bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Osteoarthritis on Quality of life in Elderly Population of Bhubaneswar, India
Authors: Palo Nishit , Chandel Sidharth Singh , Dash Sunil. K. , Arora Geetanjali , Kumar Mithilesh , Biswal Manas Ranjan
Published: September 2015

Introduction:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common age-related joint disease affecting >80% people beyond 55 years of age. It is a leading cause of elderly visit to outpatient departments and accounts for almost half of all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescriptions. The burden and impact of knee OA in Indian population and extent of public health services usage by people with OA are not known.

Methods:

We performed a prospective blinded multicenter screening and therapeutic study from June 2013 to June 2014 at 3 centers to screen patients >55 years with knee OA to assess quality of life, functional disability, and limitation of functions and to compare the effectiveness of hip and leg strengthening exercise programs in these patients. Functional disability was assessed by Western Ontario and McMaster’s Universities OA index (WOMAC), Friedman, and Wyman Scores; locomotor function was assessed by walking status, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and 30-second timed chair stand tests; and quality of life was assessed by Short Form-36 (SF-36).

Results:

Of 2854 patients screened, 2054 (72%) patients had OA (male:female-1.9:1) with mean age of 63 years and standard deviation of 8. Of 2054 patients, 226 patients were randomly selected for therapeutic study. In remaining 1828 patients, baseline 10-meter walk test (10MWT) was 0.3 m/s, mean SF-36 Physical Component Score (PCS) was 31.3, and Mental Component Score (MCS) was 34.2. At 3 months, 79% patients were comfortable with significant VAS, WOMAC, Friedman-Wyman Scores, 10MWT, and timed chair test improvements in patients who performed lifestyle modifications and exercises ( P = .04). Short Form-36 improved, mean PCS was 43.6, and MCS was 54.2. At 3 months, 274 (15%) patients were unsatisfied among whom 26% and 74% were treated with arthroscopic procedures and arthroplasty, respectively. Isolated hip and leg strengthening exercise programs similarly improved knee pain, function, and quality of life.

Conclusion:

Motivation and counseling with hip and leg strengthening exercises should be incorporated with pharmacotherapy in each OA prescription. Physical fitness and weight reduction should be promoted as first-line management of OA.
Before e-Governance and e-Government, Back to Basics! The Case of the Caribbean
Authors: Broome Pearson A.
Published: September 2015

This conceptual article discusses the opportunities and challenges presented by e-government and e-governance in the Caribbean. An understanding of the issues inherent in these phenomena is crucially important, particularly for the governance systems of small island developing states in the Caribbean. In practice, however, they are rarely discussed,—not least because their complexity is often misunderstood or inappropriately unacknowledged as new directions by political scientists and policy planners. Moreover, the foundational debate on information and communication technologies (ICTs) and their impact on governance and the wider implications for development remain muted owing to the theatrical commotion in other “pressing” aspects of Caribbean political life. As a consequence, this article contextualizes the debate by bringing to the fore a discussion on the importance of understanding the broader political, social, and economic issues and the implications of the use of ICTs and development. In the analysis, a balance is struck to avoid the often disproportionate technocratic parables of a future technological cornucopia being peddled by some international development agencies and officials in the region. Such a macro discussion is necessary if as development advocates and citizens, we are to realize any gains while acknowledging the limitations an enabling e-government and e-governance environment could portend.
Applying the ADAPT Psychosocial Model to War-Affected Children and Adolescents
Authors: Yohani Sophie
Published: September 2015

Multiple individual, social, and environmental factors have long been recognized as influencing a child’s response to traumatic experiences. However, there remain few socio-ecological frameworks to guide researchers and practitioners working with war-affected children. This article examines Silove’s psychosocial model of adaptation and development after trauma and persecution (ADAPT model) in relation to war-affected children. The utility of the model is explored by examining whether the systems of safety, attachment, identity, justice, and existential meaning described in the ADAPT model are represented in a narrative review of research from the last 20 years on the experiences of war-affected children and adolescents. Results suggest that research with war-affected children has covered all five psychosocial pillars in the model, but with overemphasis on the safety, followed by the attachment, domains. This review highlights that need for research and psychosocial interventions that focus on adaptation of war-affected children’s identity development, sense of justice, and meaning systems.
Carers’ Perspectives on Sustainability of Informal Care for People With Dementia
Authors: Singh Prabhjot , Hussain Rafat , Khan Adeel , Irwin Lyn , Foskey Ros
Published: September 2015

The majority of people with dementia, even at advanced stages, receive most of their care and support from family members, friends, and neighbors, rather than formal support systems. This qualitative research undertaken in the Australian state of Queensland explored how family carers of people with dementia living in the community successfully manage and sustain informal caring. It also considers challenges these carers anticipated in continuing to support their family member with dementia in the future. What emerges through this analysis of the carers’ perspective on the sustainability of care is the impact of factors including the living arrangements, generational cohort and life stage of the carer, financial issues, and ability to effectively combine caring with their other roles and responsibilities in life.
Individual Consultations
Authors: Walkinshaw Ian , Milford Todd , Freeman Keri
Published: September 2015

Responding to calls for research into measurable English language outcomes from individual language support consultations at universities, this study investigated the effect of individual consultations (ICs) on the academic writing skills and lexico-grammatical competence of students who speak English as an additional language (EAL). Attendance by 31 EAL students at ICs was recorded, and samples of their academic writing texts before and after a 9-month interval were compared. Participants’ academic writing skills were rated, and lexico-grammatical irregularities were quantified. No statistically significant positive shifts manifested, due to the relatively short research period and limited participant uptake, but there were encouraging predictors of future shifts given continued utilization of the service. First, although a Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed no association between attendance at ICs and shifts in academic writing ability, a Spearman’s rho calculation suggested a tentative relationship to positive pre–post shifts in three academic writing sub-skills: Task Fulfillment, Grammar, and Vocabulary. Second, instances of four common lexico-grammatical irregularities (subject/verb, wrong word, plural/singular, and punctuation) declined at post-testing. Although only regular, sustained attendance would produce statistically significant shifts, there is a potential association between participants’ use of ICs and improved academic writing skills/lexico-grammatical competence.
Achieving Work and Love Authorship in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Shulman Shmuel , Hakhmigari Maor Kalfon , Michaeli Yossi , Tuval-Mashiach Rivka , Dickson Daniel J.
Published: September 2015

The present study examined the achievement of work and romantic authorship in 100 Israeli emerging adults (54 men) who were followed from age 22 to 29. At the age of 29, participants were asked to talk about their current occupational and romantic statuses and the changes they underwent and to reflect on the meaning of these changes. Qualitative analyses of the interviews yielded four types of achieving work and romantic authorship: in both or either domain and in only work or only romantic authorship. These types were associated with different changes in goal pursuit and well-being over time and differed across gender. Analysis of our longitudinal data also showed that low self-efficacy combined with low maternal support measured 7 years earlier was associated with the lack of authorship in all domains. Yet, when low efficacy was combined with elevated paternal support, it predicted the achievement of work authorship.
Familial predisposition and genetic risk factors for lymphoma
Authors: Cerhan James R. , Slager Susan L.
Published: September 2015

Our understanding of familial predisposition to lymphoma (collectively defined as non-Hodgkin lymphoma [NHL], Hodgkin lymphoma [HL], and chronic lymphocytic leukemia [CLL]) outside of rare hereditary syndromes has progressed rapidly during the last decade. First-degree relatives of NHL, HL, and CLL patients have an ∼1.7-fold, 3.1-fold, and 8.5-fold elevated risk of developing NHL, HL, and CLL, respectively. These familial risks are elevated for multiple lymphoma subtypes and do not appear to be confounded by nongenetic risk factors, suggesting at least some shared genetic etiology across the lymphoma subtypes. However, a family history of a specific subtype is most strongly associated with risk for that subtype, supporting subtype-specific genetic factors. Although candidate gene studies have had limited success in identifying susceptibility loci, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified 67 single nucleotide polymorphisms from 41 loci, predominately associated with specific subtypes. In general, these GWAS-discovered loci are common (minor allele frequency >5%), have small effect sizes (odds ratios, 0.60-2.0), and are of largely unknown function. The relatively low incidence of lymphoma, modest familial risk, and the lack of a screening test and associated intervention, all argue against active clinical surveillance for lymphoma in affected families at this time.
The changing face of a rare disease: lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Authors: Harari Sergio , Torre Olga , Cassandro Roberto , Moss Joel
Published: September 2015

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare disease characterised by cystic destruction of the lung, lymphatic abnormalities and abdominal tumours. It affects almost exclusively females and can occur sporadically or in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex.

In the past decade remarkable progress has been made in understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease leading to a new therapeutic approach. This review summarises recent advances regarding pathogenic mechanisms and clinical manifestations, and highlights the current and the most promising future therapeutic strategies.
Benefit of treatment of latent tuberculosis infection in individual patients
Authors: Dobler Claudia C. , Martin Andrew , Marks Guy B.
Published: September 2015

We aimed to develop a decision aid that estimates whether treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is likely to have a net gain in quality-adjusted life-years for an individual.

A Markov model was developed which incorporated personalised estimates for risk of tuberculosis (TB) reactivation, TB death, quality-of-life impairments and treatment side-effects. The net effect of LTBI treatment was quantified in terms of quality-adjusted life-years gained or lost. Analyses were conducted for a representative set of hypothetical patients.

LTBI treatment was estimated to be beneficial when the annual risk of TB reactivation exceeded 13/100 000 to 93/100 000 for females aged 10–75 years and 15/100 000 to 119/100 000 for males aged 10–75 years; the numbers needed to treat to avoid one case of TB were 93, 77, 85 and 72, respectively, at these threshold levels.

LTBI treatment was estimated to confer a positive net benefit across a broad range of patients with characteristics typically seen in a low incidence setting for TB. Use of the decision aid has the potential to facilitate and increase confidence with LTBI treatment decisions by providing clinicians and patients with personalised estimates of likely net benefit.
The burden of severe asthma in childhood and adolescence: results from the paediatric U-BIOPRED cohorts
Authors: Fleming Louise , Murray Clare , Bansal Aruna T. , Hashimoto Simone , Bisgaard Hans , Bush Andrew , Frey Urs , Hedlin Gunilla , Singer Florian , van Aalderen Wim M. , Vissing Nadja H. , Zolkipli Zaraquiza , Selby Anna , Fowler Stephen , Shaw Dominick , Chung Kian Fan , Sousa Ana R. , Wagers Scott , Corfield Julie , Pandis Ioannis , Rowe Anthony , Formaggio Elena , Sterk Peter J. , Roberts Graham
Published: September 2015

U-BIOPRED aims to characterise paediatric and adult severe asthma using conventional and innovative systems biology approaches.

A total of 99 school-age children with severe asthma and 81 preschoolers with severe wheeze were compared with 49 school-age children with mild/moderate asthma and 53 preschoolers with mild/moderate wheeze in a cross-sectional study.

Despite high-dose treatment, the severe cohorts had more severe exacerbations compared with the mild/moderate ones (annual medians: school-aged 3.0versus1.1, preschool 3.9versus1.8; p<0.001). Exhaled tobacco exposure was common in the severe wheeze cohort. Almost all participants in each cohort were atopic and had a normal body mass index. Asthma-related quality of life, as assessed by the Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) and the Paediatric Asthma Caregiver's Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ), was worse in the severe cohorts (mean±seschool-age PAQLQ: 4.77±0.15versus5.80±0.19; preschool PACQLQ: 4.27±0.18versus6.04±0.18; both p≤0.001); however, mild/moderate cohorts also had significant morbidity. Impaired quality of life was associated with poor control and airway obstruction. Otherwise, the severe and mild/moderate cohorts were clinically very similar.

Children with severe preschool wheeze or severe asthma are usually atopic and have impaired quality of life that is associated with poor control and airflow limitation: a very different phenotype from adult severe asthma. In-depth phenotyping of these children, integrating clinical data with high-dimensional biomarkers, may help to improve and tailor their clinical management.
Health impacts of anthropogenic biomass burning in the developed world
Authors: Sigsgaard Torben , Forsberg Bertil , Annesi-Maesano Isabella , Blomberg Anders , Bølling Anette , Boman Christoffer , Bønløkke Jakob , Brauer Michael , Bruce Nigel , Héroux Marie-Eve , Hirvonen Maija-Riitta , Kelly Frank , Künzli Nino , Lundbäck Bo , Moshammer Hanns , Noonan Curtis , Pagels Joachim , Sallsten Gerd , Sculier Jean-Paul , Brunekreef Bert
Published: September 2015

Climate change policies have stimulated a shift towards renewable energy sources such as biomass. The economic crisis of 2008 has also increased the practice of household biomass burning as it is often cheaper than using oil, gas or electricity for heating. As a result, household biomass combustion is becoming an important source of air pollutants in the European Union.

This position paper discusses the contribution of biomass combustion to pollution levels in Europe, and the emerging evidence on the adverse health effects of biomass combustion products.

Epidemiological studies in the developed world have documented associations between indoor and outdoor exposure to biomass combustion products and a range of adverse health effects. A conservative estimate of the current contribution of biomass smoke to premature mortality in Europe amounts to at least 40 000 deaths per year.

We conclude that emissions from current biomass combustion products negatively affect respiratory and, possibly, cardiovascular health in Europe. Biomass combustion emissions, in contrast to emissions from most other sources of air pollution, are increasing. More needs to be done to further document the health effects of biomass combustion in Europe, and to reduce emissions of harmful biomass combustion products to protect public health.
Nebulised colistin for ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention
Authors: Karvouniaris Marios , Makris Demosthenes , Zygoulis Paris , Triantaris Apostolos , Xitsas Stelios , Mantzarlis Konstantinos , Petinaki Efthimia , Zakynthinos Epaminondas
Published: September 2015

We evaluated whether prophylactic nebulised colistin could reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rates in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting with prevalent multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria.

We used a single-centre, two-arm, randomised, open-label, controlled trial in a 12-bed ICU in the University Hospital of Larissa, Greece. Patient inclusion criteria included mechanical ventilation of >48 h. The two arms consisted of prophylaxis with 500 000 U colistin (Col group) or normal saline (NS group), thrice daily, for the first 10 ICU days or until extubation. The primary outcome of the study was the 30-day VAP incidence.

In total, 168 patients entered the study. VAP incidence was not different between Col and NS group patients (14 (16.7%)versus25 (29.8%), respectively, p=0.07). Regarding the secondary outcomes, the intervention resulted in a lower VAP incidence density rate (11.4versus25.6, respectively, p<0.01), and less Gram-negative bacteria-VAP (p=0.03) and MDR-VAP (p=0.04). Among VAP patients (n=39), prophylaxis with inhaled colistin improved ICU survival (p=0.016). There was no evidence of increased resistance to colistin or multidrug resistance.

Our findings suggest that nebulised colistin had no significant effect on VAP incidence.
Management of the patient with eosinophilic asthma: a new era begins
Authors: de Groot Jantina C. , ten Brinke Anneke , Bel Elisabeth H.D.
Published: September 2015

Now that it is generally accepted that asthma is a heterogeneous condition, phenotyping of asthma patients has become a mandatory part of the diagnostic workup of all patients who do not respond satisfactorily to standard therapy with inhaled corticosteroids. Late-onset eosinophilic asthma is currently one of the most well-defined asthma phenotypes and seems to have a different underlying pathobiology to classical childhood-onset, allergic asthma. Patients with this phenotype can be identified in the clinic by typical symptoms (few allergies and dyspnoea on exertion), typical lung function abnormalities (“fixed” airflow obstruction, reduced forced vital capacity and increased residual volume), typical comorbidities (nasal polyposis) and a good response to systemic corticosteroids. The definitive diagnosis is based on evidence of eosinophilia in bronchial biopsies or induced sputum, which can be estimated with reasonable accuracy by eosinophilia in peripheral blood. Until recently, patients with eosinophilic asthma had a very poor quality of life and many suffered from frequent severe exacerbations or were dependent on oral corticosteroids. Now, for the first time, novel biologicals targeting the eosinophil have become available that have been shown to be able to provide full control of this type of refractory asthma, and to become a safe and efficacious substitute for oral corticosteroids.
Assessing clinicopathological correlation in chronic traumatic encephalopathy: rationale and methods for the UNITE study
Authors: Mez Jesse , Solomon Todd M. , Daneshvar Daniel H. , Murphy Lauren , Kiernan Patrick T. , Montenigro Philip H. , Kriegel Joshua , Abdolmohammadi Bobak , Fry Brian , Babcock Katharine J. , Adams Jason W. , Bourlas Alexandra P. , Papadopoulos Zachary , McHale Lisa , Ardaugh Brent M. , Martin Brett R. , Dixon Diane , Nowinski Christopher J. , Chaisson Christine , Alvarez Victor E. , Tripodis Yorghos , Stein Thor D. , Goldstein Lee E. , Katz Douglas I. , Kowall Neil W. , Cantu Robert C. , Stern Robert A. , McKee Ann C.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegeneration associated with repetitive head impacts. Understanding Neurologic Injury and Traumatic Encephalopathy (UNITE) is a U01 project recently funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. The goal of the UNITE project is to examine the neuropathology and clinical presentation of brain donors designated as “at risk” for the development of CTE based on prior athletic or military exposure. Here, we present the rationale and methodology for UNITE.

Methods

Over the course of 4 years, we will analyze the brains and spinal cords of 300 deceased subjects who had a history of repetitive head impacts sustained during participation in contact sports at the professional or collegiate level or during military service. Clinical data are collected through medical record review and retrospective structured and unstructured family interviews conducted by a behavioral neurologist or neuropsychologist. Blinded to the clinical data, a neuropathologist conducts a comprehensive assessment for neurodegenerative disease, including CTE, using published criteria. At a clinicopathological conference, a panel of physicians and neuropsychologists, blinded to the neuropathological data, reaches a clinical consensus diagnosis using published criteria, including proposed clinical research criteria for CTE.

Results

We will investigate the validity of these clinical criteria and sources of error by using recently validated neuropathological criteria as a gold standard for CTE diagnosis. We also will use statistical modeling to identify diagnostic features that best predict CTE pathology.

Conclusions

The UNITE study is a novel and methodologically rigorous means of assessing clinicopathological correlation in CTE. Our findings will be critical for developing future iterations of CTE clinical diagnostic criteria.
Umbilical cord blood-derived CD11c+ dendritic cells could serve as an alternative allogeneic source of dendritic cells for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Kumar Jeetendra , Kale Vaijayanti , Limaye Lalita
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Allogenic dendritic cells (DCs) generated from healthy donors, who are complete or partially HLA-matched, have been used for clinical trials. One of the sources for allogenic DCs is umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells. However, as far as cord blood cells are concerned, looking at their naïve nature, there is a concern as to whether the DCs generated from them will have enough potential to elicit a proper T cell response. For this, we compared CD11c+UCB-DCs/ Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) with the conventional source, i.e. peripheral blood (PBL) monocyte DCs/CTLs, using various parameters.

Methods

CD11c+DCs generated from the two sources were compared morphologically, phenotypically and functionally. Functional assays included antigen uptake, chemotactic migration and MLR (mixed lymphocyte reaction). The CTLs generated were examined for the activation markers, granzyme A & granzyme B, and IFN-γ secretion. MUC1 (STAPPVHNV) peptide-specific CTLs were quantified by Streptamer staining.In vitroCTL activity was assessed by their efficiency in killing MCF-7 cells. Forin vivoCTL assay, a xenograft of MCF-7-luc-F5 cells in female NOD/SCID mice was employed. Regression of tumors in mice was monitored using an in vivo imaging system before and after ten days of CTL infusion. Statistical analysis of all the experiments between the two groups was evaluated by one-way ANOVA.

Results

The CD11c+DCs from the two sources were morphologically and phenotypically similar. Their capacity to uptake antigen, migration towards CCL-19 and MLR activity were equivalent. UCB-CTLs had significantly higher levels of activation markers, number of MUC1 specific CTLs, IFN-γ secretion and IL-12p70/IL-10 ratio than that of PBL-CTLs. Hematoxylin and Eosin-stained tumor sections showed T cell infiltration, which was further confirmed by immunofluorescence staining.In vivoCTL activity was found to be similar with the two sources.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that CD11c+UCB-DCs/CTLs are as potent as standard CD11c+PBL-DC/CTLs and could therefore be used as an allogenic source for therapeutic purposes. The findings of this study could help in taking us one step closer towards the personalized therapy using DC based cancer vaccines.
Full-wavefield modeling and reverse time migration of laser ultrasound data: A feasibility study
Authors: Shragge Jeffrey , Blum Thomas E. , van Wijk Kasper , Adam Ludmila
Published: September 2015

Laser ultrasound (LU) data acquired on cylindrical core samples effectively probe the physical properties of geologic materials. Although most LU analyses focus on estimating and inverting traveltimes of direct arrivals, it is important to recognize that LU data sets can have rich wavefield coda and can now be acquired with a sufficient spatial density to enable the application of exploration seismic full-wavefield techniques such as reverse time migration (RTM) and, potentially, full-waveform inversion (FWI). We have developed a feasibility study that examines the applicability of 2D acoustic forward modeling and 2D RTM analyses on laboratory LU data acquired on cylindrical polymer samples. Forward-modeled waveforms from our numerical tests matched the kinematics of the LU body waves measured through homogeneous samples, as well as the scattered wavefield generated by fractures induced in an otherwise-homogeneous medium. The scattered wavefield is then used in an RTM scheme to directly image millimeter-scale fracture structure.
Closed-loop surface-related multiple elimination and its application to simultaneous data reconstruction
Authors: Lopez Gabriel A. , Verschuur D. J.
Published: September 2015

Surface-related multiple elimination (SRME) is one of the most commonly used methods for suppressing surface multiples. However, to obtain an accurate surface multiple estimation, dense source and receiver sampling is required. The traditional approach to this problem is performing data interpolation prior to multiple estimation. Although appropriate in many cases, this methodology fails when big data gaps are present or when relevant information is not recovered, e.g., near-offset data in shallow-water environments. We have developed a solution in which multiple estimation was performed simultaneously with data reconstruction, such that data reconstruction helped obtain better multiple estimates and in which the physical primary-multiple relationship helped constrain the data interpolation. To accomplish this, we proposed to extend the recently introduced closed-loop SRME (CL-SRME) algorithm to account for primary estimation in the case of coarsely sampled data. We achieved this by introducing a focal-domain parameterization of the primaries in a sparsity-promoting CL-SRME method. Results proved that the method was capable of reliably estimating primaries data in case of shallow water and with large undersampling factors.
Loss of SFRP4 Alters Body Size, Food Intake, and Energy Expenditure in Diet-Induced Obese Male Mice
Authors: Mastaitis Jason , Eckersdorff Mark , Min Soo , Xin Yurong , Cavino Katie , Aglione Johnpaul , Okamoto Haruka , Na Erqian , Stitt Trevor , Dominguez Melissa G. , Schmahl Jennifer P. , Lin Calvin , Gale Nicholas W. , Valenzuela David M. , Murphy Andrew J. , Yancopoulos George D. , Gromada Jesper
Published: September 2015

Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) is an extracellular regulator of the wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site family (WNT) pathway. SFRP4 has been implicated in adipocyte dysfunction, obesity, insulin resistance, and impaired insulin secretion in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the exact role of SFRP4 in regulating whole-body metabolism and glucose homeostasis is unknown. We show here that male Sfrp4−/− mice have increased spine length and gain more weight when fed a high-fat diet. The body composition and body mass per spine length of diet-induced obese Sfrp4−/− mice is similar to wild-type littermates, suggesting that the increase in body weight can be accounted for by their longer body size. The diet-induced obese Sfrp4−/− mice have reduced energy expenditure, food intake, and bone mineral density. Sfrp4−/− mice have normal glucose and insulin tolerance and β-cell mass. Diet-induced obese Sfrp4−/− and control mice show similar impairments of glucose tolerance and a 5-fold compensatory expansion of their β-cell mass. In summary, our data suggest that loss of SFRP4 alters body length and bone mineral density as well as energy expenditure and food intake. However, SFRP4 does not control glucose homeostasis and β-cell mass in mice.
Is Anti-Müllerian Hormone Associated With Fecundability? Findings From the EAGeR Trial
Authors: Zarek Shvetha M. , Mitchell Emily M. , Sjaarda Lindsey A. , Mumford Sunni L. , Silver Robert M. , Stanford Joseph B. , Galai Noya , White Mark V. , Schliep Karen C. , DeCherney Alan H. , Schisterman Enrique F.
Published: September 2015

Objective:

The objective of the study was to evaluate whether anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is associated with fecundability among women with proven fecundity and a history of pregnancy loss.

Design:

This was a prospective cohort study within a multicenter, block-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT00467363).

Setting:

The study was conducted at four US medical centers (2006–2012).

Participants:

Participating women were aged 18–40 years, with a history of one to two pregnancy losses who were actively attempting pregnancy.

Main Outcome Measures:

Time to human chorionic gonadotropin detected and clinical pregnancy were assessed using Cox proportional hazard regression models to estimate fecundability odds ratios (fecundability odds ratios with 95% confidence interval [CI]) adjusted for age, race, body mass index, income, low-dose aspirin treatment, parity, number of previous losses, and time since most recent loss. Analyses examined by preconception AMH levels: low (<1.00 ng/mL, n = 124); normal (referent 1.00–3.5 ng/mL, n = 595); and high (>3.5 ng/mL, n = 483).

Results:

Of the 1202 women with baseline AMH levels, 82 women with low AMH (66.1%) achieved an human chorionic gonadotropin detected pregnancy, compared with 383 with normal AMH (65.2%) and 315 with high AMH level (65.2%). Low or high AMH levels relative to normal AMH (referent) were not associated with fecundability (low AMH: fecundability odds ratios 1.13, 95% CI 0.85–1.49; high AMH: FOR 1.04, 95% CI 0.87–1.24).

Conclusions:

Lower and higher AMH values were not associated with fecundability in unassisted conceptions in a cohort of fecund women with a history of one or two prior losses. Our data do not support routine AMH testing for preconception counseling in young, fecund women.
CAR Suppresses Hepatic Gluconeogenesis by Facilitating the Ubiquitination and Degradation of PGC1α
Authors: Gao Jie , Yan Jiong , Xu Meishu , Ren Songrong , Xie Wen
Published: September 2015

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC1α) are master regulators of drug metabolism and gluconeogenesis, respectively. In supporting the cross talk between drug metabolism and energy metabolism, activation of CAR has been shown to suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis and ameliorate hyperglycemia in vivo, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that CAR suppressed hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression through posttranslational regulation of the subcellular localization and degradation of PGC1α. Activated CAR translocated into the nucleus and served as an adaptor protein to recruit PGC1α to the Cullin1 E3 ligase complex for ubiquitination. The interaction between CAR and PGC1α also led to their sequestration within the promyelocytic leukemia protein-nuclear bodies, where PGC1α and CAR subsequently underwent proteasomal degradation. Taken together, our findings revealed an unexpected function of CAR in recruiting an E3 ligase and targeting the gluconeogenic activity of PGC1α. Both drug metabolism and gluconeogenesis are energy-demanding processes. The negative regulation of PGC1α by CAR may represent a cellular adaptive mechanism to accommodate energy-restricted conditions.
PLAY AND GAMES
Authors: Bencivenga Ermanno
Published: September 2015

Urban gaming simulation (UGS) appeared in American universities in the early 1960s, following the successful applications of gaming simulations in military and financial fields, when urban structures were in crisis. This guest column, by a philosopher who has speculated about philosophy and other cultural endeavors as forms of play, points out conceptual traps that specialists in UGS should avoid and decisions they ought to consider making. In particular, the author warns against making too much of the distinction between “games” and “play” and advises UGS practitioners to conceive of their own activity as playful and exploratory. He argues that practitioners should approach clients not as “professionals” but rather as people with experience acquired from much play, on many different terrains. The essay concludes by suggesting that professionals in all fields—scientific and otherwise—ought to see themselves in much the same way.
HOW TO SUCCEED IN LIFE
Authors: Rollert John Paul
Published: September 2015

This essay, one of three guest columns in Common Knowledge on “Economy and Humanity,” discusses Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography in the context of modern business education. In particular, it examines Franklin's “thirteen virtues” for personal success and the reaction to them of MBA students in business ethics classes at Harvard and the University of Chicago over the past decade. Asked whether Franklin's business principles have stood the test of time, students are typically skeptical that the thirteen are suited to modern commerce, regarding them instead as ethical nostrums. The essay concludes by speculating on what it means that people intent on entering the business world now perceive so sharp a distinction between the principles for success in business and the principles for leading a good life.
Sonic hedgehog functions upstream ofdisrupted-in-schizophrenia 1(disc1): implications for mental illness
Authors: Boyd Penelope J. , Cunliffe Vincent T. , Roy Sudipto , Wood Jonathan D.
Published: September 2015

DISRUPTED-IN-SCHIZOPHRENIA (DISC1) has been one of the most intensively studied genetic risk factors for mental illness since it was discovered through positional mapping of a translocation breakpoint in a large Scottish family where a balanced chromosomal translocation was found to segregate with schizophrenia and affective disorders. While the evidence for it being central to disease pathogenesis in the original Scottish family is compelling, recent genome-wide association studies have not found evidence for common variants at the DISC1 locus being associated with schizophrenia in the wider population. It may therefore be the case that DISC1 provides an indication of biological pathways that are central to mental health issues and functional studies have shown that it functions in multiple signalling pathways. However, there is little information regarding factors that function upstream of DISC1 to regulate its expression and function. We herein demonstrate that Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signalling promotes expression of disc1 in the zebrafish brain. Expression of disc1 is lost in smoothened mutants that have a complete loss of Shh signal transduction, and elevated in patched mutants which have constitutive activation of Shh signalling. We previously demonstrated that disc1 knockdown has a dramatic effect on the specification of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPC) in the hindbrain and Shh signalling is known to be essential for the specification of these cells. We show that disc1 is prominently expressed in olig2-positive midline progenitor cells that are absent in smo mutants, while cyclopamine treatment blocks disc1 expression in these cells and mimics the effect of disc1 knock down on OPC specification. Various features of a number of psychiatric conditions could potentially arise through aberrant Hedgehog signalling. We therefore suggest that altered Shh signalling may be an important neurodevelopmental factor in the pathobiology of mental illness.
Eisosomes provide membrane reservoirs for rapid expansion of the yeast plasma membrane
Authors: Kabeche Ruth , Howard Louisa , Moseley James B.
Published: September 2015

Cell surface area rapidly increases during mechanical and hypoosmotic stresses. Such expansion of the plasma membrane requires ‘membrane reservoirs’ that provide surface area and buffer membrane tension, but the sources of this membrane remain poorly understood. In principle, the flattening of invaginations and buds within the plasma membrane could provide this additional surface area, as recently shown for caveolae in animal cells. Here, we used microfluidics to study rapid expansion of the yeast plasma membrane in protoplasts, which lack the rigid cell wall. To survive hypoosmotic stress, yeast cell protoplasts required eisosomes, protein-based structures that generate long invaginations at the plasma membrane. Both budding yeast and fission yeast protoplasts lacking eisosomes were unable to expand like wild type protoplasts during hypoosmotic stress, and subsequently lysed. By quantitative fluorescence microscopy on single protoplasts, we observed disassembly of eisosomes as surface area increased. During this process, invaginations generated by eisosomes at the plasma membrane became flattened, as visualized by scanning electron microscopy. We propose that eisosomes serve as tension-dependent membrane reservoirs for expansion of yeast cells, analogous to caveolae in animal cells.
Reactivity of vertebrate-directed phospho-eEF2 antibody against the Caenorhabditis elegans orthologue phospho-EEF-2
Authors: Alves Viviane
Published: September 2015

Eukaryotic protein translation is divided into three mains stages: initiation, elongation and termination. Regulation of this process occurs at the initiation and elongation step. eEF2 kinase phosphorylates eEF2 factor, blocking its ribosome interaction and thus translation elongation. This kinase activity can be detected by measuring eEF2 phosphorylation status. Here I show that vertebrate-specific antibody against phospho-eEF2 has excellent reactivity againstC. elegansorthologue protein phospho-EEF-2.
Anonymus Italian-Turkish dictionary: From the Marsigli Collection in Bologna
Authors: Siemieniec-Gołaś Ewa
Published: September 2015

In the collection of oriental manuscripts preserved in the Marsigli Collection of the Biblioteca Universitaria di Bologna in Italy, one may find an anonymous and dateless dictionary prepared in the Italian language with a translation into Turkish. Judging by the watermark of the paper and certain features of the Turkish language, this manuscript is probably one of the earliest Italian-Turkish dictionaries. Moreover, the character of this work is quite unconventional since both Italian words and the transcribed forms of the Turkish vocabulary are written from right to left. The aim of the present book is to render accessible the Turkish vocabulary included in the dictionary and to present it together with the description of the manuscript.
Asylum: Laing's contribution should be remembered
Authors: Gournay Kevin
Published: September 2015

Kevin Gournay reflects on the influence of the Scottish psychiatrist RD Laing and reviews the DVD re-release of the documentary film Asylum
The cognitive behavioural analysis system of psychotherapy
Authors: Swan John , Liebing-Wilson Marianne , Sloan Graham
Published: September 2015

Depression can be a severely disabling condition, which affects a substantial proportion of the population. Sufferers of chronic depression now have available to them a therapy that is demonstrating promise as an evidence-based psychological treatment. In this paper an overview of the theories underpinning the cognitive behavioural analysis system of psychotherapy (CBASP) will be presented. The aim of this article is to provide information and an explanation of CBASP that will equip mental health nurses with sufficient understanding of relevant theory.
The effects of contemporary media upon adolescents' body image disturbance
Authors: Gallagher Amy , Rippon Sheila , Carthy John , Rioga Margaret
Published: September 2015

This review was undertaken as part of a dissertation project by a final year nursing student. The topic was identified during a practice placement on a inpatient ward for young people with eating disorders. It therefore became an area of interest for the author, who observed high media consumption among the patients—much of which appeared to reinforce body image ideals. It aims to investigate primary research regarding the link between adolescent mental health and levels/type of media exposure. This will focus on an exploration of body image and the role it plays within body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). The impact that the media has on adolescent body image disturbance will then be considered. The extent to which this correlation can be linked to BDD will also be examined. A literature search for primary research dating from 2005 onwards was undertaken using a variety of electronic databases; six studies were identified and appraised. It was found that contemporary media does have an impact on adolescents' body image dissatisfaction, however, it is as yet unknown whether this can lead to or worsen BDD.
The use of a new oral anticoagulant in a transplant patient with chronic kidney disease stage 4
Authors: Coleman Adrian , Chai Mee Onn
Published: September 2015

Adrian Coleman and Mee Onn Chai discuss the use of apixaban, a new oral anticoagulant, in a transplant patient with chronic kidney disease stage 4. The article also looks at potential drug interactions and side effects associated with this potent and highly selective factor Xa inhibitor.
Kidney Quality Improvement Partnership: a sustainable initiative
Authors: Ormandy Paula , Wells Louise , Cullen Ron , Fluck Richard , Thomas Karen , Bristow Paul , Lipkin Graham
Published: September 2015

In this article, a group of kidney specialists introduce an innovative national quality improvement project—the Kidney Quality Improvement Partnership (KQuIP). This KQuIP an important and sustainable initiative comprising of kidney professional organisations, patient groups, NHS England and the UK Renal Registry. It is a major opportunity for the multidisciplinary renal team.
More listening, less talking: difficult decisions in withdrawing dialysis
Authors: Mendes Aysha
Published: September 2015

For those with advanced chronic kidney disease, the questions and options surrounding withdrawal from dialysis are complicated and multifaceted. When approaching such a difficult decision, renal nurses may be best placed in providing much needed support to patients.
Are we on the verge of a transplant revolution?
Authors: Lumsdon Angela
Published: September 2015

National Transplant Week, having taken place recently, presented a great opportunity to promote organ donation. This UK-wide event coincided with news from Kidney Research UK regarding its initiative Making Every Kidney Count, which involves a radical new technique that could ultimately save the lives of many in need of a kidney transplant.
Preparing for revalidation: the role of the renal nurse manager
Authors: Ellis Peter , Abbott Jane
Published: September 2015

While undertaking the now obligatory yearly revalidation process is ultimately a nurse's responsibility, the renal nurse manager can play an important part in supporting their staff. Peter Ellis and Jane Abbott identify some simple strategies that can be implemented and advise managers to consider how they will use existing, or create new, ways of recording the elements of revalidation.
Znotrajbolnišnični transport kritično bolnih bolnikov
Authors: Jereb Sara , Perme Janja
Published: September 2015

Uvod: Znotrajbolnišnični transport kritično bolnega je utemeljen, če pričakovane koristi ciljnega postopka prevladajo nad tveganjem, ki ga za bolnika predstavlja transport. Namen članka je izpostaviti dejavnike tveganja, ki pomembno vplivajo na pojavnost neželenih dogodkov, povezanih s transportom, ter predstaviti postopke in ukrepe, s katerimi lahko število zapletov učinkovito zmanjšamo. Metode: Uporabljena je deskriptivna raziskovalna metoda temelječa na pregledu opravljenih raziskav in smernic, najdenih s pomočjo podatkovne baze PubMed, vzajemne bibliografskokataložne baze COBIB.SI in brskalnika Google. Omejili smo se na tuje raziskave, objavljene v zadnjih petih letih, in slovenske raziskave v zadnjem desetletju. Rezultati: V izbranih raziskavah so obravnavani najpomembnejši dejavniki tveganja za pojav zapletov med transportom. Vključene raziskave so primerljive po pojavnosti najpogostejših zapletov, načrtovanju rešitev, ne pa po številu vključenih bolnikov. Izvedene so bile v enakem okolju, v učnih oziroma univerzitetnih bolnišnicah. Nihče od avtorjev ni navajal s transportom povezane višje smrtnosti. Diskusija in zaključek: Čeprav vsi avtorji niso beležili popolnoma istih zapletov, so rezultati primerljivi. Zlasti pogosti so z opremo povezani neželeni dogodki, ki predstavljajo pomembno možnost preprečevanja dela zapletov. Poleg znanih dejavnikov tveganja v zaplete zaradi izpuščanja postopkov vodi tudi naglica, ki je prisotna zlasti ob nujnem transportu.
Zadovoljstvo bolnikov s kronično obstruktivno pljučno boleznijo z obravnavo koordinatorja odpusta
Authors: Kadivec Saša , Lainščak Mitja , Košnik Mitja , Farkaš-Lainščak Jerneja
Published: September 2015

Uvod: Dobra priprava na odpust zveča kakovost življenja bolnika s kronično obstruktivno pljučno boleznijo in zmanjša število hospitalizacij. Z namenom opredelitve zadovoljstva bolnikov s kronično obstruktivno pljučno boleznijo z obravnavo koordinatorja odpusta je bila izvedena neeksperimentalna kvantitativna raziskava. Metode: Raziskava je potekala anonimno, s pomočjo strukturiranega vprašalnika, poslanega po pošti. Sodelovalo je 107 bolnikov, ki so bili zaradi poslabšanja kronične obstruktivne pljučne bolezni hospitalizirani med 2. novembrom 2009 in 6. decembrom 2011 in bili obravnavani s strani koordinatorja odpusta. Vprašalnik je vrnilo 60 bolnikov. Za statistično obdelavo smo uporabili opisno statistiko, faktorsko analizo, linearnoregresijski model in multiplo linearno regresijo. Rezultati: Z analizo smo ugotovili, da lahko s skupnim vplivom treh faktorjev (komunikacija, samoobvladovanje bolezni in doživljanje bolezni oz. simptomi) pojasnimo 84,02 % variance zadovoljstva bolnikov s koordinatorjem odpusta. Z zadovoljstvom bolnikov s koordinatorja odpusta je najbolj povezana komunikacija, sledi ji doživljanje bolezni oz. simptomi. Diskusija in zaključek: Bolniki so zadovoljni z aktivnostmi koordinatorja odpusta v postopku odpusta iz bolnišnice, kar ugotavljajo tudi drugi avtorji. Raziskava pokaže na smiselnost uvedbe profila koordinatorja odpusta v obravnavo bolnikov s kronično obstruktivno pljučno boleznijo. Spremljanje zadovoljstva bolnikov je smiselno, saj pokaže priložnosti za izboljšave dela z vidika bolnika.