bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Appreciative inquiry enhances cardiology nurses’ clinical decision making when using a clinical guideline on delirium
Authors: Vedsegaard Helle , Schrader Anne-Marie , Rom Gitte , Scheel Linda S
Published: April 2016

The current study responds to implementation challenges with translating evidence-based knowledge into practice. We explore how appreciative inquiry can be used in in-house learning sessions for nurses to enhance their knowledge in using a guideline on delirium as part of clinical decision making. Through 18 sessions with 3–12 nurses, an appreciative inquiry approach was used. Specialist nurses from the Heart Centre of Copenhagen and senior lecturers from the Department of Nursing at Metropolitan University College facilitated the sessions. Field notes from the sessions were analysed using open and axial coding drawing on the principles of grounded theory. The study shows that appreciative inquiry was meaningful to cardiology nurses in providing them with knowledge of using a guideline on delirium in clinical decision making, the main reasons being a) data on a current patient were included, b) shared learning took place and c) a session about a patient was led by the patient’s nurse.
Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract
Authors: Choudhary Dnyanraj , Bhattacharyya Sauvik , Joshi Kedar
Published: April 2016

Chronic stress has been associated with a number of illnesses, including obesity. Ashwagandha is a well-known adaptogen and known for reducing stress and anxiety in humans. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a standardized root extract of Ashwagandha through a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 52 subjects under chronic stress received either Ashwagandha (300 mg) or placebo twice daily. Primary efficacy measures were Perceived Stress Scale and Food Cravings Questionnaire. Secondary efficacy measures were Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, serum cortisol, body weight, and body mass index. Each subject was assessed at the start and at 4 and 8 weeks. The treatment with Ashwagandha resulted in significant improvements in primary and secondary measures. Also, the extract was found to be safe and tolerable. The outcome of this study suggests that Ashwagandha root extract can be used for body weight management in adults under chronic stress.
Prevention and Treatment of Influenza, Influenza-Like Illness, and Common Cold by Herbal, Complementary, and Natural Therapies
Authors: Mousa Haider Abdul-Lateef
Published: April 2016

In recent years viral respiratory tract infections, especially influenza viruses, have had a major impact on communities worldwide as a result of unavailability of effective treatment or vaccine. The frequent alterations in the antigenic structures of respiratory viruses, particularly for RNA viruses, pose difficulties in production of effective vaccines. The unavailability of optimal medication and shortage of effective vaccines suggests the requirement for alternative natural therapies. Several herbal remedies were used for prevention and treatment viral respiratory illnesses. Among those that were found effective included maoto, licorice roots, antiwei, North American ginseng, berries, Echinacea, plants extracted carnosic acid, pomegranate, guava tea, and Bai Shao. There is scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of several complementary therapies for colds. Oral zinc may reduce the length and severity of a cold. Taking vitamin C supplements on a regular basis only slightly reduces the length and severity of colds. Probiotics were found better than placebo in reducing the number episodes of acute upper respiratory tract infections, the rate of episodes of acute upper respiratory tract infection and reducing antibiotic use. Alkaline diets or drinks might have antiviral properties as in vitro studies demonstrated inactivation effect of alkaline medium on respiratory virus. Earthing might have a natural anti-inflammatory effect for human body. It is now accepted that an overwhelming inflammatory response is the cause of human deaths from avian H5N1 influenza infection. Earthing accelerates immune response following vaccination, as demonstrated by increases of gamma globulin concentration. No in vivo or clinical studies were found that investigate the role of alkalization or earthing on respiratory viral infections. Thus, future studies are recommended to reveal any potential curative effects.
Online Training in Specific Meditation Practices Improves Gratitude, Well-Being, Self-Compassion, and Confidence in Providing Compassionate Care Among Health Professionals
Authors: Rao Nisha , Kemper Kathi J.
Published: April 2016

Mind-body practices that intentionally generate positive emotion could improve health professionals’ well-being and compassion. However, the feasibility and impact of clinician training in these practices is unknown. Data were analyzed from 3 online modules offered to health professionals: ( a) Gratitude, ( b) Positive Word, and ( c) Loving-kindness/Compassion meditation. Paired t tests were used to assess pre- to posttraining changes in gratitude (Gratitude Questionnaire), well-being (World Health Organization Well-Being Index), self-compassion (Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale), and confidence in providing compassionate care (Confidence in Providing Calm, Compassionate Care Scale). The 177 enrollees included diverse practitioners (nurses, physicians, social workers, and others). Training was associated with statistically significant improvements in gratitude (38.3 ± 4.6 to 39.5 ± 3.3), well-being (16.4 ± 4.0 to 17.9 ± 4.2), self-compassion (39.5 ± 8.1 to 43.1 ± 7.6), and confidence in providing compassionate care (73.3 ± 16.4 to 80.9 ± 13.8; P < .001 for all comparisons). Brief, online training appeals to diverse health professionals and improves their gratitude, well-being, self-compassion, and confidence in providing compassionate care.
Do Personal Factors or Types of Physical Tasks Predict Workplace Injury?
Authors: Oranye Nelson Ositadimma , Wallis Bernadine , Roer Kim , Archer-Heese Gail , Aguilar Zaklina
Published: April 2016

Occupational health research has shown that certain worker and job characteristics are risk factors for workplace injuries. Workers who engage in physically demanding jobs, especially those jobs that involve repetitive motion, are at greater risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). These risks are particularly prevalent in the health care sector. It is often reported that nurses are at higher risk of workplace musculoskeletal injury than other health care workers due to frequent lifting and transfer of patients and the prevalence of workplace violence. However, many analyses of the physical requirements of jobs do not consider the modifying effect of time spent on a physical task and the risk of WMSD. This study compared the risks of WMSD among workers in health care facilities based on the type of physical tasks and amount of time workers spent on such tasks. Workers who worked longer on a physical task reported more WMSD than those who spent less time on the same physical task. The risk of WMSD was twice as high (odds ratio [OR] = 2.3) among workers who sit less than 2 hours each day compared with those who sit longer. This study found that physical tasks associated with health care jobs and the amount of time spent on these tasks constitutes serious risk factors for WMSD.
Depression
Authors: Randolph Susan A.
Published: April 2016

Depression is a common but serious mental health condition. Occupational health nurses can support employees’ mental health through education, referral, and health promotion programs.
Inching Away From the Toy Department
Authors: Cassidy William P.
Published: April 2016

This study compares how U.S. daily newspaper sports journalists covered the coming out of National Basketball Association (NBA) veteran Jason Collins and college football All-American Michael Sam by utilizing a two-dimensional framing measurement scheme. A content analysis of 248 articles published in the first 30 days after each athlete’s announcement found that individual and present frames dominated for both and that Sam’s announcement was covered more extensively. Although sports journalism is often criticized for lacking a critical perspective, the results show evidence that a significant amount of the coverage went beyond the basics of each athlete’s announcement and addressed some of the pertinent issues facing gay athletes in the National Football League and NBA.
Haploinsufficiency for NR3C1, the gene encoding the glucocorticoid receptor, in blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasms
Authors: Emadali Anouk , Hoghoughi Neda , Duley Samuel , Hajmirza Azadeh , Verhoeyen Els , Cosset Francois-Loic , Bertrand Philippe , Roumier Christophe , Roggy Anne , Suchaud-Martin Céline , Chauvet Martine , Bertrand Sarah , Hamaidia Sieme , Rousseaux Sophie , Josserand Véronique , Charles Julie , Templier Isabelle , Maeda Takahiro , Bruder-Costa Juliana , Chaperot Laurence , Plumas Joel , Jacob Marie-Christine , Bonnefoix Thierry , Park Sophie , Gressin Remy , Tensen Cornelis P. , Mecucci Cristina , Macintyre Elizabeth , Leroux Dominique , Brambilla Elisabeth , Nguyen-Khac Florence , Luquet Isabelle , Penther Dominique , Bastard Christian , Jardin Fabrice , Lefebvre Christine , Garnache Francine , Callanan Mary B.
Published: April 2016

Key Points

NR3C1 haploinsufficiency is found in patients with a plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm characterized by very poor clinical outcome. Overexpression of lincRNA-3q is a consistent feature of malignant cells in these patients and can be abrogated by BET protein inhibition.
Structured feature selection using coordinate descent optimization
Authors: Ghalwash Mohamed F. , Cao Xi Hang , Stojkovic Ivan , Obradovic Zoran
Published: April 2016

Background

Existing feature selection methods typically do not consider prior knowledge in the form of structural relationships among features. In this study, the features are structured based on prior knowledge into groups. The problem addressed in this article is how to select one representative feature from each group such that the selected features are jointly discriminating the classes.

The problem is formulated as a binary constrained optimization and the combinatorial optimization is relaxed as a convex-concave problem, which is then transformed into a sequence of convex optimization problems so that the problem can be solved by any standard optimization algorithm. Moreover, a block coordinate gradient descent optimization algorithm is proposed for high dimensional feature selection, which in our experiments was four times faster than using a standard optimization algorithm.

Results

In order to test the effectiveness of the proposed formulation, we used microarray analysis as a case study, where genes with similar expressions or similar molecular functions were grouped together. In particular, the proposed block coordinate gradient descent feature selection method is evaluated on five benchmark microarray gene expression datasets and evidence is provided that the proposed method gives more accurate results than the state-of-the-art gene selection methods. Out of 25 experiments, the proposed method achieved the highest average AUC in 13 experiments while the other methods achieved higher average AUC in no more than 6 experiments.

Conclusion

A method is developed to select a feature from each group. When the features are grouped based on similarity in gene expression, we showed that the proposed algorithm is more accurate than state-of-the-art gene selection methods that are particularly developed to select highly discriminative and less redundant genes. In addition, the proposed method can exploit any grouping structure among features, while alternative methods are restricted to using similarity based grouping.
A review of the trends in Ghana’s power sector
Authors: Eshun Maame Esi , Amoako-Tuffour Joe
Published: April 2016

Power generation in Ghana has gone through a number of phases: starting with diesel generators and stand-alone electricity supply systems owned by industrial mines and factories, to the hydro phase following the construction of the Akosombo dam, and now to a thermal complement phase powered by gas and/or light crude oil. A power crisis has also become a perennial development challenge in Ghana, with increasing severity that threatens the country’s economic growth and transformation. The troubling rationing system, the slowdown in industrial activity, job and income losses, and disruptions in social life are telling reminders of what now seems a perennial drag on Ghana’s development agenda. While Ghana has committed itself to universal electricity access by 2020, the real challenge is the capacity to meet this goal and, most important, to ensure that supply is reliable and adequate. This paper outlines the state of current electricity demand and supply gap and the major impediments to resolving the supply bottlenecks and in managing demand, highlights institutional and regulatory constraints, and identifies some key issues that should be the focus of policy decision-making going forward.
Hyperpigmentation after surgery for a deep dermal burn of the dorsum of the hand: partial-thickness debridement followed by medium split-thickness skin grafting vs full-thickness debridement followed by thick split-thickness skin grafting
Authors: Kubota Yoshitaka , Mitsukawa Nobuyuki , Chuma Kumiko , Akita Shinsuke , Sasahara Yoshitaro , Rikihisa Naoaki , Satoh Kaneshige
Published: April 2016

Background

Early excision and skin grafting are commonly used to treat deep dermal burns (DDBs) of the dorsum of the hand. Partial-thickness debridement (PTD) is one of the most commonly used procedures for the excision of burned tissue of the dorsum of the hand. In contrast, full-thickness debridement (FTD) has also been reported. However, it is unclear whether PTD or FTD is better.

Methods

In this hospital-based retrospective study, we compared the outcomes of PTD followed by a medium split-thickness skin graft (STSG) with FTD followed by a thick STSG to treat a DDB of the dorsum of the hand in Japanese patients. To evaluate postoperative pigmentation of the skin graft, quantitative analyses were performed using the red, green, and blue (RGB) and the hue, saturation, and brightness (HSB) color spaces. We have organized the manuscript in a manner compliant with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement.

Results

Data from 11 patients were analyzed. Six hands (five patients) received grafts in the PTD group and eight hands (six patients) received grafts in the FTD group. Graft take was significantly better in the FTD group (median 98 %, interquartile range 95–99) than in the PTD group (median 90 %, interquartile range 85–90) (P < 0.01). Quantitative skin color analyses in both the RGB and HSB color spaces showed that postoperative grafted skin was significantly darker than the adjacent control area in the PTD group, but not in the FTD group.

Conclusions

There is a possibility that FTD followed by a thick STSG is an option that can reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation after surgery for DDB of the dorsum of the hand in Japanese patients. Further investigation is needed to clarify whether the FTD or the thick STSG or both are the factor for the control of hyperpigmentation.
Development of the Central Dogma Concept Inventory (CDCI) Assessment Tool
Authors: Newman Dina L. , Snyder Christopher W. , Fisk J. Nick , Wright L. Kate
Published: April 2016

Scientific teaching requires scientifically constructed, field-tested instruments to accurately evaluate student thinking and gauge teacher effectiveness. We have developed a 23-question, multiple select–format assessment of student understanding of the essential concepts of the central dogma of molecular biology that is appropriate for all levels of undergraduate biology. Questions for the Central Dogma Concept Inventory (CDCI) tool were developed and iteratively revised based on student language and review by experts. The ability of the CDCI to discriminate between levels of understanding of the central dogma is supported by field testing (N = 54), and large-scale beta testing (N = 1733). Performance on the assessment increased with experience in biology; scores covered a broad range and showed no ceiling effect, even with senior biology majors, and pre/posttesting of a single class focused on the central dogma showed significant improvement. The multiple-select format reduces the chances of correct answers by random guessing, allows students at different levels to exhibit the extent of their knowledge, and provides deeper insight into the complexity of student thinking on each theme. To date, the CDCI is the first tool dedicated to measuring student thinking about the central dogma of molecular biology, and version 5 is ready to use.
Inhibition of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3-dependent lung adenocarcinoma with a human monoclonal antibody
Authors: Yin Yongjun , Ren Xiaodi , Smith Craig , Guo Qianxu , Malabunga Maria , Guernah Ilhem , Zhang Yiwei , Shen Juqun , Sun Haijun , Chehab Nabil , Loizos Nick , Ludwig Dale L. , Ornitz David M.
Published: April 2016

Activating mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) have been identified in multiple types of human cancer and in congenital birth defects. In human lung cancer, fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9), a high-affinity ligand for FGFR3, is overexpressed in 10% of primary resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens. Furthermore, in a mouse model where FGF9 can be induced in lung epithelial cells, epithelial proliferation and ensuing tumorigenesis is dependent on FGFR3. To develop new customized therapies for cancers that are dependent on FGFR3 activation, we have used this mouse model to evaluate a human monoclonal antibody (D11) with specificity for the extracellular ligand-binding domain of FGFR3, that recognizes both human and mouse forms of the receptor. Here, we show that D11 effectively inhibits signaling through FGFR3 in vitro, inhibits the growth of FGFR3-dependent FGF9-induced lung adenocarcinoma in mice, and reduces tumor-associated morbidity. Given the potency of FGF9 in this mouse model and the absolute requirement for signaling through FGFR3, this study validates the D11 antibody as a potentially useful and effective reagent for treating human cancers or other pathologies that are dependent on activation of FGFR3.
DREAMTools: a Python package for scoring collaborative challenges
Authors: Cokelaer Thomas , Bansal Mukesh , Bare Christopher , Bilal Erhan , Bot Brian M. , Chaibub Neto Elias , Eduati Federica , de la Fuente Alberto , Gönen Mehmet , Hill Steven M. , Hoff Bruce , Karr Jonathan R. , Küffner Robert , Menden Michael P. , Meyer Pablo , Norel Raquel , Pratap Abhishek , Prill Robert J. , Weirauch Matthew T. , Costello James C. , Stolovitzky Gustavo , Saez-Rodriguez Julio
Published: April 2016

DREAM challenges are community competitions designed to advance computational methods and address fundamental questions in system biology and translational medicine. Each challenge asks participants to develop and apply computational methods to either predict unobserved outcomes or to identify unknown model parameters given a set of training data. Computational methods are evaluated using an automated scoring metric, scores are posted to a public leaderboard, and methods are published to facilitate community discussions on how to build improved methods. By engaging participants from a wide range of science and engineering backgrounds, DREAM challenges can comparatively evaluate a wide range of statistical, machine learning, and biophysical methods. Here, we describe DREAMTools, a Python package for evaluating DREAM challenge scoring metrics. DREAMTools provides a command line interface that enables researchers to test new methods on past challenges, as well as a framework for scoring new challenges. As of March 2016, DREAMTools includes more than 80% of completed DREAM challenges. DREAMTools complements the data, metadata, and software tools available at the DREAM website http://dreamchallenges.org and on the Synapse platform at https://www.synapse.org.

Availability: DREAMTools is a Python package. Releases and documentation are available at http://pypi.python.org/pypi/dreamtools. The source code is available at http://github.com/dreamtools/dreamtools.
ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE OF STATE CIVIL SERVICE: EMPIRICAL FEATURES
Authors: Благодерова  , Blagoderova Yu.
Published: April 2016

The article deals with organizational culture of state civil service. It is concluded that in the present conditions of political transit dissonance of value orientation and aim leads to deformation of the organizational culture of public servants. The results of the regional sociological studies of corporate culture are analyzed.
TRENDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SECURITIES MARKET
Authors: Никитина  , Nikitina Yu.
Published: April 2016

Nowadays the stock market has a tremendous impact on the economy of any country. The volume and structure of investment in the real sector of the economy depends on its efficiency. The author made an analysis of the market capitalization of the Russian securities market for 2011-2015. Based on RTS and MICEX indices, a correlation between changes in the value of the Russian securities market and the dynamics of such indicators as the pair dollar / ruble, the US stock market index S & P500, the price of a barrel of oil by Brent is showed. The tendencies of development of the domestic stock market in the long term are examined.
DIVISION OF CORPORATE VALUES AS AN ELEMENT OF FORMATION OF PARTICIPATIVE CULTURE (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE SMOLENSK BRANCH № 8609 OF JSC «SBERBANK OF RUSSIA» )
Authors: Зиновьева  , Zinoveva Elena
Published: April 2016

The article presents the results of studying of corporate culture of the Smolensk Branch №8609 of JSC «Sberbank of Russia». The predominant type of participative culture is revealed. The degree of separation of Bank values by the staff is shown. Measures are offered for cultivation of corporate values for the employees who do not fully share the declared values of Bank.
DEMOGRAPHIC FACTOR OF MODERNIZATION OF MODERN RUSSIA
Authors: Меркулов  , Merkulov Pavel
Published: April 2016

The author reveals the problem of interdependence of demographic dynamics of social and economic development of the country. The features of demographic modernization of modern Russian society are shown.

The demographic factor of modernization, considered both as quantitative and qualitative aspects, is the basis of innovative growth in Russia. In the first decade of the XXI century there were positive developments in the main indicators of the natural reproduction of population fertility and mortality. The author substantiated the tasks that would improve the human potential of the Russians, and linked them to the urgent need to change the paradigm of social policy.
Volatility of yields of government bonds among GIIPS countries during the sovereign debt crisis in the euro area
Authors: Heryan Tomas , Ziegelbauer Jan
Published: April 2016

The aim of the paper is to estimate, how the volatility of yields of the Greek bonds affects yields’ volatilities of bonds in selected European countries during the period of the sovereign debt crisis in the euro area. We obtained data for 10-year bonds in a weekly frequency from January 2006 till the end of December 2014. To make a comparison of pre-crisis period, we firstly investigate a bond yields’ volatility before 15th September 2008, when U.S. Leman Brothers bankrupted and the global financial crisis had been reflected in full. However, the period of the global financial crisis could also negatively affect the development of government bonds. Therefore, the period after Leman Brothers’ bankruptcy has been excluded and our crisis period starts after 23rd April 2010, when Greece asked the IMF for financial help and the sovereign debt crisis had been reflected in full. Volatility models GARCH (1,1), IGARCH (1,1) and TARCH (1,1) were used as an estimation method. To examine the risk premium of all GIIPS economies (Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain), we also compared the whole investigation with the developments of each spread against the yields of German government bonds. Our results clearly proved not only big differences between pre-crisis and crisis period, but also differences in output with the bond yield spreads. It was concluded that  there has been a higher impact of the Greek bond yields, as well as yield spreads volatility in 2010 and 2011, while it is on the lower level in pre-crisis period.
On the use of panel stationarity tests in convergence analysis: empirical evidence for the EU countries
Authors: Próchniak Mariusz , Witkowski Bartosz
Published: April 2016

The study examines the concept of stochastic convergence in the EU28 countries over the 1994–2013 period. The convergence of individual countries’ GDP per capita towards the EU28 average per capita income level and the pair-wise convergence between the GDP of individual countries are both analyzed. Additionally, we introduce our own concept of conditional stochastic convergence which is based on adjusted GDP per capita series in order to account for the impact of other growth factors on GDP. The analysis is based on time series techniques. To assess stationarity, ADF tests are used. The study shows that the process of stochastic convergence in the EU countries is not as widespread as the cross-sectional studies on b or s convergence indicate. Even if we extend the analysis to examine conditional stochastic convergence, the number of converging economies or pairs of countries rises, but not as much as it could be expected from the cross-sectional studies.
Investment attractiveness of Central and Eastern European countries in the light of new locational advantages development
Authors: Jantoń-Drozdowska Elżbieta , Majewska Maria
Published: April 2016

The aim of this work was to present the similarities between the components of competitiveness and investment attractiveness as two complementary categories, and to show the role of new locational advantages in determining the level of investment attractiveness of a country. Another objective of this paper was to provide a comparative analysis of Central and Eastern European countries in terms of their investment attractiveness. Thus this paper was organized as follows: the first part of the paper focused on a country’s competitiveness, and the traditional and new location advantages that determine its investment attractiveness in view of direct investment inflows in the light of M. Porter’s model of a diamond, an eclectic paradigm of J. H. Dunning and new growth theories. The second part presented the results of investment attractiveness analysis including selected countries of CEE in the years 1995-2013. Comparing the investment attractiveness of Central and Eastern European countries shows that a rather narrow group of countries attracts a greater amount of FDI, and many more countries have experienced a decline in FDI. Therefore, the research results allow for the conclusion that Central and Eastern Europe reduced its investment attractiveness over the past years. This means that the majority of Central and Eastern European countries are becoming less successful in attracting FDI, and therefore in shaping the environment in which foreign companies wish to conduct their business.
Features of energy saving potential in Lithuanian households
Authors: Simanaviciene Zaneta , Volochovic Andzej , Cibinskiene Akvile
Published: April 2016

Scientists from all over the world recognize that saving energy in households is currently a very relevant topic. Energy resources are a very important factor for each country's economic vitality. Not only the country's replenishment in energy resources is important, but also the reduction of energy consumption volume. The Objective of the study: to assess the energy savings in households potential, applying the measures aimed at the behavior change of the population through energy-saving direction. Methodology: yhe impact of behavior change of the population measures is assessed according to the criteria of efficiency and effectiveness. In order to assess the potential for energy savings in households, the following methods, such as an experiment, the control group formation scenario, household questionnaire, were used. The questionnaire was designed to supplement the experiment, in order to gain deeper knowledge of the household, to obtain more detailed information about the nature of the behavior, to identify barriers to behavior change, and to select a control group of households to carry out the experiment. Data, results and main contribution of the paper: research shows that people's behavior related to energy saving is influenced by a number of macro-level and micro-level factors. In the article, the assumptions of the changing behavior of population are analyzed and the specific measures aimed at the behavior changes of the population selection and implementation impact assessment.
Research roundup: April 2016
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: April 2016

In brief

1 in 20 children show food hypersensitivity; but just half of these express IgE Taking aspirin long-term protects against gastrointestinal cancers Pioglitazone reduces the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction and diabetes in patients with insulin resistance who recently experienced ischaemic cerebrovascular events Migraines seem to be linked to irritable bowel syndrome and ischemic stroke
Pharmacological treatments for managing eating disorders
Authors: Burke Louise
Published: April 2016

This report explores the management of eating disorders in psychiatric inpatient settings, with a focus on the serious risk of refeeding syndrome and the risks related to malnutrition in addition to co-morbid psychiatric diagnoses. National guidance acknowledges the paucity of research base for pharmacological options, and the author explores local policy and guidelines, which aim to monitor potentially fatal physical complications alongside psychological distress to facilitate engagement with longer term psychological treatment.
Brunner’s gland hamartoma: a cause of the double-duct sign
Authors: Kostalas M , Jackson P , Karanjia N
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Brunner’s glands are submucosal glands found in the duodenum. Proliferation of these glands can lead to the formation of Brunner’s gland hamartomas (BGHs), which are uncommon, asymptomatic and usually found incidentally. They are predominantly benign lesions, but instances of malignant transformation have been reported.

Case History

We describe a rare case in which a periampullary lesion was causing biliary obstruction on a background of weight loss, and was associated with dilatation of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Further investigation with endoscopic ultrasound and biopsy did not provide a definitive diagnosis. Given the symptoms and findings upon investigations, we proceeded to pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy.

Conclusions

This was a rare case in which BGH gave rise to biliary obstruction against a background of weight loss. Due to a high index of suspicion (weight loss and evidence of dilatation of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct), this procedure was justified because the consequences of a missed periampullary cancer far outweighed surgical risks.
What happens when we do not operate? Survival following conservative bowel cancer management
Authors: Bethune R , Sbaih M , Brosnan C , Arulampalam T
Published: April 2016

Introduction

While surgery is the cornerstone of bowel cancer treatment, it comes with significant risks. Among patients aged over 80 years, 30-day mortality is 13%–15%, and additionally 12% will not return home and go on to live in supportive care. The question for patients and clinicians is whether operative surgery benefits elderly, frail patients.

Methods

Multidisciplinary team outcomes between October 2010 and April 2012 were searched to conduct a retrospective analysis of patients with known localised colorectal cancer who did not undergo surgery due to being deemed unfit.

Results

Twenty six patients survived for more than a few weeks following surgery, of whom 20% survived for at least 36 months. The average life expectancy following diagnosis was 1 year and 176 days, with a mean age at diagnosis of 87 years (range 77–93 years). One patient survived for 3 years and 240 days after diagnosis.

Conclusions

Although surgeons are naturally focused on surgical outcomes, non-operative outcomes are equally as important for patients. Elderly, frail patients benefit less from surgery for bowel cancer and have higher risks than younger cohorts, and this needs to be carefully discussed when jointly making the decision whether or not to operate.
Social stratification in the social sharing network: Advertisement texts against to conservative bourgeoisie
Toplumsal paylaşım ağlarında sosyal tabakalaşma: Muhafazakâr burjuvaziye yönelik reklam metinleri
Authors: Sezgin Ayşe Aslı , Karabacak Zaliha İnci
Published: April 2016

Making themselves felt in various areas from political and economic changes and transformations across the world to the practices of daily life, social networks have started building a virtual culture within the network environment. Today, great social changes are observed and, maybe, one of the most important factors of this change is technology. With the changes caused by the technological development, different perspectives, values and perceptions can create and relay their own contents via social networks. The conservative bourgeoisie which can consequently be evaluated within the scope of transformations, changes and consequently innovations and as a consequence of the social stratification is addressed in terms of its representation on social networks and within the scope of Weber's social stratification theory. While the social stratification on social networks is emphasized in this evaluation, the advertisement texts used on these networks are examined based on the characteristics of the conservative bourgeoisie from a sociological perspective. ÖzetDünya’da siyasi ve ekonomik değişim ve dönüşümlerin yaşanmasından, gündelik hayatın pratiklerine kadar birçok alanda etkisini hissedilir şekilde gösteren toplumsal paylaşım ağları, sanal ortamda sanal bir kültürün de inşasına başlamıştır. Sosyal anlamda büyük değişimlerin yaşandığı günümüzde bu değişimde belki de en önemli etkenlerden biri gelişen teknolojidir. Teknolojik gelişimin getirdiği değişimlerin etkisiyle farklı bakış açıları, değerler, algılar toplumsal paylaşım ağları vasıtasıyla kendi içeriklerini oluşturmakta ve bunu yansıtabilmektedir. Dönüşümler, değişimler ve nihayet yenilikler kapsamında ve sosyal tabakalaşmanın bir neticesi olarak değerlendirilebilecek muhafazakâr burjuvazi, bu çalışmada toplumsal paylaşım ağlarındaki temsili çerçevesinde ve Weber’in sosyal tabakalaşma kuramı kapsamında ele alınacaktır. Bu değerlendirmede toplumsal paylaşım ağlarındaki sosyal tabakalaşma vurgulanırken, özellikle bu ağlarda yer alan reklam metinleri sosyolojik perspektiften muhafazakâr burjuvazi hedef kitlesinin özellikleri dikkate alınarak içerik analizi yöntemiyle incelenecektir.
Evaluation of Periodontal Health in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Attarbashi Moghaddam Fazeleh , Dehghan Ali , Ghasemi Bahareh , Rashidi Maybodi Fahimeh
Published: April 2016

Background and aims. There is a hypothesis that people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can also be at risk of periodontal disease. This study aimed to assess the periodontal health in patients with and without rheumatoid arthritis. Materials and methods. Thirty RA patients with RA and 30 healthy individuals without RA were included. Information regarding demographic characteristics and periodontal parameters (probing pocket depth, attachment loss, plaque index, simplified oral hygiene index and modified gingival index) were recorded. Results. There was no significant difference in periodontal parameters between participants with and without RA. Conclusion. According to the cross-sectional pattern of the present study, further evaluation is needed to determine the possible role of RA in the periodontal status of patients.
Idiopathic Gingival Enlargement and its Management: A Case Report
Authors: Chitsazi Mohammad- Taghi , Shirmohammadi Adileh , Moradi Abouzar , goharfar Zahra
Published: April 2016

Idiopathic or hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a relatively rare disease characterized by the enlargement of the gingiva, resulting in functional, esthetics and psychological disturbances. The degree of gingival overgrowth can be defined as: grade 0: no sign of gingival enlargement; grade I: enlargement confined to interdental papilla; grade II: enlargement involves papilla and marginal gingiva; and grade III: enlargement covers three quarters or more of the crown. This case report describes the case of a 16-year-old girl suffering from HGF with chief complaint of gingival swelling. Intraoral examination exhibited diffuse and grade III gingival enlargement in both jaws and also in both surfaces of buccal and lingual/palatal. Treatment included surgery (internal and external gingivectomy) in six sessions, and prescription of antibiotics and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash. Moreover, gingivoplasty was performed in the esthetic zone of maxilla after performing all the surgeries in the mouth. The patient was under regular follow-up visits. The treatment outcomes after six months were satisfactory and no symptoms of recurrence were observed.
Instrument-Specific Effects of Musical Expertise on Audiovisual Processing (Clarinet vs. Violin)
Authors: Proverbio Alice Mado , Orlandi Andrea
Published: April 2016

A large body of evidence has shown that musicians’ brains differ in many ways from nonmusicians’ brains due to the particularly intense and prolonged sensorimotor training involved. Not much is known about the effects of the specific musical instrument played on brain processing of audiovisual information. In this study the effect of musical expertise was investigated in professional clarinetists and violinists. One hundred and eighty videos showing fragments of musical performances played on a violin or a clarinet were presented to musicians of G. Verdi Milan Conservatory and age-matched controls. Half of the musicians were violinists, the other half were clarinetists; event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded from 128 scalp sites and analyzed. Participants judged how many notes were played in each clip. The task was extremely easy for all participants. Over prefrontal areas an anterior negativity response was found to be much larger in controls than in musicians, and in musicians for the unfamiliar over the familiar musical instrument. Furthermore, a later central negativity response showed a lack of note numerosity effect in the brains of musicians for their own instrument, but not for unfamiliar instrument. The data indicate that music training is instrument-specific and that it profoundly affects prefrontal encoding of music-related information and auditory processing.
Interaction of Sight and Sound in the Perception and Experience of Musical Performance
Authors: Vuoskoski Jonna K. , Thompson Marc R. , Spence Charles , Clarke Eric F.
Published: April 2016

Recently, Vuoskoski, Thompson, Clarke, and Spence (2014) demonstrated that visual kinematic performance cues may be more important than auditory performance cues in terms of observers’ ratings of expressivity perceived in audiovisual excerpts of piano playing, and that visual kinematic performance cues had crossmodal effects on the perception of auditory expressivity. The present study was designed to extend these findings, and to provide additional information about the roles of sight and sound in the perception and experience of musical performance. Experiment 1 investigated the relative contributions of auditory and visual kinematic performance features to participants’ subjective emotional reactions evoked by piano performances, while Experiment 2 was designed to explore the effect of visual kinematic cues on the perception of loudness and tempo variability. Experiment 1 revealed that visual performance cues seem to be just as important as auditory performance cues in terms of the subjective emotional reaction of the observer, thus highlighting the importance of non-auditory cues for music-induced emotions. The results of Experiment 2 revealed that visual kinematic cues only affected ratings of loudness variability, but not ratings of tempo variability.
Pediatric Obesity-Related Asthma: The Role of Metabolic Dysregulation
Authors: Vijayakanthi Nandini , Greally John M. , Rastogi Deepa
Published: April 2016

The burden of obesity-related asthma among children, particularly among ethnic minorities, necessitates an improved understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms. Although obesity is an independent risk factor for asthma, not all obese children develop asthma. Several recent studies have elucidated mechanisms, including the role of diet, sedentary lifestyle, mechanical fat load, and adiposity-mediated inflammation that may underlie the obese asthma pathophysiology. Here, we review these recent studies and emerging scientific evidence that suggest metabolic dysregulation may play a role in pediatric obesity-related asthma. We also review the genetic and epigenetic factors that may underlie susceptibility to metabolic dysregulation and associated pulmonary morbidity among children. Lastly, we identify knowledge gaps that need further exploration to better define pathways that will allow development of primary preventive strategies for obesity-related asthma in children.
ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ПРОГРАМИ «SIMPLY TAGGING» ДЛЯ ПРОГНОЗУВАННЯ ГУСТОТИ ПТАХІВ У ГНІЗДОВИХ БІОТОПАХ
Authors: Matsyura О. V. , Matsyura М. V. , Zimaroyeva А. А.
Published: April 2016

For the analysis of long-term observations data on dynamics of bird populations the most suitable methods could be the stochastic processes. Abundance (density) of birds is calculated on the integrated area of studied habitats. Using the method of autocorrelation the correlogram of changes in number of birds drawn during the study period in all the area. After that, the calculation of the autocorrelation coefficients and partial autocorrelation are performed. The most appropriate model is the mixed autoregressive moving average (ARIMA). Ecological significance of autoregressive parameters is to display the frequency of changes in the number of birds in the seasonal and long-term aspects. The sliding average is one of the simplest methods, which allows reject the random fluctuations of the empirical regression line. Validation of the model could be conducted on truncated data series (10 years). The forecast is calculated for the next two years and compared with empirical data. Calculation of correlation coefficients between the real data and the forecast is performed using non-parametric Spearman correlation coefficient. The residual rows of selected models are estimated by residual correlogram. The constructed model can be used to analyze and forecast the number of birds in breeding biotopes.

Keywords: analysis, density, indirect methods, birds, Simply Tagging.

 
ПРОСТРАНСТВЕННАЯ ИЗМЕНЧИВОСТЬ ТВЕРДОСТИ ПЕДОЗЕМОВ
Authors: Zhukov A. V. , Zadorozhnaya G. O.
Published: April 2016

We studied the spatial variability of pedozem mechanical impedance in Research Remediation Center of the Dnipropetrovsk State Agrarian University in Ordzhonikidze. The statistical distribution of the soil mechanical impedance within the studied area is characterized by deviation from the normal law in 0–10 and 30–50 cm layers from the surface. 2D and 3D modeling shows the structural design of the soil as locations of high mechanical impedance which found in the soils with less hardness.

Key words: the hardness of the soil, the spatial heterogeneity of soil properties, land reclamation.
КУЛЬТУРАЛЬНО-МОРФОЛОГІЧНІ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ КСИЛОТРОФНИХ БАЗИДІОМІЦЕТІВ У ГЛИБИННІЙ КУЛЬТУРІ
Authors: Chaika A. V. , Fedotov O. V.
Published: April 2016

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the growth specificities of 79 strains of 18 species xylotrophic basidiomycetes under submerged fermentation on glucose-peptone medium. Most of the strains (85%) were isolated from the fruiting bodies collected in different localities of Donetsk and its region. The macro- and microscopic structure of pellets was studied, pH of the culture filtrate was determined by potentiometric method, ovendry biomass was determined by weighing method and biomass increase and specific growth rate were calculated. The results obtained allowed to ascertain the strain and species character of culture-morphological characteristics of the studied basidiomycetes. On the basis of the research the higher basidiomycetes submerged cultivation method was optimized making the period of fermentation significantly reduced. The growth peculiarities revealed can be used for further studies of biosynthetic activity of the xylotrophic basidiomycetes submerged cultures.

Key words: xylotrophic basidiomycetes, submerged fermentation, growth and morphological characteristics
ВПЛИВ ЕЛЕКТРОМАГНІТНИХ ПОЛІВ НА АКТИВНІСТЬ ОКСИДОРЕДУКТАЗ ДЕЯКИХ ВИДІВ БАЗИДІОМІЦЕТІВ
Authors: Voloshko Т. E. , Fedotov О. V.
Published: April 2016

The influence of electromagnetic fields of various modes of irradiation on the activity of oxidoreductases of basidiomycetes Agrocybe cylindracea; Pleurotus ostreatus and Fistulina hepatica in culture was investigated. The strains were cultured of glucose-peptone medium for 12 days. The accumulation of oven-dry biomass was determined by the weight method. The content of soluble protein, catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities was determined by the spectrophotometric methods. It was found, that the level of activity of the enzymes depends on the frequency, power and duration of the effects of electromagnetic fields significantly. It was record a positive effect of the electromagnetic field with a frequency of 27.12 Hz, 70 watts. It was reveal the negative impact of electromagnetic field with a frequency of 0.8-2.4 GHz (GSM Wi-Fi range). It was found, that the fungal cultures are capable of adapting to prolonged exposure of effects of electromagnetic fields.

Key words: the electromagnetic field, basidiomycetes, the activity of oxidoreductases.
ПОКАЗАТЕЛЬ ВОССТАНОВЛЕНИЯ БИОТИЧЕСКОГО ПОТЕНЦИАЛА АГРОЭКОСИСТЕМ ПРИ УМЕНЬШЕНИИ ПЕСТИЦИДНЫХ НАГРУЗОК
Authors: Sumarokov A. M. , Zhukov A. V.
Published: April 2016

The research paper estimated the reaction of Herpetobiont adult beetles (Coleoptera) on the reducing of the pesticide load in the agro-ecosystems of the steppe zone of Ukraine. We choose the crops of Triticum vulgare Host., Hordeum sativum L., Pisum sativum L., Zea mays L., Helianthus annus L. and Medicago sativa L., being part of field rotation as test cultures. The main long-term constant observations were conducted on Sinelnikovо Selection and Experimental Station of the Institute of Grain Farming, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences (Ukraine), located in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Based on the comparative characteristics of two study periods, namely: 1st - the period of intensive use of pesticides (1983-1989) and 2nd - period of substantial (by 10-12 times) reduce of pesticide press in Ukraine (1999-2005) we succeed to show that during second period in the fields of agrosystems cultures there was significant increase in number of species of beetles, particularly zoophagous, and their abundance. The studies proved the ability of natural populations of predatory beetles to effectively control the population of harmful insect fauna in agricultural ecosystems at economically safe level without the use of pesticides.

Keywords: agricultural ecosystems, integrated agricultural ecosystem, reducing of pesticide load, reaction of beetles, the steppe zone of Ukraine.