bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Cognitive Rest as Part of Postconcussion Management for Adolescent Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Johnson Rachel S. , Provenzano Mia K. , Shumaker Larynn M. , McLeod Tamara C. Valovich , Bacon Cailee E. Welch
Published: February 2016

Clinical Scenario:

It is hypothesized that cognitive activity following a concussion may potentially hinder patient recovery. While the recommendation of cognitive rest is often maintained and rationalized, a causal relationship between cognitive activity and symptom duration has yet to be established.

Clinical Question:

Does the implementation of cognitive rest as part of the postconcussion management plan reduce the number of days until the concussed adolescent patient is symptom free compared to a postconcussion management plan that does not incorporate cognitive rest?

Summary of Key Findings:

A thorough literature search returned 7 possible studies; 5 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. Three studies indicated that increased cognitive activity is associated with longer recovery from a concussion, and, therefore, supported the use of cognitive rest. One study indicated that the recommendation for cognitive rest was not significantly associated with time to concussion symptom resolution. One study indicated that strict rest, defined as 5 days of no school, work, or physical activity; might prolong symptom duration.

Clinical Bottom Line:

There is moderate evidence to support the prescription of moderate cognitive rest for concussed patients. Clinicians who intend on implementing cognitive rest in their concussion protocols should be aware of inconsistencies and be open-minded to alternative treatment progressions while taking into consideration each individual patient and maintaining adequate patient-centered care principles.

Strength of Recommendation:

Grade B evidence exists that prescription of moderate cognitive rest for concussed patients may be beneficial as a supplement to physical rest as treatment for symptom reduction in adolescents.
Protective monotherapy against lethal Ebola virus infection by a potently neutralizing antibody
Authors: Corti Davide , Misasi John , Mulangu Sabue , Stanley Daphne A. , Kanekiyo Masaru , Wollen Suzanne , Ploquin Aurélie , Doria-Rose Nicole A. , Staupe Ryan P. , Bailey Michael , Shi Wei , Choe Misook , Marcus Hadar , Thompson Emily A. , Cagigi Alberto , Silacci Chiara , Fernandez-Rodriguez Blanca , Perez Laurent , Sallusto Federica , Vanzetta Fabrizia , Agatic Gloria , Cameroni Elisabetta , Kisalu Neville , Gordon Ingelise , Ledgerwood Julie E. , Mascola John R. , Graham Barney S. , Muyembe-Tamfun Jean-Jacques , Trefry John C. , Lanzavecchia Antonio , Sullivan Nancy J.
Published: February 2016

Antibodies block Ebola virus entry

The recent Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa illustrates the need for both an effective vaccine and therapies to treat infected individuals. Corti
et al.
isolated two monoclonal antibodies from a survivor of the 1995 Kikwit outbreak and demonstrated their therapeutic efficacy in Ebola virus–infected macaques. In fact, one antibody protected macaques when it was given up to 5 days after infection. Misasi
et al.
solved the crystal structures of fragments of the two antibodies bound to the Ebola virus glycoprotein (GP), which mediates viral cell entry. The two antibodies targeted different regions of GP, but in both cases blocked steps required for viral entry.

Science
, this issue pp.
1339
&
1343
Spontaneous transvaginal evisceration: a case of recurrence
Authors: Ribeiro Susana Perdigão , Silva Artur Canha , Maciel João , Antunes Ana Sofia
Published: February 2016

Vaginal evisceration can be defined as a defect in the vaginal wall resulting in prolapse of the intraperitoneal contents. This is a rare complication of hysterectomy, but may result in severe morbidity. We report the case of a postmenopausal woman with transvaginal evisceration of the sigmoid colon 1 year after an abdominal hysterectomy. An exploratory laparotomy was undertaken to reduce the prolapsed sigmoid colon through a combined vaginal-abdominal route. Repair of the defect of the vaginal vault was made using an absorbable running suture. Two years later, the patient presented at the emergency department with a transvaginal evisceration of the omentum. An exclusively vaginal approach was then chosen to repair the smaller vaginal defect and vaginal cuff was closed using non-absorbable sutures. As two different surgical approaches were used in this patient, a discussion of the different treatment options and also of the principles of prevention of vaginal cuff dehiscence is provided.
Laboratory parameters provided by Advia 2120 analyser identify structural haemoglobinopathy carriers and discriminate between Hb S trait and Hb C trait
Authors: Velasco-Rodríguez Diego , Alonso-Domínguez Juan-Manuel , González-Fernández Fernando-Ataúlfo , Muriel Alfonso , Abalo Lorena , Sopeña María , Villarrubia Jesús , Ropero Paloma , Plaza María Paz , Tenorio María , Jiménez-Martín Ana , Moreno Gemma , Martínez-Nieto Jorge , de la Fuente-Gonzalo Félix , Fernández-Escribano Marina , López-Jiménez Francisco Javier , Cava Fernando
Published: February 2016

Background

Haemoglobinopathies have spread owing to human migration, and the number of people needing diagnosis and management of these conditions is increasing. Clinicians need to accurately identify carriers and provide adequate genetic counselling in order to prevent the occurrence of homozygous or compound heterozygous offspring.

Objectives

To identify red blood cell (RBC) laboratory parameters that discriminate between structural haemoglobinopathy carriers and healthy subjects, and to compare RBC laboratory indices between HbAS and HbAC individuals.

Methods

Samples of 500 variant Hb carriers (355 HbAS, 104 HbAC, 19 HbAD, 7 HbAE, 7 HbAO-Arab, 4 α-chain variants and 4 Hb Lepore) and 251 normal controls were run on an Advia 2120 analyser (Siemens). Classic haematological parameters and RBC populations were assessed in all subjects. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was created to predict the probability of a subject carrying any structural haemoglobinopathy. HbAS (n=355, 71%) and HbAC (n=104, 20.8%) subjects were compared.

Results

A clinical prediction rule was developed by assigning one point to each of the most efficient variables: mean corpuscular volume (MCV) <88.4 fL, RBC distribution width >13.4%, percentage of microcytic RBCs (%MICRO) >0.7% and the ratio of microcytic RBCs to hypochromic RBCs >0.8. A score of 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, resulted in a probability of 9.6%, 36.3%, 66.7%, 85.2% or 98.3%, respectively. Among the most frequent variant Hb, HbAC subjects had lower values of parameters related to cell size (MCV, %MICRO) and higher values of parameters related to haemoglobin concentration (MCHC, %HYPER) than HbAS subjects. Coexistence of α-thalassaemia in both HbAS and HbAC individuals resulted in decreased Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC.

Conclusions

Structural haemoglobinopathy should be investigated in subjects belonging to ethnic groups with high prevalence of variant Hb and with a score of 3 or 4. Erythrocytes of HbAC subjects are smaller and denser than those of HbAS subjects.
Astragalus membranaceus: A Review of its Protection Against Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Auyeung Kathy K. , Han Quan-Bin , Ko Joshua K.
Published: February 2016

Astragalus membranaceus is a major medicinal herb commonly used in many herbal formulations in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat a wide variety of diseases and body disorders. Among its diversified clinical applications, the potential use of this herb and its chemical constituents in treatments of inflammatory diseases and cancers has been actively investigated in recent years. Astragalus-based treatments have demonstrated significant amelioration of the toxicity induced by other concurrently administered orthodox drugs (e.g., immunosuppressants and cancer chemotherapeutics). The major components of Astragalus membranaceus are polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins. Contemporary use of Astragalus membranaceus mainly focuses on its immunomodulating, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory, as well as anticancer effects. In this paper, we summarize the properties of Astragalus membranaceus and its major constituents in the biological system based on experimental and clinical studies. The antitumorigenic mechanisms of a novel Astragalus saponins extract called AST in treating various gastrointestinal cancers are highlighted. We discuss in detail how the Astragalus herb and AST influence the immune system, modulate various cancer signaling pathways, and interact with specific transcription molecules during protection against gastrointestinal inflammation and cancers. This information could help clinicians and scientists develop novel target-specific and effective therapeutic agents that are deprived of major systemic side effects, so as to establish a better treatment regimen in the battle against inflammatory diseases and cancers of the gut.
Role of Daphnetin in Rat Severe Acute Pancreatitis Through the Regulation of TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway Activation
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Liu Jiao , Zhao Kailiang , Shi Qiao , Zuo Teng , Wang Guirong , Wang Weixing
Published: February 2016

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) often results in multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome with high mortality. There is no effective clinical therapy for SAP, yet daphnetin, a coumarin extracted from Dracaena marginata, has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, and has been used clinically in several diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of daphnetin in a rat SAP model. Male Wistar rats were pretreated with daphnetin via intraperitoneal injection, 30[Formula: see text]min before retrograde infusion of 5% sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct. Twelve hours after sodium taurocholate administration, rats were sacrificed and tissues and blood were harvested. Then, histological, chemical, and molecular analyses were performed. Daphnetin treatment reduced the levels of serum alanine transaminase and creatinine (CR), increased superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity, and decreased neutrophil infiltration and cell apoptosis of the pancreatic tissues in rat SAP. Daphnetin treatment significantly decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines in rat SAP. Molecular analyses revealed that daphnetin reduced TLR4 expression and inhibited NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway activation. These findings demonstrate that daphnetin attenuates acute pancreatic injury by regulating the TLR4/NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway and inflammation in rat SAP model. Daphnetin may be a potential therapeutic agent for SAP.
Multimodal Data Mining in a Multimedia Database Based on Structured Max Margin Learning
Authors: Guo Zhen , Zhang Zhongfei (Mark) , Xing Eric P. , Faloutsos Christos
Published: February 2016

Mining knowledge from a multimedia database has received increasing attentions recently since huge repositories are made available by the development of the Internet. In this article, we exploit the relations among different modalities in a multimedia database and present a framework for general multimodal data mining problem where image annotation and image retrieval are considered as the special cases. Specifically, the multimodal data mining problem can be formulated as a structured prediction problem where we learn the mapping from an input to the structured and interdependent output variables. In addition, in order to reduce the demanding computation, we propose a new max margin structure learning approach called Enhanced Max Margin Learning (EMML) framework, which is much more efficient with a much faster convergence rate than the existing max margin learning methods, as verified through empirical evaluations. Furthermore, we apply EMML framework to develop an effective and efficient solution to the multimodal data mining problem that is highly scalable in the sense that the query response time is independent of the database scale. The EMML framework allows an efficient multimodal data mining query in a very large scale multimedia database, and excels many existing multimodal data mining methods in the literature that do not scale up at all. The performance comparison with a state-of-the-art multimodal data mining method is reported for the real-world image databases.
Lessons learned from 30 years of MINIX
Authors: Tanenbaum Andrew S.
Published: February 2016

MINIX shows even an operating system can be made to be self-healing.
Repeatability in computer systems research
Authors: Collberg Christian , Proebsting Todd A.
Published: February 2016

To encourage repeatable research, fund repeatability engineering and reward commitments to sharing research artifacts.
Classifying Data to Reduce Long-Term Data Movement in Shingled Write Disks
Authors: Jones Stephanie N. , Amer Ahmed , Miller Ethan L. , Long Darrell D. E. , Pitchumani Rekha , Strong Christina R.
Published: February 2016

Shingled magnetic recording (SMR) is a means of increasing the density of hard drives that brings a new set of challenges. Due to the nature of SMR disks, updating in place is not an option. Holes left by invalidated data can only be filled if the entire band is reclaimed, and a poor band compaction algorithm could result in spending a lot of time moving blocks over the lifetime of the device. We propose using write frequency to separate blocks to reduce data movement and develop a band compaction algorithm that implements this heuristic. We demonstrate how our algorithm results in improved data management, resulting in an up to 45% reduction in required data movements when compared to naive approaches to band management.
When computers stand in the schoolhouse door
Authors: Savage Neil
Published: February 2016

Classification algorithms can lead to biased decisions, so researchers are trying to identify such biases and root them out.
The question of information justice
Authors: Johnson Jeffrey
Published: February 2016

Information justice is both a business concern and a moral question.
A Survey on Truth Discovery
Authors: Li Yaliang , Gao Jing , Meng Chuishi , Li Qi , Su Lu , Zhao Bo , Fan Wei , Han Jiawei
Published: February 2016

Thanks to information explosion, data for the objects of interest can be collected from increasingly more sources. However, for the same object, there usually exist conflicts among the collected multi-source information. To tackle this challenge, truth discovery, which integrates multi-source noisy information by estimating the reliability of each source, has emerged as a hot topic. Several truth discovery methods have been proposed for various scenarios, and they have been successfully applied in diverse application domains. In this survey, we focus on providing a comprehensive overview of truth discovery methods, and summarizing them from different aspects. We also discuss some future directions of truth discovery research. We hope that this survey will promote a better understanding of the current progress on truth discovery, and offer some guidelines on how to apply these approaches in application domains.
Shedding Light on the Performance of Solar Panels
Authors: Chen Sue A. , Vishwanath Arun , Sathe Saket , Kalyanaraman Shivkumar
Published: February 2016

The significant adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in both commercial and residential sectors has spurred an interest in monitoring the performance of these systems. This is facilitated by the increasing availability of regularly logged PV performance data in recent years. In this paper, we present a data-driven framework to systematically characterise the relationship between performance of an existing photovoltaic (PV) system and various environmental factors. We demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed framework by applying it to a PV generation dataset from a building located in northern Australia. We show how, in light of limited site-specific weather information, this data set may be coupled with publicly available data to yield rich insights on the performance of the building's PV system.
Soluble guanylate cyclase activation during ischemic injury in mice protects against postischemic inflammation at the mitochondrial level
Authors: Wang Derek Z. , Jones Allan W. , Wang Walter Z. , Wang Meifang , Korthuis Ronald J.
Published: February 2016

The aim was to determine whether treatment with BAY 60-2770, a selective activator of oxidized soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), near the end of an ischemic event would prevent postischemic inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in wild-type (WT) and heme oxygenase-1 KO (HO-1−/−) mice. This protocol prevented increases in leukocyte rolling (LR) and adhesion (LA) to intestinal venules along with elevated TNFα and circulating neutrophil levels that accompany ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in both animal models. We further hypothesized that a component of BAY 60-2770 treatment involves maintenance of mitochondrial membrane integrity during I/R. Measurements on isolated enterocytes of calcein fluorescence (mitochondrial permeability) and JC-1 fluorescence ratio (mitochondrial membrane potential) were reduced by I/R, indicating formation of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTP). These effects were abrogated by BAY 60-2770 as well as cyclosporin A and SB-216763, which prevented mPTP opening and inhibited glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), respectively. Western blots of WT and HO-1−/− enterocytes indicated that GSK-3β phosphorylation on Ser9 (inhibitory site) was reduced by half following I/R alone (increased GSK-3β activity) and increased by one-third (reduced GSK-3β activity) following BAY 60-2770. Other investigators have associated phosphorylation of the GSK-3β substrate cyclophilin D (pCyPD) with mPTP formation. We observed a 60% increase in pCyPD after I/R, whereas BAY 60-2770 treatment of sham and I/R groups reduced pCyPD by about 20%. In conclusion, selective activation of oxidized sGC of WT and HO-1−/− during ischemia protects against I/R-induced inflammation and preserves mucosal integrity in part by reducing pCyPD production and mPTP formation.
Early life stress in male mice induces superoxide production and endothelial dysfunction in adulthood
Authors: Ho Dao H. , Burch Mariah L. , Musall Benjamin , Musall Jacqueline B. , Hyndman Kelly A. , Pollock Jennifer S.
Published: February 2016

Early life stress (ELS) is a risk for cardiovascular disease in adulthood although very little mechanistic insight is available. Because oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction are major contributors to cardiovascular risk, we hypothesized that ELS induces endothelial dysfunction in adult male mice via increased superoxide production. Studies employed a mouse model of ELS, maternal separation with early weaning (MSEW), in which litters were separated from the dam for 4 h/day [ postnatal days (PD) 2–5] and 8 h/day (PD6-16), and weaned at PD17. Control litters remained undisturbed until weaning at PD21. When compared with control mice, thoracic aortic rings from adult male MSEW mice displayed significant endothelial dysfunction that was reversed by the superoxide scavenger, polyethylene glycol-superoxide dismutase (PEG-SOD). PEG-SOD-inhibitable superoxide production by aortae from MSEW mice was significantly greater than observed in control aortae, although unaffected by nitric oxide synthase inhibition, suggesting that uncoupled nitric oxide synthase was not responsible for the accelerated superoxide production. Aortic SOD expression, plasma SOD activity, and total antioxidant activity were similar in MSEW and control mice, indicating unaltered antioxidant capacity in MSEW mice. Increased expression of the NADPH oxidase subunits, NOX2 and NOX4, was evident in the aortae of MSEW mice. Moreover, endothelial dysfunction and superoxide production in MSEW mice was reversed with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor, apocynin, indicating increased NADPH oxidase-dependent superoxide production and endothelial dysfunction. The finding that MSEW induces superoxide production and endothelial dysfunction in adult mice may provide a mechanistic link between ELS and adult cardiovascular disease risk.
Globular Adiponectin Inhibits the Apoptosis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induced by Hypoxia and Serum Deprivation via the AdipoR1-Mediated Pathway
Authors: Tian Xia-Qiu , Yang Yue-Jin , Li Qing , Huang Pei-Sen , Li Xiang-Dong , Jin Chen , Qi Kang , Jiang Lei-Pei , Chen Gui-Hao
Published: February 2016

Background/Aims: Poor viability of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) within the ischemic heart limits their therapeutic potential for cardiac repair. Globular adiponectin (gAPN) exerts anti-apoptotic effects on several types of stem cells. Herein, we investigated the effect of gAPN on the MSCs against apoptosis induced by hypoxia and serum deprivation (H/SD). Methods: MSCs exposed to H/SD conditions were treated with different concentrations of gAPN. To identify the main type of receptor, MSCs were transfected with siRNA targeting adiponectin receptor 1 or 2 (AdipoR1 or AdipoR2). To elucidate the downstream pathway, MSCs were pre-incubated with AMPK inhibitor Compound C. Apoptosis, caspase-3 activity and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated. Results: H/SD-induced MSCs apoptosis and caspase-3 activation were attenuated by gAPN in a concentration-dependent manner. gAPN increased Bcl-2 and decreased Bax expressions. The loss of mitochondrial membrane potential induced by H/SD was also abolished by gAPN. The protective effect of gAPN was significantly attenuated after the knockdown of AdipoR1 rather than AdipoR2. Moreover, Compound C partly suppressed the anti-apoptotic effect of gAPN. Conclusions: gAPN inhibits H/SD-induced apoptosis in MSCs via AdipoR1-mediated pathway, possibly linked to the activation of AMPK. gAPN may be a novel survival factor for MSCs in the ischemic engraftment environment.
Unraveling the Expression Profiles of Long Noncoding RNAs in Rat Cardiac Hypertrophy and Functions of lncRNA BC088254 in Cardiac Hypertrophy Induced by Transverse Aortic Constriction
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Zhang Lei , Liang Jiangjiu
Published: February 2016

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), although initially considered as genomic transcription noise, have been demonstrated to play pivotal roles in multiple biological processes and are increasingly recognized as contributors to the pathology of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, heart diseases, and inflammation. However, studies on the roles of lncRNAs in angiocardiopathy, particularly in cardiac hypertrophy, are still preliminary. In our study, differentially expressed lncRNAs in rat cardiac hypertrophy induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) were identified by microarray analysis and validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Briefly, we identified 6,969 lncRNAs, among which 80 lncRNAs were significantly upregulated and 172 lncRNAs were significantly downregulated. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to validate the differential expression of 5 lncRNAs in myocardial tissue RNA. Further, pathway analysis indicated that 25 pathways corresponded to upregulated transcripts and 20 pathways corresponded to downregulated transcripts. Third, by coexpression network analysis, we found a correlation between BC088254 and phb2 (prohibitin 2) and verified this expression by RT-PCR and Western blot. This is the first study to reveal differentially expressed lncRNAs in rat cardiac hypertrophy induced by TAC, indicating potential lncRNA mechanisms of action in myocardial hypertrophy. We also found that lncRNA BC088254 may have a certain role in myocardial hypertrophy induced by TAC and functional relevance between lncRNA BCO88254 and phb2, but the relationship between these two factors is unclear.
Atypical 581-kb 22q11.21 Deletion in a Patient with Oculo-Auriculo-Vertebral Spectrum Phenotype
Authors: Colovati Mileny E.S. , Bragagnolo Silvia , Guilherme Roberta S. , Dantas Anelisa G. , Soares Maria F. , Kim Chong A. , Perez Ana B.A. , Melaragno Maria I.
Published: February 2016

The oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) is defined as a group of malformations involving the ears, mouth, mandible, eyes, and cervical spine. Establishing an accurate clinical diagnosis of OAVS is a challenge for clinical geneticists, not only because these patients display heterogeneous phenotypes, but also because its etiology encompasses environmental factors, unknown genetic factors and different chromosome aberrations. To date, several chromosomal abnormalities have been associated with the syndrome, most frequently involving chromosome 22. In the literature, six 22q11.2 microdeletions have been described within the same region, suggesting possible OAVS candidate genes in this segment. Here, we report on a patient with an ∼581-kb 22q11.21 deletion, detected by genomic array and MLPA. This is the 7th case described with OAVS and 22q deletion, suggesting that the 22q11.2 region may be related to the regulation of body symmetry and facial development.
Efficacy of Cholinesterase Inhibitors in Vascular Dementia: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Yu-dan , Zhang Juan , Wang Yue , Yuan Jun-liang , Hu Wen-li
Published: February 2016

Background/Aims: The objective of this study was to determine whether treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors would provide cognitive benefit for patients with vascular dementia. Methods: Studies in patients with vascular dementia, who had not taken acetylcholinesterase inhibitors or memantine for at least 6 weeks, were included. Results: Twelve studies were included in the final analysis. Donepezil showed significant improvement in Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) as compared to placebo, at the doses tested, that is, 5 and 10 mg/day (difference in means -1.389 and -1.680, respectively, p ≤ 0.008), but not on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) (p ≥ 0.259). Galantamine also improved the ADAS-cog in comparison to the placebo (difference in means -2.191, p < 0.001), whereas, rivastigmine did not show any benefit on ADAS-cog. However, the findings with rivastigmine are difficult to interpret, given there were only 2 studies. Treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors was associated with a twofold increase in the odds of discontinuation, due to adverse events (pooled OR 1.966, 95% CI 1.630-2.371, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The present results reveal the therapeutic benefits of donepezil and galantamine in patients with vascular dementia. Interestingly, the ADAS-cog and MMSE varied considerably in detecting cognitive improvement.
Diversity of Plasmodial Myxomycetes from Anda Island, Pangasinan, Philippines
Authors: Dela Cruz Thomas Edison
Published: February 2016

The unique life cycle and fascinating fruiting bodies of myxomycetes make them ideal model organisms for the study of cellular differentiation. Our research study then focuses on the diversity and abundance of myxomycetes found in Anda Island, Pangasinan in Northern Philippines. A total of 180 moist chambers were prepared from ground leaf litter and twigs collected from a 15 m2 quadrat within the study site. Twenty four species of myxomycetes belonging to 11 genera were collected and identified from the moist chambers: Arcyria (2), Collaria (1), Comatricha (1), Craterium (2), Diachea (1), Diderma (2), Didymium (1), Elaeomyxa (1), Perichaena (1), Physarum (11), and Stemonitis (1). Of all moist chambers, 55% yielded myxomycetes. Ground leaf litter (29%) yielded more myxomycetes than twigs (26%). Among the collected species, one for each of the genera Arcyria, Craterium, Diderma, and Physarum were recorded to be abundant. Interestingly, three species of myxomycetes are new records for the Philippines: Craterium microcarpum, Physarum decipiens and Elaeomyxa miyazakiensis. This is the first report of myxomycetes in Anda Island, Pangasinan, Philippines.
Editorial
Authors: Soares Barbara
Published: February 2016

Editorial
A vontade política e a razão pública como contradições de legitimidade democrática
Authors: Santos Erlon Dias de Sales
Published: February 2016

Este artigo expõe brevemente como o debate sobre a compatibilidade entre os ideais de liberdade e igualdade e os princípios da democracia deliberativa foi tratado na teoria política. O texto discute como autores clássicos trataram da questão da legitimidade para em seguida mostrar como autores contemporâneos colocaram esse aspecto no centro da democracia deliberativa, juntamente com a ideia de razão pública. O debate está longe de ser concluído, como se pode notar nos questionamentos que autores contemporâneos apresentaram aos pressupostos centrais da teoria deliberativa. Tudo indica que a teoria democrática ainda deverá enfrentar o problema da compatibilidade tanto em termos teóricos como em termos da prática democrática.
O volume I da História da Inglaterra e o debate constitucional inglês: Hume contra a ideia de lei fundamental
Authors: Limongi Maria Isabel
Published: February 2016

No volume I da História da Inglaterra, Hume trata de três tópicos importantes da história inglesa em função do modo como foram interpretados e mobilizados pelos partidos em disputa nodebate constitucional inglês dos séculos XVII e XVIII. A partir da reconstrução da posição de Hume com relação a esses tópicos (a constituição saxã, a conquista normanda e a Magna Carta), pretende-se mostrar como Hume recusa a ideia de lei fundamental que esteve no centro desse debate, para ver emergir a partir daí a sua própria concepção da lei enquanto instituição social.
Population studies of Lowe’s Monkey (Mammalia: Primates: Cercopithecidae: Cercopithecus lowei Thomas, 1923) in Kakum Conservation Area, Ghana
Authors: Wiafe Edward Debrah
Published: February 2016

The status of Lowe’s Monkey Cercopithecus lowei was assessed during a survey in Kakum Conservation Area, Ghana.  Within the reserve logging and hunting was banned 20 years ago, and the forest underwent two decades of natural regeneration.  The main objectives of the study were to evaluate the impact of conservation measures on the local population of Lowe’s Monkey and assess its relationships with other primates and non-primate mammals.  Data on population status were collected during line transect surveys.  Comparing the present mean encounter rate of 1.03 (±0.03) groups/km to that recorded in 1993 (0.31±0.16 groups/km) suggests an average population growth rate of 13.6% per annum.  Conservation measures such as banning illegal logging and hunting have likely contributed to the population increase.  Lowe’s monkeys were often observed in close proximity to other primates (e.g., Black and White Colobus) and non-primate mammals (e.g., Maxwell’s Duiker), but neither socio-positive nor antagonistic interactions were observed.  Recommendations are made for further improvement and studies of the species elsewhere.

 
Estimating the density of Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus (Galliformes: Phasianidae) in the tropical forest of Similipal Tiger Reserve, eastern India
Authors: Palei Himanshu S. , Sahu Hemanta K. , Nayak Anup K.
Published: February 2016

To determine population status of wild animal using reliable sampling techniques forms an important component of conservation effort and effective wildlife management.  We estimated the density of Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus using distance sampling, a quantitatively robust technique, in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, eastern India during September 2012 to May 2013.  We laid 27 transects and walked seven to eight times for a total of 390km to obtain the distance sampling data.  We used DISTANCE software for analysis. We estimated per km2 Red Junglefowl group density as 4.99 and density as 7.64 birds in the intensive study area.  Mean group size of Red Junglefowl was 1.48.  Our results may prove helpful in planning better management needs and strategies for the survival and conservation of Red Junglefowl in different protected areas.

 
An observation on the Odonata fauna of the Asansol-Durgapur Industrial Area, Burdwan, West Bengal, India
Authors: Nayak Amar Kumar , Roy Utpal Singha
Published: February 2016

The present investigation was undertaken as a pilot study to examine the diversity, occurrence and distribution pattern of dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) from the selected study sites of the Asansol-Durgapur industrial area of Burdwan District of West Bengal, India from January 2012 to December 2015.  A combination of direct search and opportunistic sighting methods were applied to record 57 different Odonata species (38 dragonflies and 19 damselflies).  Among the dragonflies the most diverse family was Libellulidae represented by 36 species while among damselflies Coenagrionidae was the most diverse family represented by 16 species.  In spite of the Asansol-Durgapur region being an industrial urban area, the present study revealed a handsome diversity of odonates.  A suitable geographic location, favourable climatic conditions, heterogeneous habitat types that included ponds, wetlands, riverbeds, grasslands and agricultural lands along with the presence of appropriate vegetation provided a comfortable shelter for Odonata species to flourish in this ecoregion.   All the odonates noted in the present study belong to the Least Concerned category as designated by IUCN.

 
Range extension of Lestes nodalis Selys, 1891 (Odonata: Zygoptera: Lestidae) in southern India
Authors: Emiliyamma K. G. , Palot Muhamed Jafer
Published: February 2016

Here we report the range extension of Lestes nodalis Selys , a northeastern and eastern Indian species to Kerala, southern India for the first time. Additional taxonomic and natural history notes are also given for the species.

 
Low Levels of Apolipoprotein B-100 Autoantibodies Are Associated With Increased Risk of Coronary Events
Authors: Björkbacka Harry , Alm Ragnar , Persson Margaretha , Hedblad Bo , Nilsson Jan , Fredrikson Gunilla Nordin
Published: February 2016

Objective—

Previous smaller studies have indicated inverse associations between autoantibodies to oxidized low-density lipoprotein epitopes, and cardiovascular disease. The present study investigated associations between autoantibodies against the apolipoprotein B-100 peptides p45 and p210, respectively, and risk of incident cardiovascular disease in a large population-based cohort.

Approach and Results—

Apolipoprotein B-100 autoantibodies were analyzed by ELISA in a prospective study, including 5393 individuals (aged 46–68 years) belonging to the cardiovascular arm of the Malmö Diet and Cancer study with a follow-up time of >15 years. Subjects that suffered an acute coronary event during follow-up (n=382) had lower levels at baseline of IgM autoantibodies recognizing the native and malondialdehyde-modified apolipoprotein B-100 peptides p45 and p210 and also lower IgG levels recognizing native p210, whereas no association was found with risk for stroke (n=317). Subjects in the highest compared with lowest tertile of IgM-p45
MDA
(hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.72 [0.55, 0.94];
P
=0.017) and IgG-p210
native
(hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.73 [0.56, 0.97];
P
=0.029) had lower risk for incident coronary events after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors in Cox proportional hazard regression models. Moreover, subjects with high levels of IgG-p210
native
were less likely to have carotid plaques as assessed by ultrasonography at baseline (odds ratio=0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.70–0.95,
P
=0.008 after adjustment for risk factors).

Conclusions—

This large prospective study demonstrates that subjects with high levels of apolipoprotein B-100 autoantibodies have a lower risk of coronary events supporting a protective role of these autoantibodies in cardiovascular disease.
Novel Approach Targeting the Complex Pathophysiology of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Olivotto Iacopo , Hellawell Jennifer L. , Farzaneh-Far Ramin , Blair Christiana , Coppini Raffaele , Myers Jonathan , Belardinelli Luiz , Maron Martin S.
Published: February 2016

Abstract—

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiac disorder, with an overall prevalence of at least 1:500 in the adult population although only a fraction of affected patients come to clinical recognition. It is also the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young adults and a major cause of morbidity caused by chronic heart failure symptoms. However, more than half a century since the original description of the disease, there is no currently approved therapy for the treatment of patients with HCM, and to date there have been only 5 randomized studies of medical therapies in HCM. As such, unmet medical need in HCM has been highlighted by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) as a research priority. Encouragingly, the infrastructure needed to conduct rigorous clinical trials in HCM has recently emerged because of the heightened awareness and understanding of the disease, development of clinical centers of excellence, and advances in diagnostic imaging. In this article, we will discuss the complex pathophysiology of HCM, review the current therapeutic landscape, describe new mechanistic insights into the central role of the late sodium current in HCM, and introduce the scientific rationale and execution of the Impact of Late Sodium Current Inhibition on Exercise Capacity in Subjects with Symptomatic Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (LIBERTY-HCM) trial, the largest randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial, now underway, designed to evaluate the effect of a novel pharmacological approach in patients with symptomatic HCM.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02291237.
Pre-service science teachers’ self-efficacy: The role of attitude, anxiety and locus of control
Authors: Senler Burcu
Published: February 2016

This study examined the relationships between pre-service science teachers’ teaching self-efficacy, locus of control, attitude towards science teaching and teaching anxiety. A conceptual model of these relationships was examined using data collected from 356 pre-service elementary science teachers. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, zero-order correlations and path analysis. Results showed that attitude towards science teaching was linked positively and teaching anxiety negatively to pre-service science teachers’ science teaching self-efficacy. Additionally, pre-service science teachers’ locus of control was found to be related positively to attitude towards science teaching and related negatively to science teaching anxiety. Finally, pre-service science teachers’ attitude towards science teaching had a negative effect on science teaching anxiety. These results point to the importance of positive role modelling and increased teaching practice in pre-service science teacher education to emphasise the effect of teachers’ attitudes and efforts on student performance.
Toward the reconceptualization of the relationship between occupation and health and well-being
Authors: Stewart Katherine E. , Fischer Tess M. , Hirji Rehana , Davis Jane A.
Published: February 2016

Background.

Foundational to the occupational therapy profession is the belief that engagement in occupation is health promoting; however, this belief fails to account for occupational engagement that may be risky or illness producing. Consensus regarding the nature of the relationship between occupation and health has yet to be achieved.

Purpose.

The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive description of how the relationship between occupation and health and well-being is discussed within the occupational therapy and occupational science literature.

Method.

The methodological framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley served as the basis for this scoping review of the occupational therapy and occupational science literature.

Findings.

One hundred and twelve articles were identified as meeting the criteria for inclusion. The dominant discourse portrays the relationship between occupation and health as positive.

Implications.

The broader literature suggests that occupational engagement can have both positive and negative effects on health and well-being. As such, the reconceptualization of the relationship between occupation and health and well-being is warranted to enable occupational therapists to practise in a more client-centred manner.
The African Rites of Passage and the Black Fraternity
Authors: Chambers Ali D.
Published: February 2016

Traditional West African organizations, called Asafo, bear a striking resemblance to Black Greek-letter organizations. The common bonds that link the Asafo companies of Ghana with the Black Greek-letter organizations of the United States lie within their rites of passage, the guiding principles, philosophical views, and overall character inherent to these organizations. While slavery and colonization strained, it did not completely break the cultural bond between Africans in Africa and those who reside in the West (the United States). Moreover, wherever people of African descent may reside, their cultural practices have always remained an intricate part of their lives. This article seeks to analyze the presence of African culture found within the Black Greek-letter organization and determine how African Americans were able to materialize, communicate, and ultimately sustain these African identities under antagonistic social conditions.
Osteoprotective Effects of Estrogen in the Maxillary Bone Depend on ERα
Authors: Macari S. , Ajay Sharma L. , Wyatt A. , Knowles P. , Szawka R.E. , Garlet G.P. , Grattan D.R. , Dias G.J. , Silva T.A.
Published: February 2016

Estrogen deficiency results in disruption of maxillary alveolar bone microarchitecture. Most of the actions of estrogen in long bones occur via estrogen receptor α (ERα). However, the function of ERα in the maxillary bone has not been defined. We aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of ERα in the physiological and mechanically induced alveolar bone remodeling in female and male mice. Wild-type (WT) and ERα−/− (ERKOα) mice were subjected to mechanically stimulated bone remodeling by inducing orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). The maxillary bone was analyzed using histomorphometric analysis, micro–computed tomography, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Bone marrow cells (BMCs) from WT and ERKOα mice were tested for their capacity to differentiate into osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Both male and female ERKOα mice exhibited marked reduction of alveolar bone mass and increased OTM. This response was associated with an increased number of osteoclasts and reduced number of apoptotic cells and osteoblasts in the periodontium and alveolar bone. Consistently, ERKOα mice exhibited lower levels of calcium in bone and increased expression of IL-33 (interleukin-33), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor α), and IL-1β (interleukin-1β) and decreased expression of dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein and alkaline phosphatase in periodontal tissues. Moreover, the differentiation of osteoclasts and osteoblasts in vitro was significantly higher in BMCs obtained from ERKOα. ERα is required to maintain the microarchitecture of maxillary alveolar bone. This process is linked to bone cell differentiation and apoptosis, as well as local production of inflammatory molecules such as IL-33, TNF-α, and IL-1β.
Acute and Session Ratings of Perceived Exertion in a Physical Education Setting
Authors: Lagally Kristen M. , Walker-Smith Kimberly , Henninger Mary L. , Williams Skip M. , Coleman Margo
Published: February 2016

A commonly stated rationale for examining the use of ratings of perceived exertion with youth is its potential value as an assessment of intensity in physical education settings. The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between ratings of perceived exertion and heart rate in a natural physical education setting. Sixth through eighth grade students performed cardiovascular and muscle endurance circuits and then recorded ratings and heart rate. It was hypothesized that, similar to laboratory studies, strong positive correlations would be seen between heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion, which would provide additional support for the use of ratings of perceived exertion in physical education. However, only low to moderate correlations were found. When data collection occurs in a natural physical education setting, there are challenges that may result in poor correlational results between variables such as heart rate and perceived exertion that demonstrate strong relationships when examined in laboratory settings.
The Relationship of Vocabulary Learning Strategies and Self-Efficacy with Medical English and Terminology
Authors: Wang Ya-Huei , Kao Pan-Fu , Liao Hung-Chang
Published: February 2016

This study examined the relationship between the use of vocabulary learning strategies and self-efficacy in medical English learning, and whether after an initial six-week course to master the basics of medical terminology, those with higher use of vocabulary learning strategies and those with a higher degree of self-efficacy would have significant score improvements in the medical English proficiency. Second-year medical students ( N = 115; M age = 19.6, SD = 0.5; 82 men, 33 women) participated in the study. A one-group pretest-posttest design was used. Measures included medical English tests, the English Vocabulary Learning Strategies Survey (EVLSS), and the English Learning Self-Efficacy Scale (ELSES). Results showed that there was no significant correlation between vocabulary learning strategies and English learning self-efficacy. In addition, as a whole, vocabulary learning strategies and self-efficacy significantly predicted students’ score improvements in medical English proficiency.
Self-Rated ADHD Symptoms Among Biological Mothers or Fathers of Children with Confirmed ADHD in a French Population
Authors: Dentz Amélie , Romo Lucia , Konofal Eric , Parent Véronique
Published: February 2016

Parents of children with ADHD are more likely to present the disorder, which can affect quality of life and parenting strategies. Few studies have examined parental ADHD to date, none in France. Prevalence of self-rated ADHD symptoms in adulthood and childhood was estimated among 60 biological mothers or fathers of children with confirmed ADHD in France. Cutoffs were total score ≥46 on the Wender Utah Rating Scale and ≥4 on the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener. Results indicated possible child and adult ADHD in 12.5% of mothers and 10.0% of fathers. As these percentages exceed reported prevalence rates for the French population, a greater effort must be made to diagnose the disorder in parents.
Validation of the Short Form of the Academic Procrastination Scale
Authors: Yockey Ronald D.
Published: February 2016

The factor structure, internal consistency reliability, and convergent validity of the five-item Academic Procrastination Scale–Short Form was investigated on an ethnically diverse sample of college students. The results provided support for the Academic Procrastination Scale–Short Form as a unidimensional measure of academic procrastination, which possessed good internal consistency reliability in this sample of 282 students. The scale also demonstrated good convergent validity, with moderate to large correlations with both the Procrastination Assessment Scale–Students and the Tuckman Procrastination Scale. Implications of the results are discussed and recommendations for future work provided.