bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigating University Policies to Support Postsecondary Education Programs for Students With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Plotner Anthony J. , Marshall Kathleen J.
Published: February 2014

Many colleges across the country are now broadening their mission to promote educational opportunities to an increasingly diverse population that includes individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). As a result, postsecondary education programs for students with ID/DD are emerging across the United States. While these programs grow, it is important that colleges and universities consider various university policies. In this article, the authors address critical considerations and discussion points to help guide college and university professionals and administration to ensure smooth program development. Specifically, the authors address three issues: (a) participant eligibility and admission, (b) access to academic and nonacademic services, and (c) area of liability. Guiding questions and recommendations for policy and practice are also provided.
“Lock the Doors”
Authors: Marsen Sky
Published: February 2014

Using a narrative–semiotic approach, this article explores the decisions, plans, and actions involved in dealing with organizational risks and crises. It describes a model, or methodological framework, for crisis analysis as well as for organizational learning aimed at crisis management and prevention. The model is based on the interrelational positioning of the relevant agents (project managers, project team members, and stakeholders), the discourses produced by these agents, and their actions. This model is valuable for understanding the situations, goals, motivations, and anxieties that underlie the risk assessment and actions taken during crises. To illustrate the theoretical discussion, the article analyzes the Columbia Space Shuttle accident of 2003.
Lithium Dosing Equations
Authors: Nichols Taylor A. , Drayton Shannon J. , Borckardt Jeffrey , Taber David J.
Published: February 2014

Background: Several equations are used to predict lithium doses necessary to attain therapeutic serum concentrations. A number of studies have evaluated these equations; however, few equations were compared simultaneously. Objective: To assess the accuracy and precision of published dosing equations in predicting daily lithium doses and to evaluate if pertinent laboratory tests were performed prior to initiation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of patients who received lithium at the Medical University of South Carolina Institute of Psychiatry between July 2010 and July 2012. Using dosing equations, expected lithium doses were calculated based on corresponding serum concentrations identified in patient charts. Expected doses were then compared with actual lithium doses. The primary end point was to assess the accuracy and precision of dosing equations using mean differences in daily lithium doses and standard deviations. Secondary end points included presence of pertinent laboratory tests and use of concomitant interacting drugs . Results: Of 155 patients identified, 59 were eligible for analysis. Equations developed by Abou-Auda et al and Pepin et al did not predict doses that were significantly different from actual doses. Conversely, equations by Jermain et al, Terao et al, and Zetinet al did predict statistically different doses. Conclusions: Abou-Auda et al developed a predictive lithium dosing equation that was more accurate than equations developed by Jermain et al, Terao et al, and Zetin et al and more precise than the Pepin et al equation. Further study evaluating the influence of equations on clinical outcomes is warranted.
Development and Evaluation of an Online, Multicomponent Working Memory Battery
Authors: Englund Julia A. , Decker Scott L. , Woodlief Darren T. , DiStefano Christine
Published: February 2014

Research has demonstrated strong connections among working memory (WM), higher-level cognition, and academic achievement. Despite the importance of WM, currently available WM tests have practical limitations and lack comprehensive coverage of multiple WM components. The Working Memory Battery (WOMBAT) includes nine subtests measuring multiple content domains and processing demands, in accordance with contemporary WM theoretical frameworks. The current study evaluated the WOMBAT factor structure and identified misfitting items using confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch modeling with scores from 125 adolescents and 177 adults ( N = 302). Overall, results indicated the WOMBAT measures separate Verbal, Static Visual-Spatial, and Dynamic Visual-Spatial dimensions, and that more than 98% of items contribute to measurement of those dimensions. This provides support for the theoretical organization of WM into three distinct content domains in the WOMBAT. Misfitting items were identified using infit and outfit indices for further review to improve reliability and stability. Results also demonstrated adequate person separation and Rasch person reliability and item reliability. Test–retest reliability and internal consistency coefficients suggest adequate reliability for early-stage research, but further refinement is needed before the WOMBAT can be used for individual decision making. Implications for future test development and research on the WM construct are provided.
More than at the Neuromuscular Synapse
Authors: Mazzocchio Riccardo , Caleo Matteo
Published: February 2014

Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) is a metalloprotease that produces a sustained yet transitory blockade of transmitter release from peripheral nerve terminals. Local delivery of this neurotoxin is successfully employed in clinical practice to reduce muscle hyperactivity such as in spasticity and dystonia, and to relieve pain with long-lasting therapeutic effects. However, not all BoNT/A effects can be explained by an action at peripheral nerve terminals. Indeed, it appears that BoNT/A is endowed with trafficking properties similar to the parental tetanus neurotoxin and thus be able to directly affect the CNS. In this review, we present and discuss novel compelling evidence for a direct central effect of BoNT/A in both dorsal and ventral horns of the animal and human spinal cord after peripheral injection of the neurotoxin, with important consequences on pain and motor control. This new knowledge is expected to radically change the approach to the use of BoNT/A in the future. As BoNT/A central action appears to also contribute to functional improvement, for instance in human spastic gait, the challenge will be to develop new subtypes or BoNT derivatives with deliberate, cell-specific central effects in order to fully exploit the spectrum of BoNT/A therapeutic activity.
Hemolytic anemia in two patients with glioblastoma multiforme: A possible interaction between vorinostat and dapsone
Authors: Lewis Jennifer A , Petty William J , Harmon Michele , Peacock James E , Valente Kari , Owen John , Pirmohamed Munir , Lesser Glenn J
Published: February 2014

Patients undergoing treatment for glioblastoma multiforme are routinely placed on prophylactic treatment for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia because of significant therapy-induced lymphopenia. In patients with sulfa allergies, dapsone prophylaxis is often used due to its efficacy, long half-life, cost effectiveness, and general safety at low doses. However, dapsone may uncommonly induce a hemolytic anemia, particularly in patients deficient of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. This hemolysis is thought to be a result of oxidative stress on red blood cells induced by dapsone metabolites which produce reactive oxygen species that disrupt the red blood cell membrane and promote splenic sequestration. A single case report of dapsone-induced hemolytic anemia in a patient with glioblastoma multiforme has been reported. We present two patients with glioblastoma multiforme who developed severe hemolytic anemia shortly after initiating therapy with vorinostat, a pan-active histone deacetylase inhibitor, while on prophylactic dapsone. There are several potential mechanisms by which histone deacetylase inhibition may alter dapsone metabolism including changes in hepatic acetylation or N-glucuronidation leading to an increase in the bioavailability of dapsone’s hematotoxic metabolites. In addition, vorinostat may lead to increased hemolysis through inhibition of heat shock protein-90, a chaperone protein that maintains the integrity of the red blood cell membrane cytoskeleton. The potential interaction between dapsone and vorinostat may have important clinical implications as more than 10 clinical trials evaluating drug combinations with vorinostat in patients with malignant glioma are either ongoing or planned in North America.
Diagnostic value of brain chronic black holes on T1-weighted MR images in clinically isolated syndromes
Authors: Mitjana Raquel , Tintoré Mar , Rocca Maria A , Auger Cristina , Barkhof Frederik , Filippi Massimo , Polman Chris , Fazekas Franz , Huerga Elena , Montalban Xavier , Rovira Àlex
Published: February 2014

Background:

Non-enhancing black holes (neBHs) are more common in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with longer disease durations and progressive disease subtypes.

Objective:

Our aim was to analyse the added value of neBHs in patients with clinically isolated syndromes (CISs) for predicting conversion to clinically definite MS (CDMS).

Methods:

Patients were classified based on the presence or absence of neBHs and on the number of Barkhof–Tintoré (B-T) criteria fulfilled. Dissemination in space (DIS) was defined as the presence of at least three of the four B-T criteria. Dissemination in time (DIT)1 was defined by simultaneous presence of enhancing and non-enhancing lesions. DIT2 was defined by simultaneous presence of neBHs and T2 lesions not apparent on T1-weighted images.

Results:

Focal T2-hyperintense brain lesions were identified in 87.7% of the 520 CIS patients, and 41.4% of them presented at least one neBH. Patients meeting DIS, DIT1, and DIT2 had a significantly higher rate of conversion to CDMS. After adjusting for DIS, only patients who fulfilled DIT1 preserved a significant increase in CDMS conversion.

Conclusions:

Non-enhancing black holes in CIS patients are associated with a higher risk of conversion to CDMS. However, the predictive value of this finding is lost when added to the DIS criteria.
Temporal relations between methamphetamine use and HIV seroconversion in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men
Authors: Halkitis Perry N , Levy Michael D , Solomon Todd M
Published: February 2014

Data from a cross-sectional study of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who were active methamphetamine users were analyzed to assess temporal relations between HIV seroconversion and initiation of methamphetamine use. Of the 100 men, 58 reported being HIV-positive. Most HIV-positive participants (65%) initiated methamphetamine use after seroconverting. Among those who initiated use before seroconversion, 8 years elapsed between onset of use and time of infection. Findings suggest the need to develop nuanced and targeted interventions aimed at disentangling the “meth-sex” link in this population. Findings also suggest use of the drug as a coping mechanism for those living with HIV.
Confusions about multiculturalism
Authors: Pakulski Jan
Published: February 2014

Australian multiculturalism – an integrative policy strategy aiming at managing cultural diversity – was adopted as government policy in Australia in the 1970s. In its original rendition, Australian multiculturalism was embedded in classical sociological theory, integrative, reciprocal, egalitarian and respectful of the majority. However, it has also been confused with ethnic pluralism and assimilationist ‘melting pot’ approaches, and these confusions are apparent in the recent European and domestic criticisms. The article outlines the principles of Australian multiculturalism, identifies its theoretical foundations, and highlights some of the popular confusions about its meaning, focus and objectives.
From multiculturalism to post-multiculturalism: Trends and paradoxes
Authors: Gozdecka Dorota A. , Ercan Selen A. , Kmak Magdalena
Published: February 2014

In recent years, multiculturalism has been declared a failure both in Europe and the Anglophone West. This diagnosis went hand in hand with an excessive focus on gendered cultural practices in culturally diverse societies, such as forced marriages or ‘honour killings’; the raise of anti-immigration political movements and the adoption of stricter legal rules in the areas of immigration and citizenship. This article aims to capture the legal, social and political responses to ‘failed’ multiculturalism under the banner of post-multiculturalism. In doing so, it identifies the major shifts that characterises post-multiculturalism and discusses their implications particularly for the citizens of Europe and various ‘others’. A close analysis of the recent shifts in the areas of rights, migration law and policy debates in various culturally diverse societies reveal that post-multiculturalism reinforces rather than counteracts the problematic features of multiculturalism. Drawing on the insights suggested by the literature on neo-liberal governmentality, the article points out the paradoxes of post-multiculturalism and their implications for culturally different Others.
Neuro-fuzzy model tree approach to virtual sensing of transient diesel soot and NOx emissions
Authors: Johri Rajit , Filipi Zoran
Published: February 2014

Diesel engine combustion and emission formation are highly nonlinear and thus create a challenge related to engine diagnostics and engine control with emission feedback. This article describes the development of neuro-fuzzy models for prediction of transient NOX and soot emission from a diesel engine. The modeling techniques are motivated by the idea of divide and conquer the input–output space. The complex problem is divided into multiple simpler subproblems, which are then identified using simpler class of models. This article explores two different choices of local models, specifically polynomial and neural networks. The modeling technique is augmented with input relevance algorithm to select the most relevant input regressors. Two algorithms, namely, orthogonal least square and automatic relevance determination, are introduced. The models are data driven, and an advanced experimental setup incorporating a medium duty diesel engine and fast emission analyzers for soot and NOX is used to generate training data. The choice of local models and input relevance algorithm is validated with instantaneous emission recorded during transient schedules different from those used in development. High prediction accuracy, both qualitatively and quantitatively, is demonstrated with low computational cost.
Treatment Intensity
Authors: Bellon-Harn Monica L. , Byers Beth A. , Lappi Jenna
Published: February 2014

This preliminary study examined the effects of interactive storybook reading on narrative abilities in 12 preschool children with specific language impairment (SLI) in two treatment intensity conditions within the public school milieu. One condition consisted of 42 sessions across 14 weeks. The other consisted of 24 sessions across 6 weeks. A pretest/posttest design was used to compare children’s use of microstructure elements within language samples. Microstructure elements of interest included frequency of coordinate and subordinate clauses and number of words within clauses. Results indicated positive outcomes with large effect sizes following both conditions. No group differences were identified. Gains in microstructure elements of narratives may be obtained with less total treatment time. Findings suggest modification of the treatment format earlier in the treatment progression, which may be helpful for generalization of language skills into other contexts. Results should be taken with caution due to small sample size and lack of a control group.
Nutrition and Cost Comparisons of Select Canned, Frozen, and Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Miller Steven R. , Knudson William A.
Published: February 2014

A common call to action for addressing public health concerns of both obesity and hunger is improving access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Previous research has examined the nutritional merits of fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables. However, there are limited data on the cost-effectiveness of fresh compared with processed—that is, canned and frozen—food. This study examined the nutrition delivered in 8 common vegetables and 10 common fruits across multiple packaging options (fresh, frozen, and canned) relative to average costs. A method of scoring based on nutrient intake recommendations was used to calculate the nutrients per calorie, and average costs were obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service. Nutrient scores for the vegetables were similar across the 3 packaging options, whereas canned vegetables had a lower cost per edible cup compared with frozen and fresh. Nutrient scores were variable for the fruits across the 3 packaging options, and canned fruits were either lower or comparably priced per edible cup. The evidence from this study suggests that fruits and vegetables packaged as frozen or canned are cost-effective and nutritious options for meeting daily vegetable and fruit recommendations in the context of a healthy diet.
Implementing trials of complex interventions in community settings: The USC–Rancho Los Amigos Pressure Ulcer Prevention Study (PUPS)
Authors: Clark Florence , Pyatak Elizabeth A , Carlson Mike , Blanche Erna Imperatore , Vigen Cheryl , Hay Joel , Mallinson Trudy , Blanchard Jeanine , Unger Jennifer B , Garber Susan L , Diaz Jesus , Florindez Lucia I , Atkins Michal , Rubayi Salah , Azen Stanley Paul ,   the PUPS Study Group
Published: February 2014

Background

Randomized trials of complex, non-pharmacologic interventions implemented in home and community settings, such as the University of Southern California (USC)-Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center (RLANRC) Pressure Ulcer Prevention Study (PUPS), present unique challenges with respect to (1) participant recruitment and retention, (2) intervention delivery and fidelity, (3) randomization and assessment, and (4) potential inadvertent treatment effects.

Purpose

We describe the methods employed to address the challenges confronted in implementing PUPS. In this randomized controlled trial, we are assessing the efficacy of a complex, preventive intervention in reducing the incidence of, and costs associated with, the development of medically serious pressure ulcers in people with spinal cord injury.

Methods

Individuals with spinal cord injury recruited from RLANRC were assigned to either a 12-month preventive intervention group or a standard care control group. The primary outcome is the incidence of serious pressure ulcers with secondary endpoints including ulcer-related surgeries, medical treatment costs, and quality of life. These outcomes are assessed at 12 and 24 months after randomization. Additionally, we are studying the mediating mechanisms that account for intervention outcomes.

Results

PUPS has been successfully implemented, including recruitment of the target sample size of 170 participants, assurance of the integrity of intervention protocol delivery with an average 90% treatment adherence rate, and enactment of the assessment plan. However, implementation has been replete with challenges. To meet recruitment goals, we instituted a five-pronged approach customized for an underserved, ethnically diverse population. In intervention delivery, we increased staff time to overcome economic and cultural barriers to retention and adherence. To ensure treatment fidelity and replicability, we monitored intervention protocol delivery in accordance with a rigorous plan. Finally, we have overcome unanticipated assessment and design concerns related to (1) determining pressure ulcer incidence/severity, (2) randomization imbalance, and (3) inadvertent potential control group contamination.

Limitations

We have addressed the most daunting challenges encountered in the recruitment, assessment, and intervention phases of PUPS. Some challenges and solutions may not apply to trials conducted in other settings.

Conclusions

Overcoming challenges has required a multifaceted approach incorporating individualization, flexibility, and persistence, as well as the ability to implement needed mid-course corrections.
Post partum infections: A review for the non-OBGYN
Authors: Dalton E , Castillo E
Published: February 2014

The epidemiology of infections in the puerperium (post partum period) is not well understood and remains underestimated because surveillance systems are often limited to the acute care setting. The most common source of persistent fever after delivery is genital tract infection for which diagnosis remains mostly clinical and antibiotic treatment empiric. This review will emphasize surgical site infections (SSIs) and endometritis. Septic thrombo-phlebitis, mastitis, urinary tract infections and rare infections will be covered in less detail. Puerperal sepsis will not be reviewed.
Lessons Learned From a Pilot RCT of Simultaneous Versus Delayed Initiation of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Starting Insulin Pump Therapy
Authors: Olivier Patricia , Lawson Margaret L. , Huot Celine , Richardson Christine , Nakhla Meranda , Romain Judette
Published: February 2014

Background:

Uncertainty remains about effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D). Success with CGM is related to CGM adherence, which may relate to readiness to make the behavior changes required for effective use. We hypothesize that readiness for change will be greater at initiation of insulin pump therapy than in established pump users, and that this will predict CGM adherence. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in children with established T1D comparing simultaneous pump and CGM initiation to standard pump therapy with delayed CGM initiation.

Methods:

We randomized participants to simultaneous pump and CGM initiation or to standard pump therapy with the option of adding CGM 4 months later. CGM adherence was tracked via web-based download and readiness for change assessed with the SOCRATES questionnaire.

Results:

Of 41 eligible children, 20 agreed to participate; 15 subjects completed the study (7 males; baseline age 11.8 ± 4.0 years; T1D duration 2.7 ± 2.7 years; mean A1C 8.2 ± 0.8%). Six of 8 simultaneous group subjects used CGM > 60% of the time for 4 months compared to 1 of 7 delayed group subjects ( P = .02). Using SOCRATES, we could assign 87-100% of subjects to a single motivation stage at baseline and 4 months.

Conclusions:

This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of randomizing pump naïve children and adolescents with established T1D to simultaneous pump and CGM initiation versus standard pump therapy with delayed CGM initiation. Lessons from this pilot study were used to inform development of a full-scale multicenter RCT.
Tele-diabetology to Screen for Diabetes and Associated Complications in Rural India
Authors: Mohan Viswanathan , Prathiba Vijayaraghavan , Pradeepa Rajendra
Published: February 2014

Diabetes, with its acute and long-term complications, has become a major health hazard in developing countries. An estimated 62.4 million people in India have diabetes. With increasing urbanization and industrialization, we can expect huge numbers of people with diabetes in India in the future. Moreover, all diabetes efforts in India are currently focused in urban areas while 70% of India’s population actually lives in rural areas. The current statistics demonstrates that urgent interventions are mandatory to curb the epidemic of diabetes and its complications at the grassroots level. This gap in providing diabetes care can be nullified by the use of tele-diabetology. This holds great potential to overcome barriers and improve quality and access to diabetes care to remote, underserved areas of developing counties. The Chunampet Rural Diabetes Prevention Project (CRDPP) has been developed and tested as a successful model for screening and delivering diabetes care to rural areas in developing countries. Using a tele-diabetology mobile van loaded with appropriate equipment, trained technicians, and satellite technology helped us to screen for diabetes and its complications and deliver diabetes care to remote villages in southern India. The Chunampet model can be applied in reaching out to remote areas where specialized diabetes care facilities may not be available.
Problem Eating Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder Are Associated With Suboptimal Daily Nutrient Intake and Taste/Smell Sensitivity
Authors: Lane Alison E. , Geraghty Maureen E. , Young Gregory S. , Rostorfer Jena L.
Published: February 2014

Thirty children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged 3 to 10 years participated in this study exploring associations between problem eating behaviors, daily nutrient intake, and sensory disturbance. Parents completed surveys regarding the usual eating behaviors of their children. Children exhibiting more severe autism-specific disruptive behaviors at mealtimes were most at risk for suboptimal intake of select nutrients such as biotin, vitamin K, iodine, linolenic omega-3 fatty acids, and choline, which play a role in metabolism and bone and brain health. Children exhibiting food refusal tended to have increased caloric and nutrient intake. Picky eaters were more likely to consume adequate daily nutrients but experienced the highest levels of parent-reported taste/smell sensitivity. The findings of this preliminary study support a multifactorial approach to the management of problem eating behaviors in ASD.
Oral Feeding Challenges in Infants With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Samaan Sharon , Secker Donna
Published: February 2014

Nutrition is a key component in the management of infants with chronic kidney disease (CKD). These infants often have poor appetites, small oral intakes, and difficulty meeting their nutritional requirements. The ability of dietitians, nurses, parents, and caregivers to ensure adequate nutritional intake can be complicated by a variety of oral feeding challenges. Without successful treatment, resulting malnutrition contributes to poor growth and potential for neurocognitive developmental delay. This article provides practical information for identifying and providing early intervention to alleviate common feeding challenges in infants with CKD. A collaborative, multidisciplinary approach focused on enhancing oral motor skills and encouraging positive eating experiences for infants helps to minimize stressful feeding experiences for parents. In addition, it supports successful transition from tube feeding to complete oral feeding following transplant.
Personality Change Pre- to Post- Loss in Spousal Caregivers of Patients With Terminal Lung Cancer
Authors: Hoerger Michael , Chapman Benjamin P. , Prigerson Holly G. , Fagerlin Angela , Mohile Supriya G. , Epstein Ronald M. , Lyness Jeffrey M. , Duberstein Paul R.
Published: February 2014

Personality is relatively stable in adulthood but could change in response to life transitions, such as caring for a spouse with a terminal illness. Using a case–control design, spousal caregivers ( n = 31) of patients with terminal lung cancer completed the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) twice, 1.5 years apart, before and after the patient’s death. A demographically matched sample of community controls ( n = 93) completed the NEO-FFI on a similar time frame. Based on research and theory, we hypothesized that bereaved caregivers would experience greater changes than controls in interpersonal facets of extraversion (sociability), agreeableness (prosocial and nonantagonistic), and conscientiousness (dependability). Consistent with hypotheses, bereaved caregivers experienced an increase in interpersonal orientation, becoming more sociable, prosocial, and dependable (Cohen’s d = .48–.67), though there were no changes in nonantagonism. Changes were not observed in controls ( ds ≤ .11). These initial findings underscore the need for more research on the effect of life transitions on personality.
Urine Discoloration Associated With Metronidazole
Authors: Revollo Jane Y. , Lowder Jeffrey C. , Pierce Andrew S. , Twilla Jennifer D.
Published: February 2014

Objective: To report a case of metronidazole-induced urine discoloration in a patient with Clostridium difficile sepsis. Case Summary: A 52-year old man was admitted with sepsis secondary to C difficile colitis, which developed after he had been recently treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics for community-acquired pneumonia. The C difficile infection was treated with metronidazole, and the patient subsequently developed cola-colored urine. When metronidazole was inadvertently stopped for 34 hours, the urine color returned to normal, but again darkened when the medication was restarted. The patient suffered no clinically adverse effects from the abnormal urine color. He completed the treatment course for colitis and was discharged to home. Discussion: Urine discoloration is a known side of metronidazole. However, it has been poorly reported in the literature, and many clinicians are unaware that it may happen. Here we report the case of a patient who developed dark urine while receiving treatment with metronidazole. Other potential causes of the urine discoloration were explored, including hemolysis, rhabdomyolysis, or adverse reactions to other medications, with no clear positive findings. An objective causality assessment (Naranjo probability scale) revealed that the urine discoloration was probably due to metronidazole. Conclusions: Metronidazole can cause urine discoloration without otherwise harming the patient. Clinicians should be aware of this potential side effect and provide reassurance to patients who develop abnormal urine that there are no clinically relevant adverse outcomes.
Advances in the treatment of hematologic malignancies using immunoconjugates
Authors: Palanca-Wessels Maria Corinna , Press Oliver W.
Published: February 2014

Monoclonal antibody therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by significantly improving patient survival both in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Recent technological advances have increased the effectiveness of immunotherapy leading to its broader application in diverse treatment settings. Immunoconjugates (ICs) consist of a cytotoxic effector covalently linked to a monoclonal antibody that enables the targeted delivery of its therapeutic payload to tumors based on cell-surface receptor recognition. ICs are classified into 3 groups based on their effector type: immunotoxins (protein toxin), radioimmunoconjugates (radionuclide), and antibody drug conjugates (small-molecule drug). Optimization of each individual component of an IC (antibody, linker, and effector) is essential for therapeutic efficacy. Clinical trials have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of ICs in hematologic malignancies both as monotherapy and in multiagent regimens in relapsed/refractory disease as well as frontline settings. These studies have yielded encouraging results particularly in lymphoma. ICs comprise an exciting group of therapeutics that promise to play an increasingly important role in the management of hematologic malignancies.
Exploring patterns of accelerometry-assessed physical activity in elderly people
Authors: Ortlieb Sandra , Dias André , Gorzelniak Lukas , Nowak Dennis , Karrasch Stefan , Peters Annette , Kuhn Klaus A , Horsch Alexander , Schulz Holger ,   KORA Study Group
Published: February 2014

Background

Elderly people obtain significant health benefits from physical activity (PA), but the role of activity patterns has scarcely been researched. The present study aims to describe the patterns of PA among different intensities of activity in elderly people. We assess how patterns differ between more and less active groups (‘rare’, ‘average’, and ‘frequent’), and explore whether and how various PA parameters are associated with functional exercise capacity (FEC).

Methods

PA was measured in 168 subjects (78 males; 65–89 years of age), using a triaxial GT3X accelerometer for ten consecutive days. Subjects were divided into three groups by activity and the groups were compared. A multiple linear regression model was used to predict FEC.

Results

Participants greater than or equal to 80 years are most prone to being sedentary for long periods, while women and the obese are the groups most likely to spend insufficient time in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA). Rarely active elderly people had a decreased proportion of long bouts of MVPA and light PA and of short bouts in sedentary behavior than frequently active subjects did (p < 0.001). As predictors of FEC, younger age, lower BMI, male sex, better lung function, absence of multimorbidity, longer times and longer bouts of MVPA emerged as significant parameters (r2 = 0.54). Patterns of MVPA explained most of the variance.

Conclusions

PA patterns provide information beyond reports of activity alone. MVPA in elderly people may be increased by increasing the proportion of long bouts, in order to increase FEC as well as average PA. However, health conditions may limit PA. In rarely active people (often with reduced FEC, worse lung function, and diagnosis of multimorbidity or disability), longer periods of time in light PA may be sufficient to increase the overall level of activity.
Unusual trichobezoar of the stomach and the intestine: a case report
Authors: Al-Janabi Issam S , Al-Sharbaty Muthanna A , Al-Sharbati Marwan M , Al-Sharifi Laith A , Ouhtit Allal
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Trichobezoars are an infrequent form of bezoar found in the stomach or intestine, created from ingested hair. This condition has been well described in the surgical literature, but less reported in psychiatry.

Case presentation

We describe the case of an 18-year-old Middle Eastern Caucasian woman with trichotillomania who presented to our emergency department with a history of central abdominal pain associated with vomiting and constipation for five days. An examination showed a trichobezoar requiring emergent surgical intervention, and indicating the need for psychiatric treatment. The trichobezoar was treated successfully by laparotomy.

Conclusion

The medical and psychiatric sequelae of trichotillomania should not be underestimated, and early diagnosis and treatment is of utmost importance to save the patient’s life and prevent recurrence. Although laparotomy is still considered an excellent option, pharmacotherapy and behavioral assessment play a useful role in patient management. Our case highlights the fundamental concept of a holistic approach rather than only treating the symptoms, by considering factors such as genetic influences to understand the disease.
Bioremediation of p-Nitrophenol by Pseudomonas putida 1274 strain
Authors: Samuel Melvin S , Sivaramakrishna Akella , Mehta Alka
Published: February 2014

Background

p-Nitrophenol (PNP) occurs as contaminants of industrial effluents and it is the most important environmental pollutant and causes significant health and environmental risks, because it is toxic to many living organisms. Nevertheless, the information regarding PNP degradation pathways and their enzymes remain limited.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of the Pseudomonas Putida 1274 for removal of PNP.

Methods

P. putida MTCC 1274 was obtained from MTCC Chandigarh, India and cultured in the minimal medium in the presence of PNP. PNP degradation efficiency was compared under different pH and temperature ranges. The degraded product was isolated and analyzed with different chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques.

Results

P. putida 1274 shows good growth and PNP degradation at 37°C in neutral pH. Acidic and alkali pH retarded the growth of P. putida as well as the PNP degradation. On the basis of specialized techniques, hydroquinone was identified as major degraded product. The pathway was identified for the biodegradation of PNP. It involved initial removal of the nitrate group and formation of hydroquinone as one of the intermediates.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that P. putida 1274 strain would be a suitable aspirant for bioremediation of nitro-aromatic compounds contaminated sites in the environment.
Synthesis and characterization of Schiff's bases of sulfamethoxazole
Authors: Hussain Zainab , Yousif Emad , Ahmed Ahmed , Altaie Ali
Published: February 2014

Background

Schiff's bases are excellent ligands which are synthesized from the condensation of primary amines with carbonyl groups.

Findings

The classical reaction for the synthesis of Schiff's bases in an ethanolic solution and glacial acetic acid as a catalyst was followed in the synthesis of substituted sulfamethoxazole compounds.

Conclusions

Some Schiff's bases containing sulfamethoxazole nucleus have been synthesized and characterized. The present compounds are hoped to be applied in the photostability of PVC.
Editorial:Yersinia pestissurvives in neutrophils and sends a PS to macrophages: bon appétit!
Authors: Fukuto Hana S , Bliska James B
Published: February 2014

Discussion on the ability of Y. pestis to survive and replicate inside host neutrophils, and its implication for the pathogenesis of plague.
Load-induced changes in bone stiffness and cancellous and cortical bone mass following tibial compression diminish with age in female mice
Authors: Main Russell P. , Lynch Maureen E. , van der Meulen Marjolein C.H.
Published: February 2014

The vertebrate skeleton is an adaptive structure that responds to mechanical stimuli by increasing bone mass under increased mechanical loads. Although experimental animal models have shown the anabolic cortical bone response to applied load decreases with age, no consensus exists regarding whether this adaptive mechanism is affected by age in cancellous bone, the tissue most impacted by age-related bone loss. We used an established murine in vivo tibial loading model to characterize the load-induced cancellous, cortical, and whole bone responses to mechanical stimuli in growing and mature female mice at 6, 10, and 16wks of age. The effects of applied load on tibial morphology and stiffness were determined using microcomputed tomography and in vivo bone strains measured at the medial tibial midshaft during applied loading. At all ages, two weeks of applied load produced larger midshaft cortical cross-sectional properties (+13-72%) and greater cancellous bone volume (+21-107%) and thicker trabeculae (+31-68%) in the proximal metaphyses of the loaded tibiae. The relative anabolic response decreased from 6wks to 16wks of age in both the cancellous and cortical envelopes. Load-induced tibial stresses decreased more in 6wk old mice following loading, which corresponded to increased in vivo tibial stiffness. Stiffness in the loaded tibiae of 16wk old mice decreased despite moderately increased cortical cross-sectional geometry, suggesting load-induced changes in bone material properties. This study shows that the cancellous and cortical anabolic responses to mechanical stimuli decline with age into adulthood and that cortical cross-sectional geometry alone does not necessarily predict whole bone functional stiffness.
Glycolysis plays an important role in energy transfer from the base to the distal end of the flagellum in mouse sperm
Authors: Takei Gen L. , Miyashiro Daisuke , Mukai Chinatsu , Okuno Makoto
Published: February 2014

Since many of studies have been conducted to elucidate the relationship between energy metabolic pathways (glycolysis and respiration) and flagellar motility in mammalian sperm, contribution of glycolysis to sperm motility has not been fully elucidated yet. In the present study, we performed detailed analysis of mouse sperm flagellar motility for further understanding of the contribution of glycolysis to mammalian sperm motility. Mouse sperm maintained vigorous motility by substrates either for glycolysis or for respiration. By contrast, inhibition of glycolysis by alpha-chlorohydrine (ACH) caused significant decrease in bend angle of flagellar bending wave, sliding velocity of outer doublet microtubules and ATP content even in the presence of respiratory substrates (pyruvate or beta-hydroxybutyrate; BHB). The decrease of flagellar bend angle and sliding velocity are prominent in the distal part of the flagellum, indicating that glycolysis inhibition caused the decrease in ATP concentration especially at the distal part of the flagellum. These results suggest that glycolysis potentially act as a spatial ATP buffering system, transferring energy (ATP) synthesized by respiration at mitochondria located in the basal part of the flagellum to the distal part of the flagellum. In order to validate glycolytic enzymes can transfer high energy phosphoryls, we calculated intraflagellar concentration profiles of adenine nucleotides along the flagellum by computer simulation analysis. The result demonstrated that the involvement of glycolysis for maintaining the ATP concentration at the tip of the flagellum. It is likely that glycolysis plays a key role in energy homeostasis in mouse sperm not only through ATP production but also through energy transfer.
A protocol and calibration method for accurate multi-camera field videography
Authors: Theriault Diane H. , Fuller Nathan W. , Jackson Brandon E. , Bluhm Evan , Evangelista Dennis , Wu Zheng , Betke Margrit , Hedrick Tyson L.
Published: February 2014

Stereo videography is a powerful technique for quantifying the kinematics and behavior of animals, but it can be challenging to use in an outdoor field setting. We here present a workflow and associated software for performing calibration of cameras placed in a field setting and estimating the accuracy of the resulting stereoscopic reconstructions. We demonstrate the workflow through example stereoscopic reconstructions of bat and bird flight. We provide software tools for planning experiments and processing the resulting calibrations that other researchers may use to calibrate their own cameras. Our field protocol can be deployed in a single afternoon, requiring only short video clips of light, portable calibration objects.
Studying Ultra-Complex Crude Oil Mixtures by Using High-Field Asymmetric Waveform Ion Mobility Spectrometry (FAIMS) Coupled to an Electrospray Ionisation-LTQ-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Schrader Wolfgang , Xuan Yue , Gaspar Andras
Published: February 2014

High-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) was coupled directly to an LTQ Orbitrap mass spectrometer to analyze a nitrogen-rich crude oil. Analyzing crude oil is extremely difficult because of the complexity, as up to 100,000 different components can be present. Therefore, simplification of crude oil increases the information content because discrimination and suppression effects are reduced. Here, the first results are presented that show that FAIMS can be an important tool for the simplification of complex mixtures. Additionally, the results show that FAIMS is an excellent tool that allows not only a simplification of such complex mixtures, but also shows the separation of isomeric compounds that have the same elemental composition but different structure and conformation.
Split-Award Auctions for Supplier Retention
Authors: Chaturvedi Aadhaar , Beil Damian R. , Martínez-de-Albéniz Victor
Published: February 2014

To stay abreast of current supply-market pricing, it is common for procurement managers to frequently organize auctions among a pool of qualified suppliers (the supply base). Sole awards can alienate losing suppliers and cause them to defect from the supply base. To maintain the supply base and thereby control the high costs of finding and qualifying new suppliers, buyers often employ split awards, which in turn inflate purchase costs. This results in a trade-off that we investigate in an infinite-horizon stationary setting in which the relative cost position of each supplier is randomly drawn in every period. We characterize the optimal split award that minimizes long-run costs (purchasing and qualification) and show that maintaining a constant supply-base size—using a “qualify-up-to” policy—is optimal for the buyer. We find that neither the extent of multisourcing nor the buyer's value of split awards compared with winner-take-all auctions are monotonic in the qualification cost and that split-award auctions can increase ex ante system, buyer, and supplier benefits simultaneously. To our knowledge, this is the first paper studying split-award auctions for supply-base maintenance, and it will hopefully galvanize further research on this important topic.

This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Stiff fingers as an unwanted side effect of intravascular tadalafil gel abuse
Authors: Vaughan EM , Yeung D , West CC , Tadros A , Curnier A
Published: February 2014

The internet provides the public with unregulated access to a wide range of medications. We present the case of a 43-year-old man who purchased oral tadalafil gel on the internet and injected it into his left radial artery. He presented 48 hours after injection with signs of ischaemia distal to the injection site requiring a combination of medical and surgical treatment. This unique case highlights the potential dangers of unregulated access to medication and the consequences of intravascular injection of oral gels.
On the μ-invariant of anticyclotomic p-adic L-functions for CM fields
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Lun
Published: February 2014

In this article, we follow Hida's approach to study the μ-invariant of the anticyclotomic projection of p-adic Hecke L-function for CM fields along a branch character. We prove a conjecture of Gillard on the vanishing of the μ-invariant and give a μ-invariant formula for self-dual branch characters.
Boundedness of some sublinear operators on Herz–Morrey spaces with variable exponent
Authors: Wu Jianglong
Published: February 2014

In this paper, the boundedness of some sublinear operators is proved on homogeneous Herz–Morrey spaces with variable exponent.
Selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde and phospholipids in aqueous-organic biphasic systems with ruthenium(II) complex catalysts
Authors: Gombos Réka , Joó Ferenc
Published: February 2014

The new water-soluble complex [RuH(OOc)(mtppms)3] (OOc=octanoate, mtppms=monosulfonated triphenylphosphine) was synthesized and – together with the known [RuH(OAc)(mtppms)3] (OAc=acetate) – applied for aqueous-organic biphasic hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde as well as for hydrogenation of soybean liposomes under mild conditions. The complexes showed pronounced selectivity (up to 75%) towards the hydrogenation of the C=O function in the α,β-unsaturated aldehyde; the selectivity was influenced by the pH of the aqueous phase and the hydrogen pressure. The C=C double bonds in soybean lecithin were only slowly reduced, however, at 5 bar H2 pressure the reaction rate was sufficient to achieve substantial conversion (approximately 20% of all double bonds) in the unsaturated fatty acids.