bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Greenspace and Crime
Authors: Kimpton Anthony , Corcoran Jonathan , Wickes Rebecca
Published: September 2016

Objectives:

There is a growing interest in the relationship between greenspace and crime, yet how particular greenspace types encourage or inhibit the timing and types of greenspace crime remains largely unexplored. Drawing upon recent advances in environmental criminology, we introduce an integrated suite of methods to examine the spatial, temporal, and neighborhood dynamics of greenspace crime.

Methods:

We collate administrative, census, and crime incident data and employ cluster analysis, circular statistics, and negative binomial regression to examine violent, public nuisance, property, and drug crimes within 4,265 greenspaces across Brisbane, Australia.

Results:

We find that greenspace amenities, neighborhood social composition, and the presence of proximate crime generators influence the frequency and timing of greenspace crime.

Conclusions:

Our analyses reveal that particular types of greenspaces are more crime prone than others. We argue that this is largely due to the presence of amenities within greenspaces allied with the sociodemographic context of surrounding neighborhoods. We conclude that understanding how these factors influence the behaviors of potential offenders, victims, and guardians is necessary to better understand the spatial distribution of greenspace crime and provide an evidence base for crime prevention initiatives.
Bringing it ‘Home’? Sociological Practice and the Practice of Sociology
Authors: Meer Nasar , Leonard Pauline , Taylor Steve , O’Connor Henrietta , Offer John
Published: September 2016

Since Sociology was established in 1967, the journal has assumed a significant role in shaping the discipline. In the interim years it is often said that the very practice of sociology has now ‘spun out’ beyond the dedicated departments that were once the centres of sociological practice. This raises questions as to the relationship between sociology and other disciplines, questions that are compelling and arguably distinct from a welcome recognition of sociology’s undoubted intellectual hybridity. The extent to which this is a productive tension or one that requires a resolution is an ongoing conversation to which this special issue speaks. In this introductory article we take what we consider to be an innovative route that is guided by the theme of ‘Bringing Sociology Home’ whilst simultaneously recognising the enormous strengths brought by the multidisciplinary developments of the last 50 volumes. We set out the terrain before introducing a mixture of short and substantive papers from contributors, as well as interviews, with scholars who have made a contribution to the study of the discipline of sociology both inside and beyond the pages of the journal.
Taiwanese Stories of Dementia
Authors: Ramsay Guy
Published: September 2016

This article explores how Taiwanese people construct and recount their experiences of dementia in factual and fictional stories. It compares the narrative meanings in Taiwanese stories with those of analogous mainland Chinese and Hong Kong accounts. The article finds that the Taiwanese stories differ from their mainland Chinese and Hong Kong counterparts in three ways. First, the onset of dementia is largely an unforeseen calamity for the Taiwanese storytellers, while it is an anticipatable life circumstance for the mainland Chinese and Hong Kong storytellers. Second, the Taiwanese storytellers tend to locate the cause for the deterioration of their elderly family member in illness, while the mainland Chinese and Hong Kong storytellers tend to explain away the deterioration of their elderly family member as normative aging. Third, the Taiwanese storytellers maintain their existing identities when faced with the newfound challenge of family caregiving in dementia, while the mainland Chinese and Hong Kong storytellers commonly appropriate the former culturally embodied identity of the family member whom they now care for.
Fecal Lipocalin-2 as a Sensitive and Noninvasive Biomarker in the TNBS Crohn’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease Model
Authors: Hsieh Heidi , Morin Jeffrey , Filliettaz Cyndi , Varada Rao , LaBarre Shelby , Radi Zaher
Published: September 2016

Colitis induced by 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) has been used as a model for Crohn’s disease (CD) of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Lipocalin-2 (Lcn-2) is an emerging and clinically relevant biomarker of IBD. We investigated the performance of serum and fecal Lcn-2 in the TNBS model of colitis. Female, 7-week-old, BALB/c mice were administered intrarectally phosphate-buffered saline/water or 30% ethanol (vehicle control groups) for 5 days or TNBS for 5 days followed by a 28-day recovery phase. Serum and fecal levels of Lcn-2 were quantified, and effects on body weight, clinical scores, colon weight and length, gross pathology, and histopathology were investigated. Increased serum Lcn-2 levels correlated only with marked to severe inflammation. A clear differentiation in Lcn-2 fecal levels between TNBS-treated and vehicle-treated control mice was most noticeable on days 2 and 3. There was a strong correlation between body weight change, histopathologic scores of inflammation, and/or fecal Lcn-2 levels on days 2 and 5. Both serum and fecal Lcn-2 levels declined over time as the colonic mucosa recovered. Fecal Lcn-2 was found to be a more sensitive biomarker (vs. serum Lcn-2) and was able to discriminate mild, moderate, and severe colonic inflammation.
Between continuity and change: Contemporary indigenous identities and Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Busbridge Rachel
Published: September 2016

This essay reviews three recently published books that chart the complexities of what it means to be indigenous today, focusing on the experiences of Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. Exploring the everyday lives of urban-based Māori (Gagné), the development of an indigenous mediascape (Hokowhitu and Devadas), and the challenges associated with the regeneration of Māori tribal identities (Kawharu), the three books offer a robust depiction of Māori life in ostensibly bicultural New Zealand, illustrating the complexities of indigenous cultural representation, rejuvenation, and survival in the present era. In addition, they have much to offer beyond a New Zealand context, for they speak to wider debates over identity and culture in ways that will be especially stimulating for students and scholars interested in contemporary manifestations, articulations, and expressions of indigeneity.
Differences in Medial and Lateral Posterior Tibial Slope: An Osteological Review of 1090 Tibiae Comparing Age, Sex, and Race
Authors: Weinberg Douglas S. , Williamson Drew F.K. , Gebhart Jeremy J. , Knapik Derrick M. , Voos James E.
Published: September 2016

Background:

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are common, and a number of knee morphological variables have been identified as risk factors for an ACL injury, including the posterior tibial slope (TS). However, limited data exist regarding innate population differences in the TS.

Purpose:

To (1) establish normative values for the medial and lateral posterior TS; (2) determine what differences exist between ages, sexes, and races; and (3) determine how internal or external tibial rotation (as occurs during sagittal knee motion) influences the stereotactic perception of the TS.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 545 cadaveric specimens (1090 tibiae) were obtained from the Hamann-Todd osteological collection. Specimens were leveled in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes using a digital laser. Virtual representations of each bone were created with a 3-dimensional digitizer apparatus. The TS of the medial and lateral tibial plateaus were measured using techniques adapted from previous radiographic protocols. Medial and lateral TS were then again measured on 200 tibiae that were internally and externally rotated by 10° (axially).

Results:

The mean (±SD) medial TS was 6.9° ± 3.7° posterior, which was greater than the mean lateral TS of 4.7° ± 3.6° posterior ( P < .001). Neither the medial nor lateral TS changed with age. Women had a greater mean TS compared with men on both the medial (7.5° ± 3.8° vs 6.8° ± 3.7°, respectively; P = .03) and lateral (5.2° ± 3.5° vs 4.6° ± 3.5°, respectively; P = .04) sides. Black specimens had a greater mean medial TS (8.7° ± 3.6° vs 5.8° ± 3.3°, respectively; P < .001) and lateral TS (5.9° ± 3.3° vs 3.8° ± 3.5°, respectively; P < .001) compared with white specimens. Axial rotation was shown to increase the perception of the medial and lateral TS ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

The medial TS was shown to be greater than the lateral TS. Important sex- and race-based differences exist in the TS. This study also highlights the role of axial rotation in measuring the TS.
Biodegradable star-shaped polycyclic ester elastomers: Preparation, degradability, protein release, and biocompatibility in vitro
Authors: Guo Fangyuan , Zhang Wei , Pei Xiaohong , Shen Xia , Yan Qinying , Li Hanbing , Yun Junxian , Yang Gensheng
Published: September 2016

Effective local delivery methods for sustained and stable release of protein drugs are urgently needed. Biodegradable elastomers based on star-shaped polycyclic esters have received attention for their drug-loading and drug-release kinetics. However, the long degradation periods resulting from their strong lipophilicity greatly hinder their application. In this study, we synthesized new cross-linked elastomers based on methyl-acrylic-star-poly(ϵ-caprolactone- co-d,l-lactide) cyclic ester and methyl-bi-acrylic-poly(ϵ-caprolactone-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-ϵ-caprolactone) with different molecular weights; determined their physical, thermal, and morphological characteristics; and studied their in vitro degradation and release of bovine serum albumin and recombinant human interleukin 2. Elastomer hydrophilicity improved with the introduction of methyl-bi-acrylic-poly(ϵ-caprolactone-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-ϵ-caprolactone), and a shorter degradation period (~25 weeks) was achieved. Additionally, the degradation rate could be adjusted by varying the composition of methyl-bi-acrylic-poly(ϵ-caprolactone-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-ϵ-caprolactone) to directly influence the degree of swelling, cross-linking density, and sol content of the elastomer. The controlled rate of bovine serum albumin and recombinant human interleukin 2 release increased with a larger degree of swelling, higher sol content, and lower cross-link density of the elastomers. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide analysis showed good biocompatibility. These results suggest that these new elastomers are potential candidates for carrier materials in controlled, implantable delivery systems for protein drugs and other biomedical applications.
Is There a Discrepancy? Comparing Enteral Nutrition Documentation With Enteral Pump Volumes
Authors: Musillo Lisa , Grguric‐Smith Laryssa Marie , Coffield Edward , Totino Karen , DiGiacomo Jody C.
Published: September 2016

Introduction: Nutrition therapy is essential to the care of critically ill patients. Information that is used to calculate the differences between patients' nutrition prescription and actual provision may be flawed due to errors in manually recording the amount of enteral nutrition (EN) provided. This study's purpose was to evaluate the accuracy of the EN volume delivered as recorded in the electronic medical record (EMR) relative to the EN volume retrieved from the EN pump. Methods: This prospective, blinded, observational study occurred from June 2014 to April 2015 with a total of 218 patients. Patients were identified for the study based on their intensive care unit (ICU) admission and need for EN support. Patients were ICU patients receiving EN support. Results: The major result of this study was that 14% of patients' EN volumes were underdocumented and 26% were overdocumented. Conclusion: These results support the need for a technological platform that directly transmits EN pump volumes in real time to the EMR.
Three-dimensional printing akermanite porous scaffolds for load-bearing bone defect repair: An investigation of osteogenic capability and mechanical evolution
Authors: Liu An , Sun Miao , Yang Xianyan , Ma Chiyuan , Liu Yanming , Yang Xu , Yan Shigui , Gou Zhongru
Published: September 2016

Some Ca–Mg-silicate ceramics have been widely investigated to be highly bioactive and biodegradable, whereas their osteogenic potential and especially biomechanical response in the early stage in vivo are scarcely demonstrated. Herein, the osteogenesis capacity and mechanical evolution of the akermanite (Ca2MgSi2O7) porous materials manufactured by ceramic ink writing three-dimensional printing technique were investigated systematically in a critical size femur defect model, in comparison with the clinically available β-tricalcium phosphate porous bioceramic. Such three-dimensional printed akermanite scaffolds possess fully interconnected pores of ∼280 × 280 µm in size and over 50% porosity with appreciable compressive strength (∼71 MPa), that is 7-fold higher than that of the β-tricalcium phosphate porous bioceramics (∼10 MPa). After 6 weeks and 12 weeks of implantation, the percentage of newly formed bone and more new bone was observed in the akermanite group as compared with the β-tricalcium phosphate group ( p < 0.01). Moreover, significant higher mRNA expressions of osteogenic genes were detected in the akermanite group by PCR analysis ( p < 0.01). The in vivo mechanical strength decreased during the process of implantation, but maintained a relative high level (∼14 MPa) which was still higher than that of the host cancellous bone (5–10 MPa) at 12 weeks post-implantation. On the contrary, the β-tricalcium phosphate scaffold always exhibited a very low mechanical strength (∼8 MPa). These results suggest that the three-dimensional printed akermanite scaffolds are promising for the bone tissue regeneration and repair of load-bearing bone defects.
Using Multilevel Models to Explore Predictors of High School Students’ Nonresponse in Experience Sampling Method (ESM) Studies
Authors: Broda Michael
Published: September 2016

This study uses multilevel generalized linear models to examine predictors of high school students’ nonresponse when using the experience sampling method (ESM), a form of momentary data collection that captures participants’ situational thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Because ESM approaches often seek to generalize and compare participants’ emotional states across days and times, it is important to understand how and when participants may miss response opportunities, and further to explore how this response bias may limit generalizability of findings. Results from this study, conducted in three mid-Michigan high schools in 2013–2014 with a sample of 141 students, indicate that time of day and day of week are significantly related to a given participant’s odds of nonresponse. Specifically, ESM “prompts” occurring after school and over the weekend had much higher odds of being missed by participants, even after controlling for other covariates such as race/ethnicity, gender, and person-level emotional trends. These findings demonstrate that day and time contextual factors are significantly related to odds of nonresponse, and researchers using these approaches to compare widely different time contexts should be mindful of possible generalizability concerns.
Holistic Nurses’ Use of Energy-Based Caring Modalities
Authors: Frisch Noreen , Butcher Howard K. , Campbell Diana , Weir-Hughes Dickon
Published: September 2016

As part of a study of a larger study of self-identified holistic nurses, researchers asked nurses to describe practice situations where energy-based modalities (EBMs) were used. Four hundred and twenty-four nurses responded by writing free-text responses on an online survey tool. The participants were highly educated and very experienced with 42% holding graduate degrees and 77% having over 21 years of practice. Conventional content analysis revealed four themes: EMBs are 1) caring modalities used to treat a wide range of identified nursing concerns; 2) implemented across the life span and to facilitate life transitions; 3) support care for the treatment of specific medical conditions; and 4) Use of EBMs transcend labels of ‘conditions’ and are used within a holistic framework. The fourth theme reveals a shared vision of nursing work such that the modality becomes secondary and the need to address the ‘whole’ at an energetic level emerges as the primary focus of holistic nursing.
Economic Hardship and Educational Differentials in Disability in 26 European Countries
Authors: Cambois Emmanuelle , Solé-Auró Aïda , Robine Jean-Marie
Published: September 2016

Objective: The objective of this article is to study to what extent European variations in differentials in disability by education level are associated to variation in poverty. Method: Using the European Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) for 26 countries, we measure the prevalence of activity limitation (AL) and the rate of economic hardship (EH) by level of education. We measure the increased AL prevalence ( disadvantage) of the low-educated relative to the middle-educated and the reduced AL prevalence ( advantage) of the high-educated groups, controlling or not for EH. Results: The rate of EH and the extent of the AL-advantage/disadvantage vary substantially across Europe. EH contributes to the AL-advantage/disadvantage but to different extent depending on its level across educational groups. Discussion: Associations between poverty, education, and disability are complex. In general, large EH goes along with increased disability differentials. Actions to reduce poverty are needed in Europe to reduce the levels and differentials in disability.
A Comparison of Educational Differences on Physical Health, Mortality, and Healthy Life Expectancy in Japan and the United States
Authors: Chiu Chi-Tsun , Hayward Mark , Saito Yasuhiko
Published: September 2016

Objective: This study examined the educational gradient of health and mortality between two long-lived populations: Japan and the United States. Method: This analysis is based on the Nihon University Japanese Longitudinal Study of Aging and the Health and Retirement Study to compare educational gradients in multiple aspects of population health—life expectancy with/without disability, functional limitations, or chronic diseases, using prevalence-based Sullivan life tables. Results: Our results show that education coefficients from physical health and mortality models are similar for both Japan and American populations, and older Japanese have better mortality and health profiles. Discussion: Japan’s compulsory national health service system since April 1961 and living arrangements with adult children may play an important role for its superior health profile compared with that of the United States.
Combined Measures of Upper and Lower Body Strength and Subgroup Differences in Subsequent Survival Among the Older Population of England
Authors: Sanderson Warren C. , Scherbov Sergei , Weber Daniela , Bordone Valeria
Published: September 2016

Objective: To provide an example of a new methodology for using multiple characteristics in the study of population aging and to assess its usefulness. Method: Using the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA), we investigate three characteristics of each person 60 to 85 years old, by level of education, hand-grip strength in 2004 (measured in kilos), chair rise speed in 2004 (measured in rises per minute), and whether the person survived from 2004 to 2012. Because the three characteristics are measured in different units, we convert them into a common metric, called alpha-ages. Results: We find that the average of the alpha-age differentials in the measures of upper body and lower body strength predicts educational differentials in subsequent survival better than either physical measure alone. Discussion: This result demonstrates the benefit of combining characteristics, using alpha-ages to convert incommensurate observations into a common metric.
A two-stage model in a Bayesian framework to estimate a survival endpoint in the presence of confounding by indication
Authors: Bellera Carine , Proust-Lima Cécile , Joseph Lawrence , Richaud Pierre , Taylor Jeremy , Sandler Howard , Hanley James , Mathoulin-Pélissier Simone
Published: September 2016

Background

Biomarker series can indicate disease progression and predict clinical endpoints. When a treatment is prescribed depending on the biomarker, confounding by indication might be introduced if the treatment modifies the marker profile and risk of failure.

Objective

Our aim was to highlight the flexibility of a two-stage model fitted within a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo framework. For this purpose, we monitored the prostate-specific antigens in prostate cancer patients treated with external beam radiation therapy. In the presence of rising prostate-specific antigens after external beam radiation therapy, salvage hormone therapy can be prescribed to reduce both the prostate-specific antigens concentration and the risk of clinical failure, an illustration of confounding by indication. We focused on the assessment of the prognostic value of hormone therapy and prostate-specific antigens trajectory on the risk of failure.

Methods

We used a two-stage model within a Bayesian framework to assess the role of the prostate-specific antigens profile on clinical failure while accounting for a secondary treatment prescribed by indication. We modeled prostate-specific antigens using a hierarchical piecewise linear trajectory with a random changepoint. Residual prostate-specific antigens variability was expressed as a function of prostate-specific antigens concentration. Covariates in the survival model included hormone therapy, baseline characteristics, and individual predictions of the prostate-specific antigens nadir and timing and prostate-specific antigens slopes before and after the nadir as provided by the longitudinal process.

Results

We showed positive associations between an increased prostate-specific antigens nadir, an earlier changepoint and a steeper post-nadir slope with an increased risk of failure. Importantly, we highlighted a significant benefit of hormone therapy, an effect that was not observed when the prostate-specific antigens trajectory was not accounted for in the survival model.

Conclusion

Our modeling strategy was particularly flexible and accounted for multiple complex features of longitudinal and survival data, including the presence of a random changepoint and a time-dependent covariate.
Confidence and coverage for Bland–Altman limits of agreement and their approximate confidence intervals
Authors: Carkeet Andrew , Goh Yee Teng
Published: September 2016

Bland and Altman described approximate methods in 1986 and 1999 for calculating confidence limits for their 95% limits of agreement, approximations which assume large subject numbers. In this paper, these approximations are compared with exact confidence intervals calculated using two-sided tolerance intervals for a normal distribution. The approximations are compared in terms of the tolerance factors themselves but also in terms of the exact confidence limits and the exact limits of agreement coverage corresponding to the approximate confidence interval methods. Using similar methods the 50th percentile of the tolerance interval are compared with the k values of 1.96 and 2, which Bland and Altman used to define limits of agreements (i.e. [Formula: see text]+/− 1.96Sd and [Formula: see text]+/− 2Sd). For limits of agreement outer confidence intervals, Bland and Altman’s approximations are too permissive for sample sizes <40 (1999 approximation) and <76 (1986 approximation). For inner confidence limits the approximations are poorer, being permissive for sample sizes of <490 (1986 approximation) and all practical sample sizes (1999 approximation). Exact confidence intervals for 95% limits of agreements, based on two-sided tolerance factors, can be calculated easily based on tables and should be used in preference to the approximate methods, especially for small sample sizes.
A basket two-part model to analyze medical expenditure on interdependent multiple sectors
Authors: Sugawara Shinya , Wu Tianyi , Yamanishi Kenji
Published: September 2016

This study proposes a novel statistical methodology to analyze expenditure on multiple medical sectors using consumer data. Conventionally, medical expenditure has been analyzed by two-part models, which separately consider purchase decision and amount of expenditure. We extend the traditional two-part models by adding the step of basket analysis for dimension reduction. This new step enables us to analyze complicated interdependence between multiple sectors without an identification problem. As an empirical application for the proposed method, we analyze data of 13 medical sectors from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. In comparison with the results of previous studies that analyzed the multiple sector independently, our method provides more detailed implications of the impacts of individual socioeconomic status on the composition of joint purchases from multiple medical sectors; our method has a better prediction performance.
The Influence of Jobs–Housing Balance and Socio-economic Characteristics on Commuting in a Polycentric City
Authors: Lin Dong , Allan Andrew , Cui Jianqiang
Published: September 2016

Substantial increases in commuting times have become a serious problem affecting the quality of life in Chinese megacities. Accordingly, research into the dynamics of urban spatial restructuring and socio-economic transition in rapidly growing Chinese cities and the impacts on workers’ travel behaviour can provide important evidence in this research field. Using data from a recent survey of employees at their workplaces in sub-centres of Beijing, a multiple linear regression analysis was employed to measure the effect of certain variables on workers’ commuting time, by identifying relationships between the various independent variables (local jobs–housing spatial relationships, individual socio-economic characteristics and choice of transport mode) and the dependent variable (workers’ commuting times). The results of the regression analysis show that jobs–housing balance has a more significant impact on workers’ commuting times than socio-economic characteristics. The results also suggest that workers’ commuting behaviour is strongly related to socio-economic characteristics such as income, age, gender and education, as well as institutional factors such as economic and land-use reforms.
Economic Evaluation of Hospital and Community Pharmacy Services
Authors: Gammie Todd , Vogler Sabine , Babar Zaheer-Ud-Din
Published: September 2016

Objective: To review the international body of literature from 2010 to 2015 concerning methods of economic evaluations used in hospital- and community-based studies of pharmacy services in publicly funded health systems worldwide, their clinical outcomes, and economic effectiveness. Data Sources: The literature search was undertaken between May 2, 2015, and September 4, 2015. Keywords included “health economics” and “evaluation” “assessment” or “appraisal,” “methods,” “hospital” or “community” or “residential care,” “pharmacy” or “pharmacy services” and “cost minimisation analysis” or “cost utility analysis” or “cost effectiveness analysis” or “cost benefit analysis.” The databases searched included MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Springer Links, and Scopus, and journals searched included PLoS One, PLoS Medicine, Nature, Health Policy, Pharmacoeconomics, The European Journal of Health Economics, Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, and Journal of Health Economics. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Studies were selected on the basis of study inclusion criteria. These criteria included full-text original research articles undertaking an economic evaluation of hospital- or community-based pharmacy services in peer-reviewed scientific journals and in English, in countries with a publicly funded health system published between 2010 and 2015. Data Synthesis: 14 articles were included in this review. Cost-utility analysis (CUA) was the most utilized measure. Cost-minimization analysis (CMA) was not used by any studies. The limited use of cost-benefit analyses (CBAs) is likely a result of technical challenges in quantifying the cost of clinical benefits, risks, and outcomes. Hospital pharmacy services provided clinical benefits including improvements in patient health outcomes and reductions in adverse medication use, and all studies were considered cost-effective due to meeting a cost-utility (per quality-adjusted life year) threshold or were cost saving. Community pharmacy services were considered cost-effective in 8 of 10 studies. Conclusions: Economic evaluations of hospital and community pharmacy services are becoming increasingly commonplace to enable an understanding of which health care services provide value for money and to inform policy makers as to which services will be cost-effective in light of limited health care resources.
Patterns and Predictors of Compliance in a Prospective Diary Study of Substance Use and Sexual Behavior in a Sample of Young Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Newcomb Michael E. , Swann Gregory , Estabrook Ryne , Corden Marya , Begale Mark , Ashbeck Alan , Mohr David , Mustanski Brian
Published: September 2016

Behavioral diaries are used for observing health-related behaviors prospectively. Little is known about patterns and predictors of diary compliance to better understand differential attrition. An analytic sample of 241 young men who have sex with men (YMSM) from a 2-month diary study of substance use and sexual behavior were randomized to complete daily or weekly timeline followback diaries. Latent class growth analyses were used to analyze data. Weekly and daily diary groups produced similar compliance patterns: high, low, and declining compliance groups. Black YMSM were more likely to be in the declining compared with the high compliance group. YMSM who were randomly assigned to receive automated feedback about risk behaviors did not differ in compliance rate compared with those who did not. Risk behavior engagement did not predict compliance in the daily condition, but some substances predicted compliance in the weekly condition. Implications for observational and behavior change methods are discussed.
Atorvastatin Pretreatment Inhibits Myocardial Inflammation and Apoptosis in Swine After Coronary Microembolization
Authors: Wang Jiang-You , Chen Han , Su Xi , Zhou You , Li Lang
Published: September 2016

Background/Aim:

In addition to its cholesterol-lowering effect, atorvastatin (ATV) has been thought to have multiple cardiovascular benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. The present study was undertaken to determine whether ATV pretreatment could attenuate myocardial apoptosis and inflammation and improve cardiac function in a swine model of coronary microembolization (CME).

Methods:

Twenty-four swine were randomly and equally divided into a sham-operated (control) group, CME group, and CME plus ATV group. Swine CME was induced by intracoronary injection of inert plastic microspheres (diameter 42 μm) into the left anterior descending coronary, with or without pretreatment of ATV. Echocardiographic measurements, a pathological examination, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated nick end labeling staining, and Western blotting were performed to assess the functional, morphological, and molecular effects in CME.

Results:

The expression levels of caspase 3 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were aberrantly upregulated in cardiomyocytes following CME. Downregulation of caspase 3 and TNF-α with ATV pretreatment was associated with improved cardiac function and attenuated serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. In addition, through a Pearson correlation analysis, the left ventricular ejection fraction negatively correlated with caspase 3, TNF-α, and cTnI.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that ATV pretreatment could significantly inhibit CME-induced myocardial apoptosis and inflammation and improve cardiac function. The data generated from this study provide a rationale for the development of myocardial apoptosis and inflammation-based therapeutic strategies for CME-induced myocardial injury.
Pregnancy-Associated Deaths in Virginia Due to Homicides, Suicides, and Accidental Overdoses Compared With Natural Causes
Authors: Bronson Jennifer , Reviere Rebecca
Published: September 2016

This research is a case study of 309 pregnancy-associated deaths that occurred in Virginia from 1999-2005. Pregnancy-associated deaths due to homicide, suicide, or accidental overdose were compared with natural deaths. Violent deaths accounted for almost 30% of the cases. Homicides accounted for 13% of all the deaths in the sample, larger than any single natural cause of death. Homicide was the leading manner of death for Black women and was 4.5 times the rate of White decedents. Recommendations include expanding maternal death surveillance, committing to ending violence against women, and promoting universal screenings for domestic or interpersonal violence.
Federal Public Health Service
Authors: Kolbe Lloyd J.
Published: September 2016

In this article, I offer a retrospective case study about my early, short-term work within the U.S. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health and then my later, longer-term work within the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where I endeavored for two decades largely to help our nation’s schools improve health and associated education outcomes. First, for context, I briefly portray the nature of our related political and public health systems. I then frame this retrospective by illustrating how my serial employment within other public health system organizations led to, and then resulted from, my work within these two federal public health agencies. To represent the many talented individuals in each organization with whom I had the good fortune to work, I name only one in each organization. I then characterize how these individuals and organizations progressively shaped my work and career. I conclude by speculating about prospects for academic institutions to more purposefully prepare students and faculty to work within federal government public health agencies.
Governing workplace safety through apparatuses: A historical study of the French construction industry in the 20th century
Authors: Daudigeos Thibault , Jaumier Stéphane , Boutinot Amélie
Published: September 2016

Critical management studies have largely failed to offer a comprehensive understanding of the devising and implementation of workplace-safety policies and of the complex power arrangements these may imply. By primarily studying forms of control in relative isolation, these studies have instead produced various puzzles, namely, the persistence of a disciplinary treatment of workplace safety within the current neo-liberal era and the paucity of resistance to this. Drawing on the Foucauldian concept of apparatus and related analytical framework, we propose to remedy this through analysing the successive arrangements governing workplace accidents in the French construction industry during the 20th century. We evidence three successive regimes of control in which distinct apparatuses interact in various ways across different settings. Our study testifies to the composite nature of regimes of control governing workplace safety, and shows how it may impinge upon power relations, ultimately allowing more relevant struggles for a safer workplace to be envisaged. Additionally, by proposing an operationalization of the so-far-overlooked concept of apparatus, our study elaborates on the relevance of the governmentalist tradition for critical management studies.
Neck pain, concerns of falling and physical performance in community-dwelling Danish citizens over 75 years of age: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kendall Julie C. , Boyle Eleanor , Hartvigsen Jan , Hvid Lars G. , Azari Michael F. , Skjødt Mathias , Caserotti Paolo
Published: September 2016

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the associations between neck pain, concerns of falling and physical performance in older people. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 423 community-dwelling Danes aged 75 years and older. Measures consisted of self-reported neck pain, physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery), self-reported psychological concerns related to falling (Falls Efficacy Scale International), depression (Major Depression Inventory), cognitive function (Mini Mental State Examination), self-reported low-back pain and self-reported history of falls. Associations between neck pain and fear of falling were determined using multivariable logistic regression modelling. Results: Bothersome neck pain that limits daily activities is significantly associated with concerns of falling (unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54–7.03) and impaired physical performance (unadjusted OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.09–4.69). However, these relationships became nonsignificant after adjusting for potential confounders. Bothersome neck pain and concerns of falling is attenuated by depression, and the relationship between bothersome neck pain and decreased physical performance is attenuated by concerns of falling, depression and previous history of falls. Conclusions: Bothersome neck pain in older people is associated with increased concerns of falling and decreased physical performance that are two known risk factors for falls in older people. However, these relationships are complicated by other variables, particularly depression.
Ecological Youth Justice: Understanding the Social Ecology of Young People’s Prolific Offending
Authors: Johns Diana F , Williams Kate , Haines Kevin
Published: September 2016

This article outlines a social-ecological approach to understanding young people’s prolific offending and effective youth justice responses to it. Seeing young people through the lens of interactions and relationships – with family, peers, community and the broader socio-cultural-political context – gives insight into the type of interventions that can most effectively disrupt their offending and enhance their wellbeing. These insights have implications for the way in which youth offending teams engage with young people, in their social context, to bring about positive change in their lives. Effective interventions, we argue, focus on engaging young people in normalising relationships, over time.
Information and Training Needs Regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Cross-sectional Study of Cancer Care Providers in Germany
Authors: Klein Gudrun E. , Guethlin Corina
Published: September 2016

Background: Among cancer care providers (CCPs), lack of knowledge constitutes an important barrier to the discussion of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use with patients. This study assessed CCPs’ needs and preferences regarding CAM information and training (I&T). Methods: An online survey was completed by 209 general practitioners, 437 medical specialists, 159 oncology nurses and medical assistants, and 244 psychologists and social workers engaged in cancer care. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify subgroups of individuals with distinct preference patterns regarding I&T content. Results: CCPs prefer CAM I&T to be provided as lectures, information platforms on the internet, workshops, and e-mail newsletters. Concerning subject matters, many CCPs considered CAM therapy options for the treatment of a variety of cancer disease- and therapy-related symptoms to be very important (75%-72% of the sample); the same applies to an “overview of different CAM therapies” (74%). LCA identified 5 latent classes (LCs) of CCPs. All of them attached considerable importance to “medical indication,” “potential side effects,” and “tips for usage.” LCs differed, however, in terms of overall importance ratings, the perceived importance of “patients’ reasons” for using specific CAM therapies, “case examples,” and “scientific evidence.” Notably, the 5 LCs were clearly present in all 4 occupational groups. Conclusions: CAM I&T should provide CCPs with an overview of different CAM therapies and show how CAM might help in treating symptoms cancer patients frequently demonstrate (eg, fatigue). Moreover, I&T programs should be flexible and take into account that individual information needs vary even within the same occupational group.
Feasibility of Presurgical Exercise in Men With Prostate Cancer Undergoing Prostatectomy
Authors: Singh Favil , Newton Robert U. , Baker Michael K. , Spry Nigel A. , Taaffe Dennis R. , Thavaseelan Jeffery , Galvão Daniel A.
Published: September 2016

Background: Prostatectomy is associated with short- and long-term morbidity, which includes attenuation of muscle function and deterioration of lean body mass. Physical function is a known predictor of morbidity and mortality, with initial evidence indicating that presurgical exercise is associated with fewer postsurgical complications and shorter hospitalization. The aim was to determine the feasibility of a supervised presurgical exercise program for prostate cancer (PCa) patients scheduled for prostatectomy. Methods: Ten men (68+6.4 years old) with localized PCa undertook a 6-week resistance and aerobic exercise program prior surgery. Training was undertaken twice weekly and patients were assessed at baseline, presurgery, and 6 weeks postsurgery. Outcome measures included muscle and physical performance, body composition, urinary incontinence and questionnaire. Results: Muscle strength increased by 7.5% to 24.3% ( P < .05) from baseline to presurgery but decreased to pretraining levels postsurgery, except for knee extensor strength ( P = .247). There were significant improvements ( P < .05) in the 6-m fast walk (9.3%), 400-m walk (7.4%), and chair rise (12.3%) at presurgery. Following surgery, improvements in physical performance were maintained. There was no change in lean or fat mass prior to surgery, but lean mass declined by 2.7 kg ( P = .014) following surgery. There were no adverse effects from the exercise program. Conclusions: Exercise undertaken prior to prostatectomy improved muscle and physical performance, with functional benefits maintained 6 weeks postsurgery. Presurgical exercise for PCa patients has the potential to facilitate recovery by improving physical reserve capacity, especially in men with poor muscle nd physical performance.
Coaches’ and referees’ perceptions of the BokSmart injury prevention programme
Authors: Brown James C , Verhagen Evert , van Mechelen Willem , Lambert Mike I , Draper Catherine E
Published: September 2016

The South African Rugby Union launched the BokSmart nationwide injury prevention programme to reduce rugby-related catastrophic injuries. The aim of this qualitative study was to evaluate the coaches and referees’ perceptions of the implementation of BokSmart. Seven focus groups were conducted with coaches (n = 43) and referees (n = 7) from a variety of socioeconomic status and age groups. The RE-AIM framework was used to categorize the findings. There was consensus that BokSmart was capable of reducing catastrophic injuries in players. However, coaches’ perceptions varied by socioeconomic status : mid/low socioeconomic status coaches described infrastructure-related barriers. Referees felt incapable of policing all BokSmart regulations. In general, most coaches, referees and trainers felt that the training course could be shorter and more practical. The barriers identified in this study could be hindering optimal BokSmart implementation. These barriers differed by role (coach/referee) and socioeconomic status of the coaches (high, mid or low).
Preparation, structured deliberate practice and decision making in elite level football: The case study of Gary Neville (Manchester United FC and England)
Authors: Horrocks David E , McKenna Jim , Whitehead Amy E , Taylor Paul J , Morley Andy M , Lawrence Ian
Published: September 2016

Decision making in elite level sporting competition is often regarded as distinguishing success from failure. As an intricate brain-based process it is unlike other physical processes because it is invisible and is typically only evidenced after the event. This case study shows how an individual achieved great success in elite level professional football through consistent positive decision making on and off the field of play. Through prolonged interviewing, Gary Neville, a player from Manchester United Football Club, explored personal behaviours, the structure and activities of deliberate practice and his professional choices in match preparation. His career-long devotion to purposeful organised practice was focused on cognition, physical preparation, context-relative physical action and refined repetition to optimise his mental comfort while enhancing his match day performances. This approach was underpinned by diligent personal and collective organisation and by concerted action. Results provide an insight into the categorical nature of his deliberate practice, sport-specific information processing and match-based decision making. At the operational level, his process was mediated by a complex mental representation of ongoing and anticipated game situations; these representations were continuously updated during each match. Allowing for the limitations of the design, implications are provided for developmental and educational coaching, match preparation, deliberate practice activity and improved use of the performance analysis software packages in professional football.
Two-year real-world experience with perampanel in patients with refractory focal epilepsy: Austrian data
Authors: Rohracher Alexandra , Kalss Gudrun , Leitinger Markus , Granbichler Claudia , Deak Ildiko , Dobesberger Judith , Kuchukhidze Giorgi , Thomschewski Aljoscha , Höfler Julia , Trinka Eugen
Published: September 2016

Background:

The aim of this study was to analyse registry data of seizure outcome and adverse events (AEs) for perampanel as add-on therapy in patients with focal epilepsy since its approval in 2012 for adjunctive treatment of focal epilepsy in patients ⩾12 years.

Method:

A retrospective 2-year chart review of all patients receiving perampanel was carried out.

Results:

A total of 122 patients received perampanel [median treatment length: 20.1 (range: 3.4–26.8) months]; 71 (58%) remained on treatment at last follow up. Overall, 33 patients (27%) were seizure-free for ⩾3 months at last follow up; of these, eight were seizure free for ⩾3 times the longest interictal interval before perampanel therapy; 18 (15%) had reduced seizure frequency ⩾50%. A total of 58 (47%) had an AE and 34 (28%) withdrew from treatment because of AEs. AEs included dizziness (33%), fatigue (12%), psychiatric symptoms (8%), cognitive deficits (7%), speech problems (5%), nausea (4%) and gait problems (4%). AEs subsided in 17/18 patients (94%) following a 2 mg dose reduction. A total of 43 (35%) took a concomitant enzyme inducer. Patients not taking enzyme inducers were more likely to be seizure free ( p = 0.002); there were no other between-group differences.

Conclusions:

Perampanel was well tolerated and improved seizure control in 42% of patients (50– 100% reduction), with higher rates in those not receiving a concomitant enzyme inducer. AEs, particularly dizziness, were common but often disappeared with a slight dose reduction. The results are consistent with those from randomized controlled trials.