bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Abilities and Comorbidities in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Gabis Lidia V. , Tsubary Netta Misgav , Leon Odelia , Ashkenasi Arie , Shefer Shahar
Published: April 2015

This study examines major comorbidities in children with severe cerebral palsy and the feasibility of psychological tests for measuring abilities in a more impaired population. Eighty psychological evaluations of children with cerebral palsy aged 1.8 to 15.4 years (mean = 5.6) were analyzed. Major comorbid disorders were correlated with severity of motor disability. More than half of the cohort were diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System. Multiple subtests were combined in order to assess the intellectual level. Normal intelligence was found in 22.5%, and 41.3% had moderate or severe intellectual impairment. Epilepsy occurred in 32.5% and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 22.5%. Intellectual disability correlated with motor ability and with epilepsy. In a logistic regression model, epilepsy and motor ability score predicted 29.9% of IQ score variance. Intellectual impairment and epilepsy are common comorbidities. Subtests from different scales should be applied and interpreted with caution.
Harmed? Harmful? Experiencing Abusive Adult Children With Mental Disorder Over the Life Course
Authors: Band-Winterstein Tova , Avieli Hila , Smeloy Yael
Published: April 2015

Older parents of an adult child coping with a mental disorder that is expressed by violent deviant behavior face significant parenting challenges. The purpose of this article is to explore the ways older parents exposed to abuse by their adult children with mental disorder (ACMD) perceived their child’s violent deviant behavior along the life course. In a qualitative-phenomenological study, 16 parents aged 58 to 90 were interviewed in depth. Three major themes emerged: (a) ongoing total care for the child’s needs along the life course, (b) constructions and perceptions of the child through the years—Parents perceived their children over two continua, reflecting their experience of the child’s deviant behavior: the child as more harmed versus more harmful, the child as normative versus pathological—and (c) the parent’s emotional world toward the harmed–harmful child. The findings enable a deeper understanding of the various ways in which parents cope with living with deviant behaviors of their ACMD. Hence, this study can serve as a framework for developing tailored and differential intervention methods.
Application of a pathogen microarray for the analysis of viruses and bacteria in clinical diagnostic samples from pigs
Authors: Jaing Crystal J. , Thissen James B. , Gardner Shea N. , McLoughlin Kevin S. , Hullinger Pam J. , Monday Nicholas A. , Niederwerder Megan C. , Rowland Raymond R. R.
Published: April 2015

Many of the disease syndromes challenging the commercial swine industry involve the analysis of complex problems caused by polymicrobial, emerging or reemerging, and transboundary pathogens. This study investigated the utility of the Lawrence Livermore Microbial Detection Array (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California), designed to detect 8,101 species of microbes, in the evaluation of known and unknown microbes in serum, oral fluid, and tonsil from pigs experimentally coinfected with Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and Porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2). The array easily identified PRRSV and PCV-2, but at decreased sensitivities compared to standard polymerase chain reaction detection methods. The oral fluid sample was the most informative, possessing additional signatures for several swine-associated bacteria, including Streptococcus sp., Clostridium sp., and Staphylococcus sp.
Low-velocity impact response of smart sandwich composite plates with piezoelectric transducers: Modeling and experiments
Authors: Plagianakos Theofanis S , Lika Klajd , Papadopoulos Evangelos G
Published: April 2015

A global–local methodology is presented for predicting the response of sandwich composite plates with piezoelectric transducers to low-velocity impact. Model reduction techniques have been employed in order to build a computationally efficient plate-impactor structural system, solution of which yields the global plate’s response. Higher-order layerwise kinematic assumptions enable estimation of the stress distribution locally through the thickness of the laminate and prediction of stress at the interface between different materials. Using the developed method, impact identification studies have been conducted in order to estimate impact location and impactor mass and velocity, and to reconstruct the impact event, including impact force history, posteriori. In order to validate the developed methodology, a low-cost portable experimental configuration for impact testing has been designed and impact measurements were compared to the predictions.
Co-Production Under the Financial Crisis and Austerity
Authors: Fotaki Marianna
Published: April 2015

The involvement of users in the co-production of public services is of increasing importance as fiscal and financial crises put pressure on public spending in many countries around the world. The role of co-production in public policy is also important as it creates opportunities for users’ empowerment through their greater involvement in the key aspects of services on which they rely. However, there are practical and conceptual limitations to co-production. Citizens normally lack the training and experience to perform specialized services, and the substitution of paid personnel with voluntary efforts means that some of the costs are transferred to co-producers themselves . Co-production and users taking over public services under the financial crisis and austerity, might usher in a new era of democratizing public services or instigate a race to the bottom. This short article highlights the need for broadening and deepening our knowledge of the various forms of co-production, in order to understand the conditions for potentially transformative effects of co-production on the participants and policy environment. In conclusion, I argue that examining the new emerging forms of co-production, including those that promote different social goals and alternative ways of organizing, might provide an answer to questions about the future of public services.
Heparin-Calibrated Chromogenic Anti-Xa Activity Measurements in Patients Receiving Rivaroxaban
Authors: Gosselin Robert C. , Francart Suzanne J. , Hawes Emily M. , Moll Stephan , Dager William E. , Adcock Dorothy M.
Published: April 2015

Background: Determination of plasma rivaroxaban concentration may be necessary in certain clinical situations. Rivaroxaban concentration can be accurately and rapidly determined using a chromogenic anti–activated factor X (factor Xa) assay with specific drug calibrator material. However, there are currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved rivaroxaban calibrators available in the United States. Objective: To determine whether FDA-approved commercial kits for measuring heparin anti–factor Xa activity can be used to assess rivaroxaban concentrations when calibrated for unfractionated heparin or low-molecular-weight heparins. Methods: Trough and peak samples were taken from 30 patients taking rivaroxaban as part of their routine care for atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism. The samples were tested using 3 different FDA-approved commercial kits for measuring heparin anti–factor Xa activity. Results: There was acceptable correlation between rivaroxaban levels and heparin anti–factor Xa activity using Berichrom and COAMATIC heparin kits. The STA liquid heparin method was the most sensitive to presence of rivaroxaban. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a strong correlation, but variability between kits, for assessing rivaroxaban concentrations using heparin anti–factor Xa assays. The extent of the heparin calibration curve significantly limits the measurable rivaroxaban range, and this application may be useful only for trough samples. The STA liquid heparin, being exquisitely sensitive to rivaroxaban, may be suitable for ruling out presence of the drug. The routine use of heparin-calibrated anti–factor Xa assays to quantify rivaroxaban is not advocated, and when applied, it must be used with caution and limitations clearly understood.
Design and Evaluation of an Electronic Override Mechanism for Medication Alerts to Facilitate Communication Between Prescribers and Pharmacists
Authors: Russ Alissa L. , Chen Siying , Melton Brittany L. , Saleem Jason J. , Weiner Michael , Spina Jeffrey R. , Daggy Joanne K. , Zillich Alan J.
Published: April 2015

Background: Computerized medication alerts can often be bypassed by entering an override rationale, but prescribers’ override reasons are frequently ambiguous to pharmacists who review orders. Objective: To develop and evaluate a new override mechanism for adverse reaction and drug-drug interaction alerts. We hypothesized that the new mechanism would improve usability for prescribers and increase the clinical appropriateness of override reasons. Methods: A counterbalanced, crossover study was conducted with 20 prescribers in a simulated prescribing environment. We modified the override mechanism timing, navigation, and text entry. Instead of free-text entry, the new mechanism presented prescribers with a predefined set of override reasons. We assessed usability (learnability, perceived efficiency, and usability errors) and used a priori criteria to evaluate the clinical appropriateness of override reasons entered. Results: Prescribers rated the new mechanism as more efficient (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P = 0.032). When first using the new design, 5 prescribers had difficulty finding the new mechanism, and 3 interpreted the navigation to mean that the alert could not be overridden. The number of appropriate override reasons significantly increased with the new mechanism compared with the original mechanism (median change of 3.0; interquartile range = 3.0; P < 0.0001). Conclusions: When prescribers were given a menu-based choice for override reasons, clinical appropriateness of these reasons significantly improved. Further enhancements are necessary, but this study is an important first step toward a more standardized menu of override choices. Findings may be used to improve communication through e-prescribing systems between prescribers and pharmacists.
Talking Politics on Facebook
Authors: Miller Patrick R. , Bobkowski Piotr S. , Maliniak Daniel , Rapoport Ronald B.
Published: April 2015

This study examines the relationship between political discussion on Facebook and social network location. It uses a survey name generator to map friendship ties between students at a university and to calculate their centralities in that network. Social connectedness in the university network positively predicts more frequent political discussion on Facebook. But in political discussions, better connected individuals do not capitalize equally on the potential influence that stems from their more central network locations. Popular individuals who have more direct connections to other network members discuss politics more often but in politically safer interactions that minimize social risk, preferring more engaged discussion with like-minded others and editing their privacy settings to guard their political disclosures. Gatekeepers who facilitate connections between more pairs of otherwise disconnected network members also discuss politics more frequently, but are more likely to engage in risk-tolerant discussion practices such as posting political updates or attempting political persuasion. These novel findings on social connectedness extend research on offline political discussion into the social media sphere, and suggest that as social network research proliferates, analysts should consider how various types of network location shape political behavior.
Economics and Health Reform
Authors: Glied Sherry A. , Miller Erin A.
Published: April 2015

Two prior studies, conducted in 1966 and in 1979, examined the role of economic research in health policy development. Both concluded that health economics had not been an important contributor to policy. Passage of the Affordable Care Act offers an opportunity to reassess this question. We find that the evolution of health economics research has given it an increasingly important role in policy. Research in the field has followed three related paths over the past century—institutionalist research that described problems; theoretical research, which proposed relationships that might extend beyond existing institutions; and empirical assessments of structural parameters identified in the theoretical research. These three strands operating in concert allowed economic research to be used to predict the fiscal and coverage consequences of alternative policy paths. This ability made economic research a powerful policy force. Key conclusions of health economics research are clearly evident in the Affordable Care Act.
Paint it black: Colours and the social meaning of the battlefield
Authors: Guillaume Xavier , Andersen Rune S. , Vuori Juha A.
Published: April 2015

The modern battlefield is a judicial and social space as well as a spatio-temporal designation that has evolved through time. In this article, we argue that the shifts in the social meaning of what the battlefield is — from a ‘deeply social marker of war’s limitation’ (Mégret, 2011: 133) to a hunting ground of a party over its game — can be seen in the colour-use on the battlefield. More specifically, we argue that the shift in the use of colours in military battlefield uniforms, from conspicuously colourful to camouflaged and blending in or disrupting shapes, can be seen to work as a semiotic vehicle to understand societal meanings attached to the battlefield. This builds on the idea that ‘what soldiers wear is central to the public image of the military’ (Tynan, 2013a: 27), to their own modes of being and action, and to the meaning of the battlefield itself. The most evident reading of this development in colour-use tends to be a functionalist one, where the development of toned-down colours and camouflage goes along with technological advances and needs in the face of more and more powerful observation and targeting tools. We offer another reading. Arguing through a semiotic analysis of colour-use, we examine colour-use on military battlefield uniforms in light of how imaginaries and practices of the battlefield evolve.
Converged conversations
Authors: Simpson Edgar
Published: April 2015

This exploratory study examined a news episode in a single market as a case study aimed at teasing out elements associated with journalism and audience convergence. This study found four conditions present when the audience converged. The conditions were a spark, or ignition event, that has the potential to arouse dialogue, journalism that makes the broader public aware of such an event, a sufficient mass of audience commentary to create debate, and a channel through which the debate can occur. This process represents a convergence of different public spheres, where audiences overlap and interact across platforms, taking with them bits and pieces from other public spheres to create a new one, a converged conversation. Further, this study found that audience convergence stayed within the confines of the journalism channels that offered initial coverage of the event, suggesting journalism as a key element in the creation of such a space, but, once created, journalism is no longer the curator.
Role models of Australian female adolescents
Authors: Young Janet A , Symons Caroline M , Pain Michelle D , Harvey Jack T , Eime Rochelle M , Craike Melinda J , Payne Warren R
Published: April 2015

In light of the importance attributed to the presence of positive role models in promoting physical activity during adolescence, this study examined role models of adolescent girls and their influence on physical activity. Seven hundred and thirty two girls in Years 7 and 11 from metropolitan and non-metropolitan regions of Victoria, Australia, were surveyed regarding whether they had a role model (in general, not limited to sport), and if they did, the gender, age, type and sporting background of that individual. Participants were also asked about the amount of physical activity they did. Descriptive statistics and a series of generalised estimating equations, one-way ANOVAs and a chi-square analysis were conducted to analyse the data. The majority of participants nominated a family member, peer or celebrity sportsperson as their role model who was female, played sport and was less than 50 years of age. Non-metropolitan-based adolescent girls, and Year 11 adolescent girls, were more likely to select a role model who they knew played sport than metropolitan-based adolescent girls and Year 7 girls respectively. In the first two years of the study girls whose role models played sport were significantly more physically active than girls whose role models did not play sport. It is recommended that family members, peers and sports people are included as role models in programmes designed to increase physical activity.
Durability enhancement of polymer gear using compressed air cooling
Authors: Mertens A Johnney , Senthilvelan S
Published: April 2015

Polymer gears can replace metallic gears in many engineering applications; however, thermal sensitive mechanical properties of the polymers limit its wide application. Gear tooth surface interaction as well as material hysteresis generates heat in the gear operation. There have been many attempts to improve the gear performance by design modifications as well as with new materials to withstand against thermal damages. In this work, compressed air cooling method is adopted to improve the wear resistance of injection molded polypropylene spur gears. For the chosen gear and test conditions, continuous measurement of gear surface temperature confirmed that compressed air cooling lowers the temperature up to 15 ℃. Periodical measurement of gear tooth thickness confirms that wear resistance increases up to 100%. Continuous measurements of torque available in driver and driven end confirmed that a 2% increase in transmission efficiency of the gear pair. Test gear tooth surface after a finite number of cycles also confirms the effect of compressed air cooling on wear resistance. Mao model is used to predict the gear surface temperature and found to be in close agreement with experimental results.
Young children demystifying and remaking the university through critical play
Authors: Campano Gerald , Ngo Lan , Low David E , Bartow Jacobs Katrina
Published: April 2015

This article, part of a four-year research partnership with a multilingual faith community and its school, explores what happened when we invited young children in an aftercare program to inquire into the university from their perspectives. Through a sociocultural literacy framework and realist theories of identity and experience, we examine the children's organic forms of sense making through what we describe as critical play. The children took up our invitation to represent their inquiries into college by using humour and imagination to demystify the university and make it their own. We conclude with some specific recommendations for colleges and universities interested in supporting access to higher education, especially for those young children who may not have the economic means or the entitlement of institutional legacy as part of their social habitus.
Atomic Roaches and Test-Tube Babies
Authors: Siff Sarah Brady
Published: April 2015

Bentley Glass, an American geneticist during America’s Cold War with the Soviet Union, originated the legend that cockroaches would take over the world in the event of a nuclear apocalypse. As a scientific researcher, writer, editor, and administrator, Glass advocated higher-quality science writing and better communication between scientists and the public. Serving on the editorial board of the journal Science, he wrote a number of political opinion pieces and sought to improve the editorial process while interrogating the journal’s relationship to the mainstream media. Meanwhile, he wrote a science column for general readers, was a frequently tapped source for reporters, and was an expert guest on radio and television programs. As a leader of many scientific organizations throughout his career, his views were widely disseminated by press coverage of his public speeches. His often-frustrated efforts to bridge the gap between the two cultures of scientific and journalistic practice hint at the spectacular difficulty of this task. The polarization of scientific and literary/humanist worldviews provides a broad historical context for the nagging problems of communicating science.
The effect of reinforced structure on thermo-oxidative stability of polymer-matrix composites
Authors: Fan Wei , Li Jia-Lu , Zheng Yuanyuan , Guo Dandan
Published: April 2015

A new concept in improving the thermo-oxidative stability of carbon fiber polymer-matrix composites (CFPMCs) by adopting integral reinforced structure was investigated. Specimens of three-dimensional and four-directional braided carbon fiber/epoxy composites (BC) and laminated plain woven carbon fiber/epoxy composites (LC) were subjected to isothermal aging at 90℃, 120℃, and 150℃ in air circulating ovens for various durations up to 13 days. The process resulted in progressive deterioration of the matrix reins and fiber/matrix interfaces, in the form of chain scissions, weight loss, and fiber/matrix debonding, which significantly led to the decrease of the flexural strength. Besides, the flexural properties’ retention rates of BC were higher than those of LC at the same aging conditions due to the difference of the reinforced structures. On the one hand, LC lost more weight than that of BC because the percentage of fiber ends area exposure to air in LC specimen was three times more than that in BC specimen. On the other hand, the BC specimens can resist the flexural load as an integral structure although the resin was damaged and the adhesive force between fiber bundles and resin decreased after thermo-oxidative aging, and no delamination happened like the LC specimens. Therefore, adopting three-dimensional and four-directional braided preform as the reinforcement of CFPMCs is an effective way to improve their thermo-oxidative stability.
School leadership practices that work in areas of multiple deprivation in South Africa
Authors: Chikoko Vitallis , Naicker Inbanathan , Mthiyane Siphiwe
Published: April 2015

This paper reports on evidence from five school principals regarding leadership practices that work in multiple deprived contexts. The South African educational landscape is complex, often described as a cocktail of first and third world institutions. Looking at the schooling system on a continuum, on the one end there are first class schools which can compare favourably with the best in developed countries. On the other extreme there are dysfunctional schools. However, along the scale there are few schools in multiple deprived areas which display high degrees of resilience and perform at levels comparable to first class schools in terms of Matriculation examination results. This paper draws from a study based on the proposition that leadership was the greatest factor to explain such performance. The study was then informed by a quest for knowledge regarding the nature of such leadership. Such knowledge is needed as the country fights to turn around the many dysfunctional schools there are. While there is a corpus of scholarship that ‘speaks’ to this matter internationally, there remains need for home-grown insights in that regard. Two theoretical lenses (servant leadership and the asset-based approach) were applied. The study employed a qualitative approach involving individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews with five purposively selected school principals each representing their school. Findings suggest that the schools in question adopted inside-out development approaches involving the philosophy that they were masters of their own destiny. Time, commitment, and accountability were some of their greatest assets, things that did not have to come from outside the schools. Internal success paved the way for stronger and more fruitful synergies with the ‘outside world’. We conclude that schools in areas of multiple-deprivation need leadership that moves them away from notions of victimhood and deficit thinking towards asset-based approaches.
The shadow of history: Situated dynamics of trust in dual executive leadership
Authors: Reid Wendy , Karambayya Rekha
Published: April 2015

Both fascinating and perplexing for scholars and managers, dual executive leadership (DEL) is also challenging for the two leaders at the top level of the organization whose roles cut across professional and managerial functions and logics. Conflict may often be present in such duos and can undermine DEL success in the organization. Scholars of plural leadership suggest that trust is a key success factor for DEL relationships, although it has not been closely studied with history and context in mind. This research on DEL in eight non-profit arts organizations provides insights on how past history casts a shadow that influences trust development over time within a DEL relationship and can influence the effectiveness of leadership on the organization. Implications are drawn for research in trust and plural leadership, as well as for boards of directors and current duos in practice.
Building a Definition of Irritability From Academic Definitions and Lay Descriptions
Authors: Barata Paula C. , Holtzman Susan , Cunningham Shannon , O’Connor Brian P. , Stewart Donna E.
Published: April 2015

The current work builds a definition of irritability from both academic definitions and lay perspectives. In Study 1, a quantitative content analysis of academic definitions resulted in eight main content categories (i.e., behaviour, emotion or affect, cognition, physiological, qualifiers, irritant, stability or endurance, and other). In Study 2, a community sample of 39 adults participated in qualitative interviews. A deductive thematic analysis resulted in two main themes. The first main theme dealt with how participants positioned irritability in relation to other negative states. The second dealt with how participants constructed irritability as both a loss of control and as an experience that should be controlled. The discussion integrates the findings of both studies and provides a concise, but comprehensive definition.
A Stock Trading Recommender System Based on Temporal Association Rule Mining
Authors: Nair Binoy B. , Mohandas V. P. , Nayanar Nikhil , Teja E. S. R. , Vigneshwari S. , Teja K. V. N. S.
Published: April 2015

Recommender systems capable of discovering patterns in stock price movements and generating stock recommendations based on the patterns thus discovered can significantly supplement the decision-making process of a stock trader. Such recommender systems are of great significance to a layperson who wishes to profit by stock trading even while not possessing the skill or expertise of a seasoned trader. A genetic algorithm optimized Symbolic Aggregate approXimation (SAX)–Apriori based stock trading recommender system, which can mine temporal association rules from the stock price data set to generate stock trading recommendations, is presented in this article. The proposed system is validated on 12 different data sets. The results indicate that the proposed system significantly outperforms the passive buy-and-hold strategy, offering scope for a layperson to successfully invest in capital markets.
Civic and Intercultural Education
Authors: Nestian Sandu Oana
Published: April 2015

Our societies are going through a process of continuous transformation. The challenges and opportunities of diversity and globalization can only be addressed if civic education and intercultural education are interrelated. More often than not, there is a lack of coherence between educational practices based on these approaches. Moreover, even if the principles and methods of civic and intercultural education are used for international as well as local development, very seldom their impact is measured through the means of scientific research. In this study, a methodology of civic and intercultural education was piloted, and its impact was measured regarding teachers’ and students’ attitudes toward Roma. We measured the acculturation orientations and stereotypes of teachers and students involved in a civic and intercultural program. The results show that there are changes in both teachers’ and students’ attitudes toward Roma.
Social Anxiety and Response to Touch
Authors: Ludlow Amanda K. , Roberts Hannah , Gutierrez Roberto
Published: April 2015

Subclinical autism-related traits have been shown in the general population to be independently related to both social anxiety and sensory sensitivity. The present study examined the relationship between autistic traits as measured by the Autism Quotient (AQ) and its relationship to social anxiety and tactile sensation abnormalities. One hundred and seventy-three female university students completed the AQ, the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), and the touch subscale of the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile. Results revealed that the relationship between social anxiety and tactile sensation abnormalities to be fully mediated by the level of autistic traits. Of the two subscales forming the LSAS (anxiety and avoidance), the avoidance score related more strongly to tactile sensation abnormalities and was again found to be moderated by the AQ.
GATA2 is critical for the maintenance of cellular identity in differentiated mast cells derived from mouse bone marrow
Authors: Ohmori Shin’ya , Moriguchi Takashi , Noguchi Yuki , Ikeda Muneharu , Kobayashi Kota , Tomaru Nazuki , Ishijima Yasushi , Ohneda Osamu , Yamamoto Masayuki , Ohneda Kinuko
Published: April 2015

Key Points

Mouse BM-derived mast cells can dedifferentiate into immature myeloid-like cells after the deletion of the GATA2 DNA binding domain. Increased expression of C/EBPα is critical for the dedifferentiation of GATA2-deficient mast cells.
Strategies to Increase Living Kidney Donation: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cardinal Héloïse , Durand Céline , Larrivée Sandra , Verhave Jacobien , Pâquet Michel R , Fortin Marie-Chantal
Published: April 2015

Background:

Living kidney transplantation (LKT) offers the best medical outcomes for organ recipients. Historically, our centre had a low rate of LKT. In 2009, in an effort to increase living organ donation (LOD), a dedicated team was created. Its mandate was to promote LOD at our centre and at referring centres, to coordinate assessments of living organ donors, to facilitate the process, and to ensure long-term follow-up after the donation. In November 2010, our centre joined the national living donor paired exchange registry (LDPE).

Objective:

To document the impact of the LOD team and LDPE registry on LOD rates at our centre.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study

Setting:

Single center study in a university hospital with an adult kidney transplant program

Patients:

Using our electronic database, we included all potential living organ donors who contacted our centre from 01/01/2005 to 31/12/2008 and from 01/01/2009 to 31/12/2012. Follow-up was conducted until 31/12/2013.

Measurements:

Number of transplantations from living donors, number of potential donors who contacted the centre, donor and recipient characteristics.

Methods:

We compared the number of transplantations from living donors performed and the number of potential donors who contacted the centre before and after the creation of the LOD team and participation in the LDPE.

Results:

A total of 50 renal transplantations were performed using organs from living donors during the first time period, whereas this increased to 73 in the 2009–2012 cohort (incidence rate difference (IRD): 0.030, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.003–0.056). We also observed a significant increase in the number of individuals who contacted our centre to donate a kidney. During the 2005–2008 period (cohort 1), 191 individuals interested in donating a kidney contacted our centre, whereas this figure was 304 during the 2009–2012 period (cohort 2) (IRD: 0.143, 95% CI 0.091–0.196).

Limitations:

Single center study, relatively low sample size

Conclusion:

The implementation of a LOD team, combined with our participation in the LDPE registry, was associated with a significant increase in the actual number of living kidney transplantations performed. These data support initiatives such as the creation of dedicated LOD teams and LDPE registry to increase LKT.
An Education Initiative Modifies Opinions of Hemodialysis Nurses towards Home Dialysis
Authors: Phillips Matthew , Wile Colleen , Bartol Carolyn , Stockman Cynthia , Dhir Minakshi , Soroka Steven D , Hingwala Jay , Bargman Joanne M , Chan Christopher T , Tennankore Karthik K
Published: April 2015

Background:

It has been shown that in-center hemodialysis (HD) nurses prefer in-center HD for patients with certain characteristics; however it is not known if their opinions can be changed.

Objective:

To determine if an education initiative modified the perceptions of in-center HD nurses towards home dialysis.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey of in-center HD nurses before and after a three hour continuing nursing education (CNE) initiative. Content of the CNE initiative included a didactic review of benefits of home dialysis, common misconceptions about patient eligibility, cost comparisons of different modalities and a home dialysis patient testimonial video.

Setting:

All in-center HD nurses (including those working in satellite dialysis units) affiliated with a single academic institution

Measurements:

Survey themes included perceived barriers to home dialysis, preferred modality (home versus in-center HD), ideal modality distribution in the local program, awareness of home dialysis and patient education about home modalities.

Methods:

Paired comparisons of responses before and after the CNE initiative.

Results:

Of the 115 in-center HD nurses, 100 registered for the CNE initiative and 89 completed pre and post surveys (89% response rate). At baseline, in-center HD nurses perceived that impaired cognition, poor motor strength and poor visual acuity were barriers to peritoneal dialysis and home HD. In-center HD was preferred for availability of multidisciplinary care and medical personnel in case of catastrophic events. After the initiative, perceptions were more in favor of home dialysis for all patient characteristics, and most patient/system factors. Home dialysis was perceived to be underutilized both at baseline and after the initiative. Finally, in-center HD nurses were more aware of home dialysis, felt better informed about its benefits and were more comfortable teaching in-center HD patients about home modalities after the CNE session.

Limitations:

Single-center study

Conclusions:

CNE initiatives can modify the opinions of in-center HD nurses towards home modalities and should complement the multitude of strategies aimed at promoting home dialysis.
Inhibiting the Progression of Arterial Calcification with Vitamin K in HemoDialysis Patients (iPACK-HD) Trial: Rationale and Study Design for a Randomized Trial of Vitamin K in Patients with End Stage Kidney Disease
Authors: Holden Rachel M , Booth Sarah L , Day Andrew G , Clase Catherine M , Zimmerman Deborah , Moist Louise , Shea M Kyla , McCabe Kristin M , Jamal Sophie A , Tobe Sheldon , Weinstein Jordan , Madhumathi Rao , Adams Michael A , Heyland Daren K
Published: April 2015

Background:

Cardiovascular disease, which is due in part to progressive vascular calcification, is the leading cause of death among patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) on dialysis. A role for vitamin K in the prevention of vascular calcification is plausible based on the presence of vitamin K dependent proteins in vascular tissue, including matrix gla protein (MGP). Evidence from animal models and observational studies support a role for vitamin K in the prevention of vascular calcification. A large-scale study is needed to investigate the effect of vitamin K supplementation on the progression of vascular calcification in patients with ESKD, a group at risk for sub-clinical vitamin K deficiency.

Methods/Design:

We plan a prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter controlled trial of incident ESKD patients on hemodialysis in centers within North America. Eligible subjects with a baseline coronary artery calcium score of greater than or equal to 30 Agatston Units, will be randomly assigned to either the treatment group (10 mg of phylloquinone three times per week) or to the control group (placebo administration three times per week). The primary endpoint is the progression of coronary artery calcification defined as a greater than 15% increase in CAC score over baseline after 12 months.

Discussion:

Vitamin K supplementation is a simple, safe and cost-effective nutritional strategy that can easily be integrated into patient care. If vitamin K reduces the progression of coronary artery calcification it may lead to decreased morbidity and mortality in men and women with ESKD.

Trial registration:

NCT 01528800.
Substance P Regulates Puberty Onset and Fertility in the Female Mouse
Authors: Simavli Serap , Thompson Iain R. , Maguire Caroline A. , Gill John C. , Carroll Rona S. , Wolfe Andrew , Kaiser Ursula B. , Navarro Víctor M.
Published: April 2015

Puberty is a tightly regulated process that leads to reproductive capacity. Kiss1 neurons are crucial in this process by stimulating GnRH, yet how Kiss1 neurons are regulated remains unknown. Substance P (SP), an important neuropeptide in pain perception, induces gonadotropin release in adult mice in a kisspeptin-dependent manner. Here, we assessed whether SP, through binding to its receptor NK1R (neurokinin 1 receptor), participates in the timing of puberty onset and fertility in the mouse. We observed that 1) selective NK1R agonists induce gonadotropin release in prepubertal females; 2) the expression of Tac1 (encoding SP) and Tacr1 (NK1R) in the arcuate nucleus is maximal before puberty, suggesting increased SP tone; 3) repeated exposure to NK1R agonists prepubertally advances puberty onset; and 4) female Tac1−/− mice display delayed puberty; moreover, 5) SP deficiency leads to subfertility in females, showing fewer corpora lutea and antral follicles and leading to decreased litter size. Thus, our findings support a role for SP in the stimulation of gonadotropins before puberty, acting via Kiss1 neurons to stimulate GnRH release, and its involvement in the attainment of full reproductive capabilities in female mice.
Abundance of ADAM9 transcripts increases in the blood in response to tissue damage
Authors: Rinchai Darawan , Kewcharoenwong Chidchamai , Kessler Bianca , Lertmemongkolchai Ganjana , Chaussabel Damien
Published: April 2015

Background: Members of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain) family have emerged as critical regulators of cell-cell signaling during development and homeostasis. ADAM9 is consistently overexpressed in various human cancers, and has been shown to play an important role in tumorigenesis. However, little is known about the involvement of ADAM9 during immune-mediated processes.

Results: Mining of an extensive compendium of transcriptomic datasets led to the discovery of gaps in knowledge for ADAM9 that reveal its role in immunological homeostasis and pathogenesis. The abundance of ADAM9 transcripts in the blood was increased in patients with acute infection but changed very little after in vitro exposure to a wide range of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Furthermore it was found to increase significantly in subjects as a result of tissue injury or tissue remodeling, in absence of infectious processes.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that ADAM9 may constitute a valuable biomarker for the assessment of tissue damage, especially in clinical situations where other inflammatory markers are confounded by infectious processes.
A molecular framework phylogeny for Ptilotus (Amaranthaceae): Evidence for the rapid diversification of an arid Australian genus
Authors: Hammer Timothy , Davis Robert , Thiele Kevin
Published: April 2015

Ptilotus (Amaranthaceae) is an Australian genus with over 100 species, most of which occur in arid Western Australia. Ptilotus has been a taxonomically difficult genus; despite rigorous morphological studies into the genus over many years, previous workers have found it difficult to delimit infrageneric groups due to inconsistent morphological variation. With the goal to establish a phylogenetic framework for the genus, 100 taxa were sampled, including 87 Ptilotus spp., and the ITS nrDNA and matK cpDNA were sequenced. The phylogeny was reconstructed using Bayesian, maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony analyses on separate and concatenated datasets. Morphological characters were assessed and compared to clades on the phylogeny to identify synapomorphies and aid in the construction of an infrageneric classification. A diversification rate analysis was used to identify rate shifts in speciation across the phylogeny. Four major clades of the monophyletic Ptilotus were resolved, three small clades together comprising 27% of sampled taxa and a large, diverse clade comprising the remaining 73%. Four floral synapomorphies were identified as uniquely occurring within the latter, although none were common to all taxa in the clade. The diversification rate analysis identified a probable rate shift at the base of Ptilotus, indicating that the genus may have undergone a rapid diversification early in its evolution. This rapid diversification provides a plausible explanation for the lack of consistent variation in morphology among the major clades.
THE TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF THE COATED SINTERED MATERIAL
Authors: Cernan Jozef , Rodzinak Dušan , Semrad Karol , Truchly Martin
Published: April 2015

The basic tribological properties were investigated – friction wear resistance and contact fatigue resistance of sintered steel materials. These samples were produced on the basis of commercial powder (Höganäs) type Astaloy CrL and Astaloy CrM containing 0.3% C. The samples were coated by PVD method with use the DLC type of coating with a thickness of about 1μm. In qualitative point of view, the coating is beneficial, for increase of resilience to wear, as well as for resistance to contact fatigue. The article described phenomena that cause a discrepancy between the friction and wear. The measurement of surface roughness and metallographic-microscopic analysis were used. It was noted that the DLC coating thickness of 1 m for sintered steels with standard porosity is insufficient.
Applying the M technique in palliative and end-of-life care
Authors: Wellings Val
Published: April 2015

Many of us are afraid to use touch for those who need it most. It can be a powerful and comforting way of communicating, particularly for those who require palliative and end-of-life care. This article will demonstrate how healthcare assistants in a hospice setting used the M technique to encourage staff and carers to use touch in a meaningful way, providing a perfect avenue to involve those close and special to the patient, by giving them permission to touch.
Men's health 7: tobacco, alcohol and drugs as a health issue
Authors: Barber Chris
Published: April 2015

This article, the seventh in the series of articles on men's health, will focus on a number of issues that were briefly touched upon in the previous article on mental health problems as experienced by men—namely, men's use of tobacco and misuse of alcohol and other ‘recreational’ drugs and the effect that these substances have on health. The role of HCAs will also be highlighted.
Senior Aircraftman Peter Kenyon
Authors: Kenyon Peter
Published: April 2015

A support worker in the RAF Reserves shares his experiences
The ups and downs of blood sugar
Authors: Morris David
Published: April 2015

Hypoglycaemia causes distress and a reduction in quality of life for patients. David Morris explains how patients can best avoid it and how to treat it if necessary
Antiemetics and extrapyramidal effects: Prescribing considerations
Authors: Hickson Deirdre
Published: April 2015

Nausea and vomiting in specialist palliative care are common distressing and debilitating symptoms ( Hamling, 2011 ). Prevalence in patients with advanced cancer is up to 70% and up to 50% in patients with non-malignant advanced disease, such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and renal failure ( Twycross and Back, 1998 ). Nausea and vomiting increase in prevalence as disease progresses ( Keeley, 2009 ; Harris, 2010 ) and become more common as death approaches. The symptoms present as a result of many factors, which are most easily categorized as disease- or treatment-related. Pharmacological treatment of these distressing symptoms can produce undesirable extrapyramidal effects that mimic symptoms such as Parkinson's disease, depression and anxiety. Failing to recognize the causative agent of such symptoms could prolong a patient's suffering. Therefore, it is important that the nurse prescriber is aware of these side-effects when prescribing antiemetic drugs.
‘Overseas Domestic Workers’: Britain's slaves
Authors: Virginia Mantouvalou
Published: April 2015

Virginia Mantouvalou writes on her research talking to a group of underpaid, undervalued and mistreated workers, right here in the UK in the 21st century.
Anniversary of Russian association of endocrinologists
Authors: Makolina Natalya Pavlovna
Published: April 2015

24.02.2015 the Conference ?Endocrinology: from the very beginning to 21st century technologies? dedicated to 90th anniversary of Russian Association of Endocrinologists and foundation of State Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and 25th anniversary of Endocrinology Research Centre took place. The introduction speech was held by the president of Russian Association of Endocrinologists and chief of Endocrinology Research Centre, academician Ivan Dedov. The highly discussed topic was creation of National Endocrinology Centre with the main goal of implementation of modern technologies and association of endocrinology with closely related specializations such as immunology and neurology. Within the Conference their talks had the vice-president of Russian Association of Endocrinologists, academician Galina Melnichenko, scientific Secretary of Russian Association of Endocrinologists Marina Shestakova and the Board team member of Russian Association of Endocrinologists Valentina Peterkova.
Hormonal, electrolyte disturbances and features of hemostasis in term newborn infants of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Authors: Mikhalev Evgeny Viktorovich , Shanina Olga Michailovna , Saprina Tatiana Vladimirovna
Published: April 2015

The article reviews the available data on investigations in the field of electrolyte (calcium, magnesium), hormonal (insulin, leptin) and hemostasis disturbances in term newborns from women with gestational diabetes; possible mechanisms of their development are also highlighted. The review describes changes in blood glucose concentration in term newborns from women with gestational diabetes, and their impact on the child's condition. In addition to already known factors causing macrosomia and other metabolic disorders in term neonates, the role of leptin (peptide hormone that regulates energy metabolism) is quite discussable. Low leptin levels lead to the development of obesity. It is also confirmed, that leptin influences brain development of the newborn, leading to later cognitive deficits in children from women with GDM. The aim of the review is to summarize the available data on investigations in the field of electrolyte (calcium, magnesium), hormonal (insulin, leptin) and hemostasis disturbances in term newborns from women with gestational diabetes.