bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Anxious Times
Authors: Mellifont Damian , Smith-Merry Jennifer
Published: December 2015

Print media retains a significant role in shaping social discourses about mental health. Recent Australian studies have identified a significant social stigma and poor mental health literacy concerning anxiety disorders which prevents individuals from seeking help. No studies to date have explored the representation of anxiety in Australian print media. Targeting this research gap, our study explores models of disability present in 83 articles specifically covering anxiety disorders and published by The Australian newspaper between 2000 and 2015. Using a critical approach to content analysis, the analysis identified the presence of established traditional and progressive media models of disability. Our analysis also identified further supplementary discourses of awareness, nature and risk, thereby extending existing models identified by Clogston (1990) and Haller (2000). These discourses can be seen to both support and challenge traditional discourses of mental ill health according to the context in which the discussion of anxiety is presented. As this study reveals an ongoing potential for newspaper discussion of anxiety to increase stigma, it is important that students, journalists and editors (where necessary) work to challenge dominant discourses which promote traditional stigmatizing discourses of mental ill health.
Teaching about Deliberative Politics: Case Studies of Classroom–Community Learning Projects in Four Nations
Authors: Romano Angela
Published: December 2015

Theories of deliberative politics position grass-roots community members as more than spectators of politics, and instead recognize their capacity for political engagement by discussing and evaluating options in order to make decisions about issues affecting community life. The processes and products of journalism can assist deliberative politics by providing community members with information resources that are vital for understanding the root causes of problems, weighing up competing claims, forming networks around shared concerns, reaching decisions and undertaking action. This article presents the findings of case studies of four community–classroom projects—one each from Australia, New Zealand, the United States and South Africa—that develop the capacity of journalism students to be effective contributors to deliberative politics. The research points to the importance of learning activities that prepare students to work in diverse communities, map significant community places and structures, identify leaders and stakeholders, engage in respectful dialogue about problems and perspectives, and appreciate community frames and values.
The impact of community-based eHealth self-management intervention among elderly living alone with hypertension
Authors: Jung Hyesun , Lee Jong-Eun
Published: December 2015

Introduction

This study intended to examine the effect of an eHealth self-management (eHSM) intervention on elderly Korean persons who live alone in a community.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study was designed, and a total of 64 elderly persons (intervention n = 31, control n = 33) with hypertension (a systolic blood pressure measurement of ≥140 and/or a diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg) or taking anti-hypertensive medication participated. The eHSM intervention consisted of a four-week, in-class educational phase, community-based eHealth monitoring, and monthly telephone counselling for 24 weeks.

Results

The primary outcome measurement of the study was BP, and secondary outcomes included psycho-behavioural variables. Specifically, the systolic BP among intervention group participants was 133.9 mm Hg at baseline and 122.5 mm Hg after 24 weeks of follow-up. Participants in the intervention group showed greater improvement in self-efficacy, self-care behaviour, and social support than did participants in the control group 24 weeks post-intervention.

Discussion

The results highlight the clinical efficacy of an eHSM intervention composed of a four-week education program, self-monitoring, and follow-up counselling. The eHSM intervention should be expanded to include community-dwelling elderly persons with hypertension to improve the self-management of hypertension and control of blood pressure.
Impact of deteriorated calcium-phosphate homeostasis on amputation-free survival after endovascular revascularization in patients with critical limb ischemia on hemodialysis
Authors: Hioki Hirofumi , Miyashita Yusuke , Shiraki Tatsuya , Iida Osamu , Uematsu Masaaki , Miura Takashi , Ebisawa Souichirou , Ikeda Uichi
Published: December 2015

Patients on hemodialysis (HD) have abnormalities of calcium-phosphate (CaP) homeostasis and high CaP product contributes to atherosclerosis pathogenesis and adverse events. Patients on HD with critical limb ischemia (CLI) are at risk for major amputation and death because of advanced systemic atherosclerotic disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between CaP product and amputation-free survival (AFS) in CLI after endovascular treatment (EVT). We retrospectively analyzed 221 CLI patients on HD. In Kaplan–Meier analysis, AFS was significantly lower in patients with CaP product ⩾55 mg2/dL2 compared to those with CaP product <55 mg2/dL2 (54.3% vs 78.5%, p = 0.002). However, neither serum phosphate nor calcium levels were individually associated with AFS. In multivariate analysis, CaP product ⩾55 mg2/dL2 was an independent predictor for AFS in CLI patients on HD (hazard ratio, 3.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.78–5.15; p-value <0.001). We concluded abnormal CaP homeostasis was associated with lower AFS after EVT in CLI patients on HD, and can serve for their risk stratification.
Why do diets fail? An exploration of dieters’ experiences using thematic analysis
Authors: Buchanan Kiera , Sheffield Jeanie
Published: December 2015

Previous research has drawn on theoretical models and clinical observations to develop propositions regarding the mechanisms of diet failure, with only one study examining it directly from the perspective of dieters themselves. Furthermore, research to date has failed to provide an empirically validated, multi-factorial model of diet failure, despite the issue being recognised as a complex and multifaceted one. This study extended on previous research by examining themes of diet failure from the perspective of dieters ( n = 22) and health professionals in the field ( n = 5).
Emerging communication technology research: Theoretical and methodological variables in the last 16 years and future directions
Authors: Borah Porismita
Published: December 2015

It is beneficial to reflect on the research literature of emerging communication technology and what has been studied so far, given the rapid growth of this area of research. This study conducted a content analysis of the published literature related to emerging communication technology over a period of 16 years from 1998 to 2013. An exhaustive sample was gathered using two methods of sampling: all Institute for Scientific Information (ISI)-listed communication journals and key word searches. The study examined the common patterns in theoretical, methodological, and technological variables. The primary findings reveal a lack of theory, fuzziness in the conceptualization of the research, growth in empirical research methods, frequent use of nonprobability sampling methods, and growth in studies on blogs, social networking sites (SNS), and mobile technology. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Social enterprise development and renewable energy dissemination in Africa: The experience of the community charging station model in Sierra Leone
Authors: Munro Paul , van der Horst Greg , Willans Simon , Kemeny Preston , Christiansen Ame , Schiavone Nicole
Published: December 2015

In many parts of Africa, the spread of grid electrical networks into rural areas has remained a pernicious challenge. There has been a persistent bias towards expanding electricity access to urban centres, perhaps understandably as they are the main drivers of national economic growth. In contrast, the expansion of grid electricity networks into rural areas is largely seen as being financially unviable and thus is unlikely to be achieved in the foreseeable future. Using the example of energy kiosks in Sierra Leone, this paper examines the potential commercial and policy implications of a social enterprise approach to address this impasse. Specifically, the success of the community charging station model of one non-governmental organization, Energy For Opportunity, is evaluated in the context of ongoing commercial viability, the overcoming of financial and technological barriers, and the lack of for-profit entities in the market. This case study demonstrates how an innovative blending of non-profit and for-profit models of development interventions can provide effective institutional arrangements to realize solar electrification in rural Africa.
Shifting meanings of gender equality in development: Perspectives from Norway and Ethiopia
Authors: Østebø Marit Tolo , Haukanes Haldis
Published: December 2015

This paper explores how differently situated actors in Norway and Ethiopia relate to global gender and development policies and interpret the concept gender equality. We show that a universalizing gender language influenced by both United Nations policies and the World Bank’s gender discourse have made strong imprints on how gender equality is conceptualized at policy and grassroots levels in Ethiopia and in Norwegian gender and aid policies. However, diverging meanings of gender equality also emerged in our research, showing how an apparently dominant terminology may be transformed by actors whose conceptualizations are contextually embedded, selective and strategic.
Microcredit in South Asia: Privileging women’s perceptions and voices
Authors: Khan Shahrukh Rafi , Khan Shaheen Rafi
Published: December 2015

This paper reviews feminist critiques, both on conceptual and empirical grounds, of the contention that microcredit empowers women. It also reviews other critiques of microcredit as being pushed by a neo-liberal agenda to extend the domain of the market or as a development panacea while not really representing authentic development. It makes a case for privileging women’s perception and voice and adds to the literature that does this using a case study from Pakistan.
Book Review: Murray Li, Tania. 2014: Land’s End: Capitalist Relations on an Indigenous Frontier
Authors: Hofferberth Elena
Published: December 2015

Murray Li, Tania. 2014: Land’s End: Capitalist Relations on an Indigenous Frontier. Durham and London: Duke University Press. 225 pp. £55.00 (cloth), £15.99 (paper). ISBN 978-0-8223-5694-3 (library cloth edition), 978-0-8223-5705-6 (paper).
Book Review: Grugel, Jean and Bishop, Matthew L. 2014: Democratization: A Critical Introduction
Authors: Martin-Johnson Suzette
Published: December 2015

Grugel, Jean and Bishop, Matthew L. 2014: Democratization: A Critical Introduction (2nd edition). London and New York: Palgrave Macmillan. 400 pp. £27.99 paperback. ISBN 978 0 230 22057 7.
Book Review: Gideon, Jasmine. 2014: Gender, Globalization and Health in a Latin American Context
Authors: Philip Shannon
Published: December 2015

Gideon, Jasmine. 2014: Gender, Globalization and Health in a Latin American Context. Studies of the Americas Series. Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. 292 pp. £62.50 hardcover. ISBN: 9780230103559.
Learning from Others: An autoethnographic exploration of children and families social work, poverty and the capability approach
Authors: Gupta Anna
Published: December 2015

In this article an autoethnographic approach is used to explore the author’s work with families living in poverty who are involved in the child protection and family court systems. The psychological and social impacts of poverty and structural inequalities on families are highlighted through case studies, as is the influence of wider policy and political contexts on social work practice with children and families. The capability approach developed by Amartya Sen is outlined and its relevance to social work practice discussed. The article concludes that the capability approach, particularly when complemented by the work of Nancy Fraser, offers possibilities for the development of critical social work practice with families living in poverty within a human rights and social justice framework.
Outsiders and learners: Negotiating meaning in comparative European social work research practice
Authors: Frost Elizabeth , Höjer Staffan , Campanini Annamaria , Sicora Alessandro , Kullberg Karin
Published: December 2015

This paper draws on two experiences of undertaking comparative research in England, Sweden and Italy, and offers a discussion of the kinds of dilemmas raised in relation to language and meaning surfaced by these. Its primary focus is to examine the reflexive construction of meaning, both in relation generally to the workings of an international research team and, more specifically, how such construction of meaning impacts on the process of qualitative interviewing across linguistic and cultural boundaries. The article argues that a culture of reflexive research practice is helpful for approaching national differences, to facilitate understanding in internationally mixed research teams and to support and empower participants in research, in second languages and differing cultures. Overall, the paper attempts to advance some tentative ideas that other international researchers may be able to consider and deploy in relation to their own research ambitions.
The State of Interventions for Sibling Conflict and Aggression: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tucker Corinna Jenkins , Finkelhor David
Published: December 2015

Sibling conflict and aggression is often a pervasive part of family life that parents want help managing and can have negative effects on children’s well-being. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate current research regarding programs to reduce sibling conflict and aggression and promote positive sibling relationships. Online databases, reference lists, and Google Scholar were searched using key words and inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied. The search located five unique studies of programs focused on school-aged children. Heterogeneity of the studies precluded meta-analysis, but characteristics of the studies were systematically described. Three interventions were aimed at directly improving children’s social skills and two interventions trained parents on mediation techniques to use during sibling conflicts. Overall, of the four studies that included assessment of children’s social skills, the results were positive. Two of the three studies that evaluated sibling relationship quality demonstrated improved sibling interactions compared with the control group. With further research and evidentiary support, these programs have promise to modify sibling behaviors as part of current parenting education programs or as a stand-alone program to address sibling conflict and aggression.
Finding the Hidden Participant
Authors: Ellard-Gray Amy , Jeffrey Nicole K. , Choubak Melisa , Crann Sara E.
Published: December 2015

Certain social groups are often difficult for researchers to access because of their social or physical location, vulnerability, or otherwise hidden nature. This unique review article based on both the small body of relevant literature and our own experiences as researchers is meant as a guide for those seeking to include hard-to-reach, hidden, and vulnerable populations in research. We make recommendations for research process starting from early stages of study design to dissemination of study results. Topics covered include participant mistrust of the research process; social, psychological, and physical risks to participation; participant resource constraints; and challenges inherent in nonprobability sampling, snowball sampling, and derived rapport. This article offers broadly accessible solutions for qualitative researchers across social science disciplines attempting to research a variety of different populations.
Optimal design for fractional-order active isolation system
Authors: You Hao , Shen Yongjun , Yang Shaopu
Published: December 2015

The optimal control of fractional-order active isolation system is researched based on the optimal control theory, and the effect of fractional-order derivative on passive isolation system is also analyzed. The mechanical model is established where viscoelastic features of isolation materials are described by fractional-order derivative. The viscoelastic property of the fractional-order derivative in dynamical system is studied and the fractional-order derivative could be divided into linear stiffness and linear damping. It is found that both the fractional coefficient and the fractional order could affect not only the resonance amplitude through the equivalent linear damping coefficient but also the resonance frequency by the equivalent linear stiffness. Based on optimal control theory, the feedback gain of fractional-order active isolation system under harmonic excitation is obtained, which is changed with the excitation frequency. The statistical responses of the displacement and velocity for passive and active vibration isolation systems subjected to random excitation are also presented, which further verifies the excellent performance of fractional-order derivative in vibration control engineering.
Comparative safety and efficacy of vasopressors for mortality in septic shock: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Nagendran Myura , Maruthappu Mahiben , Gordon Anthony C , Gurusamy Kurinchi S
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition requiring vasopressor agents to support the circulatory system. Several agents exist with choice typically guided by the specific clinical scenario. We used a network meta-analysis approach to rate the comparative efficacy and safety of vasopressors for mortality and arrhythmia incidence in septic shock patients.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive electronic database search including Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded and the Cochrane database. Randomised trials investigating vasopressor agents in septic shock patients and specifically assessing 28-day mortality or arrhythmia incidence were included. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods.

Results

Thirteen trials of low to moderate risk of bias in which 3146 patients were randomised were included. There was no pairwise evidence to suggest one agent was superior over another for mortality. In the network meta-analysis, vasopressin was significantly superior to dopamine (OR 0.68 (95% CI 0.5 to 0.94)) for mortality. For arrhythmia incidence, standard pairwise meta-analyses confirmed that dopamine led to a higher incidence of arrhythmias than norepinephrine (OR 2.69 (95% CI 2.08 to 3.47)). In the network meta-analysis, there was no evidence of superiority of one agent over another.

Conclusions

In this network meta-analysis, vasopressin was superior to dopamine for 28-day mortality in septic shock. Existing pairwise information supports the use of norepinephrine over dopamine. Our findings suggest that dopamine should be avoided in patients with septic shock and that other vasopressor agents should continue to be based on existing guidelines and clinical judgement of the specific presentation of the patient.
Edoxaban in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Eisen Alon , Ruff Christian T.
Published: December 2015

Edoxaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor, was extensively studied in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism and in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this review is to focus specifically on the efficacy and safety profile of edoxaban in patients with AF from preclinical development through the phase III trial that led to regulatory approval.
The Effects of Other Customers’ Dress Style on Customers’ Approach Behaviors
Authors: Choi Choongbeom , Mattila Anna S.
Published: December 2015

Most hospitality services are delivered in the same location in which they are produced, and, thus, their delivery involves the presence of other customers. Yet, the role of other customers’ physical appearances in influencing service encounter evaluations has received scant attention. Moreover, previous research shows that consumers with a low sense of power are motivated to seek status by engaging in conspicuous consumption. The current study examines the joint impact of other customers’ dress styles and the observer’s sense of power in influencing customers’ approach behaviors (e.g., willingness to stay longer in a restaurant, interact with other customers). The results from our experiment show that customers’ approach behaviors among observers with a low sense of power were significantly higher when other customers’ dress styles were formal rather than informal. Conversely, the effect of other customers’ dress styles was minimal among observers with a high sense of power. Results from this study indicate that approach behaviors mediate the impact of other customers’ dress styles on word-of-mouth intentions among customers with a low sense of power. The findings of this study help hospitality operators use dress codes to their advantage.
A narrative review of the evaluation and selection of instruments which assess self-efficacy amongst patients with essential hypertension
Authors: Lua Adela Yi Hui , Hong Liyue , Bong Shirley Huey Shin , Yeo Jocelyn Ling Sui , Tsang Marianne Li Ping , Ong Kai Zhi , Wong Samantha Sook Wai , Tan Ngiap Chuan
Published: December 2015

Hypertension is a chronic disease that is mostly managed by the patients themselves inbetween consultation with their physicians. Self-efficacy, which is an individual’s belief in their capabilities to produce given attainments, is a desirable quality to enable the person to take charge of their health and any long-term illness. Assessment of self-efficacy is thus pivotal in developing a holistic patient-centric care plan to optimize their disease control. For hypertension, self-efficacy is associated with better self-care and outcomes of the disease.

This literature review aims to identify self-efficacy assessment instruments, evaluate their origin, quality and development, compare their strengths and limitations, and applicability in specific target population.

Searches performed using PubMed, Scopus and The Cochrane Library eventually yielded 34 relevant articles and 12 instruments. All instruments were validated in specific populations. Two instruments were specific to hypertension, two instruments measured multiple domains of self-management, while medication adherence was the most common single domain assessed. To select an appropriate instrument, one should take into consideration the clinical context and study design. An algorithm is proposed to facilitate the selection of instrument that is best suited for the specific purpose.
The GLP-1 agonist, liraglutide, as a pharmacotherapy for obesity
Authors: Crane James , McGowan Barbara
Published: December 2015

There is a global obesity epidemic that will continue to be a financial burden on healthcare systems around the world. Tackling obesity through diet and exercise should always be the first intervention, but this has not proved to be effective for a large number of patients. Pharmacotherapeutic options have been limited and many previously available drugs have been withdrawn due to safety concerns. Currently, only bariatric surgery has the capability to induce both substantial and durable weight loss. This article briefly reviews the history of pharmacotherapy for obesity before focusing on the clinical trial evidence for the use of the GLP-1 agonist liraglutide as a weight loss agent and comparing its efficacy with other emerging drug therapies for obesity.
The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Quality Improvement Initiative: developing performance measures
Authors: Rutter Matthew D. , Senore Carlo , Bisschops Raf , Domagk Dirk , Valori Roland , Kaminski Michal F. , Spada Cristiano , Bretthauer Michael , Bennett Cathy , Bellisario Cristina , Minozzi Silvia , Hassan Cesare , Rees Colin , Dinis‐Ribeiro Mário , Hucl Tomas , Ponchon Thierry , Aabakken Lars , Fockens Paul
Published: December 2015

The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and United European Gastroenterology (UEG) have a vision to create a thriving community of endoscopy services across Europe, collaborating with each other to provide high quality, safe, accurate, patient‐centered and accessible endoscopic care. Whilst the boundaries of what can be achieved by advanced endoscopy are continually expanding, we believe that one of the most fundamental steps to achieving our goal is to raise the quality of everyday endoscopy. The development of robust, consensus‐ and evidence‐based key performance measures is the first step in this vision. ESGE and UEG have identified quality of endoscopy as a major priority. This paper explains the rationale behind the ESGE Quality Improvement Initiative and describes the processes that were followed. We recommend that all units develop mechanisms for audit and feedback of endoscopist and service performance using the ESGE performance measures that will be published in future issues of this journal over the next year. We urge all endoscopists and endoscopy services to prioritize quality and to ensure that these performance measures are implemented and monitored at a local level, so that we can provide the highest possible care for our patients.
The case of the disappearing bias: A 2014 update to the “Gerrymandering or Geography” debate
Authors: Goedert Nicholas
Published: December 2015

This note observes that the pro-Republican bias in the relationship between seats and votes that characterized the 2012 US congressional elections largely disappeared in the 2014 elections, where Republicans won a six-point victory in the national popular vote but only a handful of additional seats. Replicating analysis from an earlier article on the 2012 elections, I find that the source of the decline in bias supports two theories about the effects of gerrymandering and geography on the US Congress. First, bias declined most sharply in states where maps were drawn by Republicans, suggesting that these maps were drawn specifically to maximize seats during a tied national election environment. And second, pro-Republican bias present in bipartisan maps almost entirely disappears, as does the previously observed effect of urbanization on bias, further supporting existing theories about the asymmetric geographic dispersion of partisans.
A Primer on Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting and Marginal Structural Models
Authors: Thoemmes Felix , Ong Anthony D.
Published: December 2015

Emerging adulthood researchers are often interested in the effects of developmental tasks. The majority of transitions that occur during the period of early/emerging adulthood are not randomized; therefore, their effects on developmental trajectories are subject to potential bias due to confounding. Traditionally, confounding has been addressed using regression adjustment; however, there are viable alternatives, such as propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting. Propensity scores are probabilities of selecting treatment given values on observed covariates. Inverse probability of treatment weights are also based on estimated probabilities of treatment selection and can be used to create so-called pseudo-populations in which confounders and treatment are unrelated to each other. In longitudinal models, such weighting can occur at multiple time points. This article provides a primer on these weighting methods and illustrates their application to studies of emerging adulthood. We provide annotated computer code for both SPSS and R, for both binary and continuous treatments.
Plasma L5 levels are elevated in ischemic stroke patients and enhance platelet aggregation
Authors: Shen Ming-Yi , Chen Fang-Yu , Hsu Jing-Fang , Fu Ru-Huei , Chang Chia-Ming , Chang Chiz-Tzung , Liu Chung-Hsiang , Wu Jia-Rong , Lee An-Sheng , Chan Hua-Chen , Sheu Joen-Rong , Lin Shinn-Zong , Shyu Woei-Cherng , Sawamura Tatsuya , Chang Kuan-Cheng , Hsu Chung Y. , Chen Chu-Huang
Published: December 2015

Key Points

L5 is elevated in ischemic stroke patients, and its receptor, LOX-1, plays a critical role in increasing stroke size. L5 induces platelet secretion of Aβ to potentiate platelet activation and aggregation via LOX-1 and IKK2.
Incidence of airflow limitation in subjects 65–100 years of age
Authors: Luoto Johannes A. , Elmståhl Sölve , Wollmer Per , Pihlsgård Mats
Published: December 2015

The true incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is largely unknown, because the few longitudinal studies performed have used diagnostic criteria no longer recommended by either the European Respiratory Society or the American Thoracic Society (ATS).

We studied the incidence and significance of airflow limitation in a population-based geriatric sample using both an age-dependent predicted lower limit of normal (LLN) value and a fixed-ratio spirometric criterion.

Out of 2025 subjects with acceptable spirometry at baseline, 984 subjects aged 65–100 years completed a 6-year follow-up visit. Smoking habits were registered at baseline. Exclusion criteria were non-acceptable spirometry performance according to ATS criteria and inability to communicate. Airflow limitation was defined both according to forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity ratio <0.7 and <LLN.

The incidence of airflow limitation per 1000 person-years was 28.2 using a fixed ratio and 11.7 with LLN, corresponding to a 1.41-fold higher incidence rate using a fixed ratio. The incidence increased dramatically with age when using a fixed ratio, but less so when using LLN. In addition, a sex effect was observed with the LLN criterion. LLN airflow limitation was associated with increased 5-year mortality. Presence of fixed-ratio airflow limitation in individuals classified by LLN as non-obstructive was not associated with increased mortality.
Pharmacists' interventions on clinical asthma outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Garcia-Cardenas Victoria , Armour Carol , Benrimoj Shalom I. , Martinez-Martinez Fernando , Rotta Inajara , Fernandez-Llimos Fernando
Published: December 2015

The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of pharmacists' interventions on clinical asthma outcomes on adult patients and to identify the outcome indicators used.

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Scielo were searched. Studies addressing pharmacists' interventions on adult asthma patients reporting clinical asthma outcomes were incorporated.

11 clinical outcomes were identified in 21 studies. 10 studies measured the impact of the intervention on asthma control. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) and non-RCTs found positive results in percentages of controlled patients and Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) scores. Discordant results were found for Asthma Control Test results. Asthma severity was assessed in four studies. One RCT found a significant decrease in the percentage of severe patients; two non-RCTs found significant improvements in severity scores. 11 studies reported pulmonary function indicators, showing inconsistent results. Eight studies measured asthma symptoms; three RCTs and four non-RCTs showed significant improvements.

RCTs and non-RCTs generated similar results for most outcomes. Based on the evidence generated by RCTs, pharmacists' have a positive impact on the percentage of controlled patients, ACQ scores, severity and symptoms. Future research should report using the core outcome set of indicators established for asthma (PROSPERO CRD42014007019).
Transcriptome profiling of bovine inner cell mass and trophectoderm derived from in vivo generated blastocysts
Authors: Hosseini S. M. , Dufort I. , Caballero J. , Moulavi F. , Ghanaei H. R. , Sirard M. A.
Published: December 2015

Background

This study describes the generation and analysis of the transcriptional profile of bovine inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE), obtained from in vivo developed embryos by using a bovine-embryo specific array (EmbryoGENE) containing 37,238 probes.

Results

A total of 4,689 probes were differentially expressed between ICM and TE, among these, 2,380 and 2,309 probes were upregulated in ICM and TE tissues, respectively (P ≤ 0.01, FC ≥ 2.0, FDR: 2.0). Ontological classification of the genes predominantly expressed in ICM emerged a range of functional categories with a preponderance of genes involved in basal and developmental signaling pathways including P53, TGFβ, IL8, mTOR, integrin, ILK, and ELF2 signalings. Cross-referencing of microarray data with two available in vitro studies indicated a marked reduction in ICM vs. TE transcriptional difference following in vitro culture of bovine embryos. Moreover, a great majority of genes that were found to be misregulated following in vitro culture of bovine embryos were known genes involved in epigenetic regulation of pluripotency and cell differentiation including DNMT1, GADD45, CARM1, ELF5 HDAC8, CCNB1, KDM6A, PRDM9, CDX2, ARID3A, IL6, GADD45A, FGFR2, PPP2R2B, and SMARCA2. Cross-species referencing of microarray data revealed substantial divergence between bovine and mouse and human in signaling pathways involved in early lineage specification.

Conclusions

The transcriptional changes occur during ICM and TE lineages specification in bovine is greater than previously understood. Therefore, this array data establishes a standard to evaluate the in vitro imprint on the transcriptome and to hypothesize the cross-species differences that allow in vitro acquisition of pluripotent ICM in human and mice but hinder that process in bovine.
A reference relative time-scale as an alternative to chronological age for cohorts with long follow-up
Authors: Hurley Margaret Anne
Published: December 2015

Background

Epidemiologists have debated the appropriate time-scale for cohort survival studies; chronological age or time-on-study being two such time-scales. Importantly, assessment of risk factors may depend on the choice of time-scale. Recently, chronological or attained age has gained support but a case can be made for a ‘reference relative time-scale’ as an alternative which circumvents difficulties that arise with this and other scales. The reference relative time of an individual participant is the integral of a reference population hazard function between time of entry and time of exit of the individual. The objective here is to describe the reference relative time-scale, illustrate its use, make comparison with attained age by simulation and explain its relationship to modern and traditional epidemiologic methods.

Results

A comparison was made between two models; a stratified Cox model with age as the time-scale versus an un-stratified Cox model using the reference relative time-scale. The illustrative comparison used a UK cohort of cotton workers, with differing ages at entry to the study, with accrual over a time period and with long follow-up. Additionally, exponential and Weibull models were fitted since the reference relative time-scale analysis need not be restricted to the Cox model. A simulation study showed that analysis using the reference relative time-scale and analysis using chronological age had very similar power to detect a significant risk factor and both were equally unbiased. Further, the analysis using the reference relative time-scale supported fully-parametric survival modelling and allowed percentile predictions and mortality curves to be constructed.

Conclusions

The reference relative time-scale was a viable alternative to chronological age, led to simplification of the modelling process and possessed the defined features of a good time-scale as defined in reliability theory. The reference relative time-scale has several interpretations and provides a unifying concept that links contemporary approaches in survival and reliability analysis to the traditional epidemiologic methods of Poisson regression and standardised mortality ratios. The community of practitioners has not previously made this connection.
Plasma levels of microRNA are altered with the development of shock in human sepsis: an observational study
Authors: Goodwin Andrew J. , Guo Changrun , Cook James A. , Wolf Bethany , Halushka Perry V. , Fan Hongkuan
Published: December 2015

Background

Endothelial dysfunction plays a critical role in the development of sepsis-related organ failure; however, the mechanisms that govern its development are not fully understood. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) reduce vascular leak and organ failure in experimental sepsis while modulating plasma expression of microRNA (miRNA). MicroRNAs are small, noncoding segments of RNA that regulate gene expression and are known to modulate endothelial cell function and inflammatory signaling pathways. We hypothesized that miRNA may play an etiologic role in the endothelial dysfunction of sepsis and that their extracellular expression levels would be altered in those with shock.

Methods

Thirteen miRNAs were identified by literature search and analysis of the contents of human EPC-derived exosomes using real-time PCR. Plasma samples were obtained from patients within 24 hours of their admission to ICUs with severe sepsis (n = 62) and from healthy controls (n = 32) and real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of the candidate miRNAs. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare expression levels of the 13 candidate miRNAs in septic patients with (n = 29) and without (n = 33) shock while logistic regression was used to determine the area under the curve for associations between miRNA expression and shock. Bioinformatic analyses using miRNA databases were performed to identify pathways and gene targets of differentially expressed miRNA with potential relevance to sepsis-related shock.

Results

MiRNA-34a expression was significantly increased in the group who developed shock (p = 0.03) while miR-15a and miR-27a expressions were significantly decreased in this group (p = 0.006 and 0.03, respectively). The combined expression of these three miRNAs predicted shock with an area under the curve of 0.78 (95 % CI 0.66–0.90). In silico analyses predict that these three miRNAs regulate genes involved in endothelial cell cycle, apoptosis, VEGF signaling, LPS-stimulated MAPK signaling, and nuclear factor kappa B signaling.

Conclusions

The plasma levels of miRNA are altered in patients with severe sepsis complicated by shock and may offer prognostic value as well as insights into the mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in sepsis.
“Mouse Clone Model” for evaluating the immunogenicity and tumorigenicity of pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Zhang Gang , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2015

To investigate the immune-rejection and tumor-formation potentials of induced pluripotent stem cells and other stem cells, we devised a model—designated the “Mouse Clone Model”—which combined the theory of somatic animal cloning, tetraploid complementation, and induced pluripotent stem cells to demonstrate the applicability of stem cells for transplantation therapy.
Damage function for historic paper. Part III: Isochrones and demography of collections
Authors: Strlič Matija , Grossi Carlota M. , Dillon Catherine , Bell Nancy , Fouseki Kalliopi , Brimblecombe Peter , Menart Eva , Ntanos Kostas , Lindsay William , Thickett David , France Fenella , De Bruin Gerrit
Published: December 2015

Background

In the context of evidence-based management of historic collections, a damage function combines aspects of material degradation, use, and consideration of material attributes that are important for satisfactory extraction of benefits from user interaction with heritage. In libraries and archives, it has been shown that users (readers and visitors) are mainly concerned with loss of textual information, which could lead to degradation being described as unacceptable, at which an object might become unfit for use and therefore damaged. The contribution explores the development of the damage function for historic paper based on data available in the literature.

Results

We have modelled the dose–response function taking into account 121 paper degradation experiments with known T, RH of the environment, and pH of paper. The function is based on the Arrhenius equation and published water absorption isotherm functions for paper. New isoperm plots have been calculated and isochrones have been developed. These are plots linking points of equal expected ‘lifetime’, i.e. time until an object is expected to reach the state of threshold fitness-for-use. We also modelled demographic curves for a well-characterised research collection of historic papers, exploring the loss of fitness for use with time.

Conclusions

The new tools enable us to evaluate scenarios of management of the storage environment as well as levels of access, for different types of library and archival paper. In addition, the costs and benefits of conservation interventions can be evaluated. The limitations of the function are the context of use (dark storage and reading), exclusive focus on the properties of an average paper type, and de-prioritised effect of pollutants; however, the latter can be considered separately. This work also demonstrates that transparent and publically accountable collection management decisions can be informed, and challenged by, effective interaction with a variety of stakeholders including the lay public.
Multimodal imaging biomarkers in premanifest and early Huntington's disease: 30-month IMAGE-HD data
Authors: Domínguez Juan F. , Stout Julie C. , Poudel Govinda , Churchyard Andrew , Chua Phyllis , Egan Gary F. , Georgiou-Karistianis Nellie
Published: December 2015

Background

The discovery of potential disease-modifying therapies in a neurodegenerative condition like Huntington's disease depends on the availability of sensitive biomarkers that reflect decline across disease stages and that are functionally and clinically relevant.

Aims

To quantify macrostructural and microstructural changes in participants with premanifest and symptomatic Huntington's disease over 30 months, and to establish their functional and clinical relevance.

Method

Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging study measuring changes in macrostructural (volume) and microstructural (diffusivity) measures in 40 patients with premanifest Huntington's disease, 36 patients with symptomatic Huntington's disease and 36 healthy control participants over three testing sessions spanning 30 months.

Results

Relative to controls, there was greater longitudinal atrophy in participants with symptomatic Huntington's disease in whole brain, grey matter, caudate and putamen, as well as increased caudate fractional anisotropy; caudate volume loss was the only measure to differ between premanifest Huntington's disease and control groups. Changes in caudate volume and fractional anisotropy correlated with each other and neurocognitive decline; caudate volume loss also correlated with clinical and disease severity.

Conclusions

Caudate neurodegeneration, especially atrophy, may be the most suitable candidate surrogate biomarker for consideration in the development of upcoming clinical trials.
Ekphrasis and Gender in Anne Finch's Longleat Poems
Authors: Tallon Laura
Published: December 2015

This essay seeks to expand our understanding of ekphrasis and its dynamics by analyzing the poetry of Anne Finch. In the standard model constructed by critics from the eighteenth century to the present, ekphrasis represents a contest between poetry and visual art that applies a gendered hierarchy to the arts: poetry is masculinized and painting feminized; a masculine speaker describes a feminine object. Founded exclusively on the work of male poets, this account has not yet considered how eighteenth-century female poets contributed to this tradition. Through her ekphrastic practice, this essay argues, Finch rejects the aesthetic binary that relegates women to the position of objects rather than speakers, censures those who would deny women's participation in the arts, and proves that women can claim both verbal authority and visual power.
Phosphotyrosyl phosphatase activator facilitates Miranda localization through dephosphorylation in dividing neuroblasts
Authors: Zhang Fan , Huang Zhen-Xing , Bao Hongcun , Cong Fei , Wang Huashan , Chai Phing Chian , Xi Yongmei , Ge Wanzhong , Somers W. Gregory , Yang Ying , Cai Yu , Yang Xiaohang
Published: December 2015

The mechanism for the basal targeting of the Miranda (Mira) complex during the asymmetric division of Drosophila neuroblasts (NBs) is yet to be fully understood. We have identified conserved Phosphotyrosyl Phosphatase Activator (PTPA) as a novel mediator for the basal localization of the Mira complex in larval brain NBs. In ptpa NBs, Mira remains cytoplasmic during early mitosis where its basal localization is delayed until anaphase. Detailed analyses indicate that PTPA acts independently of, and prior to, aPKC activity to localize Mira. Mechanistically, our data show that the phosphorylation status of the Thr591 (T591) residue determines the subcellular localization of Mira and that PTPA facilitates the dephosphorylation of T591. Furthermore, PTPA associates with the Protein Phosphatase 4 complex to mediate Mira localization. Based on these results, a two-step process for Mira basal localization during NB division is revealed where PTPA/PP4-mediated cortical association followed by apical aPKC-mediated basal restriction.
Innate immune responses to gut microbiota differ between oceanic and freshwater threespine stickleback populations
Authors: Milligan-McClellan Kathryn , Small Clayton M. , Mittge Erika K. , Agarwal Meghna , Currey Mark , Cresko William A. , Guillemin Karen
Published: December 2015

Animal hosts must co-exist with beneficial microbes while simultaneously being able to mount rapid, non-specific, innate immune responses to pathogenic microbes. How this balance is achieved is not fully understood, and disruption of this relationship can lead to disease. Excessive inflammatory responses to resident microbes are characteristic of certain gastrointestinal pathologies such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The immune dysregulation of IBD has complex genetic underpinnings that cannot be fully recapitulated with single-gene-knockout models. A deeper understanding of the genetic regulation of innate immune responses to resident microbes requires the ability to measure immune responses in the presence and absence of the microbiota using vertebrate models with complex genetic variation. Here, we describe a new gnotobiotic vertebrate model to explore the natural genetic variation that contributes to differences in innate immune responses to microbiota. Threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus, has been used to study the developmental genetics of complex traits during the repeated evolution from ancestral oceanic to derived freshwater forms. We established methods to rear germ-free stickleback larvae and gnotobiotic animals monoassociated with single bacterial isolates. We characterized the innate immune response of these fish to resident gut microbes by quantifying the neutrophil cells in conventionally reared monoassociated or germ-free stickleback from both oceanic and freshwater populations grown in a common intermediate salinity environment. We found that oceanic and freshwater fish in the wild and in the laboratory share many intestinal microbial community members. However, oceanic fish mount a strong immune response to residential microbiota, whereas freshwater fish frequently do not. A strong innate immune response was uniformly observed across oceanic families, but this response varied among families of freshwater fish. The gnotobiotic stickleback model that we have developed therefore provides a platform for future studies mapping the natural genetic basis of the variation in immune response to microbes.