bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute epiglottitis in children and adults: A large‐scale incidence study
Authors: Wurtele Paul
Published: April 2016

With the introduction of an anti‐haemophilus type B vaccine, a standard incidence rate for acute epiglottitis is needed to judge its efficacy. Epiglottitis is thought to be more common in children than in adults, but this relation has never been clearly established. This article attempts to evaluate the incidence of this disease. A review of the literature regarding the incidence is correlated to new data from the 1981 Census of Canada and the Med‐Echo System of the province of Quebec. It suggests that the incidence rate is approximately 60/million for children (1/17,000), whereas it is 10/million for adults (1/103,000). These rates are based on the analysis of 712 pediatric cases and 257 adult cases. After a review from various sources, my estimation is that a slightly lower than 3‐to‐1 ratio of cases is probable between the pediatric and adult cases of acute epiglottitis.
Inhibition of endogenous superoxide dismutase with diethyldithiocarbamate in acute island skin FLAPS
Authors: Freeman Todd J. , Maisel Robert H. , Goding George S. , Cohen James I.
Published: April 2016

Oxygen free radicals have been implicated in postischemic tissue damage in a variety of experimental models including the island skin flap. Previous studies have demonstrated that supplementing animals with exogenous superoxide dismutase (SOD), a free radical scavenger, improves tissue survival in island flaps. No studies to our knowledge have attempted to inhibit endogenous SOD in a skin flap model. In this experiment 20 control rats demonstrated a 12.00% flap necrosis 7 days after a modified ventral island skin flap was raised. A second group of 20 rats were supplemented with exogenous SOD (50,000 U/kg 30 minutes preoperatively and 12 hours postoperatively) and demonstrated a statistically significant decreased flap necrosis of 5.28%. A third group of 20 rats received diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC, 0.5 gm/kg 12 hours preoperatively), an agent previously shown to inhibit SOD, and demonstrated a statistically significant increased flap necrosis of 19.77%. In a final group of 20 rats the effect of DDC was overcome by supplementation with exogenous SOD, obtaining a flap necrosis of 8.35%. Our results add further support to the importance of SOD and oxygen free radicals in postischemic tissue damage by demonstrating increased tissue necrosis with inhibition of endogenous SOD. This suggests that there is a baseline degree of SOD activity in ischemic areas working to preserve tissue. It appears that the copper‐containing species of SOD found primarily in the cytoplasm plays a pivotal role in preservation of postischemic tissue.
Phonatory vocal fold function in the excised canine larynx
Authors: Slavit David H. , Lipton Richard J. , McCaffrey Thomas V.
Published: April 2016

The development of valid objective measurements of vocal cord vibration during phonation is a goal of current research in laryngeal physiology. An excised canine larynx was used to study the effects of vocal cord tension, air flow rate, and glottic width on glottographic parameters. The electroglottographic and photoglottographic waveforms were simultaneously recorded as the vocal cord tension, glottic width, and air flow rate were systematically varied. These glottographic waveforms were analyzed to determine the open quotient and speed quotient. Multiple regression analysis of the data obtained from 10 larynges showed the open quotient to be directly related to vocal fold tension (p< 0.001), glottic width (p < 0.01), and fundamental frequency (p < 0.001). Speed quotient was inversely related to glottic width and subglottic pressure (p < 0.05). Regression analysis also showed frequency of vibration to be directly related to tension (p < 0.001) and inversely related to glottic width (p < 0.001), with different combinations of glottic tension and width capable of producing the same frequency. The open and speed quotients thus reflect the changes in the vibratory patterns of the vocal folds produced by alterations in tension and width. The clinical implications of these results will be discussed, with emphasis on glottography as an objective assessment of the various laryngeal framework procedures being performed.
A comparison of the KTP/532‐laser tonsillectomy vs. traditional dissection/snare tonsillectomy
Authors: Strunk Chester L. , Nichols Mark L.
Published: April 2016

This study compared tonsillectomy by potassium‐titanyl‐phosphate (KTP/532) laser with tonsillectomy by traditional dissection and snare. Eighty‐three consecutive patients who were candidates for a tonsillectomy were randomly assigned to one of four groups in a prospective study. The four treatments were bilateral traditional dissection/snare tonsillectomy, bilateral KTP/532‐laser tonsillectomy, left laser tonsillectomy and right dissection/snare tonsillectomy, and left dissection/snare tonsillectomy and right laser tonsillectomy. Intraoperative comparisons were made between the two methods with regard to blood loss and operating time. Postoperatively bleeding and healing time were also recorded. A questionnaire answered on a daily basis assessed the patient's pain. Disadvantages of the KTP/532 tonsillectomy included increased cost, increased total operating time as a result of increased setup time and laser malfunctions, delayed healing, and no statistically significant improvement in level of pain. The sole advantage associated with the KTP/532 laser tonsillectomy was decreased blood loss, which may be significant for patients with a coagulopathy.
Serial measurement of blood flow in expanded tissue by laser doppler velocimetry
Authors: Canady John W. , Squier Christopher A. , Kelly Kevin M. , Bardach Janusz
Published: April 2016

This study provides additional information about changes in blood flow in expanded tissue as measured by laser Doppler. Five one‐kilogram albino Hartley guinea pigs were implanted with commercially available hemispheric expanders. The expanders were inflated every 3 days on four successive occasions. Blood flow measurements were taken on each animal just before each inflation, immediately after inflation, and then at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 24 hours after expansion. Measurement of flow changes immediately after each inflation of the expander showed that, initially, blood flow in the tissue overlying the expander recovered quickly, but as the expansion process was continued, the flow did not return to baseline values so rapidly. This might be an indication that tissue expansion in patients could be carried out more rapidly during the initial inflations, with increasing recovery periods between inflations as the expansion process continued.
Effects of indomethacin and calcitonin on bone absorption in type II collagen‐induced otosclerosis‐like lesions in rats
Authors: Huang Cheng‐Chun , Yabe Yakeshi , Yan Shi‐Du
Published: April 2016

In this study, we determined the effects of indomethacin and calcitonin on bone resorption in otosclerosis‐like lesions in rats. Morphometric analysis showed that both indomethacin and calcitonin inhibited active otosclerosis‐like lesions (bone resorption) and rats immunologically induced with type II collagen, and indomethacin had a much higher inhibitory effect than calcitonin. In in vitro studies we found that conditioned medium from splenic lymphocytes of rats immunized with type II collagen stimulated collagenase production by macrophages and fibroblasts. Coilagenase is the major enzyme for degradation of the organic components of bone. Treatment of the immunized rats with indomethacin and calcitonin significantly reduced the stimulatory effect of the lymphocyte‐conditioned medium on collagenase production. Indomethacin caused a greater reduction of the stimulatory effect of the lymphocytes on collagenase production than calcitonin. These findings are in agreement with results of the morphometric study. Results of the present study also suggest that cell‐to‐cell interaction plays an important role in collagenase production for degradation of organic components of bone resorption in otosclerotic lesions.
Overview
Authors: Kennedy David W.
Published: April 2016

Traditional concepts of sinus disease as primarily involving the maxillary sinuses are giving way to understanding of the primary involvement of the ostiomeatal complex. Recognition of predisposing factors is also improving, as is localization of disease in the ethmoid, maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses. Because of the interdependence of the sinuses, acute sinusitis is rarely limited to one sinus. The diagnosis of acute disease is relatively easy compared with that of chronic sinusitis, which mimics many other conditions. Antibiotics and decongestants typically constitute initial therapy for acute sinusitis, and surgery is reserved for patients with threatened complications. The principal goal of this symposium is to outline the most rational approach to treatment of sinus disease on the basis of currently available diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. Emphasis will be placed on first‐line management, on therapeutic response, and on objective evaluation of therapeutic efficiency.
The clinician's view of sinusitis
Authors: Stafford Chester T.
Published: April 2016

Widespread underdlagnosis and inadequate treatment of acute sinusitis may be inferred from the prevalence of chronic sinusitis in the United States. Thus the otolaryngologists's role in the management of sinusitis goes beyond treatment of referred patients. It also includes the responsibility to educate referring physicians in improved diagnostic methods and earlier, more effective forms of therapy. While antral puncture is the sine qua non for determining specific diagnosis, standard radiographs and sound clinical judgment may offer practical alternatives. Early, aggressive antibiotic therapy (with ampicillin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin‐clavulanate potassium, or appropriate cephalosporins), plus oral decongestants for symptomatic relief, provides therapeutic efficacy for acute sinusitis and should be considered the initial step toward prevention of chronic sinusitis.
Therapeutic approach to sinusitis: Antiinfectious therapy as the baseline of management
Authors: Winther Birgit , Gwaltney Jack M.
Published: April 2016

Although acute sinusitis is an infectious disease in which several bacterial species play a major etlologic role, there is an important interaction between the respiratory viruses (common cold viruses) and the bacteria in the pathogenesis of acute community‐acquired sinusitis. The relative inaccessibility of the sinus cavities makes special techniques of sampling necessary to acquire specimens that accurately reflect disease conditions in the sinuses. Bacterial etiology of sinus infection has therefore been determined by sinus puncture studies, chiefly of the maxillary sinus, several of which are reviewed here. Because the bacteria causing acute sinusitis have not changed in many years, puncture is not often necessary for clinical diagnosis. Patients with acute, community‐acquired sinusitis can usually be treated empirically, on the basis of previous studies, unless complications are suspected. In that case, and in other patients with hospital‐acquired sinusitis, puncture of the involved sinus and aspiration of sinus fluid for Gram's staining and quantitative microbial cultures and sensitivities are required for appropriate antimicrobial management.
Fragmenting probation
Authors: Dominey Jane
Published: April 2016

A continuing criticism of the Transforming Rehabilitation (TR) reforms is that they fragment the process of probation supervision and, as a consequence, are likely to damage the network of relationships (between workers from different agencies as well as between supervisor and supervisee) that encourages compliance with orders and desistance from offending (PA/PCA, 2013; Ugwudike, 2013; McNeill and Robinson G, 2013; Robinson A, 2014). This short article reports on a research study that explored probation practice in an increasingly fragmented environment. The article outlines the implications of some of the study’s findings for the developing practice of community rehabilitation companies (CRCs) and highlights points of particular concern if good practice is to be maintained and practitioner expertise sustained.
Joining in with the Spirit in the 21st Century: A Response to Dana Robert
Authors: Vassiliadis Petros
Published: April 2016

A short response from an Orthodox perspective to Prof. Dana Robert’s paper. It contains some specific information and focuses, not fully highlighted in her keynote address. The present situation in global mission is what the Orthodox expected as the very first step the ecumenical movement should take, as it was requested by the Orthodox even before the 1910 Edinburgh mission conference. The social and economic nuances of the new mission statement are underlined, together with the ecclesial dimension of mission, the implicit liturgical aspect, the explicit environmental and inter-faith consequences of an authentic Christian witness, and the clear connection between mission and unity. A plea is finally made that the missiological consequences of the deification theology of the Orthodox become an integral part of today’s world mission.
A study in persons later after stroke of the relationships between social participation, environmental factors and depression
Authors: Zhang Lifang , Sui Minghong , Yan Tiebin , You Liming , Li Kun , Gao Yan
Published: April 2016

Objective:

To explore the impacts of social participation and the environment on depression among people with stroke.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

Structured interviews in the participants’ homes.

Subjects:

Community-dwelling persons with stroke in the rural areas of China ( N = 639).

Interventions:

Not applicable.

Main measures:

Depression (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression-6), activity and social participation (Chinese version of the World Health Organization’s Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0), environmental barriers (Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors), neurological function (Canadian Neurological Scale).

Results:

A total of 42% of the variance in depression was explained by the environmental barriers, neurological function, activity, and social participation factors studied. Social participation, services/assistance, and attitudes/support were directly related to depression; their standardized regression coefficients were 0.530, 0.162, and 0.092, respectively ( p ⩽ 0.01). The physical environment, policies, and neurological function indirectly impacted depression. Depression influences social participation in turn, with a standardized regression coefficient of 0.29 ( p ⩽ 0.01).

Conclusions:

Depression and social participation are inversely related. The physical environment, services/assistance, attitudes/support, and policies all impact post-stroke depression.
Hydroxysafflor yellow A improves established monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats
Authors: Han Xiaotong , Zhang Yixiong , Zhou Zhou , Zhang Xingwen , Long Yanfei
Published: April 2016

Objective

To evaluate the beneficial effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) on monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in rats, and to investigate the main pathophysiological mechanism of HSYA in preventing development of MCT-induced PAH.

Methods

Four groups (control, control with HSYA treatment, MCT-exposed, and MCT-exposed with HSYA treatment) were evaluated at day 28 following MCT exposure. Haemodynamic measurements, right ventricular hypertrophy, morphometry, inflammatory cytokines and oxidant expression were assessed.

Results

HSYA significantly reduced haemodynamic changes, right ventricular hypertrophy and morphometric changes induced by exposure to MCT. HYSA also suppressed MCT-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in rat pulmonary tissue.

Conclusions

Experimental MCT-induced PAH may be reduced by HSYA treatment, and the mechanism may involve suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Seeing “the Dress” in the Right Light: Perceived Colors and Inferred Light Sources
Authors: Chetverikov Andrey , Ivanchei Ivan
Published: April 2016

In the well-known “dress” photograph, people either see the dress as blue with black stripes or as white with golden stripes. We suggest that the perception of colors is guided by the scene interpretation and the inferred positions of light sources. We tested this hypothesis in two online studies using color matching to estimate the colors observers see, while controlling for individual differences in gray point bias and color discrimination. Study 1 demonstrates that the interpretation of the dress corresponds to differences in perceived colors. Moreover, people who perceive the dress as blue-and-black are two times more likely to consider the light source as frontal, than those who see the white-and-gold dress. The inferred light sources, in turn, depend on the circadian changes in ambient light. The interpretation of the scene background as a wall or a mirror is consistent with the perceived colors as well. Study 2 shows that matching provides reliable results on differing devices and replicates the findings on scene interpretation and light sources. Additionally, we show that participants’ environmental lighting conditions are an important cue for perceiving the dress colors. The exact mechanisms of how environmental lighting and circadian changes influence the perceived colors of the dress deserve further investigation.
Biomechanical Comparison of Surgical Techniques for Resection Arthroplasty of the Sternoclavicular Joint
Authors: Katthagen J. Christoph , Marchetti Daniel Cole , Dahl Kimi D. , Turnbull Travis Lee , Millett Peter J.
Published: April 2016

Background:

The optimal location and extent of medial clavicle resection for sternoclavicular (SC) joint resection arthroplasty are unknown.

Hypothesis:

Resection of the intra-articular disc alone cannot reliably decompress the SC joint, and a parallel resection technique will decompress the SC joint significantly more compared with the same amount with an oblique resection technique.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Force transmission through the SC joint was measured in 7 matched-pair human cadaveric SC joints in a dynamic tensile testing machine. The specimens were randomized to either a parallel or an oblique resection technique. An 80-N axial load was applied on the lateral clavicle toward the SC joint in each of the following 4 conditions: (1) intact joint, (2) after resecting the intra-articular disc, (3) after resecting 5 mm of the medial clavicle, and (4) after 10-mm resection.

Results:

Complete discectomy of all SC joints resulted in a significant reduction of force transmitted through the SC joint ( P = .002). However, the varying anatomy of the disc was accompanied by a varying amount of joint decompression (95% CI, 29.8%-65.4%). Resecting 5 mm of the SC joint with the parallel technique decompressed the SC joint by a mean (±SD) of 76.7 ± 22.1 N compared with 37.8 ± 24.8 N with the oblique technique ( P = .02). Decompression did not significantly differ between the groups after 10-mm resection ( P = .18) using the parallel technique (89.4 ± 24.1 N) compared with the oblique technique (68.2 ± 31.6 N). Furthermore, 5-mm resection of the medial end of the clavicle with the parallel technique decompressed the SC joint by an amount similar to 10-mm resection with the oblique technique.

Conclusion:

Resection of the disc alone did not reliably decompress each SC joint. Resection of 5 mm of the medial end of the clavicle with the parallel resection technique reliably decompressed the SC joint better than with the oblique resection technique.

Clinical Relevance:

This study provides baseline data on SC joint resection techniques and their mechanical effects. This knowledge can be implemented in clinical practice to treat patients with symptomatic posttraumatic arthritis of the SC joint.
pH-triggered sustained release of arsenic trioxide by polyacrylic acid capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles for solid tumor treatment in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Xiao Xuecheng , Liu Yangyang , Guo Manman , Fei Weidong , Zheng Hongyue , Zhang Rongrong , Zhang Yan , Wei Yinghui , Zheng Guohua , Li Fanzhu
Published: April 2016

Arsenic trioxide (As2O3, ATO), a FDA approved drug for hematologic malignancies, was proved of efficient growth inhibition of cancer cell in vitro or solid tumor in vivo. However, its effect on solid tumor in vivo was hampered by its poor pharmacokinetics and dose-limited toxicity. In this study, a polyacrylic acid capped pH-triggered mesoporous silica nanoparticles was conducted to improve the pharmacokinetics and enhance the antitumor effect of arsenic trioxide. The mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with arsenic trioxide was grafted with polyacrylic acid (PAA-ATO-MSN) as a pH-responsive biomaterial on the surface to achieve the release of drug in acidic microenvironment of tumor, instead of burst release action in circulation. The nanoparticles were characterized with uniform grain size (particle sizes of 158.6 ± 1.3 nm and pore sizes of 3.71 nm, respectively), historically comparable drug loading efficiency (11.42 ± 1.75%), pH-responsive and strengthened sustained release features. The cell toxicity of amino groups modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (NH2-MSN) was significantly reduced by capping of polyacrylic acid. In pharmacokinetic studies, the half time (t1/2β) was prolonged by 1.3 times, and the area under curve) was increased by 2.6 times in PAA-ATO-MSN group compared with free arsenic trioxide group. Subsequently, the antitumor efficacy in vitro (SMMC-7721 cell line) and in vivo (H22 xenografts) was remarkably enhanced indicated that PAA-ATO-MSN improved the antitumor effect of the drug. These results suggest that the polyacrylic acid capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (PAA-MSN) will be a promising nanocarrier for improving pharmacokinetic features and enhancing the anti-tumor efficacy of arsenic trioxide.
Composite poly(l-lactic-acid)/silk fibroin scaffold prepared by electrospinning promotes chondrogenesis for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Li Zhengqiang , Liu Peng , Yang Ting , Sun Ying , You Qi , Li Jiale , Wang Zilin , Han Bing
Published: April 2016

Nanofibrous materials produced by electrospinning have attracted considerable attention from researchers in regenerative medicine. A combination of nanofibrous scaffold and chondrocytes is considered promising for repair of cartilage defect or damage. In the present study, we fabricated a poly(l-lactic-acid) (PLLA)/silk fibroin (SF) nanofibrous scaffold by electrospinning and evaluated its chondrogenic potential. The PLLA/SF nanofibers were characterized for diameter, surface wettability, swelling ratio, and tensile strength. Through in vitro experiments, PLLA/SF scaffold–chondrocyte interactions were investigated relative to the unmodified PLLA scaffold with regard to cellular adhesion, spreading, and proliferation by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy, and through analyses of DNA, sulfated glycosaminoglycan, and collagen. In addition, hematoxylin-eosin and Alcian blue-nuclear fast red staining were used to observe growth of chondrocytes, and secretion and distribution of cartilage-specific extracellular matrices in the scaffolds. Expressions of cartilage-related genes (collagen II, aggrecan, sox9, collagen I, and collagen X) were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The PLLA/SF scaffold had better hydrophilicity, and could support chondrocytes adhesion and spreading more effectively than the unmodified PLLA scaffold. Chondrocytes secreted more cartilage-specific extracellular matrices and maintained their phenotype on the PLLA/SF scaffold. So it is concluded that the PLLA/SF scaffold is more conducive to in vitro formation of cartilage-like new tissues than the unmodified PLLA scaffold, and may be a promising material in cartilage tissue engineering.
Fast initial acquisition based on estimation of uncertain regions and rectangle honeycomb spiral scanning
Authors: Zuo Tao , Xiao Yongjun , Min Huasong
Published: April 2016

This paper proposes a fast initial acquisition method for light beacons realized by estimating uncertain regions and rectangle honeycomb spiral scanning. First compute with the global position system (GPS) coordinates of both terminals to obtain the azimuth angle and the pitch angle of an optical antenna, which rotates accordingly and roughly points to the light beacon. Then the uncertain regions are estimated by the measurement errors of the GPS coordinates. The optical antenna scans in the uncertain regions to lead the beacon into the field of view of the charge-coupled device and achieve initial acquisition for the beacon light. Besides, analyze the topology, the speed and the coverage areas of the rectangle honeycomb spiral scanning, conduct fast acquisition experiments with a two-dimensional platform in the estimated uncertain regions. The results verify that fast initial acquisition for beacons can be achieved with the proposed method.
Systematic review of case reports of antiphospholipid syndrome following infection
Authors: Abdel-Wahab N , Lopez-Olivo M A , Pinto-Patarroyo G P , Suarez-Almazor M E
Published: April 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of case reports documenting the development of antiphospholipid syndrome or antiphospholipid syndrome-related features after an infection.

Methods

We searched Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed ePubs, and The Cochrane Library – CENTRAL through March 2015 without restrictions. Studies reporting cases of antiphospholipid syndrome or antiphospholipid syndrome-related features following an infection were included.

Results

Two hundred and fifty-nine publications met inclusion criteria, reporting on 293 cases. Three different groups of patients were identified; group 1 included patients who fulfilled the criteria for definitive antiphospholipid syndrome (24.6%), group 2 included patients who developed transient antiphospholipid antibodies with thromboembolic phenomena (43.7%), and group 3 included patients who developed transient antiphospholipid antibodies without thromboembolic events (31.7%). The most common preceding infection was viral (55.6%). In cases that developed thromboembolic events Human immunodeficiency and Hepatitis C viruses were the most frequently reported. Parvovirus B19 was the most common in cases that developed antibodies without thromboembolic events. Hematological manifestations and peripheral thrombosis were the most common clinical manifestations. Positive anticardiolipin antibodies were the most frequent antibodies reported, primarily coexisting IgG and IgM isotypes. Few patients in groups 1 and 2 had persistent antiphospholipid antibodies for more than 6 months. Outcome was variable with some cases reporting persistent antiphospholipid syndrome features and others achieving complete resolution of clinical events.

Conclusions

Development of antiphospholipid antibodies with all traditional manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome were observed after variety of infections, most frequently after chronic viral infections with Human immunodeficiency and Hepatitis C. The causal relationship between infection and antiphospholipid syndrome cannot be established, but the possible contribution of various infections in the pathogenesis of antiphospholipid syndrome need further longitudinal and controlled studies to establish the incidence, and better quantify the risk and the outcomes of antiphospholipid-related events after infection.
Do Occasional Volunteers Repeat their Experience?
Authors: Ferreira Marisa R. , Proença João F. , Rocha Margarida
Published: April 2016

Understanding the experiences of volunteers is critical to the effective management of non-profit organizations. Many organizations benefit greatly from the work of volunteers; however, little is known about the interest of occasional volunteers in repeating their experience. Our research aims to understand occasional volunteers and their intention to repeat the experience. To achieve this objective, it is essential to understand volunteers’ motivations and the influence of volunteers’ previous experiences in motivations. At the same time, it is necessary to know how these factors may impact satisfaction and therefore, the intention to repeat the experience in the future. For this research, we analyzed the campaigns organized by the Food Bank Against Hunger (FBAH) in Portugal. Through online questionnaires, data were collected at two different moments: one month before and one month after the campaign. Results show five motivations categories: purposive, understanding, protection and enhancement, group identification and career. The research shows that motivations vary depending on volunteers’ previous experience, and this fact may also influence the level of satisfaction with the experience. All volunteers presented a high level of satisfaction and this variable influences volunteers intention of repeating, that is, volunteers wanting to be engaged in future campaigns.
A Study on the Determinants of Work–Life Balance of Women Employees in Information Technology Companies in India
Authors: Bharathi S. Vijayakumar , Mala E. Padma
Published: April 2016

This research article identifies certain factors that strongly impact the work–life balance (WLB) of women employees in information technology (IT) companies in India. These factors are related to the challenges and enhancers to the professional and personal lives of 186 women working in various IT companies in India. The study also identifies the impact of social media (SM) in their work lives. Based on an extensive review of the literature, a set of 42 factors relating to WLB is grouped into five constructs, namely, professional challenges, personal challenges, SM involvement, professional enhancers and personal enhancers. Exploratory factor analysis is used to extract the highly impacting factors. The results show that the personal enhancers of WLB, such as regular exercises and fitness schedule, yoga and meditation, balanced diet as well as good sleep and involvement in the hobbies, loaded the heaviest as the most impacting factors; working from home heavily impacts as a professional enhancer in the WLB of women. The second heavily loaded component is comprised of personal challenges, such as inadequate self-attention, insufficient time spent on elders and children, feeling depressed or suffering with hypertension along with a professional challenge of extended or odd working time. We find that irrespective of challenges or enhancers, personal factors are perceived to be more impacting than the professional ones. Interestingly, the study shows that SM involvement has no significant impact. It is neither considered as a challenge nor an enhancer to the WLB.
Improving the Accuracy of Outdoor Educators’ Teaching Self-Efficacy Beliefs Through Metacognitive Monitoring
Authors: Schumann Scott , Sibthorp Jim
Published: April 2016

Accuracy in emerging outdoor educators’ teaching self-efficacy beliefs is critical to student safety and learning. Overinflated self-efficacy beliefs can result in delayed skilled development or inappropriate acceptance of risk. In an outdoor education context, neglecting the accuracy of teaching self-efficacy beliefs early in an educator’s development may impede one’s likelihood of being effective. Metacognitive monitoring interventions are a possible approach to help emerging outdoor educators accurately calibrate their teaching self-efficacy beliefs. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a metacognitive intervention on the accuracy of emerging outdoor educators’ teaching self-efficacy beliefs. Results indicate metacognitive monitoring appears to significantly improve the accuracy of emerging outdoor educators’ teaching self-efficacy beliefs. In contrast, control group participants appeared to consistently overestimate their likelihood of success across all domains of teaching outdoor education, thus further demonstrating the need for interventions to help emerging outdoor educators calibrate their teaching self-efficacy beliefs.
Functional Outcomes Following First Metatarsophalangeal Arthrodesis
Authors: DeSandis Bridget , Pino Alejandro , Levine David S. , Roberts Matthew , Deland Jonathan , O’Malley Martin , Elliott Andrew
Published: April 2016

Background:

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis is a common procedure for treatment of arthritis of the first MTP joint. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of a series of patients of multiple surgeons undergoing first MTP joint arthrodesis, emphasizing the functional gains with respect to daily activity that can be expected after this procedure.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 53 patients who underwent successful isolated first MTP joint arthrodesis with either a plate and screw or independent screw construct was performed at our institution over a 6-year period. Successful fusion was defined as no lucency at the first MTP joint and bridging of 2 or more cortices on the anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique radiographic views at final follow-up. Demographic information and radiographs were evaluated for all patients. Preoperative and postoperative Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Short Form Health Status Survey (SF) 36/12 functional outcome scores, as well as responses from an activity- and footwear-specific questionnaire, were evaluated and compared between the 2 fixation methods. Fifty-three patients (56 feet) had radiographs showing successful fusions after being treated for advanced degenerative arthritis of the first MTP joint with arthrodesis. Average time to union was 5.4 months.

Results:

There was a significant reduction in difficulty in performing daily activities, with all subscales of the FAOS and the SF-12v2 significantly improving postoperatively ( P < .05). The majority of patients stated that their foot looked and felt better and were satisfied with the procedure. Five patients experienced painful hardware, which required removal.

Conclusion:

First MTP joint arthrodesis was successful in improving patient-reported outcomes, particularly the ability to perform daily activities. Most patients had little to no functional limitation and were satisfied with their outcome. The greatest functional improvements were seen in patients’ ability to walk distances and perform low-impact sport activity.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
What Role Do Peers Play in Adolescent Dating? Insights From Adolescents With a History of Dating Violence
Authors: Baker Charlene K.
Published: April 2016

Prior research suggests that peers are important to adolescent dating experiences. However, questions remain about the role peers play in adolescent relationships, including dating violence. To fill this gap, eight sex-specific focus groups were conducted with 39 high school–aged teens, all of whom had experienced prior relationship problems. Participants described how peers helped them initiate dating relationships, but once in the relationship, peers would spread rumors and create dramas that led to jealousy, discord, and violence between the couple. Prevention programs should focus on cultivating peers as helpful bystanders and counteracting peer actions that lead to dating violence.
The social nature of serial murder: The intersection of gender and modernity
Authors: Wattis Louise
Published: April 2016

The literature on the aetiology of serial killing has benefited from analyses which offer an alternative perspective to individual/psychological approaches and consider serial murder as a sociological phenomenon. The main argument brought to bear within this body of work identifies the socio-economic and cultural conditions of modernity as enabling and legitimating the motivations and actions of the serial killer. This article interrogates this work from the standpoint of a gendered reading of modernity. Using the Yorkshire Ripper case, it emphasizes how in addition to the political economy, gender relations and masculinity shape the dynamics of serial murder and its representation.
The human rights implications of virginity testing in South Africa
Authors: Durojaye Ebenezer
Published: April 2016

This article examines the historical context of virginity testing in Southern Africa with a focus on South Africa. It then examines the arguments often adduced in justifying the introduction of this practice. The two major arguments to support the reintroduction of virginity testing, namely, that it helps in reducing the spread of HIV and in preserving societal moral values are critically examined. Thereafter, the article discusses how the ever contentious debate between universalists and relativists applies to virginity testing. The last part of the article then considers the human rights implications of virginity testing.
To dissent and protect: Stronger collective identification increases willingness to dissent when group norms evoke collective angst
Authors: Dupuis Darcy R. , Wohl Michael J. A. , Packer Dominic J. , Tabri Nassim
Published: April 2016

Research has shown that collective angst (i.e., concern for a group’s future vitality) triggers ingroup protective responses. The current studies examined whether group members seek to protect their group by dissenting from collective angst-inducing group norms. We hypothesized that strong (vs. weak) identifiers holding non-normative opinions would be more willing to dissent, but only when the normative opinion elicited collective angst. In Study 1, as predicted, strongly (vs. weakly) identified Republicans who held non-normative opinions about Obamacare were more willing to dissent, but only when collective angst was high. In Study 2, we manipulated rather than measured collective angst and examined a different political issue: the deployment of American ground troops to fight terrorism overseas. We observed the same pattern of dissent detected in Study 1. This research contributes to current understandings of dissent in groups and the motivating power of collective angst.
The joint impact of collectivistic value orientation and independent self-representation on group creativity
Authors: Choi Hoon-Seok , Cho Sun-Joo , Seo Jeong-Gil , Bechtoldt Myriam N.
Published: April 2016

Which antecedents and group processes are beneficial to creativity in groups? Taking a component-based approach of individualism–collectivism (I-C), we proposed that the combination of collectivistic value orientation and independent self-representation of group members enhances group creativity. In an interactive group brainstorming experiment ( N = 68 triads), we manipulated group members’ value orientation and their self-representation via priming methods and examined group creativity using both a consensual and an objective measure of idea originality. Results indicated that groups generated ideas that are more original when members combined a collectivistic value orientation with independent self-representation than with interdependent self-representation. In contrast, differences in self-representation did not have a significant effect when an individualistic value orientation was activated. We also identified specific group processes characteristic of the predicted combinatorial effect: In creative groups, there was more open communication. Implications of these findings for research on group creativity and future directions are discussed.
After Saint Serra: Unearthing indigenous histories at the California missions
Authors: Panich Lee M
Published: April 2016

In 2015, Pope Francis elevated Franciscan missionary Junípero Serra to sainthood, reinforcing the association between the California missions and the founding of Euroamerican colonies in western North America. Yet the canonization also leaves this discourse, and its associated narrative of indigenous decline, open to critique. Here, I examine two developments that effectively recast the California missions as distinctly indigenous places that embody both struggle and perseverance. First, Serra’s canonization offers a platform for Native Californians to raise concerns about the historical and continuing impacts of the mission system. Second, the canonization coincides with new archaeological and ethnohistorical investigations of indigenous life in colonial California that illuminate how native people persisted despite the challenges of missionization. Taken together, these developments intersect ongoing efforts to reorient public interpretive programs at California mission sites to show their complex indigenous histories and the enduring consequences missionization has had for indigenous communities today.
Recovery From a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Brice Roanne G. , Brice Alejandro
Published: April 2016

This second article of a two-part case study focuses on the experiences of a patient and his spouse (caregiver) when a neurological trauma occurs. It is the personal account when A.B. survived a vertebral artery aneurysm and hemorrhage resulting in a subarachnoid hemorrhage. It is also an in-depth post-trauma account from two speech-language pathologists’ viewpoints (i.e., patient and spouse/caregiver). Present-day persistent difficulties, 5 years post-trauma, are also presented. Therapeutic strategies for managing working memory difficulties, attention issues, and word retrieval issues are given. The spouse’s perspective on managing emotional and caregiver stressors and recommendations based on these personal experiences and the Caregiver Empowerment Scale are provided. Suggestions for patients with neurological trauma returning home are suggested to improve home and social integration. In addition, strategies for caregivers are suggested to reduce stress and improve quality of life.
Going Native
Authors: Maile David Uahikeaikalei‘ohu
Published: April 2016

In South Park’s “Going Native,” the white character Butters becomes inexplicably angry only to uncover that his family contends the anger is “biologically” caused by their “ancestral” belonging to Hawai‘i. He then travels to Kaua‘i to resolve this anger by connecting with his “native” home. To parody the materiality of white settlers playing and going native, Butters is represented as “native Hawaiian.” This parody functions as a satire to ridicule and criticize settler colonialism in Hawai‘i. Yet, it does so by distorting, dismembering, and erasing Hawaiian Indigeneity. By deploying an Indigenous-centered approach to critical theory, I analyze South Park’s “Going Native” as a popular culture satire to make three arguments. First, “Going Native” produces Indigeneity in racialized, gendered, and sexualized (mis)representations. The representations of “native Hawaiians” recapitulate marginalizing misrepresentations of Native Hawaiians, which inverts the parody. Second, as the parody breaks down, “native Hawaiians” reify settler colonialism. South Park’s satire fails and becomes haunted by specters of settlement that call into question its critique. When the “native Hawaiians” eventually liberate themselves from encroaching tourists and U.S. military forces, an impasse emerges. Rather than signifying Native Hawaiians with agency, only “native Hawaiians” demonstrate the possibilities of self-determination, sovereignty, and decolonization, which exempt white settlers from enacting colonization and produce a discursive impossibility for Native Hawaiians. Third, I suggest cultural studies reimagine its scholarship to exercise an alliance politics that interrupts knowledge produced by popular culture satire attempting critiques of settler colonialism that simultaneously naturalize the dispossession and elimination of Indigenous peoples.
Special Education Professionals’ Perceptions Toward Accessible Playgrounds
Authors: Stanton-Chapman Tina L. , Schmidt Eric L.
Published: April 2016

The perceptions and beliefs of 303 special education professionals toward currently available playgrounds in their school or community were examined. Survey respondents (a) indicated that their students with a disability could not fully participate in their school or community’s playground offerings, (b) discussed the need for a peer buddy program on the school or community playground setting, and (c) dreamed of a fully inclusive playground that meets the needs of all students with and without disabilities. Implications of these findings for playground developers and special education professionals are discussed in terms of universal design facilities and a need to also include social-emotional intervention.
AAC Modeling Intervention Research Review
Authors: Sennott Samuel C. , Light Janice C. , McNaughton David
Published: April 2016

A systematic review of research on the effects of interventions that include communication partner modeling of aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) on the language acquisition of individuals with complex communication needs was conducted. Included studies incorporated AAC modeling as a primary component of the intervention, defined as the communication partners (a) modeling aided AAC as they speak and (b) participating in the context of a naturalistic communication interaction. This review used a best-evidence approach, including nine single-case studies, with 31 participants, and 70 replications, and one quasi-experimental randomized group design study, including 63 participants. The results of the review indicated that AAC modeling intervention packages led to meaningful linguistic gains across four areas including (a) pragmatics, marked by increases in communication turns; (b) semantics, marked by receptive and expressive vocabulary increases; (c) syntax, marked by multi-symbol turn increases; and (d) morphology, marked by increases in target morphology structures.
Prevalence of Relative Deficiencies in Testosterone and Vitamin B12 Among Patients Referred for Chronic Orchialgia: Implications for Management
Authors: Cui Tao , Terlecki Ryan
Published: April 2016

Chronic testicular pain (CTP) is a complex pain syndrome that is widely variable in presentation and etiology. Many cases of CTP are thought to be associated with neuropathy and recent data suggest an inflammation-mediated process is more common among patients with CTP. Deficiencies in vitamin B12 and testosterone are common in chronic pain syndromes may play a role in CTP. A retrospective review of men treated for CTP by a single provider over a 2-year period was performed. Patients with serum screening of testosterone and B12 were selected. Patients with total testosterone below 300 ng/dl, free testosterone below 46 pg/ml, or B12 below 400 pg/ml were deemed deficient and offered repletion. Efficacy of treatment was measured based on patient report with a minimum follow-up of either 3 months or resolution of pain symptoms. One hundred and fifty-four (154) men with CTP were identified, with 125 assessed for testosterone and B12 levels. Of these, 95 patients (76%) were deemed deficient. Fifty-six (56) patients elected to receive B12/testosterone replacement. In patients with sufficient follow-up, 24 patients (65%) reported significant improvement of symptoms, 6 patients (16%) reported some improvement, and 7 patients (19%) reported no improvement. The prevalence of testosterone and B12 deficiencies in this study is much higher than that reported for the general population. In addition, when chemical deficiencies were corrected, greater than 80% of patients with sufficient follow-up reported some improvement in pain. This suggests that screening of B12 and testosterone should be incorporated into the assessment of patients with CTP.