bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“If You Weren’t Researching Me and a Friend . . . ”
Authors: Sassi Kelly , Thomas Ebony Elizabeth
Published: October 2012

This article explores the affordances and risks of practicing friendship and mentorship as methodological approaches in two qualitative studies: (a) the mentor’s study in a diverse 9th grade classroom and (b) the protégé’s subsequent study of teacher professional development in the same school. Friendship methodology, as theorized by Tillmann and others, is extended to include protection and mentoring. The effect of mentoring is demonstrated through examples of the former protégé’s own research. Explosive moments in each study demonstrate how research can be analyzed and the course of the research projects influenced within a friendship/mentorship context. Like friendship-as-method, mentorship as methodology can result in rich data, but there is also the potential for more transparent and rigorous data analysis when the researcher is a mentor because the mentor can model research skills for the protégé-participant. Thus, mentorship as methodology socializes peers into the conventions of qualitative research.
(Re)discovering Meaning
Authors: Smith Claire
Published: October 2012

Can the two narrative autoethnographic stories I perform here help me to therapeutically deal with the losses they describe? The first story speaks of my PhD defense and its aftermath. I consider the event a loss that is clothed in accomplishment; I work through my feelings by writing about them. The second story describes a medical loss. After attaining the PhD degree I finally acknowledge that I have Dystonia, placing me in the unfamiliar world of the chronically ill. I use therapeutic autoethnography to reflect on both stories, and I ruminate over how the stories are entwined but very different. They have each (re)shaped my identity; I am in the never-ending process of (re)storying my self. Although the artifacts garnered from living these stories may be construed as reminders of loss, I have found a way to minimize the two losses by working with both artifacts together.
The Constitutive Nature of Vital Signs
Authors: Phillips Catherine
Published: October 2012

This article is about two interconnected subjects: the politics of acute illness and the representation of such politics in writing. I present three narratives that were provoked by the witnessing of family member’s hospitalization. The narratives focus on the experience of technology and fall within autoethnographic traditions (Denzin, 2003; Ellis & Bochner, 2000; Richardson, 2000), as well as the burgeoning realm of publications that narrate authors’ experiences of the illness of a loved one (Dideon, 2005; Oates, 2011; Want, 2010).

In taking seriously the “emergent nature of critical inquiry” (Denzin, 2010), I intentionally move in and out of the narratives inorder to demonstrate how negotiations with “everyday technology” are taken-for-granted. I concern myself with how technology is the primary mode of care and argue that its prolific use calls for a politicization of medicine such that we can see how patients and medical staff alike are configured as mechanistic.
Toward Learner-Centered Teaching
Authors: Smart Karl L. , Witt Christine , Scott James P.
Published: October 2012

Through the past several years, the emphasis in education has shifted from a teacher-centered to a learner-centered approach. Traditional teaching has too often been based on a passive lecture model, dependent on an expert teacher who funnels knowledge into the somewhat retentive minds of students. More current learning theory suggests a different role for teachers—that of facilitators. Based on research about how people learn, this article advocates that teachers use more active, inductive instruction in the classroom and demonstrates a student-centered approach using classroom examples implemented in a required, college-level business communication course.
Effect of Observing-Response Procedures on Overselectivity in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Reed Phil , Altweck Laura , Broomfield Laura , Simpson Anna , McHugh Louise
Published: October 2012

Stimulus overselectivity occurs when one aspect of the environment controls behavior at the expense of other equally salient aspects. Stimulus overselectivity can be reduced for some individuals with learning disabilities, if they engage in an observing response in which they point to, touch, or name each of the stimuli prior to selecting the one requested. To see whether this would apply to another population, a total of 55 participants with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were trained on match-to-sample (MTS), or simple discrimination tasks, to determine whether overselectivity could be eliminated by using an observing response. MTS tasks were presented in a table-top format as well as on a computer. The observing-response procedure did not eliminate overselectivity for any of the participants, regardless of age, task, or format of presentation. These results are interpreted to call to question the effectiveness of this procedure in this context for individuals with ASD.
Beliefs and Practices Regarding Autism in Indian Families Now Settled Abroad
Authors: Ravindran Neeraja , Myers Barbara J.
Published: October 2012

Beliefs and practices regarding autism were explored in Indian families living outside India. Parents ( N = 24) of children (3 to 15 years) with an autism spectrum disorder wrote open-ended answers in an online questionnaire regarding their beliefs about causes, treatments and services received, use of and preference for Indian medicine and practices, and acculturation. Although two participants did not provide enough answers to be categorized, three groups of parents emerged: Those who were primarily Western ( n = 4) in their beliefs and practices concerning autism, those who were primarily Indian ( n = 4), and those who endorsed a combination of Western and Indian beliefs and practices ( n = 14). Most parents acknowledged traditional beliefs and practices only when specifically asked and did not volunteer this information. Professionals need to avoid assuming there is a universal set of attitudes and practices related to autism when working with culturally diverse families.
Bullying and Victimization Experiences of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders in Elementary Schools
Authors: Chen Pei-Yu , Schwartz Ilene S.
Published: October 2012

We explored bullying and victimization experienced by third- to fifth-grade students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), by surveying students with ASD, their parents, and their teachers. A total of 25 triads, each including one student with ASD, one of the student’s parents, and one teacher, were involved in data analysis. We found that all three respondent groups reported high prevalence of bullying and victimization experienced by students with ASD. While students with ASD, their parents, and their teachers reported similar victimization scores, teachers reported significantly higher bullying scores than those found in student- and parent-reports. The three respondent groups showed some differences in bullying status of students with ASD. We discuss implications for including students with ASD in bullying prevention and schoolwide models of intervention to improve the quality of life of students with ASD.
At the Intersection of HIV/AIDS and Cancer
Authors: Burkhalter Jack E. , Cahill Sean , Shuk Elyse , Guidry John , Corner Geoffrey , Berk Alexandra , Candelario Norman , Kornegay Mark , Lubetkin Erica I.
Published: October 2012

Due to advances in treatment, persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are living longer, but with aging, immune deficits, and lifestyle factors, they are at increased risk for cancer. This challenges community-based AIDS service organizations (ASOs) to address the growing cancer needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Community-based participatory research was applied to engage ASOs in exploring their capacities and needs for integrating cancer-focused programming into their services. Focus groups were conducted with a community advisory board (CAB) representing 10 community-based organizations serving PLWHA. Three 90-minute, serial focus groups were conducted with a mean number of seven participants. Topics explored CAB members’ organizational capacities and needs in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship. Transcript analyses identified six themes: (a) agencies have limited experience with cancer-focused programs, which were not framed as cancer specific; (b) agencies need resources and collaborative partnerships to effectively incorporate cancer services; (c) staff and clients must be educated about the relevance of cancer to HIV/AIDS; (d) agencies want to know about linkages between HIV/AIDS and cancer; (e) cancer care providers should be culturally competent; and (f) agencies see opportunities to improve their services through research participation but are wary. Agency capacities were strong in relationships with clients and cultural competency, a holistic view of PLWHA health, expertise in prevention activities, and eagerness to be on the cutting edge of knowledge. Cancer education and prevention were of greatest interest and considered most feasible, suggesting that future projects develop accordingly. These findings suggest a high level of receptivity to expanding or initiating cancer-focused activities but with a clear need for education and awareness building. Qualitative findings will inform a large quantitative survey to validate identified themes, which will be applied in developing interventions to assist ASOs in adopting or expanding cancer-focused activities.
Reliability and Validity of the SE-HEPA
Authors: Steele Michael M. , Burns Leonard G. , Whitaker Brandi N.
Published: October 2012

Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the self-efficacy for healthy eating and physical activity measure (SE-HEPA) for preadolescents. Method. The reliability of the measure was examined to determine if the internal consistency of the measure was adequate (i.e., αs > .70). Next, in an effort to determine if a two-factor model was a better fit than a one-factor model, as hypothesized, an exploratory factor analysis in a confirmatory factor analysis framework was used to determine model fit. Additionally, the criterion-related validity of the measure was evaluated by conducting correlational analyses to determine if SE-HEPA scores were associated with preadolescent body mass index. Results. Consistent with the hypotheses, Cronbach’s alphas indicated good reliability for the measure (i.e., αs > .70) and factor analyses indicated the two-factor model provided a better fit than the one-factor model. Additionally, correlations revealed a significant relationship between the two factors (i.e., healthy eating, physical activity) and preadolescent body mass index. Conclusions. The SE-HEPA will allow researchers and clinicians to better understand self-efficacy for behaviors important to weight loss among preadolescents. This could, in turn, inform future efforts aimed at increasing behaviors that promote healthy weight status among this population within the context of family-based weight loss programs.
Effects of Find Thirty every day®
Authors: Leavy Justine E. , Rosenberg Michael , Bauman Adrian E. , Bull Fiona C. , Giles-Corti Billie , Shilton Trevor , Maitland Clover , Barnes Rosanne
Published: October 2012

Background. Internationally, over the last four decades large-scale mass media campaigns have been delivered to promote physical activity and its associated health benefits. In 2002-2005, the first Western Australian statewide adult physical activity campaign Find Thirty. It’s Not a Big Exercise was launched. In 2007, a new iteration of the campaign was proposed with new objectives, executions, and tag line Find Thirty every day®. Purpose. This article reports on the population-level effects of the Find Thirty every day® campaign from 2008 to 2010, with a focus on changes in awareness, intention, and physical activity. Methods. Evaluation of the campaign involved pre- and posttest serial cross-sectional surveys. Baseline data were collected in May 2008, and subsequent surveys in 2009 and 2010. Samples sizes were as follows: baseline ( n = 972), first follow-up ( n = 938), and second follow-up ( n = 937). Data were derived from self-reported responses to a random-sample computer-assisted telephone interview. Results. Total awareness increased from 30.4% at baseline to 48.5% at second follow-up. Total awareness was higher in women and low socioeconomic status adults. Intention was 21.0%, double that reported at baseline. There were positive significant changes from baseline to first follow-up across all four categories: walking, moderate, vigorous, and total physical activity. There also were positive significant changes for self-reported walking from baseline to second follow-up. Conclusion. Find Thirty every day® resulted in an increase in awareness, intention, walking, vigorous intensity, and total level of physical activity in priority target groups. Campaign effects should be further examined by subgroups to identify the most receptive population segments.
Implementation Evaluation of Steering Teens Safe
Authors: Ramirez Marizen , Yang Jingzhen , Young Tracy , Roth Lisa , Garinger Anne , Snetselaar Linda , Peek-Asa Corinne
Published: October 2012

Parents play a fundamental role in teaching their children safe driving skills to reduce risk of motor vehicle crashes, the leading cause of death for teens. Steering Teens Safe is a new parent-based intervention that equips parents with communication skills to talk about, demonstrate, and practice safe driving behaviors and skills with their teens. This implementation evaluation focuses on a sample of 83 parents who delivered Steering Teens Safe to their teens. One-, 2- and 3-month follow-up assessments were conducted with intervention parents to evaluate the self-reported quantity and quality of talking about, demonstrating, and practicing safe driving goals with teens; perceived success and benefit of the program; and barriers to implementation. Over 3 months of follow-up, parents discussed driving goals with their teens for a median of 101.5 minutes. The most frequently addressed topics were general safety principles, including distracted driving, driving in bad weather, wearing a seat belt, and being a safe passenger. Parents spent a median of 30 minutes practicing safe driving skills such as changing lanes. Sixty-seven percent of parents talked to their children about rural road safety, but just 36% demonstrated and half practiced these skills with their teens. Barriers to implementation include time and opportunity barriers and resistant attitudes of their teens. However, barriers neither affected frequency of engagement nor parents’ perceived benefit and comfort in delivering the program. Parents with time/opportunity barriers also had higher practice and demonstration times than parents without these barriers. Findings indicate high acceptability among parent implementers and promise for real-world delivery. Future studies are needed to assess intervention impact.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Health-Related Quality of Life in the 2009 Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Survey
Authors: Jackson Bradford E. , Suzuki Sumihiro , Coultas David , Singh Karan P. , Bae Sejong
Published: October 2012

Introduction. Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience irreversible airflow obstruction, dyspnea, coughing, and fatigue. One of the goals of treating individuals with COPD is to improve their quality of life. The aim of this research was to evaluate the 2009 Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) as a method for surveillance of COPD by identifying factors associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among respondents with COPD as well as comment on differences between the COPD and non-COPD population in a state representative sample. Method. Data from 348 COPD respondents were obtained from the 2009 Texas BRFSS. The Andersen behavior model was used to categorize variables as predisposing characteristics, health behaviors, and health service utilization. Self-rated health (SRH) was the HRQoL indicator used in this analysis. Chi-square tests were used to examine differences between COPD and non-COPD respondents. The relation between SRH and risk factors were modeled using domain analysis and logistic regressions. All analyses incorporated the sample weights to be representative of the state population. Results. Adults with COPD reported significantly worse SRH than adults who did not have COPD ( p < .001). Among respondents with COPD, the predisposing characteristics associated with impaired HRQoL were obesity, education, and asthma; the health practices and service utilization factors associated with HRQoL included smoking, physical inactivity, having a health plan, and the inability to see a doctor because of costs. Conclusions. The Texas COPD population experienced increased risk of impaired SRH compared with the non-COPD population. The findings from our population-level survey study are similar to results observed at the clinical level.
Metabolic Disposition of the Insect Repellent DEET and the Sunscreen Oxybenzone Following Intravenous and Skin Administration in Rats
Authors: Fediuk Daryl J. , Wang Tao , Chen Yufei , Parkinson Fiona E. , Namaka Michael P. , Simons Keith J. , Burczynski Frank J. , Gu Xiaochen
Published: October 2012

Insect repellent N,N-diethyl- m-toluamide (DEET) and sunscreen oxybenzone have shown a synergistic percutaneous enhancement when applied concurrently. Both compounds are extensively metabolized in vivo into a series of potentially toxic metabolites: 2 metabolites of DEET, N,N-diethyl- m-hydroxymethylbenzamide (DHMB) and N-ethyl- m-toluamide (ET), and 3 metabolites of oxybenzone, 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (DHB), 2,2-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (DMB), and 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzophenone (THB). In this study, the metabolites were extensively distributed following intravenous and topical skin administration of DEET and oxybenzone in rats. Combined application enhanced the disposition of all DEET metabolites in the liver but did not consistently affect the distribution of oxybenzone metabolites. The DHMB appeared to be the major metabolite for DEET, while THB and its precursor DHB were the main metabolites for oxybenzone. Repeated once-daily topical application for 30 days led to higher concentrations of DEET metabolites in the liver. Hepatoma cell studies revealed a decrease in cellular proliferation from all metabolites as single and combined treatments, most notably at 72 hours. Increased accumulation of DHMB and ET in the liver together with an ability to reduce cellular proliferation at achievable plasma concentrations indicated that simultaneous exposure to DEET and oxybenzone might have the potential to precipitate adverse effects in a rat animal model.
Habitus, Capital, and Patterns of Taste in Tourism Consumption
Authors: Ahmad Rafiq
Published: October 2012

Investigating tourism consumption within Bourdieu’s empirical paradigm, this article explores the development of a model of sociological choice in tourism consumption. By operationalizing habitus as sociological choices tourists make in the realm of tourism consumption, this article proposes that oppositional choices tourists make in the realm of tourism consumption are produced and reproduced by and in conformity with their respective class habitus, structured by cultural capital. A questionnaire-based study of Western tourists in Indian setting, using factor analysis and regression analysis, identifies three categories of tourism consumption lifestyles shaped by habitus and capital composition. The “tourists” consume tourism as a mass cultural activity finding “virtue in the necessity”; the “travelers” (with middlebrow taste) rely on off-the-beaten-track “travel” experiences and “intellectualize” tourism; and the “virtuosos” (with highbrow aesthetic taste) consume luxury tourism services taking privilege in appreciating what they see and consume, often with authority and arrogance.
Endovascular Repair of Contained Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture With Aortocaval Fistula Presenting With High-Output Heart Failure
Authors: Shah Tejas R. , Parikh Parin , Borkon Matthew , Mocharla Robert , Lonier Jacqueline , Rosenzweig Barry P. , Mussa Firas F.
Published: October 2012

Aortocava fistula is a rare condition ranging from 0.22% to 6% of all ruptured aortic aneurysms. Recognition and diagnosis of this entity can often be difficult and requires heightened clinical suspicion to ensure that prompt surgical management leads to a favorable outcome. We herein describe the diagnosis and the technical points of successful endovascular management of aortocaval fistula in the setting of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.
More Than 20 Years of Research into the Quality of Life of People with HIV and AIDS—A Descriptive Review of Study Characteristics and Methodological Approaches of Published Empirical Studies
Authors: Drewes Jochen , Gusy Burkhard , Rüden Ursula von
Published: October 2012

Background:

The quality of life of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) is becoming increasingly important--a fact that is also reflected in extensive research efforts. Owing to the almost complete lack of systematic integration of research findings, it is hardly possible to provide an overview of the current status of research, or to derive valid statements about research results.

Methods:

A literature search regarding the quality of life of PLWHA was performed in two international research databases. After checking their relevance, 852 publications appearing in scientific journals and explicitly measuring the quality of life of PLWHA were categorized on the basis of various study characteristics.

Results:

The number of publications per year in our study pool has been rising steadily since 1989. Well over 40 established instruments were used to determine the quality of life, most frequently the MOS-HIV, followed by the SF-36. The great majority of the studies are correlation studies. CD4 cells, gender, and age are the most common variables for which correlations with quality of life are reported.

Conclusions:

Our descriptive review stresses both the increasing significance and the challenges of research into quality of life of PLWHA such as the great variety of instruments used. The limits of this review are discussed and we conclude with the formulation of research desiderata concerning comparative review studies on instruments and systematic reviews of frequent research questions.
Antiretroviral Therapy Protects against Frailty in HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Ianas Voichita , Berg Erik , Mohler M. Jane , Wendel Christopher , Klotz Stephen A.
Published: October 2012

HIV-1-infected patients are surviving longer and by 2015 half will be older than 50 years of age. Frailty is a syndrome associated with advanced age but occurs in HIV-1-infected patients at younger ages. One hundred outpatient HIV-1-infected persons were prospectively tested for clinical markers of frailty: shrinking weight, slowness in walking, decrease in grip strength, low activity, and exhaustion. Age, length of infection with HIV, CD4 count, HIV-1 RNA, and comorbidities were compared. CD4 counts <200 cells/mm3 were associated with 9-fold increased odds of frailty relative to patients with a CD4 count >350 cells/mm3 (odds ratio [OR] 9.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1-44). Seven frail patients were measured 6 months later: 2 died refusing therapy, 4 were no longer frail, and 1 patient remained frail. We conclude that frailty is common in HIV outpatients and is associated with low CD4 counts. However, our data suggest that frailty is transient, especially in younger patients who may revert to their prefrail state unlike uninfected elderly individuals in whom a stepwise decline in function occurs.
Muscle Plasticity and Ankle Control After Repetitive Use of a Functional Electrical Stimulation Device for Foot Drop in Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Damiano Diane L. , Prosser Laura A. , Curatalo Lindsey A. , Alter Katharine E.
Published: October 2012

Background/Objectives. The primary goal was to determine whether repetitive functional electrical stimulation (FES) for unilateral foot drop increases tibialis anterior (TA) muscle size compared with an untreated baseline and the contralateral side in cerebral palsy (CP). Secondary goals were to determine whether positive changes in muscle size and gait, if found, accumulated during the 3 intervals during which participants used the device. FES devices differ from traditional orthoses that often restrict muscle activation and may exacerbate weakness, promote continued dependence on orthoses, or precipitate functional decline. Methods. Participants were 14 independent ambulators with inadequate dorsiflexion in swing, with a mean age of 13.1 years, evaluated before and after the 3-month baseline, 1-month device accommodation, 3-month primary intervention, and 3-month follow-up phases. The FES device (WalkAide) stimulated the common fibular nerve to dorsiflex the ankle and evert the foot while monitoring use. TA muscle ultrasound, gait velocity, and ankle kinematic data for barefoot and device conditions are reported. Results. Ultrasound measures of TA anatomic cross-sectional area and muscle thickness increased in the intervention compared with baseline and with the contralateral side and were maintained at follow-up. Maximum ankle dorsiflexion decreased at baseline but improved or was maintained during the intervention phase with and without the device, respectively. Muscle size gains were preserved at follow-up, but barefoot ankle motion returned to baseline values. Conclusions. This FES device produced evidence of use-dependent muscle plasticity in CP. Permanent improvements in voluntary ankle control after repetitive stimulation were not demonstrated.
Can Visualizations Complement Quantitative Process Analysis Measures? A Case Study of Nurses Identifying Patients Before Administering Medications
Authors: Marquard Jenna L. , Jo Junghee , Henneman Philip L. , Fisher Donald L. , Henneman Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2012

The objective of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of visualizations for exploring one error-prone health care process: nurses verifying patients’ identities during the medication administration process. We employed three types of process visualizations (i.e., Markov chains, sparklines, and timeline belt visualizations) to explore process execution data from an experiment wherein nurse participants ( N = 20) administered medications to three patients in a simulated clinical setting. One patient had an embedded error, with the medication being incorrect for the patient. The visualizations allowed us to view aggregate and individual-level process execution data, providing insights into the orders in which participants completed process steps. Although we used eye tracking videos, the system developed in this study can automatically generate visualizations using large process execution data sets produced from an array of sources, including observations, sensors, and health IT audit trails. In this article, we demonstrate that the visualizations provide insights complementary to quantitative measures regarding what process steps participants likely used to identify errors, with the visualizations requiring less work to produce. Therefore, the visualizations may be an effective means for efficiently comparing sets of process execution data (e.g., different individuals completing a process, pre– and post–technology implementation, pre– and post–quality improvement intervention).
Ultraviolet Radiation and the Skin
Authors: Morganroth Pamela A. , Lim Henry W. , Burnett Christopher T.
Published: October 2012

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has many interactions with the skin, which are explored in detail in this review. Both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) wavelengths are absorbed by chromophores in the skin, resulting in important biologic effects. Exposure to UVR can result in sunburn, immediate and delayed skin pigmentation, photoaging, and immunosuppression. In addition, exposure to UVA and UVB is an important risk factor for melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Because endogenous vitamin D synthesis requires UVB, concerns have been raised about the possibility that photoprotection might contribute to vitamin D deficiency; however, vitamin D supplementation is a safer and more reliable method for maintaining adequate vitamin D levels than UVR exposure. Protection from UVR is critical and involves several factors. These elements include sun avoidance during peak hours of UVR exposure (10 am to 2 pm), proper application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with adequate sun protection factor, and wearing protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and protective eyewear. Indoor tanning is a high-risk activity that is likely contributing to recent increases in melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer in young women, and efforts are ongoing to ban minors from engaging in indoor tanning.
An Overview of the Complexities in Obesity
Authors: Karasu Sylvia R.
Published: October 2012

A recent survey, even one limited to human studies, found considerable “publication scatter” in that more than 250 different professional journals publish articles on obesity. Over the years, and particularly since the 1970s and 1980s when the so-called obesity epidemic began, there has been an explosion of clinical interest in a field that encompasses general medicine, pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, and almost every subspecialty. And rightly so, since even by 2008, there were an estimated 1.46 billion adults worldwide who were overweight, and of these, 502 million were in the obese category, all of which translate into major public health consequences. Despite many highly publicized studies, why do we not have a greater understanding about obesity than we do? It is certainly not from a lack of trying. This article presents an overview of the limitations and challenges, that is, complexities, due to discrepant frameworks and diverse conceptualizations of obesity; potential flaws inherent in its clinical studies; and particularly, impediments due to difficulties in the measurement of body composition (and particularly adipose accumulation), food intake, and physical activity, as well as to notoriously inaccurate self-reporting by subjects. As a result, clinicians remain limited in issuing recommendations to their patients.
Efficiency of using community organisations as catalysts for recruitment to continence promotion trials
Authors: Agnew Rona , van den Heuvel Eleanor , Tannenbaum Cara
Published: October 2012

Background

A major challenge for determining the effectiveness of community-based continence promotion campaigns is recruitment of a representative sample of incontinent participants who have not previously sought care.

Purpose

To evaluate the efficiency of engaging community organisations as catalysts for recruitment of community-dwelling older women with incontinence to the ‘Continence across Continents’ randomised controlled trial.

Methods

Seniors’ and women’s community-based organisations throughout the United Kingdom were solicited by telephone or email to assist recruitment for an open-label cluster randomised controlled trial testing three experimental continence promotion interventions and a control intervention for incontinent older women. Women aged 60 years and older who experienced at least weekly urinary incontinence and who had never sought treatment were eligible to participate. The response rate of the organisations and enrolment rate of eligible participants attending the continence promotion workshops were recorded. Differences in recruitment efficiency by intervention group were ascertained using analysis of variance statistics.

Results

We contacted 408 community organisations over a 1-year period. Seventy organisations (17%) agreed to host a workshop, 249 (61%) did not provide a response, and 89 (22%) refused. Workshops were administered in a group format to 61 organisations (15%); 667 women attended, 583 (87%) submitted the screening questionnaire, and 437 (66%) met eligibility criteria for inclusion. A total of 192 women consented to participate in the trial, yielding a 44% recruitment efficiency among workshop attendees known to be eligible, with no significant difference in enrolment rates between groups. However, the mean participant recruitment rate per number of attendees at each workshop was only 29%, varying substantially between groups from 19% to 37%, with the lowest rate observed for the control group. The mean annual recruitment rate expressed as the number of enrolled participants per community organisation contacted was 0.5.

Limitations

Reasons for women’s non-response were not collected. The findings may be country specific.

Conclusions

The recruitment rate for a continence promotion trial among older women known to be eligible and attending workshops hosted by local community organisations was high (44%). Strategies are needed to bolster community organisations’ involvement in health promotion trials in general and for continence issues in particular.
Sore Losers
Authors: Ein-Dor Tsachi , Hirschberger Gilad
Published: October 2012

This research examined whether perceptions of defeat instigate a motivation to retaliate and displace aggression toward an adversary’s affiliates. In Study 1, 147 Israeli participants were primed with perceptions of victory, defeat, or assigned to a neutral condition and then rated their willingness to wage war against a weak foe or a strong foe. Perceptions of defeat increased support of military action against a weak foe but not against a strong foe compared with both the neutral and the victory conditions. Study 2 ( N = 270) replicated the findings of Study 1 and showed that following defeat displaced aggression is greater toward a weak accomplice than toward both a strong accomplice and the original foe, and indicated that the effect of defeat on retaliation is mediated by increased in-group identification and commitment. Results suggest that attempts to deter opponents with military force may backfire and inadvertently fuel the cycle of violence.
Can You See How Happy We Are? Facebook Images and Relationship Satisfaction
Authors: Saslow Laura R. , Muise Amy , Impett Emily A. , Dubin Matt
Published: October 2012

Love is often thought to involve a merging of identities or a sense that a romantic partner is part of oneself. Couples who report feeling more satisfied with their relationships also feel more interconnected. We hypothesized that Facebook profile photos would provide a novel way to tap into romantic partners’ merged identities. In a cross-sectional study (Study 1), a longitudinal study (Study 2), and a 14-day daily experience study (Study 3), we found that individuals who posted dyadic profile pictures on Facebook reported feeling more satisfied with their relationships and closer to their partners than individuals who did not. We also found that on days when people felt more satisfied in their relationship, they were more likely to share relationship-relevant information on Facebook. This study expands our knowledge of how online behavioral traces give us powerful insight into the satisfaction and closeness of important social bonds.
People With Dark Personalities Tend to Create a Physically Attractive Veneer
Authors: Holtzman Nicholas S. , Strube Michael J
Published: October 2012

Which personality traits are associated with physical attractiveness? Recent findings suggest that people high in some dark personality traits, such as narcissism and psychopathy, can be physically attractive. But what makes them attractive? Studies have confounded the more enduring qualities that impact attractiveness (i.e., unadorned attractiveness) and the effects of easily manipulated qualities such as clothing (i.e., effective adornment). In this multimethod study, we disentangle these components of attractiveness, collect self-reports and peer reports of eight major personality traits, and reveal the personality profile of people who adorn themselves effectively. Consistent with findings that dark personalities actively create positive first impressions, we found that the composite of the Dark Triad—Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy—correlates with effective adornment. This effect was also evident for psychopathy measured alone. This study provides the first experimental evidence that dark personalities construct appearances that act as social lures—possibly facilitating their cunning social strategies.
Early post-treatment with 9-cis retinoic acid reduces neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yin Lian-Hu , Shen Hui , Diaz-Ruiz Oscar , Bäckman Cristina M , Bae Eunkyung , Yu Seong-Jin , Wang Yun
Published: October 2012

Background

Retinoic acid (RA) is a biologically active derivative of vitamin A. Previous studies have demonstrated that RA has protective effects against damage caused by H2O2 or oxygen-glucose deprivation in mesangial and PC12 cells. Pretreatment with 9-cis-retinoic acid (9cRA) reduced infarction and TUNEL labeling in cerebral cortex as well as attenuated neurological deficits after distal middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. The purpose of this study was to examine a protective role of 9cRA in dopaminergic (DA) neurons in a typical rodent model of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Results

The protective role of 9cRA was first examined in rat primary ventromesencephalic culture. Treatment with 9cRA significantly reduced 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-mediated cell death and TUNEL labeling in cultured dopaminergic neurons. The protective effect was also examined in adult male rats. Animals received unilateral 6-OHDA lesioning at the left medial forebrain bundle on day 0. Methamphetamine -induced rotational behavior was examined on days 6, 20 and 30 after lesioning. Animals were separated into 2 groups to balance rotational behavior and lesion extent on day 6 and were treated with either 9cRA or vehicle (i.c.v. on day 7 + intra-nasal from day 8 to day 14). Post-treatment with 9cRA significantly reduced methamphetamine –mediated ipislateral rotation at 20 and 30 days after lesioning. In vivo voltammetry was used to examine DA overflow in striatum. Treatment with 9cRA significantly increased KCl -evoked DA release in the lesioned striatum. 9cRA also increased tyrosine hydroxylase (+) cell number in the lesioned nigra as determined by unbiased stereology.

Conclusion

Our data suggests that early post-treatment with 9cRA has a protective effect against neurodegeneration in nigrostriatal DA neurons in an animal model of PD.
Human α-defensin (DEFA) gene expression helps to characterise benign and malignant salivary gland tumours
Authors: Winter Jochen , Pantelis Annette , Kraus Dominik , Reckenbeil Jan , Reich Rudolf , Jepsen Soeren , Fischer Hans-Peter , Allam Jean-Pierre , Novak Natalija , Wenghoefer Matthias
Published: October 2012

Background

Because of the infrequence of salivary gland tumours and their complex histopathological diagnosis it is still difficult to exactly predict their clinical course by means of recurrence, malignant progression and metastasis. In order to define new proliferation associated genes, purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of human α-defensins (DEFA) 1/3 and 4 in different tumour entities of the salivary glands with respect to malignancy.

Methods

Tissue of salivary glands (n=10), pleomorphic adenomas (n=10), cystadenolymphomas (n=10), adenocarcinomas (n=10), adenoidcystic carcinomas (n=10), and mucoepidermoid carcinomas (n=10) was obtained during routine surgical procedures. RNA was extracted according to standard protocols. Transcript levels of DEFA 1/3 and 4 were analyzed by quantitative realtime PCR and compared with healthy salivary gland tissue. Additionally, the proteins encoded by DEFA 1/3 and DEFA 4 were visualized in paraffin-embedded tissue sections by immunohistochemical staining.

Results

Human α-defensins are traceable in healthy as well as in pathological altered salivary gland tissue. In comparison with healthy tissue, the gene expression of DEFA 1/3 and 4 was significantly (p<0.05) increased in all tumours – except for a significant decrease of DEFA 4 gene expression in pleomorphic adenomas and a similar transcript level for DEFA 1/3 compared to healthy salivary glands.

Conclusions

A decreased gene expression of DEFA 1/3 and 4 might protect pleomorphic adenomas from malignant transformation into adenocarcinomas. A similar expression pattern of DEFA-1/3 and -4 in cystadenolymphomas and inflamed salivary glands underlines a potential importance of immunological reactions during the formation of Warthin’s tumour.
Coronary Artery bypass grafting and/or valvular surgery in patients with previous pneumonectomy
Authors: Fragkidis Alexander , Dimitriou Alexander , Dougenis Dimitrios
Published: October 2012

There is a lack of data regarding heart surgery on patients who have been previously pneumectomized. These patients pose unique challenges and surgical management may necessitate deviations from standard methods in the perioperative course. To summarize the available knowledge and to assess the optimal methods, we reviewed all reported patients with prior pneumonectomy who were subjected to coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve surgery.

In a Medline search from 1966 to May 2011 carefully undertaken, we identified 22 articles, including 29 patients who underwent 30 operations: CABG 70%, valvular surgery 23%, and combination 7%. Severe morbidity was 37% and 30-day mortality 13%.

Although postoperative morbidity and mortality remain higher in previously pneumectomized patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and valvular surgery, the gathered experience up to date suggests that a carefully planned surgical strategy, along with the use of advanced modern techniques may reduce morbidity and improve final outcome.
Diabetic foot disease in the United Kingdom: about time to put feet first
Authors: McInnes Alistair D
Published: October 2012

Diabetes is now the biggest cause of amputation, stroke, blindness and end stage renal failure. It causes many deaths from cardiovascular disease. Foot ulcers and amputations reduce the quality of life, increase mortality and involve lengthy stay in hospital. Many people who have an ulcer eventually require surgery. The economic cost to the nation is spiralling out of control with estimates of 10% of the entire NHS budget spent on diabetes. This paper aims to explore the burden of diabetic complications and how policy, guidelines and audit highlight the discrepancies in the quality of diabetes care with particular reference to diabetes foot services. The findings suggest that the NICE guidelines for diabetes foot care are not being adhered to and that the variation in preventative amputations across England is unacceptable. Diabetes UK, the national charity for diabetes is leading a campaign to improve diabetic foot care in light of the available published health information.
Glabrous Rice 1, encoding a homeodomain protein, regulates trichome development in rice
Authors: Li Jinjun , Yuan Yundong , Lu Zefu , Yang Liusha , Gao Rongcun , Lu Jingen , Li Jiayang , Xiong Guosheng
Published: October 2012

Background

Glabrous rice, which lacks trichomes on the rice epidermis, is regarded as an important germplasm resource in rice breeding. Trichomes are derived from aerial epidermal cells and used as a model to study the cell fate determination in plant. In Arabidopsis, the molecular mechanisms of trichome development have been well studied. However, little is known about the molecular basis of trichome development in rice.

Results

In this study, near isogenic lines harboring the glabrous rice 1 locus were developed. By a map-based approach, we narrowed down the locus to a 21-kb DNA region harboring two genes. One of the genes named Glabrous Rice 1 (GLR1), which is most likely the candidate, encodes a homeodomain protein containing the WOX motif. Constitutive Expression of GLR1 could partially complement the glabrous phenotype of NIL
glr1
. The knock down of GLR1 by RNA interference led to a significant decrease in trichome number on the leaves and glumes of the RNAi transgenic plants.

Conclusion

GLR1 plays an important role in rice trichome development and will contribute to breeding of glabrous elite rice varieties.
Dose‐dependent Effect of Statin Therapy on Circulating CXCL12 Levels in Patients with Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Camnitz Will , Burdick Marie D , Strieter Robert M , Mehrad Borna , Keeley Ellen C
Published: October 2012

Background

HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) have pleiotropic effects that are independent of cholesterol‐lowering, including a dose‐dependent effect on angiogenesis. Angiogenesis plays a critical role both in vascularization of the chronically ischemic myocardium and in stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques. Chemokines, a family of structurally‐related cytokine molecules, exert diverse biological functions including control of angiogenesis. The effect of statin therapy on angiogenic and angiostatic chemokines has not been evaluated extensively. We sought to test the hypothesis that, in subjects with hyperlipidemia, statin therapy influences plasma levels of angiogenic and angiostatic chemokines in a dose‐dependent manner.

Methods

We prospectively collected demographic, angiographic and laboratory data from subjects with a history of hyperlipidemia who were either untreated or on statin therapy. A peripheral blood sample was obtained for measurement of plasma angiogenic and angiostatic chemokines. Multivariable analysis using logistic regression was performed adjusting for the following variables: age, gender, prior myocardial infarction, and chronic administration of aspirin, clopidogrel, insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, beta‐blockers and calcium channel blockers.

Results

168 patients on statin therapy (48 on low‐dose, defined as <10mg atorvastatin‐equivalent, and 120 on high‐dose, defined as ≥10mg atorvastatin‐equivalent dose) and 11 subjects from the same database who had a history of hyperlipidemia but who were not on statins were enrolled. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics, co‐morbidities, lipid panels, other medications, or angiographic data between the groups. The angiogenic chemokines CXCL1 and CXCL12 levels were significantly different across the groups. Median levels of CXCL1 were highest in subjects not on statin therapy. Compared to subjects either not on statin therapy or on low‐dose statins, those taking high‐dose statins had lower median values of CXCL12 (2316 [2255–11071], vs 2362 [2016–10622], vs 2189 [1968–2705] pg/mL, p=0.042). On multivariate analysis, CXCL12 remained the only factor that was strongly and inversely associated with statin dose at the 95% level (p=0.011).

Conclusions

Compared to no therapy or low‐dose statin therapy, treatment with high‐doses of HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors is associated with decreased circulating CXCL12 levels in subjects with hyperlipidemia, and CXCL12 is strongly and inversely associated with statin dose. Additional studies are needed to confirm this finding in other cohorts and to determine if high‐dose statins affect angiogenesis in patients.