bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative Glycemic Control and the Effect on Surgical Site Infections in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Foot and Ankle Surgery
Authors: Sadoskas David , Suder Natalie C. , Wukich Dane K.
Published: July 2015

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of hyperglycemia in the perioperative setting. Hyperglycemia has been shown to cause increased risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) in multiple surgical specialties, but to our knowledge it has not been investigated for orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery. The aim of this study was to determine if hyperglycemia increased the rate of SSI in elective, diabetic patients that required perioperative hospitalization. Methods. A total of 348 consecutive inpatients after foot and ankle surgery were retrospectively evaluated. Patients who had a random serum glucose ≥200 mg/dL during the admission (Group 1) were compared to patients whose serum glucose never exceeded 200 mg/dL (Group 2). Results. Our 2 groups were similar with regard to age, gender, and body mass index. Twenty-one of 176 patients (11.9%) whose serum glucose was ≥200 mg/dL during the admission developed an SSI as compared to 9 of 172 patients (5.2%) whose serum glucose remained <200 mg/dL (odds ratio = 2.45; 95% confidence interval = 1.09-5.52;, P = .03). Discussion. Perioperative hyperglycemia ≥200 mg/dL is associated with increased rates of SSI after foot and ankle surgery. Communication with medical consultants is paramount in an effort to improve perioperative glycemic management and reduce the rate of SSI.

Levels of Evidence: Prognostic, Level III: Case Control
Full Implementation of Screening for Nutritional Risk and Dysphagia in an Acute Stroke Unit
Authors: Kampman Margitta T. , Eltoft Agnethe , Karaliute Migle , Børvik Margrethe T. , Nilssen Hugo , Rasmussen Ida , Johnsen Stein H.
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose:

In patients with acute stroke, undernutrition and aspiration pneumonia are associated with increased mortality and length of hospital stay. Formal screening for nutritional risk and dysphagia helps to ensure optimal nutritional management in all patients with stroke and to reduce the risk of aspiration in patients with dysphagia. We developed a national guideline for nutritional and dysphagia screening in acute stroke, which was introduced in our stroke unit on June 1, 2012. The primary objective was to audit adherence to the guideline and to achieve full implementation. Second, we assessed the prevalence of nutritional risk and dysphagia.

Methods:

We performed a chart review to assess performance of screening for nutritional risk and dysphagia in all patients with stroke hospitalized for ≥48 hours between June 1, 2012, and May 31, 2013. Next we applied a “clinical microsystems approach” with rapid improvement cycles and audits over a 6-month period to achieve full implementation.

Results:

The chart review showed that nutritional risk screening was performed in 65% and swallow testing in 91% of eligible patients (n = 185). Proactive implementation resulted in >95% patients screened (n = 79). The overall prevalence of nutritional risk was 29%, and 23% of the patients failed the initial swallow test.

Conclusions:

Proactive implementation is required to obtain high screening rates for nutritional risk and swallowing difficulties using validated screening tools. The proportion of patients at nutritional risk and the prevalence of dysphagia at initial swallow test were in the lower range of previous reports.
Combination use of medicines from two classes of renin–angiotensin system blocking agents: risk of hyperkalemia, hypotension, and impaired renal function
Authors: Esteras Raquel , Perez-Gomez Maria Vanessa , Rodriguez-Osorio Laura , Ortiz Alberto , Fernandez-Fernandez Beatriz
Published: July 2015

European and United States regulatory agencies recently issued warnings against the use of dual renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockade therapy through the combined use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or aliskiren in any patient, based on absence of benefit for most patients and increased risk of hyperkalemia, hypotension, and renal failure. Special emphasis was made not to use these combinations in patients with diabetic nephropathy. The door was left open to therapy individualization, especially for patients with heart failure, when the combined use of an ARB and ACEI is considered absolutely essential, although renal function, electrolytes and blood pressure should be closely monitored. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists were not affected by this warning despite increased risk of hyperkalemia. We now critically review the risks associated with dual RAS blockade and answer the following questions: What safety issues are associated with dual RAS blockade? Can the safety record of dual RAS blockade be improved? Is it worth trying to improve the safety record of dual RAS blockade based on the potential benefits of the combination? Is dual RAS blockade dead? What is the role of mineralocorticoid antagonists in combination with other RAS blocking agents: RAAS blockade?
Homeostatic theory of obesity
Authors: Marks David F
Published: July 2015

Health is regulated by homeostasis, a property of all living things. Homeostasis maintains equilibrium at set-points using feedback loops for optimum functioning of the organism. Imbalances in homeostasis causing overweight and obesity are evident in more than 1 billion people. In a new theory, homeostatic obesity imbalance is attributed to a hypothesized ‘Circle of Discontent’, a system of feedback loops linking weight gain, body dissatisfaction, negative affect and over-consumption. The Circle of Discontent theory is consistent with an extensive evidence base. A four-armed strategy to halt the obesity epidemic consists of (1) putting a stop to victim-blaming, stigma and discrimination; (2) devalorizing the thin-ideal; (3) reducing consumption of energy-dense, low-nutrient foods and drinks; and (4) improving access to plant-based diets. If fully implemented, interventions designed to restore homeostasis have the potential to halt the obesity epidemic.
Cholesterol and depressive symptoms in older men across time
Authors: Nath Ritwik , Jeong Yu-Jin , Igarashi Heidi , Proulx Jeffrey , Aldwin Carolyn M , Spiro Avron
Published: July 2015

This study aimed to examine reciprocal relations between cholesterol and depression. We assessed cholesterol and depressive symptoms twice over a 3-year interval, using 842 men from the Veterans Affairs Normative Aging Study ( M = 64, standard deviation = 8). Because depressive symptoms were skewed, we used zero-inflated Poisson analyses. Cross-lagged models showed that cholesterol levels at T1 predicted the existence of depressive symptoms at T2, covarying T1 depressive symptoms, age, smoking status, body mass index, and medications. Depressive symptoms at T1 did not predict cholesterol at T2. Low cholesterol levels may be risk factors for development of depressive symptoms in late life.
Employee subjective well-being and physiological functioning: An integrative model
Authors: Kuykendall Lauren , Tay Louis
Published: July 2015

Research shows that worker subjective well-being influences physiological functioning—an early signal of poor health outcomes. While several theoretical perspectives provide insights on this relationship, the literature lacks an integrative framework explaining the relationship. We develop a conceptual model explaining the link between subjective well-being and physiological functioning in the context of work. Integrating positive psychology and occupational stress perspectives, our model explains the relationship between subjective well-being and physiological functioning as a result of the direct influence of subjective well-being on physiological functioning and of their common relationships with work stress and personal resources, both of which are influenced by job conditions.
Good outcome after posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) despite elevated cerebral lactate: a case report
Authors: Ewertsen Caroline , Kondziella Daniel , Danielsen Else R , Thomsen Carsten
Published: July 2015

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) may cause irreversible brain damage. The diagnosis is confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), where vasogenic edema may be seen especially in the posterior parts of the brain. MR spectroscopy (MRS) may be included to help predict the outcome by measuring selected metabolites for instance lactate. Usually lactate is immeasurable in brain tissue, but elevates in cases of hypoxia, and it has been associated with poor outcome. We report a case of a patient with eclampsia and PRES, who had elevated lactate initially, but complete remission clinically and on MRI.
Comparison of the Hemostatic Activity of Quercus persica Jaub. & Spach. (Oak) With Ferric Sulfate in Bony Crypts
Authors: Nabavizadeh Mohammad Reza , Zargaran Arman , Moazami Fariborz , Askari Fatemeh , Sahebi Safoora , Farhadpoor Alireza , Faridi Pouya
Published: July 2015

Effective tissue hemostasis in periapical surgical site is important in the procedures. Plants with large amount of tannins may act as a local hemostatic agent. We aimed to compare the hemostatic effect of the extract of Quercus persica with one of the common hemostatic material used in periapical surgery. Six standardized bone holes were prepared in the calvaria of 5 Burgundy rabbits. Two hemostatic medicaments were tested for their hemostatic effect and were compared with control defects: Group 1, cotton pellet soaked in 15.5% ferric sulfate solution; Group 2, cotton pellet soaked in pure ethanolic extract of Q. persica. Bleeding score between the groups was compared. The ferric sulfate group exhibited significantly less bleeding than the other 2 groups. Q. persica was found to cause more hemostasis than the control group at 4 and 5 minutes but there were no significant differences between normal saline and Q. persica extract in bleeding control.
A Review of Patient Lifting Interventions to Reduce Health Care Worker Injuries
Authors: Aslam Imran , Davis Scott A. , Feldman Steven R. , Martin Willis E.
Published: July 2015

Health care workers suffer from musculoskeletal disorders at a significantly higher rate than workers in other industries. Consequently, a growing demand for patient handling devices to reduce worker injury has evolved. This article reviews the literature regarding interventions designed to reduce injuries among health care workers. A PubMed search was conducted using the terms “occupational health [Mesh Terms] patient lifting.” Fourteen articles were identified that assessed interventions to improve worker safety. Of the 14 articles, 7 discussed technological interventions, 4 educational approaches, and 3 policy change. All three types of interventions were generally effective at improving worker safety, with the ideal intervention consisting of elements of all three types. Although adopting a new intervention may be expensive, the reduction in workers’ compensation costs associated with injured nurses can easily outweigh the costs of interventions.
Chikungunya Virus
Authors: Phillips Jennan A.
Published: July 2015

A mosquito-borne viral disease that is creating increased concern globally is Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Occupational and environmental health nurses should educate workers about this emerging viral infection.
Benefits of Acoustic Beamforming for Solving the Cocktail Party Problem
Authors: Kidd Gerald , Mason Christine R. , Best Virginia , Swaminathan Jayaganesh
Published: July 2015

The benefit provided to listeners with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) by an acoustic beamforming microphone array was determined in a speech-on-speech masking experiment. Normal-hearing controls were tested as well. For the SNHL listeners, prescription-determined gain was applied to the stimuli, and performance using the beamformer was compared with that obtained using bilateral amplification. The listener identified speech from a target talker located straight ahead (0° azimuth) in the presence of four competing talkers that were either colocated with, or spatially separated from, the target. The stimuli were spatialized using measured impulse responses and presented via earphones. In the spatially separated masker conditions, the four maskers were arranged symmetrically around the target at ±15° and ±30° or at ±45° and ±90°. Results revealed that masked speech reception thresholds for spatially separated maskers were higher (poorer) on average for the SNHL than for the normal-hearing listeners. For most SNHL listeners in the wider masker separation condition, lower thresholds were obtained through the microphone array than through bilateral amplification. Large intersubject differences were found in both listener groups. The best masked speech reception thresholds overall were found for a hybrid condition that combined natural and beamforming listening in order to preserve localization for broadband sources.
Higher Education and Global Development
Authors: Zubair Haider Syed , Dilshad Muhammad
Published: July 2015

In the present era, education has emerged as a countrywide mission in developed and developing countries. Countries are utilizing their energies to deal with the transformations forthcoming in higher education. The research under investigation, reviews the global developments in the area of higher education (HE) all over the world and surveys the expected facets of HE in Pakistan. The researcher adopted qualitative approach and collected data through open form questionnaire from faculty members, PhD students, University Administrative Officers and professionals (Educationists/Educational Consultants). The study identifies 26 main global trends and 10 sub-trends of higher education in global perspective. Nvivo 9.2 was used for thematic analysis of transcriptions. Different techniques of Nvivo, metrics coding queries, word frequency and text search were used to explain the reflections of participants. The result of the study revealed that quality assurance and accountability, economic competition, international student mobility and advancement in technology appeared as favourite developments in Pakistan. The study results are productive pointers for university teachers, students, HE administration and educational professionals for future improvements in HE in Pakistan.
Mentoring as a Way to Change a Culture of Academic Bullying and Mobbing in the Humanities
Authors: Metzger Angela M. , Petit Angela , Sieber Sharon
Published: July 2015

In 2009, the Chronicle of Higher Education defined ‘academic mobbing’ as ‘a form of bullying in which members of a department gang up to isolate or humiliate a colleague’. In their call for a special issue on mobbing for Workplace: A Journal for Academic Labor, editors Stephen Petrina and E. Wayne Ross explain that if rumors are circulating about the target’s supposed misdeeds, if the target is excluded from meetings or not named to committees, or if people are saying the target needs to be punished formally ‘to be taught a lesson’, it’s likely that mobbing is under way.

This article addresses academic mobbing at colleges and universities in the United States (US), surveying current literature on the topic and discussing three instances of mobbing in the humanities at a regional state university in the US. The article also proposes an innovative mentoring programme as a long-term solution to this problem of bullying.

Specifically, this article presents a mentoring model designed by a doctoral humanities student who has herself been mobbed; this model proposes mentoring at the graduate level to counteract and, it is hoped, eventually eliminate a culture of mobbing in the humanities at the doctoral student’s current university and other schools. The graduate mentoring programme presented in this article seeks to change a culture of mobbing into one of cooperation and support, by helping the next generation of academics live up to the true creative, collaborative potential of the humanities.
Challenges of International Higher Education Students in a Foreign Country
Authors: Khodabandelou Rouhollah , Karimi Leila , Ehsani Maryam
Published: July 2015

Over the last several years, the number of international students attending colleges and universities in Malaysia has increased substantially. While the number of international students pursuing undergraduate and post graduate studies in Malaysian higher education institutions has increased, it is curious that some limitations and challenges exist to these students in their academic life. The main objective of this case study was to explore the challenges of Iranian students, as the largest group of international students in Malaysian higher education institutions. The research question formed in this study was: What challenges and difficulties do Iranian students face in Malaysian higher education institutions? Data were collected through semi-structured interviews of 21 Iranian postgraduate students pursuing their studies in both Malaysian public and private universities. Consistent with the result of previous studies, the following challenges were found: financial matters, visa, culture and insurance. The findings of the current study have useful implications for policy makers and managing bodies of educational institutions that seek to attract international students.
Flipping the Foreign Language Classroom and Critical Pedagogies
Authors: Correa Maite
Published: July 2015

Since the foundation of the Khan Academy (2006), a great deal of attention has been generated to the term flipped classrooms (also known as reverse or backwards classrooms), which is a (new) pedagogical movement that reverses the traditional paradigm of class lecture and homework. This approach subordinates teacher-centred lectures to a secondary level of importance and proposes that lectures should be carried outside of class time in the form of screencasts/video recordings that students can watch at home. As a consequence, this newly freed class time can be used for discussion, questions and assisting students with meaningful practice and hands-on activities.

This article first defines what a flipped foreign language (FL) classroom is, and what it is not. The discussion then moves to the fundamental tenets of critical pedagogy (following Vygotsky and Freire), namely: (a) the opposition between banking education and problem-posing education, (b) scaffolding and the zone of proximal development (ZPD) and (c) accountability of the student’s own learning. It is argued that flipped classrooms and problem-posing models of education are in fact two sides of the same coin. Then, the author addresses some of the most common concerns among FL instructors regarding the flip and proposes possible solutions. Finally, the limitations are discussed.
Impact of Regional Differences within State on the Factors Influencing Youth Entrepreneurship—A Case of Garhwal and Kumaun Regions of Uttarakhand
Authors: Sharma Lalit
Published: July 2015

Lee, Chang & Lim (2005) state that the impact of entrepreneurship education in each country is different because of each country’s unique culture with regard to entrepreneurship. Going by the above argument, this research paper intends to make a formal enquiry on whether the above effect holds true for different regions within a particular state. Considering the cultural diversities of the Garhwal and Kumaun regions of Uttarakhand, the article investigates whether the results obtained from the study conducted on factors influencing entrepreneurial mindsets among students in one part of the state hold true for the rest of the state or can there be differences in the impact of factors influencing the entrepreneurial mindset within a state also. Two factors influencing the entrepreneurial mindset of students’ of higher educational institutions (HEIs), namely, the effect of entrepreneurial education and the support of family and friends were taken into account and were measured in two different parts of the same state. The results revealed that in spite of cultural diversities in two regions, no significant difference in the effect of entrepreneurial education and support of family and friends towards entrepreneurship was seen in the Kumaun and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand.
Scope and Challenges of Technical Education
Authors: Abdul Rahman M. , Unnikrishnan Ramesh
Published: July 2015

Technical education contributes a major share to the overall education system and plays a vital role in the social and economic development of our nation. Since independence, the technical education system in our country has grown into a fairly large-sized system, offering opportunities for education and training in a wide variety of trades and disciplines at the certificate, diploma, degree, postgraduate degree and doctoral levels in institutions located throughout the country. India is renowned for producing graduates of the highest calibre, but only very few compared with its population receive high-quality technical education. India has over the years significantly bolstered the quality and availability of technical education, doubling the employment rate of graduates who are now better suited to the needs of the Indian industry. The challenges posed by this rapidly growing technical education system in our country are extremely complex in nature, with the employability of fresh engineering graduates getting multiplied to be a major hurdle. The issues and challenges faced by the technical education sector and its future prospects are discussed in this article taking the scenario prevailing in the state of Kerala as an example. A detailed picture is depicted in this article by portraying the availability of seats and institutes in technical education in Kerala. Issues faced and possible solutions are also highlighted.
Genome-wide investigation and expression analysis of Sodium/Calcium exchanger gene family in rice and Arabidopsis
Authors: Singh Anil Kumar , Kumar Ritesh , Tripathi Amit K. , Gupta Brijesh K. , Pareek Ashwani , Singla-Pareek Sneh L.
Published: July 2015

Background

The Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger (NCX) protein family is a member of the Cation/Ca2+ exchanger superfamily and its members play important roles in cellular Ca2+ homeostasis. While the functions of NCX family of proteins is well understood in humans, not much is known about the total complement of Na+/Ca2+ exchangers in plants and their role in various physiological and developmental processes. In the present study, we have identified all the NCX proteins encoded in the genomes of rice and Arabidopsis and studied their phylogeny, domain architecture and expression profiles across different tissues, at various developmental stages and under stress conditions.

Results

Through whole genome investigation, we identified twenty-two NCX proteins encoded by fifteen genes in rice and sixteen NCX proteins encoded by thirteen genes in Arabidopsis. Based on phylogenetic reconstruction, these could be classified into five clades, members of most of which were found to possess distinct domain architecture. Expression profiling of the identified NCX genes using publicly available MPSS and microarray data showed differential expression patterns under abiotic stresses, and at various development stages. In rice, OsNCX1, OsNCX8, OsNCX9 and OsNCX15 were found to be highly expressed in all the plant parts and various developmental stages. qRT-PCR based expression analysis revealed that OsNCX3, OsNCX10 and OsNCX15 were highly induced by salt and dehydration stress. Besides, expression profiling showed differential regulation of rice NCX genes in response to calcium and EGTA. Interestingly, expression of none of the NCX genes was found to be co-regulated by NaCl and calcium.

Conclusions

Together, our results present insights into the potential role of NCX family of proteins in abiotic stresses and development. Findings of the present investigation should serve as a starting point for future studies aiming functional characterization of plant NCX family proteins.
BALL-SNP: combining genetic and structural information to identify candidate non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms
Authors: Mueller Sabine C. , Backes Christina , Kalinina Olga V. , Meder Benjamin , Stöckel Daniel , Lenhof Hans-Peter , Meese Eckart , Keller Andreas
Published: July 2015

Background

High-throughput genetic testing is increasingly applied in clinics. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) data analysis however still remains a great challenge. The interpretation of pathogenicity of single variants or combinations of variants is crucial to provide accurate diagnostic information or guide therapies.

Methods

To facilitate the interpretation of variants and the selection of candidate non-synonymous polymorphisms (nsSNPs) for further clinical studies, we developed BALL-SNP. Starting from genetic variants in variant call format (VCF) files or tabular input, our tool, first, visualizes the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the respective proteins from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and highlights mutated residues, automatically. Second, a hierarchical bottom up clustering on the nsSNPs within the 3D structure is performed to identify nsSNPs, which are close to each other. The modular and flexible implementation allows for straightforward integration of different databases for pathogenic and benign variants, but also enables the integration of pathogenicity prediction tools. The collected background information of all variants is presented below the 3D structure in an easily interpretable table format.

Results

First, we integrated different data resources into BALL-SNP, including databases containing information on genetic variants such as ClinVar or HUMSAVAR; third party tools that predict stability or pathogenicity in silico such as I-Mutant2.0; and additional information derived from the 3D structure such as a prediction of binding pockets. We then explored the applicability of BALL-SNP on the example of patients suffering from cardiomyopathies. Here, the analysis highlighted accumulation of variations in the genes JUP, VCL, and SMYD2.

Conclusion

Software solutions for analyzing high-throughput genomics data are important to support diagnosis and therapy selection. Our tool BALL-SNP, which is freely available at http://www.ccb.uni-saarland.de/BALL-SNP, combines genetic information with an easily interpretable and interactive, graphical representation of amino acid changes in proteins. Thereby relevant information from databases and computational tools is presented. Beyond this, proximity to functional sites or accumulations of mutations with a potential collective effect can be discovered.
Prognostic factors in the acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Chen Wei , Ware Lorraine B
Published: July 2015

Despite improvements in critical care, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains a devastating clinical problem with high rates of morbidity and mortality. A better understanding of the prognostic factors associated with ARDS is crucial for facilitating risk stratification and developing new therapeutic interventions that aim to improve clinical outcomes. In this article, we present an up‐to‐date summary of factors that predict mortality in ARDS in four categories: (1) clinical characteristics; (2) physiological parameters and oxygenation; (3) genetic polymorphisms and biomarkers; and (4) scoring systems. In addition, we discuss how a better understanding of clinical and basic pathogenic mechanisms can help to inform prognostication, decision‐making, risk stratification, treatment selection, and improve study design for clinical trials.
Quantitative analysis of 3-dimensional facial soft tissue photographic images: technical methods and clinical application
Authors: Nanda Vikrum , Gutman Boris , Bar Ehab , Alghamdi Suha , Tetradis Sotirios , Lusis Aldons J , Eskin Eleazar , Moon Won
Published: July 2015

Background

The recent advent of 3D photography has created the potential for comprehensive facial evaluation. However, lack of practical true 3D analysis of the information collected from 3D images has been the factor limiting widespread utilization in orthodontics. Current evaluation of 3D facial soft tissue images relies on subjective visual evaluation and 2D distances to assess facial disharmony. The objectives of this project strive to map the surface and define boundaries of 3D facial soft tissue, modify mathematical functions to average multiple 3D facial images, and mathematically average 3D facial images allowing generation of color-coded surface deviation relative to a true average.

Methods

Collaboration headed by UCLA Orthodontics with UCLA Neuroimaging was initiated to modify advanced brain mapping technology to accurately map the facial surface in 3D. 10 subjects were selected as a sample for development of the technical protocol. 3dMD photographic images were segmented, corrected using a series of topology correcting algorithms, and process to create close meshes. Shapes were mapped to a sphere using conformal and area preserving maps, and were then registered using a spherical patch mapping approach. Finally an average was created using 7-parameter procrustes alignment.

Results

Size-standardized average facial images were generated for the sample population. A single patient was then superimposed on the average and color-coded displacement maps were generated to demonstrate the clinical applicability of this protocol. Further confirmation of the methods through 3D superimposition of the initial (T0) average to the 4 week (T4) average was completed and analyzed.

Conclusions

The results of this investigation suggest that it is possible to average multiple facial images of highly variable topology. The immediate application of this research will be rapid and detailed diagnostic imaging analysis for orthodontic and surgical treatment planning. There is great potential for application to anthropometrics and genomics. This investigation resulted in establishment of a protocol for mapping the surface of the human face in three dimensions.
IFN-λ is able to augment TLR-mediated activation and subsequent function of primary human B cells
Authors: de Groen Rik A , Groothuismink Zwier M A , Liu Bi-Sheng , Boonstra André
Published: July 2015

During the past decade, increased emphasis has been placed on finding alternatives to IFN-α-based therapies. One such alternative, IFN-λ, has shown therapeutic promise in a variety of diseases, but research of this family of cytokines has been primarily focused on their antiviral activities. The goal of the present study was to investigate the role of IFN-λ in the regulation and modulation of B cell function. We show that, similar to IFN-α, IFN-λ1 is able to augment TLR-mediated B cell activation, partially attributed to an upregulation of TLR7 expression, and that both naϊve and memory B cells express the limiting type III IFN receptor component, IFN-λR1. Furthermore, this IFN-λ-enhanced B cell activation resulted in increased cytokine and Ig production during TLR7 challenge, most prominently after the addition of helper T cell signals. Ultimately, these elevated cytokine and Ig levels could be partially attributed to the increase in proliferation of TLR7-challenged B cells by both type I and type III IFNs. These findings demonstrate the ability of IFN-λ to boost humoral immunity, an important attribute to consider for further studies on immunity to pathogens, vaccine development, and ongoing advancement of therapeutic strategies aimed at replacing IFN-α-based treatments with IFN-λ.
Hyperprolactinaemia and antipsychotics
Authors: Nelson James C. , Bell Patrick M. , Guy Stephen T.
Published: July 2015

This overview explains antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinaemia and offers guidance on the management of this common and underestimated problem in general psychiatric practice.
Bringing smartphone technology into undergraduate and postgraduate psychiatry
Authors: Zhang Melvyn W. B. , Ho Cyrus S. H. , Cheok Christopher C. S. , Ho Roger C. M.
Published: July 2015

Smartphones are equipped with features that enable the rapid assessment of up-to-date evidence-based information. Their role in medical education is gaining recognition, and more and more institutions are providing devices or applications (apps) to medical students and trainees. Recent UK research suggests that most medical students believe smartphones would be a useful addition to their clinical education and that the majority of students and junior doctors own between one and five medically related apps. This article highlights the utility of these devices in education and summarises the existing technologies adopted by other specialties. It gives a framework for how psychiatry could adopt these new technologies in education and highlights the advantages and disadvantages of using this new approach. A brief illustration of how these technologies are being applied in undergraduate and postgraduate psychiatry is included.
Everything you wanted to know about neuroimaging and psychiatry, but were afraid to ask
Authors: Martinelli Cristina , Shergill Sukhwinder S.
Published: July 2015

Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the advances and applications of medical imaging techniques. Tools with familiar acronyms such as MRI, EEG/MEG and PET/SPECT have provided invaluable information not only about the brain structure and function associated with psychiatric disorders, but increasingly about the mechanisms underpinning these disorders. This evolving understanding of the specific pathophysiology of mental disorder paves the way for improvement in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the disorders managed in everyday clinical practice. This article gives an overview of the main neuroimaging approaches, contemporary applications of this technology to psychiatric disorder and signposts to the exciting possibilities for the future.
Psychiatry – recruitment crisis or opportunity for change?
Authors: Henfrey Helen
Published: July 2015

Psychiatry is suffering an enduring crisis in recruitment. In this editorial I discuss the reasons for this that are most pertinent to recruitment from foundation training and also review the Royal College of Psychiatrists' current 5-year plan for recruitment and what else could be done.
Thérèse Raquin by Emile Zola: Surgical method in psychiatry
Authors: Rogers Jonathan P. , Patterson Jonathan
Published: July 2015

There are several novels that pique our common interest, but Zola's ambition to put a ‘scientific aim above all others' in his 19th-century novel Thérèse Raquin provides a particularly interesting topic for collective reflection. After being criticised for vulgarity, in the preface to the second edition of his work Zola justified his portrayal of a gruesome ménage àtrois as being analogous to the ‘analytical work that surgeons conduct on cadavers'. Criticism of Zola's work often focuses on whether he achieves the degree of reductionism and determinism that he allegedly strove for or whether, in fact, his predilections for the gothic and fantastic overshadow the novel's scientific, ‘surgical’ veneer. Similarly, psychiatric case notes often begin with a highly formulaic scientific account, yet on closer inspection digress to read more like a tragic novel.
Heroin-assisted treatment: has a controversial treatment come of age?
Authors: Farrell Michael , Hall Wayne
Published: July 2015

This editorial considers the findings of the systematic review of heroin-assisted treatment, with six different studies from six different countries, published in this issue. The meta-analysis focuses on supervised injected heroin and reports significant crime reduction and an overall cost-effectiveness of treatment. Despite this body of evidence, policy makers remain reluctant to develop this treatment further. The question remains, what else is required to convince policy makers of the value of such treatment for severe and refractory heroin dependence?
Sympathetic Nerve Activity Maintains an Anti-Inflammatory State in Adipose Tissue in Male Mice by Inhibiting TNF-α Gene Expression in Macrophages
Authors: Tang Lijun , Okamoto Shiki , Shiuchi Tetsuya , Toda Chitoku , Takagi Kazuyo , Sato Tatsuya , Saito Kumiko , Yokota Shigefumi , Minokoshi Yasuhiko
Published: July 2015

Adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) play an important role in the inflammatory response in obese animals. How ATMs are regulated in lean animals has remained elusive, however. We now show that the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is necessary to maintain the abundance of the mRNA for the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α at a low level in ATMs of lean mice. Intracerebroventricular injection of agouti-related neuropeptide increased the amount of TNF-α mRNA in epididymal (epi) white adipose tissue (WAT), but not in interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT), through inhibition of sympathetic nerve activity in epiWAT. The surgical denervation and β-adrenergic antagonist propranolol up-regulated TNF-α mRNA in both epiWAT and BAT in vivo. Signaling by the β2-adrenergic receptor (AR) and protein kinase A down-regulated TNF-α mRNA in epiWAT explants and suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced up-regulation of TNF-α mRNA in the stromal vascular fraction of this tissue. β-AR-deficient (β-less) mice manifested an increased plasma TNF-α concentration and increased TNF-α mRNA abundance in epiWAT and BAT. TNF-α mRNA abundance was greater in ATMs (CD11b+ cells of the stromal vascular fraction) from epiWAT or BAT of wild-type mice than in corresponding CD11b− cells, and β2-AR mRNA abundance was greater in ATMs than in CD11b− cells of epiWAT. Our results show that the SNS and β2-AR-protein kinase A pathway maintain an anti-inflammatory state in ATMs of lean mice in vivo, and that the brain melanocortin pathway plays a role in maintaining this state in WAT of lean mice via the SNS.
Glucagon-Like Peptide 2 (GLP-2) Stimulates Postprandial Chylomicron Production and Postabsorptive Release of Intestinal Triglyceride Storage Pools via Induction of Nitric Oxide Signaling in Male Hamsters and Mice
Authors: Hsieh Joanne , Trajcevski Karin E. , Farr Sarah L. , Baker Christopher L. , Lake Elizabeth J. , Taher Jennifer , Iqbal Jahangir , Hussain Mahmood M. , Adeli Khosrow
Published: July 2015

The intestinal overproduction of apolipoprotein B48 (apoB48)-containing chylomicron particles is a common feature of diabetic dyslipidemia and contributes to cardiovascular risk in insulin resistant states. We previously reported that glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a key endocrine stimulator of enterocyte fat absorption and chylomicron output in the postprandial state. GLP-2's stimulatory effect on chylomicron production in the postabsorptive state has been confirmed in human studies. The mechanism by which GLP-2 regulates chylomicron production is unclear, because its receptor is not expressed on enterocytes. We provide evidence for a key role of nitric oxide (NO) in mediating the stimulatory effects of GLP-2 during the postprandial and postabsorptive periods. Intestinal chylomicron production was assessed in GLP-2-treated hamsters administered the pan-specific NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME), and in GLP-2-treated endothelial NOS knockout mice. L-NAME blocked GLP-2-stimulated apoB48 secretion and reduced triglycerides (TGs) in the TG-rich lipoprotein (TRL) fraction of the plasma in the postprandial state. Endothelial NOS-deficient mice were resistant to GLP-2 stimulation and secreted fewer large apoB48-particles. When TG storage pools were allowed to accumulate, L-NAME mitigated the GLP-2-mediated increase in TRL-TG, suggesting that NO is required for early mobilization and secretion of stored TG and preformed chylomicrons. Importantly, the NO donor S-nitroso-L-glutathione was able to elicit an increase in TRL-TG in vivo and stimulate chylomicron release in vitro in primary enterocytes. We describe a novel role for GLP-2-mediated NO-signaling as a critical regulator of intestinal lipid handling and a potential contributor to postprandial dyslipidemia.
The Missing Food Problem: Trade, Agriculture, and International Productivity Differences
Authors: Tombe Trevor
Published: July 2015

Agriculture in poor countries has low productivity, high employment, and negligible trade flows relative to other sectors. These facts motivate a multisector, open-economy view of international productivity differences. With a quantitative multicountry model featuring nonhomothetic preferences, multiple interrelated sectors, distorted labor markets, and costly trade, I find: trade amplifies the negative effect of labor market distortions; trade costs—large for poor countries, especially in agriculture—significantly contribute to international productivity differences; and explicitly modeling agriculture reveals additional channels through which poor countries may gain from trade. (JEL F41, J24, J43, O13, O19, Q11, Q17)
A Behavioral Model of the Popularity and Regulation of Demandable Liabilities
Authors: Rotemberg Julio J.
Published: July 2015

Overoptimism regarding one's ability to arrive early in a queue is shown to rationalize deposit contracts in which people can withdraw their funds on demand even if consumption takes place later. Capitalized institutions serving overoptimistic depositors emerge in equilibrium even if depositors and bank owners have identical preferences and investment opportunities. Consistent with the evidence, runs can lead people to move their deposits from one intermediary to another. Regulatory policies, including deposit insurance, minimum capital requirements and restrictions on the assets held by depository institutions can increase the ex ante welfare of depositors. (JEL G21, G28, G32, L51)
The Economic and Demographic Transition, Mortality, and Comparative Development
Authors: Cervellati Matteo , Sunde Uwe
Published: July 2015

This paper develops a quantifiable unified growth theory to investigate cross-country comparative development. The calibrated model can replicate the historical development dynamics in forerunner countries like Sweden and the patterns in cross-country panel data. The findings suggest a crucial role of the timing of the onset of the economic and demographic transition for explaining differences in development. Country-specific differences in extrinsic mortality are a candidate explanation for differences in the timing of the take-off across countries and the resulting worldwide comparative development patterns, including the bimodal distribution of the endogenous variables across countries. (JEL I12, J11, J13, N33, N34, O41, O47)
Aggregate Implications of a Credit Crunch: The Importance of Heterogeneity
Authors: Buera Francisco J. , Moll Benjamin
Published: July 2015

We take an off-the-shelf model with financial frictions and heterogeneity, and study the mapping from a credit crunch, modeled as a shock to collateral constraints, to simple aggregate wedges. We study three variants of this model that only differ in the form of underlying heterogeneity. We find that in all three model variants a credit crunch shows up as a different wedge: efficiency, investment, and labor wedges. Furthermore, all three model variants have an undistorted Euler equation for the aggregate of firm owners. These results highlight the limitations of using representative agent models to identify sources of business cycle fluctuations. (JEL E22, E23, E32, E43, E44)
Elasticity Optimism
Authors: Imbs Jean , Mejean Isabelle
Published: July 2015

On average, estimates of trade elasticities are smaller in aggregate data than at sector level. This is an artifact of aggregation. Estimations performed on aggregate data constrain sector elasticities to homogeneity, which creates a heterogeneity bias. The paper shows such a bias exists in two prominent approaches used to estimate elasticities, which has meaningful consequences for the calibration of the trade elasticity in one-sector, aggregative models. With elasticities calibrated to aggregate data, macroeconomic models can have predictions at odds with the implications of their multi-sector counterparts. They do not when elasticities are calibrated using a weighted average of sector elasticities. (JEL C51, F13, F14, F41, O19)
Offshoring and Directed Technical Change
Authors: Acemoglu Daron , Gancia Gino , Zilibotti Fabrizio
Published: July 2015

We study the implications of offshoring on innovation, technology, and wage inequality in a Ricardian model with directed technical change. Profit maximization determines both the extent of offshoring and the direction of technological progress. A fall in the offshoring cost induces technical change with an ambiguous factor bias. When the initial cost of offshoring is high, an increase in offshoring opportunities causes a fall in the real wages of unskilled workers in industrial countries, skill-biased technical change and rising skill premia. When the offshoring cost is sufficiently low, instead, offshoring induces technical change biased in favor of the unskilled workers. (JEL J24, J31, L24, O33)
Use of Project Method for Initial Training in Case-Study
Authors: ����� c , Rylov Alexander , �������  , Konnova Larisa
Published: July 2015

Experts in the field of economics should satisfy special requirements in a growing economy, such as fluency in mathematical tools and mathematical

modeling. It can be attained through the professionally-oriented planned purposeful education program. The ability to deal with economic problems of

specific situations (cases) becomes graduates´ important quality. The authors have attempted to start teaching the solving of economic cases in the first

year University of Economics as part of the basic mathematical disciplines´ course. A comparative analysis of two modern educational technologies (the

project method and the method of case-study) presented in this article allowed the authors to conclude that project technology can be used for initial

training for case solving.

The article describes �Mathematical models in solving economic problems�, the case-project competition between first-year students of the Financial

University under the Government of the Russian Federation. Themes related to mathematical analysis´ economic applications were used during the

competition.
Effect of Pruning Severity on V egetative, Physiological, Yield and Quality Attributes in Grape (Vitis vinifera L.): A Review
Authors: Senthilkumar S , Vijayakumar R , Soorianathasundaram K , Durga Devi D
Published: July 2015

Grape is one among the most delicious, refreshing and nourishing fruits of the world. It is one of the earliest fruits grown by man. The berries are a good source of sugars and minerals like Ca, Mg, Fe, and vitamins like B1, B2, and C. Grape has so many uses and is so unique that no fruit can challenge their superiority. Crop load is the most important factor affecting yield and cluster quality as well as vine vigor of both seeded and seedless varieties. Hence, an optimum canopy size and bunch number per vine are to be maintained for achieving better fruit Quality which warrants proper balancing between vigour and capacity. The pruning requirement of different varieties differs as per their growth behaviour. Therefore, variety-specific standardization of pruning is essential for any grape cultivars for harnessing potential yield and quality. In this view, it is essential to get scientific information on the pruning requirement of grapes. Pruning all the matured canes to fruit bud level, as adopted by local grape growers results in more exploitation of reserved food material leading to loss of vigour, quality and early setting of senility in vines. Heavy bearing of vines results in poor quality fruits with low TSS and high fruit acidity.