bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of miR-146a polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis
Authors: Ji JD , Cha ES , Lee WJ
Published: May 2014

Objective

miR-146a may play important roles in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Several studies have examined the association of miR-146a gene polymorphisms with SLE, but these studies have shown inconclusive results. To verify whether an association exists, we conducted a meta-analysis of all relevant reports cited in MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE before August 2013.

Methods

Meta-analyses were performed on three published studies of the association between the miR-146a rs57095329 SNP and SLE for 5934 patients with SLE and 5591 controls as well as on four published studies of the association between miR-146a rs2910164 SNP and SLE for 2505 patients with SLE and 3248 controls. In addition, two studies involving 1920 SLE patients and 2472 controls were included in a meta-analysis of the association between miR-146a rs2431697 SNP and SLE. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled by the inverse of their variance.

Results

Of three SNPs analyzed, rs57095329 (OR 1.25, 95%CI 1.17–1.35) and rs2431697 (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.13–1.37) were genetically associated with SLE. However, no significant association was found between rs2910164 and SLE susceptibility (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.90–1.06). There was no significant heterogeneity across studies and no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusions

The results of our meta-analysis suggest that miR-146a rs57095329 and rs2431697 SNPs are associated with SLE susceptibility. In addition, our results suggest that there is an ethnical difference between Asian and European populations in the association between miR-146a SNPs and SLE susceptibility.
Comparison of models for analyzing two-group, cross-sectional data with a Gaussian outcome subject to a detection limit
Authors: Wiegand Ryan E , Rose Charles E , Karon John M
Published: May 2014

A potential difficulty in the analysis of biomarker data occurs when data are subject to a detection limit. This detection limit is often defined as the point at which the true values cannot be measured reliably. Multiple, regression-type models designed to analyze such data exist. Studies have compared the bias among such models, but few have compared their statistical power. This simulation study provides a comparison of approaches for analyzing two-group, cross-sectional data with a Gaussian-distributed outcome by exploring statistical power and effect size confidence interval coverage of four models able to be implemented in standard software. We found using a Tobit model fit by maximum likelihood provides the best power and coverage. An example using human immunodeficiency virus type 1 ribonucleic acid data is used to illustrate the inferential differences in these models.
Receiver operating characteristic curve estimation for time to event with semicompeting risks and interval censoring
Authors: Jacqmin-Gadda Hélène , Blanche Paul , Chary Emilie , Touraine Célia , Dartigues Jean-François
Published: May 2014

Semicompeting risks and interval censoring are frequent in medical studies, for instance when a disease may be diagnosed only at times of visit and disease onset is in competition with death. To evaluate the ability of markers to predict disease onset in this context, estimators of discrimination measures must account for these two issues. In recent years, methods for estimating the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve and the associated area under the ROC curve have been extended to account for right censored data and competing risks. In this paper, we show how an approximation allows to use the inverse probability of censoring weighting estimator for semicompeting events with interval censored data. Then, using an illness-death model, we propose two model-based estimators allowing to rigorously handle these issues. The first estimator is fully model based whereas the second one only uses the model to impute missing observations due to censoring. A simulation study shows that the bias for inverse probability of censoring weighting remains modest and may be less than the one of the two parametric estimators when the model is misspecified. We finally recommend the nonparametric inverse probability of censoring weighting estimator as main analysis and the imputation estimator based on the illness-death model as sensitivity analysis.
James Edmund Reeves (1829–1896) and the contentious 19th century battle for medical professionalism in the United States
Authors: Harris John M
Published: May 2014

During his life, Dr James E Reeves was a national figure in the US. His work included multiple professional publications, civic and professional leadership positions, and the drafting of a landmark law that confirmed the right of states to regulate the medical profession. While much of Reeves’ work supported the successful struggle of 19th century regular physicians to gain control of the practice of medicine, he challenged his colleagues when their self-interests conflicted with his perception of the public good. He was frequently lauded for this work by physicians and the public but he also made professional enemies. Perhaps for this reason, his considerable accomplishments were forgotten after his death. His story reminds us of the difficult contradiction that exists within the regulation of medicine, guarding the public’s welfare while protecting the interests of medical professionals. It also reminds us that history may temporarily overlook those who fight our difficult battles.
Cost-benefit analysis of Hyperphenylalaninemia Due to 6-Pyruvoyl-Tetrahydropterin Synthase (PTPS) Deficiency: For Consideration of Expanded Newborn Screening in Hong Kong
Authors: LEE Hencher Han-chih , MAK Chloe Miu , Poon Grace Wing-Kit , Wong Kar-Yin , LAM Ching-wan
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the cost-benefit of implementing an expanded newborn screening programme for hyperphenylalaninemias due to 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) deficiency in Hong Kong.

Setting

Regional public hospitals in Hong Kong providing care for cases of inborn errors of metabolism.

Methods

Implementational and operational costs of a new expanded mass spectrometry-based newborn screening programme were estimated. Data on various medical expenditures for the mild and severe phenotypic subtypes were gathered from a case cohort diagnosed with PTPS deficiency from 2001 to 2009. Local incidence from a previously published study was used.

Results

Implementation and operational costs of an expanded newborn screening programme in Hong Kong were estimated at HKD 10,473,848 (USD 1,342,801) annually. Assuming a birthrate of 50,000 per year and an incidence of 1 in 29,542 live births, the medical costs and adjusted loss of workforce per year would be HKD 20,773,207 (USD 2,663,232). Overall the annual savings from implementing the programme would be HKD 9,632,750 (USD 1,234,968).

Conclusions

Our estimates show that implementation of an expanded newborn screening programme in Hong Kong is cost-effective, with a significant annual saving for public expenditure.
Effect of a pre-screening survey on attendance in colorectal cancer screening: A double-randomized study in Finland
Authors: Helander Sanni , Hakama Matti , Malila Nea
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To explore effects of a pre-screening life style survey on the subsequent attendance proportion in colorectal cancer screening.

Setting

Finnish colorectal cancer screening programme in 2011.

Design

Double randomized and controlled follow-up design.

Methods

The study population comprised of 31,951 individuals born in 1951. In 2010 to a random sample of every sixth (n = 5,312) person we sent a 7-paged life style questionnaire, and to another random sample of every sixth person (n = 5,336) a 10-paged life style and quality of life questionnaire. One year later, in 2011, 31,484 individuals of the original cohort were independently randomized (1:1) for colorectal cancer screening (n = 15,748) or control group (n = 15,736). Of those who were invited for screening, 5185 had received a questionnaire during the previous year.

Results

5870 individuals (55.1 %) responded to the questionnaire in 2010. The overall attendance at screening in 2011 was 59.0 % in those born in 1951 (i.e. the 60-year-olds). In those who had been sent the survey the attendance in screening was 56.6% (57.3% for the short and 56.0% for the long questionnaire) and in those who had not received the questionnaire it was 60.2% ( P < 0.001).

Conclusions

We believe that the observed reduction in attendance in those who had been sent a questionnaire earlier is generally true. Thus, if any survey is enclosed in the screening invitation, this finding should be taken into account when planning the programme. Any extra effort requested may reduce the attendance proportion for screening, reducing the population level impact of screening.
Brucella placentitis and seroprevalence in northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) of the Pribilof Islands, Alaska
Authors: Duncan Colleen G. , Tiller Rebekah , Mathis Demetrius , Stoddard Robyn , Kersh Gilbert J. , Dickerson Bobette , Gelatt Tom
Published: May 2014

Brucella species infect a wide range of hosts with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. In mammals, one of the most significant consequences of Brucella infection is reproductive failure. There is evidence of Brucella exposure in many species of marine mammals, but the outcome of infection is often challenging to determine. The eastern Pacific stock of northern fur seals (NFSs, Callorhinus ursinus) has declined significantly, spawning research into potential causes for this trend, including investigation into reproductive health. The objective of the current study was to determine if NFSs on St. Paul Island, Alaska have evidence of Brucella exposure or infection. Archived DNA extracted from placentas ( n = 119) and serum ( n = 40) samples were available for testing by insertion sequence (IS) 711 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the Brucella microagglutination test (BMAT), respectively. As well, placental tissue was available for histologic examination. Six (5%) placentas were positive by PCR, and a single animal had severe placentitis. Multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis profiles were highly clustered and closely related to other Brucella pinnipedialis isolates. A single animal was positive on BMAT, and 12 animals had titers within the borderline range; 1 borderline animal was positive by PCR on serum. The findings suggest that NFSs on the Pribilof Islands are exposed to Brucella and that the organism has the ability to cause severe placental disease. Given the population trend of the NFS, and the zoonotic nature of this pathogen, further investigation into the epidemiology of this disease is recommended.
Periocular extracranial cutaneous meningiomas in two dogs
Authors: Teixeira Leandro B. C. , Pinkerton Marie E. , Dubielzig Richard R.
Published: May 2014

Cutaneous meningiomas are rare tumors in human beings and animals. Two canine cases of cutaneous meningiomas affecting the eyelid are described in the current study: the first from a 5-week-old female Springer Spaniel dog with an 8 cm in diameter congenital mass expanding the left upper eyelid and medial canthus; the second from a 10-year-old female spayed Maltese–Poodle mix dog with 3 firm subcutaneous nodules affecting the right upper eyelid. All masses were removed surgically. Histologically, tumors were composed of spindle-to-epithelioid cells arranged in small lobules forming solid concentric whorls. Neoplastic cells were positive for vimentin and S100 and negative for pancytokeratin, glial fibrillar acid protein, and neurofilament. Transmission electron microscopy revealed meningothelial cells with convoluted interdigitating processes, desmosomes, and hemidesmosomes, and moderate numbers of cytoplasmic microfilaments. None of the cases presented a primary neuroaxial meningioma. The first case presents clinicopathological features consistent with human type I (congenital) cutaneous meningioma. The second case is consistent with a type II (acquired ectopic) tumor, and both are hypothesized to arise from ectopic arachnoid cells displaced during development.
Cultural Preparation for Womanhood in Urban African American Girls
Authors: Shambley-Ebron Donna , Dole Debora , Karikari Akosua
Published: May 2014

Purpose: Poor sexual health is a significant contributor to morbidity in young African American women. Knowing how sexual knowledge is transmitted to Black girls is needed to develop effective preventive interventions. The purpose of this study was to explore the ways in which Black mothers transmit sexual values and knowledge to their daughters. Design: Interviews were conducted with 14 mothers, aged 25 to 34 years, with daughters aged 8 to 16 years. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Findings: The themes derived were (a) truth telling, (b) building strength through self-esteem, and (c) spirituality as helper. The overarching cultural theme was “Growing Strong Black Women.” Discussion/Conclusions: Mothers’ discussions with their daughters were infused with cultural meaning derived from their experiences. Black girls’ behavioral responses to their mothers’ strategies need to be studied. Implications: The findings will help nurses develop effective interventions that take into account the cultural realities of Black mothers.
Hospice Referral After Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment of Individuals With Advanced Dementia From a Nursing Home
Authors: Epstein-Lubow Gary , Fulton Ana Tuya , Marino Louis J. , Teno Joan
Published: May 2014

This report addresses the discharge disposition following inpatient psychiatric treatment for advanced dementia. The total population included 685 305 Medicare fee-for-service decedents with advanced cognitive and functional impairment, with a mean age of 85.9 years who had resided in a nursing home. In the last 90 days of life, 1027 (0.15%) persons received inpatient psychiatry treatment just prior to the place of care where the individual died. Discharge dispositions included 132 (12.9%) persons to a medical hospital, 728 (70.9%) to nursing home without hospice services, 73 (7.1%) to hospice services in a nursing home, 32 (3.1%) to home without hospice services, and 16 (1.6%) to hospice services at home. Overall, the rate of referral to hospice services for advanced dementia was relatively low.
Assessment of Intervention by a Palliative Care Team Working in a Japanese General Hospital
Authors: Amano Koji , Morita Tatsuya , Tatara Ryohei , Katayama Hirofumi , Aiki Sayo , Kitada Namiki , Fumimoto Hiromi , Sato Emi
Published: May 2014

Our objective was to explore the effectiveness of a palliative care team (PCT) by investigating potential differences in opioid prescription between patients who had had PCT involvement before admission to an inpatient hospice and those who had not. A total of 221 patients met the criteria; they were divided into an intervention group (n = 140) and a control group (n = 81). The daily dose of opioid before admission to the hospice was significantly higher in the intervention group ( P < .001). The difference between the maximum opioid dose and the initial dose, the rate of increase in opioids until death, and the length of stay in the hospice were not significantly different between the groups. A PCT contributes to more appropriate use of opioids before admission to a hospice.
Learn Global; Serve Local
Authors: Pedersen Paula J. , Meyer Jenice M. , Hargrave Michelle
Published: May 2014

Although research suggests that service learning (SL) is being incorporated into the college classroom at an increasing rate, faculty often report that they are not convinced of its educational values. There is a lack of research on, and awareness about, what SL is, how it can be incorporated into the curriculum, and the outcomes on student learning. In this article, the authors discuss the research and philosophy behind SL as an experiential pedagogical technique, describe one model of integrating SL into a large college classroom, and share findings on student outcomes across six areas of student development. Findings include implications for practice related to previous service experience of students, student gender, and service as a course requirement.
Outcome probability modulates anticipatory behavior to signals that are equally reliable
Authors: Matute Helena , Steegen Sara , Vadillo Miguel A
Published: May 2014

A stimulus is a reliable signal of an outcome when the probability that the outcome occurs in its presence is different from in its absence. Reliable signals of important outcomes are responsible for triggering critical anticipatory or preparatory behavior, which is any form of behavior that prepares the organism to receive a biologically significant event. Previous research has shown that humans and other animals prepare more for outcomes that occur in the presence of highly reliable (i.e., highly contingent) signals, that is, those for which that difference is larger. However, it seems reasonable to expect that, all other things being equal, the probability with which the outcome follows the signal should also affect preparatory behavior. In the present experiment with humans, we used two signals. They were differentially followed by the outcome, but they were equally (and relatively weakly) reliable. The dependent variable was preparatory behavior in a Martians video game. Participants prepared more for the outcome (a Martians’ invasion) when the outcome was most probable. These results indicate that the probability of the outcome can bias preparatory behavior to occur with different intensities despite identical outcome signaling.
Judicialization of Politics by Elected Politicians
Authors: Aydın-Çakır Aylin
Published: May 2014

This study argues that the proximity to a general election would affect the frequency of the opposition parties’ referrals to the constitutional court. This effect is hypothesized to be conditioned on the opposition parties’ prediction of the upcoming election results. To test this theory, I constructed an original data set including all acts promulgated by Turkish Parliament and all cases that were brought to the constitutional court by the opposition parties during 1984–2011. The results show that once the opposition party believes that it will lose the election, it increases its referrals to the court as election approaches.
Food and Drug Administration Regulation of Drugs That Raise Blood Pressure
Authors: Blankfield Robert P. , Iftikhar Imran H.
Published: May 2014

Although it is recognized that a systolic blood pressure (SBP) increase ≥2 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) increase ≥1 mm Hg increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes in middle-aged adults, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lacks an adequate policy for regulating medications that increase blood pressure (BP). Some FDA reviewers consider a clinically significant increase in BP to occur only if a drug raises SBP ≥20 mm Hg or if a drug raises DBP ≥10 to 15 mm Hg. In recent years, numerous drugs have been regulated or taken off the market due to cardiovascular safety concerns. The list includes rofecoxib (Vioxx), valdecoxib (Bextra), nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sibutramine (Meridia), and phenylpropanolamine. It is probable that the hypertensive effect of these drugs explains why they increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Other drugs, notably serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, were approved without cardiovascular safety data despite the fact that they raise BP comparable to valdecoxib and sibutramine. It is the responsibility of the FDA to ensure that drugs are properly labeled regarding risk. Even if a drug raises BP only modestly, FDA guidelines for new drug approvals should include a requirement for cardiovascular safety data. However, such guidelines will not address the problem of how to obtain cardiovascular safety data for the many already approved drugs that increase BP. The FDA should play a role in obtaining cardiovascular safety data for such drugs.
Teaching Social Media Journalism
Authors: Bor Stephanie E.
Published: May 2014

In response to the growing demand for digitally competent employees in the news media industry, journalism schools are cautiously integrating social media reporting into their curriculum. This study explores techniques for teaching news reporting on social media platforms focusing on challenges and opportunities for learning engagement that emerged in a course offered in fall 2012. Findings suggest that curriculum should include emphasis on ethics, technical skills, and the potential for career development. In addition, differentiation between personal and professional social media use should be recognized.
A 26-Week Toxicity Assessment of AIR001 (Sodium Nitrite) by Inhalation Exposure in Rats and by Intravenous Administration in Dogs
Authors: Tepper Jeffrey , Ochoa Ricardo , Rix Peter , Elliott Gary , Hoglen Niel , Poulin Dominic , Parsley Ed , Masamune Hiroko
Published: May 2014

Historically, nitrogen oxides (NOx) in food, drinking water, as well as in the atmosphere have been believed to be associated with adverse health consequences. More recently, NOx have been implicated in normal homeostatic regulation, and exogenous administration has been associated with health benefits. One such potential health benefit is the prospect that inhaled nitrite will lower pulmonary blood pressure (BP) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a disease with poor prognosis due to the lack of effective treatment. To characterize potential chronic toxicity associated with inhaled AIR001 (sodium nitrite) for use in the treatment of PAH, 26-week exposures to AIR001 were carried out by inhalation administration in rats and by intravenous infusion in dogs. The studies revealed that methemoglobinemia was the primary adverse effect in both species. Methemoglobin levels less than 40% were well tolerated in both species, while levels greater than 50% methemoglobin caused death in some rats. Additionally, a decrease in systemic BP was also observed with inhaled AIR001 exposure in dogs. These acute secondary and exaggerated pharmacological effects occurred daily throughout the 26-week treatment period. Chronic exposure did not alter the magnitude of either methemoglobinemia or hypotension or result in additional toxicity or compensatory responses. Based on the exposure levels that produced these pharmacodynamic responses in animals, relative to those measured in early clinical studies, it appears that an adequate margin of safety exists to support the continued clinical development of inhaled AIR001.
Mustard Gas Inhalation Injury
Authors: Keyser Brian M. , Andres Devon K. , Holmes Wesley W. , Paradiso Danielle , Appell Ashley , Letukas Valerie A. , Benton Betty , Clark Offie E. , Gao Xiugong , Ray Prabhati , Anderson Dana R. , Ray Radharaman
Published: May 2014

Mustard gas (sulfur mustard [SM], bis-[2-chloroethyl] sulfide) is a vesicating chemical warfare agent and a potential chemical terrorism agent. Exposure of SM causes debilitating skin blisters (vesication) and injury to the eyes and the respiratory tract; of these, the respiratory injury, if severe, may even be fatal. Therefore, developing an effective therapeutic strategy to protect against SM-induced respiratory injury is an urgent priority of not only the US military but also the civilian antiterrorism agencies, for example, the Homeland Security. Toward developing a respiratory medical countermeasure for SM, four different classes of therapeutic compounds have been evaluated in the past: anti-inflammatory compounds, antioxidants, protease inhibitors and antiapoptotic compounds. This review examines all of these different options; however, it suggests that preventing cell death by inhibiting apoptosis seems to be a compelling strategy but possibly dependent on adjunct therapies using the other drugs, that is, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and protease inhibitor compounds.
Integration of e-consultations into the outpatient care process at a tertiary medical centre
Authors: North Frederick , Uthke Lorraine D , Tulledge-Scheitel Sidna M
Published: May 2014

An e-consultation is an asynchronous consultation performed by a specialist without a face-to-face patient visit. E-consultations have been available to primary care providers at the Mayo Clinic for several years. We reviewed e-consultations performed by specialists at the Mayo Clinic for the first six months of 2013. We included only “internal” e-consultations, originating from within the Rochester practice. During the study period a total of 3242 e-consultations were completed at the Mayo Clinic. After excluding those relating to patients who did not give research consent, 3008 e-consultations remained. We categorized our internal e-consultations into eight types. The most frequently used types were the first e-consultation processes to be implemented: the primary care to specialist e-consultation and the specialist to specialist e-consultation, accounting for 74% of the total. As these two types of e-consultation became widely used, the staff discovered that the e-consultation process could be adapted to meet specific practice needs and six more e-consultation types emerged. For example, intra-specialty e-consultations and surgical e-consultations accounted for 16% of the total. E-consultations appear to have improved access to specialists, and they are integrated into care processes when timely expert opinions are needed. As e-consultations evolve, it will be important to develop a standard, well-defined terminology to compare outcomes of these processes across practices.
Use of a telehealth system by older adults with hypertension
Authors: Czaja Sara J , Lee Chin Chin , Arana Neysari , Nair Sankaran N , Sharit Joseph
Published: May 2014

We conducted a feasibility study of a home telehealth system that monitored blood pressure and bodyweight. A total of 34 participants with hypertension (10 males and 24 females) had the telemedicine system installed in their homes. Their mean age was 72 years and 94% of them self-identified as Hispanic. The telehealth system transmitted blood pressure and bodyweight data to a server. There was also a messaging function that was used to send a daily reminder to the participants. Participants used the telehealth system for six months. Ten participants were lost to follow up and 24 participants completed the entire study. Participants had strong positive perceptions regarding the usability and usefulness of the telemedicine system. Most of them (92%) found the device easy to use and 96% felt that the training they received prepared them to use the device. The providers indicated that use of the system improved their ability to manage their patients. The results of the study suggest that use of the telehealth system for home monitoring in Hispanic patients with hypertension is feasible.
Policy expectations and reality of telemedicine – a critical analysis of health care outcomes, costs and acceptance for congestive heart failure
Authors: Achelrod Dmitrij
Published: May 2014

A critical review of evidence was carried out to discover whether the actual performance of telemedicine fulfils the expectations of German policy-makers. The analysis was conducted using the example of telemedicine for congestive heart failure (CHF). It was based on both German and international evidence. The PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library databases were searched, as well as public sources from the German Federal Ministry of Health. Forty-five studies reporting patient outcomes, costs or acceptance of telemedicine for CHF were included in the review, of which 28 were interventional. The policy expectations of telemedicine generally are: high technology acceptance and improved patient outcomes at lower costs. However, in the field of CHF, policy-makers underestimate the complexity of telemedicine and the technology has not yet lived up to its expectations. Although some studies show improvements in all-cause mortality and CHF-related hospitalisations, there is excessive study heterogeneity and vagueness in the areas of costs and acceptance. Methodological insufficiencies as well as the scarcity of evidence in the German context do not allow definite conclusions to be drawn. Policy-makers and other stakeholders should increase their efforts to consolidate isolated telemedicine projects, establish guidelines for clinical treatment procedures and economic evaluations, and define industry/technical device standards to enhance the comparability of interventions. Imposing the use of telemedicine on patients and physicians is not likely to be fruitful. A successful adaptation requires an analysis of needs and continuous education on both sides.
The effect of SMS messaging on the compliance with iron supplementation among pregnant women in Iran: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Khorshid Marzieh Rakhsh , Afshari Poorandokht , Abedi Parvin
Published: May 2014

We examined the effect of SMS text messages on compliance with iron supplementation among pregnant women. A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 116 pregnant women referred from public health centres in Ahvaz. Their gestational age was 14-16 weeks. The subjects were randomly assigned to a control group who received usual care, or to a 12-week intervention with SMS reminders in addition to usual care. Participants in both groups were provided with iron supplements and taught how to take iron tablets. Most women in the intervention group (94%) had high compliance with iron supplements compared to the control group (66%); this difference was significant ( P = 0.003). Although haemoglobin, haematocrit and ferritin decreased significantly in each group, there was no significant difference between them. Using SMS reminders is an efficient way of improving compliance of women with iron supplementation during pregnancy. However, in the present study better compliance did not improve anaemia.
A systematic review of the cost and cost-effectiveness of telehealth for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Udsen Flemming W , Hejlesen Ole , Ehlers Lars H
Published: May 2014

We conducted a systematic review of the evidence on the costs and cost-effectiveness of telehealth for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A literature search identified six relevant economic evaluations that were assessed according to the Consensus Health Economic Criteria list (CHEC list). Three studies were from North America and three studies were from Europe. All studies reported the use of home monitoring devices that measured and transmitted different physical indicators to nurses who provided personalised feedback to patients during weekdays. The six studies involved a total of 559 COPD patients of whom 281 were randomised to telehealth. The review demonstrated a potential for cost savings. All six studies reported a lower average cost per patient with telehealth plus usual care compared with usual care alone. However, the quality of the economic evidence was poor. Five studies were evaluated as low quality and one study was evaluated as moderate quality, with CHEC list scores of 21–68%. Caution is advised for healthcare decision-makers seeking large-scale implementation of telehealth in routine clinical practice. The clinical effectiveness of such implementations with follow-up exceeding 12 months has not yet been demonstrated.
Psychosocial well-being after kidney transplantation: A matched-pair case-control study
Authors: Gremigni Paola , Cappelli Gianni
Published: May 2014

A number of outcome studies showed that kidney transplantation is associated with improvements in health-related quality of life relative to the pre-transplant period, but comparisons with the general population produced mixed results. This study aimed to compare 30 successful (>1 year) kidney transplantation recipients with 30 matched-pair healthy controls on psychosocial well-being. Independent of gender, age and time since transplantation, transplanted patients equalled healthy people in the intrapersonal domains but scored worse in the interpersonal domains of psychosocial well-being. Identifying aspects of life that remain impaired after kidney transplantation may assist the development of interventions targeted at improving patients’ adjustment.
Culture, parenting, and child behavioral problems: A comparative study of cross-cultural immigrant families and native-born families in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Hao-Jan , Kuo Yi-Jin , Wang Lee , Yang Chien-Ying
Published: May 2014

Little is known about the interplay of cultural, parenting, and sociodemographic/socioeconomic factors on children’s behavioral problems, especially within culturally mixed families in Chinese society. This study compares the presence of behavioral problems between children from families with an immigrant mother and those from native-born families in a randomly selected sample of 957 children aged 6 to 12 years from three counties in central Taiwan. Behavioral problems were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist completed by parents and the Teacher’s Report Form. Parenting styles were assessed using the Parental Bonding Instrument completed by children. Children of immigrant mothers had higher scores for all behavioral syndromes based on the parent’s report. However, in the teacher’s report a difference was only observed for withdrawn/depressed syndrome. Children of immigrant mothers were more likely, and children with high paternal care were less likely, to have internalizing and total problems in the parent’s report. For the teacher’s report, only high education in fathers was associated with decreased internalizing and total problems in children. These findings suggest that children growing up in a cross-cultural environment with an immigrant mother, as opposed to a native-born Taiwanese family environment, are more likely to have higher internalizing problems and total behavioral problem scores, due to a number of cultural, parenting, and sociodemographic factors. Children’s behaviors appear to be more influenced by fathers’ than mothers’ parenting styles, regardless of family type. The study findings imply that unequal health and social conditions exist between cross-cultural and native-born families.
Societies without citizens
Authors: Burgi Noëlle
Published: May 2014

This article studies the chronic and acute anomic social impacts of the development of market societies in Europe over the past few decades. Focusing on the firm but linking micro and macro levels, it argues that the passage from the welfare state to disembedded markets and neoliberal governance has generated individual and collective anomie by depriving social actors of agency and voice while caging them in the disciplinary constraints of an ideal competition society. Promoted by public and private governors animated by visions of managerial omnipotence, this reconfiguration has hollowed out the cluster of rights that was the basis of democratic and social citizenship in Europe. The article discusses the manifestations of anomie, stressing the violence flowing from the radical uncertainty to which atomized employees and more broadly citizens are facing in the reification of collective goals, which have been reduced to participation in market society. Drawing on the classical literature (Durkheim, Parsons, Merton) but expanding upon it, the article examines exit solutions, at the individual and collective levels, involving violence against the self (suicide) and others (mobbing, xenophobia, fascism), and concludes that Europe seems to be heading towards a protracted period of danger-laden chronic and acute anomie.
Class identification in New Zealand: An analysis of the relationship between class position and subjective social location
Authors: Haddon Edward
Published: May 2014

Using data collected by two New Zealand surveys in 1999 and 2009, I explore the connection between the objective social class positions of individuals and their own subjective perceptions of these circumstances. Class position is ‘operationalized’ using a newer variant of Goldthorpe’s schema, the European Socioeconomic Classification (ESeC). Through regression analyses, it is demonstrated that ‘objective’ forces contain positive predictive consequences for self-placement. More importantly, the results suggest that as predictors of subjective class, the effects of class have endured while those of education and income – understood here to represent measures of socioeconomic position – have declined. The empirical evidence produced suggests that class continues to generate subjectively salient identities, leading one to deduce that there are no grounds for stating that it is no longer a significant feature in society.
Rolando and his fracture
Authors: Mahoney M , Marsland D , Garagnani L , Sauvé P
Published: May 2014

The Rolando fracture is classically a Y pattern intra-articular fracture of the base of the thumb metacarpal. Due to the fracture’s inherent instability and difficultly in achieving and maintaining accurate reduction, management remains challenging. This article explores Silvio Rolando’s background, summarizes his classic paper from 1910 and reviews the current literature regarding optimal fixation techniques.
The Europeanization of interest groups: Group type, resources and policy area
Authors: Dür Andreas , Mateo Gemma
Published: May 2014

Large variation exists in the extent to which national interest groups focus on European Union (EU) legislation and carry out their political activities in Brussels and Strasbourg. What explains this variation? We propose a series of hypotheses that suggest that business groups, and groups active in policy areas with high EU competence, are more Europeanized than other groups. The effect of group type, moreover, is conditional on the material resources a group possesses: we expect the difference between business and non-business groups to be largest for actors that are well endowed with material resources. Using novel data on 880 national associations, gained from a survey of interest groups in five European countries, we find support for these hypotheses. The article has implications for the literatures on lobbying, Europeanization, and theories of European integration.
Influence of ABO genotype and phenotype on angiotensin-converting enzyme plasma activity
Authors: Gassó Patricia , Ritter Marie A , Mas Sergi , Lafuente Amalia
Published: May 2014

Introduction:

ABO rs495828 polymorphism has recently been associated with risk of hypertension and cough induced by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which could be due to low ACE plasma activity. To study whether ABO rs495828 is associated with ACE activity. The association between ABO genotype and phenotype, and differences in ACE activity between the ABO phenotype groups were also studied.

Subjects and methods:

We genotyped 168 subjects for rs495828. ACE plasma activity and ABO histo-blood group were measured in all minor allele homozygous subjects (TT) that agreed to participate in the study ( n=8) and in age- and gender-matched heterozygous subjects (GT; n=8) and major allele homozygous subjects (GG; n=8).

Results:

A non-significant trend was found in ACE activity among rs495828 genotype groups; however the polymorphism was significantly associated with ABO phenotype ( p=0.007), which in turn was associated with ACE activity ( p=0.029).

Conclusion:

These results provide new evidence for the ABO-ACE relationship. Although the genetic marker studied here may be involved somehow, ABO phenotype is shown to be a better predictor of ACE plasma activity.
The relationship between the quality of the built environment and the quality of life of people with dementia in residential care
Authors: Fleming Richard , Goodenough Belinda , Low Lee-Fay , Chenoweth Lynn , Brodaty Henry
Published: May 2014

While there is considerable evidence on the impact of specific design features on problems associated with dementia, the link between the quality of the built environment and quality of life of people with dementia is largely unexplored. This study explored the environmental and personal characteristics that are associated with quality of life in people with dementia living in residential aged care. Data were obtained from 275 residents of 35 aged care homes and analysed using linear regression. The quality of the built environment was significantly associated with the quality of life of the resident measured by global self-report. Environmental ratings were not associated with proxy or detailed self-report ratings. Higher quality of life is associated with buildings that facilitate engagement with a variety of activities both inside and outside, are familiar, provide a variety of private and community spaces and the amenities and opportunities to take part in domestic activities.
The provision of assistive technology products and services for people with dementia in the United Kingdom
Authors: Gibson Grant , Newton Lisa , Pritchard Gary , Finch Tracy , Brittain Katie , Robinson Louise
Published: May 2014

In this review we explore the provision of assistive technology products and services currently available for people with dementia within the United Kingdom. A scoping review of assistive technology products and services currently available highlighted 171 products or product types and 331 services. In addition, we assimilated data on the amount and quality of information provided by assistive technology services alongside assistive technology costs. We identify a range of products available across three areas: assistive technology used ‘by’, ‘with’ and ‘on’ people with dementia. Assistive technology provision is dominated by ‘telecare’ provided by local authorities, with services being subject to major variations in pricing and information provision; few currently used available resources for assistive technology in dementia. We argue that greater attention should be paid to information provision about assistive technology services across an increasingly mixed economy of dementia care providers, including primary care, local authorities, private companies and local/national assistive technology resources.
Turkish teachers’ accounts of moral dilemmas in early childhood settings
Authors: Koc Kevser , Buzzelli Cary A
Published: May 2014

In all, 26 Turkish early childhood educators were asked to describe a moral dilemma they faced in their classroom, the circumstances that made the situation a dilemma, and why it was a moral dilemma. The dilemmas described arose from conflicts between teachers and children, teachers and parents, and teachers and administrators. Dilemmas described by experienced teachers did not differ from those of described by inexperienced teachers. Dilemmas between teachers and students reflected teachers’ caring for students, while dilemmas between teachers and parents, and teachers and administrators reflected power struggles. When asked why the dilemmas were moral in nature, the teachers’ responses were categorized into five areas of concern. These are a concern for children’s development, children’s needs, children’s feelings, fairness, and honesty. Results are compared with studies conducted in the West. Implications for future research are presented.
How an Intranet Provides Opportunities for Learning Organizational Culture
Authors: Bennett Elisabeth E.
Published: May 2014

The Problem

Organizational culture is a central part of defining virtual human resource development (VHRD), yet little empirical research has uncovered the relationship between culture and intranets. Intranets constitute the webbed environment that enables VHRD, and much can be learned from studying an intranet used strategically for an organization. Specifically, the problem addressed in this article was the question, how does an intranet provide opportunities for learning organizational culture?

The Solution

Case research in a hospital setting explored the problem and found four themes for how an intranet enabled participants to learn and experience the larger culture. A primary conclusion of the study was that an intranet can convey and renew organizational culture when members interact and experience organizational values in action. Implications for human resource development (HRD) professionals include addressing the design and development of organizational systems to support cultural messages that are congruent with organizational objectives and to consider how intranets can support informal learning and community building necessary for VHRD.

The Stakeholders

Stakeholders for this article include HRD professionals who help implement new technology and use technical applications to support practice, leaders who oversee virtual work, and scholars who aim to further research and theory in VHRD.
Exploring a Sociomaterial Perspective on Technology in Virtual Human Resource Development
Authors: Fagan Mary Helen
Published: May 2014

The Problem

Technology is creating immersive digital ecosystems that will radically transform the way humans communicate, collaborate, and create. Virtual human resource development (VHRD) is an example of this phenomenon in the field of HRD. With the emergence of VHRD, HRD scholars need to develop more robust conceptualizations of technology, and HRD practitioners need to play a larger role in technology development. Enhanced theoretical perspectives on technology are needed to support these endeavors.

The Solution

A sociomaterial perspective on technology, which is being used for the study and development of phenomena such as virtual worlds in other disciplines, can help HRD practitioners and scholars develop a more robust understanding of VHRD and participate more effectively in technology development.

The Stakeholders

HRD practitioners and scholars can use a sociomaterial perspective on technology to facilitate their engagement in VHRD development and scholarship.
An Initial Conceptualization of Virtual Scenario Planning
Authors: McWhorter Rochell R. , Lynham Susan A.
Published: May 2014

The Problem

Recent disruptive events introduced high volatility and uncertainty into the contemporary organizational environment whereby well-established organizations found scenario planning (SP) useful to craft strategy. However, because SP is typically a very costly endeavor, it is less accessible to new startups, small businesses, nonprofits, and large-scale organizations that could greatly benefit.

The Solution

We propose an initial conceptual model whereby sophisticated technologies that typically enable virtual events be utilized to facilitate virtual SP activities for real-time participation from geographically disbursed locations reducing expenses and providing access to one of human resource development’s (HRD’s) strategic learning tools. We posit that HRD professionals be involved in planning and implementation through the scope of technology development within the context of virtual HRD.

The Stakeholders

This article provides researchers and scholar-practitioners with a conceptualization of current thinking around the notion of utilizing technology to create an online environment conducive for SP. This article will be of particular interest to those involved in formulating organizational strategy including those where costs of face-to-face SP and other forms of strategic initiatives are either time or cost prohibitive.