bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-world comparison of major bleeding risk among non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients initiated on apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or warfarin
Authors: Keshishian Allison , Kamble Shital , Pan Xianying , Mardekian Jack , Horblyuk Ruslan , Hamilton Melissa , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: August 2016

In addition to warfarin, there are four non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) available for stroke prevention in non valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). There are limited data on the comparative risks of major bleeding among newly anticoagulated NVAF patients who initiate warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran, or rivaroxaban, when used in ‘real world’ clinical practice. The study used the Truven MarketScan® Commercial & Medicare supplemental US claims database. NVAF patients aged ≥18 years newly prescribed an oral anticoagulant 01JAN2013–31DEC2014, with a ≥1-year baseline period, were included (study period: 01JAN2012–31DEC2014). Major bleeding was defined as bleeding requiring hospitalisation. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance age, sex, region, baseline comorbidities, and comedications. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the PSM hazard ratio (HR) of major bleeding. Among 45,361 newly anticoagulated NVAF patients, 15,461 (34.1 %) initiated warfarin, 7,438 (16.4 %) initiated apixaban, 17,801 (39.2 %) initiated rivaroxaban, and 4,661 (10.3 %) initiated dabigatran. Compared to matched warfarin initiators, apixaban (HR: 0.53; 95 % CI: 0.39–0.71) and dabigatran (HR: 0.69; 95 % CI: 0.50–0.96) initiators had a significantly lower risk of major bleeding. Patients initiating rivaroxaban (HR: 0.98; 95 % CI: 0.83–1.17) had a non-significant difference in major bleeding risk compared to matched warfarin patients. When comparisons were made between NOACs, matched rivaroxaban patients had a significantly higher risk of major bleeding (HR: 1.82; 95 % CI: 1.36–2.43) compared to apixaban patients. The differences for apixaban-dabigatran and dabigatran-rivaroxaban matched cohorts were not statistically significant. Among newly anticoagulated NVAF patients in the real-world setting, apixaban and dabigatran initiation was associated with significantly lower risk of major bleeding compared to warfarin initiation. When compared to apixaban, rivaroxaban initiation was associated with significantly higher risk of major bleeding.

Note: The review process for this paper was fully handled by Christian Weber, Editor in Chief.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Discriminação racial na escola: vivências de jovens negros
Authors: Guimarães Adriana Cristina , Pinto José Marcelino de Rezende
Published: August 2016

Por meio deste trabalho buscamos compreender como se processa no ambiente escolar a discriminação racial segundo as percepções dos sujeitos discriminados, bem como de que forma a escola atua diante das situações de discriminação racial e como as práticas educativas reforçam ou não este fenômeno social, a partir da metodologia da história de vida. De maneira geral, identificamos que todos os participantes vivenciaram situações de algum tipo de discriminação, sobre o qual há sentimento de impotência e ressentimento diante da ausência de mobilização da equipe escolar diante das situações discriminatórias ocorridas no interior da escola, sendo que a discriminação no ambiente escolar carrega em si a perversidade de atingir crianças e jovens negros no período em que se formam enquanto indivíduos.
Reprodução institucional da desigualdade: a indução federal e a distribuição desigual de Conselhos de Políticas Públicas nos municípios brasileiros
Authors: Antonietto André Luis Gomes , Severi Fabiana Cristina
Published: August 2016

Os Conselhos de Políticas Públicas são instituições importantes para concretizar a participação da sociedade civil, exigida pela legislação brasileira na gestão de políticas públicas. Nesse artigo analisamos os modos pelos quais a legislação federal pode induzir a criação desses Conselhos nos Municípios. Para isso, sistematizamos dados do IBGE sobre a distribuição dos Conselhos pelo Brasil para, posteriormente, relacioná-los com a análise do conteúdo das previsões que a legislação federal possui sobre os Conselhos Municipais. Identificamos que o principal fator de indução da criação de Conselhos Municipais é a previsão de competência para a gestão de recursos financeiros e que a previsão de competências abstratas ou meramente consultivas tende a induzir menos sua criação nos municípios. Constatamos ainda que Conselhos relacionados a políticas públicas especificamente voltadas a grupos sociais vulnerabilizados possuem mecanismos de indução frágeis, reproduzindo no âmbito institucional a desigualdade que esses Conselhos deveriam combater.
A participação da Defensoria Pública nos processos coletivos de hipossuficientes: da legitimidade ativa à intervenção ad coadjuvandum
Authors: Zufelato Camilo
Published: August 2016

Este artigo é centrado na proposta de que além da legitimidade ativa que a lei atribuiu à Defensoria Pública, a instituição também deverá intervir ad coadjuvandum nos processos coletivos cuja temática seja afeta a grupo de sujeitos hipossuficientes, como exercício do efetivo princípio do contraditório e da ampla defesa, visando à igualdade material por meio da paridade de armas. Assim, será revisitado o entendimento da preponderância do Ministério Público na tutela processual coletiva, atribuindo-se à Defensoria Pública, sem prejuízo da legitimação ativa, a missão de intervir nos processos em que haja interesse de hipossuficiente, numa atuação que seria verdadeiro misto de amicus e custos plebis.
Direitos coletivos e igualdade racial: resistências ideológicas e práticas às ações afirmativas no emprego
Authors: Varella Santiago Falluh
Published: August 2016

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a primeira tentativa de reconhecimento jurídico das manifestações indiretas da discriminação racial no mercado de trabalho brasileiro. Por reconhecimento jurídico entende-se a aceitação pelo Poder Judiciário da ilegalidade desses fenômenos, e também da legalidade das soluções apresentadas para remediá-los. Este artigo descreve os detalhes do Programa de Promoção da Igualdade de Oportunidades para Todos (PPIOT), formulado pelo Ministério Público do Trabalho (MPT), que, em setembro de 2005, ajuizou ações civis públicas (ACPs) contra empresas bancárias suspeitas de práticas de discriminação indireta no momento da contratação de seus funcionários. O principal conteúdo que sobressai do estudo é a resistência apresentada pelo Judiciário à tentativa de ampliação da consideração jurídica do conceito de discriminação. Por fim, o artigo conclui ressaltando os resultados práticos que podem ser extraídos da experiência em foco.
Diastolic Backward-Traveling Decompression (Suction) Wave Correlates With Simultaneously Acquired Indices of Diastolic Function and Is Reduced in Left Ventricular Stunning
Authors: Ladwiniec Andrew , White Paul A. , Nijjer Sukhjinder S. , O’Sullivan Michael , West Nick E.J. , Davies Justin E. , Hoole Stephen P.
Published: August 2016

Background—

Wave intensity analysis can distinguish proximal (propulsion) and distal (suction) influences on coronary blood flow and is purported to reflect myocardial performance and microvascular function. Quantifying the amplitude of the peak, backwards expansion wave (BEW) may have clinical utility. However, simultaneously acquired wave intensity analysis and left ventricular (LV) pressure–volume loop data, confirming the origin and effect of myocardial function on the BEW in humans, have not been previously reported.

Methods and Results—

Patients with single-vessel left anterior descending coronary disease and normal ventricular function (n=13) were recruited prospectively. We simultaneously measured LV function with a conductance catheter and derived wave intensity analysis using a pressure–low velocity guidewire at baseline and again 30 minutes after a 1-minute coronary balloon occlusion. The peak BEW correlated with the indices of diastolic LV function: LV dP/dt
min
(
r

s

=−0.59;
P
=0.002) and τ (
r

s

=−0.59;
P
=0.002), but not with systolic function. In 12 patients with paired measurements 30 minutes post balloon occlusion, LV dP/dt
max
decreased from 1437.1±163.9 to 1299.4±152.9 mm Hg/s (median difference, −110.4 [−183.3 to −70.4];
P
=0.015) and τ increased from 48.3±7.4 to 52.4±7.9 ms (difference, 4.1 [1.3–6.9];
P
=0.01), but basal average peak coronary flow velocity was unchanged, indicating LV stunning post balloon occlusion. However, the peak BEW amplitude decreased from −9.95±5.45 W·m
–2
/s
2
×10
5
to −7.52±5.00 W·m
–2
/s
2
×10
5
(difference 2.43×10
5
[0.20×10
5
to 4.67×10
5
;
P
=0.04]).

Conclusions—

Peak BEW assessed by coronary wave intensity analysis correlates with invasive indices of LV diastolic function and mirrors changes in LV diastolic function confirming the origin of the suction wave. This may have implications for physiological lesion assessment after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.isrctn.org
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN42864201.
Prevalence of Amyloid Positron Emission Tomographic Positivity in Poststroke Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Wollenweber Frank Arne , Därr Sonja , Müller Claudia , Duering Marco , Buerger Katharina , Zietemann Vera , Malik Rainer , Brendel Matthias , Ertl-Wagner Birgit , Bartenstein Peter , Rominger Axel , Dichgans Martin
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose—

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is common after stroke and associated with poor outcome. However, the mechanisms underlying poststroke MCI (PS-MCI) are insufficiently understood. We performed amyloid-β positron emission tomography (PET) in a prospective cohort of stroke survivors to determine the role of amyloid pathology in PS-MCI.

Methods—

We studied 178 consecutive patients enrolled into the prospective DEDEMAS study (Determinants of Dementia After Stroke). Follow-up visits 6 months post stroke included detailed cognitive testing, standardized magnetic resonance imaging, and amyloid-β imaging using flutemetamol (
18
F) PET. MCI was defined by the modified Petersen criteria. Amyloid-positivity was assessed visually and quantitatively. Fifty-six (31%) patients agreed to undergo PET imaging.

Results—

Thirty-eight (68%) patients who consented to PET imaging had PS-MCI. Visual assessment revealed amyloid PET positivity in 2 (5%) of the 38 PS-MCI patients and in 2 (11%) of the 18 cognitively healthy stroke survivors. There was no correlation between flutemetamol (
18
F) standardized uptake value ratios and cognitive scores in the 56 patients. PS-MCI patients had significant cognitive impairments on executive function (
P
<0.01) and memory tests (
P
<0.01) when compared with cognitively healthy stroke survivors (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions—

The prevalence of amyloid-pathology in patients with PS-MCI is not increased when compared with cognitively healthy stroke survivors and to recent estimates for cognitively healthy elderly subjects. Factors other than amyloid-pathology likely contribute to the development of PS-MCI.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01334749.
Modernity without Society? Observations on the term mujtamaʿ in the Islamic Journal al-Manār (Cairo, 1898–1940)
Authors: Zemmin Florian
Published: August 2016

It is characteristic of modernity that people conceive of their social affairs as ordered in and by society. While the evolution of the idea of society is well-researched in Europe, it remains an open question how this idea evolved within the Islamic context. This article analyzes the contemporary Arabic term for society, mujtamaʿ, as it was used in the mouthpiece of Islamic modernism, the journal al-Manār (Cairo, 1898–1940). I show that “society” was already the dominant meaning of mujtamaʿ in the first issue of al-Manār. However, few of the authors tackle mujtamaʿ as a central concept of their texts; and the journal’s editor, Muḥammad Rashīd Riḍā, predominantly used mujtamaʿ to mean something other than society. These findings, combined with Riḍā’s interest in social questions, suggest that the idea of society was expressed from within the Islamic tradition in terms other than mujtamaʿ, most conspicuously umma.
Anatomy and morphology suggest a hybrid origin of Zamia katzeriana (Zamiaceae)
Authors: PÉREZ-FARRERA MIGUEL A. , VOVIDES ANDREW P. , RUIZ-CASTILLEJOS CHRISTIAN , GALICIA SONIA , CIBRIÁN-JARAMILLO ANGÉLICA , LÓPEZ SERGIO
Published: August 2016

The validity of Zamia splendens has been debated, mainly as a result of its synonymy under Z. katzeriana. Field explorations have uncovered previously unknown populations, and some do not appear to match the circumscription of Z. katzeriana. Some populations are morphologically more similar to, and often sympatric with, Z. loddigesii. This study aims at clarifying the morphological and anatomical distinction between the three taxa. To study the morphological variation, a total of 88 individuals from four populations were sampled, these spanning the geographical range of the three cycads in southern Mexico. Univariate, principal component and discriminant analyses of 12 vegetative morphological variables were carried out. To study variation in leaflet anatomy, three individuals per population were analysed for nine anatomical variables and their stomatal index. Standard plant histological techniques and bright field light microscopy were used for observations and measurements of leaflet anatomical variables. Both morphological and anatomical variables were analysed by multivariate statistical methods. Principal component and discriminant analyses on both morphological and anatomical variables and the stomatal index have shown a significant difference between the populations (P = <0.0002) with scatter diagram dispersion indicating three distinctive groups, with Z. katzeriana values consistently intermediate between those of Z. splendens and Z. loddigesii. Some individuals of Z. katzeriana have a leaflet morphology and anatomy similar to Z. loddigesii, yet others resemble Z. splendens. The three taxa comprise distinct species and we propose the acceptance of Z. splendens as independent from Z. katzeriana. The intermediate placement of Z. katzeriana in the analyses suggests a hybrid origin with Z. splendens and Z. loddigesii as putative ancestors.
Eugenia veraguensis (Myrtaceae), a new species from Golfo de Chiriquí in Veraguas Province, Panama, with notes on Eugenia rhombea
Authors: FLORES RODOLFO , IBÁÑEZ ALICIA , CORREA MIREYA D. A.
Published: August 2016

Eugenia veraguensis is described as a new species of Myrtaceae from Panama. It differs from E. rhombea, the most similar taxon, by a combination of its shrubby habit, a distinctive dichotomous branching pattern with 4 to 6 leaved branchlets, chartaceous or subcoriaceous leaves and its small number of stamens. It occurs in coastal forest and scrub on islands off Pacific Western Panama. Following the inclusion of a specimen of E. veraguensis as E. rhombea in Flora Mesoamericana, we discuss the occurrence of this latter species in Panama.
The Language of Science and Social Licence to Operate
Authors: Gallois Cindy , Ashworth Peta , Leach Joan , Moffat Kieren
Published: August 2016

Social licence to operate (SLO) is an informal agreement that infers ongoing acceptance of an industrial or energy project by a local community and the stakeholders affected by it. Negotiation of SLOs centrally implicates language and communication, including scientific language and concepts. We first review the literature about the definition and communicative features of SLOs, and their relation to scientific communication. We describe communication accommodation theory and the ways that it can help understand (un)successful SLO negotiation, and describe examples of texts that show accommodative or nonaccommodative language around SLOs. We summarize some results which help indicate different ways of accommodating communities in the negotiation of SLOs. Finally, we describe a research agenda on communication accommodation and SLOs, in the service of improving their impact on energy, the environment, and the transfer of science.
Staff training and development programmes and work performance in the university libraries in Ghana
Authors: Cobblah Mac-Anthony , van der Walt TB
Published: August 2016

This paper investigated the relationship between staff development and job performance of the library staff of five selected universities in Ghana. The paper examined the effectiveness of staff training and development policies, programmes, methods, training needs analysis and the monitoring and evaluation methods of the university libraries in order to establish the effectiveness of staff development initiatives in library and information services. The study adopted survey design and mixed methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative approaches in a single study. Data was largely collected with a questionnaire, while interviews were used to collect data from head librarians and heads of departments. The observation instrument was also used to confirm some information provided by the respondents. The findings of the study established that there is a positive relationship between staff training and development and work performance of library staff in the selected university libraries in Ghana. The results also revealed that even though staff development contributes greatly to effective provision of library and information services, staff training alone did not contribute to staff effectiveness. Staff development must be complemented with other human resource management strategies such as reward, promotion, retooling, etc. The paper makes recommendations on how staff development can help improve upon library staff effectiveness.
U-shaped curve of psychosis according to cannabis use: New evidence from a snowball sample
Authors: Brañas Antía , Barrigón María L , Garrido-Torres Nathalia , Perona-Garcelán Salvador , Rodriguez-Testal Juan F , Lahera Guillermo , Ruiz-Veguilla Miguel
Published: August 2016

Background:

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) assessed using the Community Assessment of Psychic Experience (CAPE) questionnaire and the pattern of cannabis use in a non-clinical sample collected by snowball sampling.

Methods:

Our sample was composed of 204 subjects, distributed into three groups by their cannabis use pattern: 68 were non-cannabis users, 40 were moderate cannabis users and 96 were daily cannabis users. We assessed the psychotic experiences in each group with the CAPE questionnaire; and then controlled for the effect of possible confounding factors like sex, age, social exclusion, age of onset of cannabis use, alcohol use and other drug use.

Results:

We found a significant quadratic association between the frequency of cannabis use and positive (β = −1.8; p = 0.004) and negative dimension scores (β = −1.2; p = 0.04). The first-rank and mania factors showed a significant quadratic association ( p < 0.05), while the voices factor showed a trend ( p = 0.07). Scores for the different groups tended to maintain a U-shape in their values for the different factors. When we adjusted for gender, age, social exclusion, age of onset of cannabis use, and use of alcohol and other drugs, only the first-rank experiences remained significant.

Conclusions:

We found there was a U-shaped curve in the association between cannabis use and the positive and negative dimensions of the CAPE score. We also found this association in mania and first-rank experiences.
Muscle Pathology in Free-Ranging Stranded Cetaceans
Authors: Sierra E. , Espinosa de los Monteros A. , Fernández A. , Díaz-Delgado J. , Suárez-Santana C. , Arbelo M. , Sierra M. A. , Herráez P.
Published: August 2016

Despite the profound impact that skeletal muscle disorders may pose for the daily activities of wild terrestrial and marine mammals, such conditions have been rarely described in cetaceans. In this study, the authors aimed to determine the nature and prevalence of skeletal muscle lesions in small and large odontocetes and mysticetes ( n = 153) from 19 different species. A macroscopic evaluation of the epaxial muscle mass and a histologic examination of the longissimus dorsi muscle were performed in all cases. The only macroscopically evident change was variable degrees of atrophy of the epaxial muscles ( longissimus dorsi, multifidus, spinalis) in emaciated specimens. The histopathological study revealed single or combined morphological changes in 91.5% of the cases. These changes included the following: degenerative lesions (75.2%), muscle atrophy (37.9%), chronic myopathic changes (25.5%), parasitic infestation (9.2%), and myositis (1.9%). The skeletal muscle is easily sampled during a necropsy and provides essential microscopic information that reflects both local and systemic conditions. Thus, skeletal muscle should be systematically sampled, processed, and examined in all stranded cetaceans.
Understanding retirement for ageing adults with a disability in supported employment
Authors: Goods Naomi , Millsteed Jeannine
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Employees with disabilities in supported employment are ageing and, as their retirement from work approaches, it is critical to consider how they perceive their occupational roles might change. They need to consider what activities they choose to engage in, and what service or supports might be necessary to make a successful transition to retirement. The aim of this study was to understand how ageing employees with disabilities perceive retirement, and how their occupational roles might change.

Method

A qualitative study was conducted with 10 participants working in a supported employment service, for whom transitioning from work to retirement was imminent.

Findings

Participants perceived retirement to be boring, full of meaningless activities and lonely. It also meant a reduced income that would result in hardship, and a loss of self-esteem at losing their employee role. They had limited knowledge about alternative activities in retirement.

Conclusion

Participants perceived significant barriers to making the transition from employee to retiree. Occupational therapy can provide support with pre-retirement planning and evidence-based strategies such as a client-centred approach, mapping new routines, and training staff and mentors. They could also advocate for changes in service delivery to improve practices that will encourage active ageing for people with disabilities in retirement.
The effect of additives on migration and transformation of gaseous pollutants in the vacuum pyrolysis process of waste printed circuit boards
Authors: Xie Yibiao , Sun Shuiyu , Liu Jingyong , Lin Weixiong , Chen Nanwei , Ye Maoyou
Published: August 2016

The effect of six additives (CaCO3, HZSM-5, CaO, Al2O3, FeOOH and Ca(OH)2) on the generation, migration, transformation and escaping behaviours of typical gaseous pollutants in the pyrolysis process were studied by vacuum pyrolysis experiments on epoxy resin powder from waste printed circuit boards with tube furnace. The results show that the additives Al2O3, CaO, Ca(OH) 2 and FeOOH could reduce the yield of the gas phase. The removal rates of pollutants, such as benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, phenol, p-xylene, HBr, NO2 and SO2 in the gaseous products, has changed variously with the increasing percentage of the above additives. Judging from the control of gas-phase pollutant discharge, the calcium-base additives are superior to the others. Ca(OH)2 has the best inhibition effect among them. The increase of the pyrolysis temperature and vacuum degree enhanced the volatility of organic pollutants and weakened the Ca(OH)2 inhibition effect on organic pollutants, while it improved the removal rate of SO2. Under the condition of 500 °C pyrolysis temperature and 0.09 MPa vacuum degree, when the additive proportion of Ca(OH)2 was one-fifth, the average removal rate of pollutants in gas phase is up to 66.4%.
Potential Hepatotoxicities of Intravenous Fat Emulsions in Infants and Children
Authors: Nghiem‐Rao T. Hang
Published: August 2016

Infants and children who depend on parenteral nutrition are among the most vulnerable to developing potentially devastating intestinal failure–associated liver disease. While the pathogenesis of intestinal failure–associated liver disease remains unclear, evidence for the contribution of fat emulsions to cholestasis and liver injury has rapidly increased in recent years. Data demonstrating the interaction among phytosterols, fatty acids, and antioxidants in cellular pathways that mediate bile flow and hepatic injury have led to the development of newer alternative fat emulsions. This article reviews recent studies that have provided insight into the potential hepatotoxicities of fat emulsions.
A method for reducing fuel consumption of urban scooters using vehicle design and traffic simulation
Authors: Lin Yu-An , Chen Pao-An , Chan Kuei-Yuan
Published: August 2016

Vehicular tailpipe emissions have one of the largest impacts on urban air quality. One way to reduce these hazardous emissions is to reduce the amount of fuel consumed by on-road vehicles. In this research, we consider both vehicle design and driver behavior as crucial elements in evaluating the environmental impact of two-wheel vehicles. Any redesign of vehicle specifications, results in different driving patterns that need to be re-evaluated in a realistic environment with traffic simulation. Therefore we developed traffic simulations with mixed fleets to model scooter/driver behaviors to reflect urban driving scenarios. Based on the results, a 31-variable continuous variable transmission (CVT) design and a 14-parameter cellular automata traffic model are integrated. Simultaneous redesign of CVT with traffic simulation can reduce the fuel consumption by 16.2% in our case study. This promising outcome demonstrates the need for multi-discipline integration of real-world traffic impact assessments and improvements.
Informing Health Policy Decision Makers
Authors: Lazure Linda L. , Cramer Mary E. , Hoebelheinrich Katherine A.
Published: August 2016

Medicare patients seeking care from nurse practitioners (NPs) increased 15-fold from 1998 to 2010, and a 2.5-fold patient increase was recorded in states that have eased the regulatory environment for NPs. It is increasingly important that state regulatory and licensing boards—charged with protecting the public through the assurance of a qualified health-care workforce—examine whether their state regulatory environment restricts or promotes public access to quality health care. This article presents a case study of a statutory scope of practice credentialing review process for NPs in Nebraska. It examines in depth what individuals involved in policy change processes found most useful for informed decision making. The methodology included observation of the process, review of submitted documents, and a survey to individuals involved in the decision-making process ( n = 22/48). The study findings have application for those seeking scope of practice policy changes, with specific suggestions for how to better prepare themselves and present information in formats that are helpful to decision makers. Our results also shed new light on what specific evidence submitted during a scope of practice review process is most valued for promoting the understanding of decision makers to effect change.
Factores que Influencian la Adquisición de Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual y VIH en Mujeres Jóvenes Chilenas que Participaron en la Intervención Online I-STIPI (Factors That Influence the Acquisition of Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV in Chilean Young Women Who Participated in the Online Intervention I-STIPI)
Authors: Villegas Natalia , Cianelli Rosina , Santisteban Daniel , Lara Loreto , Vargas Jessica
Published: August 2016

The aim of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to investigate the following factors associated with sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency virus prevention: (a) knowledge, (b) attitudes, (c) self-efficacy, (d) vulnerability, (e) risky behaviors, (f) preventive behaviors, and (g) internet use among 40 Chilean women between 18 and 24 years who participated in the pilot of an Internet based STI/HIV prevention intervention (I-STIPI). A structured questionnaire available in a secure website was used for data collection and it included questions related to STI and HIV prevention. The results of the study indicated that young women are at risk of acquiring STIs and HIV and have special needs for prevention. Familiarity and frequency of use of internet in this population can be used for STIs and HIV prevention.
Spanish-Speaking Limited English Proficiency Patients and Call Light Use
Authors: Montie Mary , Galinato Jose Gabriel , Patak Lance , Titler Marita
Published: August 2016

Introduction:

Despite a continuous increase of the limited English proficiency (LEP) population in the United States, disparities in the quality of care received in health care systems persist.

Method:

This qualitative study explores the perceptions of hospitalized LEP patients on their call light use, as well as their perceptions of a prototype of a new multilingual call light system, Eloquence™. Individual interviews were conducted with 10 Spanish-speaking patient participants.

Results:

Using a constant comparative method, the following themes emerged: (1) reasons for call light use, (2) challenges with communication, (3) patients’ adaptation to language barriers, (4) perceived staff responses to call light, and (5) responses to the Eloquence™ demonstration.

Conclusion:

Data from this study shed light on the patient care experience of LEP patients and can help guide clinicians and administrators in providing culturally and linguistically competent care.
Living with uncertainty and hope: A qualitative study exploring parents’ experiences of living with childhood multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hinton Denise , Kirk Susan
Published: August 2016

Background

There is growing recognition that multiple sclerosis is a possible, albeit uncommon, diagnosis in childhood. However, very little is known about the experiences of families living with childhood multiple sclerosis and this is the first study to explore this in depth.

Objective

Our objective was to explore the experiences of parents of children with multiple sclerosis.

Methods

Qualitative in-depth interviews with 31 parents using a grounded theory approach were conducted. Parents were sampled and recruited via health service and voluntary sector organisations in the United Kingdom.

Results

Parents’ accounts of life with childhood multiple sclerosis were dominated by feelings of uncertainty associated with four sources; diagnostic uncertainty, daily uncertainty, interaction uncertainty and future uncertainty. Parents attempted to manage these uncertainties using specific strategies, which could in turn create further uncertainties about their child’s illness. However, over time, ongoing uncertainty appeared to give parents hope for their child’s future with multiple sclerosis.

Conclusion

Illness-related uncertainties appear to play a role in generating hope among parents of a child with multiple sclerosis. However, this may lead parents to avoid sources of information and support that threatens their fragile optimism. Professionals need to be sensitive to the role hope plays in supporting parental coping with childhood multiple sclerosis.
Models of Cognitive Ability and Emotion Can Better Inform Contemporary Emotional Intelligence Frameworks
Authors: Mestre José M. , MacCann Carolyn , Guil Rocío , Roberts Richard D.
Published: August 2016

Emotional intelligence (EI) stands at the nexus between intelligence and emotion disciplines, and we outline how EI research might be better integrated within both theoretical frameworks. From the former discipline, empirical research focused upon whether EI is an intelligence and what type of intelligence it constitutes. It is clear that ability-based tests of EI form a group factor of cognitive abilities that may be integrated into the Cattell–Horn–Carroll framework; less clear is the lower order factor structure of EI. From the latter discipline, research linking EI with theoretical frameworks from emotion research remain relatively sparse. Emotion regulation and appraisal theory may be key to explain how EI may reflect different processes. We propose a research agenda to advance the EI study.
An integrative transcriptomics approach identifies miR-503 as a candidate master regulator of the estrogen response in MCF-7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Baran-Gale Jeanette , Purvis Jeremy E. , Sethupathy Praveen
Published: August 2016

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is an important biomarker of breast cancer severity and a common therapeutic target. In response to estrogen, ERα stimulates a dynamic transcriptional program including both coding and noncoding RNAs. We generate a fine-scale map of expression dynamics by performing a temporal profiling of both messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in MCF-7 cells (an ER+ model cell line for breast cancer) in response to estrogen stimulation. We identified three primary expression trends—transient, induced, and repressed—that were each enriched for genes with distinct cellular functions. Integrative analysis of mRNA and miRNA temporal expression profiles identified miR-503 as the strongest candidate master regulator of the estrogen response, in part through suppression of ZNF217—an oncogene that is frequently amplified in cancer. We confirmed experimentally that miR-503 directly targets ZNF217 and that overexpression of miR-503 suppresses MCF-7 cell proliferation. Moreover, the levels of ZNF217 and miR-503 are associated with opposite outcomes in breast cancer patient cohorts, with high expression of ZNF217 associated with poor survival and high expression of miR-503 associated with improved survival. Overall, these data indicate that miR-503 acts as a potent estrogen-induced candidate tumor suppressor miRNA that opposes cellular proliferation and has promise as a novel therapeutic for breast cancer. More generally, our work provides a systems-level framework for identifying functional interactions that shape the temporal dynamics of gene expression.
Fine tuning of cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations
Authors: Dupont Geneviève , Combettes Laurent
Published: August 2016

Ca2+oscillations, a widespread mode of cell signaling, were reported in non-excitable cells for the first time more than 25 years ago. Their fundamental mechanism, based on the periodic Ca2+exchange between the endoplasmic reticulum and the cytoplasm, has been well characterized. However, how the kinetics of cytosolic Ca2+changes are related to the extent of a physiological response remains poorly understood. Here, we review data suggesting that the downstream targets of Ca2+are controlled not only by the frequency of Ca2+oscillations but also by the detailed characteristics of the oscillations, such as their duration, shape, or baseline level. Involvement of non-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+stores, mainly mitochondria and the extracellular medium, participates in this fine tuning of Ca2+oscillations. The main characteristics of the Ca2+exchange fluxes with these compartments are also reviewed.
Overstimulation of the inhibitory nervous system plays a role in the pathogenesis of neuromuscular and neurological diseases: a novel hypothesis
Authors: Tuk Bert
Published: August 2016

Based upon a thorough review of published clinical observations regarding the inhibitory system, I hypothesize that this system may play a key role in the pathogenesis of a variety of neuromuscular and neurological diseases. Specifically, excitatory overstimulation, which is commonly reported in neuromuscular and neurological diseases, may be a homeostatic response to inhibitory overstimulation. Involvement of the inhibitory system in disease pathogenesis is highly relevant, given that most approaches currently being developed for treating neuromuscular and neurological diseases focus on reducing excitatory activity rather than reducing inhibitory activity.
Communication as a Way to Broadcast an Intentional Experience of Local Cultures
Authors: Силантьева  , Silanteva Margarita
Published: August 2016

Handling of modern communication studies to theoretical and methodological achievments of philosophy of culture is the result of the desire for a holistic vision of the interaction of heterogeneous structures, united in the act of communication. This makes it possible, based on the dialectics of the general, special and individual, as well as relying on the ideas of existential dialectic and personalism, to formulate some principles of a dynamic understanding of the communication process and to identify the conditions of its performance. This approach considers “unity of understanding,” “non-empty” communicative act, taken at the same time in the linguistic and extra-linguistic (ethnopsychological, historical, cognitive, semantic, sociological aspects, etc.) measurements. The functional approach to the study of linguistic measurement of communicative act (distinguishing physical and logical types of existence), in conjunction with antisubstantialism allows to highlight the role of abstract, “metaphysical” concepts (universals) for solving linguistic and communicative tasks. Analysis of the communicative act in the semantic dimension allows us to consider it as a unique communicative event, which has a universal structure, through the allocation of dynamic components of this process, which is a kind of superposition, the interference part of concepts (rhizome). This rhizome unity of concepts not only provides the informational content of the message, but also induces a concomitant “background” knowledge (assessment, links and hyperlinks, intention, modality, imperatives, etc.) that make up the pragmatic level of existence of the concept. Intentional aspect of communication, orienting communicators to “essence”, “purpose” and “meaning” (in the dynamic sense) refers to the Other as a reality and at the same time as open project; sets the “horizon” of communicative events, thus creating a space of dialogue as a space of culture and setting field of open universals that define the possibility of an agreement. The importance of this approach for the sphere of international relations can not be overestimated.
Correlation between tumor necrosis factor-alpha and septic shock in children
Authors: Dinata Khrisanti , Runtunuwu Ari L. , Mandei Jose M. , Lolombulan Julius H.
Published: August 2016

Background The crucial role cytokines play in the pathophysiologyof sepsis is widely accepted. Infection stimulates the productionof cytokines in various cell types. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-a) is one of the most extensively investigated cytokines inexperimental and clinical sepsis. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha hasbeen shown to mediate lethality in experimental sepsis.Objective To evaluate for a possible correlation between TNF-alevel and septic shock in children.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Manadofrom June to September 2011. A total of 40 patients with arecent diagnosis of sepsis or septic shock were included. Plasmaspecimens were collected from subjects for measurement ofTNF-a concentration. Logistic regression analysis was used toassess the correlation between TNF-a level and sepsis, as well asthe probability of shock in children with sepsis, with P<0.05 asstatistically significant.Results There was a strong positive correlation betweenTNF-a level and the probability of shock in children with sepsis(regression coefficient = 0. 78, P = 0.002).Conclusions There is a strong positive correlation betweenTNF-a level with the probability of shock in children with sepsis.Higher plasma level ofTNF-a is associated with higher probabilityof septic shock.
Prognostic factors and survivals of children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Trihono Partini Pudjiastuti , Putri Nina Dwi , Pulungan Aman B
Published: August 2016

Background Children with steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome(SRNS) generally survive, although during the course of diseasetheir kidney function may decrease, leading to end-stage renaldisease (ESRD). There have been few studies reporting on thesurvivals of children with SRNS.Objectives To determine patient and kidney survival rates in childrenwith SRNS at the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth years; and toevaluate the effects of age at onset, initial kidney function, hypertension,and type of resistance, on the survivals of children with SRNS.Methods This retrospective cohort study was performed usingsecondary data obtained from medical records of patients with SRNS inDepartment of Child Health, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospira~ between2004-2011. The outcomes of kidney survivals were defined in two ways:lack of doubling of base creatinine levels and lack of ESRD.Results There were 45 children with SRNS in our study. Their medianduration ofillness was 24 (range 12-95) months. Twenty percent of thesubjects died, 31.1 % had a doublingofbase creatinine levels, and 13.4%developed ESRD. Life survival rates of subjects at the first, second,third, fourth, and fifth years after diagnosis were 93 %, 84%, 80"/ri, 7 2%,and 61 %, respectively. Kidney survival rates determined by the lackof doubling of base creatinine levels at the first, second, third, fourthand fifth years were 92%, 72%, 56%, 42%, and 34%, respectively, whilekidney survival rates determined by the lack ofESRD were 97%, 88%,81 %, 70"/o, and 58%, respectively. Age at onset, initial kidney function,hypertension at onset, and type of resistance, did not significantly affectthe survivals of children with SRNS.Conclusion Children with SRNS are prone to develop a doublingof base creatinine levels and ESRD. Factors such as age, initialkidney function, hypertension at onset, and type ofresistance, donot significantly affect both, life and kidney survivals of childrenwith SRNS.
Zu Häufigkeit und Determinanten rechtlicher Betreuung – Eine vergleichende Analyse von Daten aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz
Authors: Estermann Josef , Fuchs Walter
Published: August 2016

Die rechtliche Betreuung psychisch erkrankter oder kognitiv behinderter Menschen war in den letzten Jahren in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz Gegenstand umfassender Revisionen, welche die damit verbundenen Diskriminierungen lindern und die Autonomie der betroffenen Personen stärken sollen. Gleichzeitig stieg in allen drei Ländern die Zahl der rechtlichen Betreuungen stark an. Wir untersuchen die Gründe für diese Entwicklung und quantifizieren für einen transnationalen Querschnittsdatensatz, in dem wir österreichische und schweizerische Statistiken vereinigt haben, mittels multivariater Regressionsmodelle den Einfluss sozioökonomischer und demographischer Faktoren. Obwohl die Mobilisierung des Betreuungsrechts bis zu einem gewissen Grad auf solche Faktoren zurückführbar ist, lässt sich die große und kleinräumig verortete Variabilität der Daten nur durch massive lokale und regionale Unterschiede in der Rechtskultur erklären.
Peter Heinrich Böger, 1935–2015
Authors: Lichtenthaler Hartmut K.
Published: August 2016

On October 22, 2015, Professor Peter Heinrich Böger, an excellent and internationally highly regarded plant scientist, died in Constance, Germany, at the age of 80 years. He was a broadly oriented researcher of photosynthetic processes, with emphasis on the mode of action of herbicides in chloroplasts and on the biodiversity of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria. He was a very active, much committed person, who advanced not only plant science research, but also scientific communication, international cooperation and the promotion of young scientists. His scientific career, his manifold activities as editor and board member, and his merits and honors are described in this tribute.
Sintered Carbon Nanomaterials: Structural Change and Adsorption Properties
Authors: Strokova Natalia , Savilov Serguei , Xia Hui , Aldoshin Serguei , Lunin Valery
Published: August 2016

Porous powdered carbon nanomaterials [carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon nanoshells (CNS)] were compacted using spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and SEM images demonstrate the structural change: the increase of density and thickness of nanoshells stack, formation of interparticle bonds between nanotubes. Surface properties of original and sintered materials were studied by liquid nitrogen sorption and compared to the characteristics for real vapors sorption. The data collected for water, ethanol, acetonitrile and benzene show both physical adsorption and chemisorption. The mean pore diameter distribution calculated from nitrogen adsorption by density functional theory (DFT) approach shows the reduction of total pore volume in CNS pellet while for CNT pellet total pore volume does not differ dramatically from those for non-compacted samples. The isosteric heats of sorption for all chosed vapors were calculated.
Progesterone augments cell susceptibility to HIV-1 and HIV-1/HSV-2 co-infections
Authors: Ragupathy Viswanath , Xue Wang , Tan Ji , Devadas Krishnakumar , Gao Yamei , Hewlett Indira
Published: August 2016

In human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected women, oral or injectable progesterone containing contraceptive pills may enhance HIV-1 acquisitionin vivo, and the mechanism by which this occurs is not fully understood. In developing countries, Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) co-infection has been shown to be a risk for increase of HIV-1 acquisition and, if co-infected women use progesterone pills, infections may increase several fold. In this study, we used anin vitrocell culture system to study the effects of progesterone on HIV-1 replication and to explore the molecular mechanism of progesterone effects on infected cells. In ourin vitromodel, CEMss cells (lymphoblastoid cell line)were infected with either HIV-1 alone or co-infected with HSV-2. HIV-1 viral load was measured with and without sex hormone treatment. Progesterone-treated cells showed an increase in HIV-1 viral load (1411.2 pg/mL) compared with cells without progesterone treatment (993.1 pg/mL). Increased cell death was noted with HSV-2 co-infection and in progesterone-treated cells. Similar observations were noted in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) cells derived from three female donors. Progesterone-treated cells also showed reduced antiviral efficacy. Inflammatory cytokines and associations with biomarkers of disease progression were explored. Progesterone upregulated inflammatory cytokines and chemokines conversely and downregulated anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression. Nuclear protein analysis by electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed the association of progesterone with progesterone response element (PRE), which may lead to downregulation of Bcl-2. These data indicate that progesterone treatment enhances HIV-1 replication in infected cells and co-infection with HSV-2 may further fuel this process.