bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of health-related quality of life in patients with tuberculosis who completed treatment in Kiribati
Authors: Li Cheng-Ting , Chu Kuei-Hui , Reiher Bereka , Kienene Takeieta , Chien Li-Yin
Published: March 2017

Objective

To examine the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and related factors among patients with smear-positive and smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) within 2 years after completion of directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS), and to compare their HRQoL with a comparison group of community-dwelling individuals without TB in South Tarawa, Kiribati.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 206 pulmonary TB patients who had completed DOTS and 214 individuals without TB, from July to September 2012. HRQoL was measured using the Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36).

Results

The patients with TB had a statistically significantly higher physical component summary (PCS) score and mental component summary (MCS) score on the SF-36 than the comparison group after adjustment for background characteristics. However, the differences did not exceed the 3-point threshold for clinically significant differences. Multiple liner regression showed that older age and presence of persistent symptoms after completion of DOTS were related to a lower PCS score in TB patients. Patients who were smear-positive before DOTS treatment had higher MCS scores than those who were smear-negative.

Conclusions

Our results suggest the effectiveness of DOTS treatment. Health professionals can enhance HRQoL among posttreatment TB patients by managing their symptoms.
Beyond studentification in United States College Towns: Neighborhood change in the knowledge nodes, 1980–2010
Authors: Foote Nathan S
Published: March 2017

With the rise of the cognitive-cultural (or knowledge) economy, urban areas around the world have experienced significant changes in their social geographies. Studentification is one such change that has occurred in cities hosting major universities around the world. This study extends the analysis of social change to vital knowledge nodes in the networked global economy: United States college towns. K-means cluster analysis is used to identify neighborhood types in ten cities with major research universities across four Census years: 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010. Temporal and spatial analyses are then conducted to determine how these knowledge nodes have changed with the decline of the industrial economy and the rise of the knowledge economy. The analysis indicates the presence of six neighborhood types in these college towns: Middle Class, Minority-Concentrated, Stability, Elite, Mix/Renter, and Student. Over the course of the study period, the number of Elite neighborhoods increased considerably, while the number of Middle Class neighborhoods plummeted. The number of Mix/Renter neighborhoods also increased. Spatially, Student and Minority-Concentrated neighborhoods generally remained fairly clustered in the same areas across the study period. Elite neighborhoods spread across wider geographical areas over the course of the study period. These results are compared to previous studies on neighborhood change. The comparisons reveal that the knowledge nodes show some similar patterns to studentifying cities and to rapidly growing nodes in areas with ties to the global knowledge economy.
Looked after children and young people’s views on what matters to their subjective well-being
Authors: Wood Marsha , Selwyn Julie
Published: March 2017

Improving the subjective well-being of all children has become a policy goal of national and international governments. To meet this aim, there have been substantial efforts to identify what makes a good life and to find ways to measure it. In the UK, The Children’s Society and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have involved children in identifying domains of subjective well-being and the indicators that measure them. However, very little is known about whether looked after children identify the same domains and indicators important to their well-being. Here we report on findings from 18 focus groups with 140 looked after children and young people on what was important to their well-being. This article reports specifically on the key areas of well-being identified by looked after children. The focus groups were the first stage of a project which has since used the findings to develop and pilot an online well-being survey for looked after children. Although there was agreement with children in the general population about the importance of some domains of well-being (e.g. relationships), looked after children identified others specific to their situation (e.g. having a good understanding of their life history). The article, therefore, argues that there is a need for a specific well-being measure for looked after children.
Deuteronomy 21.10-14 and/as Wartime Rape
Authors: Reeder Caryn A.
Published: March 2017

The law of the captive woman in Deut. 21.10-14 is alternately identified as a law that protects or even favors the captive, or as a law that enshrines wartime rape. This article argues for the latter assessment on the basis of three lines of evidence: the vocabulary and syntax of the law; intertextual connections with Genesis 34; and comparative analysis with contemporary situations of wartime rape. The final line of evidence also allows for the interpretation of the law from the perspective of the captive woman herself.
Sharing Power With Parents: Improving Educational Decision Making for Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Connor David J. , Cavendish Wendy
Published: March 2017

In this closing commentary to the special edition of Learning Disability Quarterly ( LDQ) on parent voice in educational decision making for students with learning disabilities, we briefly survey main topics from each article, illuminating important findings from the authors, along with several questions they raise, and identify themes that reverberate throughout them as a collection. Subsequently, we offer suggestions to improve parental involvement in the decision-making process, in particular, the negotiation of Individualized Education Programs. In doing so, we emphasize the onus placed upon school professionals to better understand parental positionalities and needs, be culturally cognizant and competent in interactions, with the specific purpose of consciously addressing power differentials that have historically inhibited authentic parent–professional relationships. Finally, we end with a short note on the research methodologies used in this special edition.
Phenotypic Heterogeneity in a Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation Caused by Mutations in STT3A
Authors: Ghosh Arunabha , Urquhart Jill , Daly Sarah , Ferguson Anne , Scotcher Diana , Morris Andrew A. M. , Clayton-Smith Jill
Published: March 2017

STT3A encodes the catalytic subunit of the oligosaccharyltransferase complex. A congenital disorder of glycosylation caused by mutations in STT3A has only been reported in one family to date, associated with a Type I congenital disorder of glycosylation pattern of transferrin glycoforms. The authors describe a further 5 related individuals with a likely pathogenic variant in STT3A, 2 of whom also had variants in TUSC3. Common phenotypic features in all symptomatic individuals include developmental delay, intellectual disability, with absent speech and seizures. Two individuals also developed episodic hypothermia and altered consciousness. The family were investigated by autozygosity mapping, which revealed both a homozygous region containing STT3A and, in addition, a homozygous deletion of TUSC3 in one child. A likely pathogenic variant in STT3A was confirmed on Sanger sequencing of all affected individuals: the authors discuss the molecular findings in detail and further delineate the clinical phenotype of this rare disorder.
Two Hundred Years of Textile Factories in the U.S. South
Authors: Kincade Doris H. , Dull Elizabeth H.
Published: March 2017

During the 1800s, many textile manufacturers moved to the U.S. South for economic and geographic reasons, fueling economic growth in the South. Although extensive documentation exists about textile factories in the northeast, limited documentation was found about the thousands of textile factories built in the South. This study examined over 150 textile mills and plants (i.e., factories) in two U.S. states. The qualitative study was made with on-site photographic evidence, historical documents, and other primary and secondary sources. An examination resulted in five groups of factories from 1815 to 2015. The factory architecture was observed as reflective of technological and geographic effects. For example, the factory style from 1950 to 1969 was that of low rambling structures, reflecting environmental and economic conditions of the South, and the period’s manufacturing technology. This study provides an outline for documenting these historic structures and a foundation for examining their characteristics and associated technologies.
Highly transparent and soluble polyimides with synergistic effects of pyridine and cyclohexane
Authors: Yao Jianan , Wang Chunbo , Zhao Xiaogang , Zhou Hongwei , Chen Chunhai , Wang Daming
Published: March 2017

In order to prepare novel polyimides (PI) with high transparency and solubility in common solvents, three diamine monomers containing pyridine or methyl-substituted pyridine and cyclohexane, 1,1′-bis[4-(5-amino-2-pyridinoxy)phenyl]cyclohexane (IIIa), 1,1′-bis[4-(5-amino-3-methyl-2-pyridinoxy)phenyl]cyclohexane (IIIb), and 1,1′-bis[4-(5-amino-2-methyl-6-pyridinoxy)phenyl]cyclohexane (IIIc), were synthesized and characterized. The diamine monomer (IIIa) was subsequently polymerized with 3,3′,4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride, 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)-diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) to obtain PIs, PI-1 and PI-2. Furthermore, PI-3 (IIIb/6FDA) and PI-4 (IIIc/6FDA) were prepared for structure–property comparison studies. The structures of the resulting PIs were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. The physical properties of the PI films were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. In general, the PIs showed excellent thermal properties and good mechanical properties. Most had good solubility in polar organic solvents such as N, N-dimethylacetamide, N, N-dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), m-cresol, and even soluble in low boiling solvents such as tetrahydrofuran (THF) and CHCl3. The PI films also exhibited high optical transmittance of 94–97% at 500 nm and cut-off wavelength at 345–359 nm. In summary, the introduction of methyl, cyclohexane, and pyridine groups into the backbone was shown to improve the solubility and transparency of PI films.
A detailed analysis of the unsteady flow within a Wells turbine
Authors: Ghisu Tiziano , Puddu Pierpaolo , Cambuli Francesco
Published: March 2017

Sea wave energy is one of the main renewable energy resources. Its exploitation is relatively simple and determines a minimum impact on the environment. The system that is most often used for wave energy harvesting is composed of an oscillating water column device together with a Wells turbine. When designing the Wells turbine, its interaction with the oscillating water column system must be taken into account, if the energy collected is to be maximized. The most important interaction phenomenon is the so called hysteresis effect, i.e. the time delay between the piston-like motion of the air water interface and the torque developed by the turbine. This work presents a detailed analysis of the flow within an oscillating water column system, focusing on the differences in performance and in secondary flow structures between acceleration and deceleration, and between the inflow and outflow phases. This analysis demonstrates how the hysteresis between acceleration and deceleration is caused uniquely by compressibility effects within the oscillating water column system, while differences in the flow parameters and secondary structures near the rotor are negligible, if equivalent flow conditions are compared. The effects of the oscillating water column system configuration on the performance are also highlighted.
Effect of phase adjustment on the acoustic field of a cascade thermoacoustic engine
Authors: Saechan Patcharin , Dhuchakallaya Isares
Published: March 2017

This study set out to explore the influence of phase adjustment on the acoustic field of a cascade thermoacoustic engine. The system consists of one standing wave unit and one traveling wave unit arranged in series. The straight-line configuration allows suppressing a time-averaged mass flow or Gedeon streaming, which causes some unwanted convective heat transport and reduces the efficiency of the system. Theoretically, the regenerator of the traveling wave unit must be operated within the traveling wave phasing and high impedance region in order to achieve an efficient performance. The various techniques of phase adjustment by modifying the configurations and geometrical dimensions of the system are investigated both numerically and experimentally to adjust the position of the sweet spot as well as to achieve the high acoustic impedance in the regenerator. The effective tuning methods with less modification here are accomplished by changing the volume of the down-cavity and reducing the flow area of the down-resonator by inserting the pencil. However, the pencil insertion scheme causes an extra loss due to viscous dissipation that should be taken into account. The change of the down-resonator length has a strong effect on the acoustic field in the system. After the phase-adjustment schemes are completely implemented, the performance of the proposed system is significantly improved, in which the regenerator of the traveling wave unit operates within the traveling wave phase region with high acoustic impedance. This prototype operated with air at atmospheric pressure can supply acoustic power up to 33 W to the down-resonator, which is about 9.5% of Carnot efficiency.
Ethically providing Routine HIV testing services to bereaved populations
Authors: Burmen Barbara , Mogunde Joseph O , Kwaro Daniel PO
Published: March 2017

Background:

The delivery of public health policies may be in conflict with individualism.

Objectives:

To propose measures to ethically provide routine HIV testing services to persons visiting a funeral home.

Research design:

A document analysis of study documents and presentations made to an institutional review board.

Participants and research context:

Institutional review board members (both lay and professionals) and Study investigators attending an `open session' where study investigators were invited to elaborate on some study procedures.

Ethical considerations:

Identities of all parties were anonymized.

Findings:

Opt-out approaches to HIV testing, grief counseling, relational ethics, and a modular consenting process were proposed to safeguard clients' autonomy. The golden-rule approach and protective empowering were suggested to protect clientele beneficence.

Discussion and conclusion:

It is possible to ethically provide universal HIV testing and counseling services among grieving populations in this setting; elsewhere, this should be contextualized.
Perinatal Loss and Spirituality
Authors: Wright Patricia Moyle
Published: March 2017

Perinatal loss is an area of inquiry that has been steadily developing over the past 40 years. Much of the work done in this field of inquiry is qualitative in nature because it is rooted in the constructivist perspective. The metasynthesis presented in this article was conducted to derive an understanding of how spirituality and perinatal bereavement intersect. Using the steps outlined by Noblit and Hare, the article presents four themes that were developed using published studies on perinatal loss as data. These themes are: leaning into faith for strength, challenging faith, acceptance and finding meaning, and strengthening faith. A model representing how the four themes are interconnected is also presented.
EGFR Exon 20 Insertion/Duplication Mutation in Fibrous Hamartoma of Infancy With Predominantly Pseudoangiomatous Pattern Mimicking Giant Cell Fibroblastoma
Authors: Ellington Natalie , Park Jason Y. , King Kathryn , Josephs Shellie , Rakheja Dinesh
Published: March 2017

We describe a case of fibrous hamartoma of infancy (FHI) with predominant pseudoangiomatous histologic pattern that harbors a recently described characteristic molecular feature of FHI: EGFR exon 20 insertion/duplication mutation. A left axillary mass of an 8-month-old male was biopsied. Microscopic findings revealed a CD34-positive spindle cell proliferation accompanied by slit like spaces within collagen, mimicking giant cell fibroblastoma. The mass was excised. The vast majority of the mass showed histologic findings similar to the biopsy. However, the peripheral rim of the mass demonstrated focal triphasic histology suggestive of FHI. Giant cell fibroblastoma was excluded by a negative COL1A1/ PDGFB fusion by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Targeted Sanger sequencing revealed the presence of an EGFR exon 20 insertion/duplication mutation. We posit that identification of the characteristic EGFR exon 20 molecular aberration may be of diagnostic value in FHI with variant histology and help exclude more aggressive diagnoses.
Postnatal Neural Stem Cells: Probing Their Competence for Cortical Repair
Authors: Donega Vanessa , Raineteau Olivier
Published: March 2017

There is growing evidence for a tentative cellular repair in the forebrain following perinatal injuries. In this review, we present the evidences and shortcomings in this regenerative attempt. We discuss recent progress in elucidating the origin, diversity, and competence of postnatal neural stem cells/progenitor cells. Finally, we propose new strategies to recruit postnatal progenitors to generate specific subtypes of cortical neurons or oligodendrocytes, thereby allowing the development of tailor-made approaches to treat perinatal brain injuries.
Escaping Youth
Authors: Omelchenko Elena , Nartova Nadya , Krupets Yana
Published: March 2017

The contemporary sociological debate highlights that youth is a category of age, but actual chronological youth is hardly viewed as a period of age production. Transition studies exclude youth as a stage of age identity production, while age studies do not problematize young people’s experience. This article focuses on age construction by two groups of chronologically young women. The analysis of 40 qualitative interviews with 15- to 20-year-old girls and 30- to 35-year-old women from Saint Petersburg shows that the concept of youth is slipping away from the biographical narratives of the informants from both age groups. Subjective adulthood experienced by young women is a goal and a value, while a young body does not prove to be a significant and available resource. At the same time, adulthood is not constructed as a set of clearly defined social characteristics but as an identity, a subjective experience, embodied adult personhood.
An Integrative Genomics Approach for Associating Genome-Wide Association Studies Information With Localized and Metastatic Prostate Cancer Phenotypes
Authors: Hicks Chindo , Ramani Ritika , Sartor Oliver , Bhalla Ritu , Miele Lucio , Dlamini Zodwa , Gumede Njabulo
Published: March 2017

High-throughput genotyping has enabled discovery of genetic variants associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer using genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The goal of this study was to associate GWAS information of patients with primary organ–confined and metastatic prostate cancer using gene expression data and to identify molecular networks and biological pathways enriched for genetic susceptibility variants involved in the 2 disease states. The analysis revealed gene signatures for the 2 disease states and a gene signature distinguishing the 2 patient groups. In addition, the analysis revealed molecular networks and biological pathways enriched for genetic susceptibility variants. The discovered pathways include the androgen, apoptosis, and insulinlike growth factor signaling pathways. This analysis established putative functional bridges between GWAS discoveries and the biological pathways involved in primary organ–confined and metastatic prostate cancer.
Rethinking individualization
Authors: Cortois Liza , Laermans Rudi
Published: March 2017

This article proposes a more culturalist and variegated conception of the individual than that presented by individualization theorists. Inspired by the approach of the individual advocated by Émile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons and John Meyers, it first outlines the general script of the individual-as-actor that informs modern individualism as well as the generic characteristics that are routinely attributed to persons such as agency and free will. It subsequently reconstructs three predominant interpretations of this general script, i.e. utilitarian, moral and expressive individualism. For each variant, the intellectual genesis and overall definition of the institutionalization in specific societal domains and the dominant articulations in social theory are briefly presented. With this threefold distinction, the aim is to synthesize the extensive literature on individualism and to show the sociological strengths of approaching subjectivity in terms of institutionalized scripts.
Restricted feeding modulates the daily variations of liver glutamate dehydrogenase activity, expression, and histological location
Authors: Vázquez-Martínez Olivia , Méndez Isabel , Turrubiate Isaías , Valente-Godínez Héctor , Pérez-Mendoza Moisés , García-Tejada Paola , Díaz-Muñoz Mauricio
Published: March 2017

Glutamate dehydrogenase is an important enzyme in the hepatic regulation of nitrogen and energy metabolism. It catalyzes one of the most relevant anaplerotic reactions. Although its relevance in liver homeostasis has been widely described, its daily pattern and responsiveness to restricted feeding protocols has not been studied. We explored the daily variations of liver glutamate dehydrogenase transcription, protein, activity, and histochemical and subcellular location in a protocol of daytime food synchronization in rats. Restricted feeding involved food access for 2 h each day for three weeks. Control groups included food ad libitum as well as acute fasting (21 h fasting) and refeeding (22 h fasting followed by 2 h of food access). Glutamate dehydrogenase mRNA, protein, activity, and histological location were measured every 3 h by qPCR, Western blot, spectrophotometry, and immunohistochemistry, respectively, to generate 24-h profiles. Restricted feeding promoted higher levels of mitochondrial glutamate dehydrogenase protein and activity, as well as a loss of 24-h rhythmicity, in comparison to ad libitum conditions. The rhythmicity of glutamate dehydrogenase activity detected in serum was changed. The data demonstrated that daytime restricted feeding enhanced glutamate dehydrogenase protein and activity levels in liver mitochondria, changed the rhythmicity of its mRNA and serum activity, but without effect in its expression in hepatocytes surrounding central and portal veins. These results could be related to the adaptation in nitrogen and energy metabolism that occurs in the liver during restricted feeding and the concomitant expression of the food entrainable oscillator.

Impact statement

For the first time, we are reporting the changes in daily rhythmicity of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) mRNA, protein and activity that occur in the liver during the expression of the food entrained oscillator (FEO). These results are part of the metabolic adaptations that modulate the hepatic timing system when the protocol of daytime restricted feeding is applied. As highlight, it was demonstrated higher GDH protein and activity in the mitochondrial fraction. These results contribute to a better understanding of the influence of the FEO in the energy and nitrogen handling in the liver. They could also be significant in the pathophysiology of hepatic diseases related with circadian abnormalities.
CT-SIM: A simulation model for wide-scale cluster-tree networks based on the IEEE 802.15.4 and ZigBee standards
Authors: Leão Erico , Moraes Ricardo , Montez Carlos , Portugal Paulo , Vasques Francisco
Published: March 2017

The IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee set of standards is one of the most used wireless sensor network technologies. This set of standards supports cluster-tree networks, which are suitable topologies for wide-scale deployments. The design of wide-scale wireless sensor networks is a challenging task because it is difficult to test, analyse and validate new designs in real scenarios. Thus, simulation becomes a convenient and feasible method for its assessment before deployment. Within this context, we provide a set of simulation models for IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee-based networks, which are able to deal with wide-scale cluster-tree wireless sensor networks and to address their major challenges. The provided simulation models implement important mechanisms for the assessment of wide-scale cluster-tree networks and associated data communication mechanisms, enabling an easier design and test of wide-scale wireless sensor network implementations.
The Effects of Immigration and Media Influence on Body Image Among Pakistani Men
Authors: Saghir Sheeba , Hyland Lynda
Published: March 2017

This study examined the role of media influence and immigration on body image among Pakistani men. Attitudes toward the body were compared between those living in Pakistan ( n = 56) and those who had immigrated to the United Arab Emirates ( n = 58). Results of a factorial analysis of variance demonstrated a significant main effect of immigrant status. Pakistani men living in the United Arab Emirates displayed poorer body image than those in the Pakistan sample. Results also indicated a second main effect of media influence.Those highly influenced by the media displayed poorer body image. No interaction effect was observed between immigrant status and media influence on body image. These findings suggest that media influence and immigration are among important risk factors for the development of negative body image among non-Western men. Interventions designed to address the negative effects of the media and immigration may be effective at reducing body image disorders and other related health problems in this population.
Social determinants of cancer incidence and mortality around the world: an ecological study
Authors: McDaniel Justin T. , Nuhu Kaamel , Ruiz Juan , Alorbi Genevieve
Published: March 2017

Cancer continues to be a leading cause of mortality and morbidity the world over. While the incidence of cancer is projected to increase by 70% over the next two decades, some research findings suggest a disproportionate distribution of new cancer cases and attendant fatalities across certain regions of the world, with poor and lower income countries worse affected at a time when advances in cancer research, medical technology, and drug development are giving rise to better cancer survival in developed countries. In this study, the role of selected social determinants of health in gauging cancer outcomes relative to incidence across various countries in different regions of the world was explored. The results indicated that the education index, income index, Gini coefficient, availability of cancer control policies and programs, as well as health system performance have an association with and are good predictors of the mortality to incidence ratio (MIR) of lung, breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. In other words, populations with better education, higher incomes and lower inequalities, active cancer control policies and programs and high performing health systems have better cancer outcomes as reflected in lower MIRs relative to other populations.
Predictors of obstructive sleep apnoea in patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome
Authors: de Batlle Jordi , Turino Cecilia , Sánchez-de-la-Torre Alicia , Abad Jorge , Duran-Cantolla Joaquín , McEvoy R. Douglas , Antic Nick A. , Mediano Olga , Cabriada Valentín , Masdeu Maria José , Teran Joaquín , Valls Joan , Barbé Ferran , Sánchez-de-la-Torre Manuel
Published: March 2017

Identifying undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients in cardiovascular clinics could improve their management. Aiming to build an OSA predictive model, a broad analysis of clinical variables was performed in a cohort of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.

Sociodemographic, anthropometric, life-style and pharmacological variables were recorded. Clinical measures included blood pressure, electrocardiography, echocardiography, blood count, troponin levels and a metabolic panel. OSA was diagnosed using respiratory polygraphy. Logistic regression models and classification and regression trees were used to create predictive models.

A total of 978 patients were included (298 subjects with apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) <15 events·h−1and 680 with AHI ≥15 events·h−1). Age, BMI, Epworth sleepiness scale, peak troponin levels and use of calcium antagonists were the main determinants of AHI ≥15 events·h−1(C statistic 0.71; sensitivity 94%; specificity 24%). Age, BMI, blood triglycerides, peak troponin levels and Killip class ≥II were determinants of AHI ≥30 events·h−1(C statistic of 0.67; sensitivity 31%; specificity 86%).

Although a set of variables associated with OSA was identified, no model could successfully predict OSA in patients admitted for ACS. Given the high prevalence of OSA, the authors propose respiratory polygraphy as a to-be-explored strategy to identify OSA in ACS patients.
Early computed tomography modifications following bronchial thermoplasty in patients with severe asthma
Authors: Debray Marie-Pierre , Dombret Marie-Christine , Pretolani Marina , Thabut Gabriel , Alavoine Loubna , Brillet Pierre-Yves , Taillé Camille , Khalil Antoine , Chanez Pascal , Aubier Michel
Published: March 2017

Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is a recent, promising and well-tolerated technique for the treatment of severe asthma. By delivering thermal energy to the airway wall, this procedure can induce early pulmonary opacities seen on computed tomography (CT). We aimed to examine early CT modifications induced by BT and to determine their association with respiratory symptoms.

Unenhanced chest CT was performed the day after each BT session in 13 patients with severe asthma, leading to the examination of 38 treated lobes. A total of 15 BT-treated lobes were evaluated in 11 patients at 1 month. The first two patients also underwent CT at 1 week.

No symptoms suggestive of pulmonary infection were noted following BT in any patient. Peribronchial consolidations and ground-glass opacities were observed in all treated lobes on day 1, with three lower lobes showing complete collapse. Mild involvement of an adjacent untreated lobe was observed in 12 out of 38 (32%) cases. Opacities had decreased in 5 out of 15 (33%) and disappeared in 10 out of 15 (67%) at 1 month.

BT induced early pulmonary peribronchial hyperdensities in all treated lobes. These alterations were unrelated to clinical symptoms and spontaneously decreased or disappeared after 1 month.
Anisotropic full-waveform inversion with tilt-angle recovery
Authors: Rusmanugroho Herurisa , Modrak Ryan , Tromp Jeroen
Published: March 2017

By allowing spatial variations in the direction of the anisotropic fast axis, tilted transverse isotropy (TTI) helps to image complex or steeply dipping structures. Without a priori geologic constraints, however, recovery of all the anisotropic parameters can be nontrivial and nonunique. We adopt two methods for TTI inversion with tilt-angle recovery: one based on the familiar Voigt parameters, and another based on the so-called Chen and Tromp parameters known from regional and global seismology. These parameterizations arise naturally in seismic wave propagation and facilitate straightforward recovery of the tilt angle and anisotropic strength. In numerical experiments with vertical transversely isotropic starting models and TTI target models, we find that the Voigt as well as the Chen and Tromp parameters allow quick and robust recovery of steeply dipping anticlinal structures.
Integrating Palliative Care Services in Ambulatory Oncology: An Application of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System
Authors: Rauenzahn Sherri L. , Schmidt Susanne , Aduba Ifeoma O. , Jones Jessica T. , Ali Nazneen , Tenner Laura L.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

Research in palliative care demonstrates improvements in overall survival, quality of life, symptom management, and reductions in the cost of care. Despite the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommendation for early concurrent palliative care in patients with advanced cancer and high symptom burden, integrating palliative services is challenging. Our aims were to quantitatively describe the palliative referral rates and symptom burden in a South Texas cancer center and establish a palliative referral system by implementing the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS).

Methods:

As part of our Plan-Do-Study-Act process, all staff received an educational overview of the ESAS tool and consultation ordering process. The ESAS form was then implemented across five ambulatory oncology clinics to assess symptom burden and changes therein longitudinally. Referral rates and symptom assessment scores were tracked as metrics for quality improvement.

Results:

On average, one patient per month was referred before implementation of the intervention compared with 10 patients per month after implementation across all clinics. In five sample clinics, 607 patients completed the initial assessment, and 430 follow-up forms were collected over 5 months, resulting in a total of 1,037 scores collected in REDCap. The mean ESAS score for initial patient visits was 20.0 (standard deviation, 18.1), and referred patients had an initial mean score of 39.0 (standard deviation, 19.0).

Conclusion:

This project highlights the low palliative care consultation rate, high symptom burden of oncology patients, and underuse of services by oncologists despite improvements with the introduction of a symptom assessment form and referral system.
Who Am I? Identity, Resistance, and Resilience in the Classical-Style Poetry of Nie Gannu
Authors: Yang Haosheng
Published: March 2017

This article examines modern Chinese writer Nie Gannu's 聶紺弩 (1903–86) poetic exploration of the meaning of life and poetry in times of both personal crisis and sociopolitical crises in China from the 1950s through the mid-1970s. Before and during the Cultural Revolution, Nie was thrice denounced—as a member of the Hu Feng clique in 1955, as a rightist in 1957, and as a counterrevolutionary in 1967 for his critique of the extreme political measures of the time. Political persecution spurred Nie's serious interest in writing classical-style poetry, in which he redefined the role of intellectual writers in the socialist state. His poems were generated from ideological crisis, emotional vexation, and a moral imperative to record unvarnished truth; in an age obsessed with the future, they bore witness to the suffering of the present and the past.
Lu Xun, the Critical Buddhist: A Monstrous Ekayāna
Authors: Lei Ying
Published: March 2017

When Lu Xun 魯迅 (1881–1936) sows in “Gudu zhe” 孤獨者 (The Misanthrope) the analogy of a seed in a conversation about the nature of children, he alludes to the epistemic seedbed other than evolutionary thinking: Buddhism. This study probes into this moment of double conjuration as religion encounters science and soteriology confronts natural law. It unravels the significance of the Buddhist reference by tracing the seed to its Yogācāra provenance and implanting it in a twentieth-century debate between the Yogācārins and the advocates of the Tathāgatagarbha doctrine across East Asia. The author situates Lu Xun in a shared intellectual horizon with the contemporary lay Buddhist scholar, Ouyang Jingwu 歐陽竟無 (1871–1943), whose critique of Dasheng qixin lun 大乘起信論 (Treatise on the Awakening of Faith in the Mahāyāna, or the Awakening of Faith) in 1922 furnishes a Buddhist exemplum of the “obsession with China.” In spirit both Ouyang and Lu Xun anticipate the Critical Buddhism movement of late 1980s Japan, in which hongaku 本覚， or original enlightenment thought, is censured for latent ideological complicity with Japanese ethnocentrism. Lu Xun, the author suggests, turns out to be the most critical of all Critical Buddhists. This is evidenced by his “Sihuo” 死火 (Dead Fire), which features a ghastly twist in its retelling of the burning house parable from the Miaofa lianhua jing 妙法蓮華經 (Saddharma-puṇḍarīka-sūtra; Sūtra of the Lotus of the Wonderful Dharma, or the Lotus Sūtra). Having undergone a Buddhist vita contemplativa in the preceding years of the literary revolution, Lu Xun came to personify a profound “consciousness of darkness” (youan yishi 幽暗意識) in dwelling on the karma of modernity.
ЧАСТОТА И ВЫРАЖЕННОСТЬ ТРЕВОЖНО-ДЕПРЕССИВНЫХ НАРУШЕНИЙ У СТУДЕНТОВ МЕДИЦИНСКОГО ВУЗА
Authors: Derevyannich Evgeny Valeryevich , Balashova Natalia Arlenovna , Yaskevich Roman Anatolyevich , Moskalenko Olga Leonidovna
Published: March 2017

Цель. Изучение частоты и выраженности тревожно-депрессивных расстройств у студентов КрасГМУ.Материалы и методы. Обследовано 200 студентов 1 и 3 курсов по специальности «педиатрия» факультета фундаментального медицинского образования (ФФМО) КрасГМУ. Для выявления и оценки степени тяжести тревожно-депрессивных расстройств использовалась валидизированная в России госпитальная шкала тревоги и депрессии HADS.Результаты. По данным проведенного исследования было установлено, что студенты 1 и 3 курса КрасГМУ характеризуются высоким уровнем тревоги, при этом среди студентов 1 курса чаще встречались тревожные расстройства имеющие клинически выраженный характер, в сравнении со студентами 3 курса с превалированием у девушек. Среди обследованных студентов также отмечается высокий уровень депрессивных расстройств с небольшим преобладанием среди студентов 3 курса и среди девушек. Клинически значимые уровни депрессии выявлялись среди третьекурсников в 3 раза реже в сравнении с первым курсом. Гендерные различия относительно ассоциации с депрессией показали, что девушки имели незначительно более высокую частоту встречаемости депрессивных расстройств, чем юноши.Заключение. Результаты проведенного исследования позволяют сделать выводы о высокой частоте встречаемости тревожно-­депрессивных расстройств у студентов 1 и 3 курсов ФФМО КрасГМУ, с преобладанием клинически значимых уровней этих расстройств среди студентов 1 курса.Полученные в ходе исследования закономерности следует учитывать при проведении профилактических мероприятий с целью раннего выявления и последующей коррекции тревожно-депрессивных расстройств среди студентов медицинских ВУЗов.
Problems of Economic Activity Management of Household
Authors: Хайкин  , Khaykin M.
Published: March 2017

The article considers the basic constituents of economic activity of household: legal; administrative; production; marketing; commercial; financial; infrastructural types of activity. The special attention is paid to the role of modern processes of transformation of institutional environment in maintenance and character of made decision in the sector of household.
Innovative Approach to the University Intellectual Capital Management
Authors: Сундукова  , Sundukova Galina
Published: March 2017

The article deals with the innovative approach to the management of the intellectual capital of the university,

taking into account the specifics of the educational institutions. It is concluded that the formation of the

intellectual capital of the university is based on the process approach and intellectual capital growth software

requires a strategic approach.
The Role of Pensioners in the American Electorate
Authors: Лебедева  , Lebedeva Lyudmila , Емельянов  , Emelyanov E.
Published: March 2017

The article examines fundamental demographic changes in the USA that have been shifting the electorate and as a result - American politics; with wide gaps between the generations on key social, economic, political issues. The US presidential elections since 1980 were dominated by baby boomers (born 1946-1964) and prior generations, who have cast the vast majority of votes in every presidential election. The 2016 electorate has been the most diverse in the US history due to strong growth of young generations, and especially among Hispanic eligible voters. Millennials (born 1981–1998) and X generation (born 1965-1980) surpassed Baby Boomers and more old generations whose choices differ significantly in many fields; but the key problem is who really votes. The age structure of the American electorate and its influence on the election results; the role of pensioners and those, who’ll retire in the nearest future, as voters at the federal and state levels are in focus.
To test or not to test? Blood glucose monitoring in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Meetoo Danny D , Wong Louise
Published: March 2017

Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is considered an essential component of diabetes self-management. However, research has yielded mixed results regarding the value of this technology for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are not treated with insulin. Some studies have demonstrated no benefit, whereas others have shown improved HbA1c outcome and behaviour change linked to SMBG. When used appropriately, SMBG can help to identify factors associated with hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia, facilitate learning, and empower people with diabetes to make changes to improve their glycaemic control. SMBG can also be useful to healthcare providers, who can teach individuals to monitor glucose at specific times to assess the effectiveness of medications and guide medication management. There remains an argument that as in type 1 diabetes, all people with type 2 diabetes should be given the opportunity to learn about the value of and skills required to monitor blood glucose as appropriate to their specific needs.
An update on fibre
Authors: Patience Sara
Published: March 2017

The guidance has evolved. Here's what primary care nurses need to know, writes Sara Patience
Midwifery management of asthma and allergies during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum
Authors: Nolte Anna , Hastings-Tolsma Marie , Hoyte Flavia
Published: March 2017

Asthma and allergies can cause serious complications during pregnancy and often they are misdiagosed or mistreated. Anna Nolte, Marie Hastings-Tolsma and Flavia Hoyte look at ways nurses and midwives can recognise the symptoms quicker

Asthma and allergic rhinitis are two of the most common health problems worldwide and can present serious complication during pregnancy. While these diseases may improve, remain unchanged, or become exacerbated during pregnancy, they are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. The inflammatory processes involved in asthma and allergic rhinitis are superimposed on the normal respiratory changes of pregnancy, making early intervention crucial. Recognition of factors that can aggravate asthma, implementation and adherence to treatment guidelines, and diligent follow-up are important in midwifery management. Patient education is particularly important for prevention of asthma exacerbations. With careful control of asthma and allergic rhinitis, if present, excellent obstetric outcomes can be expected.
Sexual-health beliefs among minority ethnic families in the north of England
Authors: Ochieng Bertha , Meetoo Danny D
Published: March 2017

Do cultural issues hinder effective sex education in black African communities? Bertha Ochieng and Danny D Meetoo present a study to examine this and suggest ways to solve it

The purpose of this study was to explore beliefs and attitudes regarding sexual health among minority ethnic families. Focus group discussions with a convenience sample from a black African community comprising 32 adults (38–58 years of age) were undertaken. The group discussions were recorded, transcribed and analysed for themes. The findings were analysed using descriptive analysis and a variation of the constant comparative method. Primary themes included the participants' understanding of the concept of sexual health; an insight into sexual-health discourse in the home; and the need for culturally appropriate sexual-health promotion. This study contributes to our knowledge of black African parents' views on sexual health. It adds to previous literature on sexual health, gives voice to minority parents and their adolescent children, and highlights the importance of social norms, family and cultural values on sexual health.
An update on mosquitoes and communicable diseases
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: March 2017

After Zika, there is another breed of mosquito-borne diseases that UK patients are starting to present with. Mark Greener outlines what the practice nurse needs to know
How ‘honest’ are you and your school?
Authors: Bawden Matt
Published: March 2017

What role does honesty play in the character and ethos of your school? Matt Bawden discusses why honesty should drive everything we do as staff and how this can inspire students and parents too
In arrogant denial…
Authors: Keates Chris
Published: March 2017

The government is in arrogant denial of the crisis it has caused in teaching. Chris Keates calls for proper investment, action on workload and better support
Ubiquitin E3 ligase Itch negatively regulates osteoblast function by promoting proteasome degradation of osteogenic proteins
Authors: Liu J. , Li X. , Zhang H. , Gu R. , Wang Z. , Gao Z. , Xing L.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Ubiquitin E3 ligase-mediated protein degradation regulates osteoblast function. Itch, an E3 ligase, affects numerous cell functions by regulating ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of related proteins. However, the Itch-related cellular and molecular mechanisms by which osteoblast differentiation and function are elevated during bone fracture repair are as yet unknown.

Methods

We examined the expression levels of E3 ligases and NF-κB members in callus samples during bone fracture repair by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and the total amount of ubiquitinated proteins by Western blot analysis in wild-type (WT) mice. The expression levels of osteoblast-associated genes in fracture callus from Itch knockout (KO) mice and their WT littermates were examined by qPCR. The effect of NF-κB on Itch expression in C2C12 osteoblast cells was determined by a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay.

Results

The expression levels of WW Domain Containing E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 1 (Wwp1), SMAD Specific E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 1 (Smurf1), SMAD Specific E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 2 (Smurf2) and Itch were all significantly increased in the fracture callus of WT mice, which was associated with elevated expression of NF-κB members and total ubiquitinated proteins. Callus tissue isolated from Itch KO mice expressed higher levels of osteoblast-associated genes, including Runx2, a positive regulator of osteoblast differentiation, but osteoclast-associated genes were not increased. Both NF-κB RelA and RelB proteins were found to bind to the NF-κB binding site in the mouse Itch promoter.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that Itch depletion may have a strong positive effect on osteoblast differentiation in fracture callus. Thus, ubiquitin E3 ligase Itch could be a potential target for enhancing bone fracture healing. Cite this article: J. Liu, X. Li, H. Zhang, R. Gu, Z. Wang, Z. Gao, L. Xing. Ubiquitin E3 ligase Itch negatively regulates osteoblast function by promoting proteasome degradation of osteogenic proteins. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:154–161. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.63.BJR-2016-0237.R1.