bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social–ecological factors associated with HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Jamaica
Authors: Logie Carmen H , Kenny Kathleen S , Lacombe-Duncan Ashley , Levermore Kandasi , Jones Nicolette , Neil Ava , Ellis Tyrone , Marshall Annecka , Newman Peter A
Published: July 2017

In Jamaica, where homosexuality is criminalized, scant research has examined associations between sexual stigma and HIV infection. The study objective was to examine correlates of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jamaica. We conducted a cross-sectional tablet-based survey with MSM in Jamaica using chain referral sampling. We assessed socio-demographic, individual, social, and structural factors associated with HIV infection. A logit-link model, fit using backwards-stepwise regression, was used to estimate a final multivariable model. Among 498 participants (median age: 24, interquartile range: 22–28), 67 (13.5%) were HIV-positive. In the multivariable model, HIV infection was associated with increased odds of socio-demographic (older age, odds ratio [OR]: 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–1.10]; residing in Kingston versus Ocho Rios [OR: 6.99, 95% CI 2.54–19.26]), individual (poor/fair versus excellent/good self-rated health [OR: 4.55, 95% CI: 1.81–11.42], sexually transmitted infection [STI] history [OR: 3.67, 95% CI: 1.61–8.38]), and structural (enacted sexual stigma [OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.15], having a health care provider [OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.06–4.66]) factors. This is among the first studies to demonstrate associations between sexual stigma and HIV infection in Jamaica. Findings underscore the need to integrate STI testing in the HIV care continuum and to address stigma and regional differences among MSM in Jamaica.
Assessing association between IWantTheKit risk quiz tool and sexually transmitted infection positivity in male users for sexually transmitted infection screening
Authors: Patel Anuj V , Gaydos Charlotte A , Jett-Goheen Mary , Barnes Mathilda , Dize Laura , Barnes Perry , Hsieh Yu-Hsiang
Published: July 2017

Our previous pilot study during 2010–2013, based on the IWantTheKit (IWTK) home self-collection program for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), showed that voluntary risk score tool predicted STIs well in female volunteers compared to their male counterparts. Risk score became a required part of the IWTK program in August 2013. We investigated association of IWTK risk score and presence of STI in 592 male participants living in Maryland and Washington DC from August 2013 to April 2015. The risk score quiz includes questions on demographic and sexual risk behavior. Data were analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage test for trend to determine if prevalence of STIs (Chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis) increased with the higher risk score category. Overall, 57% of participants were aged < 30 years (mean: 30.1 ± 9.3 years); 42% white, 42% black, and 16% other races. The majority (67%) of participants had medium risk scores of 3–6, followed by high scores of 7–10 (22%), and 0–2 (11%). The overall prevalence of STIs was 10.5% (62/592). The prevalence of STIs was 3.1% for users with risk scores of 0–2, 10.4% for those with scores 3–6, and 14.3% for those with scores 7–10 (trend test: p = 0.019). Medium and high IWTK risk scores successfully predicted the probability of STIs in male participants after elimination of potential selection biases.
The next 10 years of biostatistics
Authors: Freedman Laurence S
Published: July 2017

I return to an article on the future of statistics written by Sir Maurice Kendall some 30 years ago. I draw some parallels between the state of general statistics at that time and the state of biostatistics today, and try to learn from the successes and omissions in Sir Maurice's predictions to make my own limited projections for the next 10 years.
Statistical methods in public health and epidemiology: a look at the recent past and projections for the next decade
Authors: Levy Paul S , Stolte Kristine
Published: July 2017

This article attempts to prognosticate from past patterns, the type of statistical methods that will be used in published public health and epidemiological studies in the decade that follows the millennium. With this in mind, we conducted a study that would characterize trends in use of statistical methods in two major public health journals: the American Journal of Public Health, and the American Journal of Epidemiology. We took a probability sample of 348 articles published in these journals between 1970 and 1998. For each article sampled, we abstracted information on the design of the study and the types of statistical methods used in the article. Our major findings are that the proportion of articles using statistical methods as well as the mean number of statistical methods used per article has increased dramatically over the three decades surveyed. Also, the proportion of published articles using study designs that we classified as analytic has increased over the years. We also examined patterns of use in these journals of three statistical methodologies: logistic regression, proportional hazards regression, and methods for analysis of data from complex sample surveys. These methods were selected because they had been introduced initially in the late 1960s or early 1970s and had made considerable impact on data analysis in the biomedical sciences in the 1970s-90s. Estimated usage of each of these techniques remained relatively low until user-friendly software became available. Our overall conclusions are that new statistical methods are developed on the basis of need, disseminated to potential users over a course of many years, and often do not reach maximum use until tools for their comfortable use are made readily available to potential users. Based on these conclusions, we identify certain needs that are not now being met and which are likely to generate new statistical methodologies that we will see in the next decade.
Repeated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Fehily Brooke , Fitzgerald Melinda
Published: July 2017

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) represents a significant public healthcare concern, accounting for the majority of all head injuries. While symptoms are generally transient, some patients go on to experience long-term cognitive impairments and additional mild impacts can result in exacerbated and persisting negative outcomes. To date, studies using a range of experimental models have reported chronic behavioral deficits in the presence of axonal injury and inflammation following repeated mTBI; assessments of oxidative stress and myelin pathology have thus far been limited. However, some models employed induced acute focal damage more suggestive of moderate–severe brain injury and are therefore not relevant to repeated mTBI. Given that the nature of mechanical loading in TBI is implicated in downstream pathophysiological changes, the mechanisms of damage and chronic consequences of single and repeated closed-head mTBI remain to be fully elucidated. This review covers literature on potential mechanisms of damage following repeated mTBI, integrating known mechanisms of pathology underlying moderate–severe TBIs, with recent studies on adult rodent models relevant to direct impact injuries rather than blast-induced damage. Pathology associated with excitotoxicity and cerebral blood flow-metabolism uncoupling, oxidative stress, cell death, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, astrocyte reactivity, microglial activation, diffuse axonal injury, and dysmyelination is discussed, followed by a summary of functional deficits and preclinical assessments of therapeutic strategies. Comprehensive characterization of the pathology underlying delayed and persisting deficits following repeated mTBI is likely to facilitate further development of therapeutic strategies to limit long-term sequelae.
Inflammation Relates to Chronic Behavioral and Neurological Symptoms in Military Personnel with Traumatic Brain Injuries
Authors: Devoto Christina , Arcurio Lindsay , Fetta Joseph , Ley Mary , Rodney Tamar , Kanefsky Rebekah , Gill Jessica
Published: July 2017

Studies have shown that the presence of acute inflammation during recovery is indicative of poor outcomes after a traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, the role of chronic inflammation in predicting post-TBI-related symptoms remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to compare inflammatory biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-10) in active duty personnel who either sustained or did not sustain a TBI. Service members were also assessed for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and quality of life through self-reported measures. IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were greater in the TBI group than in the control group. Of those with a TBI, IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were greater in the high-PTSD group than the low-PTSD group. No significant differences were found in IL-10 or the IL-6/IL-10 ratios between those with low and high PTSD. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to describe the latent structure of variables relating to emotional and physical health (i.e., Short Form 36 subcomponents, etc.) and their relationships within the TBI group with inflammatory cytokines. Four symptom profiles were found, with the third component most relating to PTSD and depression symptoms and high inflammation. This study indicates that the comorbidity of TBI and PTSD is associated with inflammation in a military sample, emphasizing the necessity for intervention in order to mitigate the risks associated with inflammation.
Effects of Human ES-Derived Neural Stem Cell Transplantation and Kindling in a Rat Model of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Beretta Stefania , Cunningham Kelly M. , Haus Daniel L. , Gold Eric M. , Perez Harvey , López-Velázquez Luci , Cummings Brian J.
Published: July 2017

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the population worldwide, with a broad spectrum of symptoms and disabilities. Posttraumatic hyperexcitability is one of the most common neurological disorders that affect people after a head injury. A reliable animal model of posttraumatic hyperexcitability induced by TBI which allows one to test effective treatment strategies is yet to be developed. To address these issues, in the present study, we tested human embryonic stem cell–derived neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation in an animal model of posttraumatic hyperexcitability in which the brain injury was produced in one hemisphere of immunodeficient athymic nude rats by controlled cortical impact, and spontaneous seizures were produced by repeated electrical stimulation (kindling) in the contralateral hemisphere. At 14 wk posttransplantation, we report human NSC (hNSC) survival and differentiation into all 3 neural lineages in both sham and injured animals. We observed twice as many surviving hNSCs in the injured versus sham brain, and worse survival on the kindled side in both groups, indicating that kindling/seizures are detrimental to survival or proliferation of hNSCs. We also replicated our previous finding that hNSCs can ameliorate deficits on the novel place recognition task,33 but such improvements are abolished following kindling. We found no significant differences pre- or post-kindling on the elevated plus maze. No significant correlations were observed between hNSC survival and cognitive performance on either task. Together these findings suggest that Shef6-derived hNSCs may be beneficial as a therapy for TBI, but not in animals or patients with posttraumatic hyperexcitability.
Neural Stem Cell Transplantation Is Associated with Inhibition of Apoptosis, Bcl-xL Upregulation, and Recovery of Neurological Function in a Rat Model of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Pang Ai-Lan , Xiong Liu-Lin , Xia Qing-Jie , Liu Fen , Wang You-Cui , Liu Fei , Zhang Piao , Meng Bu-Liang , Tan Sheng , Wang Ting-Hua
Published: July 2017

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common disease that usually causes severe neurological damage, and current treatment is far from satisfactory. The neuroprotective effects of neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation in the injured nervous system have largely been known, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, and their limited sources impede their clinical application. Here, we established a rat model of TBI by dropping a weight onto the cortical motor area of the brain and explored the effect of engrafted NSCs (passage 3, derived from the hippocampus of embryonic 12- to 14-d green fluorescent protein transgenic mice) on TBI rats. Moreover, RT-PCR and Western blotting were employed to investigate the possible mechanism associated with NSC grafts. We found rats with TBI exhibited a severe motor and equilibrium dysfunction, while NSC transplantation could partly improve the motor function and significantly reduce cell apoptosis and increase B-cell lymphoma–extra large (Bcl-xL) expression at 7 d postoperation. However, other genes including Bax, B-cell lymphoma 2, Fas ligand, and caspase3 did not exhibit significant differences in expression. Moreover, to test whether Bcl-xL could be used as a therapeutic target, herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 carrying Bcl-xL recombinant was constructed and injected into the pericontusional cortices. Bcl-xL overexpression not only resulted in a significant improvement in neurological function but also inhibits cell apoptosis, as compared with the TBI rats, and exhibits the same effects as the administration of NSC. The present study therefore indicated that NSC transplantation could promote the recovery of TBI rats in a manner similar to that of Bcl-xL overexpression. Therefore, Bcl-xL overexpression, to some extent, could be considered as a useful strategy to replace NSC grafting in the treatment of TBI in future clinical practices.
Book Review: Rajeswari S. Raina (Ed.) (2015), Science, Technology and Development in India: Encountering Values
Authors: Aga Aniket Pankaj
Published: July 2017

Rajeswari S. Raina (Ed.) (2015), Science, Technology and Development in India: Encountering Values. New Delhi: Orient BlackSwan, xvii + 294 pp., ₹750.00, (hardback), ISBN: 978-81-250-5855-7.
Assessment of Environmental Risk from the Project Team’s Perspective in Electrical Transmission Line Installation Projects
Authors: Parihar Shwetank , Bhar Chandan , Srivastava Nishit Kumar
Published: July 2017

This article represents a methodology in which the overall environmental risks can be assessed without much need of secondary data. The method exemplifies on collection of risk data on the basis of pre-decided risk factors in which the project team members are asked to give opinion about various risk factors. Since the main risk management team has already given various pre-defined risk sectors the collective opinion derived gives true value of risk, and the involvement of local workers give an edge over others since they have vast knowledge of geographical factors and this is how their knowledge can be scientifically used to determine environmental risk which is a very true estimation of real risk value. This article has successfully identified factors and scaled them up with the help of a questionnaire-based study. Moreover, different levels of management also pose different environment risk priorities which is also analysed in this article.
Identification of Green Procurement Drivers and Their Interrelationship Using Total Interpretive Structural Modelling
Authors: Bag Surajit
Published: July 2017

Green procurement is the set of procurement policies held, action taken and relationships formed in response to concerns linked with the natural environment. Green procurement has drawn major attention of supply chain practitioners and has become the theme of most of the seminars and workshops. Green procurement is gaining popularity due to its positive association with the triple bottom line, that is, sustainability. Firms implement green procurement to achieve sustainability in this dynamic business environment. There are several published papers that have adopted qualitative and quantitative methodology to build and test theories in the field of green procurement. However, existing research gaps have motivated to pursue this study. The main purpose of this article is to investigate the interrelationships of green procurement drivers. First, systematic review of literature is done to identify the leading drivers. Second, these drivers were refined through experts’ opinion with interview conducted among five procurement managers from South African manufacturing sector. Third, the comments of these experts are converted into interpretive logic of pairwise comparison, and total interpretive structural model (TISM) is developed. Finally the conclusion of research, the managerial implications and directions of future research are presented.
Framework for Embedding Sustainability in Business Schools: A Review
Authors: Gupta Himani , Singhal Neeraj
Published: July 2017

Over a period of time, sustainable development (SD) gaining momentum as international declarations is binding the whole globe through a single cord. Stockholm Conference in 1972 (UNEP, 1972, Declaration of the United Nations conference on the human environment.) witnessed the recognition of education for environmental protection and conservation. Since then more and more higher education institutions have been engaged in embedding sustainability throughout the academic cycle. This cycle starting from input (institutional frameworks, such as vision, mission and policies), processes such as (curriculum, research, outreach and collaboration, on campus experience, campus operations, assessment and reporting), output (impact on social, environmental and economic perspective). The closing of the loop ends with feedback mechanism to rectify the system at process level or input level. This review article observes the complete SD cycle for management education.
Sustainability Reporting in India: Exploring Sectoral Differences and Linkages with Financial Performance
Authors: Goel Puneeta , Misra Rupali
Published: July 2017

Introduction of sustainability reporting reforms has increased awareness in Indian companies regarding the social and environmental disclosures. In the absence of standardized reporting norms, companies are free to structure sustainability report as per their understanding, willingness and intent. Although some voluntary guidelines have been issued by the regulatory authorities, the norms are still not clear as to what to report and how to report.

We study sustainability reporting practices of 120 BSE-listed companies across 8 industries. Self-constructed sustainability reporting construct with seven sub-parameters has been used for comparing sector-wise reporting and correlating it with financial performance indicators company-wise.

Although India is at an infant stage of adopting global reporting indicators (GRI), big four of each of the eight sectors under study has documented comprehensive sustainability initiatives taken in the company. We note sectoral differences in reporting quality with refineries and power following most of the prescribed norms of GRI. However, no significant difference is found in ISO certifications and environment initiatives among different sectors. Though Indian companies are involved in social initiatives, reporting on pollution emission is found to be low. The relationship between the financial performance and sustainability score was inconsistent across different financial measures.
Book Review: Bruce Nussbaum, Creative Intelligence: Harnessing the Power to Create, Connect, and Inspire
Authors: Mishra Subhendu
Published: July 2017

Bruce Nussbaum, Creative Intelligence: Harnessing the Power to Create, Connect, and Inspire, 2013, New York: Harper Collins, 351 pp., US$22.89. ISBN: 978-0-06-229280-3
Are the times changing enough? Print media trends across four decades
Authors: Biscomb Kay , Matheson Hilary
Published: July 2017

Media analysis is an established area of sport sociology which has been documented by researchers systematically since the 1980s. Despite the extent and breadth of the area there have been some methodological trends which include a focus on print media, the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative content, and the analysis of the portrayal of female athletes. This study presents a unique analysis of four decades, from 1984 to 2014, of British print media covering the same two week summer period in six national newspapers, in order to assess whether societal and cultural changes have been reflected in the predominantly patriarchal domain of sport.Outcomes have been mixed, but overall it is clear that there is continued under-representation of female athletes and, that what were once considered to be the major British summer sports (athletics, cricket, golf, tennis) have been replaced by a dominance of soccer reporting. . We provide an overview of the trends documented during the last four decades and offer some insight into the growth of the ‘gossip sheets’ for men.
Financial control, blame avoidance and Radio Caroline: Talkin’ ‘bout my generation
Authors: Miley Frances M , Read Andrew F
Published: July 2017

This research examines the use of financial mechanisms to impose controls while facilitating blame avoidance by public office-holders. A qualitative historical examination is used to examine legislation designed to prevent Radio Caroline, a pirate radio station, from broadcasting into Britain in the 1960s. Radio Caroline made a mockery of the British Government’s power to manage radio through a monopolist, the British Broadcasting Corporation. In addition, Radio Caroline played the type of rock music the British Government sought to suppress because it represented the undesirable side of youth culture. Hence, inter-generational conflict was connected to the British Government’s attitude towards Radio Caroline. This research examines the suppression of Radio Caroline through the Marine & Broadcasting (Offences) Act (UK) 1967 and the legislative scapegoating of Radio Caroline by targeting its revenue-earning potential. It demonstrates the use of financial control mechanisms to mask the strategies of governments.
Psychometric Profiling of the Elderly Using the Cambridge Cognitive Examination
Authors: Johnston Brian , Scott Noel , Li Wan Po Alain , Broadfoot Jack David
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

To (1) build a psychometric profile of elderly subjects attending specialist day care centers and residential homes using the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG); (2) identify factors that are predictive of the score obtained; and (3) determine whether scores from CAMCOG and the less time-consuming Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were correlated sufficiently for the latter to replace the former for general cognitive screening.

Design:

Nonrandom convenience sampling of elderly subjects attending specialist day care centers, residential homes, and units for the elderly mentally ill.

Setting:

Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Main Outcome:

CAMCOG and MMSE scores with age, sex, educational level, marital status, visual and hearing ability, various central nervous system diseases, and handedness as independent variables.

Results:

Age, sex, the wearing of glasses, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and epilepsy were found to be significant predictors of the CAMCOG score. This pattern held true for the MMSE score, except for stroke. CAMCOG and MMSE scores were correlated closely, even after deletion of overlapping scores. However, the CAMCOG score showed an increasing bias when the mean score increased. The cognitive function of the subjects attending the 3 types of establishment differed significantly, with those in the residential homes being the most heterogenous.

Conclusions:

The subjects profiled showed significant cognitive impairment. The MMSE score appears to give much the same information as the CAMCOG score in this general screening of our patient group. The population considered is probably representative of subjects attending similar units in the United Kingdom.
Verapamil-Induced Hyperprolactememia Complicated by a Pituitary Incidentaloma
Authors: Dombrowski Robert C , Romeo June H , Aron David C
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To describe a patient with an incidental pituitary lesion who experienced verapamil-induced hyperprolactinemia.

Case Summary:

A patient experiencing impotence was found to have increased prolactin and low testosterone concentrations. Verapamil as a cause for his increased prolactin concentration was not considered initially. The patient underwent extensive testing to rule out a pituitary tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 6-mm lesion consistent with a pituitary microadenoma that had remained unchanged for 6 months. Verapamil therapy was discontinued and within 1 month the patient's prolactin concentration decreased from 46.8 to 14.4 μg/L, and has remained within normal limits.

Discussion:

We reviewed reports of verapamil-induced hyperprolactinemia. This case was unique as this patient had an incidental pituitary lesion that was not responsible for increasing the prolactin concentration in our patient, but rather complicated the identification of a drug-induced disorder.

Conclusions:

The failure to identify the hyperprolactinemic effect of verapamil may have resulted in performing unnecessary radiologic procedures in this patient This case highlights the importance of obtaining a medication history in patients with hyperprolactinemia.
Activated Clotting Time Versus Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time for Therapeutic Monitoring of Heparin
Authors: Simko Robert J , Tsung Faye FW , Stanek Eric J
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To compare and contrast the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and the activated clotting time (ACT) for the therapeutic monitoring of heparin therapy.

Data Sources:

Relevant articles were identified through an English-language MEDLINE search from 1966 to 1995. Additional sources were identified from the reference lists of these articles.

Study Selection:

Studies that investigated the use and limitations of the individual assays and those offering direct comparisons were chosen for review.

Data Extraction:

Features demonstrating clinical applications and limitations of the aPTT and the ACT were extracted. Where possible, data suggesting preferential application of either assay also were extracted.

Data Synthesis:

Both the aPTT and ACT are clinically useful for the monitoring of heparin therapy. The aPTT is used more frequently for routine monitoring; the ACT is used in specialized situations requiring large heparin doses. The ACT is typically performed at bedside and is capable of yielding results rapidly and perhaps at a lower cost than an aPTT performed by a central laboratory. Most practitioners are familiar with the central laboratory aPTT. A bedside aPTT device is available, but is not yet in widespread clinical use. Both assay techniques are subject to various limitations.

Conclusions:

The ACT is theoretically equally as useful as the aPTT for the routine monitoring of heparin therapy, but has not been well-studied. The ACT appears more useful in situations in which high serum concentrations of heparin are required. Further cost-effectiveness and clinical outcome studies directly comparing the ACT and the aPTT in specific clinical situations are needed.
Quinupristin/Dalfopristin (RP 59500): A New Streptogramin Antibiotic
Authors: Chant Clarence , Rybak Michael J
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To review the current knowledge on RP 59500 (quinupristin/dalfopristin, Synercid), a new streptogramin antibiotic, with respect to its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, mechanism of resistance, and in vitro inhibitory and bactericidal activity.

Data Sources:

A MEDLINE search using the keywords RP 59500, pristinamycin, virginiamycin, and streptogramin was performed. Relevant abstracts presented at recent scientific conferences also were consulted.

Study Selection:

Because RP 59500 is a relatively new investigational agent, relevant in vitro and animal studies were selected. All available human studies were included as well.

Data Extraction:

Data from in vitro and in vivo studies were included, with particular emphasis on human studies.

Data Synthesis:

RP 59500 is a new injectable streptogramin antibiotic consisting of a mixture of 2 synergistic pristinamycin compounds. RP 59500 possesses in vitro inhibitory and bactericidal activity against most isolates of gram-positive organisms including vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, selected gram-negative bacteria, and most anaerobic organisms. Based on preliminary data, the drug appears to be metabolized rapidly and extensively while exhibiting a significant postantibiotic effect. Data from ongoing clinical trials suggest that RP 59500 is well-tolerated except for mild injection site irritations. However, before the role of RP 59500 within the vast armamentarium of antimicrobials can be elucidated, additional studies need to be conducted to document its clinical efficacy.

Conclusions:

Based on in vitro susceptibility testing, in vivo studies, and preliminary clinical data, RP 59500 may be an alternative to the glycopeptides, especially for inherently resistant organisms. Further studies are needed to confirm this agent's in vitro activity and to establish its clinical efficacy.
Incremental Validity of the MMPI-2 Content Scales in a Psychiatric Sample
Authors: Archer Robert P. , Aiduk Robert , Griffin Richard , Elkins David E.
Published: July 2017

The current study replicated and expanded previous investigations that focused on the incremental contribution of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) content scales. The MMPI-2 and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) were administered to 597 adult psychiatric patients (289 females, 308 males) receiving inpatient treatment. In addition, clinical psychologists provided ratings on each of these patients with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Global Assessment Scale (GAS). A series of hierarchical stepwise multiple regression analyses were conducted with MMPI-2 basic and content scales as the independent variables and SCL-90-R, BPRS, and GAS variables as the dependent criteria. Similar to Findings by Ben-Porath, McCully, and Almagor, MMPI-2 content scales were shown to add incrementally to the prediction of variance on self-report measures; the current study also revealed significant relationships to clinician-rater criteria. Implications of the present findings for test interpretation procedures and future research are presented and discussed.
Motivation — Some Basic Psychological Issues
Authors: Lazabus Richard S.
Published: July 2017

Can we enunciate any general principles about human motivation, especially as they apply to predicting and manipulating human interactions? Dr. Lazarus does not provide an optimistic answer, but he does open some alluring vistas in this inexhaustible field of inquiry.
Reducing the energy consumption of large-scale computing systems through combined shutdown policies with multiple constraints
Authors: Benoit Anne , Lefèvre Laurent , Orgerie Anne-Cécile , Raïs Issam
Published: July 2017

Large-scale distributed systems (high-performance computing centers, networks, data centers) are expected to consume huge amounts of energy. In order to address this issue, shutdown policies constitute an appealing approach able to dynamically adapt the resource set to the actual workload. However, multiple constraints have to be taken into account for such policies to be applied on real infrastructures: the time and energy cost of switching on and off, the power and energy consumption bounds caused by the electricity grid or the cooling system, and the availability of renewable energy. In this article, we propose models translating these various constraints into different shutdown policies that can be combined for a multiconstraint purpose. Our models and their combinations are validated through simulations on a real workload trace.
Necrolytic Migratory Erythema: A Forgotten Paraneoplastic Condition
Authors: Tremblay Catherine , Marcil Isabelle
Published: July 2017

Background:

Necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) is most commonly a paraneoplastic condition. It is the dermatologic manifestation classically associated with glucagonoma pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour. Glucagonoma syndrome has been defined by the constellation of secreting tumour associated with overproduction by the α-cells in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans, abnormally elevated blood level of glucagon, and skin findings of NME.

Objective:

Although rare, all dermatologists must know and recognise NME promptly to request useful investigations for the diagnosis of this characteristic neuroendocrine tumour.

Methods and Results:

We report a case of a middle-aged woman seen in our dermatology clinic with longstanding skin findings suggestive of NME revealing a glucagonoma. Surgical removal was associated with complete resolution of the cutaneous and systemic features.

Conclusion:

NME is often the first clinical finding of an occult neuroendocrine pancreatic neoplasia. Dermatologists must be aware of this condition since they can be the first physician to suspect it and allow multidisciplinary management, which influences the prognostic value. Surgical removal is the first-line therapy if early diagnosis is done before liver metastases occur.
Using Digital Interventions to Engage in the Everyday
Authors: Green Lelia , Pink Sarah
Published: July 2017

This themed issue of MIA advances our understanding of how digital media are implicated in processes of change. It interrogates how people engage digital media in creative practices that lead to interventions in their own or others' lives, and explores the intentionalities through which they do this, and the processes and experiences such activities involve. The intention is to bring to the fore the idea of intervening as a way of being active in the world – as a scholar, creative practitioner, activist or simply someone living their everyday life in ways that seek to generate forms of change. The articles in this issue address the use of creative interventions for affective and community-constructing ends, examining and highlighting the conscious use of the digital to disrupt and subvert existing patterns in communication and culture, heralding new possibilities while promoting inclusivity and social innovation.
T cell response to two immunodominant proteolipid protein (PLP) peptides in multiple sclerosis patients and healthy controls
Authors: Pelfrey CM , Tranquill LR , Vogt AB , McFarland HF
Published: July 2017

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system in which autoimmune T lymphocytes reacting with myelin antigens are believed to play a pathogenic role. Since HLA binding is involved in the selection of T cell responses, we have examined PLP peptide binding to HLA DR2, an HLA allele frequently found in MS patients. Both PLP 40–60 and PLP 89–106 show significant, high affinity binding to HLA DR2. We then tested whether responses to PLP peptides 40–60 and 89–106 are elevated in multiple sclerosis patients compared to matched controls. We also analysed T cell responses to MBP 87–106, which is considered to be the immunodominant region of MBP in humans. Here we demonstrate heterogenous T cell responses to PLP 40–60, PLP 89–106 and MBP 87–106 in both MS patients and controls. The overall number of TCL and the HLA restriction of those TCL did not vary significantly in the two groups. PLP 40–60 specific cytolytic TCL were increased in MS patients, whereas healthy controls had increased percentages of cytolytic TCL responding to PLP 89–106 and MBP 87–106. Although the data presented here shows heterogenous responses in T cell numbers, differences in numbers and specificity of cytolytic cells could be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune demyelinating disease.
A comparison of clinical and laboratory measures of spasticity
Authors: Nielsen JF , Sinkjær T
Published: July 2017

Clinical evaluation of spasticity was performed in lower extremities in 35 ambulatory multiple sclerosis patients and compared with the soleus stretch reflex and the Hoffman reflex. There was no relation between the muscle tone score of dorsiflexion of the foot and the biomechanicall electrophysiological parameters. In contrast, the Achilles tendon reflex score was significantly related to the amplitude (p=0.411, P<0.05) and the slope of the stretch reflex (p=0.523, P<0.01). The clinical examination at the ankle joint revealed 33% normal reflex examinations but only 7% normal muscle tone examinations. In contrast, the number of normal examinations of patellar reflex and muscle tone at the knee joint were similar. It is concluded that the muscle tone score overestimates the amount of spasticity because of changes in the non-reflex properties of the spastic extremity and that a reflex score should be used as a clinical measure of spasticity. In addition, biomechanicallelectrophysiological evaluation of spasticity at the ankle joint relates to the over-all total muscle tone and reflex scores of lower extremities in this group of MS patients.
Investment in Ecotourism: Assessing its Economics
Authors: Tisdell Clem
Published: July 2017

There has been an upsurge of interest in ecotourism as a possibly profitable means to ensure sustainable ecological development. However, care is needed in investing in ecotourism because it is not always a worthwhile investment from a private or a social viewpoint. Sometimes such investment is unprofitable and may hinder rather than assist nature conservation. This paper discusses the assessment of private and social returns from ecotourism investment from angles that appear to have been overlooked in the recent literature, and argues that positive private returns can be a prerequisite for achieving the conservational goals of ecotourism. In addition, some limitations involved in applying the user pays principle to ecotourism are noted and offset policies are considered as one possible means to counteract some of the possible adverse environmental consequences of tourism.
Characteristics of school-based health services associated with students’ mental health
Authors: Denny Simon , Howie Hamish , Grant Sue , Galbreath Ross , Utter Jennifer , Fleming Theresa , Clark Terryann
Published: July 2017

Objective

School-based health services (SBHS) have been shown to improve access to mental health services but the evidence of their effectiveness on students’ mental health is lacking. Our objective was to examine associations between variation in the provision of SBHS and students’ mental health.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative health and well-being survey of 8500 New Zealand high school students conducted in March–November 2012. Students’ mental health is related to data on school health services obtained from clinic leaders and clinicians from 90 participating high schools.

Results

After adjustment for socio-demographic differences in students between schools, increasing levels of services were associated with progressively lower levels of student-reported depressive symptoms (p = 0.002), emotional and behavioural difficulties (p = 0.004) and suicidality (p = 0.008). Services with greater levels of nursing hours (p = 0.02) and those that performed routine, comprehensive psychosocial assessments (p = 0.01) were both associated with lower levels of student-reported depressive symptoms. Greater levels of nursing hours and doctor hours were associated with lower self-reported suicidality among students.

Conclusions

Although a causal association between school-based health services and students’ mental health cannot be demonstrated, these findings support the benefit of such services and the need for a cluster randomized trial.
Prognosis of Survival in a Geriatric Population
Authors: Brauer Erik , Mackeprang Bent , Bentzon Michael Weis
Published: July 2017

With the aim of demonstrating prognostics as regards death in a geriatric population, the mortality among 1486 patients (516 men and 970 women) in De Gamles By, Copenhagen, was observed over a 2-year period. The mortality curves for the groups examined were found to be rectilinear in logarithmic form and could therefore be described with sufficient certainty by one value, viz. the probability of death in any one year. The probability of death was just over 20% and was the same for both sexes. Of the parameters examined, particularly high mortality was found where there was urinary incontinence, severe mental abnormality, a great need for nursing, and poor physical mobility (especially inability to walk). On the other hand, there was no particular relationship with age. Where the degree of the handicapping factors was severe, there was generally greater mortality among the men than among the women, but this was not so in the less severe cases. The length of stay in the institution had no effect on the mortality. The results of the present study are in good agreement with previous findings reported from New York (7).
Work and Disability at the Age of 30 Years: A Sociomedical Study of a Birth-cohort from Bergen IV. Economic activity, occupation, and earned income
Authors: Kinge Finn Olav
Published: July 2017

On the basis of interviews and data collected from various files and registers, the present study will analyse the work situation at the age of 30 years related to the type of school attended at age 14 years. The study is based on a cohort of 1570 persons, all live births in the year 1940 of mothers then residing in Bergen. A sample was taken after stratification of the cohort according to type of school attended at age 14 years. This sample was supplemented with persons who had attended Special Schools for the educable mentally retarded (EMR) and with persons who had received care from the national services for the mentally retarded (SMR). The final sample consisted of 262 persons. An association is found between economic activity, occupation, and earned income at the age of 30 years and type of school attended at age 14 years. Former pupils of Special Schools for the educable mentally retarded clearly belong to a marginal group, as regards “self-support”. Former pupils of Elementary School classes for slow learners are also a high-risk group concerning the development of work-insufficiency.
Ill-Health in Families of Infants with Low Rate of Weight Gain
Authors: Kristiansson Bengt
Published: July 2017

The present work investigated ill-health in 52 families of infants admitted to hospital with low rate of weight gain. Ill-health is measured as annual days of sickness cash entitlement, which is registered for all citizens within the state compulsory insurance scheme, with no waiting period. In the 34 families with infants having a weight gain outside the-2 S.D. limit there was a clear overrepresentation of fathers with high annual number of days of sick leave. The chief reasons for sick leave were skeletomuscular diagnoses. Comparisons are made with 18 families with infants having low rate of weight gain but within the-2 S.D. limit and 72 control families. Mothers of infants with subnormal increments tend to have more health problems than the other groups, but the differences are small. This can be explained by the use of the parent's cash benefit which covered the mothers during 210 days of the observed period, and by the differences in income between mothers and fathers. It is concluded that ill-health is overrepresented in families with infants presenting subnormal weight gain.
Lower Limb Fractures and Registration for Alcoholism
Authors: Kristenson Hans , Redlund-Johnell Inga
Published: July 2017

During two consecutive years 607 individuals with lower limb fractures were diagnosed. Half of the individuals, 315, were women and only 14 of them had an earlier registration for alcoholism. In the 292 men, however, 73 men or 25%, had been registered at the Department of Alcohol Diseases at least once during the 13 years of observation, the highest registration frequency (30%) was noted in the malleolar fractures in men. In males, 30–50 years of age, there were 37 per cent who had a registration for alcoholism, the highest registration (44%) was noted for fracture of the tibial diaphysis. Males with fracture of the proximal end of the femur between 16–80 years of age were registered for alcoholism in 23%.
Impact of a Health Education Program and Other Factors on Stopping Smoking after Heart Attack
Authors: Salonen Jukka T. , Hämynen Heikki , Heinonen Olli P.
Published: July 2017

A prospective follow-up study was carried out to investigate the impact of a health education program and other factors related to patient's social background and severity of heart attack on stopping smoking after heart attack. The study consisted of male patients below the age of 65 years, who had suffered a heart attack between April 1 and September 30, 1977, living in two provinces of eastern Finland, North Karelia and Kuopio. Of the patients who smoked before the heart attack, 102 responded to both the 6-and the 12-month follow-up postal survey. Of these 102 patients, 25 stopped smoking within 12 months after the heart attack, while 77 continued to smoke. Continuing smoking was most strongly associated with working and unemployment before heart attack, maximum serum aspartate aminotransferase (GOT) concentration and subjective recovery after the heart attack. The quitting rate among men in the program area was 1.2-fold ( p=0.012) compared with the reference area men, after making allowance for the seven most confounding factors in the multivariate analysis. This observation indicates that either the community-based primary program or the secondary prevention program in North Karelia succeeded in dissuading patients from smoking after heart attack.
Health Status and Social Conditions of the Elderly in Remote Districts: Results of a Screening Programme
Authors: Anttila Sari , Takala Jorma , Takala Anneli , Ollila Olli-Pekka , Vierimaa Eero , Koski Marjatta
Published: July 2017

In 1978 a cohort of 1040 individuals aged 65 years or over was screened by public health nurses in Kuusamo. The screening produced basic data about health status and social conditions for an intervention of active medical care of the elderly by means of a mobile unit in rural districts. The response rate of the screening was 90%. 72% of the men and 35% of the women lived with their spouse; 6% of the men and 20% of the women lived alone. Poor health was assessed least commonly (36%) by those living alone, and most commonly by women living with their spouse (51%), even though 87% of them were under 75 years old. A visit to a physician during the past 12 months was more common among younger subjects. 15% of the men and 18% of the women had slightly restricted mobility. Men living alone had better mobility than women living alone.
Computerized Tomography Findings Among Workers with Chronic Intoxication of the Brain
Authors: E Greve
Published: July 2017

Among the subjects classified as possibly or definitely demented 60% had suspected or definitely cerebral atrophy on CTs. Among the subjects classified as definitely demented 42% had definite cerebral atrophy. None of the referents had definite atrophy on CT. Regional cerebral blood flow was significantly decreased among subjects with cerebral atrophy. Some group overlap was evident as 12 subjects classified as definitely demented had normal CTs. This overlap showed that the absence of cerebral atrophy did not exclude the presence of dementia. On the other side, cerebral atrophy should not be found by a mere coincidence among persons under the age of sixty but indicates the presence of dementia.