bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refined secondary-structure models of the core of yeast and human telomerase RNAs directed by SHAPE
Authors: Niederer Rachel O. , Zappulla David C.
Published: December 2014

Telomerase catalyzes the addition of nucleotides to the ends of chromosomes to complete genomic DNA replication in eukaryotes and is implicated in multiple diseases, including most cancers. The core enzyme is composed of a reverse transcriptase and an RNA subunit, which provides the template for DNA synthesis. Despite extensive divergence at the sequence level, telomerase RNAs share several structural features within the catalytic core, suggesting a conserved enzyme mechanism. We have investigated the structure of the core of the human and yeast telomerase RNAs using SHAPE, which interrogates flexibility of each nucleotide. We present improved secondary-structure models, refined by addition of five base triples within the yeast pseudoknot and an alternate pairing within the human-specific element J2a.1 in the human pseudoknot, both of which have implications for thermodynamic stability. We also identified a potentially structured CCC region within the template that may facilitate substrate binding and enzyme mechanism. Overall, the SHAPE findings reveal multiple similarities between the Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Homo sapiens telomerase RNA cores.
The use of orthoses in stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Charlton Paul T
Published: December 2014

Orthotics is the field of splinting and bracing. This article sets outlines what orthotics are, how they can be used and the underlying biomechanical principles and key areas where orthotic intervention can complement stroke rehabilitation. A common condition in stroke patients is dropped foot; the article explains and illustrates the three-point force system used to correct it.

While emphasising the specialist work of the orthotist in helping patients recover from stroke, the role of the whole multidisciplinary team in supplementing that specialist work is stressed. Teaching the patient how to stand and then to walk are dealt with. The article concludes with sections on tuning and problem-solving in orthotics and how they can help with spasticity.
How to…insert a catheter
Authors: Payne Drew
Published: December 2014

Urinary catheters are a fact of life, but we still need to reduce the associated complications. One way is to ensure safe and correct changing. This article describes the principles to changing a urethral catheter, using best practice and the author's own experience
All change: developments in employment law are on the way
Authors: Stevens Mark
Published: December 2014

Employment law is undergoing some important changes that affect parental leave, overtime and zero-hour contracts. Care homes should take note, writes Mark Stevens
News Analysis
Authors: Learner Sue
Published: December 2014

Following the horrific abuse the BBC's Panorama exposed at Winterbourne View, what is being done about the government's pledge to focus on community care?
Using computed radiography — how does it compare to film-screen radiography?
Authors: Baker Martin A
Published: December 2014

Many veterinary practices have recently switched from using film-screen (plain film) radiography to computed radiography (CR). Due to the number of inherent differences between the two modalities, there are many new factors to understand in order to get the most out of a CR system and to work safely. While there is no substitute for proper training on any new piece of equipment, this article explains the most important differences between film-screen radiography and CR, enabling veterinary nurses to apply a greater degree of knowledge when using CR. Learning how CR works and the methods needed to use it properly will result in optimised image quality and better safety for staff and patients.
Managing exposure to cleaning products in cats and dogs
Authors: Bates Nicola
Published: December 2014

Household cleaning products are found in every home. They come in various forms including liquids, powders, capsules, blocks, gels, sprays and wipes. Pets can be exposed in a variety of circumstances including being accidentally sprayed, falling in the toilet, knocking over a container and walking through a spill or on a recently treated surface. In some cases, the clinical signs may be delayed in onset and the association with the recently used cleaning agent may therefore not be immediately apparent. If exposure is suspected or witnessed, it is important to determine the type of product involved, and, if available, to check the list of ingredients on the packaging. The potential risks can then be assessed and appropriate treatment provided.
Quantitative Charge-Tags for Sterol and Oxysterol Analysis
Authors: Crick Peter J , William Bentley T , Abdel-Khalik Jonas , Matthews Ian , Clayton Peter T , Morris Andrew A , Bigger Brian W , Zerbinati Chiara , Tritapepe Luigi , Iuliano Luigi , Wang Yuqin , Griffiths William J
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Global sterol analysis is challenging owing to the extreme diversity of sterol natural products, the tendency of cholesterol to dominate in abundance over all other sterols, and the structural lack of a strong chromophore or readily ionized functional group. We developed a method to overcome these challenges by using different isotope-labeled versions of the Girard P reagent (GP) as quantitative charge-tags for the LC-MS analysis of sterols including oxysterols.

METHODS

Sterols/oxysterols in plasma were extracted in ethanol containing deuterated internal standards, separated by C18 solid-phase extraction, and derivatized with GP, with or without prior oxidation of 3β-hydroxy to 3-oxo groups.

RESULTS

By use of different isotope-labeled GPs, it was possible to analyze in a single LC-MS analysis both sterols/oxysterols that naturally possess a 3-oxo group and those with a 3β-hydroxy group. Intra- and interassay CVs were <15%, and recoveries for representative oxysterols and cholestenoic acids were 85%–108%. By adopting a multiplex approach to isotope labeling, we analyzed up to 4 different samples in a single run. Using plasma samples, we could demonstrate the diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism and also the export of oxysterols from brain via the jugular vein.

CONCLUSIONS

This method allows the profiling of the widest range of sterols/oxysterols in a single analytical run and can be used to identify inborn errors of cholesterol synthesis and metabolism.
Polynomial solvability of NP-complete problems
Authors: Panyukov Anatoly
Published: December 2014

A polynomial algorithm for solving the “Hamiltonian circuit” problem is presented in the paper. Computational complexity of the algorithm is equal to

O

(

n
8

log

2
2

n

)

, where n is the cardinality of the observed graph vertex set. Thus, the polynomial solvability for

N
P

-complete problems is proved.
Determining the optimum confidence interval based on the hybrid Monte Carlo method and its application in financial calculations
Authors: Fathi Vajargah Kianoush
Published: December 2014

The accuracy of Monte Carlo and quasi-Monte Carlo methods decreases in problems of high dimensions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to present an optimum method to increase the accuracy of the answer. As the problem gets larger, the resulting accuracy will be higher. In this respect, this study combined the two previous methods, QMC and MC, and presented a hybrid method with efficiency higher than that of those two methods.
Isolation and preliminary characterization of
cyanobacteria strains from freshwaters of Greece
Authors: Gkelis Spyros , Fernández Tussy Pablo , Zaoutsos Nikos
Published: December 2014

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (or
CyanoHABs) represent one of the most conspicuous
waterborne microbial hazards. The characterization of
the bloom communities remains problematic because
the cyanobacterial taxonomy of certain genera has not
yet been resolved. In this study, 29 planktic and benthic
cyanobacterial strains were isolated from freshwaters
located in Greece. The strains were assigned to the genera Chroococcus, Microcystis, Synechococcus, Jaaginema,
Limnothrix, Pseudanabaena, Anabaena, and Calothrix
and screened for the production of the cyanotoxins
microcystins (MCs), cylindrospermopsins (CYNs), and
saxitoxins (STXs) using molecular (PCR amplification of
seven genes implicated in cyanotoxin biosynthesis) and
immunological (ELISA) methods. This study presents,
for the first time, a cyanobacteria culture collection
from Greece, thus providing missing study material for
the understanding of bloom formation and cyanotoxin
production in the Mediterranean and for the polyphasic
characterization of important components of the
phytoplankton. The combined use of molecular and
immunochemical methods allowed the identification of
MC producing strains, but further data are needed for CYNand
STX-producing cyanobacteria. The high percentage
of MC-producing Microcystis strains in the urban Lakes
Kastoria and Pamvotis, frequently used for agriculture
irrigation, fishing and recreation, highlights the potential
risk for human health.
Constructing a schema: Word-class changing morphology in a usage-based perspective
Authors: Hartmann Stefan
Published: December 2014

This paper discusses how collostructional analysis can be applied to the study of word-formation patterns. Drawing on a diachronic corpus study of German ung-nominalization and Infinitival Nominalization using the GerManC Corpus, it is shown that a cross-tabulation analysis comparing the frequencies of word-formation products to those of their respective bases can give valuable clues to the input language users rely on when abstracting a schema (i.e., a word-formation construction) from a quite heterogeneous array of instantiations.
Virilizing adrenal oncocytoma in a 9-year-old girl: rare neoplasm with an intriguing postoperative course
Authors: Yordanova Galina , Iotova Violeta , Kalchev Kalin , Ivanov Krasimir , Balev Boyan , Kolev Nikola , Tonev Anton , Oosterhuis Wolter
Published: December 2014

Adrenal oncocytoma is an extremely rare neoplasm, which is mostly non-functional. Only five cases of childhood adrenal oncocytoma have been described so far, all of which were hormonally active. Currently, guidelines for management and follow-up are not available. We report a 9-year-old girl with benign adrenal oncocytoma, presenting with severe short-term virilization. After diagnostic work-up the patient underwent laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy. For the first 2 weeks following surgery she suffered marked mood swings, irritability and fatigue. There were no other clinical and/or laboratory abnormalities except the rapid drop-down of androgen levels to normal values. Follow-up showed no signs of recurrence and in the absence of signs of adrenal insufficiency, we speculate that, the rapid drop of androgen levels after removal of the tumor might be the reason for the deteriorated psychoemotional condition of our patient.
On the strong metric dimension of the strong products of graphs
Authors: Kuziak Dorota , Yero Ismael G. , Rodríguez-Velázquez Juan A.
Published: December 2014

Let G be a connected graph. A vertex w ∈ V.G/ strongly resolves two vertices u,v ∈ V.G/ if there
exists some shortest u-w path containing v or some shortest v-w path containing u. A set S of vertices is a strong
resolving set for G if every pair of vertices of G is strongly resolved by some vertex of S. The smallest cardinality
of a strong resolving set for G is called the strong metric dimension of G. It is well known that the problem of
computing this invariant is NP-hard. In this paper we study the problem of finding exact values or sharp bounds for
the strong metric dimension of strong product graphs and express these in terms of invariants of the factor graphs.
Invariance groups of finite functions and orbit equivalence of permutation groups
Authors: Horváth Eszter K. , Makay Géza , Pöschel Reinhard , Waldhauser Tamás
Published: December 2014

Which subgroups of the symmetric group Sn arise as invariance groups of n-variable functions defined on a k-element domain? It appears that the higher the difference n-k, the more difficult it is to answer this question. For k ≤ n, the answer is easy: all subgroups of Sn are invariance groups. We give a complete answer in the cases k = n-1 and k = n-2, and we also give a partial answer in the general case: we describe invariance groups when n is much larger than n-k. The proof utilizes Galois connections and the corresponding closure operators on Sn, which turn out to provide a generalization of orbit equivalence of permutation groups. We also present some computational results, which show that all primitive groups except for the alternating groups arise as invariance groups of functions defined on a three-element domain.
Dynamics of differentiation operators on generalized weighted Bergman spaces
Authors: Zhang Liang , Zhou Ze-Hua
Published: December 2014

The chaos of the differentiation operator on generalized weighted Bergman spaces of entire functions has
been characterized recently by Bonet and Bonilla in [CAOT 2013], when the differentiation operator is continuous.
Motivated by those, we investigate conditions to ensure that finite many powers of differentiation operators are
disjoint hypercyclic on generalized weighted Bergman spaces of entire functions.
Tensile properties of polyformaldehyde blends and nanocomposites
Authors: Liang Ji-Zhao , Wang Fang
Published: December 2014

The effects of the compositions and tensile rates on the tensile properties of the polyformaldehyde (POM)/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/high-density polyethylene (HDPE) blends and POM/EVA/HDPE composites filled with nanometer calcium carbonate were investigated by means of a tensile test machine at room temperature. The results showed that the Young’s modulus, tensile yield strength, and tensile elongation at break of the blends and the composites decreased nonlinearly with increase in the HDPE weight fraction; it should be attributed to the low stiffness and strength of the HDPE resin; the difference in the Young’s modulus and tensile yield strength between the blends and the composites was insignificant under the same experimental conditions. Both the Young’s modulus and tensile yield strength of the blends and the composites increased nonlinearly with increase in the tensile rate in the case of low tensile rate level. Moreover, the predictions of the Young’s modulus and tensile strength were roughly close to the measured data from the blends.
HMGB1 facilitates repair of mitochondrialDNAdamage and extends the lifespan of mutant ataxin‐1 knock‐in mice
Authors: Ito Hikaru , Fujita Kyota , Tagawa Kazuhiko , Chen Xigui , Homma Hidenori , Sasabe Toshikazu , Shimizu Jun , Shimizu Shigeomi , Tamura Takuya , Muramatsu Shin‐ichi , Okazawa Hitoshi
Published: December 2014

Mutant ataxin‐1 (Atxn1), which causes spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1), binds to and impairs the function of high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a crucial nuclear protein that regulatesDNAarchitectural changes essential forDNAdamage repair and transcription. In this study, we established that transgenic or virus vector‐mediated complementation withHMGB1 ameliorates motor dysfunction and prolongs lifespan in mutant Atxn1 knock‐in (Atxn1‐KI) mice. We identified mitochondrialDNAdamage repair byHMGB1 as a novel molecular basis for this effect, in addition to the mechanisms already associated withHMGB1 function, such as nuclearDNAdamage repair and nuclear transcription. The dysfunction and the improvement of mitochondrialDNAdamage repair functions are tightly associated with the exacerbation and rescue, respectively, of symptoms, supporting the involvement of mitochondrialDNAquality control byHMGB1 inSCA1 pathology. Moreover, we show that the rescue of Purkinje cell dendrites and dendritic spines byHMGB1 could be downstream effects. Although extracellularHMGB1 triggers inflammation mediated by Toll‐like receptor and receptor for advanced glycation end products, upregulation of intracellularHMGB1 does not induce such side effects. Thus, viral delivery ofHMGB1 is a candidate approach by which to modify the disease progression ofSCA1 even after the onset.
A Treatable Metabolic Cause of Encephalopathy: Cobalamin C Deficiency in an 8-Year-Old Male
Authors: Krueger Jena M. , Piantino Juan , Smith Craig M. , Angle Brad , Venkatesan Charu , Wainwright Mark S.
Published: December 2014

Neurologic regression in a previously healthy child may be caused by metabolic or neurodegenerative disorders, many of which have no definitive treatment. We report a case of a previously healthy 8-year-old boy who presented with a month-long history of waxing and waning encephalopathy and acute regression, followed by seizures. Evaluation for a metabolic disorder revealed methylmalonic acidemia and hyperhomocysteinemia of the cobalamin C type due to a single, presumed homozygous pathogenic c.394 C>T mutation in the MMACHC gene. With the appropriate diet restrictions and vitamin replacement, he improved significantly and returned to his premorbid level of behavior. This case illustrates an unusual presentation of a treatable metabolic disorder and highlights the need to consider cobalamin defects in the differential diagnosis of healthy children with neurologic regression.
Off-Label Prescribing in Pediatric Outpatients
Authors: Palmaro Aurore , Bissuel Raphael , Renaud Nicholas , Durrieu Geneviève , Escourrou Brigitte , Oustric Stephane , Montastruc Jean-Louis , Lapeyre-Mestre Maryse
Published: December 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To study the characteristics of off-label prescribing and adverse drug reaction (ADR) occurrence in a sample of pediatric outpatients treated by general practitioners.

METHODS:

A survey on pediatric drug prescribing was implemented in 46 general practices in southwestern France. All consecutive patients aged 0 to 16 years were included. Patient characteristics, reasons for consultation, and drug prescribed (including indications) were collected. ADRs occurring ≤10 days after the date of consultation were recorded by the general practitioners (spontaneous notification). Off-label prescription was defined as prescribing outside the specifications of the Summary of Product Characteristics.

RESULTS:

Among the 2313 children seen between March 8, 2011 and July 31, 2011, 1960 were exposed to ≥1 prescribed drug. Mean age was 5.6 years, with a gender ratio of 1.1. Among children with prescriptions, 37.6% (n = 736) were exposed to ≥1 off-label prescription and 6.7% (n = 132) to ≥1 unlicensed drug. Off-label prescribing involved an unapproved indication in 56.4% of cases (n = 416), a lower dosage (26.5%, n = 195) or higher dosage (19.5%, n = 144) than specified, age not labeled (7.2%, n = 53), incorrect route of administration (3.5%, n = 26), and contraindication (0.3%, n = 2). A total of 23 ADRs were reported (1.5% of patients with off-label prescriptions). ADR occurrence was not significantly related to off-label drug prescribing.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite the numerous initiatives implemented for promoting rational medicine use in children, the prevalence of off-label prescription in outpatient pediatric practice remains high.
Rapid Normalization of Vitamin D Levels: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: McNally J. Dayre , Iliriani Klevis , Pojsupap Supichaya , Sampson Margaret , O’Hearn Katie , McIntyre Lauralyn , Fergusson Dean , Menon Kusum
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND:

Vitamin D deficiency may represent a modifiable risk factor to improve outcome in severe illness. The efficacy of high-dose regimens in rapid normalization of vitamin D levels is uncertain.

METHODS:

We conducted a systematic review of pediatric clinical trials administering high-dose vitamin D to evaluate 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) response and characteristics associated with final 25(OH)D levels by using Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, including reference lists of systematic reviews and eligible publications. Uncontrolled and controlled trials reporting 25(OH)D levels after high-dose (≥1000 IU) ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol were selected. Two reviewers independently extracted and verified predefined data fields.

RESULTS:

We identified 88 eligible full-text articles. Two of 6 studies that administered daily doses approximating the Institute of Medicine’s Tolerable Upper Intake Level (1000–4000 IU) to vitamin D–deficient populations achieved group 25(OH)D levels >75 nmol/L within 1 month. Nine of 10 studies evaluating loading therapy (>50 000 IU) achieved group 25(OH)D levels >75 nmol/L. In meta-regression, baseline 25(OH)D, regimen type, dose, age, and time factors were associated with final 25(OH)D levels. Adverse event analysis identified increased hypercalcemia risk with doses >400 000 IU, but no increased hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria with loading doses <400 000 IU (or 10 000 IU/kg). Few studies in adolescents evaluated loading dose regimens >300 000 IU.

CONCLUSIONS:

Rapid normalization of vitamin D levels is best achieved by using loading therapy that considers disease status, baseline 25(OH)D, and age (or weight). Loading doses >300 000 IU should be avoided until trials are conducted to better evaluate risk and benefit.
Methylphenidate and the Risk of Trauma
Authors: Man Kenneth K.C. , Chan Esther W. , Coghill David , Douglas Ian , Ip Patrick , Leung Ling-pong , Tsui Matthew S.H. , Wong Wilfred H.S. , Wong Ian C.K.
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are prone to sustaining trauma that requires emergency department (ED) admission. Methylphenidate (MPH) can reduce ADHD symptoms and may thus theoretically reduce the risk of trauma-related ED admission, but previous studies do not make this association clear. This study examines this association.

METHODS:

A total of 17 381 patients aged 6 to 19 years who received MPH prescriptions were identified by using the Clinical Data Analysis & Reporting System (2001–2013). Using a self-controlled case series study design, the relative incidence of trauma-related ED admissions was compared with periods of patient exposure and nonexposure to MPH.

RESULTS:

Among 17 381 patients prescribed MPH, 4934 had at least 1 trauma-related ED admission. The rate of trauma-related ED admission was lower during exposed periods compared with nonexposed periods (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86–0.97]). The findings were similar only when the incident trauma episode was assessed (IRR: 0.89 [95% CI: 0.82–0.96]). A similar protective association was found in both genders. In validation analysis using nontrauma-related ED admissions as a negative control outcome, no statistically significant association was found (IRR: 0.99 [95% CI: 0.95–1.02]). All sensitivity analyses demonstrated consistent results.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study supports the hypothesis that MPH is associated with a reduced risk of trauma-related ED admission in children and adolescents. A similar protective association was found in both male and female patients. This protective association should be considered in clinical practice.
Potential Drug−Drug Interactions in Infant, Child, and Adolescent Patients in Children’s Hospitals
Authors: Feinstein James , Dai Dingwei , Zhong Wenjun , Freedman Jason , Feudtner Chris
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Hospitalized infants, children, and adolescents are typically exposed to numerous distinct medications during inpatient admissions, increasing their risk of potential drug−drug interactions (PDDIs). We assessed the prevalence and characteristics of PDDI exposure of pediatric patients treated in children’s hospitals.

METHODS:

This retrospective cohort study included patients <21 years old hospitalized in children’s hospitals throughout the United States. PDDIs were identified by using the MicroMedex DRUG-REAX system. We calculated the patients exposed to PDDIs, stratified according to the seriousness of the interaction; daily and cumulative counts of PDDI exposures; and characterization of the cited potential adverse effects.

RESULTS:

Of 498 956 hospitalizations in 2011, 49% were associated with ≥1 PDDI, with a “contraindicated” PDDI occurring in 5% of all hospitalizations, a “major” PDDI present in 41%, a “moderate” PDDI in 28%, and a “minor” PDDI in 11%. Opioids were involved in 25% of all PDDIs, followed by antiinfective agents (17%), neurologic agents (15%), gastrointestinal agents (13%), and cardiovascular agents (13%). One-half of all PDDI exposures were due to specific drug pairs occurring in ≤3% of patients per hospital day. The most common potential adverse drug events included additive respiratory depression (in 21% of PDDIs), bleeding risk (5%), QT interval prolongation (4%), reduced iron absorption/availability (4%), central nervous system depression (4%), hyperkalemia (3%), and altered diuretic effectiveness (3%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Exposure to PDDIs is common among hospitalized children. Empirical data are needed to determine the probability and magnitude of the actual harm for each specific PDDI, particularly for less common drug pairs.
Annual pattern of the coefficient of performance considering several heat pump types and its environmental consequences
Authors: Buday T. , Szabó Gy. , Fazekas I. , Paládi M. , Szabó Sz. , Szabó G. , Kerényi A.
Published: December 2014

Heating with the use of ambient energy by heat pumps is a very effective way to reduce CO2 emission. However, efficiency, economic and environmental advantages depend on the type of the heat pump and the temperature of the source, the latter usually changes during the heating season. The aim of the paper is to give the annual pattern of the COP and emission as a function of the typical source temperature pattern, moreover yearly summarized energetic and emission values are also added in the case of air source, water source and ground source heat pump systems, compared to some conventional heating mode.
Ant colony optimizer for phasor measurement units placement
Authors: Abou El-Ela A. , Kinawy A. , El-Sehiemy R. , Mouwafi M.
Published: December 2014

This paper proposes an approach for optimal placement of phasor measurement units (PMUs) for complete observability at normal and emergency conditions such as any single line outage or any single PMU loss using ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm. The objective function is to find the optimal locations of PMUs and the minimum number of PMU channels by optimizing the logic decision of control variables, under the observability constraint. The ACO algorithm is applied to the standard IEEE 14-bus, 30-bus and New England 39-bus systems. In addition, an application of the proposed algorithm to a real power system of the west Delta network (WDN) as a part of the Unified Egyptian Network (UEN) is presented. The results obtained are compared with those obtained using other techniques. Simulation results show that the proposed ACO algorithm is more accurate and efficient for obtaining the optimal placement of PMUs with minimum number of PMU channels, especially with increasing the system size.
Report of the 2013 data of the Hungarian Vascular Registry
Authors: Szeberin Zoltán , Hidi László , Kováts Tamás , Menyhei Gábor
Published: December 2014

Bevezetés: Az orvostudomány a ’90-es években a modern informatika eszközeinek előnyeit felismerve adatbázisokat hozott létre megfigyeléseinek rögzítése céljából. Magyarországon 2002-ben hozták létre az Érsebészeti Regisztert, egy carotis-, aneurysma- és alsó végtagi artériás műtéteket feldolgozó adatbázist. A Magyar Angiológiai és Érsebészeti Társaság vezetősége azt a célt tűzte ki, hogy a regiszter adatait rendszeresen feldolgozza. Jelen cikkben az Érsebészeti Regiszterben rögzített 2013. évi érműtétek fontosabb eredményeit mutatjuk be. Eredmények: Összesen 3916 érsebészeti eset került rögzítésre, 25,36%-ban carotis-, 10,11%-ban aneurysma- és 64,53%-ban alsó végtagi érműtét történt. Az esetek 23,90%-ában akut, 76,10%-ában electiv beavatkozást végeztek. A műtétet igénylő érbetegségek szempontjából a 60-70 éves korosztály a legveszélyeztetettebb, bár alsó végtagi érrekonstrukció gyakran szükséges fiatalabb korban is. A hasi aortaaneurysma-műtétek 31,47%-a stentgraft-implantáció volt, míg 68,53%-ban nyitott műtétet végeztek. A műtétet indokoló aneurysmák átlagos átmérője 62,45 ± 12,05 mm volt. Az aortaaneurysma-műtétek halálozási aránya 7,57%, az alsó végtagi műtéteké 2,06%, a carotisműtétek mortalitás-stroke előfordulási aránya 2,62% volt. Következtetések: A regiszterek gyakorlati haszna egyértelmű azokban az országokban, ahol magas színvonalon alkalmazzák azokat, és éves jelentésekkel segítik az érsebészet szakmai hatékonyságát. Közös érdekünk egy jól működő hazai adatbázis hosszú távú fenntartása.
Vulnerable Self
Authors: Campbell Carol
Published: December 2014

A sense of personal vulnerability in the face of death is the motivation behind this article. The focus of the research is first, on the lived experience of families facing bereavement in a children’s hospital. Using a qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological approach, the findings identify three key issues: Hope and struggle with God; A new experience of Community; A changed relationship with the child – Continuing bonds. Then drawing on theological resources, the author outlines a response to the emerging issues describing how a theological lens can bring a unique and appreciated contribution to the families’ experiences of loss, namely Theodicy: Sustaining faith and hope; Community: Being in community with God and people and Continuing Bonds: Facilitating expressions of remembrance, mystery and afterlife. Finally, consideration is given to the unique role of healthcare chaplains within the multidisciplinary team in a contemporary healthcare environment which is still negotiating the delivery of spiritual and religious care. The research confirms the valued and unique theological and pastoral contribution of healthcare chaplaincy within healthcare.
Emerging Paradigms in Scottish Healthcare Chaplaincy
Authors: Paterson Michael
Published: December 2014

Institutionally-based crisis intervention, the traditional hallmark of healthcare chaplaincy, is under review as new initiatives in health and social care refocus the spotlight from responding to the needs of those in hospital to the promotion of wellbeing and resilience in local communities. In the first of three articles, the author reports the findings of a Review of Chaplaincy Education, Training and Formation conducted in Scotland in 2013. He explores the impact of shifting paradigms on healthcare chaplains using Ricoeur’s typology of orientation, disorientation and reorientation.
PADIDĖJĘS JAUTRUMAS MAISTO PRIEDAMS: GLUTAMATO KLINIKINIAI ASPEKTAI
Authors: Ėmužytė Regina , Firantienė Regina , Sasnauskienė Sofija , Kalibatienė Danutė , Kinčinienė Odeta
Published: December 2014

Reikšminiai žodžiai: glutamo rūgštis, mononatrio glutamatas, neurosiuntiklis, maisto priedai. Padidėjęs jautrumas maisto priedams ar maisto netoleravimas dažnai painiojami dėl nepageidaujamų simptomų, kurie yra susiję su maisto vartojimu. Tai apibrėžiama kaip reakcija, kai simptomai privalo būti pakartojami, tačiau nėra žinoma, ar dalyvauja imunologiniai mechanizmai. Todėl tikslesnis terminas esti padidėjęs nealerginis jautrumas maistui, kuris skiriasi nuo alergijos maistui, kai dalyvauja imunologiniai mechanizmai. Tikrasis padidėjusio nealerginio jautrumo maistui dažnis siekia 1–2 proc., kai tėvai teigia, kad per 20 proc. vaikų netoleruoja maisto. Padidėjusio jautrumo maisto priedams paplitimas realiame gyvenime nėra tiksliai žinomas. Maisto priedų sukeliamų reakcijų paplitimas bendroje populiacijoje – 0,01–0,23 proc., atopiškiems asmenims – 2–7 proc. Glutamo rūgštis – tai viena iš 20–22 aminorūgščių, esančių baltymų sudėtyje. Ji priskiriama pakeičiamųjų aminorūgščių grupei, nes yra gaminama žmogaus organizme iš α-keto-glutarato. Tai dvi karboksigrupes turinti aminorūgštis. Fiziologinėmis sąlygomis karboksigrupės praranda protonus, tai yra disocijuoja, susidaro du karboksilato anijonai. Tokia glutamo rūgšties forma vadinama glutamatu. Glutamatas su Na+, K+ katijonais sudaro druskas, todėl ląstelėse dažniausiai būna natrio arba kalio glutamatas. Glutamatą iš kviečių glitimo 1866 metais išskyrė ir struktūrą nustatė vokiečių chemikas L. Ritthausenas. Glutamatas yra viena svarbių molekulių, ląstelėse atliekanti pagrindinį vaidmenį baltymų- aminorūgščių metabolizmo reakcijose. Jis yra labai svarbus centrinės nervų sistemos neurosiuntiklis arba neuromediatorius. Reikšmingi laisvo glutamato kiekiai yra daugelio maisto produktų sudėtyje: pieno produktuose, ypač daug parmezano sūryje, šiek tiek motinos piene, paukštienos mėsoje, žuvies produktuose (sardinės, skumbrės, lašišos), daržovėse, daugiausia pomidoruose, ankštinėse bei grūdinėse kultūrose, bulvėse. Kai kuriems maisto produktams jis suteikia pikantišką, primenantį mėsos sultinio skonį. Maisto produktams pikantišką skonį suteikiantį junginį – glutamatą iš jūros dumblių XX a. pradžioje išskyrė japonų chemikas K. Ikeda ir šį prieskonį pavadino umami. Iki šiol glutamato druskos, ypač mononatrio glutamatas, ir kiti giminingi junginiai maisto pramonėje plačiai naudojami kaip maisto priedai – prieskoniai, skonio stiprikliai, kurie žymimi E620–E625. Maisto priedų saugumas, tarp jų ir glutamato, buvo patvirtintas klinikiniais tyrimais. Nepageidaujamos reakcijos gali atsirasti individualiai jautriems įprastiems maisto priedams asmenims ir (arba) perdozavus. Santrumpos: Glu – glutamatas, DAPKPOM – dvigubai aklas placebu kontroliuojamas provokacinis oralinis mėginys, CNS – centrinė nervų sistema, MNG – mononatrio glutamatas, DTHS – dėmesio trūkumo ir hiperaktyvumo sutrikimas.
Deflection–crack mouth opening displacement relationship for concrete beams with and without fibres
Authors: Zhao Sujing , Sun Wei , Lange David
Published: December 2014

The three-point bending (TPB) test of a notched beam is a method widely used to characterise the toughness of fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) in terms of fracture energy. However, since the measurement of deflection is significantly dependent on the test set-up, spurious deflections are sometimes obtained. Therefore, it is necessary to correlate deflection with crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) so that the fracture energy can be evaluated from load–CMOD data. In this study, TPB tests were carried out on a series of beam specimens prepared with plain concrete, FRC and ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC). Load, deflection and CMOD were recorded. The results showed that a trilinear relationship could be established between deflection and CMOD. The FRC beams showed slightly higher deflection/CMOD ratios than the plain concrete beams, while a dependency of deflection/CMOD ratios on the fibre type or fibre content was not observed. Moreover, the trilinear relationship cannot apply to UHPC due to deflection-hardening and multiple-cracking behaviour.
As Células-Tronco Embrionárias e a Saúde Humana: a Enfermagem no Contexto da Inovação Científica
Authors: Diego de Freitas Ribeiro  , Marciana Fernandes Moll  , José Humberto Franciscon  , Carla Aparecida Arena Ventura
Published: December 2014

Estudos com células-tronco embrionárias representam uma evolução para a saúde por proporcionar possibilidades de cura de diversas doenças. Entretanto, existem questionamentos de âmbito bioético acerca da utilização desse método. O objetivo deste estudo é compreender os posicionamentos científicos no cenário político, ideológico, religioso e histórico que envolve as células-tronco embrionárias. Trata-se de um estudo de caráter qualitativo/descritivo-exploratório, desenvolvido através de uma revisão de literatura, considerando os últimos dez anos de pesquisas nessa área. Verificou-se que os estudos com células-tronco embrionárias favorecem o empreendimento de avanços na saúde humana, o que demonstrou relevância para profissionais de enfermagem, pois favorece a ampliação dos cuidados. Identificou-se que o impacto causado pelas células-tronco embrionárias é relevante, sobretudo pela possibilidade de cura de doenças, o que sinaliza a necessidade do profissional de enfermagem aprimorar os conhecimentos nessa área para contribuir na assistência ao indivíduo assistido através dessa terapêutica.
O Direito Humano à Saúde no Brasil e a Carta dos Direitos dos Usuários da Saúde
Authors: José Renato Gatto Junior  , Andressa Silva dos Santos  , Emanuele Seicent de Brito  , Isabela Moreira Freitas  , Karla Fernanda Gomes Benetti  , Tatiana Mara da Silva Russo  , Carla Aparecida Arena Ventura
Published: December 2014

Este trabalho busca compreender como é garantido o direito à saúde dos usuários do sistema público de saúde no Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo exploratório, cujos dados foram coletados por meio de revisão da literatura, tendo como fundamentação teórica a Carta dos Direitos dos Usuários da Saúde do Ministério da Saúde (2006). Foram encontradas 26 citações a cerca de questões concernentes aos direitos dos usuários da saúde em 10 artigos. Do total de citações, 17 se deram em 5 artigos publicados anteriormente à Carta e 9 se deram em 5 artigos publicados posteriormente a mesma. Observou-se também que o maior número de citações (9) foi referente à temática do terceiro princípio, o qual está inerente às questões da humanização e enfatiza que “todo cidadão tem direito ao atendimento humanizado, acolhedor e livre de qualquer discriminação”.
Importância Pericial do DNA e a Participação do Odontolegista
Authors: Carolina Mattana  , Mário Marques Fernandes  , Rachel Tinoco  , Rogério Nogueira Oliveira  , Ricardo Mattana  , Bianca Rodrigues
Published: December 2014

A análise do DNA pode ser considerada como um dos avanços técnicos mais importantes na investigação criminal desde a descoberta de impressões digitais. Já incorporada na rotina forense pela polícia dos países de primeiro mundo, vendo sendo introduzida para o contexto de investigação em alguns estados do Brasil. O objetivo deste artigo é revisar na literatura nacional e internacional a importância pericial do DNA e a contribuição do odontolegista, bem como evidenciar aspectos éticos e legais pertinentes ao tema. Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura utilizando-se artigos nacionais e internacionais, capítulos de livros, dissertações e monografias, assim como foram revisados dispositivos legais existentes, relacionados ao assunto. As análises em biologia molecular foram inseridas no contexto forense e passaram a ser utilizadas por peritos criminais, odontolegistas e médicos legistas. Tal método resulta em perícias mais objetivas e confiáveis quando associadas às técnicas periciais clássicas. Porém, a inserção de novas tecnologias nos serviços de identificação humana está condicionada aos recursos financeiros disponíveis em cada Estado para manutenção de equipamentos e/ou infraestrutura, bem como a criação de novos cargos ou remanejamento do quadro de pessoal para trabalhar com essas metodologias. A identificação humana post-mortem é uma das grandes áreas de estudo e pesquisa da Odontologia Legal, ciência está evoluindo significativamente. Se anteriormente baseava-se apenas em métodos de simples observações e comparações, atualmente faz uso de sofisticados testes laboratoriais, incluindo exames genéticos.
A zeneterápia kurzus tapasztalatai a gyógypedagógusok képzésében a Kaposvári Egyetemen
Authors: Kenesei Éva
Published: December 2014

A közoktatás vonatkozásában egyre többet beszélünk az integrált nevelésről, annak gyakorlati megvalósulásairól. A pedagógusok kezében a zeneterápia egy igazi eszköz lehet a gyerekek nevelésében, a gyerekekkel való foglalkozásban. Bizonyos zenék hallgatása gyógyítóan hat az emberekre, a maguk formálta dallamok és ritmusok közben nonverbális kapcsolatok jönnek létre pedagógus és gyermek, gyermek és gyermek között. A pedagógusok felkészítésében lehetőség nyílik a témával való foglalkozásra a zenepedagógiai stúdiumokban, a tanítási gyakorlat során. A pedagógusok nevelőmunkája fejlesztés, és a zene mint eszköz jelenhet meg ebben a fejlesztésben. Zenével nemcsak zenére nevelünk. A gyógypedagógus-hallgatók tanulmányaik során fakultatív tárgyként foglalkoznak zeneterápiával.
Innováció a spanyol felnőttoktatásban
Authors: Varga László
Published: December 2014

A polgári életben való tevékeny részvétel megkívánja, hogy már az idősebb generációk is kellő ismeretekkel rendelkezzenek a globalizált világról, s képesek legyenek abban aktívan közreműködni. A felnőttkori oktatás tartalmának és módszereinek elő kell segítenie a modernizációs áramlatoknak megfelelő ismeretek, készségek és képességek fejlesztését és kiterjesztését, életkortól függetlenül. A fejlett európai országok tapasztalatai arra intenek, hogy a gyorsan változó gazdasági környezetben csak azoknak van esélyük talpon maradni, akik képesek megújítani felnőttoktatási rendszerüket. A szerző jelen írásában a spanyolországi Toledóban megrendezett „Válasz egy kihívásra: innováció a felnőttoktatásban” témájú szakértői tanulmányút során megszerzett tapasztalatairól számol be.
Responses of Winter Wheat Production to Green Manure and Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Dabin Zhang , Pengwei Yao , Na Zhao , Zheng Wang , Changwei Yu , Qunhu Cao , Weidong Cao , Yajun Gao
Published: December 2014

Scant rainfall and poor soil fertility are the two major obstructions to crop production on the Loess Plateau. To improve crop productivity and to reduce N fertilizer rates, a 4‐yr field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of leguminous green manure (GM) and N fertilizer on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth, yield, and economics on the Loess Plateau. Following a split‐plot design, the main treatments included three legume species: Huai bean (Glycine ussuriensis Regel et Maack.), soybean [G. max (L.) Merr.], mung bean (Phaseolus radiatus L.), and summer fallow (as control treatment [CK]); The subtreatments included four N fertilizer rates that were applied to the wheat. Leguminous GM apparently improved wheat growth, productivity, and nutrient uptake compared to bare fallow, especially during a wet year. At least 2 yr and abundant rainfall are required for bettering the GM approaches. Incorporation of GM for 4 yrs could effectively reduce the N fertilizer rate for wheat by 33% (54 kg N ha−1), with even more potential during a wet year. High expenditures for field management and variable weather patterns led to few direct economic benefits of GM approaches. Huai bean is a more profitable legume species to be used as GM crops. The cultivation of leguminous GM during summer is a better option than bare fallow for sustaining wheat productivity, and decreasing the required N fertilizer rates not only on the Loess Plateau of China but also in the other similar dryland regions around the world.
Straw Mulching Reduces Maize Yield, Water, and Nitrogen Use in Northeastern China
Authors: Lu Xianju , Li Zizhong , Sun Zenghui , Bu Qingguo
Published: December 2014

Straw mulching is used widely to improve soil fertility in the black soil region of northeastern China, but there have been few evaluations of its effects on soil water content, N use by crops, and crop growth. Field experiments were conducted during two growing seasons in Jilin Province, to study the effects of straw mulching on maize yield, evapotranspiration (ET), water use efficiency (WUE), and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) under rainfed conditions. Measurements were conducted in a treatment with maize straw mulch on the soil surface (SM) and a control treatment with no mulch (NM). The SM treatment caused a significant decline of soil temperature and increase of soil moisture in the early growing season, compared to the NM treatment. However, the use of mulching reduced maize yields by 18% in 2011 and 26% in 2012. It also decreased WUE by 16% in 2011 and 21% in 2012, and decreased NUE by 27% in 2012, though it had no effect on total ET. Therefore, the use of mulch is not recommended as an approach for improving water and N use and maize yields, in the semi‐humid black soil region of northeastern China, when the water content of soil is sufficient for maize growth.
The Impact of Eskoba®, a Glyphosate Formulation, on the Freshwater Plankton Community
Authors: Reno U. , Gutierrez M.F. , Regaldo L. , Gagneten A.M.
Published: December 2014

This study analyzed the acute effects of a glyphosate‐based herbicide (Eskoba®) on the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris, the cladoceran Simocephalus vetulus, and the copepod Notodiaptomus conifer, and evaluated the recovery ability of the surviving microcrustaceans. Survival, age of first reproduction, and fecundity were used as endpoints for S. vetulus, while survival and time to reach the adult stage were used as endpoints for N. conifer. The registered order of sensitivity was S. vetulus (48‐hour effective concentration [EC50]: 21 mg/L) > C. vulgaris (72‐hour EC50: 58.59 mg/ L) > N. conifer (48‐hour EC50: 95 mg/L). Despite the growth of C. vulgaris stimulated after 24 hours of exposure to the commercial formulation of glyphosate Eskoba®, it was inhibited after 48 hours by all the concentrations tested. In postexposure experiments, microcrustaceans reduced their life expectancy, S. vetulus decreased its fertility, and N. conifer inhibited its sexual maturity. In summary, it was demonstrated that these species lost their recovery ability.
Multispectral Remote Sensing of Harmful Algal Blooms in Lake Champlain, USA
Authors: Isenstein Elizabeth M. , Trescott Adam , Park Mi‐Hyun
Published: December 2014

This study developed satellite remote sensing models to detect cyanobacterial blooms via chlorophyll a in Lake Champlain. Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus data was used to retrieve chlorophyll a concentrations, phytoplankton, and cyanobacteria biovolume by calibrating and validating with coincident observation data. Correlation analysis results showed that band 2 (green band) and the band ratio of 2/1 (green/blue) were most highly correlated to chlorophyll a concentration (r = 0.76 and 0.82, respectively). Multiple regression results identified band 2 and 3 (red), and band ratio of 2/1 and 3/1 (red/blue) as critical information to estimate chlorophyll a concentrations. The regression models accounted for 72 to 83% of the variability in chlorophyll a observations, allowing for estimates of phytoplankton and cyanobacteria levels in the lake. Satellite image processing results successfully showed the temporal and spatial distribution of chlorophyll a, phytoplankton, and cyanobacteria in the lake. This information can be used to evaluate the effect of pollution sources and weather conditions, and assist decision making for water management.
Environmental Factors and Seasonal Dynamics of Prorocentrum lima Population in Coastal Waters of the Gulf of Tunis, South Mediterranean
Authors: Aissaoui Awatef , Armi Zina , Akrout Fourat , Ben Hassine Oum Kalthoum
Published: December 2014

In the frame of a phytoplankton study, a series of samples were collected in the Punic harbors of Carthage (Gulf of Tunis, South Mediterranean) from March 2008 to March 2010. Species composition, seasonal variations of pelagic Prorocentrum populations and several physico‐chemical parameters were specified, as well as the relation between Prorocentrum species dynamics and water temperature, salinity and nutrient concentrations. The main detected species are included in the benthic/epiphytic group; P. lima (Ehrenberg) Stein 1878 and P. emarginatum Fukuyo 1981. P. lima was the dominant species. The highest abundance of P. lima (6.97 × 103 Cells L−1) was recorded in August 2008 where temperature and salinity values ranged from 23.1 to 30.2 °C and 36.1 to 40.3 psu, respectively. The dynamics of the P. lima population had significant positive correlations with both temperature and salinity, and negative correlations with both nitrogen/phosphorus ratio and ammonium concentrations. Proliferations of this species represent a serious hazard for public health in Tunis northern coasts.