bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engagement of educators and parents in students’ health education in a low socioeconomic school in Quebec: A case study
Authors: Rivard Marie-Claude , Deslandes Rollande 
Published: July 2012

Objective: This qualitative study aimed to describe how educators and parents engage with students on health issues within the context of the Healthy School Approach in a disadvantaged Quebec school. Method: Individual interviews were conducted at the school setting with both educators ( n = 5) and parents ( n = 5) during the school year of 2010–2011. The interview protocol was based on Hoover-Dempsey, Walker and Ice’s (2010) revised theoretical model of the involvement process and more precisely on the mechanisms of influence, modelling, reinforcement, teaching and encouragements. Results: Findings indicate that educators’ and parents’ actions tend to involve modelling and encouragements in particular, with the main emphasis on physical activity and nutrition. Educators stress the importance of grounding their health actions in school activities related to the school project, whereas parents believe that their participation as volunteers in the various health-related activities organized at school significantly helps their efforts to support their child. Results highlight the parents’ undeniable contribution to children’s health within current educational systems. Conclusion: In their conclusion, the authors put into light the importance of two challenging denominators: (1) a shared vision of health; and (2) coherent health education actions in a disadvantaged environment.
Mobile phone-based behavioural interventions for health: A systematic review
Authors: Buhi Eric R , Trudnak Tara E , Martinasek Mary P , Oberne Alison B , Fuhrmann Hollie J , McDermott Robert J 
Published: July 2012

Objective: To perform a systematic review of the literature concerning behavioural mobile health (mHealth) and summarize points related to heath topic, use of theory, audience, purpose, design, intervention components, and principal results that can inform future health education applications. Design: A systematic review of the literature. Method: Thirty-four interventions published in peer-reviewed journals before July 2010, employing a short message service (SMS) and/or multimedia message service to address health-related behavioural change, were reviewed. Results: Five interventions utilized SMS alone, 18 employed SMS/Internet, and 11 utilized SMS, Internet, and other strategies. Intervention length ranged from four weeks to one year. Twenty interventions (59%) were evaluated using experimental designs, and most resulted in statistically significant health behavioural changes. Conclusion: Surveillance of mHealth interventions’ role in facilitating behavioural change is a judicious parallel activity for health education and health behaviour authorities.
Processability of polypropylene/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites via direct melt compounding
Authors: Razak Jeefferie Abd , Mohamad Noraiham , Maulod Hairul Effendy Ab 
Published: July 2012

This article presents the effect of filler loading on compounding torques as well as mechanical properties of polypropylene/multiwalled carbon nanotube (PP/MWCNTs) nanocomposites. Samples were prepared via melt compounding method using a Haake internal mixer at rotor speed of 80 r/min. The torque values in a 10-min compounding period for the incorporation of MWCNTs fillers into PP matrix were analyzed and thoroughly evaluated. The data was further confirmed by morphological analysis via transmission electron microscopy. The efficiency of direct melt-compounding method using internal mixer was evident from the homogeneity of MWCNTs dispersed within the PP matrix observed in produced nanocomposites at filler loading up to 0.75 wt%. MWCNTs showed significant compatibility with PP matrix and proved the needlessness of chemical pretreatment and complicated compounding process to produce PP/MWCNTs nanocomposites. The mechanical properties and morphological characteristics were in good correlation with the processing behavior of the nanocomposites.
Head and Neck Lymphatic Malformation Treatment
Authors: Adams Mary Theresa , Saltzman Babette , Perkins Jonathan A. 
Published: July 2012

ObjectiveTo systematically review literature pertaining to head and neck lymphatic malformation treatment and to use individual‐level data presented in qualifying case series to describe the reported efficacy, complications, and functional impact of surgery and sclerotherapy. The authors evaluated whether treatment modalities differ by lymphatic malformation stage.Data SourcesThe terms lymphangioendothelioma, lymphangioma, cystic hygroma, and malformation were used to perform an Ovid literature search yielding 6292 references. The authors excluded references that did not involve head and neck lymphatic malformation treatment, include at least 5 patients, follow patients 1 year, define treatment modality, and state complications.Review MethodsThe authors summarized data from 1205 patients reported in 41 articles. Individual‐level data, in the 29 articles reporting these data, were pooled and tabulated.ResultsThe absence of within‐study comparisons of treatment success, as well as the range of reporting methods, precluded a formal meta‐analysis. Most reports were case series (37; 90%). The primary treatment modality was sclerotherapy in 17 (41%), surgery in 16 (39%), or surgery combined with other modalities in 9 (20%). Individual‐level data were captured for 283 patients. No treatment modality clearly resulted in superior treatment outcome. Complications were more frequent in surgical series but were reported inconsistently in sclerotherapy studies.ConclusionThere is evidence that lymphatic malformation treatment can be done effectively with surgery or sclerotherapy, but further study is necessary to determine which is superior. Standardized guidelines for reporting lymphatic malformation case series do not currently exist, making comparison of treatment outcomes of differing treatment modalities difficult.
Etiologic Diagnosis of Nonsyndromic Genetic Hearing Loss in Adult vs Pediatric Populations
Authors: King Peter J. , Ouyang Xiaomei , Du Lilin , Yan Denise , Angeli Simon I. , Liu Xue Zhong 
Published: July 2012

ObjectivesDetermine the diagnostic yield of a shared genetic testing algorithm in adult and pediatric populations with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and recommend effective testing strategies to evaluate for genetic causes of deafness in patients presenting with idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss.Study DesignHospital‐based cohort study.SettingUniversity of Miami outpatient otology clinics between 2001 and 2010.SubjectsTwo hundred twenty‐one adult and 163 pediatric patients with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss.MethodsPeripheral blood samples were screened for mutations in GJB2 and GJB6 and mitochondrial DNA mutations 1555A>G, 7444G>A, and 3243A>G. Audiometric data and family history were also collected.ResultsGJB2/GJB6‐related deafness was diagnosed in 23 of 163 pediatric patients (14%) compared with only 3 of 221 adults (1%). All adults had a family history of hearing loss, and 2 patients noted deafness onset at birth. Nineteen GJB2 mutations were identified with 35delG the most common mutation. The 35delG homozygous state was the most common pathogenic genotype (54%). Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations were found in 6 adult probands (3%). No mtDNA mutations were found in pediatric patients.ConclusionTesting for common GJB2/GJB6 mutations in pediatric patients has considerable value in establishing an etiologic diagnosis for SNHL. Similar testing in adults is of very low yield except perhaps in cases of early‐onset SNHL or strong family history. Mitochondrial DNA testing should be considered in adults with idiopathic SNHL.
Provincialising IR? Deadlocks and Prospects in Post-Western IR Theory
Authors: Vasilaki Rosa 
Published: July 2012

In recent years, IR has been increasingly influenced by the critics of Eurocentric assumptions of the epistemologies of social science. The awareness of the perspectival nature of knowledge and the emphasis on aspects of colonialism previously unaccounted for, such as epistemological imperialism, led to the flourishing of approaches which, despite their differences, are connected by their common interest in subaltern voices and suppressed knowledges, their anti-hegemonic inclination, and their emphasis on the emancipation of the Other. Post-Western IR theory is largely the offspring of such theoretical investigations and shares the ethical concerns of this critical tradition. The article identifies three strands of post-Western engagement: pluralism, particularism and postcolonialism. It focuses on postcolonialism because of the radical promise it represents on the one hand, and of the disconcerting implications of its epistemology on the other. Through the engagement with one of the most significant post-Western epistemological projects, Chakrabarty’s Provincializing Europe, the article demonstrates why the ‘post-Western’ question as dealt with by postcolonialism is a compelling conundrum for critical thinking. This is because the ultimately postsecular stance and singularising ethics adopted by such approaches are paralysing for the practice of social science and for a relational consideration of alterity, which can be served more efficiently by reference to a genuine universalism.
Characterized Chondrocyte Implantation in the Patellofemoral Joint
Authors: Vanlauwe Johan J.E. , Claes Tom , Van Assche Dieter , Bellemans Johan , Luyten Frank P. 
Published: July 2012

Background: Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is an accepted treatment option for selected condylar cartilage defects in the knee. Results for patellofemoral chondral defects have been less favorable. Hypothesis: Autologous chondrocyte implantation with characterized chondrocytes will result in clinically relevant improvement in patellofemoral lesions. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients with symptomatic patellofemoral full-thickness cartilage lesions were treated with ACI using characterized chondrocytes (ChondroCelect) covered with a collagen type I membrane. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Responders were defined using 5 categories (≥10 points and ≥20%, 30%, 50%, 70%) based on the KOOS and VAS. Treatment failure was defined as partial loosening of more than 20% of the graft with subsequent procedures to the subchondral bone. Results: Thirty-eight patients, with a mean defect size of 4.89 cm2 (range, 1.5-11 cm2), were treated for a patellar defect (n = 28), trochlear defect (n = 7), or a kissing lesion (trochlea and patella; n = 3). The minimum follow-up period was 24 months (mean, 37 months; range, 24-72 months). Treated patients showed statistically significant improvements in the KOOS (at 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 months) and VAS (at the same time points) compared with pretreatment for each time point. Responder analysis identified approximately 84% of patients with a clinically relevant improvement greater than 10 points at 3 years. Treatment failure was observed in 5 patients. The most commonly reported adverse events were joint crepitation (n = 18) and arthrofibrosis (n = 7). No relationship could be found between clinical outcome and anatomic characteristics of the patellofemoral joint, lesion size and site, time since onset, or age. Nine patients required additional surgery: 6 because of persistent symptoms and 3 for hardware removal. Conclusion: Characterized chondrocyte implantation resulted in statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement over time. These results add to the evidence demonstrating that ACI is a valuable cartilage repair technique for patellofemoral lesions.
Effects of Serial Sectioning and Repair of Radial Tears in the Lateral Meniscus
Authors: Ode Gabriella E. , Van Thiel Geoffrey S. , McArthur Samuel A. , Dishkin-Paset Justin , Leurgans Sue E. , Shewman Elizabeth F. , Wang Vincent M. , Cole Brian J. 
Published: July 2012

Background: Radial transection of the peripheral fibers of the meniscus could render it nonfunctional; however, the biomechanical consequences of a complete lateral meniscal radial tear and repair in human specimens have not been elucidated. Hypothesis: A complete radial tear will exhibit knee contact mechanics approaching those of total meniscectomy. Repair of complete radial tears will re-create normal load transmission across the joint. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Five matched pairs of fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees were tested in axial compression (800 N) at 2 knee flexion angles (0° and 60°). Six meniscal conditions were sequentially tested: (1) intact lateral meniscus; radial width tears of (2) 50%, (3) 75%, and (4) 100%; (5) meniscal repair; and (6) total meniscectomy. Repairs were pair matched and used either an inside-out or all-inside technique. Tekscan sensors measured tibiofemoral contact pressure, peak contact force, and contact area in the lateral meniscus and medial meniscus. Results: Complete radial tears of the lateral meniscus produced significant increases in mean contact pressure ( P = .0001) and decreased contact area ( P < .0001) compared with the intact state. This effect was significantly less than that of total meniscectomy ( P < .0023). Lesser degrees of radial tears were not significantly different from the intact state ( P > .3619). Mean contact pressure after either repair technique was not significantly different from the intact state ( P = .2595) or from each other ( P = .4000). Meniscal repair produced an increase in contact area compared with a complete tear but was still significantly less than that of the intact meniscus ( P < .0001). The medial compartment showed no significant difference between all testing conditions for 0° and 60° of flexion ( P ≥ .0650). Conclusion: A complete radial meniscal tear of the lateral meniscus has a detrimental effect on load transmission. Repair improved contact area and pressure. Contact pressures for repaired menisci were not significantly different from the intact state, but contact area was significantly different. Biomechanical performance of repair constructs was equivalent. Clinical Relevance: Repair of complete radial tears improves joint mechanics, potentially decreasing the likelihood of cartilage degeneration.
Development of a cardiopulmonary mathematical model incorporating a baro–chemoreceptor reflex control system
Authors: Lin Jinhuai , Ngwompo Roger F , Tilley Derek G 
Published: July 2012

This article describes the development of a comprehensive mathematical model of the human cardiopulmonary system that combines the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and their associated autonomous nervous control actions. The model is structured to allow the complex interactions between the two systems and the responses of the combined system to be predicted under different physiological conditions. The cardiovascular system model contains 13 compartments, including the heart chambers operating as a pump and the blood vessels represented as distensible tubes configured in a serial and parallel arrangement. The accurate representation of the hemodynamics in the system and the good fit to published pressure and flow waveforms gave confidence in the modelling approach adopted for the cardiovascular system prior to the incorporation of the baroreflex control and the respiratory models. An improved baroreceptor reflex model is developed in this research, incorporating afferent, central and efferent compartments. A sigmoid function is included in the efferent compartment to produce sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve outflow to the effector sites. The baroreflex action is modelled using physiological data, its interaction with the chemoreflex control is explained and the simulation results presented show the ability of the model to predict the static and dynamic hemodynamic responses to environmental disturbances. A previously published respiratory model that includes the mechanics of breathing, gas exchange process and the regulation of the system is then combined with the cardiovascular model to form the cardiopulmonary model. Through comparison with published data, the cardiopulmonary model with the baro–chemoreflex control is validated during hypoxia and hypercapnia. The percentage difference between the predicted and measured changes in the heart rates and the mean arterial pressures are within 3% in both cases. The total peripheral resistance correlates well for hypoxia but is less good for hypercapnia, where the predicted change from normal condition is around 7% compared with a measured change of 23%. An example showing the application of the proposed model in sport science is also included.
End-of-Life Care in Muslim Brain-Dead Patients
Authors: Khalid Imran , Hamad Wasfy J. , Khalid Tabindeh J. , Kadri Mazen , Qushmaq Ismael 
Published: July 2012

Background: In Muslim countries, end-of-life practices in Muslim brain-dead patients are unknown. We conducted this study to evaluate this issue. Results: We identified 42 brain-dead patients between 2001 and 2011. The expectant terminal extubation occurred only in 5. Largely due to family opposition, 2 patients remained “full code,” and rests were “do not attempt resuscitation” with varying usage of “life-sustaining” therapies. Only 2 out of 24 eligible patients donated organs. There was minimal involvement of social worker, palliative team, or Muslim chaplain in the end-of-life discussions. Conclusion: In Muslim patients, the concept of terminal withdrawal and organ donation after brain death is still not well accepted. Future multicenter studies, involving palliative teams, should focus on improving these issues.
How Tolstoy and Solzhenitsyn Define Life and Death in Cancer
Authors: Florijn Barend W. , Kaptein Ad A. 
Published: July 2012

Reason for the study: Clinicians use conserving care in their therapeutic decisions. Discussing death as part of the treatment influences patient’s perception and their acceptance of death. We compare 2 literary patients’ perceptions of cancer and death (Solzhenitsyn’s Cancer Ward and Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich), with a contemporary patient perception. Results: The patient interview revealed naive cancer perceptions: every treatment option should be tried. In Solzhenitsyn’s novel, the main character finds a goal in love; Tolstoy conceptualizes death as a solution for patients’ moral issues. Conclusions: Tolstoy’s novel shows death as an honest prospect. Solzhenitsyn’s novel shows the opposite: the prospect of love and life helps the protagonist patient psychologically through his disease. The patient interview revealed no discussion of death at all.
Association of Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells (CD14+-EPC) With Renal Function in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Li Gui-Qiong , Yang Yan , Ke Da-Zhi , Li Xing-Sheng , Wu Qing , Cao Guang-Yu , Chen Qing-Wei 
Published: July 2012

Background: The relationships between the endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs)-CD34+ and CD14+ and coronary artery disease (CAD) were reported and the association of CD34+ cells with renal function was studied previously. Another kind EPC-CD14+ cell and its association with renal function in patients with CAD have not been reported yet. Our aim was to assess CD14+ cell counts versus renal function in CAD. Methods and Results: We studied 242 patients with severe angiographic CAD and 30 healthy control participants. The CD14+ cells were enumerated by flow cytometry. With lowering glomerular filtration rate (GFR), CD14+ cell numbers (percentage of lymphocytes, median and interquartile range) decreased: 0.04 (0.03-0.06), 0.03 (0.02-0.05), 0.02 (0.01-0.03) for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥90, 60 to 89, and 30 to 89 mL/min per 1.73 m2, respectively ( P < .001 for trend). The CD14+ cell counts correlated with eGFR ( r = .27, P = .03). By multivariate liner regression analysis, the difference remains significant ( P = .02). Conclusions: The CD14+ cell depletion is associated with renal dysfunction in CAD.
Beyond city limits: Regional journalism and social capital
Authors: Richards Ian 
Published: July 2012

This article reports a pilot study which investigated the relationship between regional journalism and social capital in two regional locations in the Australian state of South Australia, and one in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The study aimed to explore the role of local media in facilitating community communication and understanding, and, through this, to shed light on their possible contribution to regional social capital. Although social capital is a contested notion, the article argues that most definitions can be placed into one of three broad categories, and that the results of the study suggest that local media facilitate connectivity in terms of each of these understandings. A number of themes emerged during the study which help to clarify and illuminate the role of regional media in setting the communication context for social capital. At the same time, however, the ways in which local journalists approached their work raised a number of professional and ethical issues. The article concludes that, despite these difficulties, local media at the sites studied appear to facilitate communication between different sections of the community to the benefit of that community, and to contribute to the development of social capital.
Experiences and concerns of family caregivers providing support to people with dementia: A cross-cultural perspective
Authors: Ivey Susan L , Laditka Sarah B , Price Anna E , Tseng Winston , Beard Renée L , Liu Rui , Fetterman David , Wu Bei , Logsdon Rebecca G 
Published: July 2012

Abstract: We examined experiences and concerns among caregivers of community-dwelling people with dementia from two ethnic groups. We conducted a thematic analysis of responses to the question, ‘What is your life like as a caregiver?’ in nine focus groups ( n = 75) with Filipino and non–Hispanic White caregivers. Constant comparison methods identified themes by ethnicity. Experiences and concerns expressed across groups were related to care recipient symptoms commonly associated with dementia, including severe memory loss and behavioral changes. Participants in both ethnic groups described strategies that help them cope, such as receiving help from family and friends, receiving respite support, and participating in support groups. Filipino caregivers more often emphasized positive aspects of caregiving, whereas Whites often expressed that others do not understand the daily experiences of caregiving. Filipinos more commonly described caregivers as a ‘good person’ or ‘saint’ and emphasized that caregiving made them stronger.