bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethics in Pastoral Care and Counseling: A Contemporary Review of Updated Standards in the Field
Authors: Eliason Grafton Todd , Lepore Mark , Holmes Douglas
Published: May 2015

This article reviews ethical responsibilities that must be considered when engaging in pastoral care, counseling, and psychotherapy. It discusses important contemporary issues counselors will want to contemplate in pursuing a high quality of care in their counseling practices. Examples and case studies are provided. Readers will be able to:

Understand the function of ethical standards in the practice of counseling Be able to differentiate between pastoral care, pastoral counseling, and pastoral psychotherapy and their ethical implications Understand the importance of identifying one's limitations in counseling situations and how to proceed under such circumstances. Understand the need for pastoral counselors to attain the necessary credentials for practice in the area of counseling they intend to undertake. Become aware of the legal requirements when engaged in a counseling relationship.
I Stay and I Follow: Clerical Reflections on Pastoral Care for Victims of Sexual Abuse
Authors: Rudolfsson Lisa , Tidefors Inga
Published: May 2015

In this focus group study with clerics from the Church of Sweden, the Catholic Church, and the Free Church Movement, experiences of pastoral care for victims of sexual abuse were explored. The material was analyzed using thematic analysis. The participants expressed a wish to offer the best care possible. However, insecurity, a perceived lack of psychological competences, and restrictions imposed by the vow of silence provoked self-protective strategies that may affect both clerics and confidants.
PATHOS: A Quick Screening Method for Assessing Sexual Addiction
Authors: Johnson Pennie , Cashwell Craig S. , Cress Jim , Barber Tim , Dunn Mary Clayton
Published: May 2015

Pastors may understand that sex addiction exists and are frequently faced with people who need non-clinical and clinical services for the addiction. However, the pastoral counselors have no quick reliable method of assessing them. The purpose of this article is to define sexual addiction and provide information about a tool called PATHOS that can be used in clinical and non-clinical settings to identify potential sex addicts.
Attitudes toward Empirically-Supported Treatments among Pastoral Mental Health Care Providers: Exploratory Findings and Future Directions
Authors: Jameson Matthew T. , Naugle Amy
Published: May 2015

The current study describes the findings of an online survey of pastoral mental health care providers The survey included brief demographic information, and a validated measure of attitudes toward empirically-supported psychological interventions, the Evidence-based Practices Attitude Scale (EBPAS; Aarons, 2004). The responses of 55 pastoral providers' are described and compared to national norms (Aarons et al., 2010). Recommendations for future collaboration between EST developers and pastoral clinicians are provided.
Do You Want Some Spiritual Support? Different Rates of Positive Response to Chaplains' versus Nurses' Offer
Authors: Martinuz Marco , Dürst Anne-Véronique , Faouzi Mohamed , Pétremand Daniel , Reichel Virginie , Ortega Barbara , Waeber Gérard , Vollenweider Peter
Published: May 2015

Access to spiritual support appears to be important in the hospital setting. The offer of spiritual support can be done by different providers such as doctors, nurses or chaplains. Who should initiate or coordinate this spiritual care. This study addresses the following questions: 1) How many patients accept spiritual proposition? 2) What is the better mode of proposition? The study's objectives are the assessment and comparison of the rates of acceptance to an offer of spiritual support made by nurses and chaplains. Two hundred twenty-three consecutive hospitalized patients hospitalized received a proposal of spiritual support and were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. Results revealed that 85.8 % of patients accepted the offer in the chaplains' group and 38.5 % in the nurses' group. Acceptance of the offer of spiritual support was positively associated with the proposal being made by the chaplains by the frequency of meditation and age, and negatively related to physical well-being.
From Bedside to Graveside: Increased Stress among Healthcare Chaplains
Authors: Carter Jerry L. , Trungale Kelli R. , Barnes Sunni A.
Published: May 2015

The authors conducted a survey of Baylor Health Care System chaplains in an attempt to understand the stress they experience when leading funeral services of staff, staff family members, and patients. The intensity of stress experienced by these chaplains appears to be related to the cause of death, the deceased's age, and the relationship the deceased had with the chaplain. Further research is needed to corroborate these findings as well as to investigate how chaplains manage their own grief when they are involved in the grief experiences of patients and families.
With Doug: An Eastern Orthodox — Gestalt Framework for Pastoral Psychotherapy in the Armed Forces
Authors: Alexander David
Published: May 2015

In military behavioral healthcare, a short-term, solutions-focused system often privileges cognitive techniques over existential, affective, or psychodynamic approaches to care. Pastoral psychotherapy, which often privileges existential and person-centered care, has the potential to prove a pivotal complement in treating the whole person. This article offers an existential approach to pastoral psychotherapy in the military using integrated concepts and applications from Gestalt Therapy and Eastern Orthodox pastoral care.
Pastors' Counseling Practices and Perceptions of Mental Health Services: Implications for African American Mental Health
Authors: Brown Jessica Young , McCreary Micah L.
Published: May 2015

The purpose of the current study was to investigate pastors' perceptions about and practice of mental health services within their churches. Thirty nine pastors completed an online survey. Results of the survey indicated that pastors who had more positive attitudes toward mental health services reported (1) counseling parishioners more times per month and (2) counseling parishioners on a greater variety of topics. Implications for pastoral care and counseling and future directions in training are discussed.
Spiritual Coping Tools of Religious Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Authors: Redmond Larry W.
Published: May 2015

This study surveys religious victims of CSA from three Christian universities with regard to general coping strategies, religious practices used in the healing process, and self-report of current life satisfaction. About twenty percent of the respondents acknowledged some type of childhood sexual abuse. The study identified negative correlations between both professional and church based counseling and positive life satisfaction ratings. When specific spiritual practices were used there was positive correlation between forgiveness and life satisfaction.
In the Shadow of Death: Existential and Spiritual Concerns among Persons Receiving Palliative Care
Authors: Asgeirsdottir Gudlaug Helga , Sigurbjörnsson Einar , Traustadottir Rannveig , Sigurdardottir Valgerdur , Gunnarsdottir Sigridur , Kelly Ewan
Published: May 2015

This study explores existential and spiritual concerns from the perspective of people receiving palliative care. It examines the meaning of these concerns, their influence on people's lives and investigates the connections between them. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with ten persons. Findings reveal existential and spiritual aspects as interconnected and an integral part of the participants' everyday existence. It concludes with a call for a better understanding of these phenomena in the palliative care context.
Spiritual Care with Appalachians: Beyond Stereotypes
Authors: Easterling Larry Wayne
Published: May 2015

Stereotypes of Appalachians can persist in our collective imaginations. This article addresses such stereotypes as unfounded. The historical origin of these stereotypes is identified. Alternate images of positive values and characteristics of Appalachian people are presented. Recommendations for spiritual care are outlined consistent with the characteristics of the Appalachian population.
Relationship between Medical Burden, Depression, and Quality of Life in Psychogeriatric Inpatients: Implications for Providers of Pastoral Care
Authors: Piderman Katherine M. , Sontag Lauren F. , Hsu Jennifer , Lapid Maria I.
Published: May 2015

This study describes medical burden among individuals ⩾ 65 years hospitalized for depression in order to determine its associations with depression and quality of life (QOL) and thus provide suggestions for spiritual care providers. Using reliable, validated measures, the 45 participants who completed the study demonstrated moderate medical burden that was significantly associated with physical QOL but not with mental QOL or depression. Irrespective of the level of medical burden, subjects exhibited significant improvement of both depression and QOL during hospitalization. Results suggest that advocacy by spiritual care providers is essential.
Pastoral Care and Counseling with the “Un-Homeless Homeless”: Understanding Cultures of Homelessness
Authors: Snodgrass Jill
Published: May 2015

This article presents a subset of findings from a larger study exploring the lived experiences of 16 former residents of a 90-day emergency family shelter program in Los Angeles County. Interpretative phenomenological analysis serves as a qualitative method for understanding the cultural uniqueness of the “un-homeless homeless.” The findings offer implications for culturally competent pastoral care and counseling in the context of family homelessness and attend to both the process and content of caregiving.
Sticks and Stones Can Break My Bones but Labels Scar My Soul
Authors: Seitler Burton Norman
Published: May 2015

Influenced by the followers of Descartes several centuries ago, philosophy, science and society took a turn in the road, one that has lead us astray. Mind was separated and cast away from its body, and so-called rationalism, reductionism and mechanism soon held sway over holism and humanism. Individuals were swept up, homogenized and subsumed under the provenance of arbitrarily created group norms for conduct. Those who did not follow were marginalized, or worse, demonized. Individuality, now being lost, inexorably would be replaced by all-encompassing clinical labels, that furthered the dehumanizing process begun and enforced so long ago.

A new dialectic about the human circumstance based on humanism, empathy, understanding and respect, is proposed.
The Chaplaincy Experience: Negotiating (Multi-Faith) Time and Space in a Northern English General Hospital
Authors: Eccles Janet Betty
Published: May 2015

This article reports on the inception and work of the first multi-faith chaplaincy team in a general hospital outside of London. The problematic beginnings are described as the team, previously run by and based on Anglican Christian ministry expanded to multi-faith care. The importance of the chapel/worship space in such a project diminished and chaplains and volunteer visitors of all faiths and none now minister in more secular spaces throughout the hospital and outside its walls. This is a reflection of their work becoming more interfaith as chaplains ministering to those of different faiths from their own evolved to a more spiritually rather than religiously oriented focus in generating patient-centred care in the context of a changing British culture, now considered simultaneously Christian, religiously plural, and secular.
Recognition and the Fleeting Glimpse of Intimacy: Tracing the Chaplain’s Response to Ungrieved Death
Authors: Coble Richard
Published: May 2015

The article traces the response of the hospital chaplain witnessing ungrieved death. Linking grief with cultural recognition, the article analyzes the absence of grief on the occasion of death within outcast social spheres. It then outlines the ways chaplains both participate in the cultural norms that render lives ungrievable and, conversely, in the solidarity of God, who cares for every life and death. The article closes by situating the chaplain as a liminal figure and proposing liminality itself as an opportunity for solidarity.
Spiritual Care Training Provided to Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review
Authors: Paal Piret , Helo Yousef , Frick Eckhard
Published: May 2015

This systematic review was conducted to assess the outcomes of spiritual care training. It outlines the training outcomes based on participants’ oral/written feedback, course evaluation and performance assessment. Intervention was defined as any form of spiritual care training provided to healthcare professionals studying/working in an academic and/or clinical setting. An online search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, ERIC, PsycINFO, ASSIA, CSA, ATLA and CENTRAL up to Week 27 of 2013 by two independent investigators to reduce errors in inclusion. Only peer-reviewed journal articles reporting on training outcomes were included. A primary keyword-driven search found 4912 articles; 46 articles were identified as relevant for final analysis . The narrative synthesis of findings outlines the following outcomes: (1) acknowledging spirituality on an individual level, (2) success in integrating spirituality in clinical practice, (3) positive changes in communication with patients. This study examines primarily pre/post-effects within a single cohort. Due to an average study quality, the reported findings in this review are to be seen as indicators at most. Nevertheless, this review makes evident that without attending to one’the repeliefs and needs, addressing spirituality in patients will not be forthcoming. It also demonstrates that spiritual care training may help to challenge the spiritual vacuum in healthcare institutions.
Reducing interior temperature resulting from solar energy using three-dimensional surface patterns
Authors: Lin Shiang-Jiun , Li Hao-Hu , Chen Yong-Cheng , Chou Yung-Chen
Published: May 2015

Excessive solar energy can significantly increase interior temperatures and yield great energy demands for air conditioning. Whereas reducing energy consumptions is very crucial today, this article employs patterned glass technology which incorporates linear patterns throughout the exterior surface of glass to attenuate the solar effect on the interior thermal field based on theoretical and experimental studies. By periodically imposing linearly three-dimensional patterns over the outer surface of window glass, the analytical results indicate that the interior solar heat is able to be reduced, as the surface patterns increase the incident angle and/or decrease the solar energy loading on the patterned glass material. Moreover, the interior solar heat can be strongly affected by the pattern design. According to thermally measured results, the trapezoidal patterned glass having 3-mm-top-edged patterned members yields lower temperature on the interior surface of glass comparing with that for the trapezoidal patterns having 6-mm-top edges. Therefore, making the least non-sloped feature or flat plane appearing on the patterned glass helps decrease the interior temperature resulting from solar energy.
A study of MTTF in two-unit standby redundant system with priority under limited information about failure and repair times
Authors: Takemoto Y , Arizono I
Published: May 2015

We consider a two-unit standby redundant system with priority. In the previous literature, the theoretical formulae for the MTTF of such a system have been obtained using the renewal theory in the condition that the probability distributions about failure and repair times have the respective explicit functions. However, it is sometimes impossible to calculate the MTTF of the system depending on the probability distributions in the case of using the theoretical formulae in the previous literature. In this paper, we consider the situation that the probability distributions about failure and repair times can be approximated as a mixed Erlang distribution. Under this situation, we develop a new approximation procedure for computing the MTTF of the system by combining some results of the Markov analysis based on Erlang distributions. Then, we investigate the validity of our proposed approximation by simulation.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy: current cell therapies
Authors: Sienkiewicz Dorota , Kulak Wojciech , Okurowska-Zawada Bożena , Paszko-Patej Grażyna , Kawnik Katarzyna
Published: May 2015

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetically determined X-linked disease and the most common, progressive pediatric muscle disorder. For decades, research has been conducted to find an effective therapy. This review presents current therapeutic methods for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, based on scientific articles in English published mainly in the period 2000 to 2014. We used the PubMed database to identify and review the most important studies. An analysis of contemporary studies of stem cell therapy and the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in muscular dystrophy was performed.
Predictors of Hypoglycemia in the ASPIRE In-Home Study and Effects of Automatic Suspension of Insulin Delivery
Authors: Weiss Ram , Garg Satish K. , Bergenstal Richard M. , Klonoff David C. , Bode Bruce W. , Bailey Timothy S. , Thrasher James , Schwartz Frank , Welsh John B. , Kaufman Francine R. ,   ASPIRE In-Home Study Group, Brazg R. , Casaubon L. , Horowitz B. , Liljenquist D. , Odugbesan O. , Bhargava A. , Goland R. , Weinstock R.
Published: May 2015

Background:

Hypoglycemia varies between patients with type 1 diabetes and is the main obstacle to therapy intensification. We investigated known and potential risk factors for hypoglycemia in subjects with type 1 diabetes.

Method:

In the ASPIRE In-Home study (NCT01497938), a randomized trial of the threshold suspend (TS) feature of sensor-augmented insulin pump (SAP) therapy, subjects’ propensity to nocturnal hypoglycemia (NH) was established in a 2-week run-in phase and assessed in a 3-month study phase via continuous glucose monitoring. Categorical variables were tested for association with NH rates in both phases.

Results:

Elevated rates of NH were significantly associated with baseline A1C ≤7%, with bolus insulin deliveries unassisted by the bolus estimation calculator, and with assignment to the control group during the study phase.

Conclusions:

Routine use of the TS feature and the bolus estimation calculator are strategies that may reduce the risk of NH.
Elucidating the cellular actions of demineralised dentine matrix extract on a clonal dental pulp stem cell population in orchestrating dental tissue repair
Authors: Lee Chi P , Colombo John S , Ayre Wayne Nishio , Sloan Alastair J , Waddington Rachel J
Published: May 2015

Bioactive growth factors identified within the extracellular matrix of dentine have been proposed roles in regulating the naturally inherent regenerative dentine formation seen in teeth in response to trauma and infection, which may also be harnessed for novel clinical treatments in augmenting mineralised tissue repair. This study examined the specific biological action of demineralised dentine matrix extract on a clonal population of dental pulp stem cells in stimulating the prerequisite stages of wound healing associated with mineralised tissue repair. A clonal dental pulp stem cell population with sustained proliferative capacity and multi-potentiality towards osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages was isolated from the pulp of human third molars. Dentine was collected from human healthy teeth, powdered and treated with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid to obtain a solubilised DDM protein extract. The influence of DDM on the DPSC clonal population was assessed in vitro. Exposure of cells to proteolytically degraded DDM or unsupplemented media served as controls. Compared to controls, DDM stimulated cell expansion, reduced apoptotic marker caspase 3, increased cell survival marker Akt1 and enhanced mineralised matrix deposition as determined by mineral deposition and increased expression of bone-related markers, alkaline phosphatase and osteopontin. Dental pulp stem cells successfully migrated into collagen gels supplemented with demineralised dentine matrix, with cells remaining viable and expanding in numbers over a 3-day period. Collectively, the results provide evidence that soluble proteins extracted from dentine matrix are able to exert a direct biological effect on dental pulp stem cells in promoting mineralised tissue repair mechanisms.
Beyond the Generational Stereotypes
Authors: Rentz Kathryn C.
Published: May 2015

This case study examined the extent to which expected Gen Y traits surfaced in a well-managed U.S. company. The results indicate that certain Gen Y traits typically regarded as undesirable in the workplace are especially persistent, even in an optimal organizational setting, but others are not. The findings also reveal both expected and unexpected attitudes on the part of the Gen X and Boomer employees and managers. Such studies can help us move beyond generational stereotyping to more accurate, context-sensitive advice about cross-generational communication.
The Role of Baclofen in the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Warren Rachel L. , Davis Steven M.
Published: May 2015

Objective. To describe the evidence for baclofen in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Data Sources. A search of PubMed and Google Scholar was performed using the terms baclofen, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and treatment. Study Selection and Data Extraction. Publications were reviewed manually for relevance, and studies that addressed the use of baclofen in the treatment of adult symptomatic GERD patients were included. Data Synthesis. Nine studies were evaluated. Baclofen was shown to significantly reduce transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs), postprandial acid reflux events, and median number of acid-related symptoms in 6 studies evaluating either a single dose of baclofen or short courses of 2 days or less. Three studies followed patients over a slightly longer period of time. These studies confirmed the results of the shorter trials by finding a decrease in supine duodenal reflux episodes, decreased periods when the pH was less than 4, and improvements in symptom scores in patients refractory to proton pump inhibitors. Side effects most frequently reported included drowsiness and dizziness. Conclusions. Baclofen can be considered for the treatment of refractory GERD following diagnostic evaluation. It has been shown to reduce TLESRs, reflux episodes, and reflux-related symptoms with minimal side effects in short-term trials. Future studies demonstrating the long-term efficacy and tolerability of baclofen in the treatment of GERD would help solidify its place in therapy.
Obtaining highly dense YSZ nanoceramics by pressureless, unassisted sintering
Authors: Hotza Dachamir , García Daniel E. , Castro Ricardo H. R.
Published: May 2015

For technological applications, zirconia is commonly blended with other oxides to stabilise the tetragonal and/or cubic phases at low temperature, being yttria the most frequently added dopant. It is generally desirable to obtain highly dense ceramics while maintaining grain sizes in the nanoscale ( < 100 nm). Small grains contribute to stabilise the tetragonal phase and to improve the toughness and flexural strength. Moreover, a higher ionic conductivity for cubic zirconia electrolytes is achieved with smaller grain size and lower thickness of the intergranular regions. The sintering onset temperatures required for nanometric particles are significantly reduced when compared to conventional micrometric powders. However, densification is generally accompanied by an undesirable grain coarsening. A Ramp and Hold Sintering (RHS) is the simplest densification schedule, consisting of heating up to the peak temperature followed by a holding time at that temperature. Another approach, called Two-Step Sintering (TSS) is based on the principle that the activation energy for grain growth is lower than the activation energy of densification. The key elements in this method are heating up to a high temperature to achieve a density >75% Theoretical Density (TD) to render the pores unstable, and then cooling down rapidly to a lower temperature to finish sintering and hinder grain growth. Alternatively, considerable efforts have been made in increasing the heating rate and/or reducing the hold time at the peak temperature during sintering cycles in processes that are generally referred to as ‘Fast Firing’ (FF) or ‘rapid sintering’. This review summarises the attempts in the literature for obtaining dense monolithic nanocrystalline Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) ceramics by pressureless sintering schedules carried out in conventional furnaces. RHS, FF and TSS schedules are reported only from YSZ as starting powders, i.e. without the aid of any additional dopant or grain growth inhibitor. For the sake of comparison, the discussion is focused mainly on YSZ nanoceramics with final densities >99% TD and average grain size  < 100 nm. Powder and shaping effects on microstructure and properties of bulk nanoceramics are discussed. A comparison among sintering approaches is then made taking into account the microstructural development of the nanostructures and some key properties of the products.
Effect of β heat treatment on phase transformations of TC21 during rolling
Authors: Wang L. R. , Ma C. L. , Zhao Y. Q. , Zhou L.
Published: May 2015

Phase transformations during hot rolling is determined for the forged and β heat treated TC21 titanium alloys. The results show that β heat treatment has a great effect on phase constitution. Three types of precipitates, namely, α2, ω and (Ti, Zr)5Si3 phase is observed in the rolled forged materials, whereas the rolled β heat treated materials exhibites the presence of lamellar α and type 2α precipitate. The influence of β heat treatment on the phase transformations has been discussed on the basis of alloying elements, and β heat treatment can eliminate or decrease elemental segregation.
Electric current pulse induced grain refinement in pure aluminium
Authors: Xu Z. , Wang X. , Liang D. , Zhong H. , Pei N. , Gong Y. , Zhai Q.
Published: May 2015

In the present work, pure aluminium melt was treated using electric current pulse. The effect of current density on the solidification microstructure was investigated by means of wire netting technology. It was found that wire netting could not only effectively stop crystal nucleus to enter other zones but also has relatively small effects on the heat transfer and convection in melts. Theoretical analysis and ANSYS simulation suggested that variation of current density in different localised zones is a key factor influencing the microstructural features. Increasing the current density is favourable for the formation of equiaxed grains.
Bending deformation of laser peened aluminium alloy with uniform rectangular spots
Authors: Yu Q. , Dong Z. , Miao R. , Deng X. , Chen L.
Published: May 2015

The bending deformation of 2024 aluminium alloy plate peened with rectangular laser beam of uniform intensity has been studied theoretically and experimentally. Based on the biharmonic equation and pure bending model, the residual stress and radius of curvature are derived from the laser intensity and the depth from the laser peened surface. Aluminium alloy plate was formed by the uniform rectangular laser spot shaped from Nd: glass pulse laser. The residual stress distribution of peened aluminium alloy plate was measured by X-ray diffraction, and the experimental radius of curvature was 2147.3 mm at a laser intensity of 3.3 GW cm− 2. The measured results, both the distribution of residual stress and radius of curvature, fit well with those obtained from the proposed theory.
Erosion–corrosion interaction of Fe–B alloy in flowing zinc
Authors: Wang Y. , Xing J. , Ma S. , Liu G. , Jia S.
Published: May 2015

The effect of erosion angle on the erosion–corrosion interaction of Fe–3.5 wt-B alloy in flowing zinc was investigated. The total erosion–corrosion rate decreased linearly, whereas the pure erosion rate fluctuated slightly with increasing erosion angle, which was strongly dependent on the erosion–corrosion interaction. At an erosion angle of 0°, liquid zinc corrosion damaged the sample surface and facilitated erosion, which in turn increased corrosion via the removal of corrosion products. As the erosion angle increased, corrosion products accumulated and Fe2B flaked and cracked in front of the erosion interface, which resulted, in turn, in increased obstruction to the diffusion of liquid zinc. Accordingly, the erosion–corrosion interaction was reduced, thereby resulting in a low material loss at high erosion angles.
Transcription factor networks in B-cell differentiation link development to acute lymphoid leukemia
Authors: Somasundaram Rajesh , Prasad Mahadesh A. J. , Ungerbäck Jonas , Sigvardsson Mikael
Published: May 2015

B-lymphocyte development in the bone marrow is controlled by the coordinated action of transcription factors creating regulatory networks ensuring activation of the B-lymphoid program and silencing of alternative cell fates. This process is tightly connected to malignant transformation because B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells display a pronounced block in differentiation resulting in the expansion of immature progenitor cells. Over the last few years, high-resolution analysis of genetic changes in leukemia has revealed that several key regulators of normal B-cell development, including IKZF1, TCF3, EBF1, and PAX5, are genetically altered in a large portion of the human B-lineage acute leukemias. This opens the possibility of directly linking the disrupted development as well as aberrant gene expression patterns in leukemic cells to molecular functions of defined transcription factors in normal cell differentiation. This review article focuses on the roles of transcription factors in early B-cell development and their involvement in the formation of human leukemia.
A European collaborative study of cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone in upfront treatment of systemic AL amyloidosis
Authors: Palladini Giovanni , Sachchithanantham Sajitha , Milani Paolo , Gillmore Julian , Foli Andrea , Lachmann Helen , Basset Marco , Hawkins Philip , Merlini Giampaolo , Wechalekar Ashutosh D.
Published: May 2015

Key Points

CyBorD achieves excellent outcome in noncardiac patients with AL amyloidosis and can rescue subjects with reversible heart damage. The outcome of high-risk patients remains poor, but response to CyBorD can also improve survival in this group.
Upregulation of T-Type Ca2+ Channels in Long-Term Diabetes Determines Increased Excitability of a Specific Type of Capsaicin-Insensitive DRG Neurons
Authors: Duzhyy Dmytro E , Viatchenko-Karpinski Viacheslav Y , Khomula Eugen V , Voitenko Nana V , Belan Pavel V
Published: May 2015

Background

Previous studies have shown that increased excitability of capsaicin-sensitive DRG neurons and thermal hyperalgesia in rats with short-term (2–4 weeks) streptozotocin-induced diabetes is mediated by upregulation of T-type Ca2+ current. In longer–term diabetes (after the 8th week) thermal hyperalgesia is changed to hypoalgesia that is accompanied by downregulation of T-type current in capsaicin-sensitive small-sized nociceptors. At the same time pain symptoms of diabetic neuropathy other than thermal persist in STZ-diabetic animals and patients during progression of diabetes into later stages suggesting that other types of DRG neurons may be sensitized and contribute to pain. In this study, we examined functional expression of T-type Ca2+ channels in capsaicin-insensitive DRG neurons and excitability of these neurons in longer-term diabetic rats and in thermally hypoalgesic diabetic rats.

Results

Here we have demonstrated that in STZ-diabetes T-type current was upregulated in capsaicin-insensitive low-pH-sensitive small-sized nociceptive DRG neurons of longer-term diabetic rats and thermally hypoalgesic diabetic rats. This upregulation was not accompanied by significant changes in biophysical properties of T-type channels suggesting that a density of functionally active channels was increased. Sensitivity of T-type current to amiloride (1 mM) and low concentration of Ni2+ (50 μM) implicates prevalence of Cav3.2 subtype of T-type channels in the capsaicin-insensitive low-pH-sensitive neurons of both naïve and diabetic rats. The upregulation of T-type channels resulted in the increased neuronal excitability of these nociceptive neurons revealed by a lower threshold for action potential initiation, prominent afterdepolarizing potentials and burst firing. Sodium current was not significantly changed in these neurons during long-term diabetes and could not contribute to the diabetes-induced increase of neuronal excitability.

Conclusions

Capsaicin-insensitive low-pH-sensitive type of DRG neurons shows diabetes-induced upregulation of Cav3.2 subtype of T-type channels. This upregulation results in the increased excitability of these neurons and may contribute to nonthermal nociception at a later-stage diabetes.
Nurses’ worry or concern and early recognition of deteriorating patients on general wards in acute care hospitals: a systematic review
Authors: Douw Gooske , Schoonhoven Lisette , Holwerda Tineke , Huisman-de Waal Getty , van Zanten Arthur R H , van Achterberg Theo , van der Hoeven Johannes G
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Nurses often recognize deterioration in patients through intuition rather than through routine measurement of vital signs. Adding the ‘worry or concern’ sign to the Rapid Response System provides opportunities for nurses to act upon their intuitive feelings. Identifying what triggers nurses to be worried or concerned might help to put intuition into words, and potentially empower nurses to act upon their intuitive feelings and obtain medical assistance in an early stage of deterioration. The aim of this systematic review is to identify the signs and symptoms that trigger nurses’ worry or concern about a patient’s condition.

Methods

We searched the databases PubMed, CINAHL, Psychinfo and Cochrane Library (Clinical Trials) using synonyms related to the three concepts: ‘nurses’, ‘worry/concern’ and ‘deterioration’. We included studies concerning adult patients on general wards in acute care hospitals. The search was performed from the start of the databases until 14 February 2014.

Results

The search resulted in 4,006 records, and 18 studies (five quantitative, nine qualitative and four mixed-methods designs) were included in the review. A total of 37 signs and symptoms reflecting the nature of the criterion worry or concern emerged from the data and were summarized in 10 general indicators. The results showed that worry or concern can be present with or without change in vital signs.

Conclusions

The signs and symptoms we found in the literature reflect the nature of nurses’ worry or concern, and nurses may incorporate these signs in their assessment of the patient and their decision to call for assistance. The fact that it is present before changes in vital signs suggests potential for improving care in an early stage of deterioration.
Neuroprotective properties of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate and its relationship to interleukin 6 after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Höllig Anke , Thiel Miriam , Stoffel-Wagner Birgit , Coburn Mark , Clusmann Hans
Published: May 2015

Introduction

The established neuroprotective property of the sex steroid precursor dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) has not yet been investigated in the context of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The influence of DHEAS on inflammatory response resulting in modulation of interleukin 6 (IL-6) synthesis has been shown. Here, we evaluate DHEAS serum levels after aSAH (day 0–14) and levels of IL-6 related to functional outcome at discharge and at six months.

Methods

A complete data set (DHEAS and IL-6 serum levels for days 0, 1, 4, 7, 10 and 14 after aSAH) and outcome assessment at discharge according to modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) was available for 53 patients of the initially screened cohort (n = 109). Outcome assessment six months after aSAH was obtained from 41 patients. Logarithmized levels of DHEAS and IL-6 were related to dichotomized functional outcome either assessed at discharge or at six months. A mixed between-within subjects ANOVA was applied for statistical analysis (SPSS 21.0).

Results

DHEAS and IL-6 levels across time were related to functional outcome. Regarding outcome assessment at discharge and at six months after aSAH, DHEAS levels (transformed to square root for statistical purposes) were considerably higher in patients with favorable outcome (mRS 0–2) (p = .001; p = .020). Inversely, in patients with favorable outcome either at discharge or six months after aSAH, lower IL-6 levels (logarithmized for statistical purposes) were observed across time (both p < .001).

Conclusion

We provide new evidence that DHEAS is associated with protective properties resulting in improvement of functional outcome after aSAH, possibly by influencing the inflammatory response after aSAH shown in the decreasing IL-6 serum levels. But the results for outcome six months after SAH are limited due to a high drop-out rate.
Hypoxia-preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells attenuate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Lan Ying-Wei , Choo Kong-Bung , Chen Chuan-Mu , Hung Tsai-Hsien , Chen Young-Bin , Hsieh Chung-Hsing , Kuo Han-Pin , Chong Kowit-Yu
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive diffuse parenchymal lung disorder of unknown etiology. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy is a novel approach with great therapeutic potential for the treatment of lung diseases. Despite demonstration of MSC grafting, the populations of engrafted MSCs have been shown to decrease dramatically 24 hours post-transplantation due to exposure to harsh microenvironments. Hypoxia is known to induce expression of cytoprotective genes and also secretion of anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-fibrotic factors. Hypoxic preconditioning is thought to enhance the therapeutic potency and duration of survival of engrafted MSCs. In this work, we aimed to prolong the duration of survival of engrafted MSCs and to enhance the effectiveness of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis transplantation therapy by the use of hypoxia-preconditioned MSCs.

Methods

Hypoxic preconditioning was achieved in MSCs under an optimal hypoxic environment. The expression levels of cytoprotective factors and their biological effects on damaged alveolar epithelial cells or transforming growth factor-beta 1-treated fibroblast cells were studied in co-culture experiments in vitro. Furthermore, hypoxia-preconditioned MSCs (HP-MSCs) were intratracheally instilled into bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice at day 3, and lung functions, cellular, molecular and pathological changes were assessed at 7 and 21 days after bleomycin administration.

Results

The expression of genes for pro-survival, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidant and growth factors was upregulated in MSCs under hypoxic conditions. In transforming growth factor-beta 1-treated MRC-5 fibroblast cells, hypoxia-preconditioned MSCs attenuated extracellular matrix production through paracrine effects. The pulmonary respiratory functions significantly improved for up to 18 days of hypoxia-preconditioned MSC treatment. Expression of inflammatory factors and fibrotic factor were all downregulated in the lung tissues of the hypoxia-preconditioned MSC-treated mice. Histopathologic examination observed a significant amelioration of the lung fibrosis. Several LacZ-labeled MSCs were observed within the lungs in the hypoxia-preconditioned MSC treatment groups at day 21, but no signals were detected in the normoxic MSC group. Our data further demonstrated that upregulation of hepatocyte growth factor possibly played an important role in mediating the therapeutic effects of transplanted hypoxia-preconditioned MSCs.

Conclusion

Transplantation of hypoxia-preconditioned MSCs exerted better therapeutic effects in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrotic mice and enhanced the survival rate of engrafted MSCs, partially due to the upregulation of hepatocyte growth factor.
Why is Tanimoto index an appropriate choice for fingerprint-based similarity calculations?
Authors: Bajusz Dávid , Rácz Anita , Héberger Károly
Published: May 2015

Background

Cheminformaticians are equipped with a very rich toolbox when carrying out molecular similarity calculations. A large number of molecular representations exist, and there are several methods (similarity and distance metrics) to quantify the similarity of molecular representations. In this work, eight well-known similarity/distance metrics are compared on a large dataset of molecular fingerprints with sum of ranking differences (SRD) and ANOVA analysis. The effects of molecular size, selection methods and data pretreatment methods on the outcome of the comparison are also assessed.

Results

A supplier database (https://mcule.com/) was used as the source of compounds for the similarity calculations in this study. A large number of datasets, each consisting of one hundred compounds, were compiled, molecular fingerprints were generated and similarity values between a randomly chosen reference compound and the rest were calculated for each dataset. Similarity metrics were compared based on their ranking of the compounds within one experiment (one dataset) using sum of ranking differences (SRD), while the results of the entire set of experiments were summarized on box and whisker plots. Finally, the effects of various factors (data pretreatment, molecule size, selection method) were evaluated with analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Conclusions

This study complements previous efforts to examine and rank various metrics for molecular similarity calculations. Here, however, an entirely general approach was taken to neglect any a priori knowledge on the compounds involved, as well as any bias introduced by examining only one or a few specific scenarios. The Tanimoto index, Dice index, Cosine coefficient and Soergel distance were identified to be the best (and in some sense equivalent) metrics for similarity calculations, i.e. these metrics could produce the rankings closest to the composite (average) ranking of the eight metrics. The similarity metrics derived from Euclidean and Manhattan distances are not recommended on their own, although their variability and diversity from other similarity metrics might be advantageous in certain cases (e.g. for data fusion). Conclusions are also drawn regarding the effects of molecule size, selection method and data pretreatment on the ranking behavior of the studied metrics.
An evaluation of two types of nickel-titanium wires in terms of micromorphology and nickel ions’ release following oral environment exposure
Authors: Ghazal Abdul Razzak A. , Hajeer Mohammad Y. , Al-Sabbagh Rabab , Alghoraibi Ibrahim , Aldiry Ahmad
Published: May 2015

Background

This study aimed to compare superelastic and heat-activated nickel-titanium orthodontic wires’ surface morphology and potential release of nickel ions following exposure to oral environment conditions.

Methods

Twenty-four 20-mm-length distal cuts of superelastic (NiTi Force I®) and 24 20-mm-length distal cuts of heat-activated (Therma-Ti Lite®) nickel-titanium wires (American Orthodontics, Sheboygan, WI, USA) were divided into two equal groups: 12 wire segments left unused and 12 segments passively exposed to oral environment for 1 month. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to analyze surface morphology of the wires which were then immersed in artificial saliva for 1 month to determine potential nickel ions’ release by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Results

Heat-activated nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires were rougher than superelastic wires, and both types of wires released almost the same amount of Ni ions. After clinical exposure, more surface roughness was recorded for superelastic NiTi wires and heat-activated NiTi wires. However, retrieved superelastic NiTi wires released less Ni ions in artificial saliva after clinical exposure, and the same result was recorded regarding heat-activated wires.

Conclusions

Both types of NiTi wires were obviously affected by oral environment conditions; their surface roughness significantly increased while the amount of the released Ni ions significantly declined.
Computational fluid dynamics analysis of the upper airway after rapid maxillary expansion: a case report
Authors: Ghoneima Ahmed , AlBarakati Sahar , Jiang Feifei , Kula Katherine , Wasfy Tamer
Published: May 2015

Background

Assessment of the upper airway volume, morphology, and mechanics is of great importance for the orthodontic patient. We hypothesize that upper airway dimensions have significant effects on the dynamics of the airway flow and that both the dimensions and mechanics of the upper airway are greatly affected by orthodontic and orthopedic procedures such as rapid maxillary expansion (RME). The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of RME on the airway flow rate and pattern by comparing the fluid dynamics results of pre- and post-treatment finite element models.

Methods

Customized pre- and post-treatment computational fluid dynamics models of the patient’s upper airway were built for comparison based on three-dimensional computed tomogram. The inhalation process was simulated using a constant volume flow rate for both models, and the wall was set to be rigid and stationary. Laminar and turbulent analyses were applied.

Results

Comparisons between before and after RME airway volume measurements showed that increases were only detected in nasal cavity volume, nasopharynx volume, and the most constricted area of the airway. Pressure, velocity, and turbulent kinetic energy decreased after dental expansion for laminar and turbulent flow. Turbulent flow shows relatively larger velocity and pressure than laminar flow.

Conclusions

RME showed positive effects that may help understand the key reasons behind relieving the symptom of breathing disorders in this patient. Turbulence occurs at both nasal and oropharynx areas, and it showed relatively larger pressure and velocity compared to laminar flow.