bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moxibustion Therapy at CV4 Prevents Postoperative Dysuria after Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids
Authors: Bian Xue-Mei , Lv Ling , Lin Wan-Bing , Liang Hai-Hong , Zhang Ying , Wang Ling-Cong
Published: December 2013

Objective. To explore the intervention methods of the patients with dysuria after performing the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH).Methods. 100 cases with hemorrhoids were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The control group received routine nursing care. As comparison, the experimental group, on the basis of conventional care, was treated with moxa roll moxibustion 1 hour after the operation for 30 minutes. The autonomous urination within 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, and 8 h after operation and the catheterization rate 8 h after operation of two groups of patients were observed.Results. The median time of autonomous urination of control group (8 h) was significantly greater than that of the experimental group (6 h) (P<0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that the moxibustion therapy was positively correlated with automatic micturition in the patients after PPH. The probability of automatic micturition in the experimental group was 2.032 times that in the control group (RR = 2.032, 95% CI: 1.278~3.230). The catheterization rate of control group (38%) was significantly higher than that of the experimental group (10%) (P<0.001).Conclusion. The Guanyuan acupoint moxibustion can prevent dysuria after PPH and reduce the urethral catheterization.
Downregulation of CD4+LAP+ and CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells in Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Lin Ying-zhong , Lu Shan-he , Lu Zheng-de , Huang Ying , Shi Ying , Liu Ling , Wang Xiao-yan , Ji Qing-wei
Published: December 2013

Background. Regulatory T (Treg) cells play a protective role in atherosclerosis prone models and are related to the onset of acute coronary syndromes (ACS, including non-ST-elevation ACS (NSTEACS) and ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEAMI)). CD4+LAP+ Treg cells are a novel subset of Tregs that have been found to ameliorate atherosclerosis inApoE-/-mice, and these cells also exist in humans. The present study was designed to investigate whether CD4+LAP+ Treg cells are involved in the onset of ACS.Methods. The frequencies of CD4+LAP+ and CD4+CD25+ Treg cells were detected using flow cytometric analysis, and the plasma IL-10 and TGF-β1 levels were measured using an ELISA in 29 stable angina (SA) patients, 30 NSTEACS patients, 27 STEAMI patients, and a control group (30 cases).Results. The results revealed a significant decrease in the frequencies of CD4+LAP+ and CD4+CD25+ Treg cells and in the levels of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in patients with ACS compared with those in the SA and control groups.Conclusions. The decrease in the frequencies of CD4+LAP+ and CD4+CD25+ Treg cells may play a role in the onset of ACS.
Analyzing PSU’s Performance: A Case from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India
Authors: Wang Chia-Nan , Lin Lei-Chuan , Murugesan Dhanabalan
Published: December 2013

The high economic growth in the past few years and increasing industrialization coupled with a burgeoning population have created a lot of concern for India’s energy scenario. India’s crude oil production has not shown significant growth in the last 10 or more years whereas its refining capacity has grown by more than 20% over the last 5 years. Oil consumption is growing at approximately 4.1% per year and natural gas consumption is growing at 68% per year. Therefore, evaluation performances and pushing energy companies to improve become important issues. The purpose of this research is of evaluation the performance of Indian energy industry under multiple different inputs and outputs criteria. The data envelopment analysis (DEA) and grey theory are used to conduct this study. There are total 14 public sector undertakings (PSUs) under this industry and no any private company. However, only 10 of them are mature enough to be published in India stock markets. Therefore, the realistic data of all 10 companies are used for this evaluation. The results demonstrate that Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), and Oil India Limited (OIL) are the top 3 of ranking influences. This integrated numerical study gives a better “past-present-future” insights into evaluation performance in India energy industry.
Multiproject Resources Allocation Model under Fuzzy Random Environment and Its Application to Industrial Equipment Installation Engineering
Authors: Gang Jun , Xu Jiuping , Xu Yinfeng
Published: December 2013

This paper focuses on a multiproject resource allocation problem in a bilevel organization. To solve this problem, a bilevel multiproject resource allocation model under a fuzzy random environment is proposed. Two levels of decision makers are considered in the model. On the upper level, the company manager aims to allocate the company's resources to multiple projects to achieve the lowest cost, which include resource costs and a tardiness penalty. On the lower level, each project manager attempts to schedule their resource-constrained project, with minimization of project duration as the main objective. In contrast to prior studies, uncertainty in resource allocation has been explicitly considered. Specifically, our research uses fuzzy random variables to model uncertain activity durations and resource costs. To search for the optimal solution of the bilevel model, a hybrid algorithm made up of an adaptive particle swarm optimization, an adaptive hybrid genetic algorithm, and a fuzzy random simulation algorithm is also proposed. Finally, the efficiency of the proposed model and algorithm is evaluated through a practical case from an industrial equipment installation company. The results show that the proposed model is efficient in dealing with practical resource allocation problems in a bilevel organization.
Rb Loss Is Characteristic of Prostatic Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
Authors: Tan Hsueh-Li , Sood Akshay , Rahimi Hameed A. , Wang Wenle , Gupta Nilesh , Hicks Jessica , Mosier Stacy , Gocke Christopher D. , Epstein Jonathan I. , Netto George J. , Liu Wennuan , Isaacs William B. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Lotan Tamara L.
Published: December 2013

Purpose: Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the prostate is likely to become increasingly common with recent advances in pharmacologic androgen suppression. Thus, developing molecular markers of small cell differentiation in prostate cancer will be important to guide the diagnosis and therapy of this aggressive tumor.

Experimental Design: We examined the status of RB1, TP53, and PTEN in prostatic small cell and acinar carcinomas via immunohistochemistry (IHC), copy-number alteration analysis, and sequencing of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens.

Results: We found retinoblastoma (Rb) protein loss in 90% of small cell carcinoma cases (26 of 29) with RB1 allelic loss in 85% of cases (11 of 13). Of acinar tumors occurring concurrently with prostatic small cell carcinoma, 43% (3 of 7) showed Rb protein loss. In contrast, only 7% of primary high-grade acinar carcinomas (10 of 150), 11% of primary acinar carcinomas with neuroendocrine differentiation (4 of 35), and 15% of metastatic castrate-resistant acinar carcinomas (2 of 13) showed Rb protein loss. Loss of PTEN protein was seen in 63% of small cell carcinomas (17 of 27), with 38% (5 of 13) showing allelic loss. By IHC, accumulation of p53 was observed in 56% of small cell carcinomas (14 of 25), with 60% of cases (6 of 10) showing TP53 mutation.

Conclusions: Loss of RB1 by deletion is a common event in prostatic small cell carcinoma and can be detected by a validated IHC assay. As Rb protein loss rarely occurs in high-grade acinar tumors, these data suggest that Rb loss is a critical event in the development of small cell carcinomas and may be a useful diagnostic and potential therapeutic target. Clin Cancer Res; 20(4); 890–903. ©2013 AACR.
Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks: Drug Repositioning in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Jing , Byers Lauren Averett
Published: December 2013

Summary: Jahchan and colleagues report the use of a biostatistical analysis to identify effective therapeutics for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Their results reveal a new use for the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine in SCLC and shed light on the therapeutic potential of drug repositioning in cancer and other diseases. Cancer Discov; 3(12); 1333–5. ©2013 AACR.

See related article by Jahchan et al., p. 1364
Practical Problems Encountered during the Cultivation of an Open-Source Reconstructed Human Epidermis Model on a Polycarbonate Membrane and Protein Quantification
Authors: Lemper M. , De Paepe K. , Rogiers V.
Published: December 2013

During recent years, the importance of in vitro technology in skin research has increased significantly. A variety of skin culture models have been developed and commercialized. In this respect, the availability of reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) equivalents represents a significant improvement compared to the use of monolayer cultures. However, when an in-house RHE model is being developed, researchers might encounter some difficulties during cultivation. The scope of this paper is to report our experiences and practical problems with the development of a three-dimensional RHE model cultured on a polycarbonate membrane. Some important issues including cell density, the use of lysing enzymes, culture media, cell storage and viability, cell confluency and protein extraction are reported and optional solutions are given.
Beyond Linear Methods of Data Analysis: Time Series Analysis and Its Applications in Renal Research
Authors: Gupta Ashwani K. , Udrea Andreea
Published: December 2013

Analysis of temporal trends in medicine is needed to understand normal physiology and to study the evolution of disease processes. It is also useful for monitoring response to drugs and interventions, and for accountability and tracking of health care resources. In this review, we discuss what makes time series analysis unique for the purposes of renal research and its limitations. We also introduce nonlinear time series analysis methods and provide examples where these have advantages over linear methods. We review areas where these computational methods have found applications in nephrology ranging from basic physiology to health services research. Some examples include noninvasive assessment of autonomic function in patients with chronic kidney disease, dialysis-dependent renal failure and renal transplantation. Time series models and analysis methods have been utilized in the characterization of mechanisms of renal autoregulation and to identify the interaction between different rhythms of nephron pressure flow regulation. They have also been used in the study of trends in health care delivery. Time series are everywhere in nephrology and analyzing them can lead to valuable knowledge discovery. The study of time trends of vital signs, laboratory parameters and the health status of patients is inherent to our everyday clinical practice, yet formal models and methods for time series analysis are not fully utilized. With this review, we hope to familiarize the reader with these techniques in order to assist in their proper use where appropriate.
School Oral Health Program in Kuwait
Authors: Ariga Jitendra , Al-Mutawa Sabiha , Nazar Huda
Published: December 2013

The School Oral Health Program (SOHP), Kuwait, is a joint venture between the Ministry of Health, Kuwait, and Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, Mass., USA. This program provides oral health education, prevention and treatment to almost 280,000 public school children in Kuwait. Services are delivered through a system of center- and school-based clinics and preventive mobile teams. One of the recent developments is the effective use of portable dental units for the delivery of preventive care to children in schools without the need for children to go to dental clinics. Preventive procedures performed under this program are the biannual application of fluoride varnish and the placement of pit and fissure sealants on newly erupted permanent molars and premolars. During recent years, the SOHP has improved its coverage of children, with prevention up to 80%. This has resulted in a considerable reduction in treatment needs, which is evident from the reduced number of composite restorations performed under this program during the last 6 years. This indicates that the disease level is on a decline, which can be confirmed from the results of the ongoing National Oral Health Survey on Kuwaiti school children.
Antley-Bixler Syndrome: Surgical Management of Ambiguous Genitalia - A Case Report
Authors: Boia E.S. , Popoiu M.C. , Puiu M. , Stanciulescu C.M. , David V.L.
Published: December 2013

Objective: To report a case of type 2 Antley-Bixler syndrome (ABS). Subject and Methods: A 3-year-old boy who had been raised male, with facial dimorphism and malformations of both elbows and forearms, was referred to our unit for ambiguous genitalia. Genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of ABS. A surgical intervention was performed to correct the ambiguous genitalia through a combined perineal and transabdominal approach. Results: The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was released from the hospital 10 days after the surgery. Conclusion: Repair of the ambiguous genitalia in this patient was possible, but definitive inferences on the benefit of this intervention cannot be made without long-term follow-up.
The Clinical Impact of the Sum of the Maximum Standardized Uptake Value on the Pretreatment with 18F-FDG-PET/CT in Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Go Se-Il , Song Haa-Na , Kang Jung-Hun , Kang Myung Hee , Kim Moon Jin , Jung Jaehoon , Chung Soon Il , Choi Bong-Hoi , Hwang In-Gyu , Kim Seok-Hyun , Ling Hui , Lee Gyeong-Won
Published: December 2013

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of the sum of the maximum standardized uptake value (sumSUVmax) on pretreatment positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) in newly diagnosed small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 145 SCLC patients from March 2005 to June 2013 who underwent pretreatment 18F-FDG-PET/CT. The sumSUVmax was assessed in all malignant lesions up to a maximum of 5 lesions and a maximum of 2 lesions per organ according to RECIST 1.1. Results: A significant difference was found between the low and high sumSUVmax groups (low vs. high sumSUVmax, 91.5 vs. 77.3%; p = 0.018) in the response rate (RR) following frontline platinum-based chemotherapy. The group with low sumSUVmax showed significantly better overall survival (OS; p < 0.001) as well as better progression-free survival (PFS; p < 0.001) compared with the group with high sumSUVmax. Moreover, multivariate analysis revealed that a high sumSUVmax alone was an independent poor prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio 2.676; 95% confidence interval, 1.674-4.277; p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study showed that the sumSUVmax adopted from RECIST 1.1 on pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT was significantly correlated with response to treatment, OS, and PFS in patients with SCLC.
Validation of Uromodulin as a Candidate Gene for Human Essential Hypertension
Authors: Graham Lesley A. , Padmanabhan Sandosh , Fraser Niall J. , Kumar Satish , Bates James M. , Raffi Hajamohideen S. , Welsh Paul , Beattie Wendy , Hao Shoujin , Leh Sabine , Hultstrom Michael , Ferreri Nicholas R. , Dominiczak Anna F. , Graham Delyth , McBride Martin W.
Published: December 2013

A recent genome-wide association study identified a locus on chromosome 16 in the promoter region of the uromodulin (
UMOD
) gene that is associated with hypertension. Here, we examined the hypertension signal with functional studies in Umod knockout (KO) mice. Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in KO versus wild-type (WT) mice under basal conditions (KO: 116.6±0.3 mm Hg versus WT: 136.2±0.4 mm Hg;
P
<0.0001). Administration of 2% NaCl did not alter systolic blood pressure in KO mice, whereas it increased in WT mice by ≈33%,
P
<0.001. The average 24-hour urinary sodium excretion in the KO was greater than that of WT mice (
P
<0.001). Chronic renal function curves demonstrate a leftward shift in KO mice, suggesting that the relationship between UMOD and blood pressure is affected by sodium. Creatinine clearance was increased during salt loading with 2% NaCl in the KO mice, leading to augmented filtered Na
+
excretion and further Na
+
loss. The difference in sodium uptake that exists between WT and KO strains was explored at the molecular level. Urinary tumor necrosis factor-α levels were significantly higher in KO mice compared with WT mice (
P
<0.0001). Stimulation of primary thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle cells with exogenous tumor necrosis factor-α caused a reduction in NKCC2A expression (
P
<0.001) with a concurrent rise in the levels of UMOD mRNA (
P
<0.001). Collectively, we demonstrate that UMOD regulates sodium uptake in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle by modulating the effect of tumor necrosis factor-α on NKCC2A expression, making UMOD an important determinant of blood pressure control.
Association of Phagocytic NADPH Oxidase Activity With Hypertensive Heart Disease
Authors: Moreno María U. , San José Gorka , Pejenaute Álvaro , Landecho Manuel F. , Díez Javier , Beloqui Óscar , Fortuño Ana , Zalba Guillermo
Published: December 2013

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent marker of mortality in hypertension. Although the mechanisms contributing to LVH are complex, inflammation and oxidative stress may favor its development. We analyzed the association of the phagocytic NADPH oxidase–mediated superoxide anion release and LVH in patients with essential hypertension and the role of cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), cytokines implicated in cardiac growth. Blood pressure, echocardiography data, and serum CT-1 and IL-6 levels were obtained in 140 subjects: 18 normotensives without LVH, 42 hypertensives without LVH, and 80 hypertensives with LVH. The NADPH oxidase–dependent superoxide production was assessed by chemiluminescence in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with CT-1 in vitro. Superoxide anion production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells associated with LVH and correlated with the left ventricular mass index. Serum CT-1 and IL-6 levels, which associated with the left ventricular mass index, correlated with superoxide production. Serum CT-1 and IL-6 levels were correlated. CT-1 stimulated NADPH oxidase superoxide production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which resulted in an increased release of IL-6. Our results show that superoxide anion production by the phagocytic NADPH oxidase associates with hypertensive heart disease, being significantly enhanced in hypertensive patients with LVH. This may be attributable to the activation of the NADPH oxidase by CT-1 and the subsequent release of IL-6. The phagocytic NADPH oxidase may be a therapeutic target in hypertensive heart disease.
Vascular Dysfunction and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Ives Stephen J. , Harris Ryan A. , Witman Melissa A.H. , Fjeldstad Anette S. , Garten Ryan S. , McDaniel John , Wray D. Walter , Richardson Russell S.
Published: December 2013

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by low pulmonary function, inflammation, free radical production, vascular dysfunction, and subsequently a greater incidence of cardiovascular disease. By administering an acute oral antioxidant cocktail to patients with COPD (n=30) and controls (n=30), we sought to determine the role of redox balance in the vascular dysfunction of these patients. Using a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design, patients with COPD and controls were ingested placebo or the antioxidant cocktail (vitamin C, vitamin E, α-lipoic acid) after which brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and carotid-radial pulse wave velocity were assessed using ultrasound Doppler. The patients exhibited lower baseline antioxidant levels (vitamin C and superoxide dismutase activity) and higher levels of oxidative stress (thiobarbituic acid reactive species) in comparison with controls. The patients also displayed lower basal flow-mediated dilation (
P
<0.05), which was significantly improved with antioxidant cocktail (3.1±0.5 versus 4.7±0.6%;
P
<0.05; placebo versus antioxidant cocktail), but not controls (6.7±0.6 versus 6.9±0.7%;
P
>0.05; placebo versus antioxidant cocktail). The antioxidant cocktail also improved pulse wave velocity in patients with COPD (14±1 versus 11±1 m·s
−1
;
P
<0.05; placebo versus antioxidant cocktail) while not affecting controls (11±2 versus 10±1 m·s
−1
;
P
>0.05; placebo versus antioxidant). Patients with COPD exhibit vascular dysfunction, likely mediated by an altered redox balance, which can be acutely mitigated by an oral antioxidant. Therefore, free radically mediated vascular dysfunction may be an important mechanism contributing to this population’s greater risk and incidence of cardiovascular disease.
Aging Enhances Autonomic Support of Blood Pressure in Women
Authors: Barnes Jill N. , Hart Emma C. , Curry Timothy B. , Nicholson Wayne T. , Eisenach John H. , Wallin B. Gunnar , Charkoudian Nisha , Joyner Michael J.
Published: December 2013

The autonomic nervous system plays a central role in both acute and chronic blood pressure regulation in humans. The activity of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is positively associated with peripheral resistance, an important determinant of mean arterial pressure in men. In contrast, there is no association between sympathetic nerve activity and peripheral resistance in women before menopause, yet a positive association after menopause. We hypothesized that autonomic support of blood pressure is higher after menopause in women. We examined the effect of ganglionic blockade on arterial blood pressure and how this relates to baseline muscle sympathetic nerve activity in 12 young (25±1 years) and 12 older postmenopausal (61±2 years) women. The women were studied before and during autonomic blockade using trimethaphan camsylate. At baseline, muscle sympathetic nerve activity burst frequency and burst incidence were higher in the older women (33±3 versus 15±1 bursts/min; 57±5 versus 25±2 bursts/100 heartbeats, respectively;
P
<0.05). Muscle sympathetic nerve activity bursts were abolished by trimethaphan within minutes. Older women had a greater decrease in mean arterial pressure (−29±2 versus −9±2 mm Hg;
P
<0.01) and total peripheral resistance (−10±1 versus −5±1 mm Hg/L per minute;
P
<0.01) during trimethaphan. Baseline muscle sympathetic nerve activity was associated with the decrease in mean arterial pressure during trimethaphan (
r
=−0.74;
P
<0.05). In summary, our results suggest that autonomic support of blood pressure is greater in older women compared with young women and that elevated sympathetic nerve activity in older women contributes importantly to the increased incidence of hypertension after menopause.
Pediatric Injuries Associated With High Chairs and Chairs in the United States, 2003-2010
Authors: Kurinsky Rachel M. , Rochette Lynne M. , Smith Gary A.
Published: December 2013

This study describes the epidemiology of injuries among children ≤3 years old associated with high chairs compared with chairs by retrospectively analyzing data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System from 2003 to 2010. An estimated 402 479 (95% confidence interval = 335 116-469 842) injuries associated with high chairs and chairs were treated in United States emergency departments, with an average of 9421 high chair–related injuries and 40 889 chair-related injuries annually. The number of high chair–related injuries significantly increased by 22.4% from 8926 injuries in 2003 to 10 930 injuries in 2010. Falling was the most common injury mechanism associated with high chairs (92.8%) and chairs (87.3%). Closed head injury was the most common diagnosis associated with high chairs (37.3%), and increased in number ( P = .005) and rate ( P = .006) from 2003 to 2010. Child caregivers should properly engage high chair safety restraint systems and encourage appropriate behaviors by young children when using chairs.
Voice within trade unions? A test of the voice and loyalty hypothesis
Authors: Buttigieg Donna M , Deery Stephen J , Iverson Roderick D
Published: December 2013

Frustration–aggression theories, such as exit–voice and loyalty, have been tested using agents as voice but have not been examined with unions as the organization in question. Utilizing longitudinal panel data ( n = 874), this article tests this theory with regard to voice within a trade union. This study does not find support for the exit–voice model; instead, it provides support for cost–benefit and interactionist theories. Further, the study finds that members with high union satisfaction are more likely to express voice when they perceive their leaders to be highly responsive to their needs and concerns.
Comparing Pair and Small Group Interactions on Oral Tasks
Authors: Lasito  , Storch Neomy
Published: December 2013

Although pair and small group activities are commonly used in second language (L2) classrooms, there are very few studies which can inform teachers about whether it is best to have students work in pairs or in small groups. In this study, conducted in a junior high school in Indonesia with learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), we compared the interaction of these students when they worked in pairs and then in small groups. All talk was recorded and transcripts examined for language production and for deliberations about language. In terms of language production, we investigated how much of the target language (L2) the learners produced compared to their first (L1) language and where the L1 was used, what functions it served. In terms of deliberations about language, we used Language Related Episodes (LREs) and investigated the quantity, focus, and resolutions of LREs. The study found that pairs generated more language than small groups and more LREs. However, students working in small groups tended to use less L1 than pairs, and resolved a greater proportion of LREs correctly. We conclude with some tentative pedagogical implications based on our findings.
The Role of Situational Authenticity in English Language Textbooks
Authors: Chan Jim Yee Him
Published: December 2013

This study assesses the extent to which situational authenticity has been implemented in three commercial ELT textbook series in Hong Kong, which are designed to reflect the local sociolinguistic setting. The analysis involved the quantification and categorization of both written and spoken texts in the textbooks. The results of this analysis were subsequently compared with empirical evidence about Hong Kong people’s real-life language use. The findings suggest that a close alignment between the language-using contexts in textbooks and the real world is unrealistic, inappropriate and virtually impossible at school. The paper discusses the actual challenges faced by textbook writers, particularly in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts, namely the difficulties in dealing with (1) the contrast between real-world and classroom language needs, (2) local educational constraints, (3) the restricted societal role of English in EFL societies and (4) the lack of a needs analysis of the local language-using contexts for textbook design. It recommends that textbook writers adopt a more straightforward approach to designing tasks and highlights the important role of teachers in promoting interactional authenticity in the classroom.
Creative Drama: A Possible Way to Alleviate Foreign Language Anxiety
Authors: Sağlamel Hasan , Kayaoğlu Mustafa Naci
Published: December 2013

This study aims to identify the language anxiety level of students studying at a Turkish state university, and investigate the role of creative drama in reducing language anxiety in speaking classes. To have a general picture of students, 565 students were administered an adapted version of the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS). Then, a one-group pre-test/post-test study was carried out with 22 randomly selected students who attended a 6-week creative drama programme run by a researcher who had received creative drama and leadership training for 123 hours. The FLSAS (the adapted version of the FLCAS) was administered both at the beginning and end of the study. The findings from the questionnaires were analysed through the SPSS 16.0 software. A statistically significant decrease was found in the language anxiety levels of students who participated in the creative drama programme. Possible sources of language anxiety as well as the relationship between anxiety level and students’ proficiency level, and classroom performance grades are elaborated upon.
Building talented worker housing in Shenzhen, China, to sustain place competitiveness
Authors: Morrison Nicola
Published: December 2013

In China, economic reforms over the last three decades, have transformed its urban governments so that economic growth takes priority over other policy goals. The purpose of this paper is to explore how talented worker housing policies have emerged within one of China’s first-class cities, namely Shenzhen, to address its affordability problems but also to enhance local economic competitiveness. Whilst Shenzhen is heading in the direction of an international, entrepreneurial city focusing, in particular, on high value-added industry, it needs to attract and retain professional, skilled workers to sustain this growth trajectory. Drawing on the concept of urban entrepreneurialism, the paper examines how talented worker housing policies and procedures have been initiated and implemented in Shenzhen in relation to its economic development strategy and affordable housing programme. The paper suggests that not only is policy delivery proving problematic, but affordability problems remain insurmountable, thus potentially limiting the effectiveness of this particular urban entrepreneurial strategy in supporting place competitiveness.
Administrative scale economies in local government: An empirical analysis of Sabah municipalities, 2000 to 2009
Authors: Ting Siew King , Dollery Brian , Villano Rene
Published: December 2013

Municipal corporate centres not only perform multiple administrative functions, including supervision, monitoring and budgeting of the overall operation of local government, but also absorb significant resources. From a public policy perspective, it is thus important to determine whether administrative scale economies exist. Adopting an econometric approach, this paper investigates administrative scale effects and the determinants of administrative intensity at the corporate level for 22 local authorities in the Malaysian state of Sabah from 2000 to 2009. Our results indicate that there is an inverted U-shaped scale effect for staff size on administrative intensity in the small urban sample, while own-source revenue is the most important factor in determining administrative intensity in all local authorities and big urban samples. Several policy recommendations are proposed.
Incidence of surgically drained cutaneous abscess in relation to climate in Mayotte, Comoros
Authors: Guerrier Gilles , Montera Anne-Marie de , Mousset Maud , Steer Andrew
Published: December 2013

Although skin infections are common in tropical countries, there is scant data quantifying the relationship with climate conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and seasonality of skin abscess in Mayotte, Comoros. We collected data on patients with cutaneous abscesses requiring surgical drainage from January 2009 to December 2010. A total of 3423 abscesses were recorded. The overall annualized incidence was 785 cases per 100,000 population (95% confidence interval 754–814). The incidence rate peaked in children and abscesses were highest during the rainy season (964 cases per 100,000 population per 6 months). A greater frequency of insects bites, a lower level of sensitization and lack of access to adequate hygiene are potential explanations for these findings. A community-based intervention strategy should target vulnerable children in order to combat this disease.
Treating Justice Involved Persons with Mental Illness
Authors: Morgan Robert D. , Kroner Daryl G. , Mills Jeremy F. , Bauer Rebecca L. , Serna Catherine
Published: December 2013

In this article, we present the results of a preliminary evaluation of a comprehensive treatment program specifically designed to treat co-occurring issues of mental illness and criminal risk in persons with mental illness (PMI) that are criminal justice involved. Participants include 47 incarcerated male PMI in a secure psychiatric prison or a residential treatment facility. Of the 47 participants, 31 (66%) completed the program, attended 94% of all sessions, completed 83% of assigned homework, and actively participated in treatment sessions as evidenced by participation ratings. Change was examined using a four-tiered assessment strategy, including pre–post significance testing, magnitude of effect sizes, clinical cutoffs, and reliable change indices. Results showed evidence of strong therapeutic alliance and treatment program satisfaction, as well as symptom reduction and some evidence for reduced criminal thinking. Program modifications and implications for enhancing service delivery to justice involved PMI are discussed.
A Firesetting Offense Chain for Mentally Disordered Offenders
Authors: Tyler Nichola , Gannon Theresa A. , Lockerbie Lona , King Tracy , Dickens Geoffrey L. , De Burca Calem
Published: December 2013

Relatively little effort has been made to develop and validate theories that explain firesetting. In this study, the first offense chain model of firesetting in mentally disordered offenders was developed. Twenty-three mentally disordered firesetters were interviewed about the affective, cognitive, behavioral, and contextual factors leading up to and surrounding one of their recorded firesetting offenses. Offense account interviews were analyzed using grounded theory. The resulting model consists of four main phases: (a) background, (b) early adulthood, (c) pre-offense period, and (d) offense and post-offense period. The model accounts for firesetting by male and female mentally disordered offenders and highlights the importance of early childhood experiences of fire and the onset of mental illness as precursors to firesetting within this population. Furthermore, the model is able to distinguish between different types of mentally disordered firesetters and their offense styles. The clinical implications and utility of the model are also discussed.
Nasal Endoscopy Is Recommended for Diagnosing Adults with Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Wuister Annemarie M. H. , Goto Namiko A. , Oostveen E. J. , de Jong Werner U. , van der Valk Eline S. , Kaper Nina M. , Aarts Mark C. J. , Grolman Wilko , van der Heijden Geert J. M. G.
Published: December 2013

Objective

To assess the diagnostic value of nasal endoscopic findings in adults suspected of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Data Sources

PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library.

Review Methods

A comprehensive search was performed up to March 5, 2013. Articles that assessed the diagnostic value of nasal endoscopy in adults suspected of chronic rhinosinusitis were included. For selected articles, the study design was assessed for directness of evidence and risk of bias. Prevalence, positive, and negative predictive values were extracted from reported data.

Results

Out of 3899 unique publications, we included 3 diagnostic studies with a high directness of evidence and a low or moderate risk of bias for data extraction. They showed a prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis (diagnosed with computed tomography) of. 40 to. 56. Compared with posterior probabilities we found an added value for ruling in chronic rhinosinusitis by a positive nasal endoscopy of 25% to 28% and an added value for ruling out chronic rhinosinusitis by a negative nasal endoscopy of 5% to 30%.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Computed tomography is not considered necessary in case of a positive nasal endoscopy. While nasal endoscopy cannot rule out chronic rhinosinusitis, we advise computed tomography only for patients with a prolonged or complicated course of rhinosinusitis.
The role of grammar in the writing curriculum: A review of the literature
Authors: Myhill Debra , Watson Annabel
Published: December 2013

For most Anglophone countries, the history of grammar teaching over the past 50 years is one of contestation, debate and dissent: and 50 years on we are no closer to reaching a consensus about the role of grammar in the English/Language Arts curriculum. The debate has been described through the metaphor of battle and grammar wars (Kamler, 1995; Locke, 2005), frequently pitting educational professionals against politicians, but also pitting one professional against another. At the heart of the debate are differing perspectives on the value of grammar for the language learner and opposing views of what educational benefits learning grammar may or may not accrue. At the present time, several jurisdictions, including England and Australia, are creating new mandates for grammar in the curriculum. This article reviews the literature on the teaching of grammar and its role in the curriculum and indicates an emerging consensus on a fully-theorized conceptualization of grammar in the curriculum.
Objective duplex ultrasound evaluation of the extracranial circulation in multiple sclerosis patients undergoing venoplasty of internal jugular vein stenoses: A pilot study
Authors: Thibault P , Lewis W , Niblett S
Published: December 2013

Objective

Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is a condition associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) and manifested by stenoses in the extracranial venous circulation. There is a need for an objective non-invasive assessment of CCSVI that is able to accurately identify the location of stenoses and quantify physiological changes in blood flows following treatment.

Method

A duplex ultrasound method, extracranial duplex ultrasound (ECDU), is described where the internal jugular veins (IJVs) and vertebral veins (VVs) were examined in the supine and sitting position before and after venoplasty in eight patients with clinically diagnosed MS. High-resolution B-mode imaging was used to detect obvious stenoses, intra-luminal membranes, valve abnormalities and vein wall thickening. ECDU was then used to assess blood flow including reflux. To assess obstruction, venous blood volume flows (BVFs) were taken bilaterally from the proximal (J1), mid (J2) and distal (J3) segments of the IJVs and the mid cervical VVs. To assess cerebral perfusion, bilateral BVF measurements were taken, in the supine position only, from the proximal internal carotid arteries (ICA) and mid cervical vertebral arteries (VA). The global arterial cerebral blood flow (GACBF) was then calculated as the sum of the ICA and VA measurements.

Results

Pre-venography ECDU detected IJV stenoses or obstruction in all patients. Venography findings were consistent with those of the pre-treatment ECDU with the exception of the detection of bilateral IJV stenoses in two patients diagnosed with unilateral IJV stenosis by ECDU. A significant improvement in GACBF was evident following venoplasty ( p < 0.05). A trend to improvement in the post-treatment BVFs of both the IJVs and the mid cervical VVs was also observed. This improvement was most marked in the left VVs ( p = 0.052) and the J2 segment of right IJVs ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The ECDU examination described provides a reliable objective assessment of IJV and VV stenoses and, with the use of BVFs, can quantify the degree of obstruction. These results support the use of ECDU as a non-invasive post-operative assessment of the success of venoplasty. The ability of ECDU to measure GACBF provides an additional parameter to monitor vascular pathophysiology in MS patients. The current findings support the view that the early symptomatic benefits observed after venoplasty for stenoses in the extracranial venous circulation may be the result of increased cerebral perfusion.
A randomized trial of telephone-based motivational interviewing for adolescent chronic headache with medication overuse
Authors: Stevens Jack , Hayes John , Pakalnis Ann
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Nearly 2% of youths suffer from chronic migraine or chronic tension-type headache (CTTH). A contributing factor in approximately 20%–50% of these youths is medication overuse, which involves taking analgesics three or more times per week for three months. The objective of this study was to test motivational interviewing (MI) as an approach to promote adherence to recommendations regarding not only analgesic overuse but also other aspects of treatment plans.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted comparing the experimental condition (standard of care clinic-based treatment with supplemental MI phone calls; n = 24) to a control condition (standard of care clinic-based treatment without these supplemental MI phone calls; n = 23). Four months after enrollment, a research assistant who was blinded to study condition telephoned adolescents inquiring about headache frequency, headache severity, and disability.

Results

Headache frequency was lower in the experimental condition versus control condition for those with relatively lower initial levels of headache frequency. In contrast, we did not find greater improvement in headache severity and disability for the experimental condition relative to the control condition.

Discussion

Our findings provided some preliminary, albeit limited, support for MI as an approach to improve outcomes for adolescent medication-overuse headache (MOH).
Increased Risk of Revision With Hamstring Tendon Grafts Compared With Patellar Tendon Grafts After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Persson Andreas , Fjeldsgaard Knut , Gjertsen Jan-Erik , Kjellsen Asle B. , Engebretsen Lars , Hole Randi M. , Fevang Jonas M.
Published: December 2013

Background:

The graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is controversial. Hamstring tendon (HT) autografts and patellar tendon (PT) autografts are the most common grafts used and have shown similar subjective and objective outcomes.

Purpose:

To compare the revision rate between HT and PT autografts used in ACLR in Norway and to estimate the influence of patient age and sex.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

The study included all patients who underwent primary ACLR without concomitant ligament injuries registered in the Norwegian Knee Ligament Registry from 2004 through 2012. The cohort was stratified by age group (15-19, 20-29, and ≥30 years) and autograft type (HT or PT). Revision rates at 1, 2, and 5 years were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier analysis, and hazard ratios (HRs) for revision were calculated using multivariate Cox regression models.

Results:

With a mean follow-up of 4.0 years, 12,643 primary ACLRs were identified, with 3428 PT and 9215 HT grafts, among which 69 revisions with PT grafts and 362 revisions with HT grafts were performed. The overall 5-year revision rate was 4.2%. A higher revision rate was recorded for HT versus PT grafts at all follow-up times. When adjusted for sex, age, and type of graft, the HR for revision was 2.3 (95% CI, 1.8-3.0) for HT grafts compared with PT grafts. The HR for revision in the youngest age group was 4.0 (95% CI, 3.1-5.2) compared with the oldest age group. Sex had no effect on the revision rate.

Conclusion:

Patients with HT grafts had twice the risk of revision compared with patients with PT grafts. Younger age was the most important risk factor for revision, and no effect was seen for sex. Further studies should be conducted to identify the cause of the increased revision rate found for HT grafts.
The Relationship Between Victimization and Mental Health Functioning in Homeless Youth and Adults
Authors: Rattelade Stephanie , Farrell Susan , Aubry Tim , Klodawsky Fran
Published: December 2013

This study examined the relationship between victimization and mental health functioning in homeless individuals. Homeless populations experience higher levels of victimization than the general population, which in turn have a detrimental effect on their mental health. A sample of 304 homeless adults and youth completed one-on-one interviews, answering questions on mental health, past victimization, and recent victimization experiences. A hierarchical linear regression showed that experiences of childhood sexual abuse predicted lower mental health functioning after controlling for the sex and age of individuals. The study findings are applicable to current support programs for victims in the homeless population and are relevant to future research on homelessness and victimization.
Colored inorganic-pigmented long-fiber thermoplastics
Authors: Vaidya Uday K , Thattaiparthasarthy K Balaji , Pillay Selvum , Vaidya Shalmalee , Ning Haibin , Bansal Dhruv
Published: December 2013

Long-fiber thermoplastic (LFT) composite materials are rapidly expanding in automotive, transportation, and recreational industry. Most of these materials are natural or black in color with a need for secondary painting of the manufactured products. Standard organic pigments and dyes are not stable above 250°C and degrade during processing. Alternatively, inorganic pigments are thermally stable to at least 800°C. High-performance inorganic pigments offer resistance to outdoor weathering, chemicals, and acids. However, in fiber-reinforced composites, the pigment causes fiber attrition and thereby shows reduction in strength. This work explores colored inorganic-pigmented LFT composites. The ability to integrate the color in the manufacturing steps eliminates the need for secondary painting. Pigment variables such as particle size, distribution, chemistry, and coatings have been investigated. The article presents the processing and performance envelopes of colored inorganic-pigmented LFTs in comparison with unpigmented standard LFTs.
Comparing the content of leadership theories and managers' shared perceptions of effective leadership: A Q-method study of trainee managers in the English NHS
Authors: Freeman Tim
Published: December 2013

Health service managers face potential conflicts between corporate and professional agendas, a tension sharpened for trainees by their junior status and relative inexperience. While academic leadership theory forms an integral part of contemporary management development programmes, relatively little is known of trainees' patterned subjectivities in relation to leadership theories. The objective of this study was to explore such subjectivities within a cohort of trainees on the National Health Service Graduate Management Training Scheme (NHS GMTS), a ‘fast-track’ programme which prepares graduate entrants for director-level health service management posts. A Q-method design was used and four shared subjectivities were identified: leadership as collaborative social process (‘relational’); leadership as integrity (‘moral’); leadership as effective support of subordinates (‘team’); and leadership as construction of a credible leadership persona (‘identity’). While the factors broadly map onto competencies indicated within the NHS Leadership Qualities Framework which underpin assessments of performance for this student group, it is important not to overstate the governance effect of the assessment regime. Rather, factors reflect tensions between required competencies, namely the mobilisation of diverse interest groups, the ethical base of decisions and the identity work required to convince others of leadership status. Indeed, factor 2 (‘moral’) effectively defines leadership as the embodiment of public service ethos.