bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Rise of Concussions in the Adolescent Population
Authors: Zhang Alan L. , Sing David C. , Rugg Caitlin Marie , Feeley Brian T. , Senter Carlin
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

Concussion injuries have been correlated with significant long-term deleterious effects on patients. While recent studies have shown increased traumatic brain injuries (TBI) diagnosed in U.S. emergency departments, no studies have evaluated trends in concussion diagnoses across the general U.S. population in various age groups. The objective of this study is to evaluate the current incidence and trends in concussions diagnosed across varying age groups and healthcare settings in a large cross-sectional population.

Methods:

Administrative health records of 8,828,248 members of a large private payer insurance group in the United States were queried. Patients diagnosed with concussion from years 2007 through 2014 were stratified by year of diagnosis, age group, gender, classification of concussion, and healthcare setting of diagnosis (e.g. ED vs. physician’s office). Chi-square testing was used to for statistical analysis.

Results:

From a cohort of 8,828,248 patients, 43,884 patients were diagnosed with a concussion. Fifty-five percent of concussion patients were male and over 32% were in the adolescent age group (10-19 years old). The highest incidence of concussion was seen in the 15-19 age group (16.5 cases per 1000 patients) followed by the 10-14 (10.5 per 1000), 20-24 (5.2 per 1000) and 5-9 (3.5 per 1000) age groups. Overall there was a 160% increase in concussion incidence from 2007 to 2014. The largest increases were in the 10-14 (243%) and 15-19 (187%) age groups. Based on ICD-9 classification, 29% of concussions were associated with some form of loss of consciousness. Finally, 56% of concussions were diagnosed in the ED and 29% in a physician’s office, with the remainder in urgent cares or inpatient settings.

Conclusion:

The incidence of concussion diagnosed in the general population in the United States is increasing, driven largely by a substantial rise in the adolescent age group. The youth population should be prioritized for ongoing work in concussion education, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Quality of Movement for Athletes Six Months Post ACL Reconstruction
Authors: deMille Polly , Nguyen Joseph , Brown Allison , Do Huong , Selvaggio Elizabeth , Chiaia Theresa
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention programs evaluate quality of movement (QM) to identify and correct high-risk movement patterns. However, return to play (RTP) decisions post-ACL reconstruction (ACLR) are often based on non-sport relatedquantitative measures such as isokinetic tests and/or time from surgery, with six months post-ACLR being a common expectation for RTP. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether athletes are ready to RTP 6 months post ACLR using a QM assessment (QMA).

Methods:

A QMA including nine dynamic tasks (squat, single leg [SL] stance, step down, SL squat, jump in place, side to side jump, broad jump, hop to opposite, SL hop) progressing from double- to single-limb vertical and horizontal movements was administered to 136 athletes at five to seven months post-ACLR. Tasks were viewed from the frontal and sagittal planes by a physical therapist and performance specialist. Movements were evaluated live for risk factors associated with ACL injury (strategy, depth, control, symmetry, and alignment). The proportion of patients exhibiting risky movement patterns for each task was calculated. Fisher’s Exact test was used to determine if there were differences in movement patterns between males and females.

Results:

The proportion of patients demonstrating risky movement patterns for a task ranged from 48% to 100%. All 136 patients exhibited risky movement patterns for at least one task and 60% of patients displayed risky movement patterns in five or more of the nine tasks. Rates of risky movement patterns were not different between males and females for all tasks (P>0.1 for all tasks).

Conclusion:

Six months has been cited as a probable time for RTP post-ACLR; thus this is the expectation of the athlete. Our data show that athletes demonstrate multiple QM patterns associated with initial ACL injury, as well as 2nd injury at five to seven months post-operatively. Altered movement patterns evident in tasks as simple as a SL stance remained with the athlete through tasks of increasing difficulty. We recommend that therapists integrate QM screening into rehabilitation with a focus on movement retraining to address mechanical risk factors prior to RTP.
Vertical Jump Test as a Functional Test after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Kim Jin Goo , Kim Sang Bum , Chung Kyu-Sung , Ha Jeong Ku
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

Among the various functional tests to determine the return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), the most popular one is single leg hop for distance due to its convenience to perform in clinic based offices. Although its popularity, not many clinicians can actually assess with this test because it requires a spacious room to jump across, and another investigator to check the hopped distance, manually. The purpose of this study is to compare vertical jump test which can be assessed easily with a computerized system in a smaller room, with other functional tests, which are used widely as a guide for determining return to sport, and to assess the validity of vertical jump test as a functional performance test after ACLR.

Methods:

Seventy five ACL reconstructed patients (Mean age: 29.5±9.2 years, Mean height: 172.2±8.2 cm, Mean weight: 72.3±11.0 kg, Mean time since surgery: 27.5±6.1 months) completed subjective questionnaires (International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Tegner and Lysholm scores) and functional performance tests; Single leg hop for distance, vertical jump test and three other functional performance tests (Cocontraction, Shuttle run, Carioca tests). Instability was measured with KT-2000. Peak torque/body weight ratio (PT/BW ratio) of extensor and flexor muscle is used to compensate the individual differences in the absolute values of isokinetic muscle strength. Limb symmetry index (LSI, %) was calculated for single leg hop for distance and vertical jump test which were tested separately in each limb. Correlation coefficients between LSI for vertical jump test and other measurements were analyzed.

Results:

LSI for vertical jump test was correlated to LSI for single leg hop for distance (r=0.354, p=0.002), cocontraction (r=-0.351, p=0.002), shuttle run (r=-0.358, p=0.002), Carioca test(r=-0.285, p=0.013), IKDC (r=0.316, p=0.006) and Tegner scores (r=0.237, p=0.041). There were no correlations with KT-2000 (p=0.626) and Lysholm score(p=0.198). In isokinetic strength tests, extensor PT/BW ratio (60 deg/sec: r=0.298, p=0.009; 180 deg/sec: r=0.247, p=0.033) and extensor strength deficit (60 deg/sec: r=-0.412, p<0.001; 180 deg/sec: r=-0.306, p=0.007) were correlated to LSI for vertical jump test, whereas flexor PT/BW ratio and flexor strength deficit were not.

Conclusion:

As the degrees of functional performance, subjective outcome scores and recovery of extensor strength are correlated with LSI for vertical jump test which clinician can easily assess with a computerized system in clinical offices, we suggest vertical jump test as a functional test after ACLR to determine the return to sports.
O’Donoghue Award Winner
Authors: Titchenal Matthew R. , Chu Constance R. , Erhart-Hledik Jennifer C. , Andriacchi Thomas P.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Altered knee kinematics after anterior cruciate ligament injury and reconstruction (ACLR) have been implicated in the development of premature osteoarthritis (OA), leading to poor long term clinical outcomes.

Purpose:

This study was performed to determine (1) whether average knee center of rotation (KCOR), a multidimensional metric of knee kinematics, of the ACLR knee during walking differs from that of the contralateral uninjured knee, (2) whether KCOR changes between 2 and 4 years after surgery, and (3) whether early KCOR changes predict patient reported outcomes 8 years after ACLR.

Study Design:

Prospective Clinical Study.

Methods:

Twenty-six human subjects underwent gait analysis with calculation of bilateral KCOR during walking at 2 and 4 years after unilateral ACLR. Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) and Lysholm scores were collected at 2, 4, and 8 years after ACLR in 13 of these subjects.

Results:

The ACLR knee showed greater medial compartment motion due to pivoting about a more lateral KCOR (P=0.03) than the uninjured contralateral knee at 2 years. KCOR moved medially over time (P=0.047), with values approaching those of the uninjured knee by 4 years (P=0.55). KCOR was also more anterior in the ACLR knee at 2 years (P=0.02). Between 2 and 4 years, KCOR moved posteriorly in 16 (62%) and anteriorly in 10 (38%) subjects. Increasing anterior position of KCOR in the ACLR knee from 2 to 4 years showed no correlation with clinical outcomes at 4 years but correlated with worsening clinical outcomes at 8 years: Lysholm (R2=0.41); KOOS pain (R2=0.37), symptoms (R2=0.58), and quality of life (R2=0.50).

Conclusions:

The observed changes to KCOR during walking between 2 and 4 years after ACLR show progressive improvement suggestive of continued graft maturation and neuromuscular recovery. The finding of increasingly abnormal kinematics correlating with reduced clinical outcomes years later in a subset of subjects provides a potential explanation for the incidence of premature OA following ACLR. These findings support progressing to more comprehensive studies of larger cohorts examining the predictive potential of KCOR for OA risk as measured by advanced quantitative imaging and radiographs.

Clinical Relevance:

These results suggest that changes to KCOR during walking as derived from gait analysis, a clinically available metric, may provide early warning of deteriorating knee function after ACLR years before the onset of clinical symptoms.
Assessment of Subclinical Pancreatitis in Epileptic Children With Different Treatment Modalities
Authors: Mahrous Doa Mohamed , Abdel Hakeem Gehan Lotfy , Abdel Aziz Reem Abdel Salam , Higazi Aliaa Monir
Published: July 2016

Acute pancreatitis differ in pediatrics and adults. Drug-induced pancreatitis is one of the common causes of pancreatitis in children. This case–control study aimed to assess subclinical pancreatitis in patients with epilepsy treated with different drug regimens. Eighty known patients with epilepsy were enrolled. Forty patients were treated with monotherapy (group I) and 40 were treated with multitherapy (group II) regimens. Twenty age- and sex-matched healthy children were enrolled as control (group III). Serum lipase and amylase were assayed in all included children. Significant differences were found between groups I and III and between groups II and III regarding serum amylase and lipase ( P < .001 for all). Significant difference were found between groups I and II ( P = .024) and between groups II and III ( P = .01) regarding pancreatic duct and body diameters. Significant difference were found between patients with controlled and uncontrolled fits regarding serum amylase ( P = .008). In conclusion, subclinical pancreatitis can complicate the treatment with different antiepileptic regimens.
Role Reversal
Authors: Chapman H.R.
Published: July 2016

This narrative illustrates how easy it is to be thoughtless when treating patients, resulting in the patient feeling dehumanized and belittled. This has the potential to trigger dental fear in vulnerable individuals.
The SITS-UTMOST: A registry-based prospective study in Europe investigating the impact of regulatory approval of intravenous Actilyse in the extended time window (3–4.5 h) in acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Ahmed Niaz , Hermansson Karin , Bluhmki Erich , Danays Thierry , Nunes Ana Paiva , Kenton Anthony , Lakshmanan Sekaran , Toni Danilo , Mikulik Robert , Ford Gary A , Lees Kennedy R , Wahlgren Nils
Published: July 2016

Introduction

The SITS-UTMOST (Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Upper Time window Monitoring Study) was a registry-based prospective study of intravenous alteplase used in the extended time window (3–4.5 h) in acute ischaemic stroke to evaluate the impact of the approval of the extended time window on routine clinical practice.

Patients and methods

Inclusion of at least 1000 patients treated within 3–4.5 h according to the licensed criteria and actively registered in the SITS-International Stroke Thrombolysis Registry was planned. Prospective data collection started 2 May 2012 and ended 2 November 2014. A historical cohort was identified for 2 years preceding May 2012. Clinical management and outcome were contrasted between patients treated within 3 h versus 3–4.5 h in the prospective cohort and between historical and prospective cohorts for the 3 h time window. Outcomes were functional independency (modified Rankin scale, mRS) 0–2, favourable outcome (mRS 0–1), and death at 3 months and symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (SICH) per SITS.

Results

4157 patients from 81 centres in 12 EU countries were entered prospectively ( N = 1118 in the 3–4.5 h, N = 3039 in the 0–3 h time window) and 3454 retrospective patients in the 0–3 h time window who met the marketing approval conditions. In the prospective cohort, median arrival to treatment time was longer in the 3–4.5 h than 3 h window (79 vs. 55 min). Within the 3 h time window, treatment delays were shorter for prospective than historical patients (55 vs. 63). There was no significant difference between the 3–4.5 h versus 3 h prospective cohort with regard to percentage of reported SICH (1.6 vs. 1.7), death (11.6 vs. 11.1), functional independency (66 vs. 65) at 3 months or favourable outcome (51 vs. 50).

Discussion

Main weakness is the observational design of the study.

Conclusion

This study neither identified negative impact on treatment delay, nor on outcome, following extension of the approved time window to 4.5 h for use of alteplase in stroke.
Postthrombotic syndrome and other outcomes of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis in children
Authors: Avila Maria Laura , Pullenayegum Eleanor , Williams Suzan , Yue Natasha , Krol Peter , Brandão Leonardo R.
Published: July 2016

Key Points

The frequency of PTS, PE, and DVT recurrence was higher in children with Non-LR DVT than in children with LR DVT. Thrombus resolution, DVT triggering event, and sex were predictors of LE PTS in children.
A multidisciplinary team case management approach reduces the burden of frequent asthma admissions
Authors: Burke Hannah , Davis Jenny , Evans Sian , Flower Laura , Tan Andrew , Kurukulaaratchy Ramesh J.
Published: July 2016

Up to 10% of asthmatics have “difficult asthma”; however, they account for 80% of asthma-related expenditure and run the highest risk of acute severe exacerbations. An estimated 75% of admissions for asthma are avoidable. Guidelines advise that these patients be managed by an experienced specialist multidisciplinary team (MDT). We aimed to assess the impact of a case management strategy deliveredviaspecialist MDTs on acute healthcare utilisation of patients with frequent asthma admissions.

An MDT (consultant, specialist nurse, physiotherapist and psychologist) case management strategy was introduced in 2010 at University Hospital Southampton Foundation Trust (Southampton, UK) to support patients with frequent asthma admissions during admission and then in clinic. To assess efficacy, we systematically searched the hospital database for patients acutely admitted for asthma on two or more occasions in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Data were collected retrospectively covering patient demographics, admission details, asthma severity and comorbidity.

From 2010 to 2012, 84 patients were admitted on two or more occasions per year (80% female, mean body mass index 31 kg·m−2and 55% psychological comorbidity). After introducing an MDT approach repeat asthma admissions fell by 33% from 127 in 2010 to 84 in 2012 (p=0.0004). In addition, bed days fell by 52% from 895 in 2010 to 430 in 2010 (p=0.015).

An MDT case management approach significantly reduces hospitalisation in difficult asthma patients with prior frequent admission.
Maternal smoking in pregnancy and its influence on childhood asthma
Authors: Zacharasiewicz Angela
Published: July 2016

Maternal smoking in pregnancy (MSP) is a large modifiable risk factor for pregnancy related mortality and morbidity and also the most important known modifiable risk factor for asthma.

This review summarises the effects of MSP throughout infancy, childhood and adolescence with regards to asthma (development and severity). Firstly, the direct damage caused by nicotine on fetal lung development, fetal growth and neuronal differentiation is discussed, as well as the indirect effects of nicotine on placental functioning. Secondly, the effects of MSP on later immune functioning resulting in increased infection rate are summarised and details are given on the effects of MSP modulating airway hyperreactivity, reducing lung function and therefore increasing asthma morbidity.

Furthermore, epigenetic effects are increasingly being recognised. These can also result in transgenerational detrimental effects induced by cigarette smoke.

In summary, the causal relationship between MSP and asthma development is well documented and presents a major health problem for generations to come. The high prevalence of MSP is alarming and epigenetic effects of nicotine on immune functioning potentiate this danger. A considerable part of the increase in asthma prevalence worldwide is due to MSP.
Prediction of FAD binding sites in electron transport proteins according to efficient radial basis function networks and significant amino acid pairs
Authors: Le Nguyen-Quoc-Khanh , Ou Yu-Yen
Published: July 2016

Background

Cellular respiration is a catabolic pathway for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and is the most efficient process through which cells harvest energy from consumed food. When cells undergo cellular respiration, they require a pathway to keep and transfer electrons (i.e., the electron transport chain). Due to oxidation-reduction reactions, the electron transport chain produces a transmembrane proton electrochemical gradient. In case protons flow back through this membrane, this mechanical energy is converted into chemical energy by ATP synthase. The convert process is involved in producing ATP which provides energy in a lot of cellular processes. In the electron transport chain process, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) is one of the most vital molecules for carrying and transferring electrons. Therefore, predicting FAD binding sites in the electron transport chain is vital for helping biologists understand the electron transport chain process and energy production in cells.

Results

We used an independent data set to evaluate the performance of the proposed method, which had an accuracy of 69.84 %. We compared the performance of the proposed method in analyzing two newly discovered electron transport protein sequences with that of the general FAD binding predictor presented by Mishra and Raghava and determined that the accuracy of the proposed method improved by 9–45 % and its Matthew’s correlation coefficient was 0.14–0.5. Furthermore, the proposed method enabled reducing the number of false positives significantly and can provide useful information for biologists.

Conclusions

We developed a method that is based on PSSM profiles and SAAPs for identifying FAD binding sites in newly discovered electron transport protein sequences. This approach achieved a significant improvement after we added SAAPs to PSSM features to analyze FAD binding proteins in the electron transport chain. The proposed method can serve as an effective tool for predicting FAD binding sites in electron transport proteins and can help biologists understand the functions of the electron transport chain, particularly those of FAD binding sites. We also developed a web server which identifies FAD binding sites in electron transporters available for academics.
Comparison of a xeno-free and serum-free culture system for human embryonic stem cells with conventional culture systems
Authors: Zhang Dan , Mai Qingyun , Li Tao , Huang Jia , Ding Chenhui , Jia Mengxi , Zhou Canquan , Xu Yanwen
Published: July 2016

Background

Elimination of all animal components during derivation and long-term culture of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is necessary for future applications of hESCs in clinical cell therapy.

Methods

In this study, we established the culture system of xeno-free human foreskin fibroblast feeders (XF-HFF) in combination with chemically defined medium (CDM). XF-HFF/CDM was compared with several conventional culture systems. The hESCs cultured in different media were further characterized through karyotype analysis, pluripotency gene expression, and cell differentiation ability.

Results

The hESCs in the XF-HFF/CDM maintained their characteristics including typical morphology and stable karyotype. In addition, hESCs were characterized by fluorescent immunostaining of pluripotent markers and teratoma formation in vivo. RT-PCR analysis shown that the stem cell markers OCT3/4, hTERT, SOX2, and Nanog were present in the cell line hESC-1 grown on XF-HFF/CDM. Furthermore, the results of cell growth and expression of bFGF, Oct-4, and hTERT indicated that XF-HFF/CDM had better performance than human serum-matrix/CDM and XF-HFF/human serum.

Conclusion

The comparison of different xeno-free culture conditions will facilitate clarifying the key features of self-renewal, pluripotency, and derivation and will shed light on clinic applications of hESCs.
High-efficiency generation of induced pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells from human dermal fibroblasts using recombinant proteins
Authors: Chen Fanfan , Zhang Guoqiang , Yu Ling , Feng Yanye , Li Xianghui , Zhang Zhijun , Wang Yongting , Sun Dapeng , Pradhan Sriharsa
Published: July 2016

Background

Induced pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells (iPMSCs) are novel candidates for drug screening, regenerative medicine, and cell therapy. However, introduction of transcription factor encoding genes for induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation which could be used to generate mesenchymal stem cells is accompanied by the risk of insertional mutations in the target cell genome.

Methods

We demonstrate a novel method using an inactivated viral particle to package and deliver four purified recombinant Yamanaka transcription factors (Sox2, Oct4, Klf4, and c-Myc) resulting in reprogramming of human primary fibroblasts. Whole genome bisulfite sequencing was used to analyze genome-wide CpG methylation of human iPMSCs. Western blot, quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, and in-vitro differentiation were used to assess the pluripotency of iPMSCs.

Results

The resulting reprogrammed fibroblasts show high-level expression of stem cell markers. The human fibroblast-derived iPMSC genome showed gains in DNA methylation in low to medium methylated regions and concurrent loss of methylation in previously hypermethylated regions. Most of the differentially methylated regions are close to transcription start sites and many of these genes are pluripotent pathway associated. We found that DNA methylation of these genes is regulated by the four iPSC transcription factors, which functions as an epigenetic switch during somatic reprogramming as reported previously. These iPMSCs successfully differentiate into three embryonic germ layer cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Following multipotency induction in our study, the delivered transcription factors were degraded, leading to an improved efficiency of subsequent programmed differentiation.

Conclusion

Recombinant transcription factor based reprogramming and derivatization of iPMSC offers a novel high-efficiency approach for regenerative medicine from patient-derived cells.
Antigen-presenting cell-derived IL-6 restricts the expression of GATA3 and IL-4 by follicular helper T cells
Authors: Hercor Mélanie , Anciaux Maelle , Denanglaire Sébastien , Debuisson Delphine , Leo Oberdan , Andris Fabienne
Published: July 2016

Follicular helper T cells (Tfh) support high-affinity Ab production by germinal center B cells through both membrane interactions and secretion of IL-4 and -21, two major cytokines implicated in B-cell survival and Ab class switch. Tfh-2 cells recently emerged in humans as a strong IL-4 producer Tfh cell subset implicated in both autoimmune and allergic diseases. Although the molecular mechanisms governing Tfh cell differentiation from naive T cells have been widely described, much less is known about the regulation of cytokine secretion by mouse Tfh-2 cells. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the role of dendritic cell–derived IL-6 in fine-tuning cytokine secretion by Tfh cells. Our results demonstrate that priming of Th cells by IL-6-deficient antigen-presenting dendritic cells preferentially leads to accumulation of a subset of Tfh cells characterized by high expression of GATA3 and IL-4, associated with reduced production of IL-21. STAT3-deficient Tfh cells also overexpress GATA3, suggesting that early IL-6/STAT3 signaling during Tfh cell development inhibits the expression of a set of genes associated with the Th2 differentiation program. Overall, our data indicate that IL-6/STAT3 signaling restrains the expression of Th2-like genes in Tfh cells, thus contributing to the control of IgE secretion in vivo.
Determinants of preferred ground clearance during swing phase of human walking
Authors: Wu Amy R. , Kuo Arthur D.
Published: July 2016

During each step of human walking, the swing foot passes close to the ground with a small but (usually) non-zero clearance. The foot can occasionally scuff against the ground, with some risk of stumbling or tripping. The risk might be mitigated simply by lifting the foot higher, but presumably at increased effort, of unknown amount. Perhaps the normally preferred ground clearance is a trade-off between competing costs, one for lifting the foot higher, and one for scuffing it. We tested this by measuring the metabolic energy cost of lifting and scuffing the foot, treating these apparently dissimilar behaviors as part of a single continuum, where scuffing is a form of negative foot lift. We measured young, healthy adults (N=9) lifting or scuffing the foot by various amounts mid-swing during treadmill walking, and observed substantial costs, each well capable of doubling the net metabolic rate for normal walking (gross cost minus that for standing). In relative terms, the cost for scuffing increased over twice as steeply as that for lifting. That relative difference means that the expected value of cost, which takes into account movement variability, occurs at a non-zero mean clearance, approximately matching the preferred clearance we observed. Energy cost alone is only a lower bound on the overall disadvantages of inadvertent ground contact, but it is sufficient to show how human behavior may be determined not only by the separate costs of different trade-offs, but also movement variability, which can influence the average cost actually experienced in practice.
Dietary flavonoids advance timing of moult but do not affect redox status of juvenile blackbirds (Turdus merula)
Authors: Cecere Jacopo G. , Caprioli Manuela , Carnevali Chiara , Colombo Graziano , Dalle-Donne Isabella , Mancuso Elisa , Milzani Aldo , Parolini Marco , Portanova Antea , Saino Nicola , Serra Lorenzo , Rubolini Diego
Published: July 2016

Flavonoids are the most abundant plant polyphenols, widely occurring in fruits and berries, and show a strong antioxidant activity in vitro. Studies of avian species feeding on berries suggest that dietary flavonoids have health-promoting effects and may enhance the expression of melanin-based plumage traits. These effects are likely mediated by the antioxidant activity of flavonoids. However, the effect of dietary flavonoids on oxidative status has never been investigated in any bird species. We analysed the effects of dietary flavonoids on blood non-enzymatic antioxidants and protein oxidative damage of juvenile European blackbirds (Turdus merula). In addition, we analysed the effects of the flavonoid-enriched diet on body condition and on timing of moult from juvenile to adult plumage. Dietary flavonoids did not significantly affect the redox status but significantly advanced the onset of moult, hastening plumage development. Moulting birds showed higher protein oxidative damage compared to those that had not yet started moulting. The probability to initiate moult after 40 days of dietary treatment was higher for birds with low circulating levels of oxidizing agents and high glutathione concentration. The metabolization of flavonoids could have altered their redox potential, resulting in not net effects on redox status. However, flavonoid consumption before and during moult may contribute to enhance plumage development. Moreover, our findings suggest that moulting feathers may result in redox imbalance. Given their effect on moult and growth of melanin-rich feathers, fruit flavonoids may have contributed to the evolution of plant fruiting time in relation to fruit consumption preferences by birds.
Vertebral bending mechanics and xenarthrous morphology in the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
Authors: Oliver Jillian D. , Jones Katrina E. , Hautier Lionel , Loughry W. J. , Pierce Stephanie E.
Published: July 2016

The vertebral column has evolved to accommodate the broad range of locomotor pressures found across vertebrate lineages. Xenarthran (armadillos, sloths, anteaters) vertebral columns are characterized by xenarthrous articulations, novel intervertebral articulations located in the posterior trunk that are hypothesized to stiffen the vertebral column to facilitate digging. To determine the degree to which xenarthrous articulations impact vertebral movement, we passively measured compliance and range of motion during ventroflexion, dorsiflexion, and lateral bending across the thoracolumbar region of the nine-banded armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus. Patterns of bending were compared to changes in vertebral morphology along the column to determine which morphological features best predict intervertebral joint mechanics. We found that compliance was lower in post-diaphragmatic, xenarthrous vertebrae relative to pre-xenarthrous vertebrae in both sagittal and lateral planes of bending. We also found, however, that range of motion was higher in this region. These changes in mechanics are correlated with the transition from pre-xenarthrous to xenarthrous vertebrae, as well as by the transition from thoracic to lumbar vertebrae. Our results thus substantiate the hypothesis that xenarthrous articulations stiffen the vertebral column. Additionally, our data suggest that xenarthrous articulations, and their associated enlarged metapophyses, also act to increase the range of motion of the post-diaphragmatic region. We propose that xenarthrous articulations perform the dual role of stiffening the vertebral column and increasing mobility, resulting in passively stable vertebrae that are capable of substantial bending under appropriate loads.
RNA-binding protein HuR and the members of the miR-200 family play an unconventional role in the regulation of c-Jun mRNA
Authors: Del Vecchio Giorgia , De Vito Francesca , Saunders Sita J. , Risi Adele , Mannironi Cecilia , Bozzoni Irene , Presutti Carlo
Published: July 2016

Post-transcriptional gene regulation is a fundamental step for coordinating cellular response in a variety of processes. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are the most important factors responsible for this regulation. Here we report that different components of the miR-200 family are involved in c-Jun mRNA regulation with the opposite effect. While miR-200b inhibits c-Jun protein production, miR-200a tends to increase the JUN amount through a stabilization of its mRNA. This action is dependent on the presence of the RBP HuR that binds the 3′UTR of c-Jun mRNA in a region including the mir-200a binding site. The position of the binding site is fundamental; by mutating this site, we demonstrate that the effect is not micro-RNA specific. These results indicate that miR-200a triggers a microRNA-mediated stabilization of c-Jun mRNA, promoting the binding of HuR with c-Jun mRNA. This is the first example of a positive regulation exerted by a microRNA on an important oncogene in proliferating cells.
Estimation of vibration attenuation coefficient of wheel sets on electric locomotive underframe
Authors: Podust Sergey F.
Published: August 2016

The work objective is to describe the theoretical and experimental research of the vibration attenuation coefficient of the wage wheels on the electric locomotive underframe. Studying the vibro-acoustic characteristics at the workplaces of the locomotive crews shows that the excess of the octave sound-pressure levels over the maximum permissible values is largely determined by the noise structural component which is generated by vibrations of the body parts. The vibration velocity calculation is based on the energy methods traditionally used for the energy-closed circuits. The system of equations takes into account not only the geometric parameters of the elements, their physical and mechanical properties, but also the vibration power from the locomotive wheel pairs introduced into the base body under the speed conditions. For the engineering analysis of the vibration spectra of the body parts, and, respectively, of the sound-pressure levels when evaluating the introduced vibration power, it is expedient to use a frequency dependent value of the vibration reduction factor. This is especially important at the machine designing stage. Therefore, the results of the experimental study of the given value and the development of the regressional dependences for various motion speeds on this basis are presented.
Differential criteria for binge eating disorder and food addiction in the context of causes and treatment of obesity
Authors: Bąk-Sosnowska Monika
Published: July 2016

Cel pracy

Stworzenie kryteriów różnicowych dla Zaburzenia z napadami objadania się (BED) i Uzależnienia od pożywienia (FA)

Metoda

Dokonano szczegółowej analizy porównawczej kryteriów diagnostycznych BED oraz Zaburzeń spowodowanych używaniem substancji, zawartych w Diagnostycznym i Statystycznym Podręczniku Zaburzeń Psychicznych DSM-V. Odniesiono kryteria diagnostyczne obu zaburzeń do publikacji naukowych na temat nadmiernego jedzenia u osób otyłych, z lat 2005-2016, dostępnych w bazie PubMed. Wyodrębniono konkretne podobieństwa oraz różnice pomiędzy Zaburzeniem z napadami objadania się i Uzależnieniem od pożywienia. Sformułowano kryteria różnicowe dla BED a FA.

Wyniki

Zarówno w przypadku BED, jak FA występuje m.in: zaabsorbowanie jedzeniem, jedzenie nadmiarowe, utrata kontroli nad ilością i sposobem jedzenia, niemożność zmiany zachowania, kontynuowanie zachowania mimo negatywnych konsekwencji, podwyższony poziom impulsywności i dysregulacja emocji. Różnice między BED i FA dotyczą m.in: funkcji pożywienia, reakcji na pominięcie możliwości jedzenia, psychologicznych mechanizmów radzenia sobie z nadmiernym jedzeniem oraz własnym wyglądem, kwestii tolerancji, zespołu abstynencyjnego i związku nadmiernego jedzenia z innymi obszarami życia.

Wnioski

Kryteria różnicowe BED a FA dotyczą: funkcji jedzenia, okoliczności jedzenia, reakcji na niemożność jedzenia, świadomości problemu. Właściwa diagnoza tych zaburzeń oraz ich różnicowanie zwiększa szanse adekwatnego leczenia pacjentów otyłych.
Medical students and stigma of depression. Part I. Stigmatization of patients
Authors: Suwalska Julia , Suwalska Aleksandra , Neumann-Podczaska Agnieszka , Łojko Dorota
Published: July 2016

Stygmatyzacja chorych psychicznie nazywana jest pierwszą barierą w ich leczeniu i powrocie do zdrowia: prowadzi do odrzucenia tej jednostki, jej dyskryminacji i wyłączenia z funkcjonowania w różnych dziedzinach życia społecznego. Nabiera to szczególnego znaczenia, jeśli chorzy stykają się z taką postawą wśród lekarzy, pielęgniarek i innych pracowników ochrony zdrowia. W literaturze opisywane są stygmatyzujące postawy wobec chorych psychicznie, i okazuje się, że stygmatyzacja i negatywne nastawienie obecne jest już wśród studentów kierunków medycznych, mimo, że w trakcie studiów uzyskują oni informacje na temat zaburzeń psychicznych i ich leczenia. Postawa stygmatyzująca zaburzenia psychiczne wśród studentów medycyny, może wiązać się z ich podobnymi poglądami potem jako lekarzy, a tym samym wpływać niekorzystnie na jakość opieki nad chorymi oraz wiązać się z wystąpieniem również autostygmatyzacji i jej konsekwencji. Przedstawiono przegląd literatury na temat stygmatyzacji chorych psychicznie przez studentów medycyny oraz przegląd dotychczas proponowanych różnorodnych interwencji w celu redukcji postaw stygmatyzujących oraz omówiono ich skuteczność.
GIS based approach to understand the factors influencing the water level of the coastal aquifers in the ramnad district, Tamilnadu, India
Authors: N Sivakarun , S Chidambaram , C Thivya , P Paramaguru , K Pradeep , N Ganesh , P Anandhan
Published: July 2016

An attempt has been made in this study to understand the factors influencing the variation in water level of the groundwater of the Ramnad district. The different factors considered for study were average water level, Land use pattern, tanks and rainfall pattern of the study area. The water level contours were spatially plotted for four months interval and their average was considered for comparison. The rainfall trend of the district was obtained by the Thiessen polygon method. Further the Average water level contour was overlaid over the land use, tanks and rainfall distribution maps to understand the spatial influencing factor and it was identified that the agricultural return flow and the tank intensity play a major role in the recharge of the groundwater of this coastal aquifers.
Challenges and accomplishments of ELT at primary level in Chile: Towards the aspiration of becoming a bilingual country
Authors: Barahona Malba
Published: July 2016

This paper explores the policy development supporting the implementation of English language teaching (ELT) in Chile at primary level over the last two decades. This policy—which made English instruction compulsory for all Chilean students from fifth grade—has had to deal with a series of significant challenges since its introduction. One key impediment has been the lack of qualified teachers of English at primary school level. In addition, in a crowded curriculum, English teaching has been often allocated inadequate number of hours to facilitate successful language acquisition. Further, suitable learning resources and support materials—especially designed for young learners—have often been limited. Nevertheless, it can be argued that the broader offering of English, particularly at the primary level, has had an important democratising effect. It has been somewhat effective in allowing children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to access a global language and a potential world of opportunities previously only available to students attending wealthy private institutions. Data suggests that this policy has had some impact in establishing educational foundations for broader access to more advanced language learning for all students in Chile. However, equally it demonstrates further resources and support for teachers and teaching is essential to realise this potential.
English language education in primary schooling in Argentina
Authors: Porto Melina
Published: July 2016

This article describes public primary English language education in Argentina. I begin with background information about the country and a brief historical overview of education in general, accompanied by a portrait of primary schooling in particular. This overview involves local, political and economic considerations but also international influences that have played a key role in shaping the direction of language policies in primary education at the provincial and national levels in the country. I describe the national curriculum guidelines (Núcleos de aprendizaje prioritario, NAP) for foreign language education, contextualising them within the national education policies for primary school in force since 2003 and the new National Education Act (Ley Nacional de Educación 26.206). These guidelines and policies adopt an intercultural and plurilingual approach in the teaching of foreign languages, including English, at all levels of education and embrace a social justice conceptualisation of education in all cases. This approach has been materialised in ELT curriculum developments and programs in several of the 24 jurisdictions of the country with different degrees of development. I illustrate with the cases of the provinces of Buenos Aires, La Pampa, Entre Ríos and Chubut using interview data collected in 2015. Program leaders in these provinces describe their local initiatives. The article closes with a brief account of the affordances observed and the challenges ahead.
English in public primary schools in Colombia: Achievements and challenges brought about by national language education policies
Authors: Correa Doris , González Adriana
Published: July 2016

In an effort to become more competitive in the global market, Colombia, as many other Latin American countries, has declared English the dominant foreign language to be taught in schools and universities across the country. To support this measure, in the last 16 years, the government, through its National Ministry of Education, has launched a series of programs such as National Program of Bilingualism 2004-2019; the Program for Strengthening the Development of Competences in Foreign Languages; The National English Program: Colombia Very Well 2015-2025; and most recently, Bilingual Colombia 2014-2018. Results from studies conducted by local researchers across the country suggest that the regulation has posed a series of challenges for public primary school teachers, which these programs have not been able to address. These challenges can be divided into two categories: professional and work related. The purpose of this article is twofold: First, the article intends to provide a critical overview of the four programs that the Colombian government has launched since 2004. Second, the article aims to present some conclusions and recommendations for language policy design and implementation in Colombia.
ELT in Brazilian public schools: History, challenges, new experiences and perspectives
Authors: Almeida Ricardo Luiz Teixeira de
Published: July 2016

Historically speaking, the teaching of English was never a part of Brazilian primary schools programmes. Foreign language teaching as an obligatory school subject appears only in the sixth year of basic education, and its goal is more connected to the development of critical citizens, rather than to the promotion of proficient speakers of the language. Recently, however, a number of municipal public educational systems, often in partnership with private language institutes, have introduced ELT from the very first year of primary school. This is the case, for example, of the project Rio Global Child 2016, created by the City of Rio de Janeiro in partnership with Cultura Inglesa, a well-known private English institute in Brazil. What I intend to do in this paper, thus, is: firstly, to present an historical overview of ELT in Brazilian public schools, discussing its educational relevance and functions, the challenges faced by teachers and students, and both the beliefs and debates concerning the issue (cf. Almeida, 2012; Assis-Peterson, 2003; Moita Lopes, 1996; Tílio, 2012) – including also a first account of the Brazilian cities involved in the implementation of ELT in primary schools; and, then, to discuss critically Rio de Janeiro’s project for the teaching of English in primary schools. Such a discussion is necessary not only because it may help to understand better the risks of adopting a single method (and its materials) for teaching in contexts that can be extremely different from one another, but also because other projects and experiences may benefit from an honest account of the problems faced by the association of private and public spheres and interests exemplified by Rio’s project.
The teaching of English in public primary schools in Mexico: More heat than light?
Authors: Ramírez-Romero José Luis , Sayer Peter
Published: July 2016

The national English program in Mexico was formally launched in 2009. The new program supplanted various state programs, and aimed to create a coherent, uniform curriculum that extended English instruction to all public school students across the country. The article describes the development, evolution, and changes as the program was piloted and implemented. The authors synthesize various sources to identify the accomplishments of the program and the challenges that remain. They argue that a main concern, from a policy perspective, is that the program has not been conceptualized as part of a broader coherent language education policy, and that the program has been implemented not as an education policy, but as a series administrative and fiscal actions. Hence, while the program has succeeded in expanding access to English in public schools, it has not had continuity and has been characterized by inconsistency and change.
Finite Element Modeling of Chloride Diffusion in Concrete Using Image Processing for Characterizing Real Shape and Distribution of Different Phases
Authors: Razmjoo A. , Poursaee A.
Published: July 2016

The objective of this work was to establish an approach to create a finite element based model using the actual image of the surface of the concrete. An image from the polished surface of a concrete specimen was prepared and used to develop the model. The model considered the actual shape of both fine and coarse aggregates and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) around aggregates. To validate the model, concrete cylinders were exposed to chloride solution and the chloride penetration in concrete cylinders was measured at different times. Results showed that the model could precisely predict the chloride diffusion time, depth, and pattern through concrete. In addition, results indicated that it is imperative to consider all phases including the ITZ around both coarse and fine aggregate, when modeling concrete. The advantages and benefits of the image processing approach for model preparation, including incorporating all concrete phases with their real shapes, were discussed in this paper.
Toward a Specification for Transport Properties of Concrete Based on the Formation Factor of a Sealed Specimen
Authors: Weiss W. J. , Barrett T. J. , Qiao C. , Todak H.
Published: July 2016

This paper proposes that the formation factor can be used in performance-based specifications as a fundamental measure of the transport properties of concrete. The formation factor can be measured using a concrete cylinder that is sealed until the age of testing and in either the sealed or fully saturated condition at the time of testing. The proposed method is rapid, easy to perform, fundamentally related to service life models, and is applicable to a wide range of binder compositions. The formation factor is defined herein as the ratio of the electrical resistivity of the bulk sample and the resistivity of the pore solution. The role of temperature, pore solution dilution, and moisture conditioning on the measured results is discussed. The paper then provides a relationship between the formation factor and service life for bridge decks and illustrates how this approach could be used for both a specification and for quality control/quality acceptance. It is recommended that the testing method be standardized, though the performance limits of the formation factor may be dependent on the type and geometry of the structure, the location of the structure, the exposure conditions, and the risk associated with damage to the structure.