bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction of the dual targeting peptide of Thr‐tRNA synthetase with the chloroplastic receptor Toc34 inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Ye Weihua , Spånning Erika , Glaser Elzbieta , Mäler Lena
Published: May 2015

Organellar proteins synthesized in the cytosol are usually selective for only one destination in a cell but some proteins are localized in more than one compartment, for example in both mitochondria and chloroplasts. The mechanism of dual targeting of proteins to mitochondria and chloroplasts is yet poorly understood. Previously, we observed that the dual targeting peptide of threonyl‐tRNA synthetase inArabidopsis thaliana (AtThrRS‐dTP) interacts with the mitochondrial receptorAtTom20 mainly through its N‐terminal part. Here we report on the interaction ofAtThrRS‐dTP with the chloroplastic receptorAtToc34, presenting for the first time the mode of interactions of a dual targeting peptide with both Tom20 and Toc34. By NMR spectroscopy we investigated changes in15N HSQC spectra ofAtThrRS‐dTP as a function ofAtToc34 concentration. Line broadening shows that the interaction withAtToc34 involves residues along the entire sequence, which is not the case forAtTom20. The N‐terminal φχχφφ motif, which plays an important role inAtTom20 recognition, shows no specificity forAtToc34. These results are supported by import competition studies into both mitochondria and chloroplasts, in which the effect of peptides corresponding to different segments ofAtThrRS‐dTP onin vitro import of organelle specific proteins was examined. This demonstrates that the N‐terminal A2‐Y29 segment ofAtThrRS‐dTP is essential for import into both organelles, while the C‐terminal L30‐P60 part is important for chloroplastic import efficiency. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that the recognition of the dual targeting peptide ofAtThr‐tRNA synthetase is different for the mitochondrial and chloroplastic receptors.
Long Non-Coding RNAs and their Biological Roles in Plants
Authors: Liu Xue , Hao Lili , Li Dayong , Zhu Lihuang , Hu Songnian
Published: May 2015

With the development of genomics and bioinformatics, especially the extensive applications of high-throughput sequencing technology, more transcriptional units with little or no protein-coding potential have been discovered. Such RNA molecules are called non-protein-coding RNAs (npcRNAs or ncRNAs). Among them, long npcRNAs or ncRNAs (lnpcRNAs or lncRNAs) represent diverse classes of transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides. In recent years, the lncRNAs have been considered as important regulators in many essential biological processes. In plants, although a large number of lncRNA transcripts have been predicted and identified in few species, our current knowledge of their biological functions is still limited. Here, we have summarized recent studies on their identification, characteristics, classification, bioinformatics, resources, and current exploration of their biological functions in plants.
RETRACTED: Five‐year follow‐up of two types of contraceptive device fitted during elective cesarean delivery
Authors: Elsedeek Mervat S.E.
Published: May 2015

Objective

To present follow‐up data for patients fitted with a copper intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) or the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (IUS) during cesarean delivery.

Methods

Between March 2006 and December 2011, a prospective study was undertaken of women who were scheduled to have a repeat cesarean for a singleton pregnancy and had chosen to undergo intraoperative fitting of an IUCD or the IUS. Participants were followed up for up to 5 years using transvaginal ultrasonography, clinical evaluation, and a questionnaire.

Results

Among 143 participants, 63 requested the IUCD and 80 the IUS. Misalignment was more common at 6 weeks with the IUS (37 [46.3%] patients) than with the IUCD (22 [34.9%]; P = 0.06). Spontaneous expulsion occurred in the IUCD group only (4 [6.3%] patients). No pregnancies were reported in the IUS group, whereas 4 (6.3%) women with the IUCD became pregnant.

Conclusion

Although misalignment of an IUCD or the IUS is fairly common after intraoperative insertion, the contraceptive performance and menstrual pattern are not affected. Therefore, there is no need to remove or replace a misaligned IUCD or IUS.
Uterine arterial embolization to assist induction of labor among patients with complete placenta previa
Authors: Peng Qiaozhen , Zhang Weishe
Published: May 2015

Objective

To investigate labor induction after uterine arterial embolization (UAE) among patients with complete placenta previa (CPP).

Methods

A prospective study was conducted of women with a singleton pregnancy (16–35 weeks) and CPP admitted to a center in Changsha, China, for induction of labor because of a fetal anomaly between March 2009 and December 2013. Patients underwent intervention‐assisted labor induction (IALI) with UAE, or cesarean delivery. A control group of 30 women without CPP but undergoing labor induction was also enrolled. Hemoglobin levels, postpartum blood loss, and length of labor were assessed.

Results

Mean postpartum blood loss was lower in the IALI group (n = 32; 301.25 ± 128.07 mL) than in the cesarean group (n = 15; 693.33 ± 244.85 mL; P = 0.049), but was not different from that in the control group (143.50 ± 16.06 mL; P = 0.325). The reduction in mean hemoglobin level was significantly lower in the IALI group (− 6.53 ± 2.20 g/L) than in the cesarean group (− 8.40 ± 2.17 g/L; P = 0.005), but higher than in the control group (− 0.20 ± 0.35 g/L; P = 0.007). Duration of labor did not differ between the IALI and control groups (8.70 ± 2.32 vs 4.76 ± 0.47 hours; P = 0.108).

Conclusion

UAE to assist induction of labor could be considered a feasible option for patients with CPP.
Healthcare providers’ perspectives on the social reintegration of patients after surgical fistula repair in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Young‐Lin Nichole , Namugunga Esperance N. , Lussy Justin P. , Benfield Nerys
Published: May 2015

Objective

To understand perspectives of local health providers on the social reintegration of patients who have undergone fistula repair in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Methods

In a qualitative study, semi‐structured individual interviews were conducted with patient‐care professionals working with women with fistula at HEAL Africa Hospital (Goma) and Panzi Hospital (Bukavu) between June and August 2011. The interviews were transcribed and themes elicited through manual coding.

Results

Overall, 41 interviews were conducted. Successful surgical repair was reported to be the most important factor contributing to patients’ ability to lead a normal life by all providers. Family acceptance—especially from the husband—was deemed crucial for reintegration by 39 (95%) providers, and 29 (71%) believed this acceptance was more important than the ability to work. Forty (98%) providers felt that, on the basis of African values, future childbearing was key for family acceptance. Because of poor access and the high cost of cesarean deliveries, 28 (68%) providers were concerned about fistula recurrence.

Conclusion

Providers view postsurgical childbearing as crucial for social reintegration after fistula repair. However, cesarean deliveries are costly and often inaccessible. More work is needed to improve reproductive health access for women after fistula repair.
Laboratory evaluation of three dual rapid diagnostic tests for HIV and syphilis in China and Nigeria
Authors: Yin Yue‐Ping , Ngige Evelyn , Anyaike Chukwuma , Ijaodola Gbenga , Oyelade Taiwo A. , Vaz Rui Gama , Newman Lori M. , Chen Xiang‐Sheng
Published: May 2015

Objective

To determine the laboratory‐based performance and operational characteristics of three dual rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for testing HIV and syphilis.

Methods

Three dual RDTs (SD Bioline, Chembio, and MedMira) were evaluated using 1514 serum specimens archived at laboratories or collected from clinics in China and Nigeria to determine sensitivity and specificity, with 95% confidence intervals. Concordance of testing results read by two technicians, stability of testing results read at two time points, and test operation characteristics were also assessed.

Results

All three of the evaluated RDTs gave excellent performance with a combined sensitivity ranging from 99.0%–99.6% for HIV and 98.3%–99.0% for syphilis, and a combined specificity ranging from 97.9%–99.0% for HIV and 97.2%–99.6% for syphilis. Concordance of testing results between two technicians and stability of testing results read within and one hour past the recommended reading period showed excellent agreement, with Kappa greater than or equal to 0.98.

Conclusions

All the tests were found to be very or fairly easy to use and easy to interpret the results. Further evaluations of these dual RDTs with whole blood in field settings, and more studies on the implication of introduction of these tests in HIV and syphilis control programs are needed.
Using electronic readers to monitor progress toward elimination of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV and syphilis: An opinion piece
Authors: Wedderburn Catherine J. , Murtagh Maurine , Toskin Igor , Peeling Rosanna W.
Published: May 2015

Electronic readers and smartphones have the potential to standardize the interpretation of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and provide timely surveillance program data. RDTs are widely used for HIV and are being increasingly used for syphilis screening in pregnant women. Following the WHO initiative for the validation of elimination of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV and syphilis, there is a need for more extensive testing and data monitoring. However, access to timely and accurate data can be challenging once testing is decentralized as data quality at remote sites is often difficult to verify. Electronic RDT readers can help to ensure quality and allow automated data transmission, creating an opportunity for real‐time surveillance to inform control strategies and assess intervention impact. Furthermore, by linking the data to existing supply chain management software, stockouts can be minimized. The present opinion piece looks at the opportunities and challenges of using these tools within national elimination programs.
Assessment of the impact of rapid syphilis tests on syphilis screening and treatment of pregnant women in Zambia
Authors: Bonawitz Rachael E. , Duncan Julie , Hammond Emily , Hamomba Leoda , Nambule Jane , Sambambi Kennedy , Musonda Victor , Calise Alana , Knapp Anna , Mwale Jonas , McCauley James , Thea Donald , Herlihy Julie M.
Published: May 2015

Objective

To evaluate the impact of rapid syphilis tests (RSTs) on syphilis testing and treatment in pregnant women in Kalomo District, Zambia.

Methods

In March 2012, health workers at all 35 health facilities in Kalomo Distract were trained in RST use and penicillin treatment. In March 2013, data were retrospectively abstracted from 18 randomly selected health facilities and stratified into three time intervals: baseline (6 months prior to RST introduction), midline (0–6 months after RST introduction), and endline (7–12 months after RST introduction).

Results

Data collected on 4154 pregnant women showed a syphilis‐reactive seroprevalence of 2.7%. The proportion of women screened improved from baseline (140/1365, 10.6%) to midline (976/1446, 67.5%), finally decreasing at endline (752/1337, 56.3%) (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the proportion of syphilis‐seroreactive pregnant women who received 1 dose of penicillin before (1/2, 50%) or after (5/48, 10.4%; P = 0.199) RST introduction with low treatment rates throughout.

Conclusion

With RST scale‐up in Zambia and other resource‐limited settings, same‐day test and treatment with penicillin should be prioritized to achieve the goal of eliminating congenital syphilis.
Clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Alsubaie Haya , Al-Shamrani Abdullah , Alharbi Adel S. , Alhaider Sami
Published: May 2015

Cough is the most common presenting symptom in primary care settings. Cough can impact a child’s activity level and ability to sleep, play or attend school and is often a source of parental anxiety. Cough in children differs from that in adults in terms of presentation, etiol-ogy and management. The majority of cough attacks in children are related to previous upper respiratory tract infections and have a self-limited nature. Cough management strategies should focus on characterizing the cough by means of clinical assessment to identify and address its underlying etiology accurately. Clinical algorithms based on acute/chronic presen-tation and specific/non-specific causes of cough have been developed to provide guidance for clinical practice. The application of children-specific guidelines for the management of cough can lead to earlier cough resolution and improved parental quality of life. This paper presents the clinical statement of the Saudi Pediatric Pulmonology Association (SPPA) in relation to the management of cough in children.
The role of TREM2 R47H as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lill Christina M. , Rengmark Aina , Pihlstrøm Lasse , Fogh Isabella , Shatunov Aleksey , Sleiman Patrick M. , Wang Li‐San , Liu Tian , Lassen Christina F. , Meissner Esther , Alexopoulos Panos , Calvo Andrea , Chio Adriano , Dizdar Nil , Faltraco Frank , Forsgren Lars , Kirchheiner Julia , Kurz Alexander , Larsen Jan P. , Liebsch Maria , Linder Jan , Morrison Karen E. , Nissbrandt Hans , Otto Markus , Pahnke Jens , Partch Amanda , Restagno Gabriella , Rujescu Dan , Schnack Cathrin , Shaw Christopher E. , Shaw Pamela J. , Tumani Hayrettin , Tysnes Ole‐Bjørn , Valladares Otto , Silani Vincenzo , van den Berg Leonard H. , van Rheenen Wouter , Veldink Jan H. , Lindenberger Ulman , Steinhagen‐Thiessen Elisabeth ,   SLAGEN Consortium, Teipel Stefan , Perneczky Robert , Hakonarson Hakon , Hampel Harald , von Arnim Christine A.F. , Olsen Jørgen H. , Van Deerlin Vivianna M. , Al‐Chalabi Ammar , Toft Mathias , Ritz Beate , Bertram Lars
Published: May 2015

A rare variant in TREM2 (p.R47H, rs75932628) was recently reported to increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and, subsequently, other neurodegenerative diseases, i.e. frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson's disease (PD). Here we comprehensively assessed TREM2 rs75932628 for association with these diseases in a total of 19,940 previously untyped subjects of European descent. These data were combined with those from 28 published data sets by meta‐analysis. Furthermore, we tested whether rs75932628 shows association with amyloid beta (Aβ42) and total‐tau protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 828 individuals with AD or mild cognitive impairment. Our data show that rs75932628 is highly significantly associated with the risk of AD across 24,086 AD cases and 148,993 controls of European descent (odds ratio or OR = 2.71, P = 4.67 × 10−25). No consistent evidence for association was found between this marker and the risk of FTLD (OR = 2.24, P = .0113 across 2673 cases/9283 controls), PD (OR = 1.36, P = .0767 across 8311 cases/79,938 controls) and ALS (OR = 1.41, P = .198 across 5544 cases/7072 controls). Furthermore, carriers of the rs75932628 risk allele showed significantly increased levels of CSF‐total‐tau (P = .0110) but not Aβ42 suggesting that TREM2's role in AD may involve tau dysfunction.
On the identification of low allele frequency mosaic mutations in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients
Authors: Sala Frigerio Carlo , Lau Pierre , Troakes Claire , Deramecourt Vincent , Gele Patrick , Van Loo Peter , Voet Thierry , De Strooper Bart
Published: May 2015

Introduction

The cause of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unclear. Given the growing evidence that protein aggregates can spread in a “prion‐like” fashion, we reasoned that a small population of brain cells producing such “prion‐like” particles due to a postzygotic acquired mutation would be sufficient to trigger the disease. Deep DNA sequencing technology should in principle allow the detection of such mosaics.

Methods

To detect the somatic mutations of genes causing AD present in a small number of cells, we developed a targeted deep sequencing approach to scrutinize the genomic loci of APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 genes in DNA extracted from the entorhinal cortex, one of the brain regions showing the earliest signs of AD pathology. We also included the analysis of the MAPT gene because mutations may promote tangle formation. We validated candidate mutations with an independent targeted ultradeep amplicon sequencing technique.

Results

We demonstrate that our approach can detect single‐nucleotide mosaic variants with a 1% allele frequency and copy number mosaic variants present in as few as 10% of cells. We screened 72 AD and 58 control brain samples and identified three mosaic variants with low allelic frequency (∼1%): two novel MAPT variants in sporadic AD patients and a known PSEN2 variant in a Braak II control subject. Moreover, we detected both novel and known pathogenic nonmosaic heterozygous variants in PSEN1 and PSEN2 in this cohort of sporadic AD patients.

Discussion

Our results show that mosaic mutations with low allelic frequencies in AD‐relevant genes can be detected in brain‐derived DNA, but larger samples need to be investigated before a more definitive conclusion with regard to the pathogenicity of such mosaics can be made.
Endoanal pilonidal sinus: case report and literature review
Authors: Talini Carolina , Fracaro Geanine Baggio , Araújo Allan Cezar Faria , Lima Doryane Maria dos Reis , Westphalen André Pereira
Published: May 2015

Pilonidal sinus is a term first used by Hodges in 1880 to describe granulomatous lesions containing hairs in its interior. The presence of endoanal pilonidal sinus is rare and only nine cases have been reported in medical literature. This article describes a male, 42 years, initially submitted to fistulotomy with seton placement that four years later evolved with complaints of anal purulent discharge associated with painful anal groin. During the first evaluation a small endoanal tumor was found. It was located in posterolateral anus position and contained hair in its interior, without purulent discharge at that moment. Underwent surgery that confirmed the presence of endoanal pilonidal sinus. The sinus was opened and left to heal by secondary intention. The patient had good outcome with no signs of recurrence.
The effects of electromagnetic fields on the number of ovarian primordial follicles: An experimental study
Authors: Bakacak Murat , Bostancı Mehmet Sühha , Attar Rukset , Yıldırım Özge Kizilkale , Yıldırım Gazi , Bakacak Zeyneb , Sayar Hamide , Han Agahan
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an electromagnetic field (EMF), generated close to the ovaries, on primordial follicles. A total of 16 rats were used in this study. The study group consisted of rats exposed to an EMF in the abdominal region for 15 min/d for 15 days. Both the study and control group were composed of eight rats. After the treatment period of 15 days, the ovaries of the rats were extracted, and sections of ovarian tissue were taken for histological evaluation. The independent samples t test was used to compare the two groups. In the study group, the means of the right and left ovarian follicle numbers were 34.00 ± 10.20 and 36.00 ± 10.53, respectively. The average total ovarian follicle number was 70.00 ± 19.03. In the control group, the means of the right and left ovarian follicle numbers were 78.50 ± 25.98 and 71.75 ± 29.66, respectively, and the average total ovarian follicle number was 150.25 ± 49.53. The comparisons of the means of the right and left ovarian follicle numbers and the means of the total ovarian follicle numbers between the study and control groups indicated that the study group had significantly fewer follicles (p < 0.001, p = 0.011, and p = 0.002, respectively). This study found a significant decrease in the number of ovarian follicles in rats exposed to an EMF. Further clinical studies are needed to reveal the effects of EMFs on ovarian reserve and infertility.
Mechanism of irradiation‐induced mammary cancer metastasis: A role for SAP‐dependent Mkl1 signaling
Authors: Asparuhova Maria B. , Secondini Chiara , Rüegg Curzio , Chiquet-Ehrismann Ruth
Published: May 2015

Radiotherapy is a standard treatment after conservative breast cancer surgery. However, cancers relapsing within a previously irradiated area have an increased probability to metastasize. The mechanisms responsible for this aggressiveness remain unclear. Here, we used the clinically relevant 4T1 breast cancer model mimicking aggressive local relapse after radiotherapy to identify differences between tumors grown in untreated versus preirradiated mammary glands. Tumors grown within preirradiated beds were highly enriched in transcripts encoding collagens and other proteins building or modifying the extracellular matrix, such as laminin‐332, tenascins, lysyl oxidases and matrix metalloproteinases. Type I collagen, known to directly contribute to tissue stiffening, and the pro‐metastatic megakaryoblastic leukemia‐1 (Mkl1) target gene tenascin‐C were further investigated. Mammary tissue preirradiation induced Mkl1 nuclear translocation in the tumor cells in vivo, indicating activation of Mkl1 signaling. Transcript profiling of cultured 4T1 cells revealed that the majority of the Mkl1 target genes, including tenascin‐C, required serum response factor (SRF) for their expression. However, application of dynamic strain or matrix stiffness to 4T1 cells converted the predominant SRF/Mkl1 action into SAP domain‐dependent Mkl1 signaling independent of SRF, accompanied by a switch to SAP‐dependent tumor cell migration. 4T1 tumors overexpressing intact Mkl1 became more metastatic within preirradiated beds, while tumors expressing Mkl1 lacking the SAP domain exhibited impaired growth and metastatic spread, and decreased Mkl1 target gene expression. Thus, we identified SAP‐dependent Mkl1 signaling as a previously unrecognized mediator of aggressive progression of mammary tumors locally relapsing after radiotherapy, and provide a novel signaling pathway for therapeutic intervention.
Pathway‐based personalized analysis of breast cancer expression data
Authors: Livshits Anna , Git Anna , Fuks Garold , Caldas Carlos , Domany Eytan
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Most analyses of high throughput cancer data represent tumors by “atomistic” single‐gene properties. Pathifier, a recently introduced method, characterizes a tumor in terms of “coarse grained” pathway‐based variables.

Methods

We applied Pathifier to study a very large dataset of 2000 breast cancer samples and 144 normal tissues. Pathifier uses known gene assignments to pathways and biological processes to calculate for each pathway and tumor a Pathway Deregulation Score (PDS). Individual samples are represented in terms of their PDSs calculated for several hundred pathways, and the samples of the data set are analyzed and stratified on the basis of their profiles over these “coarse grained”, biologically meaningful variables.

Results

We identified nine tumor subtypes; a new subclass (comprising about 7% of the samples) exhibits high deregulation in 38 PKA pathways, induced by overexpression of the gene PRKACB. Another interesting finding is that basal tumors break into two subclasses, with low and high deregulation of a cluster of immune system pathways. High deregulation corresponds to higher concentrations of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes, and the patients of this basal subtype have better prognosis. The analysis used 1000 “discovery set” tumors; our results were highly reproducible on 1000 independent “validation” samples.

Conclusions

The coarse‐grained variables that represent pathway deregulation provide a basis for relevant, novel and robust findings for breast cancer. Our analysis indicates that in breast cancer reliable prognostic signatures are most likely to be obtained by treating separately different subgroups of the patients.
Calcareous nannoplankton in the Jurassic deposits of the Dobrudja foredeep (Ukraine and Moldova)
Authors: Matlai L.M.
Published: May 2015

The paper is concerned with Jurassic calcareous nannoplankton from the Dobrudja foredeep. The regional Jurassic stratigraphy based on nannoplankton is considered. The NJ10/Stephanolithion speciosum, NJ11/Pseudoconus enigma, NJ14/Stephanolithion bigotii maximum, and NJ15/Cyclagelosphaera margerelii Zones, consistent with the International Nannoplankton Zonation Scheme, have been recognized in the deposits of the Dobrudja foredeep.
Jellyfish Stings: A Practical Approach
Authors: Lakkis Najla A. , Maalouf Grace J. , Mahmassani Dina M.
Published: May 2015

Jellyfish have a worldwide distribution. Their stings can cause different reactions, ranging from cutaneous, localized, and self-limited to serious systemic or fatal ones, depending on the envenoming species. Several first aid treatments are used to manage such stings but few have evidence behind their use. This review of the literature describes and discusses the different related first aid and treatment recommendations, ending with a summarized practical approach. Further randomized controlled trials in this field are needed.
Hiker Fatality From Severe Hyponatremia in Grand Canyon National Park
Authors: Myers Thomas M. , Hoffman Martin D.
Published: May 2015

We present the case of a hiker who died of severe hyponatremia at Grand Canyon National Park. The woman collapsed on the rim shortly after finishing a 5-hour hike into the Canyon during which she was reported to have consumed large quantities of water. First responders transported her to the nearest hospital. En route, she became unresponsive, and subsequent treatment included intravenous normal saline. Imaging and laboratory data at the hospital confirmed hypervolemic hyponatremia with encephalopathy. She never regained consciousness and died of severe cerebral edema less than 24 hours later. We believe this is the first report of a fatality due to acute hyponatremia associated with hiking in a wilderness setting. This case demonstrates the typical pathophysiology, which includes overconsumption of fluids, and demonstrates the challenges of diagnosis and the importance of appropriate acute management. Current treatment guidelines indicate that symptomatic exercise-associated hyponatremia should be acutely managed with hypertonic saline and can be done so without concern over central pontine myelinolysis, whereas treatment with high volumes of isotonic fluids may delay recovery and has even resulted in deaths.
The Effect of Environmental Temperature on Glucose and Insulin After an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test in Healthy Young Men
Authors: Dumke Charles L. , Slivka Dustin R. , Cuddy John S. , Hailes Walter S. , Rose Shawn M. , Ruby Brent C.
Published: May 2015

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare glucose and insulin responses during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in cold (C), neutral (N), and hot (H) environments.

Methods

Eleven males completed three 4-hour climate-controlled OGTT trials (C, 7.2°C; N, 22°C; and H, 43°C). Participants remained semireclined for 60 minutes before ingesting a 1.8 g/kg glucose beverage. Skin and rectal core temperatures were continuously monitored. Blood was collected just before glucose ingestion (time 0) and at 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes, and analyzed for serum glucose, insulin, hematocrit, and hemoglobin. Expired gases were collected upon entering the chamber (−60 minutes), before glucose ingestion (0 minutes), and at 60, 120, and 180 minutes to determine Vo2 and respiratory exchange ratio.

Results

Rectal core temperature was greater in the H condition compared with both C and N ( P < .001). Rectal core temperature was not different between C and N, whereas skin temperature was different across all trials (H greater than N greater than C). The Vo2 was greater in C than in both H and N during all time points. Carbohydrate oxidation was greater in C compared with H and N ( P < 0.001). Glucose was higher during H compared with C and N ( P ≤ 0.002). Glucose was elevated in C compared with N. Insulin was higher in H compared with C ( P = 0.009). Area under the curve for serum glucose was greater in H compared with C and N ( P ≤ 0.001); however, there was no significant difference in area under the curve for insulin.

Conclusions

These data indicate that after an OGTT, glucose and insulin are elevated in a hot environment.
Retained Stingray Barb and the Importance of Imaging
Authors: O’Malley Gerald F. , O’Malley Rika N. , Pham Oahn , Randolph Frederick
Published: May 2015

Stingray envenomation is a common occurrence. X-ray evaluation of stingray wounds is an unnecessarily misunderstood diagnostic concept. We present the case of a patient stung by a stingray with a prolonged and complicated course and permanent disability due to a retained barb. The patient had undergone multiple medical evaluations before an X-ray was obtained.
Advanced Avalanche Safety Equipment of Backcountry Users: Current Trends and Perceptions
Authors: Ng Pearlly , Smith William R. , Wheeler Albert , McIntosh Scott E.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Backcountry travelers should carry a standard set of safety gear (transceiver, shovel, and probe) to improve rescue chances and reduce mortality risk. Many backcountry enthusiasts are using other advanced equipment such as an artificial air pocket (eg, the AvaLung) or an avalanche air bag. Our goal was to determine the numbers of backcountry users carrying advanced equipment and their perceptions of mortality and morbidity benefit while carrying this gear.

Methods

A convenience sample of backcountry skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and snowmobilers was surveyed between February and April 2014. Participants of this study were backcountry mountain users recruited at trailheads in the Wasatch and Teton mountain ranges of Utah and Wyoming, respectively. Questions included prior avalanche education, equipment carried, and perceived safety benefit derived from advanced equipment.

Results

In all, 193 surveys were collected. Skiers and snowboarders were likely to have taken an avalanche safety course, whereas snowshoers and snowmobilers were less likely to have taken a course. Most backcountry users (149, 77.2%), predominantly skiers and snowboarders, carried standard safety equipment. The AvaLung was carried more often (47 users) than an avalanche air bag (10 users). The avalanche air bag had a more favorable perceived safety benefit. A majority of participants reported cost as the barrier to obtaining advanced equipment.

Conclusions

Standard avalanche safety practices, including taking an avalanche safety course and carrying standard equipment, remain the most common safety practices among backcountry users in the Wasatch and Tetons. Snowshoers remain an ideal target for outreach to increase avalanche awareness and safety.
Presencia de las ciencias básicas en el Examen Nacional de Aspirantes a Residencias Médicas (ENARM)
Authors: Gatica-Lara Florina , Martínez-González Adrián , Medina-Martínez Sara Rosa , Rodríguez-Carranza Rodolfo
Published: May 2015

Introducción: El informe Flexner enfatiza la importancia de las ciencias básicas en el currículum médico.

Objetivo: Determinar la presencia e importancia que se otorga a las ciencias básicas en el ENARM.

Métodos: Es un estudio observacional, retrospectivo y transversal. Se revisaron los contenidos académicos de los programas de las ciencias básicas incluidas en el Plan de Estudios 2010 de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) y se clasificaron los 1 200 reactivos de conocimientos médicos, que conformaron los ENARM 2005 y 2006. Para el análisis de los resultados se utilizó la prueba de ji cuadrada (X2).

Resultados: Se encontró que 288 (24%) de los 1 200 reactivos exploraron conocimientos de las ciencias básicas. Asimismo, que este porcentaje es inferior al que corresponde a los créditos que se otorgan a las ciencias básicas en el Plan de Estudios de medicina (31%). También se encontró que representación de las ciencias fisiológicas (13.5%) es relativamente mayor que las morfológicas (10.5%), siendo la asignatura de Farmacología la de mayor representación (8%); en el otro extremo se encuentran las asignaturas de Biología Celular y Tisular (1.3%) y de Inmunología (1.2%).

Conclusión: La presencia de las ciencias básicas en los ENARM confirma la importancia que se otorga a las ciencias básicas en la educación médica y en el ejercicio de la buena medicina. Se sugiere mantener y, de ser posible, aumentar su presencia en todas las evaluaciones en medicina.
Asesoría académica: un recurso para los estudiantes que presentan el examen extraordinario de microbiología y parasitología
Authors: Meraz-Ríos Beatriz , García-Yáñez María Yolanda , Candil-Ruíz Aurora , García- González Rafael
Published: May 2015

Introducción: A nivel licenciatura, los principales problemas que presentan los estudiantes son la reprobación, la deserción y el escaso aprovechamiento. Cualitativamente, esto se manifiesta con sensación de malestar, falta de confianza en sí mismos y frustración. La asesoría es un recurso pedagógico que permite orientar al alumno para lograr la perdurabilidad de lo aprendido, la comprensión significativa de los contenidos escolares, la adquisición de habilidades, actitudes y valores, la autorregulación conductual y aprender a aprender.

Objetivos: Comparar el desempeño académico de los alumnos que recibieron asesoría académica, con respecto a los que no optaron por este recurso pedagógico, antes de presentar el examen extraordinario correspondiente al ciclo escolar 2010-2011.

Método: El desempeño académico fue evaluado a través del examen extraordinario aplicado por el Departamento a 88 estudiantes registrados, de los cuales 40 asistieron a asesorías. Las calificaciones se procesaron con el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 15.0.

Resultados: El 52.3% del total de los alumnos acreditó el examen; de los 40 alumnos que recibieron asesoría, el 65% (26 alumnos) acreditó, mientras que de 48 que no asistieron, sólo el 41.7% (20 estudiantes) aprobaron. El ANOVA de un factor (F=7.782; gl= 1.86; p≤0.01), permite aceptar que sí hay diferencia significativa en el resultado de los alumnos que recibieron asesoría.

Conclusiones: El análisis de la distribución de calificaciones de los alumnos que recibieron asesoría, muestra que ésta no sólo ayudó a que los estudiantes aprobaran el examen, sino que además mejoró la calidad de su desempeño, permitiéndoles obtener una mejor calificación. Incluso para quienes no acreditaron, pero recibieron asesoría, también lograron contestar correctamente un mayor número de preguntas. Finalmente, se puede concluir que la asesoría les ayudó aprobar el examen y a mejorar la calidad de su desempeño escolar.
Representaciones sociales de alumnos y docentes sobre el módulo de clínica integral de la carrera de médico cirujano
Authors: Heshiki-Nakandakari Luis , Osornio-Castillo Leticia , Sánchez de Tagle-Herrera Rafael , Valadez-Nava Sabas , Domínguez-Álvarez Edilberto
Published: May 2015

Introducción: La formación del médico rebasa las aulas para situarse en el contexto social de la salud-enfermedad en las unidades médicas, a través de la intersubjetividad de los actores. En este sentido, durante este proceso no se debe descuidar los principios básicos del actuar médico.

Objetivo: Comparar las representaciones sociales de estudiantes y docentes sobre la práctica clínica respecto a la inserción a los campos clínicos, función del estudiante, técnicas didácticas, habilidades y destrezas para ejecutar los procedimientos médico-quirúrgicos y evaluación del aprendizaje.

Método: Fue un estudio cualitativo e interpretativo. La muestra fue intencional, participaron 32 alumnos de medicina entrevistados individualmente y 48 docentes a quienes se les entrevistó de manera grupal (entre seis a ocho médicos por grupo).

Resultados: Las representaciones sociales de docentes y alumnos mostraron coincidencias en cómo fue la inserción de los estudiantes a los campos clínicos, la falta de actualización del programa y los objetivos educacionales, el uso de la exposición como técnica didáctica dominante y las incongruencias en el modelo de evaluación. Por otra parte, discrepan con respecto a la aclaración de las funciones que debe desarrollar el alumno, las deficiencias en conocimientos, habilidades y destrezas con las que llegan a ciclos clínicos, así como en la supervisión y tutoría para el adiestramiento de habilidades clínicas y procedimientos médico-quirúrgicos. Por lo anterior, es imperativo que las instancias educativas realicen las modificaciones pertinentes en estos rubros y proporcionen el apoyo necesario para lograr una mejoría sustancial en la formación clínica de nuestros estudiantes.
Noticias y eventos en educación en Ciencias de la Salud
Authors: Editorial Oficina
Published: May 2015

Eventos académicos

Reseña Jornadas de Educación Médica 2013
Portafolio electrónico en educación médica y las herramientas de la web para su elaboración
Authors: Ramírez-López Norma Lucila , Sánchez-Meza Celia Virginia
Published: May 2015

El uso del portafolio electrónico (e-P) para evaluar lo que hacemos y cómo lo hacemos, aporta información sobre las capacidades que se requieren dominar y su proceso de adquisición, los logros y las necesidades para su obtención, lo anterior desde la observación de la ejecución en la práctica real. El impacto que esto tiene en la formación, hace que el e-P sea un recurso fundamental para todo profesional médico que se preocupe por su aprendizaje, calidad, extensión y profundidad del mismo. Para la elaboración del e-P, se encuentran disponibles múltiples herramientas de la web, y su uso facilita su conformación.
Of Grasshoppers, Caterpillars, and Beans: A Historical Perspective on Hmong Messianism
Authors: Tapp Nicholas
Published: May 2015

This paper considers Hmong messianism in Asia and beyond from a historical perspective, arguing that its thematic repetition of themes and ideas requires a new understanding of subjectivity at the intersections of the psychological with the social and political. Hmong messianic movements have adopted a variety of forms ranging from the more indigenous to the more explicitly Christian. While the attempt is not to seek a particularist ‘ethnographic-historical’ understanding of these recurrent movements, nevertheless the contexts of colonialisation, mass migration and marginal social status are suggested as providing the essential background for such an understanding. Several different theoretical approaches to understanding such movements are considered, with some attention to major theorists of structure and agency. It is argued that ultimately messianic movements can be appreciated in terms of a kind of ‘anticipatory consciousness’, and are enabled to challenge current social orders because they are motivated by a particular notion of time, which combines a medieval and revolutionary notion of simultaneity with one of historical progression which is, however, not gradualist. A ‘central irreducible core’ of ritual beliefs and actions among the Hmong emerges from this consideration of historical movements, which may demand a reconsideration of older and largely abandoned notions of cultural structure.
Does Magic Offer a Cryptozoology Ground for Psychology?
Authors: Thomas Cyril , Didierjean André , Maquestiaux François , Gygax Pascal
Published: May 2015

Magicians often trick spectators’ senses by relying on cognitive limitations. To do so, they use intuitive but age-old knowledge of human cognition. Research into the relationship between magic and psychology has been growing for a number of years now. This work offers an original ground for studying cognitive processes, while also providing the opportunity to discover processes that are still poorly understood. In this respect, the study of magic in psychology resembles the domain of “cryptozoology,” the name given to the search, real or humoristic, for unknown species. This article begins by briefly presenting some of the major research conducted over the past 10 years in the psychology of magic. We argue that, unfortunately, so far, no unknown cognitive species have been added to the “hunting bag” of these studies; in the second part of the article, we discuss the wide range of psychological facets of magic that are still to be explored.
When Do Children Understand “Opposite”?
Authors: Phillips Catherine I. , Pexman Penny M.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

The aims of the present research were to determine (a) the age at which children with typical development understand the concept of opposite, (b) whether this is related to other cognitive abilities or experiences, and (c) whether there is early implicit understanding of the concept.

Method

Children (
N
= 204) between 3 and 5 years of age were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 experimental conditions in a novel opposite task. Children's language and working memory skills were assessed, and parents provided information about children's access to learning materials about opposites.

Results

In the opposite task, 4- and 5-year-olds, but not 3-year-olds, demonstrated acquisition of the concept of opposite. Children demonstrated this understanding only when asked for the “opposite” one, suggesting that antonymy was not made salient by stimulus properties alone. Children's accuracy was not significantly related to their language or working memory skills, to their child care experience, or to whether parents reported having books or games about opposites or playing opposite word games with children. Eye gaze analyses provided no evidence for early implicit understanding of the concept of opposite.

Conclusion

Children with typical development have a concept of opposite by 4 years of age.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.6170333
Making Inferences From Text: It's Vocabulary That Matters
Authors: Lucas Rebecca , Norbury Courtenay Frazier
Published: May 2015

Purpose

Many children with communication disorders have reading comprehension difficulties, and in order to target interventions effectively it is important to identify which specific components of comprehension are especially challenging. The current study explored the relationship between text-inferencing skill, autistic symptomatology, and language phenotype.

Method

Typically developing children (
n
= 32), children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and age-appropriate structural language skills (
n
= 27), children with ASD and language impairment (
n
= 15), and nonautistic children with language impairment (
n
= 12) were administered the Neale Analysis of Reading Ability–Revised (Neale, 1997), and responses to literal and inferential questions were analyzed.

Results

For the sample as a whole, inferencing competence was predicted by oral language skill, with autistic symptomatology not contributing significant variance. However, although only 12.5% of typically developing children found answering inferential questions disproportionally challenging relative to answering literal questions, one third of children with age-appropriate structural language skills demonstrated inferencing deficits, as did over 50% of children with language impairments, regardless of ASD status.

Conclusion

These results indicate that children with language impairments are most likely to find inferencing challenging, but practitioners will also need to monitor the inferencing skills of children with ASD and good language and single-word reading skills.
Intelligibility in Context Scale: Normative and Validation Data for English-Speaking Preschoolers
Authors: McLeod Sharynne , Crowe Kathryn , Shahaeian Ameneh
Published: May 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe normative and validation data on the Intelligibility in Context Scale (ICS; McLeod, Harrison, & McCormack, 2012c) for English-speaking children.

Method

The ICS is a 7-item, parent-report measure of children's speech intelligibility with a range of communicative partners. Data were collected from the parents of 803 Australian English-speaking children ranging in age from 4;0 (years;months) to 5;5 (37.0% were multilingual).

Results

The mean ICS score was 4.4 (
SD
= 0.7) out of a possible total score of 5. Children's speech was reported to be most intelligible to their parents, followed by their immediate family, friends, and teachers; children's speech was least intelligible to strangers. The ICS had high internal consistency (α = .94). Significant differences in scores were identified on the basis of sex and age but not on the basis of socioeconomic status or the number of languages spoken. There were significant differences in scores between children whose parents had concerns about their child's speech (
M
= 3.9) and those who did not (
M
= 4.6). A sensitivity of .82 and a specificity of .58 were established as the optimal cutoff. Test–retest reliability and criterion validity were established for 184 children with a speech sound disorder. There was a significant low correlation between the ICS mean score and percentage of phonemes correct (
r
= .30), percentage of consonants correct (
r
= .24), and percentage of vowels correct (
r
= .30) on the Diagnostic Evaluation of Articulation and Phonology (Dodd, Hua, Crosbie, Holm, & Ozanne, 2002). Thirty-one parents completed the ICS related to English and another language spoken by their child with a speech sound disorder. The significant correlations between the scores suggest that the ICS may be robust between languages.

Conclusions

This article provides normative ICS data for English-speaking children and additional validation of the psychometric properties of the ICS. The robustness of the ICS was suggested because mean ICS scores were not affected by socioeconomic status, number of languages spoken, or whether the ICS was completed in relation to English or another language. The ICS is recommended as a screening measure of children's speech intelligibility.
Impact of temperature and moisture on heterotrophic soil respiration along a moist tropical forest gradient in Australia
Authors: Zimmermann M. , Davies K. , Peña de Zimmermann V. T. V. , Bird M. I.
Published: May 2015

Tropical forests represent the largest store of terrestrial carbon (C) and are potentially vulnerable to climatic variations and human impact. However, the combined influence of temperature and precipitation on aboveground and belowground C cycling in tropical ecosystems is not well understood. To simulate the impact of climate (temperature and rainfall) on soil C heterotrophic respiration rates of moist tropical forests, we translocated soil cores among three elevations (100, 700 and 1540 m a.s.l.) representing a range in mean annual temperature of 10.9°C and in rainfall of 6840 mm. Initial soil C stocks in the top 30 cm along the gradient increased linearly with elevation from 6.13 kg C m–2 at 100 m a.s.l. to 10.66 kg C m–2 at 1540 m a.s.l. Respiration rates of translocated soil cores were measured every 3 weeks for 1 year and were fitted to different model functions taking into account soil temperature, soil moisture, mean annual temperature and total annual rainfall. Measured data could be best fitted to the model equation based on temperature alone. Furthermore, Akaike’s information criteria revealed that model functions taking into account the temperature range of the entire translocation gradient led to better estimates of respiration rates than functions solely based on the site-specific temperature range. Soil cores from the highest elevation revealed the largest temperature sensitivity (Q10 = 2.63), whereas these values decreased with decreasing elevation (Q10 = 2.00 at 100 m a.s.l.) or soil C stocks. We therefore conclude that increased temperatures will have the greatest impact on soil C stocks at higher elevations, and that best projections for future soil respiration rates of moist tropical forest soils can be achieved based on temperature alone and large soil cores exposed to temperatures above site-specific temperature regimes.