bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Necessity the Mother of Invention: Australian and Eritrean Early Childhood Educators Sharing Skills and Experiences
Authors: Andreoni Helen
Published: June 2019

Australian and Eritrean early childhood educators are working together to establish early childhood education in Eritrea. Eritrea, in East Africa, devastated by a 30-year war and severe droughts, is rebuilding from scratch with minimal resources. In a country with some nine ethnic groups and languages, as well as three main religions, fundamental questions have to be asked about the role and nature of early childhood education. Australian early childhood educators in Eritrea are learning a great deal about the management of multicultural and multilingual communities; Eritrean early childhood educators are in turn learning a great deal from their Australian counterparts about an holistic approach to education which, through a range of strategies, seeks to meet the social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and developmental needs of the Eritrean children. All members of this team are involved in a patient campaign to effect change and are aware that education in such an environment is a political act.
Work and Family Life: Contemporary Realities, Current Expectations and Future Prospects
Authors: Hayes Alan , Watt Helen M.G.
Published: June 2019

The relationship of work and family life is increasingly complex. Many families are forced to create a complicated patchwork of child care arrangements to accommodate the demands of their work. The average hours worked per week are increasing and part-time and casual work are becoming the norm for many workers, particularly women. Recently, there has been a nostalgic appeal by some politicians and their constituents for a return to a simpler world where work and family life were less intricately interwoven. While appealing to its adherents, the call for a return to the comfortable nuclear family flies in the face of some fundamental contemporary demographic realities. This paper reports the results of a survey of the attitudes to caregiving and career of women enrolled in a university-based early childhood program. The paper is in two parts. The first sets the context for the survey, by exploring the origins of the contemporary patterns of relationship between work and family life. The second describes the survey and its results. The results indicate that attitudes to maternal care and career roles are more traditional among younger, less experienced students than among their older peers with greater experience of parenting and employment. The implications of the results and future trends in the relationship of work and family life are discussed, in the light of contemporary features of families and demographic trends.
The politics of Aboriginal Children's Services in Australia
Authors: D'Souza Nigel
Published: June 2019

The issue of services for Aboriginal children is highly politicised. Politicised not in the sense of it being a major issue with federal or state and territory governments, but more in that they have been the focus for political arguments between Aboriginal communities, their representative organisations, and governments. While this is not unusual in any sphere of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (A&TSI) affairs, the children's services field has appeared less permeable to A&TSI intervention and generally mirrors the ‘mainstream’. Broadly speaking there are three factors that influence the nature and landscape of Aboriginal children's services in Australia i.e. history, culture, and socioeconomic status of A&TSI people. This paper argues for a different approach that recognises these three elements.
Traditional Practices, New Possibilities: Transforming Dominant Images of Early Childhood Teachers
Authors: Ryan Sharon , Ochsner Mindy
Published: June 2019

In the early childhood literature good early childhood teaching is often reduced to the dominant stereotype of the sensitive, nurturing, and child-centred developmentally appropriate educator. Critics of the developmental discourse argue, however, that good early childhood teachers are of en apolitical carers of the young who need to reposition themselves from this image of facilitators to that of interventionists; teachers who take a proactive and explicit political stance with children against social inequities. In this article we examine the image of early childhood teachers as interventionists by employing feminist poststructuralism to describe and interpret the gender equity practices of two American kindergarten teachersi. We use these teachers’ practices to argue that becoming interventionists does not necessarily imply reversing the current dichotomy to favour developmentally inappropriate teaching, but instead requires reconstructing the knowledge base to expand our definitions of what constitutes good teaching.
Speaking up for Silence
Authors: Silin Jonathan G.
Published: June 2019

This essay explores the complex ways that silence can function in both early childhood and teacher education classrooms. Over the past 25 years feminists have used the metaphor of voice to describe the struggles of women to speak the truth of their lives. My own history as a gay teacher attests to the way I have benefited from the contemporary focus on voice and the identity politics in which it is embedded. But educators also need to examine the negative connotation we so often assign to silence, and our uncritical celebration of voice. I argue that teachers at all age levels need to become as adept at reading silences as they are at interpreting words, as comfortable with the pause as with the articulated statement.
New Acetophenone and Cardanol Derivatives From Knema pachycarpa
Authors: Giap Tran Huu , Thoa Ha Thi , Oanh Vu Thi Kim , Hang Nguyen Thi Minh , Dang Nguyen Hai , Thuc Dinh Ngoc , Hung Nguyen Van , Thanh Le Nguyen
Published: June 2019

Two new acetophenone derivatives named knepachycarpanone A (1) and knepachycarpanone B (2) together with a new cardanol derivative named knepachycarpanol C (3) were isolated from the EtOAc extract of Knema pachycarpa stems. Their chemical structures were established on the basis of spectral evidences. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against Hela cancer cell line with IC50 values of 26.92 ± 1.46 and 30.20 ± 1.97 μM, respectively.
Simulation-Based Mock-Up Evaluation of a Universal Operating Room
Authors: Shultz Jonas , Borkenhagen David , Rose Emily , Gribbons Brendan , Rusak-Gillrie Hannah , Fleck Shelly , Muniak Allison , Filer John
Published: June 2019

Designing or renovating a physical environment for healthcare is a complex process and is critical for both the staff and the patients who rely on the environment to support and facilitate patient care. Conducting a simulation-based mock-up evaluation as part of the design process can enhance patient safety, staff efficiency, as well as user experience, and can yield financial returns. A large urban tertiary care center located in Vancouver, Canada followed a framework to evaluate the proposed design template for 28 universal operating rooms (ORs) included within the OR Renewal Project scope. Simulation scenarios were enacted by nursing staff, surgeons, anesthesiologists, residents, radiology techs, and anesthesia assistants. Video and debriefing data were used to conduct link analyses, as well as analyses of observed behaviors including congestions and bumps to generate recommendations for evidence-based design changes that were presented to the project team. Recommendations incorporated into the design included relocating doors, booms, equipment, and supplies, as well as reconfigurations to workstations. These recommendations were also incorporated into the mock-up and retested to iteratively develop and evaluate the design. Findings suggest that incorporating the recommended design changes resulted in better room utilization, decreased congestion, and enhanced access to equipment.
The Value of SPECT/CT for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zarringam D. , Saris D.B.F. , Bekkers J.E.J.
Published: June 2019

Background

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) is a diagnostic option for knee osteoarthritis patients without osteoarthritic features on X-ray; however, the added value of SPECT/CT remains debatable in the diagnostic algorithm.

Objective

To review the added value of SPECT/CT in the diagnostic algorithm of knee osteoarthritis.

Study Design

Systematic review

Methods

A systematic search was carried out in the databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane collaboration. The retrieved articles were screened for relevance on title and abstract. This was followed by a full-text study quality appraisal of the remaining articles. Finally, a total of 9 trials were included.

Results

The use of SPECT/CT might objectify some clinical knee osteoarthritis symptoms. It could correlate with findings on plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, there is some evidence SPECT/CT gives additional information compared with these imaging modalities; however, superiority is not proven. The uptake on SPECT could predict the intraoperative macroscopic findings. Yet the clinical relevance remains unclear.

Conclusion

There is no strong evidence SPECT/CT should play a role in the diagnosing and decision-making processes of knee osteoarthritis. Yet there is evidence suggesting SPECT/CT might give additional information in the diagnosing process. More research would be of added value to answer this research question.
Descriptive bibliometric analysis of global publications in lifestyle-based preventive cardiology
Authors: Manyangu Gloria , Dineen Brendan , Geoghegan Rosemary , Flaherty Gerard
Published: June 2019

Background

Lifestyle-based preventive cardiology aims to combat the global burden of cardiovascular disease. There have been rapid advances in lifestyle and behavioural interventions aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease in individuals at high risk and in the general population. This study is the first bibliometric analysis of publications in the field of lifestyle-based preventive cardiology.

Methods

Journal articles relating to lifestyle-based preventive cardiology published from 1996 to 2017 were retrieved from the Scopus database. The publications were limited to those in the English language. The data were indexed using bibliometric methodology and exported to Microsoft Excel for analysis. VOS viewer software was used to conduct co-occurrence and collaboration analysis between authors, institutions and countries.

Results

A total of 3300 publications were identified. The annual growth rate of publications increased globally during the study period. The USA made the highest contribution to global publications (1402) and total citation counts (68,540). Harvard Medical School was the most prolific institution and David Wood was the most prolific author in the field. The European Journal of Preventive Cardiology published the largest number of articles in this field. Obesity was the most common theme.

Conclusions

The current growth trends predict a large increase in the number of global publications on lifestyle-based preventive cardiology. Further research could focus on smoking cessation, which at present is under-represented in lifestyle-based preventive cardiology output.
Patient satisfaction with pain relief following major abdominal surgery is influenced by good communication, pain relief and empathic caring: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Mubita Womba Musumadi , Richardson Cliff , Briggs Michelle
Published: June 2019

Background:

Monitoring and improving the quality of care is an ever increasing concern for health care organisations. Measuring the effectiveness of clinical outcomes is done by looking at specific markers of high quality care. Pain management is considered one of the markers of high quality care and satisfaction with pain management is a crucial and important quality assurance marker; yet, we know little about what contributes to a patient’s decision about satisfaction.

Methods:

A qualitative study drawing on phenomenological approach aiming to evaluate the perspective of patients experiencing post-operative pain. Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were recruited from a Renal Transplant and Urology ward in the North of England, UK. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews and were analysed using Colaizzi’s approach.

Results:

Ten patients participated in the study and three themes emerged from the analysis. The findings of this study revealed that in order to achieve satisfaction with the management of pain, patient care has to include information delivery which is timely and adequate according to a patient’s individual needs, nurses should have a caring attitude and pain should be well controlled.

Conclusion:

Satisfaction with pain management is influenced by good communication and information transfer, appropriate pain management and an empathic presence throughout.
Brief cognitive analytic therapy for adults with chronic pain: a preliminary evaluation of treatment outcome
Authors: Baronian Roupen , Leggett Sarah JE
Published: June 2019

Background:

Cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) has diversified in its application to a broad range of presenting difficulties and formats and there has been growing interest in its use in clinical health settings including Pain Management Services. Despite its growing popularity, to date, no studies have examined the application of CAT for chronic pain.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of time-limited, individual CAT for adults with chronic pain as delivered in a publicly funded Community Pain Management Service.

Methods:

This was an observational service evaluation of treatment practice within a routine clinical setting. Participants were 53 adults with chronic pain who completed eight sessions of individual therapy. Individual and group-level outcomes on self-reported distress, pain-related self-efficacy, as well as changes in healthcare utilisation pre- and post-intervention were examined.

Results:

Large pre–post effects on wellbeing ( d = 1.50) and self-efficacy ( d = 1.13) were observed, while effects on healthcare utilisation were medium to large ( d = 0.67). Moreover, reliable change and clinical significance analyses demonstrated that results were clinically meaningful. The majority of clients (67.9%) showed reliable improvement following the CAT intervention and 28% achieved both reliable and clinically significant improvements in psychological distress. Approximately 4 of 10 clients (43.5%) showed reliably higher perceived self-efficacy at the end of therapy.

Conclusion:

The results of this evaluation suggest that brief CAT is an encouraging intervention for adults with persistent pain. While preliminary, our findings provide support for a brief approach to persistent pain that focuses not on controlling or eliminating pain but on elucidating and revising unhelpful relational patterns that may impinge upon one’s pain management. Directions for future research are suggested.
Epidemiological characteristics and clinical analysis of 97 AIDS patients
Authors: Liping Hu , Aibaidula Yibaguli , Abudukeyoumu Nulibiya , Yuexin Zhang
Published: June 2019

This study is to analyze clinical features of 97 AIDS patients received and treated in our hospital. Clinical data of 97 HIV-infected patients who were admitted between September 2004 and September 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. We found that all patients were in AIDS stage, CD4+ T lymphocytes counts were (210.56 ± 79.31)/µL. After the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens, CD4+ cell number is 315.21 ± 187.90, most patients before clinical symptoms are significantly improved. HIV infections were mainly through intravenous drug injection (51 cases, 52.58%) and sex contact (29 cases, 29.90%). In conclusion, the clinical manifestations of AIDS patients are various, and the main infection route is intravenous drug injection. Multiple measures should be taken to prevent and control HIV transmission, patients should undergo effective antiviral treatment, monitor and follow-up, so as to control opportunistic infection and virus replication.
Eating Disorder Pathology Among Individuals Living With Food Insecurity: A Replication Study
Authors: Becker Carolyn Black , Middlemass Keesha M. , Gomez Francesca , Martinez-Abrego Andrea
Published: June 2019

Eating disorders (EDs) are stereotypically associated with thin, White, affluent women and girls. One result of the ED stereotype has been a relative dearth of ED research with marginalized communities. The aim of this study was to replicate recent findings showing an association between the severity of food insecurity (FI) and increased ED pathology. Participants included 891 clients of an urban food bank. Results were consistent with the findings of previous research; participants in the most severe FI group reported significantly higher levels of ED pathology, dietary restraint, anxiety, and depression. Findings provide further evidence that the thin, White, affluent, female ED stereotype offers a flawed portrait and highlight the need for additional psychological research that focuses on marginalized populations to address disparities in access to care. Both scholars and clinicians need to move away from the stereotypical portrait of who is and is not at risk for developing an ED.
Patella alignment abnormality in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Hu Baijun , Sang Lili , Gao Dawei , Wu Yufeng , Zhang Hong , Luo Dianzhong
Published: June 2019

Background:

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) on patella alignment.

Methods:

The radiographic data of all the patients who met the inclusion criteria from January 2015 to July 2017 were reviewed, including the quadriceps angle (QA), patellar lateral tilt (PTA), sulcus angle (SA), lateral shift of patella (LSP), and lower limbs alignment. The patients were divided into three groups in accordance with lateral center-edge angle (LCE) and femoral neck torsion angle (FNTA): group A (LCE > 25° and FNTA < 40°), group B (LCE < 20° and FNTA < 40°), and group C (LCE < 20° and FNTA > 40°).

Results:

One hundred thirty-eight patients with 230 hips (115 females and 23 males) were recruited with an average age of 22 years. There were significant differences between group A and group C as well as group B and group C in QA, SA, PTA, LSP, and lower limbs alignment ( p < 0.01). There were no differences in SA, PTA, LSP, and lower limbs alignment ( p >0.05) and significant differences in QA ( p < 0.01) between group B and group C. The “Pearson’s” correlation analysis of the data in total of group B and group C showed that FNTA and LCE and QA and LCE were negatively correlated, whereas FNTA and QA, PTA, SA, and lower limbs alignment as well as SA, PTA, and lower limbs alignment were positively correlated.

Conclusion:

Patients with DDH not only have hip joint change, but also have the patella alignment abnormality, which may lead to patella instability. In the clinic, we should pay attention to the hip development of the patella instability patients for excluding DDH. Level of Evidence: Prognostic level III.
Performance of the PROMIS in Patients Undergoing 3 Common Elbow Procedures
Authors: Rojas Edward O. , Glass Natalie , Owens Jessell , Anthony Chris A. , Bollier Matthew , Wolf Brian R. , Hettrich Carolyn
Published: June 2019

Background:

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, distal biceps tendon repair, and elbow arthroscopic surgery are common elbow procedures performed in active patients.

Hypothesis:

We hypothesized (1) good to excellent correlation between Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) instruments and traditional orthopaedic upper extremity patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures; (2) that PROMIS instruments would demonstrate ceiling effects; and (3) that the PROMIS physical function computer adaptive test (PF CAT) would demonstrate a low question burden compared with other PRO instruments.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 76 patients undergoing UCL repair/reconstruction, distal biceps tendon repair, or elbow arthroscopic surgery filled out the Short Form–36 Health Survey (SF-36) Physical Function subscale, EuroQol–5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire, PROMIS PF CAT, and PROMIS upper extremity item bank (UE). Excellent correlation between PROs was defined as ≥.70.

Results:

The PROMIS PF CAT had excellent correlation with the SF-36 ( r = 0.74; P < .0001), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) survey ( r = –0.76; P < .0001), and PROMIS UE ( r = 0.73; P < .0001). The PROMIS UE demonstrated excellent correlation with the SF-36 ( r = 0.73; P < .0001) and DASH survey ( r = –0.81; P < .0001). The PROMIS UE had ceiling effects in 33% of patients. The SF-36 showed ceiling effects in 20% of patients. On average, patients answered 5.1 ± 2.2 questions on the PROMIS PF CAT.

Conclusion:

The PROMIS PF CAT and PROMIS UE are valid in patients undergoing distal biceps tendon repair, elbow arthroscopic surgery, and UCL repair. The PROMIS UE demonstrated high ceiling effects in younger, higher functioning patients and should be used with caution in this group. A further evaluation and modification of the PROMIS UE in younger, high-functioning patients are warranted. Finally, the PROMIS PF CAT exhibited a low question burden relative to traditional PRO instruments without the loss of reliability.
Clinical development of triple-combination CFTR modulators for cystic fibrosis patients with one or twoF508delalleles
Authors: Taylor-Cousar Jennifer L. , Mall Marcus A. , Ramsey Bonnie W. , McKone Edward F. , Tullis Elizabeth , Marigowda Gautham , McKee Charlotte M. , Waltz David , Moskowitz Samuel M. , Savage Jessica , Xuan Fengjuan , Rowe Steven M.
Published: June 2019

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR) that result in diminished quantity and/or function of the CFTR anion channel.F508del-CFTR, the most common CF-causing mutation (found in ∼90% of patients), causes severe processing and trafficking defects, resulting in decreased CFTR quantity and function. CFTR modulators are medications that increase the amount of mature CFTR protein (correctors) or enhance channel function (potentiators) at the cell surface.

Combinations of CFTR correctors and potentiators (i.e.lumacaftor/ivacaftor, tezacaftor/ivacaftor) have demonstrated clinical benefit in subsets of patients. However, none are approved for patients with CF heterozygous forF508del-CFTR and a minimal function mutation,i.e.a mutation that produces either no protein or protein that is unresponsive to currently approved CFTR modulators. Next-generation CFTR correctors VX-659 and VX-445, each in triple combination with tezacaftor and ivacaftor, improve CFTR processing, trafficking and functionin vitroand have demonstrated clinical improvements in phase 2 studies in patients with CF with one or twoF508del-CFTRalleles.

Here, we present the rationale and design of four randomised phase 3 studies, and their open-label extensions, evaluating VX-659 (ECLIPSE) or VX-445 (AURORA) plus tezacaftor and ivacaftor in patients with one or twoF508del-CFTRalleles.
Review of “Exploratory Social Network Analysis with Pajek” by Wouter De Nooy, Andrej Mrvar and Vladimir Batageli
Authors: Niazi Muaz A. , Vasilakos Athanasios , Temkin Anatoly
Published: June 2019

Book details

De Nooy W., Mrvar A., and Batagelj V.

Exploratory Social Network Analysis with Pajek

3rd (Expanded) Edition

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2018.

334 pages, ISBN 978-1-108-56569-1
Pharmacokinetics and Sedative Effects of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine in Ambulatory Pediatric Patients
Authors: Uusalo Panu , Guillaume Samuel , Siren Saija , Manner Tuula , Vilo Sanna , Scheinin Mika , Saari Teijo I.
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND:

Our aim was to characterize the pharmacokinetics and sedative effects of intranasally (IN) administered dexmedetomidine used as an adjuvant in pediatric patients scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) requiring sedation.

METHODS:

This was an open-label, single-period study without randomization. Pediatric patients from 5 months to 11 years of age scheduled for MRI and receiving IN dexmedetomidine for premedication as part of their care were included in this clinical trial. Single doses of 2–3 µg·kg−1 of dexmedetomidine were applied IN approximately 1 hour before MRI. Five or 6 venous blood samples were collected over 4 hours for dexmedetomidine concentration analysis. Sedation was monitored with Comfort-B scores, and vital signs were recorded. Pharmacokinetic variables were calculated with noncompartmental methods and compared between 3 age groups (between 1 and 24 months, from 24 months to 6 years, and over 6–11 years).

RESULTS:

We evaluated 187 consecutive patients for suitability, of which 132 were excluded. Remaining 55 patients were recruited, of which 5 were excluded before the analysis. Data from 50 patients were analyzed. The average (standard deviation [SD]) dose-corrected peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was 0.011 liter−1 (0.0051), and the median (interquartile range [IQR]) time to reach peak concentration (t
max) was 37 minutes (30–45 minutes). There was negative correlation with Cmax versus age (r = −0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.74 to −0.37; P < .001), but not with t
max (r = −0.14; 95% CI, 0.14–0.39; P = .35). Dose-corrected areas under the concentration–time curve were negatively correlated with age (r = −0.53; 95% CI, 0.70 to −0.29; P < .001). Median (IQR) maximal reduction in Comfort-B sedation scores was 8 (6–9), which was achieved 45 minutes (40–48 minutes) after dosing. Median (IQR) decrease in heart rate was 15% (9%–23%) from the baseline.

CONCLUSIONS:

Dexmedetomidine is relatively rapidly absorbed after IN administration and provides clinically meaningful but short-lasting sedation in pediatric patients.
Fetus-in-Fetu Airway Teratoma Management of a Newborn in a Low-Resource Country: A Case Report
Authors: Oyedepo Olanrewaju O. , Nasir Abdulrasheed A. , Ige Olufemi A. , Bolaji Benjamin O. , Kolawole Israel K. , Olufolabi Adeyemi J.
Published: June 2019

A term baby was delivered by cesarean and found to have an unexpected large teratoma attached to its mouth. Surgical excision was planned within 24 hours. Anesthesia concern of airway control required multidisciplinary team consultation, airway and patient preparation, and anticipation for failure. Challenging airway cases in low-resource countries can be successfully managed with deliberate attention to detail, preparation, and experience.
Electroencephalogram Suppression Despite Extremely Low–Dose Anesthetic During Cardiac Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Van Regemorter Victoria , Docquier Marie-Agnès , de Kerchove Laurent , Momeni Mona
Published: June 2019

A prominent feature of electroencephalogram (EEG) under general anesthesia is anteriorization of α waves. We report the case of a 63-year-old man anesthetized for coronary artery bypass grafting in whom the NeuroSENSE-processed EEG monitor recorded only δ waves in the absence of α frequencies, along with high EEG suppression despite extremely low doses of anesthetics during the whole procedure. The patient fully recovered from anesthesia 2 hours after the procedure and showed neither awareness nor neurological complications. This atypical EEG pattern under low concentration of anesthetics may be an intraoperative marker of a specific brain phenotype.
Brain Tumor, Pheochromocytoma, and Pregnancy: A Case Report of a Cesarean Delivery in a Patient With Von Hippel–Lindau Disease
Authors: Burnette Michelle S. , Mann Taylor S. , Berman David J. , Nguyen Truc-Anh T.
Published: June 2019

A young woman first diagnosed with von Hippel–Lindau disease (VHL) during pregnancy underwent an uncomplicated cesarean delivery despite having multiple classic VHL tumors, including a large cerebellopontine brain mass and vasoactive pheochromocytoma. Patients with VHL may have multiple tumors of the central nervous system and viscera that greatly impact anesthetic management. This case highlights the anesthetic considerations for a parturient with pheochromocytoma and elevated intracranial pressure, as well as the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach.
Chemotropic signaling by BMP7 requires selective interaction at a key residue in ActRIIA
Authors: Perron Jeanette C. , Rodrigues Alcina A. , Surubholta Nirupama , Dodd Jane
Published: June 2019

BMP7 evokes acute chemotropic, PI3K-dependent responses, such as growth cone collapse and monocyte chemotaxis, as well as classical Smad-dependent gene transcription. That these divergent responses can be activated in the same cell raises the question of how the BMP-dependent signaling apparatus is manipulated to produce chemotropic and transcriptional signals. RNA interference and site-directed mutagenesis were used to explore functional and structural BMP receptor requirements for BMP7-evoked chemotropic activity. We show that specific type II BMP receptor subunits, ActRIIA and BMPR2, are required for BMP7-induced growth cone collapse in developing spinal neurons and for chemotaxis of monocytes. Reintroduction of wild-type ActRIIA into monocytic cells lacking endogenous ActRIIA restores BMP7-evoked chemotaxis, whereas expression of an ActRIIA K76A receptor variant, fails to rescue. BMP7-evoked Smad-dependent signaling is unaffected by either ActRIIA knockdown or expression of the ActRIIA K76A variant. In contrast, BMP7-evoked PI3K-dependent signaling is significantly disturbed in the presence of ActRIIA K76A. These results support a model for selective engagement of chemotropic BMPs with type II BMP receptors, through specific residues, that results in strict regulation of PI3K-dependent signal transduction.
Whole-brain mapping of projection from mice lateral septal nucleus
Authors: Deng Ke , Yang Lu , Xie Jing , Tang He , Wu Gui-Sheng , Luo Huai-Rong
Published: June 2019

The lateral septal nucleus (LS) plays a critical role in emotionality, social behavior, and feeding processes, through neural connecting with hippocampus and hypothalamus. We investigated the neurocircuits of LS by herpes simplex virus 1 strain H129 (H129) and pseudorabies virus stain Bartha (PRV). Virus H129 indicates that LS directly project to some cerebral nuclei (nucleus accumbens, bed nuclei of the stria terminalis, amygdala), part of hypothalamus (median preoptic, paraventricular, dorsomedial nucleus, and lateral area) and thalamus (medial habenula, paraventricular nuclei, parataenial, reuniens, and the medial line nuclei), and the pontine central gray. Then the LS secondary project to CA3 and CA1 field of the hippocampal formation, lateral and medial preoptic area, and the mammillary body. PRV tracing shows that LS are mainly receiving primary inputs from the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamic, thalamus, midbrain and hindbrain, and secondary inputs from dorsal and central linear nucleus raphe, lateral part of the superior central nucleus raphe, also the ventral anterior-lateral complex, the intermediodorsal nucleus, the central medial nucleus, the rhomboid nucleus, and the submedial nucleus of the thalamus. The neurocircuits revealed here would help to understand and further research on the function of LS.
Morphological and functional correlates of vestibular synaptic deafferentation and repair in a mouse model of acute-onset vertigo
Authors: Cassel Raphaelle , Bordiga Pierrick , Carcaud Julie , Simon François , Beraneck Mathieu , Le Gall Anne , Benoit Anne , Bouet Valentine , Philoxene Bruno , Besnard Stéphane , Watabe Isabelle , Pericat David , Hautefort Charlotte , Assie Axel , Tonetto Alain , Dyhrfjeld-Johnsen Jonas , Llorens Jordi , Tighilet Brahim , Chabbert Christian
Published: June 2019

Damage to cochlear primary afferent synapses has been shown to be a key factor in various auditory pathologies. Similarly, the selective lesioning of primary vestibular synapses might be an underlying cause of peripheral vestibulopathies that cause vertigo and dizziness, for which the pathophysiology is currently unknown. To thoroughly address this possibility, we selectively damaged the synaptic contacts between hair cells and primary vestibular neurons in mice through the transtympanic administration of a glutamate receptor agonist. Using a combination of histological and functional approaches, we demonstrated four key findings: (1) selective synaptic deafferentation is sufficient to generate acute vestibular syndrome with characteristics similar to those reported in patients; (2) the reduction of the vestibulo-ocular reflex and posturo-locomotor deficits mainly depends on spared synapses; (3) damaged primary vestibular synapses can be repaired over the days and weeks following deafferentation; and (4) the synaptic repair process occurs through the re-expression and re-pairing of synaptic proteins such as CtBP2 and SHANK-1. Primary synapse repair might contribute to re-establishing the initial sensory network. Deciphering the molecular mechanism that supports synaptic repair could offer a therapeutic opportunity to rescue full vestibular input and restore gait and balance in patients.
Lipid droplet–membrane contact sites – from protein binding to function
Authors: Thiam Abdou Rachid , Dugail Isabelle
Published: June 2019

In the general context of an increasing prevalence of obesity-associated diseases, which follows changing paradigms in food consumption and worldwide use of industry-transformed foodstuffs, much attention has been given to the consequences of excessive fattening on health. Highly related to this clinical problem, studies at the cellular and molecular level are focused on the fundamental mechanism of lipid handling in dedicated lipid droplet (LD) organelles. This Review briefly summarizes how views on LD functions have evolved from those of a specialized intracellular compartment dedicated to lipid storage to exerting a more generalized role in the stress response. We focus on the current understanding of how proteins bind to LDs and determine their function, and on the new paradigms that have emerged from the discoveries of the multiple contact sites formed by LDs. We argue that elucidating the important roles of LD tethering to other cellular organelles allows for a better understanding of LD diversity and dynamics.
Salmonid gene expression biomarkers indicative of physiological responses to changes in salinity, temperature, but not dissolved oxygen
Authors: Houde Aimee Lee S. , Akbarzadeh Arash , Günther Oliver P. , Li Shaorong , Patterson David A. , Farrell Anthony P. , Hinch Scott G. , Miller Kristina M.
Published: June 2019

An organism's ability to respond effectively to environmental change is critical to their survival. Yet, life stage and overall condition can dictate tolerance thresholds to heightened environmental stressors, such that stress may not be equally felt across individuals and at all times. Also, the transcriptional responses induced by environmental changes can reflect both generalized responses as well as others that are highly specific to the type of change being experienced. Thus, if transcriptional biomarkers specific to a stressor, even under multi-stressor conditions, can be identified, the biomarkers could then be applied in natural environments to determine when and where an individual experiences such a stressor. Here, we experimentally challenged juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) to validate candidate gill gene expression biomarkers. A sophisticated experimental design manipulated salinity (freshwater, brackish, and seawater), temperature (10, 14, and 18°C) and dissolved oxygen (normoxia and hypoxia) in all 18 possible combinations for six days using separate trials for three smolt statuses (pre-smolt, smolt, and de-smolt). In addition, changes in juvenile behaviour, plasma variables, gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity, body size, body morphology, and skin pigmentation supplemented the gene expression responses. We identified biomarkers specific to salinity and temperature that transcended the multiple stressors, smolt status, and mortality (live, dead, and moribund). Similar biomarkers for dissolved oxygen were not identified. This work demonstrates the unique power of gene expression biomarkers to identify a specific stressor even under multi-stressor conditions, and we discuss our next steps for hypoxia biomarkers using an RNA-seq study.
Improving the practice of inferior vena cava filter retrieval: a quality improvement intervention and audit outcomes
Authors: Peress Luisa , Kamil Sally , Fernandez Maria , Lastimosa Rowena , Jaffer Ounali , Patel Snehal , Akhtar Mohammed Rashid , Kyaw Tun Jimmy
Published: June 2019

Objective:

To review inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval practice at our institution, the Royal London Hospital, and measure changes following a quality improvement intervention. IVC filters are a preventive treatment for pulmonary embolism when anticoagulation is ineffective/contraindicated. Unless permanent filtration is required, all filters should undergo attempted retrieval within manufacturer’s recommendations with a success rate of ≥80 %.

Methods:

Retrospective audit of filters inserted between 2011 and 2014, followed by a quality improvement intervention and a second audit between 2015 and 2017. Clinical–radiological data were analysed using the Picture Archiving and Communication System and electronic patient records.

Results:

During the first audit, filter retrieval was attempted in 92% of cases, of which 82% underwent the procedure within manufacturer's recommendations and 86% were successful. During the second audit, an improvement across indicators was seen. Retrieval increased by 3% and was attempted in 95% of cases (92% of which were within manufacturer’s guidelines). Rate of retrievals within manufacturer’s guidelines increased by 10%. Filter retrieval success rate increased by 11% - to 97%.

Conclusions:

IVC filter retrieval practice at a single institution can be improved by implementing a simple audit intervention.

Advances in knowledge:

Filter retrieval practice has clinical and medicolegal implications. A simple quality intervention can substantially improve overall practice.
Competing risk survival analysis of time to in-hospital death or discharge in a large urban neonatal unit in Kenya
Authors: Aluvaala Jalemba , Collins Gary S. , Maina Beth , Mutinda Catherine , Wayiego Mary , Berkley James A. , English Mike
Published: June 2019

Background: Clinical outcomes data are a crucial component of efforts to improve health systems globally. Strengthening of these health systems is essential if the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are to be achieved. Target 3.2 of SDG Goal 3 is to end preventable deaths and reduce neonatal mortality to 12 per 1,000 or lower by 2030. There is a paucity of data on neonatal in-hospital mortality in Kenya that is poorly captured in the existing health information system. Better measurement of neonatal mortality in facilities may help promote improvements in the quality of health care that will be important to achieving SDG 3 in countries such as Kenya.

Methods: This was a cohort study using routinely collected data from a large urban neonatal unit in Nairobi, Kenya. All the patients admitted to the unit between April 2014 to December 2015 were included. Clinical characteristics are summarised descriptively, while the competing risk method was used to estimate the probability of in-hospital mortality considering discharge alive as the competing risk.

Results: A total of 9,115 patients were included. Most were males (966/9115, 55%) and the majority (6287/9115, 69%) had normal birthweight (2.5 to 4 kg). Median length of stay was 2 days (range, 0 to 98 days) while crude mortality was 9.2% (839/9115). The probability of in-hospital death was higher than discharge alive for birthweight less than 1.5 kg with the transition to higher probability of discharge alive observed after the first week in birthweight 1.5 to <2 kg.

Conclusions: These prognostic data may inform decision making, e.g. in the organisation of neonatal in-patient service delivery to improve the quality of care. More of such data are therefore required from neonatal units in Kenya and other low resources settings especially as more advanced neonatal care is scaled up.
HIV Spread: Some Statistical Results
Authors: Srivenkataramana T. , Nagaraja Rao C.
Published: June 2019

The spread of AIDS causative agent HIV has now entered the third decade. The infection was first noticed in 1981 in the USA. Within 2 decades, it has quickly grown to the level of an endemic. Unlike several other infectious diseases, AIDS endemiology is interdisciplinary, surrounded by many complex socio-economic, psychological, legal, behavioural and statistical issues. Knowledge of HIV incidence is important to formulate sensible intervention strategies aimed at its control. This article discusses: i) Important special features of the spread mechanism which render the syndrome a lethal and silent killer. ii) A method to evaluate probability of infection in a heterosexual relation. iii) A method for estimating HIV infections in perinatal transmissions, and iv) The Indian HIV perspective and makes a few suggestions to control the reckless spread of HIV across the country.
Market Integration - Conceptual and Application Issues
Authors: Viswanath N. S. , Narappanavar S. R.
Published: June 2019

Correlation is a measure of market integration. Correlation Coefficients of Prices, which include trend, seasonal and cylindrical effects are not adequate to precisely measure the degree of market integration. Integration of "pure errors" (pure errors means error series free from autocorrelation effects) of several time series enables us to determine the significance or otherwise integration of markets.
Enzyme Profile of Aquatic Hyphomycetes Isolated from the Streams of Kodagu District of Karnataka
Authors: M. Soosamma
Published: June 2019

Aquatic hypomycetes, isolated from the streams of Bloomfields, Somwarpet of Kodagu district, are capable of secreting an array of wall degrading enzyme, which transform the leaf litter into more palatable food for the detrivores. The objectives of the present study was to check the ability of these fungi in producing wall degrading enzymes invitro. Only two of the fungi namely Acremonium sps. and a non sporulating unidentified white colony producing sps. wre used for the Present study. These were grown on media containing cellulose, starch and pectin as substrate and their ability to produce cellulose, anylase, invertase and pectinase studied. Depending upon the availability of the substrate these fungi were able to produce varying conc. of enzymes. It was very interesting to note that the non-sporulating sps. showed a nine fold increase in pectinase production compared to Acremonium sps.
Biodiversity Studies and Multicollinearity in Multivariate Data Analysis
Authors: Thomas Sabu K. , Thomachen K. T.
Published: June 2019

Multicollinearity of explanatory variables often threatens statistical interpretation of ecological data analysis in biodiversity studies. Using litter ants as an example,the impact of multicollinearity on ecological multiple regression and complications arsing from collinearity is explained.We list the various statistical techniques available for enhancing the reliability and interpretation of ecological multiple regressions in the presence of multicollinearity.
Application of Remote Sensing, GIS, and GPS Technology on Environment and Earth's Natural Resources Management An Introduction
Authors: Nandini N. , Jumbe Aboud S. , Tandon Sucharita , N. Sunita
Published: June 2019

Remote sensing data have been used to derive thematic information of various natural resources and environment.The type and level of information extracted depends on the expertise of the analyst and what he/she is looking for in the data.An application in remote sensing is the practical use to which a series of aerial satellite images are put. The application of remote sensing or earth observation techniques to atmospheric, Earth and environmental sciences can vary according to the final user's requirements.The utilization of remote sensing data can be broadly classified into three categories as a baseline data generator for a variety of environmental resources; as a tool to monitor change detection, Environmental monitoring, and for mapping purposes. Different environmental applications require different frequencies of information updates for monitoring to be effective. Environment phenomena such as weather systems, natural hazards, and other rarely extreme events such as tsunamis; pollution or oceanographic events are very dynamic and rapidly develop over minutes and hours. Therefore for satellite data to be useful in their analysis imaging frequency and data delivery has to be atleast several times a day. At present only low spatial resolution meteorological satellite data can meet this need. Other applications such as crop monitoring require better spatial detail but rates of change occur only over a matter of weeks and therefore image updates need not be more frequent than weekly or monthly. This data can be processed, refined, and managed with the use of advanced tools such as Geographic Information System(GIS) and Geographic Positioning System(GPS).
Legal Aspects of Water Pollution in India: A Review on Statutory Frameworks
Authors: Jumbe Aboud S. , Nandini N.
Published: June 2019

Water is cradle of life.To protect this precious resource, one needs a stringent enforcement system meant for its conservation, sanitation and supply.Environmental laws are meant to set standards for what people and institutions must do to control or prevent environmental pollution including water.After enactment it becomes the job of the central and state governments to make sure that those who are subject to these environmental protection laws know what they must do to comply.In this case,we have designated central and state institutions called the Central and State Pollution Control Boards respectively. Their primary role is the enforcement of the Environmental Protection Act(EPA) and its constituent statutory frameworks dating back to the Post Stockholm environmental laws such as the water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974.This paper provides an insight into the evolution and development of the legal aspects of water pollution and its environment-related laws in India.It gives an assessment of these environment-related laws in a context of Pre-Stockholm and Post-Stockholm statutory frameworks.The structural arrangements and functioning of the pollution control boards and the persistent challenges that they face in enforcing the laws of the land aimed at environmental protection are vital in understanding environmental management at policy and action levels.This is were citizen participation is vital.
Effect of Second Sound on the Onset of Rayleigh-Benard Convection in a Coleman - Noll Fluid
Authors: Pranesh S.
Published: June 2019

This paper deals with linear stability analysis of the effects resulting from the substitution of the classical Fourier law by the non-classical Maxwell - Cattaneo law in Rayleigh - Benard convection in second order fluid is studies. Coleman-Noll constitutive equaion is used to give a viscoelastic correction. The eigenvalue is obtained for free - free isothernal boundary combination. The classical approach predicts an infinite speed for the propagation of heat. The present non-classical theory involves a wave type heat transport (SECOND SOUND) and does not suffer from the physically unacceptable drawback of infinite heat propagation speed. It is found that the results are noteworthy at short times and the critical eigenvalues are less than the classical ones.
On the Continuous Monotonic Decomposition of Some Complete Tripartite Graphs
Authors: Varghese Joseph , Antonysamy A.
Published: June 2019

On the Continuous Monotonic Decomposition of Some Complete Tripartite Graphs