bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural disaster arrhythmia and action sports: The case of the Christchurch earthquake
Authors: Thorpe Holly
Published: May 2013

Taking inspiration from French sociologist and philosopher Henri Lefebvre’s theory of ‘rhythmanalysis’, the author advocates new ways of thinking about the impact of natural disaster on the bodies and everyday mobilities of those who continue to live in disrupted spaces. Drawing upon interviews conducted with residents living in Christchurch, New Zealand, before, during and after the devastating February 2011 earthquake, she explains how this ‘arrhythmic’ experience forced many to rethink the importance of sport and physical activity in their everyday lives, and for their affective connections to space, place, family and community. She describes how some committed action sport participants adopted highly creative practices in order to continue their participation in sports such as surfing, skateboarding, mountain biking and climbing. In so doing, the familiar rhythms of recreational sport helped some cope with the many stresses of daily life during the long process of recovery, and contributed to the rebuilding of personal and collective identities, affective relationships with place, and a sense of belonging in post-disaster geographies.
Unconscious relational traumatic memory and its relevance to ‘everyday’ clinical psychiatry
Authors: Benjamin Richard
Published: May 2013

Objective:

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the relevance of the concept of unconscious relational traumatic memory to ‘everyday’ clinical psychiatry.

Method:

One clinical vignette and concepts from the Conversational Model of Psychotherapy are used to consider the potential relevance of this type of memory.

Conclusions:

The influence of modern classification systems and the dominance of the paradigm of ‘biological psychiatry’ over the last 30 years have together led to an emphasis on diagnosis and treatment by symptom cluster. This perspective may overlook both the patient’s current psycho-social context and their personal history. An understanding of unconscious relational traumatic memory may assist in both the conceptualisation and the treatment of many patients, particularly those adults who have been abused in childhood, where the link between the early experiences and the late manifestations are frequently lost.
A Pilot Study of Adaptation of the Transtheoretical Model to Narratives of Bereaved Family Members in the Bereavement Life Review
Authors: Ando Michiyo , Tsuda Akira , Morita Tatsuya , Miyashita Mitsunori , Sanjo Makiko , Shima Yasuo
Published: May 2013

This study aimed to examine the possibility of adaptation of the transtheoretical model (TTM) to narratives from the Bereavement Life Review. Narratives from 19 bereaved family members were recorded, transcribed into sentences, and allocated into stages based on the TTM criteria. Those who lived in fantasy were allocated to the precontemplation stage and who recognized the patient's death but could not adjust to the death were allocated to the contemplation stage. Those who understood the need for changes and had new plans were allocated to the preparation stage, and those who were coping were allocated to the action stage, and those who had confidence to remember the loved one who died were allocated to the maintenance stage. These results provide deeper understanding of a bereaved family member and suggest that a different intervention method may be useful in each stage.
Emotion in Organizations
Authors: Bowen Janine L.
Published: May 2013

The study of emotion in organizations has advanced considerably in recent years. Several aspects of this research area make calls for its translation into business curricula particularly compelling. First, potential benefits to students are significant. Second, important contributions to this scholarship often come from the classroom. Third, emotions are part of the learning process and, when aroused, improve learning and retention. Finally, given that the study of emotion in organizations has become central to our understanding of behavior at work, it is simply time to integrate current scholarly research into education and practice. For all these reasons, this article has two aims: to introduce business educators to the domain of emotion in organizations for classroom use and to provide teaching resources to those starting to integrate emotion into existing courses. References are provided for further reading where discussion is necessarily abbreviated. Encouragement for greater participation in the scholarship of teaching and learning in this area is also provided.
Family Functioning and Income
Authors: Mansfield Abigail K. , Dealy Jennifer A. , Keitner Gabor I.
Published: May 2013

This study explored the impact of income status (low-income vs. non-low-income) on family functioning, social support, and quality of life in a community sample of 125 families. The sample identified themselves as 17% Black or African American, 7% Latino, 4% Asian, and 66% White. The mean age of participants was 37 years. The study used a self-report measure of perceived family functioning, the Family Assessment Device (FAD). Results demonstrated that low-income status was associated with less satisfaction with several areas of family functioning, and that the effect of having a family member with a psychiatric disorder on family functioning depended on income status, with low-income families with a psychiatric disorder endorsing much greater dissatisfaction with family functioning than non-low-income families with a psychiatric disorder. Low-income families also had significantly lower social support and quality of life scores than non-low-income families. Low-income status appears to put stress on families in general and to compound the effects of having a psychiatric disorder on family functioning. Non-low-income status, by contrast, appears to offer a buffer from the effects of having a psychiatric disorder on family functioning. These findings suggest the importance of providing family-based interventions to low-income families in which one or more members has an identified psychiatric disorder.
The Consequences of Parental Abduction
Authors: Gibbs Mary Jo L. , Jones W. Paul , Smith Shannon D. , Staples Pamela A. , Weeks Gerald R.
Published: May 2013

This descriptive pilot study examined parental abductions through a retrospective view from the abductee. The purpose of this pilot study was to help mental health professionals better understand the psychological consequences that result from a parental abduction in order to help the victims when they return home. A multiple choice and short answer questionnaire was developed for this pilot study and administered through phone interviews. A total of 13 people participated in the study. Effects identified in this study by the abductees included loss of trust with the opposite sex, trouble making and keeping friends, feeling like they were in a dream-like world, trouble recalling important aspects of the abduction, and trouble sleeping and concentrating after the abduction.
Ethical and Legal Considerations When Obtaining Informed Consent for Treating Minors of High-Conflict Divorced or Separated Parents
Authors: Shumaker David , Medoff David
Published: May 2013

Obtaining informed consent for the treatment of minors from parents in high conflict and who are either divorced or separated is a crucial, initial, and ongoing aspect of the treatment process that merits awareness of both ethical and legal considerations. Parents in these cases frequently differ in their views of the need for treatment, their choice of treatment providers, and/or their goals of treatment. A parent or minor will often request the other parent remain uninvolved in treatment. In order to avoid negative treatment outcomes, licensing complaints, and/or civil liability, clinicians need resources from which to obtain critical information regarding the informed consent process. This article provides an overview of these considerations and a decision-tree model for obtaining informed consent when working with these complex families.
Evaluating the Success of a Parent-Professional Autism Network
Authors: Lock Robin H. , Bradley Loretta , Hendricks Bret , Brown Donna B.
Published: May 2013

Family counselors working with families and children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders may seek assistance from a variety of sources in order to support their clients. Despite the need, few community resources are available to meet the varied and complex needs of families. The authors discuss a community-based program that can be used as an adjunct to family counseling. Specifically, this study used a survey and interview to examine perceptions of the benefits of participation in this program. The study identified four themes: (1) knowledge, (2) altered living patterns, (3) heightened coping skills, and (4) desired changes. These themes supported parental views of the success of the parent-professional networking group. Considerations for both family counseling practice and research are considered.
Measuring the Recovery Orientation of Assertive Community Treatment
Authors: Salyers Michelle P. , Stull Laura G. , Rollins Angela L. , McGrew John H. , Hicks Lia J. , Thomas Dave , Strieter Doug
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND: Approaches to measuring recovery orientation are needed, particularly for programs that may struggle with implementing recovery-oriented treatment. OBJECTIVE: A mixed-methods comparative study was conducted to explore effective approaches to measuring recovery orientation of assertive community treatment (ACT) teams. DESIGN: Two ACT teams exhibiting high and low recovery orientation were compared using surveys, treatment plan ratings, diaries of treatment visits, and team leader–reported treatment control mechanisms. RESULTS: The recovery-oriented team differed on one survey measure (higher expectations for consumer recovery), treatment planning (greater consumer involvement and goal-directed content), and use of control mechanisms (less use of representative payee, agency-held lease, daily medication delivery, and family involvement). Staff and consumer diaries showed the most consistent differences (e.g., conveying hope and choice) and were the least susceptible to observer bias but had the lowest response rates. CONCLUSIONS: Several practices differentiate recovery orientation on ACT teams, and a mixed-methods assessment approach is feasible.
Supporting Recovery by Improving Patient Engagement in a Forensic Mental Health Hospital
Authors: Livingston James D. , Nijdam-Jones Alicia , Lapsley Sara , Calderwood Colleen , Brink Johann
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND: Mental health services are shifting toward approaches that promote patients’ choices and acknowledge the value of their lived experiences. OBJECTIVE: To support patients’ recovery and improve their experiences of care in a Canadian forensic mental health hospital, an intervention was launched to increase patient engagement by establishing a peer support program, strengthening a patient advisory committee, and creating a patient-led research team. DESIGN: The effect of the intervention on patient- and system-level outcomes was studied using a naturalistic, prospective, longitudinal approach. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from inpatients and service providers twice during the 19-month intervention. RESULTS: Despite succeeding in supporting patients’ participation, the intervention had minimal impacts on internalized stigma, personal recovery, personal empowerment, service engagement, therapeutic milieu, and the recovery orientation of services. Peer support demonstrated positive effects on internalized stigma and personal recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Strengthening patient engagement contributes toward improving experiences of care in a forensic hospital, but it may have limited effects on outcomes.
Safety Assessment of Triethanolamine and Triethanolamine-Containing Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Fiume Monice M. , Heldreth Bart , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan
Published: May 2013

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel assessed the safety of triethanolamine (TEA) and 31 related TEA-containing ingredients as used in cosmetics. The TEA is reported to function as a surfactant or pH adjuster; the related TEA-containing ingredients included in this safety assessment are reported to function as surfactants and hair- or skin-conditioning agents. The exception is TEA-sorbate, which is reported to function as a preservative. The Panel reviewed the available animal and clinical data. Although data were not available for all the ingredients, the panel relied on the information available for TEA in conjunction with previous safety assessments of components of TEA-containing ingredients. These data could be extrapolated to support the safety of all included ingredients. The panel concluded that TEA and related TEA-containing ingredients named in this report are safe as used when formulated to be nonirritating. These ingredients should not be used in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds can be formed.
Use of narratives to assess language disorders in an inpatient pediatric psychiatric population
Authors: Pearce Patsy , Johnson Carolyn , Manly Patricia , Locke Jake
Published: May 2013

A large proportion of child psychiatry patients have undiagnosed language disorders. Adequately developed language is critical for psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapies. This study investigated (1) whether assessment of oral narratives would identify language impairments in this population undetected by assessment of only core language abilities, and (2) the extent to which measures of cognition, working memory, emotional distress, and social function differentially predict core language and narrative development. Results showed that (1) more than twice as many children were identified with language impairment when both narrative and core language assessment were used, and (2) core language comprehension and complex verbal working memory were the strongest predictors of narrative production, while core language comprehension, a less complex working-memory task, and social skills best predicted narrative comprehension. Emotional distress did not predict either. The results emphasize the importance of evaluating child psychiatry patients’ language, using both core language and narrative measures.
A formal anthropological view of motivation models of problematic MMO play: Achievement, social, and immersion factors in the context of culture
Authors: Snodgrass Jeffrey G. , Dengah H. J. Francois , Lacy Michael G. , Fagan Jesse
Published: May 2013

Yee (2006) found three motivational factors— achievement, social, and immersion—underlying play in massively multiplayer online role-playing games (“MMORPGs” or “MMOs” for short). Subsequent work has suggested that these factors foster problematic or addictive forms of play in online worlds. In the current study, we used an online survey of respondents ( N = 252), constructed and also interpreted in reference to ethnography and interviews, to examine problematic play in the World of Warcraft ( WoW; Blizzard Entertainment, 2004–2013). We relied on tools from psychological anthropology to reconceptualize each of Yee’s three motivational factors in order to test for the possible role of culture in problematic MMO play: (a) For achievement, we examined how “cultural consonance” with normative understandings of success might structure problematic forms of play; (b) for social, we analyzed the possibility that developing overvalued virtual relationships that are cutoff from offline social interactions might further exacerbate problematic play; and (c) in relation to immersion, we examined how “dissociative” blurring of actual- and virtual-world identities and experiences might contribute to problematic patterns. Our results confirmed that compared to Yee’s original motivational factors, these culturally sensitive measures better predict problematic forms of play, pointing to the important role of sociocultural factors in structuring online play.
Low-velocity impact response of fiber-metal laminates – A theoretical approach
Authors: Zhu S , Chai GB
Published: May 2013

An original theoretical approach adopted in this article is applied to the structural response of fiber-metal laminate subjected to low-velocity impact of a foreign body. New expressions are derived from the energy balance approach with the inclusion of material plasticity. The important assumption used here is that the fibers in and around the impacted area will fail first, and that the metal layers over this area are in pure membrane state. The nonlinear load versus displacement response of the impactor is thus composed of three parts: indentation, elastic deflection and plastic deflection of the panel. The results of maximum contact force, contact duration and corresponding failure modes are presented, compared and discussed in this technical article.
Establishing sub-campuses in China: A Finnish perspective
Authors: Cai Yuzhuo , Hölttä Seppo , Lindholm Niko
Published: May 2013

By taking Finland as an example, this article discusses how foreign higher education providers can enter the Chinese market in terms of strategies on both branding and operation. Recent Finnish policies have encouraged Finnish higher education institutions (HEIs) to export education, with China being an important destination. The article argues that developing joint education provisions is the most suitable model for Finland’s education export to China, as it may meet the expectations and interests of both sides. The article then particularly analyses the need for Finnish HEIs to develop cross-border education in China as well as the Chinese expectations of foreign education provision. Strategies are then discussed for Finnish HEIs to harmonize the interests and needs of both countries, and the article concludes with a number of ‘selling points’ that can be used for marketing Finnish higher education in China.
Culturally Specific Tobacco Use and South Asians in the United States
Authors: Mukherjea Arnab , Modayil Mary V.
Published: May 2013

Over the past two decades, the United States has attracted large South Asian populations, who have imported tobacco products previously unique to the native subcontinent. South Asian cigarette use prevalence is consistently lower than other U.S. Asian subgroups; however, most surveys fail to capture smokeless products accurately. In part because of the pervasive use of popular smokeless cultural products resulting in greater population attributable risk of oral malignancies, many countries outside the United States have developed surveillance systems to capture these products and implemented effective population-level or community-based intervention strategies. This minority population in the United States continues to be “at risk” of suffering from a disproportionate burden of diseases, which are plausibly linked to the use of these products. The primary focus of this article is to provide an exhaustive literature review of tobacco use patterns and existing tobacco control strategies among South Asians in the United States. Framed within the social ecological model, the article suggests that there needs to be more detailed assessment of cultural tobacco products, a concurrent increase in cultural competencies of health care providers and provision of cessation resources outside the clinical setting. At the policy level, future efforts should adequately regulate these products and oversight must include such products in efforts to reduce rates of use. Concurrently, community-based efforts are needed to change social norms related to perceived health benefit and lack of stigma. This will help ensure that appropriately framed messages around use rates and burden of disease are addressed through culturally valued institutions and leaders.
There’s Something in the Air
Authors: Banerjee Bidisha , Blaise Mindy
Published: May 2013

This article engages with air from a posthuman performative perspective to prompt new thinking about postcolonial Hong Kong. Drawing from a small experiential study of Hong Kong air, this article shows how three becoming-with research practices; sensing air, tracing childhood memories, and cominglings were enacted to engage with data differently. Becoming-with Hong Kong air illuminates how new connections are made with data through inter- and intra-actions between human, nonhuman, and the material and discursive. This article argues that becoming-with practices are productive and necessary to rethink postcoloniality in Hong Kong.
Prediction Models for Assessing Long-Term Outcome in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wattmo Carina
Published: May 2013

In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), placebo-controlled long-term studies of cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are not permitted for ethical reasons. Therefore, in these studies, patients’ outcomes on cognitive and functional assessment scales must be compared with mathematical models or historical data from untreated cohorts. PubMed and previously published long-term extensions of clinical trials and naturalistic studies of ChEIs were examined to identify empirical statistical models and other approaches, such as use of data from historical cohorts or extrapolated changes from extension studies, that were used to draw comparisons between ChEI-treated and untreated patients. The models and methods were described. It is essential to be aware of the limitations of comparisons made with these approaches. Prediction models based on ChEI-treated patients can be used in the studies of new treatments when those treatments are added to ChEIs. More sophisticated models that also accommodate patient-specific characteristics should be developed for comparisons in future long-term AD studies.
The Role of Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Blockers in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lương Khanh vinh quốc , Nguyễn Lan Thi Hoàng
Published: May 2013

According to genetic studies, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is linked to beta-adrenergic receptor blockade through numerous factors, including human leukocyte antigen genes, the renin–angiotensin system, poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase 1, nerve growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Beta-adrenergic receptor blockade is also implicated in AD due to its effects on matrix metalloproteinases, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase-2, and nitric oxide synthase. Beta-adrenergic receptor blockade may also have a significant role in AD, although the role is controversial. Behavioral symptoms, sex, or genetic factors, including Beta 2-adrenergic receptor variants, apolipoprotein E, and cytochrome P450 CYP2D6, may contribute to beta-adrenergic receptor blockade modulation in AD. Thus, the characterization of beta-adrenergic receptor blockade in patients with AD is needed.
Comparison of Endovascular Treatment Versus Conservative Medical Treatment in Patients With Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion
Authors: Broussalis E. , Hitzl W. , McCoy M. , Trinka E. , Killer M.
Published: May 2013

Introduction:

Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) causes mortality up to 90%.

Methods:

A total of 99 patients with BAO received either endovascular (endovascular mechanical recanalization and/or intra-arterial with optional intravenous thrombolysis [IVT] as bridging concept) or conservative medical treatment (IVT and/or medical oral therapy). Outcome parameters were measured in accordance with the thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores.

Results:

In all, 78% underwent endovascular and 22% conservative medical treatment. The NIHSS at admission was 20 in both the groups. Postprocedurally, 36% (95% confidence interval: 26%-48%) of the endovascular group and 9% (21%-64%) of the conservative group reached TICI 3 ( P = .017). In all, 30% of the endovascular group and 9% of the conservative group were documented with TICI 2b ( P = .057). At 90 days follow-up, 45% (31%-60%) of the endovascular-treated patientsand no patient (0%-25%) of the conservative-treated group reached mRS ≤2 ( P = .012).

Conclusion:

Endovascular treatment of BAO provides a better chance to survive this severe condition with good clinical outcome.
Sister R. Leadership
Authors: Sena Sister Rachel , Schoorman Dilys , Bogotch Ira
Published: May 2013

Sister R., the first author, is a Dominican Sister of Peace. Until recently, Sister R. had been the director of the Maya Ministry Family Literacy Program, working with the Maya Community in Lake Worth, Palm Beach County, Florida. She described her work with these indigenous, preliterate, hardworking peoples as “a university of the poor” in which “I do community.” She worked tirelessly and lived among a largely invisible community, but what she thought and did—as a leader—made the seemingly impossible possible. These case stories will describe how she brought leadership capabilities to indigenous, preliterate peoples, a seemingly impossible accomplishment when leadership is defined by traditional assumptions of power and literacy. As authors, we wrote these case stories specifically for the field of educational leadership, which urgently needs to develop new ideas and practices on how to integrate social justice into everyday school leadership. Sister R.’s leadership exemplifies a courage and humanity rooted in a philosophy of service and until these teachings are incorporated into school leadership development programs at the pre- and in-service levels, the failures associated with invisible and marginalized communities will continue.
Getting Churched and Being Schooled
Authors: Arnold Noelle Witherspoon , Brooks Jeffrey S.
Published: May 2013

Personal and professional histories can provide insights into educational leadership and administrative practice. Drawing on a life and professional historical narrative of a Black, female principal, this case explores the intersection of race, spirituality, and social justice based on excerpts from a life narrative of a Black, female principal. This case provides opportunities to explore spiritual and religious aspects of educational leadership practice, and also explores issues of church and state while asking the reader to consider their epistemological assumptions relative to sociocultural dynamics of leadership such as race, gender, and social justice.
Schools Leaders Successfully Partner With Community Organization
Authors: Hipsky Shellie , Scigliano Deborah , Parker David
Published: May 2013

Due to the closing of the GM Manufacturing Plants, Grand Rapids, Michigan area experienced an extreme loss of jobs, which led to low-socioeconomic hardships such as “food insecurity” that was witnessed in the needs of the many students who attend the Grand Rapid Public Schools. This case provides insight into how educational leader Principal MaryAnn Prisichenko and community activist Mary K. Hoodhood collaborated to form the Kid’s Food Basket in 2001, which feeds more than 3,000 students with sack suppers every weekday. This type of program could be utilized as a model program for other districts that are experiencing similar issues due to low economic status and child hunger in their schools.
There Are No Children Here
Authors: Sallee Mariel , Boske Christa
Published: May 2013

This case is based on real-life experiences of community school members within Horner School—an inner-city public school. Specifically, the case explores challenges faced by Cathleen, a 1st-year, White, female principal, who was hired by central office to “revamp a charter school” to promote a quality education for all children. The case raises questions about how school leaders might work in conjunction with school community members to understand to what extent, if any, issues of poverty impact school policy, curriculum, and pedagogy.
Identity Formation, Outness, and Sexual Risk Among Gay and Bisexual Men
Authors: White Darcy , Stephenson Rob
Published: May 2013

Research on HIV among men who have sex with men has focused on individual behavioral and biomedical factors driving transmission risks, but these cannot be fully understood without also understanding the social context within which sexual minorities live. Using data from 703 gay and bisexual men in Atlanta, this study explores the factors associated with homosexual identity formation and disclosure (“outness”) and examines how these constructs are associated with sexual risk taking. In multivariable regression models, sexual identity and outness were associated with age, race, education, employment, and experience of discrimination. Independent of these factors, having a more established and open homosexual identity was associated with lower sexual risk behaviors. These results highlight the need to address discriminatory policies and values in society and call for programs to provide support and promote healthy identity development among vulnerable groups.
Implementing Quality Criteria in Designing and Conducting a Sequential QUAN → QUAL Mixed Methods Study of Student Engagement With Learning Applied Research Methods Online
Authors: Ivankova Nataliya V.
Published: May 2013

In spite of recent methodological developments related to quality assurance in mixed methods research, practical examples of how to implement quality criteria in designing and conducting sequential QUAN → QUAL mixed methods studies to ensure the process is systematic and rigorous remain scarce. This article discusses a three-step procedure for securing the quality of the meta-inferences generated from sequential employment of quantitative and qualitative methods and offers several validation strategies specific to a sequential QUAN → QUAL mixed methods design: applying a systematic process for selecting participants for qualitative follow-up, elaborating on unexpected quantitative results, and observing interaction between qualitative and quantitative study strands. The discussed procedures are illustrated using a mixed methods study of graduate student engagement in learning applied research methods online.
Mixed convection in an axisymmetric stagnation flow of a non-Newtonian nanofluid on a vertical cylinder
Authors: Gorla Rama Subba Reddy , Kumari Mahesh
Published: May 2013

A boundary-layer analysis is presented for the mixed convection in an axisymmetric flow of a non-Newtonian nanofluid on a vertical cylinder. The micropolar model is chosen for the non-Newtonian fluid since the spinning motion of the nanoparticles as they move along the streamwise direction can be best described by the micropolar fluid model. Numerical results for friction factor, surface heat transfer rate and mass transfer rate have been presented for parametric variations of the micropolar material parameters, Brownian motion parameter Nb, thermophoresis parameter Nt and Lewis number Le. The dependency of the friction factor, surface heat transfer rate (Nusselt number) and mass transfer rate on these parameters has been discussed. Two flow regions, namely, the buoyancy-assisted and buoyancy-opposed cases, are considered.
Efficacy of inhaled ciprofloxacin in the management of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
Authors: Justo Julie Ann , Danziger Larry H. , Gotfried Mark H.
Published: May 2013

Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFBE), a historically under-recognized chronic respiratory condition, is a significant diagnosis currently experiencing a resurgence of interest in its clinical management. Ciprofloxacin is part of the current armamentarium used in the treatment of the recurrent respiratory tract infections seen in NCFBE. Inhaled ciprofloxacin, a novel method of drug delivery for the fluoroquinolone class, is being actively investigated. The inhaled formulation is designed to enhance drug delivery to the site of infection in the lung while minimizing the risk of systemic toxicity. This review summarizes the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin and the rationale for the development of an inhaled formulation for NCFBE. Preclinical and clinical data regarding current development of inhaled ciprofloxacin formulations is also evaluated. Lastly, the anticipated role of inhaled ciprofloxacin in the management of NCFBE is discussed, including future considerations and potential limitations of therapy.
A new logical insight and putative mechanism behind fluoxetine-induced amenorrhea, hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea in a case series
Authors: Mondal Somnath , Saha Indranil , Das Saibal , Ganguly Abhrajit , Das Debasis , Tripathi Santanu Kumar
Published: May 2013

With the exception of fluoxetine, all selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) commonly cause hyperprolactinemia through presynaptic mechanisms indirectly via 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-mediated inhibition of tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons. However, there is little insight regarding the mechanisms by which fluoxetine causes hyperprolactinemia via the postsynaptic pathway. In this text, analysis of five spontaneously reported clinical cases of hyperprolactinemia resulting in overt symptoms of amenorrhea with or without galactorrhea, were scrupulously analyzed after meticulously correlating relevant literature and an attempt was made to explore the putative postsynaptic pathway of fluoxetine inducing hyperprolactinemia. Hypothetically, serotonin regulates prolactin release either by increasing oxytocin (OT) level via direct stimulation of vasoactitive intestinal protein (VIP) or indirectly through stimulation of GABAergic neurons. The pharmacodynamic exception and pharmacokinetic aspect of fluoxetine are highlighted to address the regulation of prolactin release via serotonergic pathway, either directly through stimulation of prolactin releasing factors (PRFs) VIP and OT via 5-HT2A receptors predominantly on PVN (neurosecretory magnocellular cell) or through induction of 5-HT1A-mediated direct and indirect GABAergic actions. Prospective molecular and pharmacogenetic studies are warranted to visualize how fluoxetine regulate neuroendocrine system and cause adverse consequences, which in turn may explore new ways of approach of drug development by targeting the respective metabolic pathways to mitigate these adverse impacts.
Oncological outcomes in low-, intermediate- and high D'Amico-risk patients undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at a single UK centre
Authors: Moon Andrew , Vasdev Nikhil , Veeratterapillay Rajan , O'riordan Anna , Durkan Garrett , Johnson Mark , Soomro Naeem A
Published: May 2013

Background and purpose

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) is an established treatment option for patients with prostate cancer in selected centres with appropriate expertise. The goal of LRP is to achieve excellent cancer control whilst attempting to preserve normal urinary continence and erectile function. We studied our single-centre experience evaluating the oncological outcomes in patients undergoing LRP.

Patients and methods

Three hundred and six patients underwent LRP between 2005 and 2011. Patients were divided into D'Amico low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups.

Results

The mean age was 61.9 years (range 46-74 years). The two most important factors predictive of positive surgical margins (PSMs) at LRP were the initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and tumour stage at diagnosis. The overall PSM rate was 26.7%. For low D'Amico-risk patients, the PSM was 24.5%, intermediate-risk patients had a PSM of 32.4%, while high-risk patients had a PSM of 13.6%; 6.4% (nine of 139) of patients sampled had evidence of lymph node-positive disease. Five-year PSA progression-free survival rates were 83% in low-risk patients, 57% in intermediate-risk and 41% in high-risk patients.

Conclusion

LRP offers good oncological outcomes in the low- and intermediate-risk groups with low incidence of biochemical recurrence for patients with localised disease. Our high-risk group has a low incidence of PSM and a five-year PSA progression-free survival rate of 41%. Patients with high-risk, but non-metastatic, prostate cancer can be offered a minimally invasive prostatectomy in an experienced centre.
Medicaid Payment Innovations to Financially Sustain Comprehensive Childhood Asthma Management Programs at Federally Qualified Health Centers
Authors: Markus Anne Rossier , Andres Ellie , West Kristina , Gerstein Maya Tuchman , Lyons Victoria S.
Published: May 2013

Background. One in 7 children in the United States is diagnosed with asthma, the leading cause of chronic childhood disease. Although a manageable condition when recommended medication regimens are followed and environmental control measures implemented, asthma remains the third most common reason for hospitalization among non-newborn hospital stays. As the primary health care home to a fifth of all low-income children who are especially vulnerable to asthma, federally qualified health centers play a critical role in providing comprehensive and preventive asthma care to their pediatric patients. Many health centers rely on the asthma education and counseling services of traditional and nontraditional providers, such as clinicians and community health workers, who may or may not be certified as asthma educators, as essential elements of asthma management and control. Asthma counselors are particularly valuable for patient home assessments and tailored education and counseling that are recommended components of evidence-based asthma care. Yet sustainable reimbursement for their services is a frequent challenge. Methods. We conducted an environmental scan of innovative approaches to securing adequate Medicaid reimbursement for asthma educator services provided as part of asthma management and control. Results. We identified a number of models at the individual health center, Medicaid health plan, and Medicaid state program level for securing sustainable reimbursement for asthma educators. Whereas state-based approaches are preferable to more incremental options at the health center and health plan level, local approaches may be more feasible for some health centers. Conclusion. Asthma educators provide essential, cost-effective services as part of childhood asthma care management. This analysis identifies creative solutions for health centers and other health care organizations to consider as mechanisms for sustaining the important services of these providers.
Marital Processes around Depression
Authors: Thomeer Mieke Beth , Umberson Debra , Pudrovska Tetyana
Published: May 2013

Despite extensive evidence of the importance of marriage and marital processes for mental health, little is known about the interpersonal processes around depression within marriage and the extent to which these processes are gendered. We use a mixed-methods approach to explore the importance of gender in shaping processes around depression within marriage. We approach this in two ways: First, using quantitative longitudinal analysis of 2,601 couples from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), we address whether depressive symptoms in one spouse shape the other spouse’s depressive symptoms and whether men or women are more influential in this process. We find that a wife’s depressive symptoms influence her husband’s future depressive symptoms, but a husband’s depressive symptoms do not influence his wife’s future symptoms. Second, we conduct a qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with 29 couples wherein one or both spouses experienced depression to provide additional insight into how gender impacts depression and reactions to depression within marriage. Our study points to the importance of cultural scripts of masculinity and femininity in shaping depression and emotional processes within marriage and highlights the importance of applying a gendered couple-level approach to better understand the mental health effects of marital processes.
Eukaryotic initiation factor 2α phosphorylation mediates fetal hemoglobin induction through a post-transcriptional mechanism
Authors: Hahn Cynthia K. , Lowrey Christopher H.
Published: May 2013

Key Points

Increasing eIF2α phosphorylation increases fetal hemoglobin in human primary erythroid progenitors via a post-transcriptional mechanism. Combining pharmacologic agents that use transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms additively induces fetal hemoglobin.
Prevalence, associated risk factors and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Campylobacter species among under five diarrheic children at Gondar University Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Lengerh Ayalew , Moges Feleke , Unakal Chandrashekhar , Anagaw Belay
Published: May 2013

Background

Recent reports indicate that Campylobacter species are becoming one of the leading causes of bacterial diarrhoeal disease worldwide and most of the isolates are resistant to different antibiotics. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, associated risk factors and susceptibility pattern of Campylobacter species in under-five diarrheic children.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2011 to March 2012. Samples were collected from under five diarrhoeic children who visited University of Gondar Teaching Hospital and seeking medical services during the study period. Stool specimens were aseptically inoculated using selective media and species isolation was further processed following standard procedures. Antimicrobial susceptibility test for Campylobacter species was performed using the standard agar disc diffusion method. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16 packages. Odd ratio was used to see their association between variables and then logistic regression was used to measure strengths of association. P-values less than 0.05 were taken as statistically significant.

Result

A total of 285 under five children with diarrhoea were included in this study. Of these144 (50.5%) were males and 141(49.5%) were females with the age range of one month to five years and mean age of 2.26 years (25months). Among 285 stool specimens cultured, 44(15.4%) of them were positive for Campylobacter species. Culture positivity for Campylobacter was higher in children below 12 months of age. Latrine usage, water source, boiling drinking water, bottle feeding, nutritional status and exposure to domestic animals had statistically significant association. Highest drug resistance rate were found in ampicillin (68.2%), tetracycline (56.8%) and trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole (54.5%).

Conclusion

Isolation rate of Campylobacter species were frequent among under five children. The frequency was higher in those children who were malnourished, drinking of unprotected water and direct contact with infected animals (especially cats, dogs, pigeons, hens and their products). The antimicrobial resistance patterns for some of the commonly prescribed antibiotics were high. Therefore, awareness of hand washing and proper boiling of drinking water are probably important in preventing infection with Campylobacter species and childhood diarrhea should not be underestimated and effectiveness of the drugs should be continuously monitored by doing antimicrobial susceptibility test.
Improvement of classification accuracy in a phase-tagged steady-state visual evoked potential-based brain computer interface using multiclass support vector machine
Authors: Yeh Chia-Lung , Lee Po-Lei , Chen Wei-Ming , Chang Chun-Yen , Wu Yu-Te , Lan Gong-Yau
Published: May 2013

Background

Brain computer interface (BCI) is an emerging technology for paralyzed patients to communicate with external environments. Among current BCIs, the steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based BCI has drawn great attention due to its characteristics of easy preparation, high information transfer rate (ITR), high accuracy, and low cost. However, electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are electrophysiological responses reflecting the underlying neural activities which are dependent upon subject’s physiological states (e.g., emotion, attention, etc.) and usually variant among different individuals. The development of classification approaches to account for each individual’s difference in SSVEP is needed but was seldom reported.

Methods

This paper presents a multiclass support vector machine (SVM)-based classification approach for gaze-target detections in a phase-tagged SSVEP-based BCI. In the training steps, the amplitude and phase features of SSVEP from off-line recordings were used to train a multiclass SVM for each subject. In the on-line application study, effective epochs which contained sufficient SSVEP information of gaze targets were first determined using Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test, and the amplitude and phase features of effective epochs were subsequently inputted to the multiclass SVM to recognize user’s gaze targets.

Results

The on-line performance using the proposed approach has achieved high accuracy (89.88 ± 4.76%), fast responding time (effective epoch length = 1.13 ± 0.02 s), and the information transfer rate (ITR) was 50.91 ± 8.70 bits/min.

Conclusions

The multiclass SVM-based classification approach has been successfully implemented to improve the classification accuracy in a phase-tagged SSVEP-based BCI. The present study has shown the multiclass SVM can be effectively adapted to each subject’s SSVEPs to discriminate SSVEP phase information from gazing at different gazed targets.
Feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients clinically suspected of axillary lymph node metastasis on preoperative imaging
Authors: Kwak Hee Yong , Chae Byung Joo , Bae Ja Seong , Kim Eun Jin , Chang Eun Young , Kim Sang Hoon , Jung Sang Seol , Song Byung Joo
Published: May 2013

Background

Generally, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is performed in patients with clinically negative axillary lymph node (LN). This study was to assess imaging techniques in axillary LN staging and to evaluate the feasibility of SLNB in patients clinically suspected of axillary LN metastasis on preoperative imaging techniques (SI).

Methods

A prospectively maintained database of 767 breast cancer patients enrolled between January 2006 and December 2009 was reviewed. All patients were offered preoperative breast ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography scanning. SI patients were regarded as those for whom preoperative imaging was “suspicious for axillary LN metastasis” and NSI as “non-suspicious for axillary LN metastasis” on preoperative imaging techniques. Patients were subgrouped by presence of SI and types of axillary operation, and analyzed.

Results

For 323 patients who received SLNB, there was no statistically significant difference in axillary recurrence (P=0.119) between SI and NSI groups. There also was no significant difference in axillary recurrence between SLNB and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) groups in 356 SI patients (P=0.420). The presence of axillary LN metastasis on preoperative imaging carried 82.1% sensitivity and 45.9% specificity for determining axillary LN metastasis on the final pathology.

Conclusions

SLNB in SI patents is safe and feasible. Complications might be avoided by not performing ALND. Therefore, we recommend SLNB, instead of a direct ALND, even in SI patients, for interpreting the exact nodal status and avoiding unnecessary morbidity by performing ALND.