bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multicentre cluster-randomized controlled study to evaluate a train-the-trainer programme for implementing internal and external participation in medical rehabilitation
Authors: Koerner Mirjam , Wirtz Markus , Michaelis Martina , Ehrhardt Heike , Steger Anne-Kathrin , Zerpies Eva , Bengel Jürgen
Published: July 2013

Objective:

Evaluation of the effect of the train-the-trainer programme ‘Fit for Shared Decision-Making’ on internal (team) and external (patient) participation in medical rehabilitation from a patient and staff perspective.

Design:

A multicentre, cluster-randomized controlled study.

Setting:

Eleven medical rehabilitation clinics, divided into intervention and control groups.

Subjects:

A staff and a patient survey were conducted pre- and post-intervention, plus a further patient survey six months later.

Intervention:

Train-the-trainer programme ‘Fit for Shared Decision-Making’ for interprofessional settings.

Main measures:

Each survey measured internal participation with a self-compiled six-item scale (Internal Participation Scale, IPS), and external participation by means of a nine-item Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9) for the patients and for healthcare professionals.

Results:

Patient samples numbered 402 for the pre-, 463 for the post-intervention data collection period and 461 six months after the intervention. Patients’ appraisal of external participation (Fperiod x group (2) = 0.256, p=0.774, η2=0.000) showed no change, whereas internal participation (Fperiod x group (2) = 3.785, p=0.023, η2=0.007) showed a significant increase. A total of 195 healthcare professionals participated in the pre- and 168 in the post-intervention staff survey. Here external participation was significantly enhanced in the intervention group (Fperiod x group (1) = 4.893, p=0.028, η2=0.014).

Conclusions:

The train-the-trainer approach can be recommended for implementing internal and external participation in interprofessional settings such as medical rehabilitation clinics. However, there is a need for more intensive staff training for internal participation and an additional intervention for patients to achieve success in all aspects.
Is Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Associated With Parenting and Family Factors?
Authors: Baetens Imke , Claes Laurence , Martin Graham , Onghena Patrick , Grietens Hans , Van Leeuwen Karla , Pieters Ciska , Wiersema Jan R. , Griffith James W.
Published: July 2013

The present study investigates the association of parenting and family factors with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in preadolescents. A sample of 1,439 preadolescents and their parents were assessed by means of (a) adolescent-reported parenting behaviors (support and behavioral/psychological control), (b) parent-reported parenting behaviors (support and behavioral/psychological control) and parenting stress, and (c) parent-reported family structure, socioeconomic status (SES) of the family, family functioning, and family stressful life-events. The prevalence of NSSI was 4.82%. Preadolescents engaging in NSSI perceived more psychological and behavioral control from their parents. Logistic regression using parent-reported parenting behaviors as covariates showed a significant interaction between parent-reported support and behavioral control in relation to NSSI behaviors. No significant differences in parent-reported parenting stress and family structure emerged. Significant differences in parent-reported SES of families with and without self-injurious preadolescents were found. Finally, no significant associations appeared between the presence of NSSI and parent-reported family functioning and stressful life-events.
Maternal and Paternal Psychological Control as Moderators of the Link between Peer Attitudes and Adolescents’ Risky Sexual Behavior
Authors: Oudekerk Barbara A. , Allen Joseph P. , Hafen Christopher A. , Hessel Elenda T. , Szwedo David E. , Spilker Ann
Published: July 2013

Maternal and paternal psychological control, peer attitudes, and the interaction of psychological control and peer attitudes at age 13 were examined as predictors of risky sexual behavior before age 16 in a community sample of 181 youth followed from age 13 to 16. Maternal psychological control moderated the link between peer attitudes and sexual behavior. Peer acceptance of early sex predicted greater risky sexual behaviors, but only for teens whose mothers engaged in high levels of psychological control. Paternal psychological control demonstrated the same moderating effect for girls; for boys, however, high levels of paternal control predicted risky sex regardless of peer attitudes. Results are consistent with the theory that peer influences do not replace parental influences with regard to adolescent sexual behavior; rather, parental practices continue to serve an important role either directly forecasting sexual behavior or moderating the link between peer attitudes and sexual behavior.
Too Much of a Good Thing? When to Stop Catch-Up Vaccination
Authors: Hutton David W. , Brandeau Margaret L.
Published: July 2013

During the 20th century, deaths from a range of serious infectious diseases decreased dramatically due to the development of safe and effective vaccines. However, infant immunization coverage has increased only marginally since the 1960s, and many people remain susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases. “Catch-up vaccination” for age groups beyond infancy can be an attractive and effective means of immunizing people who were missed earlier. However, as newborn vaccination rates increase, catch-up vaccination becomes less attractive: the number of susceptible people decreases, so the cost to find and vaccinate each unvaccinated person may increase; in addition, the number of infected individuals decreases, so each unvaccinated person faces a lower risk of infection. This article presents a general framework for determining the optimal time to discontinue a catch-up vaccination program. We use a cost-effectiveness framework: we consider the cost per quality-adjusted life year gained of catch-up vaccination efforts as a function of newborn immunization rates over time and consequent disease prevalence and incidence. We illustrate our results with the example of hepatitis B catch-up vaccination in China. We contrast results from a dynamic modeling approach with an approach that ignores the impact of vaccination on future disease incidence. The latter approach is likely to be simpler for decision makers to understand and implement because of lower data requirements.
Serum concentrations of A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 9 (ADAM9) mRNA as a promising novel marker for the detection of pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Liu Jingyu , Zhu Yong , Pei Qi , Di Jinan , Zhang Suwen
Published: July 2013

Aims

This prospective study investigated the potential role of serum A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 9 (ADAM9) mRNA in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis from other diseases with similar clinical presentations, such as tuberculosis (TB).

Methods

Serum samples were collected from patients with sarcoidosis, and compared with those from patients with TB and healthy control subjects. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure the concentration of ADAM9 mRNA relative to the internal control, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Results

A total of 100 patients with sarcoidosis were compared with 50 patients with TB and 50 healthy control subjects. The serum concentration of ADAM9 mRNA in patients with sarcoidosis was significantly lower than that in healthy control subjects and patients with TB. The serum concentration of ADAM9 mRNA in patients with TB was significantly higher than that in healthy control subjects.

Conclusion

These data suggest that serum ADAM9 mRNA might be a potential biomarker for the differential diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis.
CT and MRI Measurements of Tibial Tubercle–Trochlear Groove Distances Are Not Equivalent in Patients With Patellar Instability
Authors: Camp Christopher L. , Stuart Michael J. , Krych Aaron J. , Levy Bruce A. , Bond Jeffrey R. , Collins Mark S. , Dahm Diane L.
Published: July 2013

Background:

Tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance (TT-TG) is a commonly used measurement for surgical decision making in patients with patellofemoral malalignment and instability. This measurement has historically been performed utilizing axial computed tomography (CT). More recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proposed as an equivalent method, but this has not yet been fully validated.

Purpose:

To determine the reliability of TT-TG distance measurements on both MRI and CT and to determine whether the measurements are interchangeable with one another.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

All patients with patellar instability who underwent both CT and MRI of the knee from 2003 to 2011 were included (n = 59 knees in 54 patients). Two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists measured the TT-TG distances for each patient by CT and MRI in a randomized, blinded fashion. Interobserver reliability was calculated between radiologists for both imaging modalities, and intermethod reliability was calculated between the 2 imaging modalities. The results are reported using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman analysis.

Results:

The 59 knees had a mean TT-TG distance of 16.9 mm (range, 8.3-25.8 mm) by CT and 14.7 mm (range, 1.5-25.1 mm) by MRI. Interobserver reliability between the radiologists was considered excellent for both CT and MRI (ICC = 0.777 and 0.843, respectively). When comparing CT to MRI, the ICC was considered only fair for each of the raters (0.532 and 0.539). Eleven patients (19%) had a TT-TG distance of ≥20 mm on CT preoperatively and underwent distal realignment by tibial tubercle osteotomy. In this surgical subgroup, the mean TT-TG distance was 22.5 mm (range, 19.8-25.8 mm) by CT and only 18.7 mm (range, 14.4-22.8 mm) by MRI for a mean difference of 3.80 mm ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

The TT-TG distance can be measured with excellent interrater reliability on both MRI and CT; however, the values derived from these 2 tests may not be interchangeable. This observation should be taken into consideration when MRI is used for surgical planning because MRI may underestimate the TT-TG distance when compared with CT.
“In Sunshine and Joy”?
Authors: Kozłowska Magdalena
Published: July 2013

Medem Sanatorium in Miedzeszyn was one of the most famous establishments of TSYSHO, the Central Yiddish School Organization, in interwar Poland. Although not officially associated with the Bund, it unofficially promoted Bundist ideals through its teaching staff. This article aims to examine the educational methods of Medem Sanatorium in Miedzeszyn. Medem served as a central space for Bundist ideology, attracting such figures as Polish radical socialist Wanda Wasilewska, and hosting, among others, a young Marek Edelman, the future leader of the Warsaw ghetto uprising. Showing the activities and struggles of the institution the author touches different problems of the Polish interwar period: the entanglement of Bundist ideology, everyday life, religious practices, and, last but not least, politics towards Yiddish. Ultimately, the author underlines that the Medem Sanatorium was a part of a broader action concentrated on creating a new secular Jewish culture.
When One Loses Empathy
Authors: Hsieh Sharpley , Irish Muireann , Daveson Naomi , Hodges John R. , Piguet Olivier
Published: July 2013

The effects of empathy loss in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer disease (AD) on carer symptomatology were investigated. Carers of patients with 2 clinical subtypes of FTD (behavioral-variant FTD [bvFTD] = 18; semantic dementia [SD] = 14) and AD (n = 18) completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), a standardized questionnaire of empathy as well as a measure of perceived burden (Zarit Burden Interview) and the quality of the marital relationship (Intimate Bond Measure). Patient ratings were also obtained on the IRI. Loss of empathy was most striking in the bvFTD group with a marked discrepancy observed between carer and patient ratings for change in emotional warmth and the ability to take the perspective of others. Empathy loss in bvFTD was associated with a loss of a caring marital relationship. Empathic deficits in SD were milder by comparison to bvFTD and correlated with disease severity and increased perceived carer burden. The behavioral pattern observed in AD differed from the FTD syndromes; deficits were observed only for measures of personal distress with carers reporting that patients were less able to handle emotionally evocative situations. Results highlight that changes in aspects of empathy differ across dementia syndromes and are associated with differing carer and clinical variables. These findings might be explained by the progression of atrophy in regions that are known to be critical for empathy and social behavior and has implications for the delivery and planning of services in dementia.
Improvement of a deburring tool for intersecting holes with reduced irregular cutting of burr edge
Authors: Cho Chang-Hee , Kim Jung-Hoon , Chae Soo-Won , Kim Kwon-Hee
Published: July 2013

A design optimization of deburring tools for intersecting holes is presented based on design of experiments and response surface methodology. A deburring tool with hemispherical cutter head mounted on a pivoted shaft was used to deburr intersecting holes easily and quickly. Due to the vibration of the tool during deburring, however, the surface of the deburred edge showed considerable irregularity. Tool dynamics was modeled with ADAMS software with the user-defined subroutines. Based on design of experiments and response surface methodology, the tool design was optimized with respect to tool vibration. Deburring tests with the optimized tool on Al6061-T6 specimens showed significant reduction in surface irregularity represented by an index value change from 1.3 to 0.7 mm.
Production planning for static Cournot duopoly competition under random yield
Authors: Ma Weimin , Zhu Xiaoxi , Wang Miaomiao
Published: July 2013

The duopoly model with a Cournot form under random yield has received little attention. This article revisits the classic Cournot duopoly competition model by considering manufacturer yield uncertainty. We analyze the model under symmetric, asymmetric and monopoly situations. The manufacturers’ best production policy and expected market share are compared with each other in each situation. The expected market outputs of the three models are also compared under certain conditions. In the asymmetric case, the asymmetric model is extended by considering a powerful oligarch who can exert influence on her rival’s production decision by releasing her cost-type information. We derive that the maximization of the stronger manufacturer’s expected profit is highly correlated with consumer surplus. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the results.
Enhanced surveillance of infectious syphilis in New Zealand sexual health clinics
Authors: Psutka Rebecca , Dickson Nigel , Azariah Sunita , Coughlan Edward , Kennedy Jane , Morgan Jane , Perkins Nicky
Published: July 2013

Following a rise in cases of infectious syphilis in New Zealand, national enhanced surveillance at sexual health clinics was initiated. All public sexual health clinics reported monthly on the number of cases seen, and completed a coded questionnaire on each case. Monthly reports to routine surveillance were compared and discrepancies reconciled. During 2011, 72 cases of infectious syphilis were reported. The majority (83%) were among men who have sex with men who were mainly infected in New Zealand and had an ethnic profile similar to all New Zealanders. Most heterosexual infections occurred overseas, among people of non-European non-Maori ethnicity. About half the cases had symptoms on presentation. Overall, 18% of men who have sex with men were HIV positive. Resurgent syphilis in New Zealand disproportionally affects men who have sex with men, amongst whom HIV is prevalent. Men who have sex with men should be aware of the risks and symptoms of syphilis and encouraged to have regular sexual health checks including serology testing. Control of syphilis should be included in the strategy to check HIV spread. Syphilis serology should continue to be part of routine immigration and antenatal screening, and where clinically indicated. Enhanced surveillance was easily initiated for an uncommon condition seen at sexual health clinics, and provided valuable information.
Factors associated with condom use negotiation by female sex workers in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Nazmul , Chowdhury Mahbub Elahi , Mridha Malay K , Ahmed Anisuddin , Reichenbach Laura J , Streatfield Peter Kim , Azim Tasnim
Published: July 2013

Negotiation for condom use by female sex workers with their male clients can enhance condom use. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1395 female sex workers; 439 from two brothels, 442 from 30 hotels, and 514 from streets of two cities in Bangladesh to determine the predictors of condom use negotiation. Consistent condom use rates in the 7 days prior to interview were reported to be 16.2%, 21.7%, and 4.5% among the brothel, hotel, and street-based female sex workers, respectively. Overall, 28.1% of female sex workers negotiated for condom use with their clients. Participation in behaviour change communication (BCC) programmes (AOR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2–2.0) and self-perceived risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection (AOR, 1.8 95% CI, 1.6–2.1) were positive predictors for condom negotiation. Compared to the hotel-based female sex workers, street (AOR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4–0.9) and brothel-based female sex workers (AOR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5–0.9) were less likely to negotiate for condom use. Female sex workers in Bangladesh are at high risk for sexually transmitted infection / human immunodeficiency virus infection because of low overall negotiation for condom use. Participation in BCC programmes had positive effect on condom negotiation by female sex workers, and should be strengthened in commercial sex venues.
Multiple self-report measures of antiretroviral adherence correlated in Sierra Leone, but did they agree?
Authors: Kelly J Daniel , Hubenthal Erica A , Lurton Gregoire , Empson Susannah F , Barrie M Bailor , Kargbo Brima , Wagner Glenn J , Giordano Thomas P
Published: July 2013

In resource-poor settings, studies validating multiple self-report measures of adherence are limited and do not include data from West Africa. We prospectively assessed the associations between multiple self-report measures of adherence in 58 patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. Self-report measures included a 30-day visual analog scale, 30-day qualitative single-item measure, Adult AIDS Clinical Trial Group 4-day recall, and 3-level categorical 7-day qualitative measure. Unannounced pill count was the objective measure. Spearman's rho correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman plots, and receiver operator curve analyses were performed. Median and mean adherence by pill count were 81.8% and 78.6%, respectively. All self-report measures had either intermediate or high correlation with the pill count, and the 7-day measure had the highest level of correlation with pill count ( r = 0.72). All self-report measures demonstrated good agreement when mean pill count adherence was greater than 90%. All but the 7-day measure posed challenges to patient understanding and administration of the measure. In this sample of participants that displayed largely suboptimal adherence, the 7-day measure was preferable, but all self-report measures demonstrated relatively good agreement with the objective criterion pill count measure and are adequate for clinical use in settings such as Sierra Leone.
Exposure to priority organochlorine contaminants in the Italian general population. Part 2
Authors: Mrema EJ , Rubino FM , Mandic-Rajcevic S , Sturchio E , Turci R , Osculati A , Brambilla G , Minoia C , Colosio C
Published: July 2013

Concentrations of 36 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were measured in serum of 372 Italian residents of general population living in Novafeltria, Pavia, and Milan. Total PCB level differed significantly between these sites ( p < 0.0001) with median concentrations of 836.50, 1354.57, and 2062.08 pmol/g lipid, respectively. However, there is no evidence for the difference in distribution of total PCB levels by genders. Total dioxin-like PCBs differed significantly ( p < 0.0001) between the sites (median 109.78, 50.88, and 166.99 pmol/g lipid, respectively) and genders of Novafeltria and Pavia ( p = 0.011 and 0.009, respectively). PCB 138, 153, 170, and 180 differed significantly between the places of residence ( p < 0.0001) with higher values in Milan population. In the overall population, total PCB and PCB 138, 153, 156, 170, and 180 correlated positively with age (correlations range between 0.320 and 0.569, p < 0.0001). In Novafeltria, the correlations ranged between 0.545 and 0.670, and in Pavia, the correlations ranged between 0.516 and 0.666. In Milan, correlations with age range between 0.327 and 0.417 for total PCB and congeners 138, 153, and 180. With an exception of PCB 170, there was no evidence of significant difference in the distribution of most abundant PCB congeners and total PCB across the body mass index categories.
Mestizos with systemic lupus erythematosus develop renal disease early while antimalarials retard its appearance: Data from a Latin American cohort
Authors: Pons-Estel GJ , Alarcón GS , Burgos PI , Hachuel L , Boggio G , Wojdyla D , Nieto R , Alvarellos A , Catoggio LJ , Guibert-Toledano M , Sarano J , Massardo L , Vásquez GM , Iglesias-Gamarra A , Costallat LT Lavras , Da Silva NA , Alfaro JL , Abadi I , Segami MI , Huerta G , Cardiel MH , Pons-Estel BA
Published: July 2013

Objectives

The objective of this paper is to assess the predictors of time-to-lupus renal disease in Latin American patients.

Methods

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients ( n = 1480) from Grupo Latino Americano De Estudio de Lupus (GLADEL’s) longitudinal inception cohort were studied. Endpoint was ACR renal criterion development after SLE diagnosis (prevalent cases excluded). Renal disease predictors were examined by univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. Antimalarials were considered time dependent in alternative analyses.

Results

Of the entire cohort, 265 patients (17.9%) developed renal disease after entering the cohort. Of them, 88 (33.2%) developed persistent proteinuria, 44 (16.6%) cellular casts and 133 (50.2%) both; 233 patients (87.9%) were women; mean (± SD) age at diagnosis was 28.0 (11.9) years; 12.2% were African-Latin Americans, 42.5% Mestizos, and 45.3% Caucasians ( p = 0.0016). Mestizo ethnicity (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.19–2.17), hypertension (HR 3.99, 95% CI 3.02–5.26) and SLEDAI at diagnosis (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.06) were associated with a shorter time-to-renal disease occurrence; antimalarial use (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.43–0.77), older age at onset (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85–0.95, for every five years) and photosensitivity (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56–0.98) were associated with a longer time. Alternative model results were consistent with the antimalarial protective effect (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.50–0.99).

Conclusions

Our data strongly support the fact that Mestizo patients are at increased risk of developing renal disease early while antimalarials seem to delay the appearance of this SLE manifestation. These data have important implications for the treatment of these patients regardless of their geographic location.
Association of MeCP2 (rs2075596, rs2239464) genetic polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liu K , Zhang L , Chen J , Hu Z , Cai G , Hong Q
Published: July 2013

Objective

Limited studies have shown an association between the methyl-CpG-binding protein2 ( MeCp2) genetic polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in different populations, but the results are inconclusive. In order to get a precise and systematic estimation, a meta-analysis was performed.

Methods

A systematic literature search using English and Chinese databases (PubMed/Medline, Web of Knowledge, Wanfang Data (Chinese), etc.) for the eligible studies was performed. Based on heterogeneity among studies, random- or fixed-effects models were selected to analyze the risk of SLE associated with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MeCP2 genetic polymorphisms.

Results

A significant increased risk of both SNPs of MeCP2 genetic variances associated with SLE was found. Analysis using a fixed-effects model found an increased risk of SLE with the A allele of rs2075596 (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.34 to 1.49, p < 0.001), and the random-effects model also identified a risk factor of A allele of rs2239464 (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.49, p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis suggested that the major source of between-study heterogeneity stemmed from the difference between diverse ethnic groups. After omitting the smallest study, no publication bias was found, which further confirmed the reliability and stability of the meta-analysis.

Conclusions

Mutations of SNPs ( rs2075596, rs2239464) of MeCP2 showed increased risk of developing SLE. Large-scale multicenter epidemiological studies in selected populations with other risk factors are urgently required.
The making of Ludwig Guttmann
Authors: Silver JR
Published: July 2013

Ludwig Guttmann was the founder of the National Spinal Injury Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, the first successful unit in Europe to treat spinal injury patients. He also founded the paraplegic sports movement. This article is based on Guttmann's unpublished autobiography and 25 years of personal experience. He was born in Germany where he was trained in neurology, neurosurgery, rehabilitation and research by Otfrid Foerster. Guttmann fled Germany in 1939. German medicine led the World and Guttmann applied his training to the treatment of spinal injury patients in the United Kingdom.
The history and illustration of anatomy in the Middle Ages
Authors: Gurunluoglu Raffi , Gurunluoglu Aslin , Williams Susan A , Cavdar Safiye
Published: July 2013

This article reviews the influence of key figures on the pictorial representation of anatomy and the evolution of anatomical illustration during the Middle Ages until the time of the Renaissance, based on medical history books, journals and ancient medical books. During the early period in the Middle Ages, most illustrations were traditional drawings of emblematic nature, oftentimes unrealistic, not only because the precise knowledge of anatomy was lacking but also because the objective was to elucidate certain principles for teaching purposes. Five figure-series that came down to us through ancient manuscripts and textbooks represent the best examples of such traditional illustrations. With the advent of human dissection in the 13th and 14th centuries, a significant transformation in the depiction of anatomy began to project the practice of human dissection, as we see in the works of Mondino de Luzzi, Henri de Mondeville and Guido de Vigevano. After the invention of book printing in the second half of the 15th century, the reproduction of books was commonly practised and the woodcut made multiplication of pictures easier. Peter of Abano, Hieronymous Brunschwig, Johannes de Ketham, Johannes Peyligk, Gregory Reisch, Magnus Hundt, Laurentius Phryesen and many more included several anatomical illustrations in their treatises that demonstrated the development of anatomical illustration during the later Middle Ages.
Relationship Between Dietary Patterns and Cognitive Function in a Community-Dwelling Population in Japan
Authors: Sugawara Norio , Yasui-Furukori Norio , Umeda Takashi , Tsuchimine Shoko , Kaneda Ayako , Tsuruga Koji , Iwane Kaori , Okubo Noriyuki , Takahashi Ippei , Kaneko Sunao
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study was to clarify the association between dietary patterns and cognitive function in a community-dwelling population in Japan. A total of 388 volunteers (60 years and older) who participated in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project 2011 were recruited. Diet was assessed with a validated, self-administered brief-type diet history questionnaire. Dietary patterns were extracted from 52 predefined food groups by principal component analysis. The Mini-Mental State Examination was also used to measure global cognitive status. Three dietary patterns were identified as follows: “Healthy,” “Noodle,” and “Alcohol and accompaniment.” Compared with the low tertile of the “Alcohol and accompaniment” pattern, only the middle tertile was independently related to an increased risk of poor cognitive function. In conclusions, present study failed to substantiate dose-dependent associations between dietary patterns and the risk of poor cognitive function. Further studies with longitudinal observations are warranted.
Factors Influencing Unmet Need for Health Care Services in Korea
Authors: Kim Jinhyung , Kim Tae Hyun , Park Eun-Cheol , Cho Woo Hyun
Published: July 2013

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of unmet need based on both subjective assessment and adjustments for need-predicted utilization and to examine factors associated with them. Data from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a population-based, cross-sectional study, were used in this study. Participants included 11 620 Koreans (4959 males and 6661 females) aged 19 and older. The results for subjective unmet need suggested that female or younger individuals were more likely to experience unmet need, compared to male or older individuals. Those residing outside the capital had a higher likelihood of experiencing unmet need. Lower levels of education showed an association with higher odds of having unmet need. This study found similar results for the adjusted unmet need. The findings of this study suggest that location and education are more important factors associated with unmet need than income levels.
Is What Filipino Children Eat Between Meals Associated With Body Mass Index?
Authors: Gonzalez-Suarez Consuelo B. , Lee-Pineda Karen , Caralipio Nenita D. , Grimmer-Somers Karen , Sibug Eleanor O. , Velasco Zenaida F
Published: July 2013

The study aimed to assess the association between childhood obesity and snacking. A total of 396 students in grades 4 to 6 enrolled in an elementary school in the Philippines were the participants in this study. Demographic profile; anthropometric measures of height, weight, body mass index; and information about snacking were gathered. Obese group had statistically more servings of sweetened drinks and low-quality snacks. Female obese subjects have statistically more servings at nighttime and greater total snack servings. For the whole cohort, the odds ratio of being overweight with high total snack servings was 2.12 (95% confidence interval = 1.25-3.62) whereas the odds ratio of being obese with calories obtained from snacking was 2.08 (95% confidence interval = 1.01-4.26). Nighttime snacks and bad-quality foods should be minimized. Moreover, reducing food portions at any snack time will protect children from being overweight.
Universal Coverage for Primary Health Care Is a Wise Investment
Authors: Hsieh Vivian Chia-Rong , Wu Jennifer Chun-li , Wu Trong-Neng , Chiang Tung-liang
Published: July 2013

We aimed to provide systemic, empirical evidence on the coverage expansion of primary health care (PHC) linking to good health in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted a pooled, cross-sectional analysis using the 2011 World Health Statistics for World Health Organization Member States at low- and middle-income levels (n = 102). With life expectancy, infant mortality, and under-5 mortality as health indicators, we examined the effect of service coverage rate using variables under 2 domains: health expenditure and PHC (public health provision, primary care access). Our results indicated that after controlling for gross national income per capita, higher total health expenditure as share of gross domestic product was associated with shorter life expectancy (β = −0.99; P = .014), higher infant mortality (β = 1.65; P = .155), and under-5 mortality (β = 4.82; P = .020). Multivariate analysis showed higher coverage of public health services was significantly associated with improved population health. Making public health and primary care services accessible and be used by everyone is the wise means toward improved health.
Association Between MTHFR Gene Polymorphisms, Smoking, and the Incidence of Vascular Dementia
Authors: Jin Pengpeng , Hou Shuangxing , Ding Bojun , Li Deshuai , Liu Lijuan , Li Hongzeng , Li Li , Zhao Gang , Shao Zhongjun , Liu Xuedong
Published: July 2013

This study investigated the relationship between N5,N10-methylene tetrahydrofolic acid reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms, smoking, and vascular dementia (VD). Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was used to analyze the frequency of the C/T polymorphism at position 677 of the MTHFR gene in 304 VD patients and 300 control patients with nondementia cerebral infarction. The CC, CT, and TT genotype frequencies of the MTHFR gene were 43.42%, 32.57%, and 24.01%, respectively, in the VD group, and 50.67%, 32.00%, and 17.33%, respectively, in the control group. The T allele frequency was significantly higher in the VD group than in the control group ( P < .05). Among patients who smoked, the relative risk of VD in patients with the TT genotype and T allele was higher than in the control group ( P < .05). Therefore, the smoking group with the T allele has the highest risk of VD, and synergy appears to exist between the MTHFR gene polymorphisms and smoking in susceptibility to VD.
Thyroid Function
Authors: Du Quxiao , Zhu Hong , Yao Li
Published: July 2013

Three hundred pregnant women and 300 women of reproductive age (controls) were selected from regions with a dietary iodine excess to evaluate thyroid and autoimmune thyroid functions. Fasting morning urine and venous blood samples were collected. Urinary iodine concentration, serum free tri-iodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), sensitive thyroid stimulating hormone (sTSH), serum thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb) levels were determined. Iodine levels were excessive in 83.7% of pregnant women and 80.7% of the control women. The former showed lower rates of total thyroid disease and subclinical hypothyroidism than the latter (21.7% vs 29.7%, P < 0.05; 19.7% vs 27.3%, P < 0.05). The FT3 level, FT4 level, and TGAb positive rate of pregnant women were lower than that in the controls ( P < 0.05). Thus, both excessive iodine intake and pregnancy can influence the thyroid and autoimmune thyroid functions of women.
Professional identities and motivations of musicians playing in healthcare settings: Cross-cultural evidence from UK and Italy
Authors: Preti Costanza , Welch Graham F.
Published: July 2013

The role of professional musicians playing in healthcare settings is largely non-documented, chiefly because musicians have worked on a voluntary basis or outside established music programmes. However, research in arts and health suggest that these musicians have acquired a level of expertise and that they have consequently developed a professional identity related to their work. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two groups of musicians performing in healthcare settings in UK ( N = 8) and Italy ( N = 9) to investigate their motivations and perceived musical and interpersonal skills developed in their work. Interview data suggest that such musicians are highly motivated, wanting to perform in a variety of healthcare settings, often for strongly moral reasons, occasionally because of religious reasons. Musicians were conscious of the fact that any positive outcome of their performance was unlikely without possessing specific skills in social interaction, entailing empathy, appreciation, openness, flexibility of response and a sense of humour. The results are discussed in the light of the literature on professionalism and professional identity in healthcare settings.
Integrating visual perception and manipulation for autonomous learning of object representations
Authors: Schiebener David , Morimoto Jun , Asfour Tamim , Ude Aleš
Published: July 2013

Humans can effortlessly perceive an object they encounter for the first time in a possibly cluttered scene and memorize its appearance for later recognition. Such performance is still difficult to achieve with artificial vision systems because it is not clear how to define the concept of objectness in its full generality. In this paper we propose a paradigm that integrates the robot’s manipulation and sensing capabilities to detect a new, previously unknown object and learn its visual appearance. By making use of the robot’s manipulation capabilities and force sensing, we introduce additional information that can be utilized to reliably separate unknown objects from the background. Once an object has been identified, the robot can continuously manipulate it to accumulate more information about it and learn its complete visual appearance. We demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach by applying it to the problem of autonomous learning of visual representations for viewpoint-independent object recognition on a humanoid robot.
Deus ex Machina
Authors: Christenson Dino P. , Smidt Corwin D. , Panagopoulos Costas
Published: July 2013

Using data from the 2008 presidential nomination contest, we offer systematic tests of the relationships between traditional campaign factors, the Internet and campaign performance. We find that claims of the Internet’s relevance to modern campaigns are warranted, as it is a unique facet of campaigns and significantly improves candidates’ financial and electoral support. The Internet is especially helpful to candidates in generating small-donor contributions and in maximizing contributions after early primary victories. Overall, these findings suggest that the Internet offers a viable mechanism for long-shot candidates to overcome the resource demands of the current presidential nomination system.
Green Christians? An Empirical Examination of Environmental Concern Within the U.S. General Public
Authors: Clements John M. , McCright Aaron M. , Xiao Chenyang
Published: July 2013

Since the mid-1960s, many scholars have characterized Western Christianity as at odds with environmentalism and ecological values. Yet since the mid-1990s, many observers claim there has been a “greening of Christianity” in the United States. Using nationally representative data from the 2010 General Social Survey, we analyzed how pro-environmental self-identified Christians in the U.S. general public are in their self-reported environmental attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Using structural equation modeling, we find that self-identified Christians report lower levels of environmental concern than do non-Christians. Among Christians, religiosity relates positively to pro-environmental behaviors but not to pro-environmental attitudes or beliefs. These results suggest that this presumed greening of Christianity has not yet translated into a significant greening of pro-environmental attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of rank-and-file Christians in the U.S. general public.
Mapping the Moral Maps
Authors: Graham Jesse
Published: July 2013

The Model of Moral Motives will be of great value to moral psychology, both for its conceptualization of the provide/protect distinction at different levels of analysis (intrapersonal, interpersonal, intragroup, intergroup) and for its usefulness in integrating multiple theoretical perspectives on morality. To the latter end, this commentary makes three suggestions for improvements to the model and its integration with Moral Foundations Theory: (a) clarify what the columns of the model represent, (b) modify the one-to-one mapping of moral foundations onto the cells of the model, and (c) specify testable predictions uniquely generated by the model. Possibilities for future empirical tests of competing predictions are discussed, with the long-term aim of adjudicating between different theoretical accounts of ideological differences and the moral domain.
Moral Context Matters
Authors: Janoff-Bulman Ronnie , Carnes Nate C.
Published: July 2013

In response to Graham’s comments, we attempt to clarify aspects of the Model of Moral Motives (MMM). The columns of our model represent three primary contexts for morality, involving behaviors focused on the self, another person, and one’s group. The rows of MMM represent proscriptive morality and prescriptive morality, which broadly reflect motives to protect (from harm) and provide (help); these general motives have distinct manifestations depending on context (i.e., the columns of MMM). The article addresses misunderstandings in Graham’s interpretation of MMM and includes discussions of criteria for categorizing prescriptive versus proscriptive moral motives, the central role of restrictiveness in proscriptive moral regulation, an inconsistency that provides support for the inclusion of group-based Social Justice, and further distinctions between Social Order and Social Justice informed by recent cross-cultural research.
Multi-core performance studies of a Monte Carlo neutron transport code
Authors: Siegel Andrew R , Smith Kord , Romano Paul K , Forget Benoit , Felker Kyle G
Published: July 2013

Performance results are presented for a multi-threaded version of the OpenMC Monte Carlo neutronics code using OpenMP in the context of nuclear reactor criticality calculations. Our main interest is production computing, and thus we limit our approach to threading strategies that both require reasonable levels of development effort and preserve the code features necessary for robust application to real-world reactor problems. Several approaches are developed and the results compared on several multi-core platforms using a popular reactor physics benchmark. A broad range of performance studies are distilled into a simple, consistent picture of the empirical performance characteristics of reactor Monte Carlo algorithms on current multi-core architectures.
Tools for machine-learning-based empirical autotuning and specialization
Authors: Chaimov Nicholas , Biersdorff Scott , Malony Allen D
Published: July 2013

The process of empirical autotuning results in the generation of many code variants which are tested, found to be suboptimal, and discarded. By retaining annotated performance profiles of each variant tested over the course of many autotuning runs of the same code across different hardware environments and different input datasets, we can apply machine learning algorithms to generate classifiers for runtime selection of code variants from a library, generate specialized variants, and potentially speed the process of autotuning by starting the search from a point predicted to be close to optimal. In this paper, we show how the TAU Performance System suite of tools can be applied to autotuning to enable reuse of performance data generated through autotuning.
High-performance computing selection of models of DNA substitution for multicore clusters
Authors: Darriba Diego , Taboada Guillermo L , Doallo Ramón , Posada David
Published: July 2013

This paper presents the high-performance computing (HPC) support of jModelTest2, the most popular bioinformatic tool for the statistical selection of models of DNA substitution. As this can demand vast computational resources, especially in terms of processing power, jModelTest2 implements three parallel algorithms for model selection: (1) a multithreaded implementation for shared memory architectures; (2) a message-passing implementation for distributed memory architectures, such as clusters; and (3) a hybrid shared/distributed memory implementation for clusters of multicore nodes, combining the workload distribution across cluster nodes with a multithreaded model optimization within each node. The main limitation of the shared and distributed versions is the workload imbalance that generally appears when using more than 32 cores, a direct consequence of the heterogeneity in the computational cost of the evaluated models. The hybrid shared/distributed memory version overcomes this issue reducing the workload imbalance through a thread-based decomposition of the most costly model optimization tasks. The performance evaluation of this HPC application on a 40-core shared memory system and on a 528-core cluster has shown high scalability, with speedups of the multithreaded version of up to 32, and up to 257 for the hybrid shared/distributed memory implementation. This can represent a reduction in the execution time of some analyses from 4 days down to barely 20 minutes. The implementation of the three parallel execution strategies of jModelTest2 presented in this paper are available under a GPL license at http://code.google.com/jmodeltest2.
Cortical lesion load correlates with diffuse injury of multiple sclerosis normal appearing white matter
Authors: Mistry Niraj , Abdel-Fahim Rasha , Mougin Olivier , Tench Christopher , Gowland Penny , Evangelou Nikos
Published: July 2013

Background:

Degeneration of central nervous system normal appearing white matter (NAWM) underlies disability and progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). Axon loss typifies NAWM degeneration.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to assess correlation between cortical lesion load and magnetisation transfer ratio (MTR) of the NAWM in MS. This was in order to test the hypothesis that cortical lesions cause NAWM degeneration.

Methods:

Nineteen patients with MS underwent 7 Tesla magnetisation-prepared-rapid-acquisition-gradient-echo (MPRAGE), and magnetisation transfer ratio (MTR) brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cortical lesions were identified using MPRAGE and MTR images of cortical ribbons. White matter lesions (WMLs) were segmented using MPRAGE images. WML maps were subtracted from white matter volumes to produce NAWM masks. Pearson correlation was calculated for NAWM MTR vs cortical lesion load, and WML volumes.

Results:

Cortical lesion volumes and counts all had significant correlation with NAWM mean MTR. The strongest correlation was with cortical lesion volumes obtained using MTR images ( r = −0.6874, p = 0.0006). WML volume had no significant correlation with NAWM mean MTR ( r = −0.08706, p = 0.3615).

Conclusion:

Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that cortical lesions cause NAWM degeneration. This implicates cortical lesions in the pathogenesis of NAWM axon loss, which underpins long-term disability and progression in MS.
Refining the theory of partisan alignments
Authors: Carreras Miguel , Morgenstern Scott , Su Yen-Pin
Published: July 2013

In this article we provide a theoretical and empirical evaluation of the evolution of partisan alignments in Latin America since the beginning of the Third Wave of democratization. We first point to a series of limitations of the conventional framework of partisan alignments, namely their disregard of party systems that are only partially or non-institutionalized. Second, we propose a refined framework that is more universally applicable. We then operationalize our indicators and apply our new framework to every democratic country in Latin America to generate a map of the evolution of partisan loyalties in Latin America in the period 1980–2012. Our analysis reveals that the conventional view of widespread partisan dealignment in Latin America is largely inaccurate.