bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Investigation of Diabetes Knowledge Levels Between Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Galway, Ireland and New York, USA
Authors: Mahon Andrea M. , Moore Garrett D. , Gazes Michael I. , Chusid Eileen , MacGilchrist Claire
Published: March 2016

Management of diabetes mellitus (DM) involves podiatrists as the primary practitioners engaged in prevention and treatment of lower limb pathology. Patients must first possess adequate knowledge to engage in effective self-management. A knowledge assessment of a DM cohort has never before been conducted in Ireland. The primary research objective was to determine the existence of gaps in specific areas of DM-related knowledge between type 2 DM (T2DM) patients in Galway (GW) and New York (NY). A cross-sectional study compared DM-related knowledge levels between 2 cohorts over a 10-week period. Participants were recently (<3 years) diagnosed with T2DM, were based in general podiatry clinics in GW or NY and had no current or previous diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) or other DM-related foot pathology. Participants were recruited by convenience sampling. A purpose-designed 28-item closed questionnaire was completed by both cohorts to assess knowledge differences. Fifty-two subjects were recruited (GW, n = 32; NY, n = 20). The mean age was 61 ± 10 years; 56% were male. Significant differences were found between cohorts relating to individual questions; specifically regarding knowledge of glycemic control ( P = .002) and frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose ( P = .003). Inappropriate foot care practices across both cohorts were highlighted. No significant intercohort differences in particular survey sections were identified. The scores in the systemic and podiatric sections of the questionnaire highlight patterns of common health misconceptions and some highly inappropriate foot care practices respectively across the entire sample. In particular, the dearth of patient awareness regarding uncontrolled blood glucose and its relationship to DFU development, amputation, and associated morbidity is shown to be an area of concern; this must be addressed a priori.
Financial Conflicts of Interest, Disclosure, and Academic Discipline
Authors: Bruton Samuel V. , Sacco Donald F. , Didlake Ralph
Published: March 2016

Peer assessments of researchers’ financial conflicts of interest (FCOIs) are crucial to effective FCOI management. We sought to determine how academics perceive FCOI disclosure and whether their perceptions vary depending on discipline and educational backgrounds. Participants (faculty and staff members from a multi-disciplinary academic medical center) responded to a questionnaire involving 10 hypothetical scenarios in which researchers either disclosed or failed to disclose a financial conflict (between-participants manipulation). Participants viewed disclosure as important and believed that researchers’ objectivity would be affected by undisclosed FCOIs. In contrast to non-physicians, physicians showed greater recognition that the existence of an FCOI does not depend on its disclosure. This suggests that physicians are relatively well informed about FCOIs, which is likely attributable to more education about them.
Study on the ride comfort of vehicles driven by in-wheel motors
Authors: Jin Liqiang , Yu Yajing , Fu Yue
Published: March 2016

Vehicles driven by in-wheel motors have received more and more attention. However, due to the introduction of in-wheel motors, the ratio between unsprung and sprung mass is increased. In this article, to study the influence of this change on ride comfort of vehicles driven by in-wheel motors, an 11 degrees of freedom of vehicle ride comfort model will be presented and studied with MATLAB/Simulink. Then, road tests will be conducted to corroborate the simulation results. It can be obtained that the vehicle ride comfort becomes poor with the increasing unsprung mass. Finally, semi-active air-suspension proportional–integral–derivative control system will be proposed to improve the vehicle ride comfort. Through the simulation results, one can come to a conclusion that the proportional–integral–derivative control system for air suspension is feasible and effective to improve the ride comfort of the vehicles driven by in-wheel motors.
Deletion of fabN in Enterococcus faecalis results in unsaturated fatty acid auxotrophy and decreased release of inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Diederich Ann-Kristin , Duda Katarzyna A , Romero-Saavedra Felipe , Engel Regina , Holst Otto , Huebner Johannes
Published: March 2016

The Gram-positive bacterium Enterococcus faecalis can cause life-threatening infections and is resistant to several commonly used antibiotics. The type II fatty acid pathway in bacteria is discussed as a potential target for antimicrobial therapy. However, it was shown that inhibition or deletion of its enzymes can be rescued in Gram-positive bacteria by supplementation with fatty acids. Here we show that by deletion of the fabN gene, which is essential for unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) synthesis in E. faecalis, growth is impaired but can be rescued by supplementation with oleic acid or human serum. Nonetheless, we demonstrate alterations of the UFA profile after supplementation with oleic acid in the Δ fabN mutant using a specific glycolipid. In addition, we demonstrate that cytokine release in vitro is almost abolished after stimulation of mouse macrophages by the mutant in comparison to the wild type. The results indicate that fabN is not a suitable target for antimicrobials as UFA auxotrophy can be overcome. However, deletion of fabN resulted in a decreased inflammatory response indicating that fabN and resulting UFA synthesis are relevant for virulence.
Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum in the management of Peyronie’s disease: a review of the evidence
Authors: Traore Elizabeth J. , Wang William , Yafi Faysal A. , Hellstrom Wayne J. G.
Published: March 2016

Objectives:

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder resulting in the abnormal accumulation of scar or plaques in the tunica albuginea of the penis. The condition is characterized by two phases: an active, inflammatory phase, and a stable, chronic phase. Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) was isolated in the mid-1900s and postulated as a potential pharmacologic strategy for breaking down the abnormal connective tissue plaques of PD. Prior to the introduction of CCH, a wide variety of treatment modalities for PD were used in clinical practice, including oral and topical medications, intralesional injections, electromotive drug administration, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, traction, and invasive surgery, all with variable results. This review aims to examine the known data surrounding the use of intralesional CCH injections in the treatment of PD.

Methods:

CCH is a recently US Food and Drug Administration approved pharmacologic treatment for PD. Clinical trials using intralesional CCH injection therapy for the treatment of PD were reviewed for clinical safety and efficacy of treatment.

Results:

Studies demonstrated that CCH treatment administered in multiple cycles led to significant benefit in both the psychological and physical aspects of PD. The strongest evidence for CCH’s effectiveness was revealed in large, multicenter randomized controlled trials (Investigation for Maximal Peyronie’s Reduction Efficacy and Safety Studies I and II) in which intralesional CCH was combined with manual modeling of the penis. Although adverse events from treatment are relatively common, the majority are mild to moderate in degree, including penile pain, swelling, and bruising, which all resolve spontaneously.

Conclusion:

Overall, evidence indicates that CCH is a valuable, effective, and safe minimally invasive treatment option for men with PD.
Fibular Strut Graft for Revisional Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis
Authors: Monaco Spencer J. , Lowery Nick , Crim Brandon
Published: March 2016

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with an intramedullary nail is a procedure reserved for patients who have conditions affecting the ankle joint and subtalar joint. The most common complications include nonunion, malunion, delayed union, infection, periprosthetic fracture, hardware failure, lateral plantar nerve injury, and wound healing. Significant bone void may result if the hardware requires removal secondary to one of these complications. The purpose of this article is to report on 2 cases of infected intramedullary nails, which were revised with fibular inlay strut grafts. Both cases were augmented with either internal or external fixation.

Levels of evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Case report
Imaging alterations due to squamous metaplasia in intracranial neurenteric cysts: A report of two cases
Authors: Watanabe Nobuyuki , Akasaki Yasuharu , Fujigasaki Junko , Mori Ryosuke , Aizawa Daisuke , Ikeuchi Satoshi , Murayama Yuichi
Published: March 2016

Intracranial neurenteric cysts are rare congenital abnormalities with a broad imaging spectrum, and therefore are occasionally mistaken for other common intracranial cysts such as epidermoid and arachnoid cysts. We report two cases of neurenteric cysts in the posterior cranial fossa that were initially mistaken for other types of cysts. They exhibited signal intensity alterations in magnetic resonance imaging with significant volume expansion during their long-term observation. Both cases received surgical treatment because of clinical deterioration. Histologically, the cysts were lined by flattened or cuboidal epithelium, occasionally showing squamous metaplasia. Xanthogranulomatous inflammation and accumulation of cholesterol clefts, dry keratin and proteinaceous substance were observed in the cysts. These findings may indicate that chronic inflammation in neurenteric cysts induces squamous metaplasia, keratinization and high proteinaceous content, and causes MRI signal intensity alterations and volume expansion. We propose that MRI signal intensity alterations in neurenteric cysts may be a warning sign of their volume expansions, and thus require closer follow-up imaging and eventually surgical treatment.
Use of a Three Dimensional Printed Cardiac Model to Assess Suitability for Biventricular Repair
Authors: Farooqi Kanwal M. , Gonzalez-Lengua Carlos , Shenoy Rajesh , Sanz Javier , Nguyen Khanh
Published: March 2016

Three dimensional (3D) printing is rapidly gaining interest in the medical field for use in presurgical planning. We present the case of a seven-year-old boy with double outlet right ventricle who underwent a bidirectional Glenn anastomosis. We used a 3D cardiac model to assess his suitability for a biventricular repair. He underwent a left ventricle-to-aorta baffle with a right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit placement. He did well postoperatively and was discharged home with no evidence of baffle obstruction and good biventricular function. A 3D printed model can provide invaluable intracardiac spatial information in these complex patients.
Impact of Surgery and Valvuloplasty on Liver Stiffness in a Patient With Pericarditis and Pulmonary Valvulopathy
Authors: Jalal Zakaria , Iriart Xavier , de Lédinghen Victor , Hiriart Jean-Baptiste , Thambo Jean-Benoit
Published: March 2016

Liver stiffness (LS) is associated with the presence of fibrosis; however, hepatic congestion due to elevated central venous pressure has also been shown to correlate with LS values. We report here the case of a 35-year-old woman with operated pulmonary stenosis and chronic pericarditis in whom longitudinal follow-up of LS was correlated with the changes in her hemodynamic conditions before and after surgical or percutaneous treatment of residual lesions. This case highlights the potential interest of LS as a reliable marker of hepatic congestion and elevated right ventricle (RV) filling pressures.
Cultural Values Represented in First Certificate Masterclass Taught in Iran
Authors: Alimorad Zahra
Published: March 2016

Due to the crucial role textbooks play in any educational system, an urgent need is felt to examine, evaluate, and choose the most suitable ones available. This study is an attempt to critically examine and uncover the hidden curriculum in First Certificate Masterclass (FCM) that is taught at Navid institute in Iran. To this aim, FCM was deeply examined to identify any instances of Western cultural norms and preferences and their potential influences on Iranian EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners’ thoughts and ideologies. Peterson’s distinction between Big “C” culture and little “c” culture constituted the theoretical framework of the study. To collect the necessary data, all passages, texts, exercises, and even listening excerpts were closely studied and evaluated by the researcher. Results indicated that among the elements of little “c” culture introduced by Peterson, preferences or tastes, food, hobbies, popular music, and popular issues could mainly be observed in the book. Furthermore, the majority of the representations introduced and depicted in the book were incompatible with Iranian Muslim people’s ideologies and beliefs. Implications of these findings for Iranian material developers and textbook writers as well as English teachers are also discussed.
Declines in American Adults’ Religious Participation and Beliefs, 1972-2014
Authors: Twenge Jean M. , Sherman Ryne A. , Exline Julie J. , Grubbs Joshua B.
Published: March 2016

Previous research found declines in Americans’ religious affiliation but few changes in religious beliefs and practices. By 2014, however, markedly fewer Americans participated in religious activities or embraced religious beliefs, with especially striking declines between 2006 and 2014 and among 18- to 29-year-olds in data from the nationally representative General Social Survey ( N = 58,893, 1972-2014). In recent years, fewer Americans prayed, believed in God, took the Bible literally, attended religious services, identified as religious, affiliated with a religion, or had confidence in religious institutions. Only slightly more identified as spiritual since 1998, and then only those above age 30. Nearly a third of Millennials were secular not merely in religious affiliation but also in belief in God, religiosity, and religious service attendance, many more than Boomers and Generation X’ers at the same age. Eight times more 18- to 29-year-olds never prayed in 2014 versus the early 1980s. However, Americans have become slightly more likely to believe in an afterlife. In hierarchical linear modeling analyses, the decline in religious commitment was primarily due to time period rather than generation/birth cohort, with the decline in public religious practice larger ( d = −.50) and beginning sooner (early 1990s) than the smaller ( d = −.18) decline in private religious practice and belief (primarily after 2006). Differences in religious commitment due to gender, race, education, and region grew larger, suggesting a more religiously polarized nation.
Considering Reflection From the Student Perspective in Higher Education
Authors: Wong Arch Chee Keen
Published: March 2016

This article reports the findings of a project to reexamine reflection from the student perspective that took place after a major curriculum revision. The project used a hermeneutically inspired action research method that involved interviewing 17 undergraduate theology students after a two-semester practicum to ascertain the ways in which students understand and use reflection in practice and as a means of establishing identity. The data revealed key themes that surround students’ understanding of reflection: (a) Students think and write about reflection in detached ways, (b) there is a connection between reflection and self-understanding and self-definition, and (c) crisis plays a role in reflection. The article concludes with further discussions of these themes and with recommendations for pedagogical practice.
Persistent Cannabis Dependence and Alcohol Dependence Represent Risks for Midlife Economic and Social Problems
Authors: Cerdá Magdalena , Moffitt Terrie E. , Meier Madeline H. , Harrington HonaLee , Houts Renate , Ramrakha Sandhya , Hogan Sean , Poulton Richie , Caspi Avshalom
Published: March 2016

With the increasing legalization of cannabis, understanding the consequences of cannabis use is particularly timely. We examined the association between cannabis use and dependence, prospectively assessed between ages 18 and 38, and economic and social problems at age 38. We studied participants in the Dunedin Longitudinal Study, a cohort ( N = 1,037) followed from birth to age 38. Study members with regular cannabis use and persistent dependence experienced downward socioeconomic mobility, more financial difficulties, workplace problems, and relationship conflict in early midlife. Cannabis dependence was not linked to traffic-related convictions. Associations were not explained by socioeconomic adversity, childhood psychopathology, achievement orientation, or family structure; cannabis-related criminal convictions; early onset of cannabis dependence; or comorbid substance dependence. Cannabis dependence was associated with more financial difficulties than was alcohol dependence; no difference was found in risks for other economic or social problems. Cannabis dependence is not associated with fewer harmful economic and social problems than alcohol dependence.
Social Media in Business and Professional Communication Courses
Authors: Towner Emil B. , Klemz Bruce R.
Published: March 2016

Students raised with pervasive technology are believed to have developed skills and ways of thinking that require new approaches to education. Often, social media is lauded as the answer, but a large gap remains in understanding student preferences regarding social media in courses. We uncover those preferences with data obtained from an anonymous survey of 368 students in large lecture classes. Our research focuses on social media preferences as well as differences in major, gender, and experience with social media for coursework. We discuss three lessons that can be applied immediately and suggestions for future research.
Validation of the Swedish Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (Screening Version) and Evaluation of Its Effect in Hearing Aid Rehabilitation
Authors: Öberg Marie
Published: March 2016

Self-reports of subjective hearing difficulties by people with hearing loss may be a useful complement to audiometry in hearing aid rehabilitation. To be useful, such self-reports need to be reliable. This study investigated the reliability and the validity of the Swedish Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (Screening Version; HHIE-S). Sixty-nine participants completed a questionnaire before hearing aid rehabilitation. Of these individuals, 49 completed hearing aid rehabilitation (aged between 23 and 94 years), and 41 of these 49 participants completed the questionnaire after completing the rehabilitation. The Swedish HHIE-S exhibited good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .77). The questionnaire was effective for evaluating hearing aid rehabilitation, and a statistically significant reduction in hearing difficulties was observed. The clinicians found the questionnaire easy to administer and effective in hearing aid rehabilitation. The findings from the study support the use of the HHIE-S in clinical practice.
Dependency in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Yang Rumei
Published: March 2016

By necessity, critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) have a high level of dependency, which is linked to a variety of negative feelings, such as powerlessness. However, the term dependency is not well defined in the critically ill patients. The concept of “dependency” in critically ill patients was analyzed using a meta-synthesis approach. An inductive process described by Deborah Finfgeld-Connett was used to analyze the data. Overarching themes emerged that reflected critically ill patients’ experience and meaning of being in dependency were (a) antecedents: dependency in critically ill patients was a powerless and vulnerable state, triggered by a life-threatening crisis; (b) attributes: the characteristic of losing “self” was featured by dehumanization and disembodiment, which can be alleviated by a “self”-restoring process; and (c) outcomes: living with dependency and coping with dependency. The conceptual model explicated here may provide a framework for understanding dependency in critically ill patients.
Customer Development and Effectuation
Authors: Ladd Ted
Published: March 2016

Effectuation and customer development are two contemporary theories to guide nascent entrepreneurs through the conceptualization and refinement of a business model. They operate on different levels: the former offers a worldview on how successful entrepreneurs think, whereas the latter provides step-by-step tactical instructions for generating and testing hypotheses. This article summarizes these two approaches, along with recent textbooks within each approach, to provide an integrated syllabus for an undergraduate course as an introduction to entrepreneurship.
Circulating desmosine levels do not predict emphysema progression but are associated with cardiovascular risk and mortality in COPD
Authors: Rabinovich Roberto A. , Miller Bruce E. , Wrobel Karolina , Ranjit Kareshma , Williams Michelle C. , Drost Ellen , Edwards Lisa D. , Lomas David A. , Rennard Stephen I. , Agustí Alvar , Tal-Singer Ruth , Vestbo Jørgen , Wouters Emiel F.M. , John Michelle , van Beek Edwin J.R. , Murchison John T , Bolton Charlotte E , MacNee William , Huang Jeffrey T.J.
Published: March 2016

Elastin degradation is a key feature of emphysema and may have a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Circulating desmosine is a specific biomarker of elastin degradation. We investigated the association between plasma desmosine (pDES) and emphysema severity/progression, coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and mortality.

pDES was measured in 1177 COPD patients and 110 healthy control subjects from two independent cohorts. Emphysema was assessed on chest computed tomography scans. Aortic arterial stiffness was measured as the aortic–femoral pulse wave velocity.

pDES was elevated in patients with cardiovascular disease (p<0.005) and correlated with age (rho=0.39, p<0.0005), CACS (rho=0.19, p<0.0005) modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score (rho=0.15, p<0.0005), 6-min walking distance (rho=−0.17, p<0.0005) and body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise capacity index (rho=0.10, p<0.01), but not with emphysema, emphysema progression or forced expiratory volume in 1 s decline. pDES predicted all-cause mortality independently of several confounding factors (p<0.005). In an independent cohort of 186 patients with COPD and 110 control subjects, pDES levels were higher in COPD patients with cardiovascular disease and correlated with arterial stiffness (p<0.05).

In COPD, excess elastin degradation relates to cardiovascular comorbidities, atherosclerosis, arterial stiffness, systemic inflammation and mortality, but not to emphysema or emphysema progression. pDES is a good biomarker of cardiovascular risk and mortality in COPD.
Pseudomonasinfection and mucociliary and absorptive clearance in the cystic fibrosis lung
Authors: Locke Landon W. , Myerburg Michael M. , Weiner Daniel J. , Markovetz Matthew R. , Parker Robert S. , Muthukrishnan Ashok , Weber Lawrence , Czachowski Michael R. , Lacy Ryan T. , Pilewski Joseph M. , Corcoran Timothy E.
Published: March 2016

Airway surface liquid hyperabsorption and mucus accumulation are key elements of cystic fibrosis lung disease that can be assessedin vivousing functional imaging methods. In this study we evaluated experimental factors affecting measurements of mucociliary clearance (MCC) and small-molecule absorption (ABS) and patient factors associated with abnormal absorption and mucus clearance.

Our imaging technique utilises two radiopharmaceutical probes delivered by inhalation. Measurement repeatability was assessed in 10 adult cystic fibrosis subjects. Experimental factors were assessed in 29 adult and paediatric cystic fibrosis subjects (51 scans). Patient factors were assessed in a subgroup with optimal aerosol deposition (37 scans; 24 subjects). Paediatric subjects (n=9) underwent initial and 2-year follow-up scans. Control subjects from a previously reported study are included for comparison.

High rates of central aerosol deposition influenced measurements of ABS and, to a lesser extent, MCC. Depressed MCC in cystic fibrosis was only detectable in subjects with previousPseudomonas aeruginosainfection. Cystic fibrosis subjects withoutP. aeruginosahad similar MCC to control subjects. Cystic fibrosis subjects had consistently higher ABS rates.

We conclude that the primary experimental factor affecting MCC/ABS measurements is central deposition percentage. Depressed MCC in cystic fibrosis is associated withP. aeruginosainfection. ABS is consistently increased in cystic fibrosis.
Does the choice of nucleotide substitution models matter topologically?
Authors: Hoff Michael , Orf Stefan , Riehm Benedikt , Darriba Diego , Stamatakis Alexandros
Published: March 2016

Background

In the context of a master level programming practical at the computer science department of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, we developed and make available an open-source code for testing all 203 possible nucleotide substitution models in the Maximum Likelihood (ML) setting under the common Akaike, corrected Akaike, and Bayesian information criteria. We address the question if model selection matters topologically, that is, if conducting ML inferences under the optimal, instead of a standard General Time Reversible model, yields different tree topologies. We also assess, to which degree models selected and trees inferred under the three standard criteria (AIC, AICc, BIC) differ. Finally, we assess if the definition of the sample size (#sites versus #sites × #taxa) yields different models and, as a consequence, different tree topologies.

Results

We find that, all three factors (by order of impact: nucleotide model selection, information criterion used, sample size definition) can yield topologically substantially different final tree topologies (topological difference exceeding 10 %) for approximately 5 % of the tree inferences conducted on the 39 empirical datasets used in our study.

Conclusions

We find that, using the best-fit nucleotide substitution model may change the final ML tree topology compared to an inference under a default GTR model. The effect is less pronounced when comparing distinct information criteria. Nonetheless, in some cases we did obtain substantial topological differences.
Rinne test: Does the tuning fork position affect the sound amplitude at the ear?
Authors: Butskiy Oleksandr , Ng Denny , Hodgson Murray , Nunez Desmond A.
Published: March 2016

Background

Guidelines and text-book descriptions of the Rinne test advise orienting the tuning fork tines in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the external auditory canal (EAC), presumably to maximise the amplitude of the air conducted sound signal at the ear. Whether the orientation of the tuning fork tines affects the amplitude of the sound signal at the ear in clinical practice has not been previously reported. The present study had two goals: determine if (1) there is clinician variability in tuning fork placement when presenting the air-conduction stimulus during the Rinne test; (2) the orientation of the tuning fork tines, parallel versus perpendicular to the EAC, affects the sound amplitude at the ear.

Methods

To assess the variability in performing the Rinne test, the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery members were surveyed. The amplitudes of the sound delivered to the tympanic membrane with the activated tuning fork tines held in parallel, and perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis of the EAC were measured using a Knowles Electronics Mannequin for Acoustic Research (KEMAR) with the microphone of a sound level meter inserted in the pinna insert.

Results

47.4 and 44.8 % of 116 survey responders reported placing the fork parallel and perpendicular to the EAC respectively. The sound intensity (sound-pressure level) recorded at the tympanic membrane with the 512 Hz tuning fork tines in parallel with as opposed to perpendicular to the EAC was louder by 2.5 dB (95 % CI: 1.35, 3.65 dB; p < 0.0001) for the fundamental frequency (512 Hz), and by 4.94 dB (95 % CI: 3.10, 6.78 dB; p < 0.0001) and 3.70 dB (95 % CI: 1.62, 5.78 dB; p = .001) for the two harmonic (non-fundamental) frequencies (1 and 3.15 kHz), respectively. The 256 Hz tuning fork in parallel with the EAC as opposed to perpendicular to was louder by 0.83 dB (95 % CI: −0.26, 1.93 dB; p = 0.14) for the fundamental frequency (256 Hz), and by 4.28 dB (95 % CI: 2.65, 5.90 dB; p < 0.001) and 1.93 dB (95 % CI: 0.26, 3.61 dB; p = .02) for the two harmonic frequencies (500 and 4 kHz) respectively.

Conclusions

Clinicians vary in their orientation of the tuning fork tines in relation to the EAC when performing the Rinne test. Placement of the tuning fork tines in parallel as opposed to perpendicular to the EAC results in a higher sound amplitude at the level of the tympanic membrane.
Xanthogranuloma in the heavily irradiated low neck in a patient with head and neck cancer
Authors: Singer Lisa , Calkins Sarah M. , Horvai Andrew E. , Ryan William R. , Yom Sue S.
Published: March 2016

Background

Head and neck cancer is often managed with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, and skin toxicity is not uncommon. Xanthogranuloma is a pathological finding resulting from an inflammatory reaction that has not been previously reported following head and neck radiation therapy.

Case presentation

A patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, treated with definitive chemoradiation and hyperthermia, presented at eight-month follow-up with an in-field cutaneous lesion in the low neck, initially concerning for recurrent tumor. Biopsy showed xanthogranuloma and the patient underwent complete resection with congruent surgical pathology. The patient remained free of malignancy but continued to experience wound healing difficulties at the resection site which resolved with specialized wound care and hyperbaric oxygen.

Conclusions

Skin toxicity is not uncommon in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiation therapy. Awareness of unusual pathologic sequelae, such as xanthogranuloma, is needed to provide patient counseling while continuing appropriate surveillance for recurrent malignancy.
Minding the Gaps in Cancer Pain Management Education: A Multicenter Study of Clinical Residents and Fellows in a Low- Versus High-Resource Setting
Authors: Odonkor Charles Amoatey , Osei-Bonsu Ernest , Tetteh Oswald , Haig Andy , Mayer Robert Samuel , Smith Thomas J.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Inadequate pain management training has been reported as a major cause of undertreatment of cancer pain. Yet, past research has not comprehensively compared the quality of cancer pain management education among physicians in training in high-resource countries (HRCs) with those in low-resource countries (LRCs). The purpose of this study was to examine and compare gaps in cancer pain management education among physician trainees in an HRC (United States) versus an LRC (Ghana).

Methods

A cross section of physicians at four major academic medical centers completed surveys about the adequacy of cancer pain training. Participation in the study was completely voluntary, and paper or online surveys were completed anonymously.

Results

The response rate was 60% (N = 120). Major gaps were identified in cancer pain management education across the spectrum of medical school training. Training was rated as inadequate (by approximately 80% of trainees), although approximately 10% more trainees in HRCs versus LRCs felt this way; 35% said residency training was inadequate in both settings; and 50% in LRCs versus 44% in HRCs said fellowship training was less than good. On the basis of the lowest group means, the three key areas of perceived deficits included interventional pain procedures (2.34 ± 1.12), palliative care interventions (2.39 ± 1.12), and managing procedural and postoperative pain (2.94 ± 0.97), with significant differences in the distribution of deficits in 15 cancer-pain competencies between LRCs and HRCs ( P < .05).

Conclusion

This study identifies priority areas that could be targeted synergistically by LRCs and HRCs to advance cancer care globally. The findings underscore differential opportunities to broaden and improve competencies in cancer pain management via exchange training, in which physicians from HRCs spend time in LRCs and vice versa.
Calbindin Knockout Alters Sex-Specific Regulation of Behavior and Gene Expression in Amygdala and Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Harris Erin P. , Abel Jean M. , Tejada Lucia D. , Rissman Emilie F.
Published: March 2016

Calbindin-D(28K) (Calb1), a high-affinity calcium buffer/sensor, shows abundant expression in neurons and has been associated with a number of neurobehavioral diseases, many of which are sexually dimorphic in incidence. Behavioral and physiological end points are affected by experimental manipulations of calbindin levels, including disruption of spatial learning, hippocampal long-term potentiation, and circadian rhythms. In this study, we investigated novel aspects of calbindin function on social behavior, anxiety-like behavior, and fear conditioning in adult mice of both sexes by comparing wild-type to littermate Calb1 KO mice. Because Calb1 mRNA and protein are sexually dimorphic in some areas of the brain, we hypothesized that sex differences in behavioral responses of these behaviors would be eliminated or revealed in Calb1 KO mice. We also examined gene expression in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, two areas of the brain intimately connected with limbic system control of the behaviors tested, in response to sex and genotype. Our results demonstrate that fear memory and social behavior are altered in male knockout mice, and Calb1 KO mice of both sexes show less anxiety. Moreover, gene expression studies of the amygdala and prefrontal cortex revealed several significant genotype and sex effects in genes related to brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling, hormone receptors, histone deacetylases, and γ-aminobutyric acid signaling. Our findings are the first to directly link calbindin with affective and social behaviors in rodents; moreover, the results suggest that sex differences in calbindin protein influence behavior.
Exosomes from high glucose-treated glomerular endothelial cells activate mesangial cells to promote renal fibrosis
Authors: Wu Xiao-ming , Gao Yan-bin , Cui Fang-qiang , Zhang Na
Published: March 2016

The interaction between glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) and glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) is an essential aspect of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Therefore, understanding how GECs communicate with GMCs in the diabetic environment is crucial for the development of new targets for the prevention and treatment of DN. Exosomes, nanometer-sized extracellular membrane vesicles secreted by various cell types, play important roles in cell-to-cell communication via the transfer of mRNA, microRNA and protein. In this study, we demonstrate that high glucose (HG)-treated GECs secrete a higher number of exosomes highly enriched in TGF-β1 mRNA compared with normal glucose (NG)-treated GECs. Exosomes released by HG-treated GECs can promote α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, proliferation and extracellular matrix protein overproduction in GMCs through the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Thus, we provide new insights into the pathogenesis of DN that involves intercellular transfer of TGF-β1 mRNA in the GEC-to-GMC direction via exosomes.
ΤΥΠΟΙ ΠΟΛΙΤΙΚΗΣ ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΗΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΣΤΗ ΔΙΑΡΚΕΙΑ ΤΟΥ 2000 ΚΑΙ ΤΗΣ ΚΡΙΣΗΣ ΔΗΜΟΣΙΟΝΟΜΙΚΟΥ ΧΡΕΟΥΣ. Η ΕΠΙΡΡΟΗ ΤΩΝ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΚΟΔΗΜΟΓΡΑΦΙΚΩΝ ΜΕΤΑΒΛΗΤΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΤΩΝ ΜΙΝΤΙΑΚΩΝ ΧΡΗΣΕΩΝ
Authors: KOUNTOURI FANI
Published: March 2016

The aim of this article is to question two major political shifts occurring in Greece during the recent economic, political and social crisis. The first is related to the collapse of political commitment (declining levels of political trust, political interest and institutionalized forms of political engagement). The second is associated to the resurgence of civic and political engagement as indicated by the appearance of new forms of political participation. Two main issues are under investigation: the rise of new forms of political and civic engagement in a context of declining levels of important political variables and the specific role οf online media as one of the factors that influence patterns of engagement. More specifically, we question whether the debt crisis contributed to the emergence of a new political agent that acts in a more collective and participatory way, if there are some specific attributes to those participatory types and if the use of the net can generate political engagement. The above hypotheses are investigated utilizing empirical data from the European Social Survey (ESS) and from the National Centre for Social Research (EKKE).
H εκτίμηση της φωνολογικής βραχύχρονης μνήμης σε Ελληνόφωνα παιδιά 2 και 3 ετών: στοιχεία για τη σχέση της με την ανάπτυξη της γλώσσας
Authors: Karousou Alexandra
Published: March 2016

Phonological working memory, as measured by the ‘non-word repetition’ task, has been associated with various dimensions of child language development. Although most studies have focused on ages older than 4 years, several successful attempts to measure phonological working memory in younger children are present in the bibliography. The aim of this study was to develop a non-word repetition task and methodology that would enable the assessment of phonological working memory in very young Greek-speaking children, as well as to explore the relationship between performance on this task and the linguistic level of the same children. Forty-two typically developing toddlers aged 2 and 3 years participated in a word & non-word repetition task which was especially developed for the purposes of this study. At the same time, a speech sample of the same children was collected, whereby the ‘number-of-different-words’ (word types) and the ‘mean length of utterance in morphemes' (MLU-m) have been estimated. Results reveal the sensitivity of the task in children's age, the stimulus type (words vs. non-words) and in syllabic length. Moreover, performance in this task appears significantly correlated with the two measures of children´s expressive language. These results are discussed in relation to previous findings and the possibilities this task could offer for the assessment of Greek-speaking young children’s language skills.
Functional state of the gonads in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Киргуева  , Kirgueva Oksana
Published: March 2016

This article presents the results of a study of the functional state of the gonads of patients with liver cirrhosis. Results of the study showed a high prevalence of hypogonadism in men and giperestrogenemii, cirrhotic patients, compared with those of the control group. Also noted the influence of etiological factors and the severity of the disease on the metabolism of sex hormones in the patients studied.
Dynamics of lysozyme activity in the blood of intact female rats and pregnant female rats before and after the labor
Authors: Абрамова  , Abramova Marina , Алексеев  , Alekseev Vladimir , Бойченко  , Boychenko Aleksandr , Овсянников  , Ovsyannikov Vikotor , Алексеева  , Alekseeva Natalya
Published: March 2016

Labor pain can be the cause of the innate immunity factor, for example activity of lysozyme. It is the purpose of this research.Normative term labor in rats and labor with preceding electrical painful stimulation were accompanied with increase of lysozyme activity in the blood. The level of lysozyme activity was increased earlier and persisted longer in rats with painful irritation.
Clinical and epidemiological features and residual manifestations of serous enteroviralmeningitis in children in North Ossetia-Alania
Authors: Калоева  , Kaloeva Zinaida , Гуссоева  , Gussoeva I. , Албегова  , Albegova B. , Будаева  , Budaeva Z.
Published: March 2016

The article presents the analysis of the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features of serous meningitis enteroviral etiology in children hospitalized at the RCCH of Vladikavkaz in 2008–2012. We have also studied the residual manifestations of enteroviral meningitis in 44 patients in the early period of convalescence. The study showed that of RNO-Alania typical summer – autumn seasonality of serous meningitis enteroviral etiology in children. The central nervous system caused by enteroviruses more often develops in children of preschool and school age. The clinical picture of enteroviral meningitis remains a leading hypertension – hydrocephalic syndrome. In the early period of convalescence enteroviral meningitis in children often formed cerebro-asthenic, hypertension, neurosis-like syndromes and syndrome immune dysfunction.
Special features of the endometrium’s structure of the childhood
Authors: Тотоева  , Totoeva Olga , Туаева  , Tuaeva Zarema
Published: March 2016

The paper presents the results of the macro-microscopic examination of the vascular bed and the structure of the endometrium at 20 specimens of uterus, taken from the corpses of children’s and teenage periods of ontogenesis. It is shown, that the growth of the glands of the mucous coat of the uterus begins in the second infant periodand intensifies in teens. This determines the transformation of single-layer network of lymphatic capillaries to the double-layer one. There were marked transformations of glands and fibrous structures during the cyclical changes of endometrium. Glands increase and lymphatic and blood capillaries and lymphoid elements occur as the primary divisions of the glands and their ducts.
Symptomatic congenital syphilis, a child born to a mother with neurofibromatosis (clinical case)
Authors: Царуева  , Tsarueva Madina , Базаев  , Bazaev Vitaliy , Цебоева  , Tseboeva M.
Published: March 2016

The value of observation is the presence of bright rare clinical manifestations of congenital syphilis in the child and secondary syphilis combined with neurofibromatosis mother. It highlights the issue completion prevention of congenital syphilis in relation to certain contingent of women.
Aspects of cryobiology prostate cancer
Authors: Пушкарь  , Pushkar Dmitriy , Васильев  , Vasilev Aleksandr , Говоров  , Govorov Aleksandr
Published: March 2016

The basis of cryotherapy was laid in the middle of the 19th century; today it is actively developing, minimally invasive and alternative method of prostate cancer treatment. The effectiveness of cryosurgery of the tissues depends on the quality of visualization of the process, of fast freezing and slow process of thawing, and also of repeating of the freeze-thaw cycles. The main factors that have a damaging effect on the tissue under the influence of low temperatures are: formation of intracellular and extracellular ice crystals, increase of the concentration of electrolytes and mechanical damage of structural components of cells. Studies have shown that the temperature below -40°С is lethal to cancer cells. The possibility of real-time visual control gives us the ability to control the process freezing and thawing.
Improving the Maritime Transshipment Operations of the Noble Group
Authors: Fragkos Ioannis , De Reyck Bert
Published: March 2016

The Noble Group is a market-leading global supply chain manager of agricultural products, metals, and minerals, operating in more than 140 locations. This paper focuses on Noble’s maritime operations in Indonesia, where coal is transported from mines to ocean-bound vessels via roads and rivers. Currently, transportation delays are causing Noble to lose tens of millions of dollars per year in demurrage and detention penalties. Although the company can hire additional resources (such as barges and floating cranes) in advance to minimize the impact of delays, the economic benefit of doing so is often unclear. To reduce or eliminate these delays, we develop a modeling framework and decision support system to facilitate the planning and management of Noble’s transshipment operations. The system utilizes fast search algorithms that deliver efficient schedules, minimizing the cost of delays and additional resources required, and resulting in monthly savings exceeding $1 million.
Dynamic Pricing in the Presence of Social Learning and Strategic Consumers
Authors: Papanastasiou Yiangos , Savva Nicos
Published: March 2016

When a product of uncertain quality is first introduced, consumers may choose to strategically delay their purchasing decisions in anticipation of the product reviews of their peers. This paper investigates how the presence of social learning affects the strategic interaction between a dynamic-pricing monopolist and a forward-looking consumer population, within a simple two-period model. Our analysis yields three main insights. First, we find that the presence of social learning has significant structural implications for optimal pricing policies: In the absence of social learning, decreasing price plans are always preferred by the firm; by contrast, in the presence of social learning we find that (i) if the firm commits to a price path ex ante (preannounced pricing), an increasing price plan is typically announced, whereas (ii) if the firm adjusts price dynamically (responsive pricing), prices are initially low and may either rise or decline over time. Second, we establish that under both preannounced and responsive pricing, even though the social learning process exacerbates strategic consumer behavior (i.e., increases strategic purchasing delays), its presence results in an increase in expected firm profit. Third, we illustrate that, contrary to results reported in existing literature on strategic consumer behavior, in settings where social learning is significantly influential, preannounced pricing policies are generally not beneficial for the firm.

This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Robust Optimization of Sums of Piecewise Linear Functions with Application to Inventory Problems
Authors: Ardestani-Jaafari Amir , Delage Erick
Published: March 2016

Robust optimization is a methodology that has gained a lot of attention in the recent years. This is mainly due to the simplicity of the modeling process and ease of resolution even for large scale models. Unfortunately, the second property is usually lost when the cost function that needs to be “robustified” is not concave (or linear) with respect to the perturbing parameters. In this paper we study robust optimization of sums of piecewise linear functions over polyhedral uncertainty set. Given that these problems are known to be intractable, we propose a new scheme for constructing conservative approximations based on the relaxation of an embedded mixed-integer linear program and relate this scheme to methods that are based on exploiting affine decision rules. Our new scheme gives rise to two tractable models that, respectively, take the shape of a linear program and a semidefinite program, with the latter having the potential to provide solutions of better quality than the former at the price of heavier computations. We present conditions under which our approximation models are exact. In particular, we are able to propose the first exact reformulations for a robust (and distributionally robust) multi-item newsvendor problem with budgeted uncertainty set and a reformulation for robust multiperiod inventory problems that is exact whether the uncertainty region reduces to a L1-norm ball or to a box. An extensive set of empirical results will illustrate the quality of the approximate solutions that are obtained using these two models on randomly generated instances of the latter problem.