bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negotiating Reality
Authors: Arieli Daniella , Friedman Victor J.
Published: April 2013

This article develops theory to address a dilemma experienced as “resistance” to a conflict transformation process among Jewish and Arab nursing students in Israel. This dilemma is analyzed from two theoretical perspectives: (a) the “postcolonial approach,” which applies ideas of critical conflict theory and group dynamics to generate change in intergroup relationships, and (b) the “negotiating reality approach,” which applies ideas of social constructionism and action science to enable participants to jointly shape a space in which they feel free to express their complex individual and group identities. We propose that the postcolonial approach offers a powerful interpretive framework but would likely engender greater resistance. We present a negotiating reality intervention model designed to offer a way out of the dilemma and increase cooperation in critical reflection, learning, and change. The discussion compares the implications of the two approaches, setting forth propositions for guiding further research and practice.
New methodology to determine the compressibility curve in a RIFT process
Authors: Sorrentino L , Bellini C , Gerevini E
Published: April 2013

In liquid resin infusion processes, the compression phase and the resin flow are important stages that influence the quality of the obtained parts. In this study, an experimental device is presented to measure thickness and pressure variations in order to obtain an experimental compressibility curve that can be implemented in a software dedicated to numerical simulations. To perform these experiments no typical compression testing machine is required and there is no test fluid. The aim of this work is to present a new methodology in order to obtain an empirical relation to determine the compressibility as a power law function. In order to evaluate the reliability of the proposed methodology, the obtained experimental curve is compared with another curve achieved performing standard compaction test.
Integrating Medical and Environmental Sociology with Environmental Health
Authors: Brown Phil
Published: April 2013

This article reviews the personal and professional processes of developing an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex issues of environmental health in their community, political-economic, social science, and scientific contexts.  This interdisciplinary approach includes a synthesis of research, policy work, and advocacy.  To examine multiple forms of interdisciplinarity, I examine pathways of integrating medical and environmental sociology via three challenges to the boundaries of traditional research: (1) crossing the boundaries of medical and environmental sociology, (2) linking social science and environmental health science, and (3) crossing the boundary of research and advocacy.  These boundary crossings are discussed in light of conceptual and theoretical developments of popular epidemiology, contested illnesses, and health social movements. This interdisciplinary work offers a more comprehensive sociological lens for understanding complex problems and a practical ability to join with scientists, activists, and officials to meet public health needs for amelioration and prevention of environmental health threats.
Literacy Skills Among Academically Underprepared Students
Authors: Perin Dolores
Published: April 2013

A review of studies published from 2000 to 2012 was conducted to describe the literacy skills of underprepared postsecondary students, identify teaching approaches designed to bring their skills to the college level, and determine methods of embedding developmental instruction in college-level course work. The studies pinpointed numerous weak areas in students’ skills, but it was found that certain reading and writing processes have been overlooked in the literature. Thirteen studies of the effects of instruction were found, most of which focused on strategy instruction or “meaning-making.” The research tended to lack rigor, but five instructional studies reporting relatively robust data were identified. The main finding of the review is that, because of the lack of a sustained research agenda to date, as well as methodological flaws in existing studies, there is still much to be learned about the literacy skills of underprepared students. Eight areas for future investigation are suggested.
Self-Regulated Strategy Instruction in Developmental Writing
Authors: MacArthur Charles A. , Philippakos Zoi A.
Published: April 2013

This design research project developed and evaluated curriculum for developmental writing classes in community colleges. The core of the curriculum was self-regulated strategy instruction, which has been shown to be effective with adolescents who are struggling as writers. In the curriculum, students learned strategies for planning, drafting, and revising compositions with an emphasis on using knowledge of text organization to guide planning and self-evaluation. In addition to specific writing strategies, students learned strategies for self-regulation. The study is part of a project that developed two levels of developmental writing courses, but only the lower level course is addressed in this article. This article reports findings from the first two cycles of implementation and revision. Over two semesters, the curriculum was implemented in eight classes taught by three instructors and revised after an analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. Substantial gains in writing achievement and motivation were found, especially in the second cycle. In addition to successes, the article discusses design challenges for the curriculum and professional development.
Introduction to Special Issue of Community College Review
Authors: Silver-Pacuilla Heidi , Perin Dolores , Miller Brett
Published: April 2013

The four articles in this special issue focus on developmental education students and the research needed for an enhanced understanding of the instructional and institutional approaches that promote their success. This introduction summarizes the purpose and key findings of each article, noting implications for future research and practice.
Circadian Rhythm of Energy Expenditure and Oxygen Consumption
Authors: Leuck Marlene , Levandovski Rosa , Harb Ana , Quiles Caroline , Hidalgo Maria Paz
Published: April 2013

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of continuous and intermittent methods of enteral nutrition (EN) administration on circadian rhythm. Materials and Methods: Thirty‐four individuals, aged between 52 and 80 years, were fed through a nasoenteric tube. Fifteen individuals received a continuous infusion for 24 hours/d, and 19 received an intermittent infusion in comparable quantities, every 4 hours from 8:00 to 20:00. In each patient, 4 indirect calorimetric measurements were carried out over 24 hours (A: 7:30, B: 10:30, C: 14:30, and D: 21:30) for 3 days. Results: Energy expenditure and oxygen consumption were significantly higher in the intermittent group than in the continuous group (1782 ± 862 vs 1478 ± 817 kcal/24 hours, P = .05; 257 ± 125 vs 212 ± 117 mL/min, P = .048, respectively). The intermittent group had higher levels of energy expenditure and oxygen consumption at all the measured time points compared with the continuous group. Energy expenditure and oxygen consumption in both groups were significantly different throughout the day for 3 days. Conclusion: There is circadian rhythm variation of energy expenditure and oxygen consumption with continuous and intermittent infusion for EN. This suggests that only one indirect daily calorimetric measurement is not able to show the patient's true needs. Energy expenditure is higher at night with both food administration methods. Moreover, energy expenditure and oxygen consumption are higher with the intermittent administration method at all times.
Magi Ancient and Modern
Authors: Clark David J.
Published: April 2013

This article describes translation problems found in Acts 13.1–12 in nine very different languages (four from Russia, two from Thailand, and one each from Morocco, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands). The most widespread problem encountered was the handling of personal and place names, and other problems included the rendering of symbolic religious actions and the choice of appropriate verbs of motion.
“When did we see you ... ?” Translating Rhetorical Questions
Authors: Ellingworth Paul
Published: April 2013

A large number of questions in the New Testament are not in fact requests for information, but emphatic positive or negative statements. A literal translation of them may be misunderstood, and the article explores making the intended meaning clear.
Interleukin-17A expression in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and its relationship with clinical features
Authors: Hu Xi-Dong , Bao Yang-Yang , Zhou Shui-Hong , Yao Hong-Tian , Mao Jian-Ying , Ji Xue-Xian , Wu Xiao-Hong
Published: April 2013

Objective

To investigate the expression of interleukin (IL) 17A in Chinese patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and analyse its correlation with clinical parameters.

Methods

Patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery and matched controls were included in this retrospective study. Clinical assessments (using a visual analogue scale of symptom severity, Johansson endoscopic score and Lund–Mackay computed tomography score) were performed preoperatively. Mucosal specimens were analysed for inflammatory infiltration and IL-17A expression, using immunohistochemistry.

Results

In total, 40 patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery and 16 controls were included in the study. IL-17A levels were significantly higher in tissues from patients with CRS (with or without nasal polyps) than in control tissues. In CRS, IL-17A expression tended to be higher in tissues with infiltrating neutrophils than in those with infiltrating eosinophils, but this difference was not significant. IL-17A expression in CRS was positively correlated with symptom severity, endoscopic findings and radiological appearance.

Conclusions

Expression of IL-17A was higher in Chinese patients with CRS than in controls, and was associated with infiltrating inflammatory cells, symptom severity, endoscopic findings and radiological appearance. These findings suggest that IL-17A may play a role in CRS pathogenesis and remodelling of nasal polyps.
Alterations in PACAP-38-like immunoreactivity in the plasma during ictal and interictal periods of migraine patients
Authors: Tuka Bernadett , Helyes Zsuzsanna , Markovics Adrienn , Bagoly Teréz , Szolcsányi János , Szabó Nikoletta , Tóth Eszter , Kincses Zsigmond Tamás , Vécsei László , Tajti János
Published: April 2013

Background

Recent studies on migraineurs and our own animal experiments have revealed that pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-38 (PACAP-38) has an important role in activation of the trigeminovascular system. The aim of this study was to determine the PACAP-38-like immunoreactivity (LI) in the plasma of healthy subjects, and parallel with the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-LI in migraine patients in the ictal and interictal periods.

Methods

A total of 87 migraineurs and 40 healthy control volunteers were enrolled in the examination. Blood samples were collected from the cubital veins in both periods in 21 patients, and in either the ictal or the interictal period in the remaining 66 patients, and were analysed by radioimmunoassay.

Results

A significantly lower PACAP-38-LI was measured in the interictal plasma of the migraineurs as compared with the healthy control group ( p < 0.011). In contrast, elevated peptide levels were detected in the ictal period relative to the attack-free period in the 21 migraineurs ( pPACAP-38 < 0.001; pCGRP < 0.035) and PACAP-38-LI in the overall population of migraineurs ( p < 0.009). A negative correlation was observed between the interictal PACAP-38-LI and the disease duration.

Conclusion

This is the first study that has provided evidence of a clear association between migraine phases (ictal and interictal) and plasma PACAP-38-LI alterations.
Analysis of forces in conventional and ultrasonically assisted plane cutting of cortical bone
Authors: Alam Khurshid , Khan Mushtaq , Silberschmidt Vadim V
Published: April 2013

Bone cutting is a well accepted but technically demanding surgical procedure in orthopaedics. A level of tool penetration force during cutting of bones has been the prime concern to surgeons, since it can produce unnecessary mechanical damage to surrounding tissues. Research in this area has been undertaken for many decades to find ways to minimise the cutting force. Cutting of bone with ultrasonic tools is a relatively new technique replacing conventional procedures in neuro-, dental and orthopaedic surgeries, due to its precision and safety. In this article, the level of forces produced during a chisel-like tool penetration in a fresh cortical bone is studied. The obtained force data are analysed for both conventional cutting and ultrasonically assisted cutting. Through a series of experiments, it was demonstrated that the depth of cut and parameters of ultrasonic oscillations affected the level of cutting force, the former being the main factor in both types of cutting. It was found that the tool penetration force was decreased with an increase in the ultrasonic frequency or amplitude and was not affected by the cutting speed. The rise in bone temperature was measured and was found to be insensitive to the level of cutting speed within the range used in this study.
Bilateral asymmetry in microarchitecture of trabecular bone in male c57bl/6 mouse tibia: implication for experimental sample size estimations
Authors: Ko Chang-Yong , Jung Young Jin , Seo Dong Hyeon , Kim Han Sung
Published: April 2013

This study aimed to determine whether there is bilateral asymmetry between the left and right tibiae in the microarchitectural characteristics of the trabecular bone and estimate a moderate sample size for detections of such bilateral differences. The left and right tibiae of 20 C57BL/6 mice (12 weeks old) were scanned by micro-computed tomography, and the structural parameters of the trabecular bone were measured. There were significant differences in the structural parameters between the left and right tibiae ( p<0.05); specifically, the microarchitecture was greater in quantity and quality in the left tibia than in the right tibia. Moreover, the percent of bilateral differences between the left and right tibiae ranged from 2.26% to 22.52%. For most of the structural parameters except for trabecular bone thickness (Tb.Th) and trabecular bone separation (Tb.Sp), the 20 mice involved in this study were enough to detect differences. These results show that the directional left–right asymmetry in the microarchitecture of the trabecular bone may exist despite the samples being from an inbred strain. Furthermore, we estimated a sample size for detections of such differences between the left and right tibiae.
Analogical reasoning and cyber security
Authors: Betz David J. , Stevens Tim
Published: April 2013

This article is an attempt to interrogate some of the predominant forms of analogical reasoning within current cyber-security discourse, with a view to clarifying their unstated premises, major strengths and, vitally, points of conceptual failure. It seeks to improve dialogue between and across the various epistemic communities involved with cyber-security policy. As we seek to adapt to the new security realities of the information age, it is incumbent upon scholars and strategists to address the benefits of connectivity, in all its dimensions, as much as the threats it presents. Current cyber-security discourse channels us into a winner-takes-all modality that is neither desirable nor necessary in the current strategic reality.
Frontline leisure: Securitizing tourism in the War on Terror
Authors: Lisle Debbie
Published: April 2013

This article argues that the terrorist bombings of hotels, pubs and nightclubs in Bali in October 2002, and in Mombasa one month later, were inaugural moments in the post-9/11 securitization of the tourism industry. Although practices of tourism and terrorism seem antithetical – one devoted to travel and leisure, the other to political violence – this article argues that their entanglement is revealed most clearly in the counter-terrorism responses that brought the everyday lives of tourists and tourism workers, as well as the material infrastructure of the tourism industry, within the orbit of a global security apparatus waging a ‘war on terror’. Drawing on critical work in international relations and geography, this article understands the securitization of tourism as part of a much wider logic in which the liberal order enacts pernicious modes of governance by producing a terrorist threat that is exceptional. It explores how this logic is reproduced through a cosmopolitan community symbolized by global travellers, and examines the measures taken by the tourism industry to secure this community (e.g. the physical transformations of hotel infrastructure and the provision of counter-terrorism training).
The clown at the gates of the camp: Sovereignty, resistance and the figure of the fool
Authors: Amoore Louise , Hall Alexandra
Published: April 2013

This article considers the figure of the clown-fool as a way of approaching anew contemporary practices of sovereignty and resistance. The spectre of the camp as the nomos of modern sovereign power is widely critiqued for its neglect of the thriving and teeming life that actually accompanies the declaration of exception. The clown is an errant and troublesome figure whose life haunts the sovereign decision on exception. His presence in border-camp activism invokes a rich, provocative history in which the clown’s foolish wisdom has critiqued the conceits of power. Yet, the clown’s significance exceeds his traditional associations with carnivalesque misrule and mockery. Like homo sacer, the clown occupies an ambiguous position between political inclusion and exclusion, between inside and outside. In short, the sovereign needs the clown. His relation to resistance is thus also complex. The clown does not turn to face a locus of power as though it could be countered or overturned. Rather, he is the example par excellence of the resistance always already present within the exercise of power: standing not inside or outside the gates, but looking through, he dwells within the court but is not of its making. As a singularity akin to Deleuze’s figurative children and Agamben’s tricksters, the clown troubles the division between interior and exterior on which sovereign political life rests, a division that is also frequently replicated in understandings of resistance.
Best practices in career education and development in New Zealand secondary schools
Authors: Furbish Dale , Reid Lynette
Published: April 2013

This study investigated best practices in New Zealand secondary school career education and guidance programmes. Schools considered to use best practices were identified by nominations from professional associations and from Careers New Zealand. A total of 20 nominated schools agreed to be included in the study and the career advisers of these schools were interviewed. Seven themes emerged from the interviews. These themes suggest career education and guidance programmes that are worthy of emulation by other schools, but the need to consider unique school and community characteristics in the design and implementation of career education and guidance is essential.
School-Located Influenza Vaccination and Absenteeism Among Elementary School Students in a Hispanic Community
Authors: Keck Patricia C. , Ynalvez Marcus Antonius , Gonzalez Hector F. , Castillo Keila D.
Published: April 2013

Seasonal influenza is recognized as a significant health burden to children and is a cause of excess school absenteeism in children. In 2008, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended annual influenza vaccination for all children 6 months to 18 years of age. School nurses influence participation in this recommendation by conducting school-located influenza vaccination (SLIV) programs at their campuses. Knowing the effect of SLIV programs on student absenteeism may motivate school nurses and district administrators to conduct such vaccination programs. This study examines the impact of an SLIV program on elementary school absenteeism in an inner city school district with a predominantly Hispanic population. Using Poisson regression models with robust standard errors, we analyzed data from 3,775 records obtained by stratified random sampling. Results of the study indicate that students vaccinated through an SLIV program have fewer absences than unvaccinated students. A surprising result of the study shows that students vaccinated through an SLIV program had fewer absences than students vaccinated elsewhere. These results are of particular importance to school nurses who work with large Hispanic populations. Our study illustrates one way that a school nurse can assess the effect of an SLIV program on absenteeism.
Correction and Recurrence of Ankle Valgus in Skeletally Immature Patients With Multiple Hereditary Exostoses
Authors: Driscoll Matthew , Linton Judith , Sullivan Elroy , Scott Allison
Published: April 2013

Background:

Ankle valgus is encountered in children with a variety of congenital musculoskeletal disorders, including multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE). Guided growth with temporary distal tibial medial hemiepiphysiodesis (DTMH) may correct the deformity; however, exostoses about the ankle commonly observed in MHE patients may hinder correction and increase the risk of recurrence. Thus, the purpose of this study was to review the outcomes of DTMH in treatment of ankle valgus in MHE versus other diagnosis (non-MHE).

Methods:

Medical records and radiographs of patients undergoing DTMH for ankle valgus between January 1, 2005, and November 1, 2010, at a single pediatric orthopedic hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Radiographs obtained preoperatively and at 6-month intervals postoperatively were reviewed and the tibiotalar angle was measured.

Results:

Fifty-eight ankles in 41 patients met inclusion criteria, with minimum follow-up of 12 months (mean, 34 months). Mean age was 10 years (range, 4-14 years). MHE was the most common underlying diagnosis (19 ankles, 33%). The rate of tibiotalar angle correction (mean ± standard deviation) with hardware in place was 0.37 ± 0.28 deg/mo in MHE ankles and 0.51 ± 0.42 deg/mo in non-MHE ankles ( P = .161). Following hardware removal, the rate of recurrence was faster in MHE (0.29 ± 0.25 deg/mo) compared with non-MHE ankles (0.12 ± 0.19 deg/mo) ( P = .059), and more total recurrent valgus deformity was observed in MHE (7.8 ± 8.2 degrees) than non-MHE ankles (3.4 ± 4.6 degrees) ( P = .08) over a similar follow-up period (mean 23.4 vs 23.6 months, respectively), with differences approaching statistical significance.

Conclusion:

MHE is a common cause of ankle valgus in children. Guided growth interventions in this population can be successful but require special consideration given the potential for relatively gradual deformity correction and rapid recurrence following hardware removal in the skeletally immature.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Protease-Activated Receptor 1 Inhibition by SCH79797 Attenuates Left Ventricular Remodeling and Profibrotic Activities of Cardiac Fibroblasts
Authors: Sonin Dmitry L. , Wakatsuki Tetsuro , Routhu Kasi V. , Harmann Leanne M. , Petersen Matthew , Meyer Jennifer , Strande Jennifer L.
Published: April 2013

Purpose:

Fibroblast activity promotes adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling that underlies the development of ischemic cardiomyopathy. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a potent stimulus for fibrosis, and the extracellular signal-regulated kinases(ERK) 1/2 pathway also contributes to the fibrotic response. The thrombin receptor, protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1), has been shown to play an important role in the excessive fibrosis in different tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a PAR1 inhibitor, SCH79797, on cardiac fibrosis, tissue stiffness and postinfarction remodeling, and effects of PAR1 inhibition on thrombin-induced TGF-β and (ERK) 1/2 activities in cardiac fibroblasts.

Methods:

We used a rat model of myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury, isolated cardiac fibroblasts, and 3-dimensional (3D) cardiac tissue models fabricated to ascertain the contribution of PAR1 activation on cardiac fibrosis and LV remodeling.

Results:

The PAR1 inhibitor attenuated LV dilation and improved LV systolic function of the reperfused myocardium at 28 days. This improvement was associated with a nonsignificant decrease in scar size (%LV) from 23 ± % in the control group (n = 10) to 16% ± 5.5% in the treated group (n = 9; P = .052). In the short term, the PAR1 inhibitor did not rescue infarct size or LV systolic function after 3 days. The PAR1 inhibition abolished thrombin-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation, TGF-β and type I procollagen production, matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 activation, myofibroblasts transformation in vitro, and abrogated the remodeling of 3D tissues induced by chronic thrombin treatment.

Conclusion:

These studies suggest PAR1 inhibition initiated after ischemic injury attenuates adverse LV remodeling through late-stage antifibrotic events.
Shifting Patterns of Everyday Activity in Early Dementia
Authors: Phinney Alison , Dahlke Sherry , Purves Barbara
Published: April 2013

In this article we draw from a larger study to examine experiences of two men and their families as they negotiate changing patterns of everyday activity in the months after receiving a diagnosis of dementia. We conducted in-depth interpretive phenomenological analysis of interview and observational data that were gathered from the men and various members of their families ( n = 7) over a period several months. Findings are presented as three themes: The best kind of man (highlighting participants’ historical positioning); It’s a little different now (recognizing challenges posed by the dementia); and You have to do something (showing how the men and their families responded to and accommodated these challenges). We discuss these findings in terms of how everyday activity is not only important for supporting personhood in dementia, but it also contributes to sustaining family identity, and does so in a way that is deeply influenced by gender and masculinity.
Journalism’s “Crazy Old Aunt”
Authors: Hindman Elizabeth Blanks , Thomas Ryan J.
Published: April 2013

Veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas abruptly retired in summer 2010 after she gave unscripted remarks widely perceived to be anti-Semitic. This case study applies paradigm repair and attribution theories to explore how mainstream journalists repaired the damage to their profession’s reputation. It concludes that they (1) situated Thomas’s remark against a backdrop of journalistic excellence, subtly reinforcing the point that her career should now come to an end; (2) suggested Thomas’s remarks were caused by senility; (3) condemned her remarks as racist; and (4) raised the norm of objectivity.
Effects of an 8-Session Behavioral Parent Training Group for Parents of Children With ADHD on Child Impairment and Parenting Confidence
Authors: Loren Richard E. A. , Vaughn Aaron J. , Langberg Joshua M. , Cyran Jessica E. M. , Proano-Raps Tara , Smolyansky Beverly H. , Tamm Leanne , Epstein Jeffery N.
Published: April 2013

Objective: This study examined the feasibility and effectiveness of a behavioral parent training (BPT) group intervention implemented in an outpatient mental health setting in reducing child impairments and increasing parenting confidence in managing child behavior. Method: Parents of 241 children with ADHD participated in the eight-session parent group program, completing the Impairment Rating Scale (IRS) and a measure of parenting confidence at the first and last session. Results: Parents reported improvements in child behavior across all domains of the IRS, with the largest improvements in terms of overall impairment, parent–child relationship, and impact of child behavior on the family. Parents also reported increased confidence in managing their child’s behavior. Conclusion: These findings suggest that brief BPT group programs administered to a diverse range of attendees in a typical outpatient setting result in improvements in functional impairments comparable with those produced in controlled studies, as well as improved parenting confidence.
Extranodal Lymphoma in the Cat
Authors: Moore Antony
Published: April 2013

Practical relevance:

The majority of feline lymphoma is extranodal. While the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the most commonly affected site, non-GI extranodal lymphomas, which are the focus of this review, account for a large proportion of lymphomas in cats. This article discusses prognostic factors for the most common of these extranodal lymphomas, both in general terms and specifically for individual sites.

Clinical challenges:

Prognostic factors remain poorly defined for feline lymphoma. Many cats with extranodal lymphoma have stage I disease at an accessible site. A major question for patients with apparently localised extranodal lymphoma is whether the tumour can be treated with localised therapy alone or requires systemic treatment as well. Again there is often no specific information available for a particular site, such as a localised intramuscular lymphoma. Instead, reliance must be placed on careful patient staging, particularly if local therapy alone is planned.

Evidence base:

Until such time as further studies looking at stage, anatomic site, histological grade and immunophenotype are available to assist treatment decision making for an individual cat with extranodal lymphoma, it seems reasonable to draw inferences from other common extranodal sites for which more specific information exists, such as nasal lymphoma.
Clinical evaluation of the 3M Littmann Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200 in 150 cats
Authors: Blass Keith A , Schober Karsten E , Bonagura John D , Scansen Brian A , Visser Lance C , Lu Jennifer , Smith Danielle N , Ward Jessica L
Published: April 2013

Detection of murmurs and gallops may help to identify cats with heart disease. However, auscultatory findings may be subject to clinically relevant observer variation. The objective of this study was to evaluate an electronic stethoscope (ES) in cats. We hypothesized that the ES would perform at least as well as a conventional stethoscope (CS) in the detection of abnormal heart sounds. One hundred and fifty consecutive cats undergoing echocardiography were enrolled prospectively. Cats were ausculted with a CS (WA Tycos Harvey Elite) by two observers, and heart sounds were recorded digitally using an ES (3M Littmann Stethoscope Model 3200) for off-line analysis. Echocardiography was used as the clinical standard method for validation of auscultatory findings. Additionally, digital recordings (DRs) were assessed by eight independent observers with various levels of expertise, and compared using interclass correlation and Cohen’s weighted kappa analyses. Using the CS, a heart murmur (n = 88 cats) or gallop sound (n = 17) was identified in 105 cats, whereas 45 cats lacked abnormal heart sounds. There was good total agreement (83–90%) between the two observers using the CS. In contrast, there was only moderate agreement ( P <0.001) between results from the CS and the DRs for murmurs, and poor agreement for gallops. The CS was more sensitive compared with the DRs with regard to murmurs and gallops. Agreement among the eight observers was good-to-excellent for murmur detection (81%). In conclusion, DRs made with the ES are less sensitive but comparably specific to a CS at detecting abnormal heart sounds in cats.
Development of an ultrasound-guided technique for pudendal nerve block in cat cadavers
Authors: Adami Chiara , Angeli Giovanni , Haenssgen Kati , Stoffel Michael H , Spadavecchia Claudia
Published: April 2013

The objective of this prospective experimental cadaveric study was to develop an ultrasound-guided technique to perform an anaesthetic pudendal nerve block in male cats. Fifteen fresh cadavers were used for this trial. A detailed anatomical dissection was performed on one cat in order to scrutinise the pudendal nerve and its ramifications. In a second step, the cadavers of six cats were used to test three different ultrasonographic approaches to the pudendal nerve: the deep dorso-lateral, the superficial dorso-lateral and the median transperineal. Although none of the approaches allowed direct ultrasonographical identification of the pudendal nerve branches, the deep dorso-lateral was found to be the most advantageous one in terms of practicability and ability to identify useful and reliable landmarks. Based on these findings, the deep dorso-lateral approach was selected as technique of choice for tracer injections (0.1 ml 1% methylene blue injected bilaterally) in six cat cadavers distinct from those used for the ultrasonographical study. Anatomical dissection revealed a homogeneous spread of the tracer around the pudendal nerve sensory branches in all six cadavers. Finally, computed tomography was performed in two additional cadavers after injection of 0.3 ml/kg (0.15 ml/kg per each injection sites, left and right) contrast medium through the deep dorso-lateral approach in order to obtain a model of volume distribution applicable to local anaesthetics. Our findings in cat cadavers indicate that ultrasound-guided pudendal nerve block is feasible and could be proposed to provide peri-operative analgesia in clinical patients undergoing perineal urethrostomy.
Negotiation of gender responsibilities in resettled refugee populations through Relationship Enhancement training
Authors: Bellinger Goli Amin
Published: April 2013

Being uprooted, displaced, and resettled can produce great tension in refugee marriages. This paper details a technique to help refugees recognize and manage changes and threats to traditional gender roles after resettlement to western countries. A case study from a multisite psycho-educational marriage project illustrates the application of the Relationship Enhancement model with a Bhutanese couple. Through empathy and structured dialogue, the couple is coached to identify their core concerns about the changes in their lives and come up with mutually beneficial solutions. Focusing on the redistribution of each gender’s prescribed responsibilities allows the clinician to respond to the cultural structuring of equitable division of labor while helping families to address new responsibilities in managing household duties, parenting, employment, and finances.
Peripheral Nerve Injury Induces Immediate Increases in Layer V Neuronal Activity
Authors: Han Yang , Li Nan , Zeiler Steven R. , Pelled Galit
Published: April 2013

Background. Peripheral nerve injury leads to changes in neuronal activity in the contralateral and ipsilateral primary somatosensory cortices (S1), which may lead to enduring sensory dysfunction and pain. Plasticity in the barrel and visual cortices has been shown to occur in a layer-specific manner. However, little is known about the layer specific changes associated with limb injury. Objective. To determine the layer-specific changes in neuronal activity associated with short-term plasticity induced by peripheral nerve injury in the rat. Methods. In vivo electrophysiology recordings (multiunit activity and local field potential) and high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging techniques were applied to characterize neuronal and hemodynamic responses across the depth of S1 contralateral and ipsilateral to the injury. Results. Within 60 minutes following injury, atypical increases in neuronal and hemodynamic responses in the deprived S1, ipsilateral to the noninjured limb, were observed in response to stimulation of the noninjured limb. The most prominent increases in neuronal activity in the deprived S1 occurred in layer V. Conclusion. Layer V neurons provide the major output of S1 and they send and receive transcallosal input. Thus, the immediate changes in neuronal firing patterns in layer V induced by the injury, can adversely affect the activity of subcortical regions and also interfere with normal cortical processing and interhemispheric communication. Therefore, a rehabilitation strategy that targets layer V neurons activity and starts immediately after the injury may benefit the functional outcome.
Work and School at the Same Time? A Conflict Perspective of the Work–School Interface
Authors: Wyland Rebecca L. , Lester Scott W. , Mone Mark A. , Winkel Doan E.
Published: April 2013

Master’s degrees represent resources that often help employees advance in organizations. Tuition reimbursement programs for graduate studies also represent a large training expense for many organizations. Despite this interest in graduate education, and the additional demands it places on the employee, the impact of simultaneous participation in graduate school on important work-related outcomes is an understudied phenomenon. The purpose of this study is to develop and test a graduate school and work dual-role conflict model. The mediation model is tested using two samples of students who are enrolled in MBA programs. Results suggest that involvement in school can lead to higher levels of school–work conflict, which in turn can lead to lower levels of supervisor-reported job performance. Implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Why political parties adapt to the media
Authors: Strömbäck Jesper , Van Aelst Peter
Published: April 2013

One key concept in research on how the media influence political processes is mediatization, which denotes a long-term process through which the media have become increasingly independent from politics and through which political actors and institutions have become increasingly dependent on the media. While it is often claimed that politics has become increasingly mediatized, the process of mediatization has not yet been properly addressed in the literature. Against this background, and based on the literature on mediatization and strategic party behavior, the purpose of this article is to theoretically explore the processes through which political parties become mediatized, and to suggest a model of media adaptation by political parties.
Fistulizing Crohn’s disease: Diagnosis and management
Authors: Gecse Krisztina , Khanna Reena , Stoker Jaap , Jenkins John T , Gabe Simon , Hahnloser Dieter , D’Haens Geert
Published: April 2013

Fistulizing Crohn’s disease represents an evolving, yet unresolved, issue for multidisciplinary management. Perianal fistulas are the most frequent findings in fistulizing Crohn’s disease. While enterocutaneous fistulas are rare, they are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Detailed evaluation of the fistula tract by advanced imaging techniques is required to determine the most suitable management options. The fundamentals of perianal fistula management are to evaluate the complexity of the fistula tract, and exclude proctitis and associated abscess. The main goals of the treatment are abscess drainage, which is mandatory, before initiating immunosuppressive medical therapy, resolution of fistula discharge, preservation of continence and, in the long term, avoidance of proctectomy with permanent stoma. The management of enterocutaneous fistulas comprises of sepsis control, skin care, nutritional optimization and, if needed, delayed surgery.
Nucleolin inhibits Fas ligand binding and suppresses Fas-mediated apoptosis in vivo via a surface nucleolin-Fas complex
Authors: Wise Jillian F. , Berkova Zuzana , Mathur Rohit , Zhu Haifeng , Braun Frank K. , Tao Rong-Hua , Sabichi Anita L. , Ao Xue , Maeng Hoyoung , Samaniego Felipe
Published: April 2013

Key Points

B-cell lymphomas with surface nucleolin-Fas complexes are resistant to Fas-mediated apoptosis through decreased ligand binding. Expression of nucleolin protects mice from a lethal agonistic Fas challenge, whereas a non-Fas binding nucleolin mutant does not.
Respiratory impedance in healthy subjects: baseline values and bronchodilator response
Authors: Oostveen Ellie , Boda Krisztina , van der Grinten Chris P.M. , James Alan L. , Young Sally , Nieland Hans , Hantos Zoltán
Published: April 2013

Because of the minimal demand for cooperation by the subject, the forced oscillation technique is increasingly employed in routine lung function testing. However, comprehensive and device-independent values of respiratory impedance at baseline and after bronchodilation have not been established for healthy adults.

The aim of this multicentre study was to collect impedance data from 4 to 26 Hz in healthy Caucasian subjects between 18 and 80 years of age. Five different devices were employed to assess baseline values and the bronchodilator response.

Altogether, 368 subjects were examined. Despite adjustment for anthropometry, the impedance spectra differed in frequency dependence between the centres, and hence could not be pooled. However, resistance at all frequencies except 20 and 25 Hz, and the low-frequency (≤14 Hz) values of reactance did not exhibit a centre dependence. The regression equations for resistance reflected a greater height dependence in males and a greater weight dependence in both males and females than those published previously. Bronchodilation resulted in a statistically significant decrease (11%) in resistance and a 95th percentile equal to a 32% decrease in resistance at low frequency.

We conclude that rigorous calibration procedures should be developed to ensure data compatibility. Furthermore, new reference equations based on different setups are recommended to replace those established with a single device.
Aspergillus fumigatusduring stable state and exacerbations of COPD
Authors: Bafadhel Mona , Mckenna Susan , Agbetile Joshua , Fairs Abbie , Desai Dhananjay , Mistry Vijay , Morley Joseph P. , Pancholi Mitesh , Pavord Ian D. , Wardlaw Andrew J. , Pashley Catherine H. , Brightling Christopher E.
Published: April 2013

Bacteria are often isolated in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Whether fungi are also commonly present and associated with clinical and pathological features of disease is uncertain. We investigated the frequency of filamentous fungal culture and IgE sensitisation toAspergillus fumigatusand the relationship to clinical outcomes in COPD subjects.

COPD subjects were recruited to enter a 1-year observational study. Assessments of lung function, allergen testing and sputum analysis for inflammation, bacteria and fungus were undertaken in COPD subjects and healthy smoking and nonsmoking controls.

Filamentous fungi were cultured at baseline in 49% (63 out of 128) of COPD subjects, of which 75% (47 out of 63) wereA. fumigatus. Fungus was cultured in three out of 22 controls (two wereA. fumigatus). The total sputum cell count and inhaled corticosteroid dosage were significantly increased in COPD patients with a positive filamentous fungal culture at baseline (p<0.05). Sensitisation toA. fumigatuswas present in 13% of COPD subjects and was associated with worse lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s 39% predictedversus51% predicted; p=0.01), but not related to filamentous fungal culture.

A. fumigatussensitisation is related to poor lung function. Positive filamentous fungal culture is a common feature of COPD. The clinical significance of this remains uncertain.
Impact of exacerbations of cystic fibrosis on muscle strength
Authors: Burtin Chris , Van Remoortel Hans , Vrijsen Bart , Langer Daniel , Colpaert Kristine , Gosselink Rik , Decramer Marc , Dupont Lieven , Troosters Thierry
Published: April 2013

Background

Adult patients with cystic fibrosis have peripheral muscle weakness, which is related to exercise intolerance and poor prognosis. The influence of acute exacerbations on muscle strength has been poorly studied. This study aimed to investigate whether quadriceps force (QF), as assessed with an involuntary technique, changes during intravenous antibiotics therapy (IVAT) for an exacerbation.

Methods

QF was measured in 20 patients using twitch stimulation of the femoral nerve at the day of hospitalization (day 1) and at termination (day 14) of the IVAT. Physical activity was monitored during IVAT using a SenseWear armband. Ten stable patients served as control subjects.

Results

QF did not change during exacerbation (potentiated twitch force at day 1: 140 ± 42 N, at day 14: 140 ± 47 N), but a decrease was observed in individual patients. Changes in twitch force during exacerbation were correlated with time spent in activities of at least moderate intensity (r = 0.61, p = 0.007).

Conclusions

QF does not systematically decrease during exacerbations of cystic fibrosis. Individual changes in QF are well correlated with daily time spent in activities of at least moderate intensity.
Analysis of the spatial and temporal arrangement of transcripts over intergenic regions in the human malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Russell Karen , Hasenkamp Sandra , Emes Richard , Horrocks Paul
Published: April 2013

Background

The ability of the human malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum to invade, colonise and multiply within diverse host environments, as well as to manifest its virulence within the human host, are activities tightly linked to the temporal and spatial control of gene expression. Yet, despite the wealth of high throughput transcriptomic data available for this organism there is very little information regarding the location of key transcriptional landmarks or their associated cis-acting regulatory elements. Here we provide a systematic exploration of the size and organisation of transcripts within intergenic regions to yield surrogate information regarding transcriptional landmarks, and to also explore the spatial and temporal organisation of transcripts over these poorly characterised genomic regions.

Results

Utilising the transcript data for a cohort of 105 genes we demonstrate that the untranscribed regions of mRNA are large and apportioned predominantly to the 5′ end of the open reading frame. Given the relatively compact size of the P. falciparum genome, we suggest that whilst transcriptional units are likely to spatially overlap, temporal co-transcription of adjacent transcriptional units is actually limited. Critically, the size of intergenic regions is directly dependent on the orientation of the two transcriptional units arrayed over them, an observation we extend to an analysis of the complete sequences of twelve additional organisms that share moderately compact genomes.

Conclusions

Our study provides a theoretical framework that extends our current understanding of the transcriptional landscape across the P. falciparum genome. Demonstration of a consensus gene-spacing rule that is shared between P. falciparum and ten other moderately compact genomes of apicomplexan parasites reveals the potential for our findings to have a wider impact across a phylum that contains many organisms important to human and veterinary health.