bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Additional functional outcomes after endovascular treatment for intermittent claudication
Authors: Larsen Anne Sofie F , Jacobsen Morten B. , Wesche Jarlis , Kløw Nils Einar
Published: November 2016

Background

Endovascular treatment (EVT) for intermittent claudication (IC) is performed in selected patients where conservative treatment and training fail. Treatment outcomes reported in vascular registries (survival, limb-survival, and re-intervention rate) are inadequate for low-risk patients with IC. Additional measurements of blood flow reduction and functional impairment clarify the indication for treatment and facilitate outcome evaluation.

Purpose

To analyze the additional outcome information on peripheral arterial pressures and walking capacity obtained from a local registry of EVT.

Material and Methods

Patients with IC treated with endovascular technique (angioplasty or stent) were prospectively entered into a local registry in addition to the national registry (NORKAR), with information on arterial pressures (ankle brachial index [ABI]) and treadmill performance (maximum walking distance [MWD]).

Results

A total of 242 consecutive patients (41% women; median age, 70 years) receiving the first treatment between July 2010 and December 2012 were included, 61% with aorto-iliac lesions. After 3 months, mean ABI increased from 0.62 (0.59–0.64) to 0.85 (0.83–0.87). The median MWD increased from 160 m to 410 m. Sixty-two percent reached the test maximum of 10 min. The improvement in ABI and MWD persisted after 1 year. When preoperative ABI was moderately reduced (0.5–0.9), ABI was normal in 61% after 3 months and in 55% after 1 year. When preoperative ABI was low (<0.5), ABI was normal in 43% both after 3 months and 1 year.

Conclusion

ABI and walking capacity were important outcome variables and improved after EVT. ABI improvement was better for patients with moderately reduced preoperative ABI than with low ABI.
Development of a driving readiness program for adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy and spina bifida
Authors: Lafrance Marie-Elaine , Benoit Dana , Dahan-Oliel Noémi , Gélinas Isabelle
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Occupational therapists are amongst the certified driving rehabilitation specialists providing driving rehabilitation and training. This study aimed at gathering information on driving readiness in adolescents and young adults with physical and/or cognitive impairments related to cerebral palsy and spina bifida to guide the development of a driving readiness program for this clientele.

Method

A review of the scientific literature was performed. Seventy-four driving rehabilitation specialists across North America were surveyed, of whom eight were subsequently interviewed.

Results

Learner drivers with cerebral palsy and spina bifida lack the basic skills (such as information processing, visual memory, attention span) for and familiarity with community mobility and self-efficacy, often resulting in a lengthy and difficult learning process for automobile driving. The literature findings were corroborated by a survey and interview of specialized driving rehabilitation therapists. There is a therapist-driven desire to improve pre-requisite skills for driving through a driving readiness program tailored to this population’s specific needs. An outline of such a program was developed based on the person–environment–occupation model.

Conclusion

A driving readiness program may act as an important clinical tool intended to optimize pre-driving skills in adolescents with cerebral palsy or spina bifida in order to facilitate the driving training process and ensure greater community independence in this population.
A qualitative evaluation of occupational therapy-led work rehabilitation for people with inflammatory arthritis: Patients’ views
Authors: Prior Yeliz , Amanna Aparna Evangelina , Bodell Sarah Jane , Hammond Alison
Published: November 2016

Introduction

This qualitative study, nested in a pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial, explored the views of working people with inflammatory arthritis on the impact of a work rehabilitation programme received.

Method

Thirty-two participants, drawn from the 55 participants in the associated randomised controlled trial, were recruited from secondary care in the United Kingdom. Semi-structured telephone and face-to-face interviews were conducted at six ( n = 32) and nine months follow-up ( n = 31). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using a constant comparative approach, under the theoretical framework of critical realism.

Findings

Three overarching themes emerged: (1) intervention group participants valued the work rehabilitation programme received, and highlighted the benefits of occupational therapy; (2) control group participants reported no benefits in relation to the written work advice pack, and lacked future aspirations to stay employed; (3) the majority of participants reported not reading the written work advice pack provided, which was the only work advice received by the control group.

Conclusion

Working people with inflammatory arthritis highly valued the practical support received from the therapists, and emphasised the value of the therapeutic relationship in the rehabilitation process. A tailor-made work rehabilitation programme, which incorporates cognitive-behavioural strategies into patient education, may help to reduce work instability in people with inflammatory arthritis, and increase their perceived self-efficacy.
Incidence, Mechanisms, and Severity of Match-Related Collegiate Men’s Soccer Injuries on FieldTurf and Natural Grass Surfaces: A 6-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Meyers Michael C.
Published: November 2016

Background:

Numerous injuries have been attributed to playing on artificial turf. More recently, newer generations of artificial turf have been developed to duplicate the playing characteristics of natural grass. Although artificial turf has been deemed safer than natural grass in some studies, few long-term studies have been conducted comparing match-related collegiate soccer injuries between the 2 playing surfaces.

Hypothesis:

Collegiate male soccer athletes do not experience any difference in the incidence, mechanisms, or severity of match-related injuries between FieldTurf and natural grass.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Male soccer athletes from 11 universities were evaluated over 6 seasons. Demographic features and predictors included player position, cleat design, player weight, turf age, and environmental factors. Outcomes of interest included injury incidence, injury category, time loss, injury mechanism and situation, type of injury, injury grade and anatomic location, injury severity, head and lower extremity trauma, and elective medical procedures. All match-related injuries were evaluated by the attending head athletic trainer and team physicians on site and subsequently in the physician’s office when further follow-up and treatment were deemed necessary. In sum, 765 collegiate games were evaluated for match-related soccer injuries sustained on FieldTurf or natural grass during 6 seasons.

Results:

Overall, 380 team games (49.7%) were played on FieldTurf versus 385 team games (50.3%) played on natural grass. A total of 722 injuries were documented, with 268 (37.1%) occurring on FieldTurf and 454 (62.9%) on natural grass. Multivariate analysis per 10 team games indicated a significant playing surface effect: F2,720 = 7.260, P = .001. A significantly lower total injury incidence rate (IIR) of 7.1 (95% CI, 6.6-7.5) versus 11.8 (95% CI, 11.3-12.2; P < .0001) and lower rate of substantial injuries, 0.7 (95% CI, 0.5-1.0) versus 1.9 (95% CI, 1.5-2.3; P < .03), were documented on FieldTurf versus natural grass, respectively. Analyses also indicated significantly less trauma on FieldTurf when comparing injury category, time loss, player position, injury mechanism and situation, injuries under various environmental conditions, cleat design, turf age, anatomic location, and elective medical procedures. No significant difference (F11,710 = 0.822, P = .618) between surfaces by knee injury was observed, with the majority of knee injuries involving patellar tendinopathies/syndromes followed by medial collateral ligament injuries on both surfaces.

Conclusion:

Although similarities existed between FieldTurf and natural grass during competitive match play, FieldTurf is, in many cases, safer than natural grass when comparing injuries in collegiate men’s soccer. The findings of this study, however, may not be generalizable to other levels of competition or to other artificial surfaces.
Multiple Ligament Reconstruction Femoral Tunnels: Intertunnel Relationships and Guidelines to Avoid Convergence
Authors: Moatshe Gilbert , Brady Alex W. , Slette Erik L. , Chahla Jorge , Turnbull Travis Lee , Engebretsen Lars , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: November 2016

Background:

Knee dislocations often require multiple concurrent ligament reconstructions, which involve creating several tunnels in the distal femur. Therefore, the risk of tunnel convergence is increased because of the limited bone volume within the distal aspect of the femur.

Purpose:

To assess the risk of tunnel convergence and determine the optimal reconstruction tunnel orientations for multiple ligament reconstructions in the femur.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Three-dimensional knee models were developed from computed tomography scans of 21 patients. Medical image processing software was used to create tunnels for each of the primary ligamentous structures, replicating a surgical approach that would be used in multiple ligament reconstructions. Thereafter, the tunnel orientation was varied in surgically relevant directions to determine orientations that minimized the risk of tunnel convergence. The orientation of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tunnels was held constant throughout the study, while the orientation of the fibular collateral ligament (FCL), popliteus tendon (PLT), superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL), and posterior oblique ligament (POL) tunnels was varied to avoid convergence.

Results:

A high risk of tunnel convergence was observed between the FCL and ACL tunnels when the FCL tunnel was aimed at 0° in the axial and coronal planes. Aiming the FCL tunnel 35° anteriorly minimized convergence with the ACL tunnel. No tunnel convergence was observed for the PLT tunnel aimed 35° anteriorly and parallel to the FCL tunnel. To avoid convergence between the sMCL and PCL tunnels, the sMCL tunnels should be aimed 40° proximally in the coronal plane and 20° to 40° anteriorly. During concomitant POL reconstruction, the sMCL should be aimed 40° proximally and anteriorly and the POL 20° proximally and anteriorly. The PLT and POL tunnels aimed at 0° in both the coronal and axial planes had an increased risk of violating the intercondylar notch.

Conclusion:

Femoral tunnel orientations during multiple ligament reconstructions need to be adjusted to avoid tunnel convergence. On the lateral side, aiming the FCL and PLT tunnels 35° anteriorly eliminated convergence with the ACL tunnel. On the medial side, tunnel convergence was avoided by orienting the sMCL tunnel 40° proximally and anteriorly and the POL tunnel 20° proximally and anteriorly. The POL and PLT tunnels aimed at 0° in the axial plane had an increased risk of violating the intercondylar notch.

Clinical Relevance:

The risk of tunnel convergence with the ACL and PCL femoral tunnels can be reduced by adjusting the orientation of the FCL and PLT tunnels and the sMCL and POL tunnels, respectively.
Results of Arthroscopic Bankart Repair for Anterior-Inferior Shoulder Instability at 13-Year Follow-up
Authors: Aboalata Mohamed , Plath Johannes E. , Seppel Gernot , Juretzko Julia , Vogt Stephan , Imhoff Andreas B.
Published: November 2016

Background:

Anterior-inferior shoulder instability is a common injury in young patients, particularly those practicing overhead-throwing sports. Long-term results after open procedures are well studied and evaluated. However, the long-term results after arthroscopic repair and risk factors of recurrence require further assessment.

Hypothesis:

Arthroscopic Bankart repair results are comparable with those of open repair as described in the literature.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 180 shoulders with anterior-inferior shoulder instability were stabilized arthroscopically, met the inclusion criteria and the patients were able to be contacted at a minimum of 10-year follow-up. Of these patients, 143 agreed to participate in the study. Assessment was performed clinically in 104 patients using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons score, Rowe score, and the Dawson 12-item questionnaire. The Samilson-Prieto score was used to assess degenerative arthropathy in radiographs available for 100 shoulders. Additionally, 15 patients participated through a specific questionnaire and 24 patients through a telephone survey.

Results:

The overall redislocation rate was 18.18%. Redislocation rates for the different types of fixation devices were as follows: FASTak/Bio-FASTak, 15.1% (17/112); SureTac, 26.3% (5/19); and Panalok, 33.3% (4/12). Concomitant superior labral anterior-posterior repair had no effect on clinical outcome. Redislocation rate was significantly affected by the patient’s age and duration of postoperative rehabilitation. Redislocation rate tended to be higher if there had been more than 1 dislocation preoperatively ( P = .098). Severe dislocation arthropathy was observed in 12% of patients, and degenerative changes were significantly correlated with the number of preoperative dislocations, patient age, and number of anchors. The patient satisfaction rate was 92.3%, and return to the preinjury sport level was possible in 49.5%.

Conclusion:

Clinical outcome at a mean follow-up of 13 years after arthroscopic repair of anterior-inferior shoulder instability is comparable with the reported results of open Bankart repair in the literature and allows management of concomitant lesions arthroscopically. Modifiable risk factors of postoperative redislocation and arthropathy must be considered. Stabilization after the first-time dislocation achieves better clinical and radiological outcomes than after multiple dislocations.
Pyrolysis model for a carbon fiber/epoxy structural aerospace composite
Authors: McKinnon Mark B , Ding Yan , Stoliarov Stanislav I , Crowley Sean , Lyon Richard E
Published: November 2016

Carbon fiber laminate composites have been utilized in the aerospace industry by replacing lightweight aluminum alloy components in the design of aircraft. By replacing low flammability aluminum components by carbon fiber laminates, the potential fuel load for aircraft fires may be increased significantly. A pyrolysis model has been developed for a Toray Co. carbon fiber laminate composite. Development of this model is intended to improve the understanding of the fire response and flammability characteristics of the composite, which complies with Boeing Material Specification 8–276. The work presented here details a methodology used to characterize the composite. The mean error between the predicted curves and the mean experimental mass loss rate curves collected in bench-scale gasification tests was calculated as approximately 17% on average for heat fluxes ranging from 40 to 80 kW m−2. During construction of the model, additional complicating phenomena were investigated. It was shown that the thermal conductivity in the plane of the composite was approximately 15 times larger than the in-depth thermal conductivity, the mass transport was inhibited due to the high density of the laminae in the composite, and oxidation did not appear to significantly affect pyrolysis at heat fluxes up to 60 kW m−2.
Anti–N-Methyl-d-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Encephalitis
Authors: Kahn Ilana , Helman Guy , Vanderver Adeline , Wells Elizabeth
Published: November 2016

Anti– N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis has been shown to be a treatable form of autoimmune encephalitis, but there remains no standardized approach to immunotherapy. We designed an anonymous survey sent to members of the Child Neurology Society to identify the current practices among child neurologists. A total of 151 pediatric neurologists responded to the survey. With these responses we were able to highlight areas of practice uniformity, including first-line treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and intravenous methylprednisone and initiation of disease-modifying therapy with rituximab alone. The survey also identifies existing gaps in knowledge, specifically, when to add disease-modifying therapy and how long to continue therapy. We propose that the areas of agreement can be used as a step toward establishing standard treatment guidelines and research protocols directed at evidence-based clinical trials.
Childhood Activity on Progression in Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2I
Authors: Brun Brianna N. , Mockler Shelley R. H. , Laubscher Katie M. , Stephan Carrie M. , Collison Julia A. , Zimmerman M. Bridget , Mathews Katherine D.
Published: November 2016

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2I is a slowly progressive muscular dystrophy due to mutations in the Fukutin-related protein ( FKRP) gene. Clinicians are frequently asked if physical activity is harmful for pediatric patients with limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2I. The primary objective of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between self-reported childhood activity level and motor function and respiratory function in older children and adults with limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2I. We compared retrospective self-reported middle school activity level and sport participation with age at onset of weakness, 10-meter walk test, and forced vital capacity later in life in 41 participants with FKRP mutations. We found no relationship between activity level in childhood and disease course later in life, suggesting that self-directed physical activity in children with limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2I does not negatively affect disease progression and outcome.
Risk of Mortality of Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections Caused by Acinetobacter Species
Authors: Lee Yi , Lee Yi-Tzu , Wang Yung-Chih , Chen Chung-Ting , Sun Jun-Ren , Liu Chang-Pan , Liu Yuan-Meng , Kuo Shu-Chen , Chiu Chun-Hsiang , Yang Ya-Sung , Lin Jung-Chung , Chen Te-Li
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by Acinetobacter species have been extensively reported, however, which majorly focused on respiratory tract infections. The risk of mortality and the effect of early catheter removal on survival in catheter-related BSIs (CRBSIs) caused by Acinetobacter spp. remain unclear. This study aims to investigate that.

Methods:

This is a retrospective multicentric study conducted in Taiwan from 2012 to 2014. Patients with at least 1 positive blood culture and catheter culture for the same Acinetobacter spp., showing symptoms and signs of CRBSIs, were included (n = 119). Risk factors for 30-day mortality were analyzed using a logistic regression model. The characteristics of patients with early catheter removal (within 48 hours after CRBSIs) were compared to those without removal matching for age, sex, and disease severity.

Results:

There were no differences in 30-day mortality with regard to causative Acinetobacter spp., catheter type, site, and appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy. Patients with higher Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores (odds ratio [OR]: 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.23; P = .014), shock (OR: 6.43; 95% CI: 1.28-32.33; P = .024), and longer hospitalization before CRBSIs (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.00-1.08; P = .027) had a significantly higher 30-day mortality rate. Early removal of catheters after CRBSIs was not associated with better survival benefits.

Conclusion:

Higher disease severity (APACHE II score), shock, and longer hospitalization before bacteremia were independently associated with a higher 30-day mortality in CRBSIs caused by Acinetobacter spp. In previous published guidelines, infected catheters were suggested to be removed in CRBSIs caused by gram-negative bacilli. Even though early removal of catheters did not associate with a better survival outcome in current results, it should be judiciously evaluated according to the clinical conditions and risks individually. For better elucidation of these issues, further well-controlled prospective study may be warranted.
Complexity Analysis of Decision-Making in the Critically Ill
Authors: Daly Barbara J. , Douglas Sara L. , O’Toole Elizabeth , Rowbottom James , Hoffer Alan , Lipson Amy R. , Burant Christopher
Published: November 2016

Rationale:

Despite multiple trials of interventions to improve end-of-life care of the critically ill, there is a persistent lack of understanding of factors associated with barriers to decision-making at the end of life.

Objective:

To apply the principles of complexity science in examining the extent to which transitions to end-of-life care can be predicted by physician, family, or patient characteristics; outcome expectations; and the evaluation of treatment effectiveness.

Methods:

A descriptive, longitudinal study was conducted in 3 adult intensive care units (ICUs). Two hundred sixty-four family surrogates of patients lacking decisional capacity and the physicians caring for the patients were interviewed every 5 days until ICU discharge or patient death.

Measurements:

Characteristics of patients, physicians, and family members; values and preferences of physicians and family; and evaluation of treatment effectiveness, expectations for patient outcomes, and relative priorities in treatment (comfort vs survival). The primary outcome, focus of care, was categorized as (1) maintaining a survival orientation (no treatment limitations), (2) transitioning to a stronger palliative focus (eg, some treatment limitations), or (3) transitioning to an explicit end-of-life, comfort-oriented care plan.

Main Results:

Physician expectations for survival and future cognitive status were the only variables consistently and significantly related to the focus of care. Neither physician or family evaluations of treatment effectiveness nor what was most important to physicians or family members was influential.

Conclusion:

Lack of influence of family and physician views, in comparison to the consistent effect of survival probabilities, suggests barriers to incorporation of individual values in treatment decisions.
Active Expiration and the Measurement of Central Venous Pressure
Authors: Magder Sheldon , Serri Karim , Verscheure Sara , Chauvin Renée , Goldberg Peter
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

To obtain a point prevalence estimate of alterations in central venous pressure (CVP) produced by active expiration in a consecutive series of intensive care patients.

Methods:

We evaluated CVP tracings taken by the nurses at their morning shift change in a consecutive series of 60 cardiac surgery and 59 noncardiac surgery patients. We also assessed change in values due to the change in transducer level. Three physicians and a nurse instructor independently reviewed the tracings and determined whether there was evidence of forced expiration and whether it was type A, defined by decreasing CVP during expiration, or type B, defined by increasing CVP during expiration.

Results:

Agreement for CVP value was 96% between a physician and a bedside nurse. Twenty-nine percent of participants had active expiration, evenly distributed between A and B types. Active expiration was not related to the type of surgery, use of bronchodilators, and the presence of chronic obstructive lung disease or abdominal distention. Active expiration was more common in nonventilated patients and patients not receiving vasopressor drugs, suggesting they were more awake.

Conclusion:

Active expiration is common in critically ill patients. Failure to recognize it can result in important errors in the estimation of CVP and other hemodynamic measurements.
The effect of stiffness and geometric parameters on the nonlinear aeroelastic performance of high aspect ratio wings
Authors: Afonso F , Leal G , Vale J , Oliveira É , Lau F , Suleman A
Published: November 2016

The increase in wing aspect ratio is gaining interest among aircraft designers in conventional and joined-wing configurations due to the higher lift-to-drag ratios and longer ranges. However, current transport aircraft have relatively small aspect ratios due their increased structural stiffness. The more flexible the wing is more prone to higher deflections under the same operating condition, which may result in a geometrical nonlinear behavior. This nonlinear effect can lead to the occurrence of aeroelastic instabilities such as flutter sooner than in an equivalent stiffer wing. In this work, the effect of important stiffness (inertia ratio and torsional stiffness) and geometric (sweep and dihedral angles) design parameters on aeroelastic performance of a rectangular high aspect ratio wing model is assessed. The torsional stiffness was observed to present a higher influence on the flutter speed than the inertia ratio. Here, the decrease of the inertia ratio and the increase of the torsional stiffness results in higher flutter and divergence speeds. With respect to the geometric parameters, it was observed that neither the sweep angle nor the dihedral angle variations caused a substantial influence on the flutter speed, which is mainly supported by the resulting smaller variations in torsion and bending stiffness due to the geometric changes.
Shape pre-adjustment of deployable mesh antennas considering space thermal loads
Authors: Yang Guigeng , Duan Baoyan , Du Jingli , Zhang Yiqun
Published: November 2016

On-orbit space deployable antennas withstand periodic thermal loads, which will degrade the antenna surface accuracy. Thus, it is necessary to preliminarily adjust the antenna before launch to make it adapt to the space temperature environment as much as possible. Aiming at this problem, a pre-adjustment method based on min-max concept is presented in this study. First, according to the force equilibrium equation of the cable element, the incremental equilibrium equation of the cable mesh antenna is derived, and the incremental expressions of the reflector's surface displacement and cable tension with respect to cable length variation and element temperature variation are also developed. Then, the optimization model for shape pre-adjustment is established using min-max method, and the pre-adjustment process is implemented by sequence planning strategy. Finally, an AstroMesh antenna is employed to demonstrate the validity of the method.
Supersonic jet control with shifted tabs
Authors: Maruthupandiyan K , Rathakrishnan E
Published: November 2016

Mixing characteristics of a Mach 2 jet controlled by shifted tabs have been studied at different levels of expansion at the nozzle exit. Two identical rectangular flat tabs of aspect ratios (length/width) 3, 4, 5 and 6, offering 2.5% blockage each, located diametrically opposite, found that the mixing promotion caused by the shifted tab increases with increase of adverse pressure gradient (that is, below NPR 5). On the contrary, the mixing enhancement caused by tab placed at the nozzle exit decreases with increase of adverse pressure gradient. At higher NPRs from 5 to 8 for shifted tab configuration, the amplitude of centerline pitot pressure oscillation is considerably smaller than the uncontrolled jet. At lower NPRs, corresponding to expansion level pe /pa, from 0.383 to 0.511, shifted tab is found to be a better mixing promoter than the tab at the nozzle exit. But for expansion levels from 0.511 to 1.022, mixing promoted by tab at nozzle exit is better than the shifted tabs. Shifted tab at 0.5D results in about 55% reduction in core length, at NPR 3, and the corresponding core length reduction by tabs at 0.25D, 0.5D, and 0D is 25.93%, 22.2%, and 14.81%, respectively.
The myth of unadaptable gender roles: Attitudes towards women’s paid work among immigrants across 30 European countries
Authors: Breidahl Karen N. , Larsen Christian Albrekt
Published: November 2016

It is a predominant assumption in contemporary political and academic debates that gender roles and attitudes supporting women’s paid work among immigrants are deep-rooted and stable over time. However, the actual work–family orientations among immigrants are rarely studied. The purpose of this article is to study to what extent and at what pace immigrants in general adapt to the attitudes towards women’s paid work that prevail in the host countries. A cross-national research strategy is applied using the European Social Survey rounds 2 (2004), 4 (2008) and 5 (2010), allowing us to compare and analyse attitudes towards women’s paid work among 13,535 foreign-born individuals resident in 30 European countries. The results indicate that immigrants’ attitudes towards women’s paid work are highly structured by the institutional and cultural context of the host country. Both male and female immigrants, as well as immigrants with and without children, adapt to host country attitudes at a high pace.
Role of autophagy in cadmium-induced testicular injury
Authors: Wang Y-J , Yan J , Yin F , Li L , Qin Y-G , Meng C-Y , Lu R-F , Guo L
Published: November 2016

The testis is sensitive to cadmium, but studies investigating cadmium-induced testicular injury have not yet clearly revealed the underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the injurious effects of cadmium on rat testes and the role that autophagy plays in this process. Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups and intraperitoneally injected with 0.2 (low), 0.4 (middle), and 0.8 mg/kg·body weight (high) cadmium chloride for 5 weeks, while the control rats were injected with equal volume of saline. Rats exposed to cadmium appeared inactive and had reduced body weights and increased testicular organ coefficients at the end of treatment compared with control rats. Atomic absorption results showed that cadmium levels increased with increased cadmium exposure. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of testicular sections showed seminiferous tubular atrophy, decreased pipe diameter, spermatogonial stem cells falling off the inner lining, and reduced germ cell layers of disorderly arrangements in cadmium-treated rats. Immunohistochemical and western blot results both showed that levels of the autophagy-related proteins Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) increased with increased cadmium exposure. We also found that LC3B-II and calcium-sensing receptor (CSR) levels in cadmium-exposed rats significantly increased. By immunofluorescence, we found that the percentage of cells that expressed the CSR was significantly higher in LC3B-positive than LC3B-negative cells. Together, our results showed that cadmium accumulates in the testes causing testicular injury, which may be related to increased autophagy levels. Furthermore, calcium disorders associated with the CSR may reveal a potential way to activate autophagy.
Somatic individuality in context, a comparative case study
Authors: Pender Kelly
Published: November 2016

Scholars have challenged the totalizing nature of the “geneticization thesis,” arguing that its brushstrokes are too broad to capture the complicated nature of the new genetics. One such challenge has come from Nikolas Rose’s argument that genetic medicine is governed by a new biopolitics in which patients understand themselves as “somatic individuals” who treat their bodies as an “ethical substance” to be worked on in order to secure a healthier future. I argue that Rose’s argument, while compelling, paints the new genetics in equally broad brushstrokes and that in order for a concept like somatic individuality to become useful, we must study its manifestation across different communities of at-risk individuals. I undertake such a study by analyzing discourse use in two online biosocial communities, showing how the decision-making situations specific to each affect representations of somatic individuality, often creating opportunities for the rhetorical repurposing of older discourses of genetic determinism.
Engendering Hope: Women’s (Dis)engagement in Change in Afghanistan
Authors: Sehin Oleksandra , Coryell Joellen , Stewart Trae
Published: November 2016

Afghan women’s human rights are a crucial concern for the international community and the government in Afghanistan. Framed by hope theory, this study captured Afghan women’s understandings of recent realities, particularly those focused on expanding women’s roles in Afghan life and community. Based on focus groups with 107 women conducted in 10 different locations, findings reveal that many Afghan females are conditioned into self-perceptions that may undermine their capacity to believe they are worthy of human rights, education, and freedom from oppression. A discussion on agency, pathways, sociocultural influences, and education for hope in Afghan women’s future is presented.
Criminality and Asbestos in Industry
Authors: Castleman Barry
Published: November 2016

Criminal prosecutions of individuals in the asbestos industry are reviewed, particularly the case of asbestos owner-executive Stephan Schmidheiny. Italian courts sentenced Schmidheiny to sixteen to eighteen years in jail for creating an environmental disaster causing three thousand deaths. The convictions were overturned on a technicality, and a murder case against Schmidheiny has started. His firm, Eternit, made asbestos-cement building products in many countries. Schmidheiny directed a cover-up that the Italian Court of Appeal blamed for delaying the ban of asbestos in Italy by ten years. Today, the asbestos industry is a criminal industry, profiting only by minimizing its costs for the prevention and compensation of occupational and environmental illness. The asbestos industry should only be consulted by governments for the purpose of closing it and dealing with the legacy of in-place asbestos.
A Scoping Review of Self-Report Measures of Aggression and Bullying for Use With Preadolescent Children
Authors: Nelson Helen J. , Kendall Garth E. , Burns Sharyn K. , Schonert-Reichl Kimberly A.
Published: November 2016

Bullying in schools is a major health concern throughout the world, contributing to poor educational and mental health outcomes. School nurses are well placed to facilitate the implementation and evaluation of bullying prevention strategies. To evaluate the effect of such strategies, it is necessary to measure children’s behavior over time. This scoping review of instruments that measure the self-report of aggressive behavior and bullying by children will inform the evaluation of bullying interventions. This review aimed to identify validated instruments that measure aggression and bullying among preadolescent children (age 8–12). The review was part of a larger study that sought to differentiate bullying from aggressive behavior by measuring the self-report of power imbalance between the aggressor and the child being bullied. The measurement of power imbalance was therefore a key aspect of the scoping review.
Representing All Women
Authors: Angevine Sara
Published: November 2016

Is sisterhood global? This study investigates if women in Congress are representing women worldwide by extending their surrogate representation of American women to women in foreign countries. Congressional research shows that race affects surrogate representation across borders via transnationalism. I test whether this also applies to gender when no shared “mother country” unites women, there are divisions over how to represent women, and American foreign policy is considered a stereotypically masculine policy domain. With an original dataset of three Congresses (2005–2010), I test if female House Representatives are more likely to introduce foreign policy legislation that targets foreign women and girls by applying regression analysis. Controlling for likely individual, electoral, and institutional incentives, I find that gender matters and that women in Congress are more likely to introduce legislation on behalf of women worldwide, acting as global surrogates. These findings offer new insights into the boundaries of surrogate representation, congressional foreign policy decision making, the influence of gender on international relations, and the impact of women in Congress.
A Journey to the Past
Authors: Mitchell Michelle D. , Shillingford M. Ann
Published: November 2016

Genograms are familiar tools used in counseling as a means to explore an individual’s family system. With advancements in technology, more sophisticated avenues have been introduced to further explore family systems, history, and ancestry. African Americans in particular benefit from these new enhancements as a means to explore core identity development. This article introduces the ancestral identity model which serves as a compass for counselors in exploring client identity development using familial and ancestral connections.
Resolving Dimensionality Problems With WHOQOL-BREF Item Responses
Authors: Perera Harsha N. , Izadikhah Zahra , O’Connor Peter , McIlveen Peter
Published: November 2016

The World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) is predicated on a multidimensional perspective on quality of life (QOL); yet studies are unclear about the latent structure underlying responses. This article reports on a study conducted to investigate the structure of WHOQOL-BREF scores. Competing latent structures of the data were examined in a general population sample. In addition, the complete factorial invariance of the retained model was investigated across gender. We also investigated latent mean differences in the QOL dimensions over age as well as age by gender interactions effects. Based on responses to the WHOQOL-BREF, support was found for a bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling representation of the data. This measurement structure accounts for construct-relevant multidimensionality in item responses due to the presence of general and specific factors underlying the data and the fallibility of indictors as pure reflections of only the single constructs they are purported to measure. Furthermore, support was found for measurement and structural invariance across gender. Finally, evidence was obtained for a curvilinear relationship of age with QOL, characterized by a midlife nadir. Taken together, the results of the study yield important validation data for the WHOQOL-BREF and tentatively resolve the dimensionality issues in the measurement of QOL using this instrument.
Bifactor Models of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): An Evaluation of Three Necessary but Underused Psychometric Indexes
Authors: Arias Víctor B. , Ponce Fernando P. , Núñez Daniel. E.
Published: November 2016

Background: In the past decade, the bifactor model of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been extensively researched. This model consists of an ADHD general dimension and two specific factors: inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. All studies conclude that the bifactor is superior to the traditional two-correlated factors model, according to the fit obtained by factor analysis. However, the proper interpretation of a bifactor not only depends on the fit but also on the quality of the measurement model. Objective: To evaluate the model-based reliability, distribution of common variance and construct replicability of general and specific ADHD factors. Method: We estimated expected common variance, omega hierarchical/subscale and H-index from standardized factor loadings of 31 ADHD bifactor models previously published. Results and Conclusion: The ADHD general factor explained most of the common variance. Given the low reliable variance ratios, the specific factors were difficult to interpret. However, in clinical samples, inattention acquired sufficient specificity and stability for interpretation beyond the general factor. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed.
Correcting Political and Consumer Misperceptions: The Effectiveness and Effects of Rating Scale Versus Contextual Correction Formats
Authors: Amazeen Michelle A. , Thorson Emily , Muddiman Ashley , Graves Lucas
Published: November 2016

While fact-checking has grown dramatically in the last decade, little is known about the relative effectiveness of different formats in correcting false beliefs or overcoming partisan resistance to new information. This article addresses that gap by using theories from communication and psychology to compare two prevailing approaches: An online experiment examined how the use of visual “truth scales” interacts with partisanship to shape the effectiveness of corrections. We find that truth scales make fact-checks more effective in some conditions. Contrary to theoretical predictions and the fears of some journalists, their use does not increase partisan backlash against the correction or the organization that produced it.
When Wife-Beating Is Not Necessarily Abuse: A Feminist and Cross-Cultural Analysis of the Concept of Abuse as Expressed by Tibetan Survivors of Domestic Violence
Authors: Rajan Hamsa
Published: November 2016

This article describes the views of Tibetan women who have experienced physical violence from male intimate partners. How they conceptualise abuse, their views on acceptable versus unacceptable hitting, and the acts besides hitting which they felt to be unacceptable or abusive, are explored. Views of survivors’ relatives/friends and men who have hit their wives are also included. Western-based domestic violence theory is shown to be incommensurate with abuse in particular socio-cultural settings. As feminist scholars emphasize listening deeply to voices of women in the global South, this article demonstrates how such listening might be undertaken when the views expressed by women diverge from feminism.
Systemic hypersensitivity to fosaprepitant – A report of two cases
Authors: Baxley Allison , Lee Zoe , Medina Patrick
Published: November 2016

Fosaprepitant is a widely administered antiemetic used mainly for moderately to highly emetogenic chemotherapy. Local injection site reactions are the most common type of infusion reaction reported from fosaprepitant. At our institution, two separate patients have experienced systemic hypersensitivity reactions to their infusions of fosaprepitant. We report a review of the literature and the details of these reactions.
Current Practice of Design and Delivery of Online Training for Transportation Professionals at Public Agencies
Authors: Islam Sababa , Chowdhury Mashrur , Bausman Dennis C. , Khan Sakib Mahmud , Mitchell Joshua
Published: November 2016

To improve the effectiveness of transportation professionals in their respective jobs and successfully meet changing capability requirements, public agencies often offer online training. This article presents the current practices of design criteria and delivery method of such training through a three-faceted approach: the review of published materials, an online survey of transportation agency professionals, and follow-up telephone interviews. This study revealed that some of the most important considerations of successful online training programs are (a) the inclusion of interactive components within the training modules to keep participants engaged, (b) a short duration for each of the training modules to retain participants’ attentiveness, and (c) the provision of quizzes to assess participants’ understanding of the material.
Thermal fluid–structure interaction analysis on the piston/cylinder interface leakage of a high-pressure fuel pump for diesel engines
Authors: Qian Dexing , Liao Ridong , Xiang Jianhua , Sun Baigang , Wang Shangyong
Published: November 2016

Leakage at the piston/cylinder interface of a high-pressure fuel pump for diesel engines becomes more severe due to the increase in delivery pressure. Therefore, a thermal fluid–structure interaction model that can simulate the complex phenomena that take place at the interface is presented in this paper. In the model, the nonisothermal flow, the physical properties of the fluid such as dynamic viscosity and density versus pressure and temperature relationships, the coupled heat transfer between the fluid and structure as well as thermal and pressure-induced elastic deformations of the structure are considered. The calculated leakage rates from the model show good agreement with the experimental results. The impacts of pressure-induced and thermal elastic deformations of the structure on the leakage are discussed. A new direction for reducing the interface leakage is proposed.
Transformational leadership in primary care: Clinicians’ patterned approaches to care predict patient satisfaction and health expectations
Authors: Huynh Ho Phi , Sweeny Kate , Miller Tricia
Published: November 2016

Clinicians face the complex challenge of motivating their patients to achieve optimal health while also ensuring their satisfaction. Inspired by transformational leadership theory, we proposed that clinicians’ motivational behaviors can be organized into three patient care styles (transformational, transactional, and passive-avoidant) and that these styles differentially predict patient health outcomes. In two studies using patient-reported data and observer ratings, we found that transformational patient care style positively predicted patients’ satisfaction and health expectations above and beyond transactional and passive-avoidant patient care style. These findings provide initial support for the patient care style approach and suggest novel directions for the study of clinicians’ motivational behaviors.
Stress appraisal, information processing strategies, and somatic symptoms: A longitudinal study with immigrants
Authors: Szabo Agnes , Ward Colleen , Fletcher Garth J O
Published: November 2016

The study investigated threat versus challenge appraisals of acculturative stressors and their impact on the changes in psychological symptoms. It also examined information processing styles (informational, normative, and diffuse-avoidant) as moderators of these relationships. A 6-month longitudinal study with two measuring points was conducted with a sample of immigrants. Threat appraisal was associated with more psychological symptoms, and challenge appraisal interacted with information processing styles to predict the changes in somatic symptoms. Analytical and exploratory informational styles enhanced the positive effects of challenge appraisal on psychological symptoms, whereas styles involving avoidance and normative orientation to one’s home country dampened these positive effects.
Promoting fruit and vegetable intake in childbearing age women at risk for gestational diabetes mellitus: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Vézina-Im Lydi-Anne , Perron Julie , Lemieux Simone , Robitaille Julie
Published: November 2016

This randomised controlled trial verified the efficacy of an implementation intentions intervention ( n = 24) to promote fruit and vegetable consumption among childbearing age women at risk for gestational diabetes mellitus against a control condition based on the question–behaviour effect ( n = 26). There was only a significant time effect ( F(2,85) = 5.69, p = 0.0048). Both groups increased their vegetable consumption compared to baseline at 3 months ( p = 0.0022) and 6 months ( p = 0.0042). There were no significant effects on weight, waist circumference and blood glucose levels. Implementation intentions and the question–behaviour effect appear to be effective behaviour change techniques to promote vegetable intake among this high-risk population.