bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, characterization, and thermal degradation kinetics of poly(styrene-co-N-maleimide isobutyl polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane)
Authors: Saltan Fehmi , Akat Hakan , Arıkan Fatih Sefa
Published: September 2015

This study demonstrated that poly(styrene- co- N-maleimide isobutyl polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane (POSS)) (P(S- co-NMIP)) was successfully prepared using free radical polymerization. For this purpose, firstly, N-maleimide isobutyl POSS (NMIP) was synthesized using aminopropyllsobutyl POSS (POSS-NH2) and maleic anhydride. Secondly, P(S- co-NMIP) was synthesized using styrene, NMIP, and 2,2-azobis(isobutyronitrile) as initiator in tetrahydrofuran for 24 h at 75°C to give copolymer. The synthesized polymer and compounds were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Thermal behaviors of P(S- co-NMIP) were analyzed using thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric analyses. The apparent activation energies ( Es) for thermal degradation of P(S- co-NMIP) were obtained by integral methods (Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger). P(S- co-NMIP) was heated thermogravimetrically under various heating rates such as 5, 10, 15, and 20°C min−1 at a temperature range of 30–1000°C to determine their thermal degradation mechanisms. The values of E for P(S- co-NMIP) were found to be 127.5 ± 2.3 and 134.4 ± 14.8 kJ mol−1 for FWO and Kissinger methods, respectively. Also, the values of E of synthesized copolymer (P(S- co-NMIP)) were compared with styrene- co-maleic anhydride copolymer in literature.
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber-reinforced thermoplastic corn starch composite
Authors: Guo Bin , Wang Li-Jian , Yin Peng , Li Ben-Gang , Li Pan-Xin
Published: September 2015

The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers, as the fibrous morphology of polyethylene (PE), were first used to reinforce thermoplastic starch (TPS) by a twin screw extruder. The influence of the UHMWPE content on the mechanical and dynamic mechanical thermal properties, thermal stability, contact angle, torque rheological properties, and fractured surface morphology of the UHMWPE/TPS composites was studied in detail. We found that the UHMWPE fibers were well dispersed in the TPS matrix, and the mechanical properties and water resistance of the composites improved significantly. Especially, the incorporation of UHMWPE fibers at a content of 2 wt% generated a composite with better performance (tensile strength of 8.78 MPa and contact angle of 80.2°).
Wood, silver-substituted zeolite and triclosan as biodegradation controllers and antibacterial agents for poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and PLA composites
Authors: Prapruddivongs Chana , Sombatsompop Narongrit
Published: September 2015

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and wood flour/PLA composites were prepared and blended with two antimicrobial agents, triclosan and silver-substituted zeolite (Zeomic), using a twin-screw extruder. The mechanical and thermal properties, antimicrobial activity, and biodegradation performance were investigated. The addition of wood and Zeomic was found to increase the Young’s modulus of the composites, whereas the tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact strength dropped. However, the mechanical properties of PLA and wood/PLA loaded with triclosan did not show any definite trends. Differential scanning calorimetry data indicated that the glass transition temperature value of neat PLA was 63°C, whereas those of wood/PLA composites were lower. When wood and Zeomic were incorporated, PLA exhibited double melting peaks. Triclosan (1.0 and 1.5 wt%) demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, as determined by plate count agar technique, whereas Zeomic did not. Biodegradation tests of neat PLA and wood/PLA composites showed that after a 60-day incubation period, the biodegradation rate of wood/PLA was higher than that of PLA. PLA and wood/PLA-containing Zeomic were found to degrade more quickly, suggesting that wood and Zeomic acted as biodegradation promoters. On the other hand, triclosan could be considered a biodegradation retarder since no biodegradation was observed for any triclosan-loaded samples during the initial 20 days of incubation, while neat PLA and wood/PLA composites began to degrade within the first few days.
The relationship between burnout and mobbing among hospital managers
Authors: Karsavuran Seda , Kaya Sıdıka
Published: September 2015

Background:

Mobbing and burnout can cause serious consequences, especially for health workers and managers. Level of burnout and exposure to mobbing may trigger each other. There is a need to conduct additional and specific studies on the topic to develop some strategies.

Research objectives:

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between level of burnout and exposure to mobbing of the managers (head physician, assistant head physician, head nurse, assistant head nurse, administrator, assistant administrator) at the Ministry of Health hospitals.

Research design:

The “Leymann Inventory of Psychological Terrorization” scale was used to measure the level of exposure to mobbing and the “Maslach Burnout Inventory” scale was used to measure the level of burnout of hospital managers. The relationship between level of burnout and exposure to mobbing was analyzed by Pearson’s Correlation Analysis.

Participants and research context:

The population of this study included managers (454 managers) at the Ministry of Health hospitals in the metropolitan area of Ankara between September 2010 and May 2011. All the managers were tried to conduct, but some managers did not want to reply to the questionnaire and some managers were not found at their workplace. Consequently, using a convenience sampling, 54% of the managers replied to the questionnaire (244 managers).

Ethical consideration:

The approval of the study was granted by the Ministry of Health in Turkey. Furthermore, the study was evaluated and accepted by the Education, Planning and Coordination Council of one of the education and research hospitals in the study.

Findings:

Positive relationships were found among each subdimension of the mobbing and emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. A negative relationship was found between each subdimension of the mobbing and personal accomplishment.

Discussion:

In hospitals, by detecting mobbing actions, burnout may be prevented.

Conclusion:

Exposure to mobbing and burnout could be a serious problem for head nurses who are responsible for both the performance of the nurses and organization. Additionally, head nurses who are faced with mobbing and burnout are more likely to provide suboptimal services which could potentially result in negative outcomes. Therefore, this study draws attention to the importance of preventing these attitudes in the organization.
Comparison of 2D-3D Measurements of Hallux and First Ray Sagittal Motion in Patients With and Without Hallux Valgus
Authors: Swanson Jessica E. , Stoltman Matthew G. , Oyen Cheyenne R. , Mohrbacher Jessica A. , Orandi Atefeh , Olson Jeff M. , Glasoe Ward M.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Clinicians base treatment decisions on measures of hallux and first ray motion in the management of first metatarsophalangeal joint disorders. Women account for a majority of the patients. This study assessed the reliability of a 2D approach for the measurements of sagittal motion, and compared the result to a Cardan (3D) angle criterion standard and evaluated how hallux valgus (bunion) deformity affected the comparisons.

Methods:

Twenty-nine women (controls n = 10; bunion n = 19) were examined using a retrospective repeated measures design. Weightbearing magnetic resonance (MR) images were acquired to replicate the position of the foot during the stance phase of gait. The images were reconstructed into virtual bone models using computer processes, whereby measures of hallux and first ray motion were represented by 2D and 3D methods of measurement. An examiner measured 2D motion on the image data sets using a goniometer, and reliability was assessed. The 3D Cardan angle result was derived from a matrix calculation. The 2D-3D comparison of measurements was evaluated with an analysis of variance (ANOVA) model across gait conditions, run separate for groups.

Results:

The 2D measurement was reliable (ICC ≥ 0.98, SEM ≤ 0.89 degrees). There was no method-by-condition interaction ( F ≤ 1.37, P ≥ .25) between variables. No significant difference was detected between the 2D-3D measurements in the control group ( F ≤ 1.24, P ≥ .30 ), but the measurements were statistically different ( F ≥ 4.46, P ≤ .049) in the bunion group.

Conclusion:

This study described a reliable 2D approach for measuring hallux and first ray sagittal motion from weightbearing images. The 2D measurements were comparable to a Cardan angle component motion result in controls, but not in women with bunion.

Clinical Relevance:

Joint motion measurements may augment clinical decision making. These results suggest that a 2D image–based approach may be adequate to estimate hallux and first ray sagittal motion, although bunion deformity creates out-of-plane motions that may require 3D methods to accurately quantify. Further clinical study is required to assess the differences in clinical outcomes between measurement techniques.
International non-governmental organizations and the abolition of the death penalty
Authors: Kim Dongwook
Published: September 2015

During the past 45 years, nearly 100 national states have abolished the death penalty for all crimes. This global diffusion poses a puzzle since capital punishment has long been accepted as the ultimate criminal sanction and its abolition has often been politically unpopular in many parts of the world. Although the literature has provided several possible explanations, the role of human rights international non-governmental organizations in worldwide death penalty abolition has not yet received sustained analytic attention. This article offers the first such analysis by arguing that human rights international non-governmental organizations empower pro-abolition constituencies and influence governments toward abolition by framing capital punishment as a human rights violation and lobbying parliamentarians to repeal death penalty laws. Event history analyses of 158 national states from 1967 to 2010 offer strong support for the theory. Controlling for regime type, regional demonstration effects, the Council of Europe, and other rival factors, this article finds that human rights international non-governmental organizations’ local engagement has strongly significant positive relationships with complete abolition. This finding is highly robust against control variable bias, endogeneity bias, omitted variable bias, model dependence, and the alternative operationalization of control variables and the dependent variable. Furthermore, the Philippines example demonstrates the theory’s plausibility. It provides process-tracing evidence that through human rights framing and legislative lobbying, the national sections and member organizations of such human rights international non-governmental organizations as Amnesty International, the International Commission of Catholic Prison Pastoral Care, the International Federation of Human Rights, and Caritas Internationalis led Philippine legislators toward complete abolition in 2006.
Intimate partner violence and physical health outcomes among Southeast Asian American women
Authors: Ho Ivy K , Dinh Khanh T , Smith Sable A
Published: September 2015

Although intimate partner violence is prevalent among Southeast Asian American women, little is known about the associations between the experience of intimate partner violence and negative health outcomes in this population. Resnick et al. proposed a model explaining the development of health problems following violent assault. This article assesses the applicability of Resnick et al.’s model to Southeast Asian American women who have experienced intimate partner violence by reviewing cultural, historical, and social factors in this population. Our review indicates that the applicability of Resnick et al.’s model to Southeast Asian American women is mixed, with some components of the model fitting well with this population and others requiring a more nuanced and complex perspective. Future studies should take into consideration cultural, historical, and social factors.
RETRACTED: The effect of an educational program based on health belief model and social cognitive theory in prevention of osteoporosis in women
Authors: Khani Jeihooni Ali , Hidarnia Alireza , Kaveh Mohammad Hossein , Hajizadeh Ebrahim , Askari Alireza
Published: September 2015

At the request of the Journal Editor and the Publisher, the following article has been retracted: Khani Jeihooni A, Hidarnia A, Hossein Kaveh M, Hajizadeh E and Askari A (2015) The effect of an education program based on health belief model and social cognitive theory in prevention of osteoporosis in women. Journal of Health Psychology. Epub ahead of print 8 September. DOI: 10.1177/1359105315603696
Incorporating AAC and General Instructional Strategies in Requesting Interventions
Authors: Lanter Elizabeth , Russell Sharon D. , Kuriakose Annu , Blevins Kasey E.
Published: September 2015

This article provides clinicians and educators a useful conceptualization of general instructional strategies often used to promote the performance of requests in children with developmental disabilities, and which can be applied in interventions that utilize augmentative and alternative communication. A case study illustrates the specialized intervention of a 7-year-old boy with Down syndrome taught to make requests using a picture-based strategy. The intervention describes how environmental arrangement and generalized cues were used to promote spontaneous communicative attempts during a reinforcing social-communicative context, and explains how prompting and modeling were used to facilitate the performance of effective communication behaviors across multiple requesting opportunities. Following the intervention, the child showed significant increases in his use of functional communication, with collateral gains in speech, as demonstrated by the performance of requests. These results are discussed within the context of the extant research. Relevant practical considerations for clinicians and educators are provided.
Feasibility of Electroporation in Bone and in the Surrounding Clinically Relevant Structures
Authors: Tschon Matilde , Salamanna Francesca , Ronchetti Mattia , Cavani Francesco , Gasbarrini Alessandro , Boriani Stefano , Fini Milena
Published: September 2015

Skeletal metastases are a common cause of severe morbidity, reduction in quality of life and often early mortality. Consequently, improvements in therapies are necessary. Electroporation uses electric energy to alter cancer cell membrane permeability and enhance the local uptake of chemotherapeutics, thus leading to local tumor control. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of delivering electric field protocols causing electroporation of healthy bone and structures of clinical relevance using small and large animal models. Reversible electroporation was used in the rabbit sciatic nerve by applying 2 series of 8 pulses 100ms long at 1000 V/cm. Irreversible electroporation was used in rabbit distal femur condyles and in sheep vertebral body by applying 120 pulses 100ms long at 1750 V/cm. Any effect on surrounding sensitive structures was investigated. Reversible electroporation of sciatic nerve was associated with transient foot functional deficit that completely recovered at 30 days. Irreversible electroporation removed cells from trabeculae in the femurs of rabbits and in the vertebral body of sheep. After irreversible protocol, histology and microtomography demonstrated that the trabecular structure was maintained, the presence of new bone marrow cells, osteoblasts, and mineral apposition characterized by new trabeculae thinner than controls ( P = .005) and a significant reduction in the ablated areas (−225%, P = .0219). Spinal cord, vertebral pedicles and spinal nerves showed transient edema in the absence of functional or structural alterations. Collectively, these results show that electroporation can be safely applied to bone even in the proximity of neuronal structures.
Topical bromfenac for post-cataract extraction: A systematic review and pooled analysis
Authors: Zhai M-Z , Wu H-H , Li J-J , Jiang L-P , Gao Z-S , Hu W , Liu Y , Wang Y-T
Published: September 2015

Bromfenac, a promising ophthalmic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has been used once daily for postoperative ocular inflammation and pain with satisfying efficacy, however, no integrated conclusion on its safety in clinical settings has been drawn. The purpose of this pooled analysis is to investigate the safety and efficacy of once daily bromfenac for ocular inflammation and pain among patients after cataract extraction (CE). MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from inception to September 2014. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that studied topical bromfenac after CE were analyzed. Included studies were systemically reviewed, and effects were summarized using odds ratio (OR) with suitable effect model. Four RCTs involving 2294 participants were included. Topical bromfenac significantly increased the proportion of cleared ocular inflammation (OR, 2.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83–3.07; P <0.00001), ocular pain free (OR, 5.14; 95% CI, 4.07–6.49; P <0.00001), and decreased risk of overall adverse events (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.38–0.58; P <0.00001). Bromfenac has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for postoperative pain and inflammation in subjects undergoing CE. This is evidenced by the lower incidence of adverse events and the low scores for ocular pain and inflammation across multiple RCTs. However, demographics, co-morbidities of study participants, and the amount of co-medication were not reported, these possible sources of heterogeneity should be examined in future clinical trials.
Evolving from a positivist to constructionist epistemology while using grounded theory: reflections of a novice researcher
Authors: Ward Kim , Hoare Karen J , Gott Merryn
Published: September 2015

Specifying epistemology guiding health research provides evidence of a researcher’s worldview and thus the rationale for methodological choices. A challenging quagmire of epistemological options exists for the novice nurse researcher, often difficult to navigate, particularly in the absence of a philosophical grounding. During her doctoral journey, the first author (KW) explored living with overnight mask ventilation for sleep apnoea using a social constructionist grounded theory. Choosing this methodology required that KW reconcile her background in evidence-based nursing practice with the various theoretical legacies underpinning grounded theory. In this paper, the philosophical roots of both evidence-based nursing and grounded theory are explored. The influence that both context and the researcher’s relationship with their participants and data have upon knowledge construction is also considered. Parallels are drawn between a developing awareness of epistemology and the evolution of grounded theory research from positivism to social constructionism. This paper will assist novice researchers to consider assumptions about the origins of knowledge and subsequently be of help when choosing a research methodology.
The Relationship Context for Sexual Activity and Its Associations With Romantic Cognitions Among Emerging Adults
Authors: Collibee Charlene , Furman Wyndol
Published: September 2015

Few studies have examined the associations of sexual activity with romantic cognitions, particularly longitudinally. We used a multianalytic approach to examine the longitudinal, between-person, and within-person associations between sexual activity and romantic cognitions. We distinguished among sexual activity with four different types of partners—romantic partners, friends, acquaintances, and friends with benefits. An ethnically/racially representative sample of 185 participants (94 males and 91 females) completed questionnaires when they were 2.5, 4, and 5.5 years out of high school. Frequent sexual activity with a romantic partner was associated with positive romantic cognitions, including less avoidant and anxious relational styles, greater romantic life satisfaction, and romantic appeal. Frequent sexual activity with various nonromantic partners was often associated with more negative romantic cognitions, including avoidant styles, lower romantic life satisfaction, and lower romantic appeal. Few longitudinal effects were found. Findings contribute to a developmental task theory concepualization of sexual behavior.
Echocardiography for adult patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Douflé Ghislaine , Roscoe Andrew , Billia Filio , Fan Eddy
Published: September 2015

Venoarterial (VA) and venovenous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is increasingly being used in recent years in the adult population. Owing to the underlying disease precipitating severe respiratory or cardiac failure, echocardiography plays an important role in the management of these patients. Nevertheless, there are currently no guidelines on the use of echocardiography in the setting of ECMO support. This review describes the current state of application of echocardiography for patients supported with both VA and VV ECMO.
Human Papillomavirus–Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer: Defining Risk Groups and Clinical Trials
Authors: Bhatia Aarti , Burtness Barbara
Published: September 2015

Human papillomavirus–associated oropharynx cancer (HPVA-OPC) is rapidly increasing in incidence and has unique epidemiologic, molecular, and biologic characteristics. Despite being recognized as having superior prognosis, current evidence does not support less intense therapy compared with HPV-negative OPC. Current combined modality therapies confer a significant risk of morbidity, and patients with HPVA-OPC have a younger median age. These patients, therefore, live longer with the adverse effects of treatment, and this spurs the development of treatment deintensification trials that attempt to decrease treatment-related morbidity without compromising efficacy. Many radiation and chemotherapy de-escalation trials are underway. Minimally invasive surgical techniques are also being evaluated. It is important to identify the ideal patient group for treatment deintensification and to define prognostic risk groups to avoid undertreating the poorer-risk subset in HPVA-OPC, and validated biomarkers are needed to identify patients with the best prognosis. Significant smoking exposure mitigates the favorable prognosis of HPVA-OPC. Currently, less intense treatment is an option only in the setting of clinical trials, and patients with HPVA-OPC should be offered clinical trial options whenever they are available. Finally, recognition of novel therapeutic targets and signaling pathways is critical to the development of new treatment strategies that are desperately needed for patients with poor risk and those with recurrent and metastatic disease.
Oral Cavity Carcinoma: Current Management, Controversies, and Future Directions
Authors: Chinn Steven B. , Myers Jeffrey N.
Published: September 2015

Oral cavity carcinoma (OCC) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with head and neck cancer. Although the incidence has decreased over the last decade, outcomes remain stagnant with only a 5% improvement in overall survival in the last 20 years. Although surgical resection remains the primary treatment modality, several areas of controversy exist with regard to work-up, management of the primary and neck tumors, and adjuvant therapy. As surgical techniques evolve, so has the delivery of radiotherapy and systemic treatment, which have helped to improve the outcomes for patients with advanced disease. Recently, the addition of cetuximab has shown promise as a way to improve outcomes while minimizing toxicity, and this remains an active area of study in the adjuvant setting. Advances in microvascular free-flap reconstruction have extended the limits of resection and enabled enhanced restoration of function and cosmesis. While these advances have led to limited survival benefit, evaluation of alternative modalities has gained interest on the basis of success in other head and neck subsites. Organ preservation with definitive chemoradiotherapy, though proven in the larynx and pharynx, remains controversial in OCC. Likewise, although the association of human papillomavirus is well established in oropharyngeal carcinoma, it has not been proven in the pathogenesis or survival of OCC. Future study of the molecular biology and pathogenesis of OCC should offer additional insight into screening, treatment selection, and novel therapeutic approaches.
Advances in Supportive Care for Late Effects of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Murphy Barbara A. , Deng Jie
Published: September 2015

As the population of head and neck cancer survivors increases, it has become increasingly important for health care providers to understand and manage late complications of therapy. Functional deficits can be categorized as general health deficits resulting in frailty or debility, head and neck–specific functional deficits such as swallowing and speech, and musculoskeletal impairment as a result of tumor and treatment. Of critical importance is the growing data indicating that swallow therapy and physical therapy may prevent or ameliorate long-term functional deficits. Oral health complications of head and neck therapy may manifest months or years after the completion of treatment. Patients with hyposalivation are at high risk for dental caries and thus require aggressive oral hygiene regimens and routine dental surveillance. Swallowing abnormalities, xerostomia, and poor dentition may result in dietary adaptations that may cause nutritional deficiencies. Identification and management of maladaptive dietary strategies are important for long-term health. Follow-up with primary care physicians for management of comorbidities such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia may help to limit late vascular complications caused by radiation therapy. Herein, we review late effects of head and neck cancer therapy, highlighting recent advances.
Cost-Effectiveness of Pertuzumab in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Durkee Ben Y. , Qian Yushen , Pollom Erqi L. , King Martin T. , Dudley Sara A. , Shaffer Jenny L. , Chang Daniel T. , Gibbs Iris C. , Goldhaber-Fiebert Jeremy D. , Horst Kathleen C.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

The Clinical Evaluation of Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab (CLEOPATRA) study showed a 15.7-month survival benefit with the addition of pertuzumab to docetaxel and trastuzumab (THP) as first-line treatment for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) –overexpressing metastatic breast cancer. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis to assess the value of adding pertuzumab.

Patient and Methods

We developed a decision-analytic Markov model to evaluate the cost effectiveness of docetaxel plus trastuzumab (TH) with or without pertuzumab in US patients with metastatic breast cancer. The model followed patients weekly over their remaining lifetimes. Health states included stable disease, progressing disease, hospice, and death. Transition probabilities were based on the CLEOPATRA study. Costs reflected the 2014 Medicare rates. Health state utilities were the same as those used in other recent cost-effectiveness studies of trastuzumab and pertuzumab. Outcomes included health benefits expressed as discounted quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), costs in US dollars, and cost effectiveness expressed as an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. One- and multiway deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses explored the effects of specific assumptions.

Results

Modeled median survival was 39.4 months for TH and 56.9 months for THP. The addition of pertuzumab resulted in an additional 1.81 life-years gained, or 0.62 QALYs, at a cost of $472,668 per QALY gained. Deterministic sensitivity analysis showed that THP is unlikely to be cost effective even under the most favorable assumptions, and probabilistic sensitivity analysis predicted 0% chance of cost effectiveness at a willingness to pay of $100,000 per QALY gained.

Conclusion

THP in patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer is unlikely to be cost effective in the United States.
Treatment of Small-Cell Lung Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Endorsement of the American College of Chest Physicians Guideline
Authors: Rudin Charles M. , Ismaila Nofisat , Hann Christine L. , Malhotra Narinder , Movsas Benjamin , Norris Kim , Pietanza M. Catherine , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Turrisi Andrew T. , Giaccone Giuseppe
Published: September 2015

Purpose

The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) produced an evidence-based guideline on treatment of patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Because of the relevance of this guideline to American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) membership, ASCO reviewed the guideline, applying a set of procedures and policies used to critically examine guidelines developed by other organizations.

Methods

The ACCP guideline on the treatment of SCLC was reviewed for developmental rigor by methodologists. An ASCO Endorsement Panel updated the literature search, reviewed the content, and considered additional recommendations.

Results

The ASCO Endorsement Panel determined that the recommendations from the ACCP guideline, published in 2013, are clear, thorough, and based on current scientific evidence. ASCO endorses the ACCP guideline on the treatment of SCLC, with the addition of qualifying statements.

Recommendations

Surgery is indicated for selected stage I SCLC. Limited-stage disease should be treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with good performance status. Thoracic radiotherapy should be administered early in the course of treatment, preferably beginning with cycle one or two of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy should consist of four cycles of a platinum agent and etoposide. Extensive-stage disease should be treated primarily with chemotherapy consisting of a platinum agent plus etoposide or irinotecan. Prophylactic cranial irradiation prolongs survival in patients with limited-stage disease who achieve a complete or partial response to initial therapy and may do so in similarly responding patients with extensive-stage disease as well. Additional information is available at http://www.asco.org/endorsements/sclc and http://www.asco.org/guidelineswiki .
Initiation of lamellipodia and ruffles involves cooperation between mDia1 and the Arp2/3 complex
Authors: Isogai Tadamoto , van der Kammen Rob , Leyton-Puig Daniela , Kedziora Katarzyna M. , Jalink Kees , Innocenti Metello
Published: September 2015

Protrusion of lamellipodia and ruffles requires polymerization of branched actin filaments by Arp2/3 complex. Although regulation of Arp2/3-complex activity has been extensively investigated, the mechanism of initiation of lamellipodia and ruffles remains poorly understood.

Here we show that mDia1 acts in concert with the Arp2/3 complex to promote initiation of lamellipodia and ruffles. We find that mDia1 is an EGF-regulated actin nucleator involved in membrane ruffling using a combination of knockdown and rescue experiments. At the molecular level, mDia1 polymerizes linear actin filaments activating the Arp2/3 complex and localizes within nascent and mature membrane ruffles. We employ functional complementation experiments and optogenetics to show that mDia1 cooperates with the Arp2/3 complex in initiating ruffles. Finally, we show that genetic and pharmacological interference with this cooperation hampers ruffling and cell migration.

Thus, we propose that the lamellipodium/ruffle-initiating machinery consists of two actin nucleators that act sequentially to regulate membrane protrusion and cell migration.
Theoretical Study of Extremely Long yet Stable Carbon–Carbon Bonds: Effect of Attractive C···H Interactions and Small Radical Stabilization of Diamondoids
Authors: Cho Daeheum , Ikabata Yasuhiro , Yoshikawa Takeshi , Lee Jin Yong , Nakai Hiromi
Published: September 2015

The origin of the stability of diamondoid dimers containing very long carbon–carbon bonds was examined using density functional theory (DFT) calculations with local response dispersion correction. It has been suggested that noncovalent CH···HC contacts are the probable source of their extraordinary stability as evidenced by dispersion-corrected DFT calculations. In this work, we numerically proved that the small radical stabilization energy, which was achieved through the geometric relaxation of cleaved radicals, led to the high stability of diamondoid dimers compared to other hydrocarbons. The bond energy density analysis showed that the CH···HC contacts are repulsive though the dispersion force somewhat stabilizes the dimer. We further decomposed CH···HC interaction energies to discover strong attractive interaction between Cδ−···Hδ+ intermonomer contacts.
Transpiration of Water Molecules through Molecule-Based Porous Crystals with One-Dimensional Nanochannels
Authors: Tadokoro Makoto , Suda Takahiro , Shouji Taishi , Ohno Kazuhiro , Honda Kohei , Takeuchi Asuka , Yoshizawa Makoto , Isoda Kyosuke , Kamebuchi Hajime , Matsui Hiroshi
Published: September 2015

Synthetic molecular crystals with one-dimensional nanoporous channels containing H2O molecules act as model systems for pores such as aquaporin-1 in cell membranes. The structural characteristics of water molecular clusters (WMCs) were investigated using X-ray crystal analysis of {[NiII(cyclam)]3(TMA)2·35–34 H2O}n (2) (TMA: trimesate, cyclam: 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) in a closed glass capillary to adjust the saturated humidity. The structural phase transition of WMCs with temperature depends only on the H2O structures around the centre, not on those in the primary hydrate layer nearest to the outer wall. The centre of a WMC was filled with H2O molecules under saturated humidity conditions; however, in air, the WMC had a nanotube-like structure with a vacant space. Thus, the centre portion of a WMC probably contains volatile and mobile H2O molecules. Therefore, we investigated the rapid proton conductivity using alternating current impedance and microwave spectroscopy and also carried out a transpiration experiment for transferring the mobile H2O molecules. The microwave spectroscopy results for 2 indicated no isotope effect, which would be observed by the rapid motion of H2O molecules without the breaking of hydrogen bonds between two site-disordering positions above the phase transition temperature. The results indicated reasonable water transpiration ability of the single crystal through its nanochannels; this property can be useful as a working principle to understand applications such as the desalination of seawater.
Usefulness of models in the process of qualifying contents as delusional – case analysis
Authors: Janik Bartosz , Biegańska Joanna
Published: September 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to make an attempt to apply diagnostic model for qualification contents as delusional on the basis of a clinical case.
Method: The applied method is the analysis of the patient with a history of ischemic stroke, developing delusional beliefs.
Results: The authors indicated a pretty good applicability of diagnostic model in the commented case, at the same time, formulating guidance on the need to expand and change some of the criteria with the possibility to complement the model with elements from neurobiological models.
Conclusions: The case analysis allowed the authors to point out strengths and weaknesses of the discussed diagnostic model. The authors postulate that strictly neurobiological categories should be replaced by those that allow the occurrence of cognitive deficits, as well as they formulate a statement that the problems with inference, as one of the basic factors forming delusions, should not be analyzed only in terms of the damage to the right hemisphere.
The Role of Job Burnout and Depression in Self-Destructive Behavior of Islamic Republic of Iran's Army Personnel
Authors: Taghva Arsia , Imani Mahdi , Kazemia Mohammad Reza , Shiralinia Khadijeh
Published: September 2015

Aim of the study

The aim of present study was to investigate the role of job burnout and depression in self-destructive behavior in army personnel of Islamic Republic of Iran. To this end up, a conceptual structural model was examined.

Subject or material and methods

Participants were 215 active duty personnel of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army (age mean=31.07 years; SD=4.71) which they completed Suicide Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), Self-Harm Inventory (SHI), Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II-Persian), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI).

Results

The measurement model revealed that all indicators, except self-efficacy, had a significant factor weight on their latent variable, therefore the model revised by omitting it and the modified measurement model showed good fitness according to GFI, AGFI, CFI, IFI, and RMSEA. Structural model results showed burnout has a direct effect on self-destructive behavior (β=0.24), depression has a direct effect on self-destructive behavior (β=0.56); burnout influenced depression indirectly (β=0.56); burnout has indirect (β=0.35) and total effects (β=0.59) on self-destructive behavior. Finally the fitness indices of the structural model showed relatively good fitness.

Discussion

Burnout and depression directly increase the tendency to self-destruction among militants. Moreover, findings revealed that job burnout influence self-destruction by intensifying depression.

Conclusions

some intervention must be considered to prevent self-destruction among militants
An Interview Study of Work- and Home-based Stressors in Radiation Therapists and Radiation Oncology Nurses: Implications for Provision of Psychotherapy Services to Cancer-care Health Professionals
Authors: Sharpley Christopher , Poulson Anne , Baumann, Kathryn , Poulson Michael
Published: September 2015

Aim of the study

To identify and quantify the major sources of workplace and non-workplace stress, plus commonly-used coping strategies among a group of cancer therapists.

Subject or material and methods

Individual personal interviews were conducted with 16 Radiation Therapists (RTs) and 13 Radiation Oncology Nurses (ONs) at two Brisbane hospitals.

Results

Major workplace stressors were administration difficulties, patient issues, equipment and staffing issues; Major coping strategies included seeking help from mental health professionals, talking (with colleagues, supervisor, family), doing extra work, and doing nothing or withdrawing from work problems. Non-workplace stressors included family health and stress, relationship issues and financial problems. Coping strategies included taking time for self, exercise and acceptance.

Discussion

The variations in stressors and coping strategies between the hospitals and professional streams studied indicate that generic interventions to improve the well-being of workers are less likely to be successful than those that are tailored.

Conclusions

Provision of psychotherapy services for cancer therapists require accurate data regarding their major stressors and coping styles. The findings from this study help focus those services for maximum effectiveness.
THE PRIMACY OF EMOTIONS: a continuation of dramatology
Authors: Lothane Henry
Published: September 2015

Psychiatry means healing the psyche or soul that belongs to an individual human being, i.e., a person, with a body and a capacity for acting, feeling, emoting and speaking, perceived by the five senses or imagined, ‘seen by the mind’s eye, in images of dreams and daydreams. Since the total person appears before us with all the characteristics, an all-in-one package, I ask: How is it that psychiatry has lost its psyche? Dramatology approaches human encounters, events, and scenes as dramatic enactments of characters in conflict and crisis. Dramatology comprises two forms: dramatization in thought and emotion that involves images and scenes lived in memories, dreams, daydreams, fantasy scenarios and dramatization in act. This paper is a continuation of Lothane [1]
Psychotic phenomena in Binge Eating Disorder: an exploratory MMPI-2 study
Authors: Aragona Massimiliano
Published: September 2015

Aim of the study

To study putative psychotic phenomena in patients with Binge Eating Disorder (BED).

Subject or material and methods

Sixty patients with a DSM-5 diagnosis of BED were studied. Scores at the Sc, Pa and other subscales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) were used to assess possible psychotic features. Eating phenomena were assessed by the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2). The relationship between them was studied.

Results

Mean BMI was 38.24±8.43. The Sc and Pa scales of the MMPI-2 were above the cut-off in, respectively, 43.33% and 46.67% of patients. Regression analyses show that both Sc and Pa had a significant effect on EDI-2 scores, although only the Sc scale remained significant after adjusting for their possible interrelation. More than 40% of patients reported high scores (65 or more) at the following MMPI-2 “psychotic” subscales: Paranoia (Pa), Schizophrenia (Sc), Social Alienation (Sc1), Emotional Alienation (Sc2), and Lack of Ego Mastery, both cognitive and conative (Sc3 & Sc4). Perfectionism, Impulse Regulation, Ascetism, Social Insecurity, Interoceptive Awareness, Ineffectiveness, and Maturity Fears are the EDI-2 scales significantly influenced by the Sc and Pa MMPI-2 scores.

Discussion

Several putative psychotic phenomena were reported in our sample of binge eaters, and they were related to higher scores on several dimensions of the EDI-2.

Conclusions

At least in some patients, there might be an overlap between some psychotic basic phenomena (disordered sense of basic Self, of bodily experiences, and hyperreflectivity), and those basic disturbances in identity development and Self-schemas which are at the base of eating disorders.
Manifestations of psychiatric illness in the Medieval and Viking era.
Authors: Geir Høyersten Jon
Published: September 2015

The medicine of medieval Europe was above all influenced by the Hippocratic and Galenic legacies, conveyed through the medical School of Salerno, albeit also more or less embedded in demonological, supernatural and folklore principles. But more concrete or extensive clinical descriptions of mental illness is hardly found beyond the anecdotic realm. However from the high middle ages (1100-1300, and Viking period 800-1030) the most vivid and universally available writings and descriptions in this respect stems from fictional literature, more precisely the sagas, written predominantly in Iceland, in the native language Old Icelandic during the 13th century. This was a period also called the “Old Norse Renaissance”, hallmarked by intense intellectual and literary activity and achievements. The literature of the period has given us a wealth of reports concerning everyday life and social life and mentality, with an eye for peculiarities and abnormalities.
Theory of mind, empathy and moral emotions in patients with affective disorders
Authors: Epa Roksana , Dudek Dominika
Published: September 2015

Aim of the study. The aim of this paper is to present the selected aspects of social functioning of persons with diagnose of bipolar disorder (BD) or major depressive disorder (MDD). The main focus is on analyzing the functioning of theory of mind, empathy and moral emotions among groups of patients. Considerations also apply the possible mechanisms underlying the impairments of mentioned areas.
Material and methods. The analysis of present literature related to the subject.
Results. There are a lot of studies confirming the presence of handicap of theory of mind, empathy and moral emotions in patients with affective disorders.
Conclusions. Disturbances of social cognition and moral emotions are common among persons with BD or MDD. Raising awareness of the problems affecting this area may contribute to a better understanding of patients and help the clinicians in conducting effective therapy.
Psychological and cortisol human reactions in experimental stress
Authors: Ababkov Valentin , Voyt Tatiana , Shaboltas Alla
Published: September 2015

Aim of the study

The manuscript provides the description of the methodological and instrumental base for experimental stress research

Subject or material and methods

The main results of the research aimed to identify endocrine and psychological characteristics of stress reactivity in both gender young adults in response to social stressors. The algorithm and components of complex stress reactivity assessment was developed. Two types of social daily hassles (microstressors) were modeled in experimental conditions (public speaking and interview with opposite sex interviewer).

Results

Stress reactivity was assessed using endocrine (cortisol level in saliva) and psychological (observation and psychometric measurements).

Discussion

Different types of stress reactivity were identified significantly associated with gender, coping strategies, emotional experience, personality traits and specific of stress situation.

Conclusions

Assessment of cortisol level is considered as objective parameter of stress level evaluation. Psychological and mental parameters are much more subjective and mediated comprehensively. The choice of psychometric tests and methods should be based on the specificity of evaluation related to the experimental situation
Iron deficiency: still under-diagnosed?
Authors: Thachil Jecko
Published: September 2015

Anaemia resulting from iron deficiency is one of the commonest diseases affecting humankind. Although its diagnosis and management may be straightforward, iron deficiency is underdiagnosed in nations with structured health-care systems, mainly because of a lack of awareness of its existence in selected clinical scenarios.
Simulated pressure changes in multilayer, multicomponent wrap systems when transitioning from rest to standing
Authors: Hegarty-Craver M. , Grant E. , Kravitz S. , Kwon C. , Reid L.
Published: September 2015

Objective:

The objective of this paper was to investigate the pressure applied to the lower leg by multilayer, multicomponent wrap systems, in different positions

Method:

The stretch profiles of five multilayer, multicomponent wrap systems were tested, three 2-layer and two 4-layer systems. These were quantified in the laboratory using a tensile testing device. The circumference of the lower leg was measured on healthy participants in three locations (ankle, B1 level, and calf) in three different postures (rest, dorsiflexion, and standing).

Results:

The largest changes in circumference were used to simulate the pressure changes under the multilayer, multicomponent products using Laplace's Law. While the pressure differences were large for the zinc plaster product, pressure changes ranged from 5–10mmHg for the other, more elastic products. Additionally, it was noted that the leg decreased in circumference at the B1 level and calf for the majority of participants when transitioning from sitting to standing. This decrease in size results in a decrease in bandage tension and applied pressure.

Conclusion:

These results show that the sub-bandage pressure is not significantly affected by changes in posture when used as intended, within the therapeutic range.

Declaration of interest:

This study was sponsored by Carolon. L. Reid, and S. Kravitz are employees of Carolon and E. Grant is a Member of the Board. M. Hegarty-Craver and C. Kwon have received monetary compensation as researchers for Carolon.