bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of Autonomic Function Tests to Differentiate Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Parkinson Disease with Dementia from Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Toru Shuta , Kanouchi Tadashi , Yokota Takanori , Yagi Yosuke , Machida Akira , Kobayashi Takayoshi
Published: November 2017

Objective: We studied autonomic disturbance in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), Parkinson disease with dementia (PDD), Alzheimer disease (AD), to determine whether autonomic function tests can be used to distinguish these disorders. Methods: Autonomic function was tested in 56 patients with DLB, 37 patients with PDD, and 59 patients with AD by using the sympathetic skin response, coefficient of variation in R-R interval, the head-up tilt test, serum norepinephrine concentration, and 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine cardiac scintigraphy. Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction, such as constipation, urinary symptoms, and orthostatic hypotension, were also noted. Results: The groups did not differ on baseline characteristics other than those associated with Parkinsonism and dementia. All patients with DLB and PDD had some dysautonomia, whereas rates were much lower for patients with AD (19%). Significantly more DLB and PDD patients than AD patients showed abnormalities on autonomic function tests. Conclusions: Autonomic function tests might be quite useful to distinguish DLB and PDD from AD.
Xia-Yu-Xue Decoction Inhibits Intestinal Epithelial Cell Apoptosis in CCl4-Induced Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Ma Wenting , Tao Le , Zhang Wei , Zhu Yinshen , Xue Dongying , Zhang Jie , Liu Cheng
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Intestine-derived endotoxin is thought to play a role in the development of liver fibrosis. However, the pathological change in the intestine during liver fibrosis is still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of Xia-yu-xue decoction (XYXD) on intestinal inflammation, apoptosis, and tight junction integrity in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis. Methods: Murine liver fibrosis was developed by CCI4 treatment three times per week over a 6-week period. The CCl4-treated mice were divided into two groups: the CCl4-water group (n=8, CCl4) and the CCl4-XYXD group (n=8, CCl4+XYXD). The CCl4+XYXD mice were treated with XYXD from the beginning of the first week. The expression of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic molecules were examined using immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, and western blot. The intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis was examined by TUNEL staining. The tight junction-related molecules, such as ZO-1, claudin, and occludin in the gut were measured by real-time PCR. Results: In CCl4-treated mice damage of the intestinal epithelia and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lamina propria and muscular layer were observed. Proinflammatory markers MCP-1, TNF-α, CXCL11, IL-6, and CD68 were significantly increased in the intestinal epithelia in CCI4-treated mice. The expression of pro-apoptotic molecules including Fas and Bax was increased in the intestinal epithelia in CCI4-treated mice compared with that in control. The number of TUNEL-positive intestinal epithelial cells was also markedly increased in CCl4-treated mice. The expression of the tight junction proteins including ZO-1, claudin, and occludin was significantly decreased in CCI4-treated mice compared with that in control mice. Notably, XYXD treatment ameliorated increased inflammatory markers and apoptosis-related molecules and decreased tight-junction proteins in CCl4-treated mice. Conclusion: CCl4-treatment increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and pro-apoptotic molecules and disrupted tight junction integrity in the intestine. XYXD treatment ameliorated intestinal inflammation, cell death, and tight junction disintegrity induced by CCl4 treatment, suggesting that XYXD inhibits CCl4-mediated liver fibrosis at least in part by ameliorating the intestinal epithelial damage.
Effect of Huagantongluofang, a Chinese Traditional Medicine, in Hepatic Fibrogenesis in a Mouse Model of Biliary Cirrhosis
Authors: Xuan Ji , Wen Wei , Wang Yong , Wang Feng , Xu Hua-bing , Shao Mei , Yang Ya , Tian Yao-zhou
Published: November 2017

Background: Biliary cirrhosis (BC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease, in which hepatic fibrosis is an early symptom. This study aimed to identify the biological function and the therapeutic effect of a Chinese traditional medicine, HuaGanTongLuoFang (HGTLF), in a mouse model of BC. Methods: The mice (n = 72) were randomly divided into a sham group (n =12) and BC group (n = 60). The animals in the BC group were then randomly divided into five groups (n = 12 in each) and treated with three different doses of HGTLF, ureodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), or normal saline (the model group). Four weeks later, serum and liver tissues were obtained from all the animals for analyses. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to quantify the hepatic morphology, while real-time PCR and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to determine the level of hepatic fibrosis-related genes. Results: Compared with the model group, all three doses of HGTLF improved hepatic function, as well as reducing inflammation and fibrogenesis. The best therapeutic effect was observed in the high-dose HGTLF group. Furthermore, HGTLF contributed to down-regulation of hepatic fibrosis-related genes (platelet-derived growth factor [PDGF], transforming growth factor-β [TGF-β], p38, nuclear factor-κB [NF-kB], intercellular adhesion molecular-1 [ICAM-1], and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 [TIMP-1]). Conclusion: The data suggested that HGTLF effectively improved liver function and the morphology of the liver tissue in a mouse model of BC, possibly via suppression of hepatic fibrosis-related signals.
Acute Effects of Vitamin C Exposure On Colonic Crypts: Direct Modulation of pH Regulation
Authors: Aldajani Mohammed M. , Vanicek Clemens N. , Alhazzaa Norah , Lysyy Taras , Agarwal Raghav , Geibel John P.
Published: November 2017

Background/Aim: Colorectal cancer is still considered a leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide. One potential way to improve survival besides detection is to look to new therapeutic agents that can be taken prophylactically to reduce the risk of tumor formation. For cancer cells to grow and invade, a higher (more alkaline) intracellular pH must occur. We chose to examine a specific nutraceutical agent, which is Vitamin C. The acute effect of Vitamin C exposure on normal colonic crypts has been studied, providing some insight into how Vitamin C achieve its effect. Methods: Distal colon was excised from rats. Following enzymatic digestion single colonic crypts were isolated. Colonic crypts were loaded with pH sensitive dye to measure the intracellular pH changes. Crypts were exposed to solutions +/- Vitamin C. Results: 10 mM Vitamin C decreased Na+-dependent intracellular pH recovery. Vitamin C modulates SVCT leading to changes in proton extrusion. Vitamin C entry occurs via either SVCT2 on the basolateral membrane or by transcellular passive diffusion through tight junctions to the apical membrane and then active transport via SVCT1. Conclusion: Acute addition of Vitamin C to the basolateral membrane maintains low intracellular pH for a longer period which could halt and/or prevent tumor formation.
Contemporary Epidemiology of Heart Failure in Fee-For-Service Medicare Beneficiaries Across Healthcare Settings
Authors: Khera Rohan , Pandey Ambarish , Ayers Colby R. , Agusala Vijay , Pruitt Sandi L. , Halm Ethan A. , Drazner Mark H. , Das Sandeep R. , de Lemos James A. , Berry Jarett D.
Published: November 2017

Background

To assess the current landscape of the heart failure (HF) epidemic and provide targets for future health policy interventions in Medicare, a contemporary appraisal of its epidemiology across inpatient and outpatient care settings is needed.

Methods and Results

In a national 5% sample of Medicare beneficiaries from 2002 to 2013, we identified a cohort of 2 331 939 unique fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries ≥65-years-old followed for all inpatient and outpatient encounters over a 10-year period (2004–2013). Preexisting HF was defined by any HF encounter during the first year, and incident HF with either 1 inpatient or 2 outpatient HF encounters. Mean age of the cohort was 72 years; 57% were women, and 86% and 8% were white and black, respectively. Within this cohort, 518 223 patients had preexisting HF, and 349 826 had a new diagnosis of HF during the study period. During 2004 to 2013, the rates of incident HF declined 32%, from 38.7 per 1000 (2004) to 26.2 per 1000 beneficiaries (2013). In contrast, prevalent (preexisting + incident) HF increased during our study period from 162 per 1000 (2004) to 172 per 1000 beneficiaries (2013) (
P
trend
<0.001 for both). Finally, the overall 1-year mortality among patients with incident HF is high (24.7%) with a 0.4% absolute decline annually during the study period, with a more pronounced decrease among those diagnosed in an inpatient versus outpatient setting (
P
interaction
<0.001)

Conclusions

In recent years, there have been substantial changes in the epidemiology of HF in Medicare beneficiaries, with a decline in incident HF and a decrease in 1-year HF mortality, whereas the overall burden of HF continues to increase.
Prevalence of Hypertensive Phenotypes After Preeclampsia
Authors: Ditisheim Agnès , Wuerzner Grégoire , Ponte Belen , Vial Yvan , Irion Olivier , Burnier Michel , Boulvain Michel , Pechère-Bertschi Antoinette
Published: November 2017

Preeclampsia is associated with increased cardiovascular and renal risk. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to characterize the early postpartum blood pressure (BP) profile after preeclampsia. We enrolled 115 women with preeclampsia and 41 women with a normal pregnancy in a prospective cohort study. At 6 to 12 week postpartum, we assessed the prevalence of different hypertensive phenotypes using 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), as well as the risk of salt sensitivity and the variability of BP derived from ABPM parameters. Among patients with preeclampsia, 57.4% were still hypertensive at the office. Daytime ABP was significantly higher in the preeclampsia group (118.9±15.0/83.2±10.4 mm Hg) than in controls (104.8±7.9/71.6±5.3 mm Hg;
P
<0.01). Differences between groups were similar for nocturnal BP values. Fifty percent of preeclampsia women remained hypertensive on ABPM in the postpartum, of whom 24.3% were still under antihypertensive treatment; 17.9% displayed a white-coat hypertension and 11.6% had masked hypertension. In controls, 2.8% had white-coat hypertension; none had masked hypertension or needed hypertensive treatment. The prevalence of nondippers was similar 59.8% in the preeclampsia group versus 51.4% in controls. High-risk class of salt sensitivity of BP was increased in preeclampsia women (48.6%) compared with controls (17.1%);
P
<0.01. In conclusion, ABPM 6 to 12 weeks after delivery reveals a high rate of sustained ambulatory, nocturnal, and masked hypertension after preeclampsia. This finding may help identify women who should be included in a postpartum cardiovascular risk management program.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01095939.
The Structure and Acquisition of Sensorimotor Maps
Authors: van Vugt Floris T. , Ostry David J.
Published: November 2017

One of the puzzles of learning to talk or play a musical instrument is how we learn which movement produces a particular sound: an audiomotor map. Existing research has used mappings that are already well learned such as controlling a cursor using a computer mouse. By contrast, the acquisition of novel sensorimotor maps was studied by having participants learn arm movements to auditory targets. These sounds did not come from different directions but, like speech, were only distinguished by their frequencies. It is shown that learning involves forming not one but two maps: a point map connecting sensory targets with motor commands and an error map linking sensory errors to motor corrections. Learning a point map is possible even when targets never repeat. Thus, although participants make errors, there is no opportunity to correct them because the target is different on every trial, and therefore learning cannot be driven by error correction. Furthermore, when the opportunity for error correction is provided, it is seen that acquiring error correction is itself a learning process that changes over time and results in an error map. In principle, the error map could be derived from the point map, but instead, these two maps are independently acquired and jointly enable sensorimotor control and learning. A computational model shows that this dual encoding is optimal and simulations based on this architecture predict that learning the two maps results in performance improvements comparable with those observed empirically.
StudioAntarctica: Embedding Art in a Geophysics Sea Ice Expedition
Authors: O’Connor Gabby , Stevens Craig
Published: November 2017

Motivated by the potential for cross-disciplinary outcomes, an artist was embedded in a science expedition to the sea ice around Antarctica, as part of an art-science collaboration with marine physicist Craig Stevens. The scientist and the artist together focused on ice crystal formation. Most elements of the art process had three phases—before, during and after the science process. The environment largely dominated the progress and evolution of ideas. The results were multimaterial and multiscale and provided a way to engage a wide range of audiences while also making nondidactic connections around global climate—and producing art.
The taxonomy of two poorly known species of elbow crabs, Daldorfia spinosissima (A. Milne-Edwards, 1862) and D. triangularis Sakai, 1974 (Brachyura, Parthenopidae)
Authors: Ng Peter K. L. , Prema M. , Tan S. H. , Ravichandran S.
Published: November 2017

The taxonomy of Daldorfia spinosissima (A. Milne-Edwards, 1862) and D. triangularis Sakai, 1974, two large and rarely reported parthenopid species, is discussed. The taxonomy of the two species had been confused until Tan & Ng (2007) argued that both were valid taxa. The availability of fresh species material allowed direct comparisons to be made and the two taxa could, in fact, be separated by a good series of characters: carapace shape, spination on carapace surfaces and chelipeds, rostral form, shape of proepistomal spine, proportions of the third maxilliped ischium, overall structure of the chelipeds, relative lengths of the ambulatory merus, shape of the anterior thoracic sternal depression, and proportions of the male pleon, as well as structure of the male first gonopod.
Cryopreservation of Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne Edwards, 1853 (Decapoda, Brachyura), embryos by vitrification
Authors: Huang XiaoRong , Zhuang Ping , Feng GuangPeng , Zhao Feng , Liu JianYi , Zhang Tao , Wang Yu , Wang SiKai
Published: November 2017

Though cryopreservation of some invertebrate embryos was successful, the cryopreservation of crustacean embryos has not yet been reported. On the basis of previous study, a single vitrifying cocktail (Code A: 30% propanediol and 20% dimethyl formamide) was selected as a cryoprotectant from six kinds of vitrifying solutions to cryopreserve E. sinensis embryos. The cleavage stage, the gastrula, the pre-nauplius, and the first zoea stage embryos were serially acclimated in 25, 33, 50, 67 and 100% vitrifying solution A for 6 min. Embryos were acclimated for 1 min on the 20 cm liquid nitrogen (LN2) layer, and then plunged into liquid nitrogen. After storage for several minutes in LN2, straws containing frozen embryos were acclimated for 1 min on the 20 cm liquid nitrogen (LN2) layer, then quickly removed from LN2. For thawing, straws were immersed quickly for 1 min in a water bath at 37°C, then carefully washed with 0.25 mol/l sucrose and were then incubated with 15 ppt seawater in a Petri dish at 25°C. The survival rate in the vitrifying solution differed for embryos in different stages of development, and the survival rate of different stage embryos declined with the increase of acclimation time in code A vitrifying solution. The survival rate of pre-nauplius stage embryos did not significantly differ when the embryos were washed for 5, 10, 15, or 20 min with 0.25 mol/l sucrose after thawing. There was no survival after either cleavage stage embryos, or gastrula stage embryos were frozen. Eight pre-nauplius stage embryos survived and the survival rate was 9.3 ± 2.5%, but subsequently the embryos died at the fourth day. Seven first zoea stage embryos survived, and the survival rate was 11.3 ± 3.6%, one frozen-thawed embryo hatched at the seventh day. We conclude that cryopreservation of E. sinensis embryos by vitrification is feasible.
Population structure and fecundity of two species of grapsid crabs (Brachyura, Grapsidae) that inhabit the oyster reefs of western Taiwan
Authors: Chen Kun-Neng , Hsu Jung-Ting , Ueng Yih-Tsong
Published: November 2017

This study on carcinological aspects of oyster farming was carried out at the coast of Yunlin County, Taiwan, for a period of 25 months from July 2012 to July 2014. The space formed by the clustering of the oyster shells provides a habitat for at least eight species of crabs. Nanosesarma minutum was the dominant species (73.7% or ) with an average of 59.5 ± 30.6 individuals/string/month, while the average monthly rate of ovigerous females was 12.6 ± 13.0%, and the average number of eggs per berried female was 1510.8 ± 1018.7 eggs/individual. Hemigrapsus penicillatus was the second dominant species (23.9% or ) with an average of 17.4 ± 17.1 individuals/string/month; here, the average monthly rate of ovigerous female crabs was 4.6 ± 9.0, and the average number of eggs of a berried female was 3073.4 ± 2167.5 eggs/individual.
Anthologizing Arabic Literature
Authors: Khalifah Omar
Published: November 2017

This paper examines the ways in which Arabic literature has been introduced into world literature anthologies. Taking The Longman Anthology of World Literature as a case study, the paper questions the politics of the inclusions and exclusions of Arabic literature in the anthology. Pertinent to the discussion is to ponder the nature of Arabic literature that “makes it” into the anthology. In addition, the paper will demonstrate how the anthology in fact obscures, rather than illuminates, major historical trajectories of Arabic literature. The complexity of Arabic literature, its highly self-reflexive texts, and its internal developments throughout history beg for a different approach that, I argue, this world literature anthology is lacking. Equally significant, The Longman recycles several common orientalist clichés about Arabic literature, the most important of which is that there is no Arabic literature worthy of inclusion in the three volumes of the anthology spanning the thirteenth-nineteenth centuries. As for the pieces that are included, the paper will reflect on the size and space they are offered, arguing that these are not arbitrary choices, but rather indicative of how a non-Western literary tradition is appropriated into a world literature anthology.
New species of Lachesilla (Psocodea: Psocomorpha: Lachesillidae), in species group corona, from southern Mexico and Central America
Authors: ALDRETE ALFONSO N. GARCÍA
Published: November 2017

Sixteen species of Lachesilla in species group corona are here described and illustrated. Five of them are endemic to Guatemala, one each are endemic to Costa Rica and Panama, four and three species respectively are endemic to the Mexican states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, and two species are shared by Chiapas and Guatemala.
Acrosternum heegeri Fieber, 1861 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), another Mediterranean bug expanding to the north
Authors: KÁROLYI BALÁZS , RÉDEI DÁVID
Published: November 2017

Acrosternum heegeri Fieber, 1861 (Hemiptera: Heteropera: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae: Pentatomini), a Holomediterranean-Turanian shield bug species, is recorded for the first time from Hungary, representing the first known occurrence of the species in Central Europe. The species is illustrated, its geographic distribution is reviewed. The occurrence of A. heegeri in two localities in Budapest, regular records from one of the localities in the years 2015 and 2016, and the finding of an overwintering individual indicate the presence of a stable population in the city; the species is probably already established and it is locally abundant. Its further spread in Europe is expected.
Checklist of the Free-Living Marine Nematodes of the Iberian Peninsula (north east Atlantic)
Authors: BESTEIRO CELIA , AYORA MARIO
Published: November 2017

A Checklist of the Free-Living Marine Nematodes of the Iberian Peninsula, based on the literature published to date, is presented in this paper. The localities where the taxa were collected, as well as the habitats and depths where they were found, are also mentioned. All references to date provide a total of 236 species, 142 genera and 37 unidentified families. Also, the preparation of the present Checklist allowed us to clarify some errors that have been dragging on for some time and make a few clarifications, all of them based on a review of the original papers.
Troublesome Trimes: Potential cryptic speciation of the Trimeresurus (Popeia) popeiorum complex (Serpentes: Crotalidae) around the Isthmus of Kra (Myanmar and Thailand)
Authors: MULCAHY DANIEL G. , LEE JUSTIN L. , MILLER ARYEH H. , ZUG GEORGE R.
Published: November 2017

The taxonomic identity of the Trimeresurus (Popeia) popeiorum complex from the Isthmus of Kra and to the north was investigated. Several studies over the last decade have produced several specimens and associated mtDNA sequence data for a variety of individuals of the T. popeiorum and “T. sabahi” complexes. Here, we combine four mitochondrial genes (12S, 16S, ND4, and CytB) from all available specimens in GenBank with the addition of five new specimens collected from the mainland, Tanintharyi Region of Myanmar. Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian analyses identified that T. popeiorum sensu lato is paraphyletic with two geographically distinct clades: a northern clade representing populations from northern Myanmar, Laos and northern Thailand and a southern clade representing samples from the Tanintharyi Region and adjacent west Thailand. While the two clades have considerable genetic distance, they appear to be morphologically identical, leading to the hypothesis that the southern clade represents a cryptic, undescribed species. Because they appear to be cryptic species and the limitation of only five specimens from the southern lineage, this does not permit us to formally describe the new species. In accordance to past molecular studies, we uncovered paraphyly and lack of genetic support for the validity of taxa within the T. sabahi complex. However, we suggest recognizing these populations as subspecies within T. sabahi.
Validation of Essential Acoustic Parameters for Highly Urgent In-Vehicle Collision Warnings
Authors: Lewis Bridget A. , Eisert Jesse L. , Baldwin Carryl L.
Published: November 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to validate the importance of key acoustic criteria for use as in-vehicle forward collision warning (FCW) systems.

Background

Despite recent advances in vehicle safety, automobile crashes remain one of the leading causes of death. As automation allows for more control of noncritical functions by the vehicle, the potential for disengagement and distraction from the driving task also increases. It is, therefore, as important as ever that in-vehicle safety-critical interfaces are intuitive and unambiguous, promoting effective collision avoidance responses upon first exposure even under divided-attention conditions.

Method

The current study used a driving simulator to assess the effectiveness of two warnings, one that met all essential acoustic parameters, one that met only some essential parameters, and a no-warning control in the context of a lead vehicle–following task in conjunction with a cognitive distractor task and collision event.

Results

Participants receiving an FCW comprising five essential acoustic components had improved collision avoidance responses relative to a no-warning condition and an FCW missing essential elements on their first exposure. Responses to a consistently good warning (GMU Prime) improved with subsequent exposures, whereas continued exposure to the less optimal FCW (GMU Sub-Prime) resulted in poorer performance even relative to receiving no warning at all.

Conclusions

This study provides support for previous warning design studies and for the validity of five key acoustic parameters essential for the design of effective in-vehicle FCWs.

Application

Results from this study have implications for the design of auditory FCWs and in-vehicle display design.
Justice Matters: Peace Negotiations, Stable Agreements, and Durable Peace
Authors: Druckman Daniel , Wagner Lynn
Published: November 2017

Attaining durable peace (DP) after a civil war has proven to be a major challenge, as many negotiated agreements lapse into violence. How can negotiations to terminate civil wars be conducted and peace agreements formulated to contribute to lasting peace? This question is addressed in this study with a novel data set. Focusing on justice, we assess relationships between process (procedural justice [PJ]) and outcome (distributive justice [DJ]) justice on the one hand and stable agreements (SA) and DP on the other. Analyses of fifty peace agreements, which were reached from 1957 to 2008, showed a path from PJ to DJ to SA to DP: The justice variables were instrumental in enhancing both short- and long-term peace. These variables had a stronger impact on DP than a variety of contextual- and case-related factors. The empirical link between justice and peace has implications for the way that peace negotiations are structured.
Radical Political Unionism as a Strategy for Revitalization in Argentina
Authors: D’Urso Lucila , Longo Julieta
Published: November 2017

The grassroots union experiment undertaken at the Lear automotive parts factory in Argentina can be seen as a paradigmatic struggle for an understanding of the relationship between unionism and politics. The Lear case reveals that the distinctiveness of radical political unionism lies in the democratic elements of its decision making and its appeal to direct action, its construction of alliances with other social organizations, its linkage of economic demands with broader political objectives, its identification of the management, the state, and the union bureaucracy as adversaries, and its transmission of a leftist political culture.

La experiencia sindical de la fábrica de autopartes Lear en Argentina puede ser analizada como un conflicto paradigmático para comprender la relación entre sindicalismo y política. El caso de Lear revela que el carácter distintivo del sindicalismo político radical se encuentra en los mecanismos democráticos de toma de decisiones y en la apelación a medidas de acción directa, la construcción de alianzas con otras organizaciones sociales, la vinculación de las demandas económicas con objetivos políticos más amplios, la identificación de la empresa, el Estado y la burocracia sindical como adversarios y la transmisión de una cultura política de izquierda.
Measuring the quality of end-of-life care: Development, testing, and cultural validation of the Danish version of Views of Informal Carers’ Evaluation of Services–Short Form
Authors: Ross Lone , Neergaard Mette Asbjoern , Petersen Morten Aagaard , Groenvold Mogens
Published: November 2017

Background:

The perspectives of patients and relatives are important in the improvement of the quality of health care. However, the quality of end-of-life care has not been systematically evaluated in Scandinavia.

Aim:

To develop or adapt and subsequently validate a questionnaire assessing the quality of end-of-life care in Denmark. The questionnaire was intended for bereaved relatives in order to assess the quality of care in the last 3 months of the patient’s life and the circumstances surrounding death.

Design and data sources:

Based on the literature and interviews with 15 bereaved relatives and 17 healthcare professionals, relevant topics to include in a questionnaire were identified. The topics were prioritized by 100 bereaved relatives and subsequently compared to existing questionnaires. The chosen questionnaire was tested by cognitive interviews with 36 bereaved relatives.

Results:

Most of the important topics were covered by the Views of Informal Carers’ Evaluation of Services–Short Form, but not all Danish settings (e.g. home care by a palliative team) were covered. These settings were added to the Views of Informal Carers’ Evaluation of Services–Short Form, and a few adaptations were made before a Danish version of the Views of Informal Carers’ Evaluation of Services–Short Form was tested by cognitive interviews. This cultural validation showed that the slightly adapted Danish version was perceived as relevant, understandable, and acceptable. Furthermore, the cognitive interviews gave insight in the comprehension and interpretation of Views of Informal Carers’ Evaluation of Services–Short Form items.

Conclusion:

With a few adaptations, the British Views of Informal Carers’ Evaluation of Services–Short Form was relevant in a Danish setting.
Technical and Vocational Teachers' Conceptions of ICT in the Workplace: bridging the gap between teaching and professional practice
Authors: Khan Md. Shahadat Hossain , Markauskaite Lina
Published: November 2017

This article presents the results of a study, undertaken from a phenomenographic perspective that examines teachers' conceptions of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the workplace. Twenty-three teachers from three Technical and Further Education institutions in Australia participated in semistructured in-depth interviews where they discussed their experiences regarding how ICT is being used in the professional workplaces for which they prepare their students. Interviews were analyzed using an iterative process. The outcomes revealed that ICT in the workplace is conceived in three qualitatively different ways: using ICT for various regular work-related tasks; helping accomplish a job more effectively; and using ICT as an essential tool in professional activities. Three dimensions of variation—accessing and receiving information, communication, and professional development—were identified and explored to establish relationships among the categories of description. These findings provide useful knowledge for minimizing the gap between teaching in vocational institutions and workplace practices. They inform ICT integration in vocational education programs and Technical and Further Education teachers' professional development.
The Role of Cognitive and Affective Factors in Measures of L2 Writing
Authors: Zabihi Reza
Published: November 2017

This study investigates the direct and/or indirect effects of some cognitive (working memory capacity) and affective (writing anxiety and writing self-efficacy) variables on the complexity, accuracy, and fluency (CAF) of second language (L2) learners’ writings. To achieve this goal, 232 upper-intermediate English learners performed an automated version of a working memory capacity task (A-OSPAN) and a timed narrative writing task in L2. Furthermore, participants were asked to complete two self-report questionnaires. The proposed path model adequately fitted the data, and results of path analyses indicated the following: All three measures of L2 writing were directly predicted by learners’ writing self-efficacy; writing self-efficacy affected CAF indirectly through writing anxiety; the direct paths from writing anxiety to all measures of L2 writing were negatively significant; higher working memory spans directly predicted higher L2 writing scores regarding complexity and fluency, but negatively affected learners’ accuracy scores. Based on these findings, the author discusses techniques for enhancing learners’ writing self-efficacy, reducing their anxiety, and helping them make efficient use of working memory resources.
Caring for Brain Tumour Patients: Psychological Reactions After Bereavement
Authors: Petruzzi Alessandra , Finocchiaro Claudia Yvonne , Rainoldi Laura , Silvani Antonio , Farinotti Mariangela , Salmaggi Andrea , Sarno Lucio , Lamperti Elena
Published: November 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the changes in quality of life and in levels of anxiety and depression experienced by caregivers of patients with brain tumour 18 months after their bereavement.

Methods

This longitudinal study employed data from two time points: time 1, during the hospital stay of the caregiver's loved one; and time 2, approximately 18 months after the death of the patient. A total of 51 caregivers agreed to participate in the study at both time points. We used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey; we compared the data obtained at the two time points using the paired-samples t-test.

Results

Caring for someone with a brain tumour had a greater impact on the caregivers’ mental health than on their physical well-being. At time 2, the caregivers’ levels of anxiety and depression and psychological burden were decreased, indicating that they were in a better emotional state than they had been in time 1. However, the mean values in the depression, vitality, and mental health subscales were lower than those in the normative data, indicating that these caregivers had a worse psychological status than members of the normative group.

Conclusion

Our study underscores the necessity of supporting caregivers and monitoring their suffering levels; such suffering can compromise their social and work lives, not only during the disease trajectory but also in bereavement. Providing psychological and emotional support for caregivers of patients with brain tumour during both periods could lessen the suffering and unhappiness of these caregivers.
Skin Biopsy for Diagnosis of Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy: An Observational Study
Authors: Chakrabarty Biswaroop , Sharma M. C. , Gulati Sheffali , Sarkar Chitra
Published: November 2017

The gold standard diagnostic test for Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD) is molecular testing for COL6 mutation. The facility for genetic testing is sparingly available and it is usually diagnosed by muscle biopsy. The latter is an invasive procedure requiring expertise and sedation. Skin biopsy has shown promise as a simpler diagnostic modality. Eleven and 7 cases, respectively, of phenotypically suspected Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy and dystrophinopathy underwent simultaneous skin and muscle biopsies, which were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemistry staining for collagen VI and dystrophin 1, 2, and 3. Of the 8 and 5 muscle biopsy–confirmed cases of Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy and dystrophinopathy, 6 Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy and 5 dystrophinopathy cases showed absent and preserved COL6 staining, respectively, in the skin biopsy. Skin biopsy as a diagnostic option has shown encouraging results in Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy. These should be evaluated in larger studies.
Parents’ Charitable Giving and Volunteering: Are They Influenced by Their Children’s Ages and Life Transitions? Evidence From a Longitudinal Study in the United States
Authors: Einolf Christopher J.
Published: November 2017

Earlier cross-sectional studies have suggested that parents’ levels of charitable giving and volunteering are influenced by transitions in their children’s lives, such as the arrival of a new baby, the entry of their oldest child into elementary school, and the leaving home of their youngest child. To better investigate this contention, I used longitudinal data from the 2001-2009 waves of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. When a new baby arrived, parents’ charitable giving and volunteering decreased; when the oldest child reached the age of 2, their giving increased, but not their volunteering. When the oldest child entered middle and high school, parents’ charitable giving and volunteering increased; when their youngest child left the household, parents decreased their giving and volunteering and redirected their charitable giving toward health and environmental organizations. The negative effects on volunteering were stronger for mothers, whereas the positive effects on volunteering were stronger for fathers.
Sociodemographic and Incident Variables as Predictors of Victim Injury From Intimate Partner Violence: Findings From Police Reports
Authors: Karlsson Marie E. , Reid Quiñones Kathryn , López Cristina M. , Andrews Arthur R. , Wallace Megan M. , Rheingold Alyssa
Published: November 2017

Predictors of victim injury from intimate partner violence (IPV) were investigated using 1,292 police reports collected in South Carolina in 2009/2010. All cases were opposite sex adults. Results from bivariate statistics showed that IPV cases with ( n = 649) and without visible injuries ( n = 643) differed on victim gender, victim race, type of relationship, and perpetrator’s alcohol use. Results from a logistic regression analysis predicting victim injury showed higher odds ratios for males, Whites, and couples identified as cohabitants. Although most victims, including most injured victims, were Black women, males and Whites were overrepresented in the injured group.
The Psychology of Rituals: An Integrative Review and Process-Based Framework
Authors: Hobson Nicholas M. , Schroeder Juliana , Risen Jane L. , Xygalatas Dimitris , Inzlicht Michael
Published: November 2017

Traditionally, ritual has been studied from broad sociocultural perspectives, with little consideration of the psychological processes at play. Recently, however, psychologists have begun turning their attention to the study of ritual, uncovering the causal mechanisms driving this universal aspect of human behavior. With growing interest in the psychology of ritual, this article provides an organizing framework to understand recent empirical work from social psychology, cognitive science, anthropology, behavioral economics, and neuroscience. Our framework focuses on three primary regulatory functions of rituals: regulation of (a) emotions, (b) performance goal states, and (c) social connection. We examine the possible mechanisms underlying each function by considering the bottom-up processes that emerge from the physical features of rituals and top-down processes that emerge from the psychological meaning of rituals. Our framework, by appreciating the value of psychological theory, generates novel predictions and enriches our understanding of ritual and human behavior more broadly.
Developmental Toxicity Assay for Food Additive Tartrazine Using Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryo Cultures
Authors: Joshi Vani , Katti Pancharatna
Published: November 2017

Tartrazine (TTZ) is an azo dye used as a colorant in food products, drugs, and cosmetics. The present study evaluates the impacts of TTZ on embryonic development of zebrafish ( Danio rerio). Laboratory-raised D. rerio embryos (n = 20/concentration) were exposed to graded dilutions of TTZ (0, 0.1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, and 100 mM) from gastrulation stage (5.25 hours postfertilization [hpf]) until hatching and developmental trajectory was traced up to day 7. The no observed effect concentration (NOEC), median lethal concentration (LC50), median effective concentration (EC50), and teratogenic index (TI) were calculated. Exposure of embryos to < 10 mM TTZ had no effects; 20 to 30 mM TTZ caused tail bending, cardiac and yolk sac edema in 50% of larvae; in 30 to 50 mM TTZ-exposed embryos the heart rates declined along with the above mentioned deformities, causing mortality within 96 to 144 hpf; development ceased completely at 75 to 100 mM concentration. The NOEC and LC50 were recorded at 5 and 29.4 mM dose, respectively. The EC50 values for heart rate, cardiac edema, tail bending, and hatching success were at 59.60, 53.81, 98.28, and 58.97 mM with TI quotient 0.49, 0.54, 0.29, and 0.49, respectively. We conclude that TTZ is not embryo toxic/teratogenic for zebrafish embryos up to a dose level of 10 mM concentration.
A new urban canopy parameterization scheme for wind environment simulations
Authors: Duan Cuie , Lu Weizhen , Zhang Yunwei , Gu Zhaolin
Published: November 2017

This paper concerns urban canopies populated with tall slender buildings. To clarify the controlling factors of urban canopies, we simulated a series of single high-rise buildings under fully developed turbulence at a realistic scale by large-eddy simulation. We then analysed correlations between the drag force and recirculation area, frontal area, surface area, floor area, porosity and inlet velocity. Our results show that the recirculation length and recirculation area were proportional to the width, height and wind speed, but were inversely proportional to the length of a building. New equations for the recirculation length and area are presented. The maximum error of the recirculation length equation was 6.66%, and the maximum error of the recirculation area equation was 7.49%. The drag source characteristic length was found to be proportional to the recirculation area, frontal area and surface area and inversely proportional to the porosity and height, but was not closely related to floor area. A new local scale drag source model was developed and applied to a complex urban canopy of Xi’an. The model was applied to 7 × 7 buildings and show good agreement with the solid wall simulation results.
An emergent bilingual child’s multimodal choices in sociodramatic play
Authors: Bengochea Alain , Sembiante Sabrina F , Gort Mileidis
Published: November 2017

In this case study, situated in a preschool classroom within an early childhood Spanish/English dual language programme, we examine how an emergent bilingual child engages with multimodal resources to participate in sociodramatic play discourses. Guided by sociocultural and critical discourse perspectives on multimodality, we analysed ways in which Anthony, a four-year-old emergent bilingual child, engaged in meaning-making during play through verbal, visual and actional modes and in conjunction with additional subcategories in his transmodal repertoire (e.g. translanguaging, sentence types, actual versus signified use of artefacts). Our results revealed differences in the ways Anthony engaged his verbal modes (e.g. monolingual languaging versus translanguaging; varying sentence types) together with actional and visual modes to accomplish adult-centric tasks versus creatively engaging in child-centric play. His translanguaging furthered his communication in tandem with the affordances of his visual and actional resources, depending on his play purposes and collaborators. Anthony’s case illustrates how emergent bilingual children access a variety of modes to participate in literate discourses in complex and varied ways. This article concludes with a discussion on the importance of thoroughly accounting for the contexts and multimodal supports in interactive learning spaces.
A Guide for Understanding Health Education and Promotion Programs
Authors: Kim Richard W. , Nahar Vinayak K.
Published: November 2017

Planning, Implementing & Evaluating Health Promotion Programs: A Primer is a versatile and comprehensive resource on the theoretical and practical underpinnings of successful health promotion programs. The requirements for effective health promotion program development are presented with frequent use of practical planning examples, pedagogical devices, and expert rationale. Ideal for undergraduate and graduate students in health education, promotion, and planning courses, this 15-chapter textbook is organized in a manner that specifically addresses the responsibilities and competencies required of health education specialists as published in the Health Education Specialist Practice Analysis of 2015. The authors of this textbook are leaders in the field and provide readers with the skills necessary to carry out the full process of health promotion program execution, while also offering direct preparation for CHES and MCHES licensing exams.
Reforzando las Redes: Supporting Latina/o Undergraduates at a State Flagship University
Authors: Lucero Audrey , Dorantes Angel Abel , Holguin Mendoza Claudia , Romero Montaño Luz
Published: November 2017

This study investigated the experiences of self-identified Latina/o students at a flagship state university. From a university-provided list of self-identified Latina/o undergraduate students, 117 responded to an online survey and 10 elected to participate in follow-up interviews. Students were asked about their participation in on-campus student clubs and organizations as well as interactions with faculty and staff. Nora’s student engagement model framed the qualitative exploration of three emerging themes, students’ levels of engagement in student organizations, their perceptions of levels of faculty support and accessibility, and their views about faculty and staff’s understandings of the unique and diverse roles of Latina/o students. Implications for university administrators, faculty, and staff are discussed.
Management of Chronic Massive Traumatic Popliteal Artery Pseudoaneurysm: A Case Series With Different Treatment Strategies
Authors: Khalifeh Ali , Kantar Rami , Watson J. Devin B. , Cox Samantha , Sarkar Rajabrata , Toursvadakohi Shahab
Published: November 2017

Giant traumatic popliteal artery (PA) pseudoaneurysms (PSA) are rare but limb threatening if untreated. Management can be challenging, as no standardized approach exists. This report evaluates our experience with 3 cases treated differently. Treatment is individualized based on patient disease and comorbidities. Endovascular and local patch arterial repair are safe alternatives to graft bypass when feasible.
A United Kingdom Register study of in-hospital outcomes of patients receiving extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal
Authors: Cummins Carole , Bentley Andrew , McAuley Daniel F , McNamee James J , Patrick Hannah , Barrett Nicholas A
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Extracorporeal membrane carbon dioxide removal may have a role in treatment of patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure and refractory hypoxaemia and/or hypercapnia.

Methods

We report on the use, outcomes and complications in United Kingdom intensive care units reporting patients on the Extracorporal Life Support Organisation register.

Results

Of 60 patients, 42 (70%) had primarily hypoxic respiratory failure and 18 (30%) primarily hypercapnic respiratory failure. Use of veno-venous procedures increased compared to arterio-venous procedures. Following extracorporeal membrane carbon dioxide removal, ventilatory and blood gas parameters improved at 24 h. Twenty-seven (45%) of patients died before ICU discharge, while 27 (45%) of patients were discharged alive. The most common complications related to thrombosis or haemorrhage.

Discussion

There is limited use of extracorporeal membrane carbon dioxide removal in UK clinical practice and outcomes reflect variability in indications and the technology used. Usage is likely to increase with the availability of new, simpler, technology. Further high quality evidence is needed.