
Authors: Gupta Namrata
Published: December 2014

Technology is often associated with masculinity. Much of the literature suggests that computers have also been appropriated as male machines. However, research from developing countries indicates findings to the contrary. This article argues that the relationship between technology and gender is not static. Rather, it alters with the changes in socio-cultural and economic context. Through the Indian example, it shows that the dynamic phase of society and economy has provided a veritable mix of factors that is propelling an upsurge of women in computer-related courses and professions. However, this is not an indication of a radical revolution in gender relations in society. Rather, it encapsulates the transition within developing countries like India and reflects continuity as well as change. Further, the labour market continues to exhibit gender segregation, indicating that the issues pertaining to gender and technology and labour segregation cannot be fused.
A Memetic Algorithm for multi-objective fixture layout optimization
Authors: Bai Xue , Hu Fei , He Gaiyun , Ding Bohui
Published: December 2014

A proper scheme of fixture layout can reduce locating errors of a workpiece. However, a multi-objective fixture layout optimization, involving multiple conflicting objective functions, will lead to much more accurate solution and complex computation. This paper describes a new approach based on Memetic Algorithm (MA) to multi-objective fixture layout optimization, considering both location accuracy and stability. This approach uses an entropy method to obtain the weights of each objective functions, and establishes a fitness function. Then, a MA is developed to properly select the positions of locators to minimize the fitness function. An example illustrates that the new optimization method based on MA can improve the locating precision of a workpiece effectively and efficiently. This method is also suitable for solving a multi-objective fixture layout optimization problem with more objective functions.
Building climate change resilience through bottom-up adaptation to flood risk in Warri, Nigeria
Authors: Odemerho Francis O
Published: December 2014

The problem of flooding in Warri, Nigeria is as old as the city itself. What has changed in recent years is the rapidly increasing magnitude and frequency of floodwater retention pools on urban streets as urban development expanded into low-lying swamplands within the city. Through the process of community urban risk assessments, urban flood zone occupants acknowledge the growing problem of on-street flood retention pools in a city once dominated by problems with off-street flood retention pools. A factor analysis of the perceived causes of flooding shows that Warri residents believe that human activities that reduced the floodwater storage capacity of its natural drainage sinks (i.e., its swamplands), violated building codes, changed local water levels, altered low-lying mangrove swamp terrain, and eliminated drainage facilities are responsible for the increasing retention of floodwater pools on city streets in the last few decades. Such local stock of flood knowledge has implications for a local participatory approach to community adaptations and mitigation methods to reduce urban flood risks from climate change and uncontrolled urban expansion. Local community adaptation choices guide how flood-affected residents cope with urban floods, especially how they use and alter their living space and respond to emergencies. However, such community views are often ignored by experts seeking solutions to flooding. If the views of flood zone occupants begin to inform flood adaptation choices, proposed solutions to flooding problems would be more likely to receive local support and acceptance, thus making the bottom-up solutions developed in this paper easier to implement and sustain. Once a well-formulated grassroots adaptation strategy for urban flood risk management for resiliency becomes the base for action, a more resilient national policy is sure to succeed, especially in low-income and lower-middle-income countries where informal settlement is the case and the role of government in flood management is still minimal.
Violence, gender and WASH: spurring action on a complex, under-documented and sensitive topic
Authors: Sommer Marni , Ferron Suzanne , Cavill Sue , House Sarah
Published: December 2014

The global community of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) researchers, practitioners and policy makers has to date inadequately addressed the challenge of vulnerability to violence in relation to access to water and sanitation in development and humanitarian emergency contexts. Reasons may include the lack of valid and reliable documentation of girls’, boys’, women’s, and men’s experiences of violence while accessing water and/or sanitation facilities; the sensitivity of the topic, with secrecy around individuals’ experiences of violence and their sanitation needs further hindering the collection of reliable data; the complexity of understanding the gendered dimensions of vulnerability to violence, with girls and women at least anecdotally reported to be more likely to experience violence in relation to WASH; and the likelihood that many WASH practitioners lack training in gender and violence, affecting their ability to deliver adequate programming and evaluation. In an effort to encourage increased action and learning on the intersection of gender, violence and WASH, a review of the existing evidence and practice was conducted. Findings indicate the need for more systematic, reliable, and ethically conducted monitoring and learning on this topic to build a more solid evidence base, while also refining key principles for improved policy and programming.
Likelihood-based methods for evaluating principal surrogacy in augmented vaccine trials
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Bo , Zhang Hui , Zhang Zhiwei
Published: December 2014

There is growing interest in assessing immune biomarkers, which are quick to measure and potentially predictive of long-term efficacy, as surrogate endpoints in randomized, placebo-controlled vaccine trials. This can be done under a principal stratification approach, with principal strata defined using a subject’s potential immune responses to vaccine and placebo (the latter may be assumed to be zero). In this context, principal surrogacy refers to the extent to which vaccine efficacy varies across principal strata. Because a placebo recipient’s potential immune response to vaccine is unobserved in a standard vaccine trial, augmented vaccine trials have been proposed to produce the information needed to evaluate principal surrogacy. This article reviews existing methods based on an estimated likelihood and a pseudo-score (PS) and proposes two new methods based on a semiparametric likelihood (SL) and a pseudo-likelihood (PL), for analyzing augmented vaccine trials. Unlike the PS method, the SL method does not require a model for missingness, which can be advantageous when immune response data are missing by happenstance. The SL method is shown to be asymptotically efficient, and it performs similarly to the PS and PL methods in simulation experiments. The PL method appears to have a computational advantage over the PS and SL methods.
Using metaphor to translate the science of resilience and developmental outcomes
Authors: Kendall-Taylor Nathaniel , Haydon Abigail
Published: December 2014

Developmental scientists have used a variety of linguistic devices to communicate the science of resilience, but their effectiveness at improving understanding and expanding support for evidence-based social policies has not been empirically tested. We describe the process of developing, testing, and refining an Explanatory Metaphor to communicate the science of resilience to the public and policymakers. We argue that public understanding is key to bridging the research-to-practice divide and that communications is a social science endeavor in its own right that requires careful empirical research.
In-group rationalizations of risk and indoor tanning: A textual analysis of an online forum
Authors: Carcioppolo Nick , Chudnovskaya Elena V. , Martinez Gonzalez Andrea , Stephan Tyler
Published: December 2014

Unlike other health behaviors, there does not appear to be a strong relationship between perceived skin cancer risk and reduction or cessation of indoor tanning bed use. This study seeks to address this inconsistency by determining how indoor tanning bed users rationalize skin cancer risk with their tanning behavior. Qualitative textual analysis of indoor tanning message board posts ( N = 330) revealed varied perceptions of risk, including acknowledging the risk of indoor tanning; denying or downplaying risk, often citing perceived health benefits associated with tanning; blaming outside forces for cancer, such as lotion or genetics; and fatalistic beliefs about cancer. These results highlight the nuanced relationship between perceived skin cancer risk and indoor tanning bed use.
Narrative reporting and crises: British Petroleum and Shell, 1950–1958
Authors: Abdelrehim Neveen , Maltby Josephine , Toms Steven
Published: December 2014

Narrative reporting has been identified as potentially playing one of two contrasting rather than complementary roles: incremental information (II) and impression management (IM). II denotes the disclosure of information needed to help in investors’ decision-making, whilst IM relates to its selective use in enhancing reputation or protecting from criticism. They can be linked with, but are not confined to, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This article examines the use of narrative reporting by British Petroleum (BP) and Shell during two significant crises, the Iranian nationalization of oil supplies (1950–51) and the Egyptian nationalization of the Suez Canal (1956–57). The impact of these differed for the two companies because of the importance to each of Iran and of oil supplies from the Eastern Hemisphere. An analysis of their disclosure suggests that both, in different ways, varied their narrative in response to the threats presented by the two episodes, and that there is scope for further investigation of this form of reporting.
Job Coaching and Success in Gaining and Sustaining Employment Among Homeless People
Authors: Hoven Hanno , Ford Rebecca , Willmot Anne , Hagan Stephanie , Siegrist Johannes
Published: December 2014

Objective: People who are homeless experience many barriers that affect their ability to gain and sustain work. In this study, we investigate whether personal job coaching support contributes toward employment success. Methods: The short- and long-term employment outcomes of 2,480 clients participating in a labor market program were analyzed. Results: Clients being supported by a job coach have significantly higher chances of gaining employment than those not being supported. This holds particularly true for the youngest age-group. Furthermore, results also indicate that job coaching improves clients’ chances of successfully sustaining employment. Conclusions: Personal approaches and individual coaching seem to be promising strategies in social work practice and specifically in return to work programs for people who have experienced homelessness.
Evaluation of a Standardized Method of Quality Assurance in Mental Health Records
Authors: Bradshaw Kelsey M. , Donohue Bradley , Fayeghi Jasmine , Lee Tiffany , Wilks Chelsey R. , Ross Brendon
Published: December 2014

The widespread adoption of research-supported treatments by mental health providers has facilitated empirical development of quality assurance (QA) methods. Research in this area has focused on QA systems aimed at assuring the integrity of research-supported treatment implementation, while examination of QA systems to assure appropriate documentation of the implementation has received extant attention. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to pilot the initial development of a standardized QA system to assist mental health providers in effectively maintaining records of their implementation of a research-supported treatment. After a baseline of record-keeping errors was established, a QA program was implemented. Results indicated that QA audits were reliably conducted, frequency of errors decreased significantly upon the implementation of QA, and the QA program was determined to be feasible. A significant negative linear relationship was found between frequency of QA audits and frequency of errors. Study implications for research-supported treatments are discussed in light of these results.
Initial Validation of the Mental Health Provider Stigma Inventory
Authors: Kennedy Stephanie C. , Abell Neil , Mennicke Annelise
Published: December 2014

Objective:

To conduct an initial validation of the mental health provider stigma inventory (MHPSI). The MHPSI assesses stigma within the service provider–client relationship on three domains—namely, attitudes, behaviors, and coworker influence.

Methods:

Initial validation of the MHPSI was conducted with a sample of 212 mental health employees and graduate student counseling interns. Scale conceptualization and development, content validation, and construct validation measures are discussed.

Results:

Preliminary psychometrics indicated good model fit for a three-factor multidimensional scale. Reliabilities were strong (coefficient αs ranged from .83 to .93) and the global stratified α was .95. Evidence of construct validity supported the hypotheses about the accuracy of underlying constructs. Conclusions: The MHPSI appears to be a reliable and valid measure of mental health provider stigma. As social workers comprise the front lines of mental health service provision, the MHPSI may be a valuable tool for guiding agency trainings and social work education.
Cost-Effectiveness of Social Work Services in Aging
Authors: Rizzo Victoria M. , Rowe Jeannine M.
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

This study examines the impact of social work interventions in aging on quality of life (QOL) and cost outcomes in four categories (health, mental health, geriatric evaluation and management, and caregiving).

Methods:

Systematic review methods are employed. Databases were searched for articles published in English between 2004 and 2012 that report outcomes of social work interventions for aging individuals (age ≥ 50) and/or their caregivers/families. Of the 464 identified articles, 45 representing 42 studies met inclusion criteria.

Results:

Seventy-one percent of the studies report significant QOL outcomes. Twenty-one studies include cost outcomes, with 15 (71.4%) documenting significant cost savings. Twelve (80%) of the studies reporting significant cost outcomes examine social work interventions in health, including care coordination and end-of-life/palliative care.

Conclusion:

The findings suggest that social work interventions in aging have a positive and significant impact on QOL and cost outcomes. Applications for social work practice and research are discussed.
Implementing a Modular Research-Supported Treatment in Child Welfare
Authors: Schuler Brittany R. , Lee Bethany R. , Kolivoski Karen M. , Attman Nicole P. , Lindsey Michael A.
Published: December 2014

Objective: Increasing rates of mental health needs in child welfare clients highlight the importance of training child welfare workers in effective mental health interventions. This pilot study evaluates the effects of training public child welfare workers and interns in modularized research-supported treatments (RSTs). Methods: We compared knowledge of and attitudes toward RSTs and barriers and facilitators to their use in a sample of 26 field instructors and 11 master of social work students trained in modularized RSTs with an untrained sample of 55 field instructors and 36 students. Results: Trained field instructors had higher knowledge scores at follow-up and were more open to adopting RSTs, as compared with untrained field instructors. Fewer barriers and more facilitators were associated with more positive attitudes toward RSTs across all groups. Conclusions: Interventions to address attitudes, barriers, and facilitators may facilitate the uptake of RSTs in child welfare.
Measuring Personal Growth of New Grandparents
Authors: Orit Taubman – Ben-Ari , Shirley Ben Shlomo
Published: December 2014

Objective:

Two studies examined the validity of using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) to assess growth following the transition to grandparenthood as an aid for social workers seeking to promote strengths-based interventions for this population.

Method:

In Study 1 ( n = 210 grandparent/offspring pairs), first-time grandparents’ spontaneous answers to a qualitative open-ended question regarding changes following the birth of their first grandchild were compared to their responses to the PTGI. To corroborate these responses, the PTGI was also completed by the grandparent’s offspring. Additionally, the study examined the applicability of the five-factor structure of the PTGI to the population of first-time grandparents. In Study 2 ( n = 202 couples), grandparents’ PTGI responses were compared with reports of their growth furnished by their spouses.

Findings and conclusions:

The PTGI can indeed be considered an effective instrument for measuring growth following the transition to grandparenthood and may therefore be used in designing strengths-based social work practices.
Postadoption and Guardianship
Authors: Liao Minli , Testa Mark
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

This study evaluated the effects of the Adoption Preservation, Assessment, and Linkage (APAL) postpermanency program.

Method:

A quasi-experimental, posttest-only design was used to estimate the program’s effects on youth discharged from foster care to adoption or legal guardianship. A random sample was surveyed (female = 44.7%; African American = 94%) and tracked with administrative data. The primary analysis estimated the program’s effect of being assigned to the intervention, whereas a supplementary analysis estimated the effects of actually receiving the services.

Results:

The APAL program was associated with higher levels of caregiver commitment, fewer youth behavior problems, and lower odds of placement discontinuity.

Conclusion:

Offering postpermanency outreach services to families might help reinforce caregiver commitment and promote children’s well-being.
Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Delirium in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Tanimukai Hitoshi , Tsujimoto Hiroshi , Matsuda Yoshinobu , Tokoro Akihiro , Kanemura Seitetsu , Watanabe Motoo , Tsujio Ichiro , Maeda Isseki , Takei Kiyozumi , Nakajima Shinichiro , Taira Toshihiro , Tokuyama Madoka , Kai Toshihiro , Okamoto Yoshiaki , Goya Sho , Kashiwagi Yujiro
Published: December 2014

To compare the efficacy of antipsychotics (APs) for delirium treatment in patients with cancer, 27 patients treated with 1 of the 4 APs, haloperidol (HPD), risperidone (RIS), olanzapine (OLZ), and quetiapine (QTP), were divided into 2 groups: long half-life (T1/2; HPD, RIS, and OLZ) versus short T1/2 (QTP) or the multiacting receptor-targeted APs (MARTAs; OLZ and QTP) versus the non-MARTA (HPD and RIS). The symptom severity was evaluated by the memorial delirium rating scale (MDAS) on days 0, 3, and 7 following intervention. Significant improvements in total MDAS scores were found in all groups on day 3. However, on day 7, only the short T1/2 group and MARTA group showed significant improvement. Consideration of an AP’s pharmacological properties may be helpful for improving the outcomes of pharmacological delirium intervention in patients with cancer.
Nonpain Symptom Prevalence and Intensity of Inpatients With Moderate to Severe Cancer Pain in China
Authors: Shao Yue-Juan , Ji Kai , Hao Jian-Lei , Cheng Xian-Jiang , Guan Bing-Qing , Liu Wei-Shuai , Wang Kun
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

To identify prevalence and severity of nonpain symptoms and to clarify possible influences on each nonpain symptom.

Methods:

The study used a descriptive survey design. Chinese version of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System was used. Patients’ demographic and pain characteristics were collected.

Results:

The most common symptoms reported were loss of appetite (94.3%) followed by insomnia (93.3%), and tiredness (91.6%). Prevalence rates of nonpain symptom were all above 70% except “thinking clearly.” Prevalence and severity of nonpain symptoms varied by gender, age, primary cancer, and pain characteristics, especially intensity, number of breakthrough pain episodes per day, and number of pain sites.

Conclusions:

Most inpatients with cancer pain experienced concurrent nonpain symptoms. Comprehensive symptom assessment and intervention managing multiple symptoms are essential for these inpatients.
End-of-Life Care for People With Cancer From Ethnic Minority Groups
Authors: LoPresti Melissa A. , Dement Fritz , Gold Heather T.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Ethnic/racial minorities encounter disparities in healthcare, which may carry into end-of-life (EOL) care. Advanced cancer, highly prevalent and morbid, presents with worsening symptoms, heightening the need for supportive and EOL care.

Purpose:

To conduct a systematic review examining ethnic/racial disparities in EOL care for cancer patients.

Design:

We searched four electronic databases for all original research examining EOL care use, preferences, and beliefs for cancer patients from ethnic/racial minority groups.

Results:

Twenty-five studies were included: 20 quantitative and five qualitative. All had a full-text English language article and focused on the ethnic/racial minority groups of African Americans, Hispanics Americans, or Asian Americans. Key themes included EOL decision making processes, family involvement, provider communication, religion and spirituality, and patient preferences. Hospice was the most studied EOL care, and was most used among Whites, followed by use among Hispanics, and least used by African and Asian Americans. African Americans perceived a greater need for hospice, yet more frequently had inadequate knowledge. African Americans preferred aggressive treatment, yet EOL care provided was often inconsistent with preferences. Hispanics and African Americans less often documented advance care plans, citing religious coping and spirituality as factors.

Conclusion:

EOL care differences among ethnic/racial minority cancer patients were found in the processes, preferences, and beliefs regarding their care. Further steps are needed to explore the exact causes of differences, yet possible explanations include religious or cultural differences, caregiver respect for patient autonomy, access barriers, and knowledge of EOL care options.
Prevalence of Symptoms and Quality of Life Among Jordanian Cancer Patients
Authors: Al Qadire Mohammad , Al Khalaileh Murad
Published: December 2014

In Jordan, little is known about cancer-related symptoms prevalence, severity, and its impacts on patients’ quality of life. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate cancer-related symptoms prevalence, severity, and predictors of quality of life of cancer patients in Jordan. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. The sample consisted of 498 Jordanian cancer patients. There were slightly more males (51.6%) and a mean age of 44.3 ( SD = 15.3) years. The mean of the number of symptoms reported by patients was 11 ( SD = 3.3). The most prevalent symptoms were fatigue (92.5%), feeling drowsy (87.1%), lack of appetite (86.3%), being distressed (86.1%), and pain (85.5%). Furthermore, Jordanian cancer patients had low mean total scores for quality of life at a level of 18.5 ( SD = 4.9). A comprehensive palliative care program is recommended, led by a representative from the Ministry of Health, to integrate palliative care within the current health care system in Jordan.
Experiences With Family Health Conversations at Residential Homes for Older People
Authors: Dorell Åsa , Bäckström Britt , Ericsson Marie , Johansson Maria , Östlund Ulrika , Sundin Karin
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to highlight family members’ experiences of participating in Family Health Conversation (FamHC), based on families in which a family member was living in a residential home for older people. A total of 10 families and 22 family members participated in evaluating family interviews 1 month after participating in FamHC. The interviews were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. The main finding was being a part of FamHC increased family members’ insights, understanding, and communication within the family. Getting confirmation from nurses was essential to cope with the new life situation, which also meant that they felt comfortable to partly hand over the responsibility for the older person who moved to the residential home. By being open and expressing their feelings, a bad conscience could be relieved. These findings showed that FamHC could be helpful for family members in adapting to this novel situation.