bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ex vivo effects of naphthoquinones on allergen-sensitized mononuclear cells in mice
Authors: Tanaka M , Inoue K , Shimada A , Takano H
Published: February 2016

Naphthoquinone (NQ), one of the extractable chemical compounds of diesel exhaust particles, enhances allergic asthma traits in mice. However, it remains unknown whether: (1) several types of NQs have the same potential to facilitate allergies; and (2) NQs synergistically disrupt the functional phenotypes of immune cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of two types (1,2- and 1,4-) of NQs on sensitized mononuclear cells using an ex vivo assay. Male BALB/c mice were repeatedly and intraperitoneally administered ovalbumin (OVA: 20 µg) plus alum with or without two different doses of each NQ. After the final administration, splenocytes (mononuclear cells) were isolated from these mice and cultured in the presence of OVA. Helper T-related cytokines in the culture supernatants and downstream molecules were then evaluated. Protein levels of interferon-γ were higher in the supernatants from 1,2-NQ and 1,4-NQ at low dose + OVA-exposed mononuclear cells following the OVA stimulation than in those from OVA-exposed mononuclear cells. Interleukin (IL)-13 levels were higher in the supernatants from low dose NQs + OVA-exposed mononuclear cells. IL-17 levels were significantly higher in the supernatants from low dose 1,2-NQ + OVA-exposed mononuclear cells. The quantity of phosphorylated STAT6 in the nuclei of these cells was significantly greater in the low dose NQ + OVA groups than in the OVA group. These findings suggest NQs differently enhance allergen sensitization in the context of the Th response against mononuclear cells such as lymphocytes.
Characterization of Disability in Canadians with Mental Disorders Using an Abbreviated Version of a DSM-5 Emerging Measure: The 12-Item WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0
Authors: Sjonnesen Kirsten , Bulloch Andrew G. M. , Williams Jeanne , Lavorato Dina , B. Patten Scott
Published: February 2016

Objective:

The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) is a disability scale included in Section 3 of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM-5) as a possible replacement for the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF). To assist Canadian psychiatrists with interpretation of the scale, we have conducted a descriptive analysis using data from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey–Mental Health component (CCHS-MH).

Methods:

The 2012 CCHS-MH was a cross-sectional survey of the Canadian community ( n = 23,757). The survey included an abbreviated 12-item version of the WHODAS 2.0. Mental disorder diagnoses were assessed for schizophrenia, other psychosis, major depressive episode (MDE), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), bipolar I disorder, substance abuse/dependence, and alcohol abuse/dependence.

Results:

Mean scores ranged from 14.2 (95% CI, 14.1 to 14.3) for the overall community population to 23.1 (95% CI, 19.5 to 26.7) for those with schizophrenia, with higher scores indicating greater disability. Furthermore, the difference in scores between those with lifetime and past-month episodes suggests that the scale is sensitive to changes occurring during the course of these disorders; for example, scores varied from 23.6 (95% CI, 22.2 to 25.1) for past-month MDE to 14.4 (95% CI, 14.2 to 14.7) in the lifetime MDE group without a past-year episode.

Conclusion:

This analysis suggests that the WHODAS 2.0 may be a suitable replacement for the GAF. As a disability measure, even though it is not a mental health–specific instrument, the 12-item WHODAS 2.0 appears to be sensitive to the impact of mental disorders and to changes over the time course of a mental disorder. However, the clinical utility of this measure requires additional assessment.
Intrapreneurship practices in municipal archives: A practice-oriented study
Authors: Franco Mário , Pinto João
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study is to demonstrate how the archivist and all the professionals dealing with the municipal archives can be intrapreneurs in the organization where they perform duties, through their creativity, better services, using their personal involvement and ingenuity in creating products or new services. The results obtained, based on a quantitative approach with the data-collecting instrument of a questionnaire sent to a sample of 311 Portuguese municipal archives, showed evidence of a gradual change in work mentality and in archive and archivists’ procedures, noting a certain awakening to the practice of intrapreneurship. In identifying the main practices stimulating intrapreneurship in the archives studied, it was possible to identify some explanatory dimensions (factors) of this phenomenon: (1) autonomy, pro-activeness, creation of products and climate, (2) orientation towards goals, competence and risk, (3) market, social and decision, (4) functionality and status, and (5) reward and competitiveness. This study is seen as being of the greatest importance, due to the information and knowledge society becoming increasingly important for the economy, especially following one of the most serious crises in Portugal’s history. It was therefore necessary to find out to what extent these information professionals are intrapreneurs within their archives, taking advantage of existing resources but also of their wisdom and competences in its service.
Book Review: Ram Charan, The Attacker’s Advantage: Turning Uncertainty into Breakthrough Opportunities
Authors: Satheesh Kumar T.N.
Published: February 2016

Ram Charan, The Attacker’s Advantage: Turning Uncertainty into Breakthrough Opportunities. New York, Public Affairs, 2015, 228 pp., ₹ 799 (ISBN 978-1-61039-474-1)
Modeling and interpreting particle shape dependence of electric displacement distribution in the piezoelectric polymer composites
Authors: Goodarzi Vahabodin , Saeb Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2016

A finite element–based code was developed to capture the effect of particle shape on the electromechanical properties of three typical piezoelectric polymer composites. The electrical energy density and electric displacement distribution patterns were modeled by putting particles with different shapes into the model. To evaluate the reliability of investigations, differential equations were solved using Mori–Tanaka and finite element methodologies, where model predictions were appropriately consistent with each other regardless of particle shape and volume fraction of minor phase. Polymer composites filled with continuous fiber revealed similar electromechanical features irrespective of the piezoelectric nature of polymers. On the other hand, strain- and stress-induced electrical displacement distributions were sensitive to particle shape. The results suggest that densities corresponding to relative strain energy and relative electrical energy of composites containing continuous fiber inclusions are both higher than the analogous values obtained for the systems filled with short fiber and spherical particles. Likewise, the polymer composite with continuous fiber revealed improved electric displacement distribution compared to those filled with the other two types of filler. The truthfulness of the developed model was further ensured by placing multifarious particles into the host polymers, which is of vital importance from application point of view.
Combating Work Refusal Using Research-Based Practices
Authors: Billingsley Glenna M.
Published: February 2016

Academic expectations are often antecedents for various types of inappropriate classroom behavior for students with challenging behavior. Effective interventions for managing these behaviors must involve techniques that combat academic refusal. Addressing the underlying issues of resistance or refusal to perform academically in school using research-based, antecedent strategies can successfully prevent many passive or disruptive classroom misbehaviors. This column provides specific examples of applying research-proven practices of differentiated instruction, mediated scaffolding, opportunities to respond, choice making, Premack’s principle, and behavioral momentum to improve academic participation.
Prothrombotic Risk Factors and Preventive Strategies in Adolescent Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Srivaths Lakshmi , Dietrich Jennifer E.
Published: February 2016

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adolescents is a serious condition that requires prompt recognition and optimal management to prevent mortality and long-term morbidity. Adolescents account for a large proportion of cases of VTE in children. As teenagers transition from childhood to adulthood, they are at risk of developing medical conditions and exposure to risky habits that predispose them to VTE. This review focuses on the variety of risk factors and comorbidities seen in adolescent VTE and takes a quick look into risk-based preventive strategies for primary and secondary prevention.
A Dynamic Process Model for Finding Informants and Gaining Access in Qualitative Research
Authors: Peticca-Harris Amanda , deGama Nadia , Elias Sara R. S. T. A.
Published: February 2016

This article surfaces some of the emotional encounters that may be experienced while trying to gain access and secure informants in qualitative research. Using the children’s game of hopscotch as a metaphor, we develop a dynamic, nonlinear process model of gaining access yielding four elements: study formulation with plans to move forward, identifying potential informants, contacting informants, and interacting with informants during data collection. Underlying each element of the process is the potential for researchers to re-strategize their approach or exit the study. Autobiographical stories about gaining access for our PhD dissertation research are used to flesh out each element of the process, including the challenges we experienced with each element and how we addressed them. We conclude by acknowledging limitations to our study and suggest future and continued areas of research.
Experimental investigation and design of corroded stud shear connectors
Authors: Chen Ju , Zhao Yu-xi , Wu Lin , Jin Wei-liang
Published: February 2016

In this study, the effect of corrosion on the static behavior of stud shear connectors was investigated. Two series of push test specimens having different stud diameters were fabricated according to Eurocode 4. The test specimens were first corroded to different corrosion rates by electronic accelerating method. Static loading tests were then performed to obtain the load-slip curves and ultimate strengths of corroded test specimens. Material properties of the concrete and steel studs used in the test specimens were also measured. Actual corrosion rates were measured from the studs obtained from the tested specimens. Design methods specified in current design standards are used to predict the design strengths of test specimens. It is shown that the design strengths are unconservative for corroded test specimens. Therefore, a new design equation is proposed which enables the designer to consider the effect of corrosion.
Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Reducing Negative Behavioral Symptoms
Authors: Wong Carin , Leland Natalie E.
Published: February 2016

The management of negative behavioral symptoms among residents with dementia is a challenge that nursing homes face in delivering quality care. This study examines evidence documenting non-pharmacological interventions that reduce negative behavioral symptoms among nursing home residents with dementia and the role occupational therapy practitioners have in this area. A scoping review was completed for intervention studies published from 1987 to 2014, targeting negative behavioral symptoms among nursing home residents above 60 years of age with dementia. Interventions were categorized based on the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Occupational Therapy Practice Framework. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Four types of interventions were identified: occupation-based interventions, context and environment interventions, exercise interventions, and daily routine-based interventions. The non-pharmacological interventions were found to align with the scope of occupational therapy. This suggests that occupational therapy practitioners can contribute to the development and evaluation of non-pharmacological interventions aimed to reduce negative behavioral symptoms.
The Association of Poor Mental Health Status and Sociocultural Factors in Men: A Population-Based Study in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Hassanzadeh Jafar , Asadi-Lari Mohsen , Ghaem Haleh , Kassani Aziz , Niazi Mohsen , Menati Rostam
Published: February 2016

Mental ill-health has increased among Iranian men in the recent years. Mental health is complexly determined by sociocultural, psychological, demographic characteristics, and some health-risk behaviors such as smoking. This study aimed to explore the association(s) between demographic factors, smoking status, social capital, and poor mental health status in a sample of Iranian men. The data were derived from a survey titled “Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool–2” in Tehran, Iran ( n = 11,064). A multistage sampling method was applied in the study. The General Health Questionnaire–28 was used to assess poor mental health status (range = 0-84, scores higher than 23 indicated poor mental health status). The data were analyzed using t test, chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression. The means of age and family size were 47.14 ± 17.26 years (range = 20-91) and 3.54 ± 1.32 individuals (range = 1-15), respectively. The majority of the participants were employed (57%, n = 6,361). The prevalence of poor mental health was 36.36%, 95% confidence interval (CI) [35.46, 37.26]. The components of social capital were positively associated with poor mental health status. Family size (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.93; 95% CI [0.90, 0.96]), job status (unemployed vs. employed, AOR = 1.34; 95% CI [1.16, 1.55]), marital status (widowed and divorced vs. single, AOR = 1.09; 95% CI [1.02, 1.17]), education level (illiterate vs. academic, AOR = 1.18; 95% CI [1.09, 1.29]), and smoking status (smokers vs. nonsmokers, AOR = 1.46; 95% CI [1.31, 1.62]) were directly associated with poor mental health status in the logistic regression model. These results suggest that social capital could be an important approach for men to attain suitable mental health and reduce mental disorders. The high prevalence of poor mental health in men merits more attention in mental health policy and program planning.
A pilot study on the benefit of cognitive rehabilitation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Adamski Natalia , Adler Matthias , Opwis Klaus , Penner Iris-Katharina
Published: February 2016

Purpose:

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) show inefficiencies in cognitive performance including working memory functions. Since these problems impact on quality of life and overall well-being, the current study was aimed at improving patients’ situations by evaluating the computerized cognitive training tool, BrainStim.

Method:

A total of 19 healthy controls (HCs) and six patients with PD were included in the study. While all PD patients received cognitive training, the HC sample was subdivided into 12 subjects with training (HC-T) and 10 subjects without (HC-NT). Participants underwent a double baseline assessment, a post-training assessment, and a 3-month follow up on neuropsychological tests and self-report measures on fatigue and depression. Training was administered between the second baseline and postassessment. It comprised 16 supervised sessions according to a standardized training protocol over 4 weeks.

Results:

Significant improvements in verbal and visuospatial short-term and long-term memory were found in both training groups. In addition, the HC-T improved on mental speed, and verbal and visuospatial working memory. Both training groups showed stable results for all short-term visuospatial measures after 3 months. Further, the HC-T showed stable results for working memory, verbal, and visuospatial short-term and long-term memory.

Conclusions:

The efficacy of the applied computerized cognitive training tool BrainStim could be verified in patients with PD and healthy age-matched controls. The preliminary findings highlighted the suitability of a specific cognitive intervention to improve cognitive inefficiencies in patients with PD as well as in healthy older people. Further research on cognitive training in combination with PD drug therapy is needed to better understand the mutual interaction and to offer optimal therapeutic approaches to patients.
Public opinion and the politics of the killer robots debate
Authors: Horowitz Michael C
Published: February 2016

The possibility that today’s drones could become tomorrow’s killer robots has attracted the attention of people around the world. Scientists and business leaders, from Stephen Hawking to Elon Musk, recently signed a letter urging the world to ban autonomous weapons. Part of the argument against these systems is that they violate the public conscience provision of the Martens Clause due to public opposition, making them illegal under international law. What, however, does the US public think of these systems? Existing research suggests widespread US public opposition, but focused on support for autonomous weapons in a vacuum. This paper uses two survey experiments to test the conditions in which public opposition rises and falls. The results demonstrate that public opposition to autonomous weapons is contextual. Fear of other countries or non-state actors developing these weapons makes the public significantly more supportive of developing them. The public also becomes much more willing to actually use autonomous weapons when their use would protect US forces. Beyond contributing to ongoing academic debates about casualty aversion, the microfoundations of foreign policy, and weapon systems, these results suggest the need for modesty when making claims about how the public views new, unknown technologies such as autonomous weapons.
Isolated Left Subclavian Artery From the Pulmonary Artery Masked by Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: McVadon Deani , Shakti Divya , Knudson Jarrod , Dodge-Khatami Ali , Batlivala Sarosh P.
Published: February 2016

Isolated subclavian artery arising from the pulmonary artery is exceedingly rare. Most cases are associated with other forms of congenital heart disease and typically present with subclavian or pulmonary steal syndromes. We report the case of a patient with pulmonary hypertension which masked the isolated subclavian artery, allowing it to masquerade as another common congenital heart lesion.
Use of a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for the Management of Elderly Patients With Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: The Phase III Randomized ESOGIA-GFPC-GECP 08-02 Study
Authors: Corre Romain , Greillier Laurent , Le Caër Hervé , Audigier-Valette Clarisse , Baize Nathalie , Bérard Henri , Falchero Lionel , Monnet Isabelle , Dansin Eric , Vergnenègre Alain , Marcq Marie , Decroisette Chantal , Auliac Jean-Bernard , Bota Suzanna , Lamy Régine , Massuti Bartomeu , Dujon Cécile , Pérol Maurice , Daurès Jean-Pierre , Descourt Renaud , Léna Hervé , Plassot Carine , Chouaïd Christos
Published: February 2016

Purpose

Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is recommended to assess the vulnerability of elderly patients, but its integration in cancer treatment decision making has never been prospectively evaluated. Here, in elderly patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we compared a standard strategy of chemotherapy allocation on the basis of performance status (PS) and age with an experimental strategy on the basis of CGA.

Patients and Methods

In a multicenter, open-label, phase III trial, elderly patients ≥ 70 years old with a PS of 0 to 2 and stage IV NSCLC were randomly assigned between chemotherapy allocation on the basis of PS and age (standard arm: carboplatin-based doublet if PS ≤ 1 and age ≤ 75 years; docetaxel if PS = 2 or age > 75 years) and treatment allocation on the basis of CGA (CGA arm: carboplatin-based doublet for fit patients, docetaxel for vulnerable patients, and best supportive care for frail patients). The primary end point was treatment failure free survival (TFFS). Secondary end points were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival, tolerability, and quality of life.

Results

Four hundred ninety-four patients were randomly assigned (standard arm, n = 251; CGA arm, n = 243). Median age was 77 years. In the standard and CGA arms, 35.1% and 45.7% of patients received a carboplatin-based doublet, 64.9% and 31.3% received docetaxel, and 0% and 23.0% received best supportive care, respectively. In the standard and CGA arms, median TFFS times were 3.2 and 3.1 months, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.1), and median OS times were 6.4 and 6.1 months, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.1). Patients in the CGA arm, compared with standard arm patients, experienced significantly less all grade toxicity (85.6% v 93.4%, respectively P = .015) and fewer treatment failures as a result of toxicity (4.8% v 11.8%, respectively; P = .007).

Conclusion

In elderly patients with advanced NSCLC, treatment allocation on the basis of CGA failed to improve the TFFS or OS but slightly reduced treatment toxicity.
Phase I Study of the Aurora A Kinase Inhibitor Alisertib in Combination With Irinotecan and Temozolomide for Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Neuroblastoma: A NANT (New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy) Trial
Authors: DuBois Steven G. , Marachelian Araz , Fox Elizabeth , Kudgus Rachel A. , Reid Joel M. , Groshen Susan , Malvar Jemily , Bagatell Rochelle , Wagner Lars , Maris John M. , Hawkins Randall , Courtier Jesse , Lai Hollie , Goodarzian Fariba , Shimada Hiroyuki , Czarnecki Scarlett , Tsao-Wei Denice , Matthay Katherine K. , Mosse Yael P.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

Alisertib is an oral Aurora A kinase inhibitor with preclinical activity in neuroblastoma. Irinotecan and temozolomide have activity in patients with advanced neuroblastoma. The goal of this phase I study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of alisertib with irinotecan and temozolomide in this population.

Patients and Methods

Patients age 1 to 30 years with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma were eligible. Patients received alisertib tablets at dose levels of 45, 60, and 80 mg/m2per day on days 1 to 7 along with irinotecan 50 mg/m2intravenously and temozolomide 100 mg/m2orally on days 1 to 5. Dose escalation of alisertib followed the rolling six design. Samples for pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenomic testing were obtained.

Results

Twenty-three patients enrolled, and 22 were eligible and evaluable for dose escalation. A total of 244 courses were administered. The MTD for alisertib was 60 mg/m2, with mandatory myeloid growth factor support and cephalosporin prophylaxis for diarrhea. Thrombocytopenia and neutropenia of any grade were seen in the majority of courses (84% and 69%, respectively). Diarrhea in 55% of courses and nausea in 54% of courses were the most common nonhematologic toxicities. The overall response rate was 31.8%, with a 50% response rate observed at the MTD. The median number of courses per patient was eight (range, two to 32). Progression-free survival rate at 2 years was 52.4%. Pharmacokinetic testing did not show evidence of drug-drug interaction between irinotecan and alisertib.

Conclusion

Alisertib 60 mg/m2per dose for 7 days is tolerable with a standard irinotecan and temozolomide backbone and has promising response and progression-free survival rates. A phase II trial of this regimen is ongoing.
Active Surveillance for the Management of Localized Prostate Cancer (Cancer Care Ontario Guideline): American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Endorsement
Authors: Chen Ronald C. , Rumble R. Bryan , Loblaw D. Andrew , Finelli Antonio , Ehdaie Behfar , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Morgan Scott C. , Tyldesley Scott , Haluschak John J. , Tan Winston , Justman Stewart , Jain Suneil
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To endorse Cancer Care Ontario’s guideline on Active Surveillance for the Management of Localized Prostate Cancer. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has a policy and set of procedures for endorsing clinical practice guidelines developed by other professional organizations.

Methods

The Active Surveillance for the Management of Localized Prostate Cancer guideline was reviewed for developmental rigor by methodologists. The ASCO Endorsement Panel then reviewed the content and the recommendations.

Results

The ASCO Endorsement Panel determined that the recommendations from the Active Surveillance for the Management of Localized Prostate Cancer guideline, published in May 2015, are clear, thorough, and based upon the most relevant scientific evidence. ASCO endorsed the Active Surveillance for the Management of Localized Prostate Cancer guideline with added qualifying statements. The Cancer Care Ontario recommendation regarding 5-alpha reductase inhibitors was not endorsed by the ASCO panel.

Recommendations

For most patients with low-risk (Gleason score ≤ 6) localized prostate cancer, active surveillance is the recommended disease management strategy. Factors including younger age, prostate cancer volume, patient preference, and ethnicity should be taken into account when making management decisions. Select patients with low-volume, intermediate-risk (Gleason 3 + 4 = 7) prostate cancer may be offered active surveillance. Active surveillance protocols should include prostate-specific antigen testing, digital rectal examinations, and serial prostate biopsies. Ancillary radiologic and genomic tests are investigational but may have a role in patients with discordant clinical and/or pathologic findings. Patients who are reclassified to a higher-risk category (Gleason score ≥ 7) or who have significant increases in tumor volume on subsequent biopsies should be offered active therapy.
A Mechanism to Enhance Cellular Responsivity to Hormone Action: Krüppel-Like Factor 9 Promotes Thyroid Hormone Receptor-β Autoinduction During Postembryonic Brain Development
Authors: Hu Fang , Knoedler Joseph R. , Denver Robert J.
Published: February 2016

Thyroid hormone (TH) receptor (TR)-β (trb) is induced by TH (autoinduced) in Xenopus tadpoles during metamorphosis. We previously showed that Krüppel-like factor 9 (Klf9) is rapidly induced by TH in the tadpole brain, associates in chromatin with the trb upstream region in a developmental stage and TH-dependent manner, and forced expression of Klf9 in the Xenopus laevis cell line XTC-2 accelerates and enhances trb autoinduction. Here we investigated whether Klf9 can promote trb autoinduction in tadpole brain in vivo. Using electroporation-mediated gene transfer, we transfected plasmids into premetamorphic tadpole brain to express wild-type or mutant forms of Klf9. Forced expression of Klf9 increased baseline trb mRNA levels in thyroid-intact but not in goitrogen-treated tadpoles, supporting that Klf9 enhances liganded TR action. As in XTC-2 cells, forced expression of Klf9 enhanced trb autoinduction in tadpole brain in vivo and also increased TH-dependent induction of the TR target genes klf9 and thbzip. Consistent with our previous mutagenesis experiments conducted in XTC-2 cells, the actions of Klf9 in vivo required an intact N-terminal region but not a functional DNA binding domain. Forced expression of TRβ in tadpole brain by electroporation-mediated gene transfer increased baseline and TH-induced TR target gene transcription, supporting a role for trb autoinduction during metamorphosis. Our findings support that Klf9 acts as an accessory transcription factor for TR at the trb locus during tadpole metamorphosis, enhancing trb autoinduction and transcription of other TR target genes, which increases cellular responsivity to further TH action on developmental gene regulation programs.
Recent advances in the understanding of endometriosis: the role of inflammatory mediators in disease pathogenesis and treatment
Authors: Nothnick Warren , Alali Zahraa
Published: February 2016

In this review, we focus on recent advancements in our understanding of the roles of inflammatory mediators in endometriosis pathophysiology and the potential for improved therapies based upon targeting these pathways. We review the association between endometriosis and inflammation and the initial promise of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies based upon experimental evidence, and how and why these studies have not translated to the clinic. We then discuss emerging data on the role of inter-relationship among macrophage migration inhibitory factor, prostaglandin E2, and estrogen receptor-beta, and the potential utility of targeting these factors in endometriosis treatment. In doing so, we highlight the strengths and discuss the current research on identification of novel, anti-inflammatory-based therapy and the necessity to expand experimental endpoints to include clinically relevant measures when assessing the efficacy of potential new therapies for endometriosis.
A survey of children's toothbrushing habits in Wales: Are parents following the guidelines?
Authors: Wilson Mary , Morgan Maria
Published: February 2016

Dental decay continues to be a significant public health problem across the UK. Brushing teeth twice-daily with fluoride toothpaste is considered an important aspect of prevention, and promoting good brushing habits at an early age is important to prevent early childhood dental decay. Analysis of a dental epidemiology survey in Wales was undertaken to compare the reported brushing habits of 3-year-old children to the recommendations made in the Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit ( Public Health England, 2014 ). The responses from parent and guardian questionnaires completed show that these health promotion messages are not being universally followed, and that children living in deprived areas were more likely to experience dental decay. Health visitors have a key role to play in providing oral health promotion to families with babies and young children.
Senza Parole: a Review
Authors: Ravlich Robyn
Published: February 2016

This is a charming radio feature of modest length in the form of a travel memoir. Its author-producer is Katharina Smets, a radio maker with a background in philosophy, theatre and philology with experience in teaching radio documentary at the Royal Conservatory in Antwerp, Belgium and as a reporter and feature maker for Radio 1, KLARA (VRT in Belgium) and Holland Doc Radio (VPRO in The Netherlands). Originally produced in Dutch, her English language version of Senza Parole has attracted attention at both the Third Coast International Audio Festival (2014), USA and the Sheffield Doc/Fest (2014) in Britain.
In Senza Parole Katharina Smets takes her recorder with her on what appears to be an aimless outing in Paris, a city in which she’s a short term sojourner, courtesy of a cultural residency. By happenstance, in an overlooked corner of a small island in the Seine, she encounters another outsider, an apparently homeless woman, with whom she attempts to communicate. There is an obvious language barrier between them and some other unfathomable difference. Katharina returns with a useful gift, a watering can for the flowers in the woman’s little garden. It’s an act of kindness, a prop to further stimulate exchange, which occurs in fragments of elemental Italian and broken French. There’s a story here in who this woman is and how she’s come to be in these circumstances – displaced in a foreign land and homeless, sheltering in a plastic tent in a park. Is she mentally ill? Was she wronged in love? Is she sick? It’s a tantalising story that is beyond reach; it cannot be told by the two principals - or understood by any of us. But there is contact, perhaps a clue or two; and meaningful, touching communication that occurs ultimately without words, senza parole. Quite a feat in an audio medium.
The effect of parents on the hedonic responses to fruits by children
Authors: Seren Karakus Suzan , Kucukkomurler Saime , Boran Nagme
Published: February 2016

The aim of the current study was to investigate the relation between hedonic responses of families and preschool children given to fruit. Two hundred parents who had a child attending to a kindergarten in the districts of Kecioren and Mamak, in Ankara, Turkey were included in the research. The data were collected through a questionnaire. The ages of the children varied from 5 to 7. More than half of the mothers (55.5%) were in their normal BMI (Body Mass Index), while more than half of the fathers (63.0%) were overweight. Children and parents were found to like fruit in general sense. It was also found that as the score of liking fruit and the amount of consumed portion of parents increased, so did their children’s. There was a positive relation between parents and their children (p<0.001). The score of liking fruit for girls was higher than that of boys (p=0.006). It is likely to say that girls like fruit more than boys.
Changes in Milk Yield and Quality During Lactation in Polish Red and White-Backed Cows Included in the Genetic Resources Conservation Programme in Comparison with the Simmental Breed
Authors: Litwińczuk Zygmunt , Barłowska Joanna , Matwijczuk Alicja , Słomiany Jan
Published: February 2016

Milk yield and quality was assessed in cows raised on low-input farms (traditional feeding), i.e. two breeds covered by genetic resources conservation (RP and BG) and the SM breed. The reference group was PHF HO cows from an intensive milk production system (PMR feeding). A total of 1,212 milk samples were collected from three periods of lactation: I (up to 120 days), II (121–200) and II (over 200). The milk was analysed for content of fat, protein, casein, lactose, dry matter, non-fat dry matter and the protein-to-fat ratio, coagulation time, heat stability and the percentage of fat globules in different size ranges. Fatty acid profile and cholesterol content were determined in a representative number of 180 milk samples. Daily yield in the native breeds in the third phase of lactation was 9.6 and 8.7 kg, which was slightly over 55% of their yield in phase I, compared to 66% in the SM and 73.4% in the reference group (PHF HO). The increase in fat and protein (including casein) in the milk during lactation was much higher in the native breeds, so its energy value in phase II of lactation was 11% higher in the BG cows and 9% higher in RP, but only 4% higher in the SM with regard to phase I of lactation. The milk fat from the Polish Red cows had the highest proportion of PUFA in each phase of lactation, including CLA, and the highest PUFA/SFA ratio. Over the course of lactation the percentage of large fat globules in the milk decreased, particularly in the native breeds (P≤0.01), while in the SM the differences were much smaller and statistically insignificant. Lactation persistency in both native breeds raised in a low-input system was worse than in the SM, but the increase in basic components during lactation was markedly higher, while that of cholesterol was lower.
The Effectiveness of the Use of Oregano and Laurel Essential Oils in Chicken Feeding
Authors: Giannenas Ilias , Tzora Athina , Sarakatsianos Ioannis , Karamoutsios Achilleas , Skoufos Stylianos , Papaioannou Nikolaos , Anastasiou Ioannis , Skoufos Ioannis
Published: February 2016

The objective of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of essential oils of oregano, laurel and their combination on growth performance, intestinal microbiota and intestinal morphology as replacers of antibiotic growth promoters, as well as on the antioxidant capacity and mineral content of breast and thigh meat. A total of 256 day-old broiler chickens were randomized into 4 groups with 4 replicates. Control group received a basal corn-soybean diet, whereas the other experimental groups received the basal diet plus 25 mg/kg oregano essential oil, 2.5 mg/kg laurel essential oil or their combination, respectively. Chickens had free access to water and feed. Body weight gain and feed to gain ratio was calculated for the total fattening period and mortality was daily recorded. Intestinal microbiota was enumerated by conventional techniques with selective agar media at the end of the trial at both ileum and caecum. Also, evaluation of intestinal morphology was carried out in small intestine and caecum. At the end of the trial, birds were slaughtered, their carcasses were processed and samples of breast and thigh meat were analyzed for moisture, fat and protein content. Total phenolic content was determined in feeds and breast and thigh meat in order to assess its antioxidant capacity. Mineral content of breast and thigh meat was evaluated by ICP-MS. The results of the trial showed that the group that received oregano or the mixture of oregano and laurel presented better BW and FCR and mortality compared to control group. Bacterial counts for the Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria were higher in the experimental groups compared to the control group at both ileum and caecum, and total coliforms were lower in caecum in the experimental groups compared to control. Higher values for villus height were found for the oregano supplemented groups compared to control or laurel ones. Oregano supplemented groups showed higher antioxidant capacity of breast and thigh meat compared to control and laurel groups, however no changes in mineral content were noted among the different groups. In conclusion, oregano essential oil alone or as a mixture with laurel essential oil can be used to improve growth performance and gut health in broiler chickens.
Novel Membrane Reactor Concepts for Hydrogen Production from Hydrocarbons: A Review
Authors: Lu Ningning , Xie Donglai
Published: February 2016

Membrane reactors are attracting increasing attention for ultrapure hydrogen production from fossil fuel, integrating catalytic reaction and separation processes into one single unit thus can realize the removal of hydrogen or introduction of reactantin situ, which removes the thermodynamic bottleneck and improves hydrogen yield and selectivity. In this review, the state-of-the-art concepts for hydrogen production through membrane reactors are introduced, mainly including fixed bed membrane reactors, fluidized bed membrane reactors, and micro-channel membrane reactors, referring higher hydrocarbons as feedstock, such as ethanol, propane, or heptane; novel heating methods, like solar energy realized through molten salt; new modular designs, including panel and tubular configurations; ultra-compact micro-channel designs; carbon dioxide capture with chemical looping; multifuel processors for liquid and/or solid hydrocarbons; etc. Recent developments and commercialization hurdles for each type of membrane reactor are summarized. Modeling the reactor is fundamental to explore complex hydrodynamics in reactor systems, meaningful to investigate the effects of some important operating factors on reactor performances. Researches for reactor modeling are also discussed. Reaction kinetics for hydrocarbons reforming and reactor hydrodynamics are summarized respectively. Cold model is introduced to investigate physical phenomena in reactors.
Assessment of paediatric pain: a critical review
Authors: Manocha Sachin , Taneja Navneet
Published: February 2016

Pain is a complex experience, and its quantification involves many aspects including physiological, behavioural, and psychological factors. References related to the topic were selected and analysed, along with a PubMed search of the recent and earlier reports. Assessment of pain in infants and children has always been a dilemma for the clinicians. Unlike in adults, it is difficult to assess and effectively treat pain in paediatric age groups, and it often remains untreated or undertreated. Misperceptions are attributed not only to the difficulties in isolating the specific signs of pain but also in recognising and inferring the meaning of the cues available in the complex of individual differences in the reaction pattern of children to pain. In children, several parameters such as age, cognitive level, type of pain, etc. are required to be considered for the selection of appropriate pain assessment tools. Although considerable progress has been made, there is a critical need for a more accurate measurement tool for both research and clinical purposes. This review has critically analysed the various techniques available to assess pain in children with emphasis on current research and present-day status of paediatric pain assessment.
Tick Population in Goats and Sheep in Šabac
Authors: Pavlović Ivan , Ivanović Snežana , Dimitrić Aleksandar , Vegara Mensur , Vasić Ana , Živković Slavica , Mijatović Bojana
Published: February 2016

During our examination performed in the period from 2010 to 2012, we collected ticks from 52 flocks of sheep and 38 goat flocks. Ticks infestation occured in 15.97% (214/1340) of sheep and 16.93% (107/632) of goats. The result showed the presence of Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, R. bursa, Dermacentor marginatus, D. pictus, Haemaphysalis punctata and Ha. inermis. Additional to determination of tick species during the research, the sex ratio and the monthly influence of microclimate conditions (temperature, relative humidity and precipitation quantity) on the dynamics of populations of ticks were followed. Obtained results indicate the importance of the impact of climatic factors on the population dynamics of some species of ticks as well as the dynamics and abundance of different sexes within established species of ticks.
Special quasirandom structures: A selection approach for stochastic homogenization
Authors: Le Bris Claude , Legoll Frédéric , Minvielle William
Published: February 2016

We adapt and study a variance reduction approach for the homogenization of elliptic equations in divergence form. The approach, borrowed from atomistic simulations and solid-state science [23], [24], [25], consists in selecting random realizations that best satisfy some statistical properties (such as the volume fraction of each phase in a composite material) usually only obtained asymptotically. We study the approach theoretically in some simplified settings (one-dimensional setting, perturbative setting in higher dimensions), and numerically demonstrate its efficiency in more general cases.
Counter Terrorism in the 21st Century and the Role of the European Union
Authors: Bonansinga Donatella
Published: February 2016

Terrorism is designed, as it has always been, to have profound psychological repercussions on a target audience and to undermine confidence in government and leadership. Nevertheless, after the 9/11 attacks, it is possible to claim that terrorism has changed and the European Union’s response, along with the world one, has also changed. By means of discursive analysis, this paper aims at exploring the complexity of the new threats that terrorism poses to the globalised world by combining 21st century technologies with the most extreme reading and vision of the clash of civilisation. The analysis will then proceed with an assessment of the change of approach that has guided EU action in the aftermath of 9/11 and with a critical examination of the issue of global actorness.
The Rules on Political Parties in Romania Under Comparative Scrutiny
Authors: Carp Radu
Published: February 2016

This article is based on two premises. First, the requirements for establishing political parties in Romania are the most restrictive in Europe. When a party has succeeded to register and took a non-ideological position, the electoral participation slightly increased. If the requirements for registering political parties were relaxed, new parties could emerge while greater participation to the elections is under question. The current legal procedure for registering political parties is contrary to Article 40 of the Constitution (the right to association) and the requirement according to which a political party wishing to participate in parliamentary elections must make a deposit is contrary to Article 37 of the Constitution (the right to be elected). Proving the validity of these premises leads to the necessity of changing the current normative framework in the sense of relaxing the requirements for the registration of political parties. This change may be accomplished by a draft law (which is already registered in the parliament) or by the intervention of the Constitutional Court.
Progress on sorption-enhanced reaction process for hydrogen production
Authors: Wu Yi-Jiang , Li Ping , Yu Jian-Guo , Cunha Adelino F. , Rodrigues Alirio E.
Published: February 2016

Concerns about the environment and fossil fuel depletion led to the concept of “hydrogen economy”, where hydrogen is used as an energy carrier. Nowadays, hydrogen is mostly produced from fossil fuel resources by natural gas reforming, coal gasification, as well as the water-gas-shift (WGS) reaction involved in these processes. Alternatively, bioethanol, glucose, glycerol, bio-oil, and other renewable biomass-derived feedstocks can also be employed for hydrogen production via steam reforming process. The combination of steam reforming and/or WGS reaction with
Moving Towards Integrated Policy Formulation and Evaluation: The Green Economy Model
Authors: Bassi Andrea M.
Published: February 2016

The mainstreaming of concepts related to the Green Economy, an action-oriented approach to reach sustainable development, has increased demands for integrated models that can shed light on the complex relations existing across social, economic and environmental indicators. A gap exists, whereby our thinking is rapidly evolving, but the tools available are still in the vast majority of cases sectorial, leading to planning processes taking place in silos. To avoid the emergence of side effects, and anticipate future threats and opportunities, a more systemic approach is needed. The Green Economy Model (GEM) was created taking into account four main capitals and their interconnections: physical capital, human capital, social capital and natural capital. The application of GEM in 10 countries has shown its capability to coherently represent reality and generate results that can more effectively inform decision making.