bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimising the changing role of the community pharmacist: a randomised trial of the impact of audit and feedback
Authors: Winslade Nancy , Eguale Tewodros , Tamblyn Robyn
Published: May 2016

Objective

To evaluate the impact of comparative performance feedback to community pharmacists on provision of professional services and the quality of patients’ medication use.

Design

Randomised, controlled, single-blind trial.

Setting

All 1833 community pharmacies in the Quebec province, Canada.

Participants

1814 pharmacies not opting out and with more than 5 dispensings of the target medications during the 6-month baseline were randomised by a 2×2 factorial design to feedback first for hypertension adherence (907 control, 907 intervention) followed by randomisation for asthma adherence (791 control, 807 intervention). 1422 of 1814 pharmacies had complete information available during the follow-up for hypertension intervention (706 intervention, 716 control), and 1301 of 1598 had the follow-up information for asthma (657 intervention, 644 control).

Intervention

Using provincial billing data to measure performance, mailed comparative feedback reported the pharmacy-level percentage of dispensings to patients non-adherent to antihypertensive medications or overusing asthma rescue inhalers.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The number of hypertension/asthma services billed per pharmacy and percentage of dispensings to non-adherent patients over the 12 months post intervention.

Results

Feedback on the asthma measure led to increased provision of asthma services (control 0.2, intervention 0.4, RR 1.58, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.46). However, this did not translate into reductions in patients’ overuse of rescue inhalers (control 45.5%, intervention 44.6%, RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.01). For non-adherence to antihypertensive medications, feedback resulted in no difference in either provision of hypertension services (control 0.7, intervention 0.8, RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.82) or antihypertensive treatment adherence (control 27.9%, intervention 28.0%, RR 1.0, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.00). Baseline performance did not influence results, and there was no evidence of a cumulative effect with repeated feedback.

Conclusions

Comparative pharmacy performance feedback increased the provision of asthma pharmacists’ services but did not improve the performance on medication-use measures. Billing data can be used to evaluate the impact of billable services rendered by pharmacists on the quality of patients’ medication use.
Performance of matrices developed to identify patients with early rheumatoid arthritis with rapid radiographic progression despite methotrexate therapy: an external validation study based on the ESPOIR cohort data
Authors: Granger Benjamin , Combe Bernard , Le Loet Xavier , Saraux Alain , Guillemin Francis , Fautrel Bruno
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Use of prediction matrices of risk or rapid radiographic progression (RRP) for early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in clinical practice could help to better rationalise the first line of treatment. Before use, they must be validated in populations that have not participated in their construction. The main objective is to use the ESPOIR cohort to validate the performance of 3 matrices (ASPIRE, BEST and SONORA) to predict patients at high risk of RRP at 1 year of disease despite initial treatment with methotrexate (MTX).

Methods

We selected from the ESPOIR cohort 370 patients receiving MTX or leflunomide (LEF) for ≥3 months within the first year of follow-up. Patients were assessed clinically every 6 months, and structural damage progression seen on radiography was measured by the van der Heijde-modified Sharp score (vSHS) at 1 year. RRP was defined as an increase in the vSHS≥5 points during the first year.

Results

At 1 year, the mean vSHS score was 1.7±5.0 and 46 patients had RRP. The ASPIRE matrix had only moderate validity in the ESPOIR population, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) <0.7. The AUC for the BEST and SONORA matrices were 0.73 and 0.76. Presence of rheumatoid factor (RF)—or anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) and initial structural damage were always predictive of RRP at 1 year. Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) and C reactive protein (ASPIRE threshold) were not associated with RRP.

Conclusions

Matrices to identify patients at risk of RRP tested in the ESPOIR cohort seem to perform moderately. There is no matrix that shows clearly superior performance.
Reverse convertible debt under credit risk
Authors: Agliardi Rossella
Published: May 2016

In this paper, a new pricing formula for reverse convertible debt that properly accounts for the embedded credit risk is found. An analysis of the conversion and default thresholds is performed. This approach also suggests some possible explanations of the reverse convertible overpricing that is documented in the empirical literature.
Comparison of different portable XRF methods for determining till geochemistry
Authors: Sarala Pertti
Published: May 2016

Three portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) methods were compared and tested in an exploration program using till in Sinoselkä, northern Finland. The use of one truck-mounted XRF unit and two handheld pXRF analysers were tested for basal till samples gathered using percussion drilling with a flow-through sampling bit. The datasets were compared to both conventional aqua regia based analyses and each other. The results prove that a correlation between the data generated by different pXRF methods was acceptable for some major (Ca, Fe) and most of the base metal elements (like As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in the Sinoselkä area. The pXRF analyses also correlate well with the aqua regia geochemical data of the same elements. Distribution of the elements was comparable to the lithological changes in the underlying bedrock that indicates a short glacial transport distance. It is also demonstrated that more than absolute values, the relative values and their changes are those which should be considered and carefully examined. The results reported here emphasize the usefulness of pXRF analysers in till geochemical exploration and demonstrate that they involve easy and fast methods to collect geochemical data for tracing sources of multi-metal mineralization. Furthermore, pXRF is applicable in gold exploration, although indicator elements like As, Bi, Cu, Mn and Sb have to be used instead of Au.
Efficient Geo-Fencing via Hybrid Hashing
Authors: Tang Suhua , Yu Yi , Zimmermann Roger , Obana Sadao
Published: May 2016

Geo-fencing, as a spatial join between points (moving objects) and polygons (spatial range), is widely used in emerging location-based services to trigger context-aware events. It faces the challenge of real-time processing a large number of time-variant complex polygons, when points are constantly moving. Following the filter-and-refine policy, in our previous work, we proposed to organize edges per polygon in hash tables to improve the performance of the refining stage. The number of edges, however, is uneven among buckets. As a result, some points that happen to match big buckets with many edges will have much longer responses than usual. In this article, we solve this problem from two aspects: (i) Constructing multiple parallel hash tables and dynamically selecting the bucket with fewest edges and (ii) sorting edges in a bucket so as to realize the crossing number algorithm by binary search. We further combine the two to suggest a hybrid hashing scheme that takes a better tradeoff between real-time pairing points with polygons and system overhead of building hash tables. Extensive analyses and evaluations on two real-world datasets confirm that the proposed scheme can effectively reduce the pairing time in terms of both the average and distribution.
Improving stem cell therapy in cardiovascular diseases: the potential role of microRNA
Authors: Nollet Evelien , Hoymans Vicky Y. , Van Craenenbroeck Amaryllis H. , Vrints Christiaan J. , Van Craenenbroeck Emeline M.
Published: May 2016

The initial promising prospect of autologous bone marrow-derived stem cell therapy in the setting of cardiovascular diseases has been overshadowed by functional shortcomings of the stem cell product. As powerful epigenetic regulators of (stem) cell function, microRNAs are valuable targets for novel therapeutic strategies. Indeed, modulation of specific miRNA expression could contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy of stem cell therapy. First, this review elaborates on the functional relevance of miRNA dysregulation in bone marrow-derived progenitor cells in different cardiovascular diseases. Next, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence on the effect of specific miRNA modulation in several types of progenitor cells on cardiac and/or vascular regeneration. By elaborating on the cardioprotective regulation of progenitor cells on cardiac miRNAs, more insight in the underlying mechanisms of stem cell therapy is provided. Finally, some considerations are made regarding the potential of circulating miRNAs as regulators of the miRNA signature of progenitor cells in cardiovascular diseases.
Purinergic dysregulation in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Visovatti Scott H. , Hyman Matthew C. , Goonewardena Sascha N. , Anyanwu Anuli C. , Kanthi Yogendra , Robichaud Patrick , Wang Jintao , Petrovic-Djergovic Danica , Rattan Rahul , Burant Charles F. , Pinsky David J.
Published: May 2016

Despite the fact that nucleotides and adenosine help regulate vascular tone through purinergic signaling pathways, little is known regarding their contributions to the pathobiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension, a condition characterized by elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and remodeling. Even less is known about the potential role that alterations in CD39 (ENTPD1), the ectonucleotidase responsible for the conversion of the nucleotides ATP and ADP to AMP, may play in pulmonary arterial hypertension. In this study we identified decreased CD39 expression on the pulmonary endothelium of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. We next determined the effects of CD39 gene deletion in mice exposed to normoxia or normobaric hypoxia (10% oxygen). Compared with controls, hypoxic CD39−/− mice were found to have a markedly elevated ATP-to-adenosine ratio, higher pulmonary arterial pressures, more right ventricular hypertrophy, more arterial medial hypertrophy, and a pro-thrombotic phenotype. In addition, hypoxic CD39−/− mice exhibited a marked increase in lung P2X1 receptors. Systemic reconstitution of ATPase and ADPase enzymatic activities through continuous administration of apyrase decreased pulmonary arterial pressures in hypoxic CD39−/− mice to levels found in hypoxic CD39+/+ controls. Treatment with NF279, a potent and selective P2X1 receptor antagonist, lowered pulmonary arterial pressures even further. Our study is the first to implicate decreased CD39 and resultant alterations in circulating purinergic signaling ligands and cognate receptors in the pathobiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Reconstitution and receptor blocking experiments suggest that phosphohydrolysis of purinergic nucleotide tri- and diphosphates, or blocking of the P2X1 receptor could serve as treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Listen to this article's corresponding podcast at http://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/purinergic-dysregulation-in-pulmonary-hypertension/ .
Cationic Thiolated Poly(aspartamide) Polymer as a Potential Excipient for Artificial Tear Formulations
Authors: Budai-Szűcs Mária , Horvát Gabriella , Szilágyi Barnabás Áron , Gyarmati Benjámin , Szilágyi András , Berkó Szilvia , Szabó-Révész Piroska , Sandri Giuseppina , Bonferoni Maria Cristina , Caramella Carla , Soós Judit , Facskó Andrea , Csányi Erzsébet
Published: May 2016

Dry eye disease is a relatively common ocular problem, which causes eye discomfort and visual disorders leading to a decrease in the quality of life. The aim of this study was to find a possible excipient for eye drop formulations, which is able to stabilize the tear film. A cationic thiolated polyaspartamide polymer, poly[(N-mercaptoethylaspartamide)-co-(N-(N′,N′-dimethylaminoethyl)aspartamide)] (ThioPASP-DME), was used as a potential vehicle. Besides satisfying the basic requirements, the chemical structure of ThioPASP-DME is similar to those of ocular mucins as it is a protein-like polymer bearing a considerable number of thiol groups. The solution of the polymer is therefore able to mimic the physiological properties of the mucins and it can interact with the mucus layer via disulphide bond formation. The resultant mucoadhesion provides a prolonged residence time and ensures protective effect for the corneal/conjunctival epithelium. ThioPASP-DME also has an antioxidant effect due to the presence of the thiol groups. The applicability of ThioPASP-DME as a potential excipient in eye drops was determined by means of ocular compatibility tests and through examinations of the interactions with the mucosal surface. The results indicate that ThioPASP-DME can serve as a potential eye drop excipient for the therapy of dry eye disease.
On Indexicality, Direction of Arrival of Sound Sources, and Human-Robot Interaction
Authors: Meza Ivan , Rascon Caleb , Fuentes Gibran , Pineda Luis A.
Published: May 2016

We present the use of direction of arrival (DOA) of sound sources as an index during the interaction between humans and service robots. These indices follow the notion defined by the theory of interpretation of signs by Peirce. This notion establishes a strong physical relation between signs (DOAs) and objects being signified in specific contexts. With this in mind, we have modeled the call at a distance to a robot as indexical in nature. These indices can be later interpreted as the position of the user and the user herself/himself. The relation between the call and the emitter is formalized in our framework of development of service robots based on the SitLog programming language. In particular, we create a set of behaviours based on direction of arrival information to be used in the programming of tasks for service robots. Based on these behaviours, we have implemented four tasks which heavily rely on them: following a person, taking attendance of a class, playing Marco-Polo, and acting as a waiter in a restaurant.
Respiratory Failure Associated with Ascariasis in a Patient with Immunodeficiency
Authors: Aleksandra Lanocha , Barbara Zdziarska , Natalia Lanocha-Arendarczyk , Danuta Kosik-Bogacka , Renata Guzicka-Kazimierczak , Ewa Marzec-Lewenstein
Published: May 2016

In industrialized countries, risk groups for parasitic diseases include travelers, recent immigrants, and patients with immunodeficiency following chemotherapy and radiotherapy and AIDS. A 66-year-old Polish male was admitted in December 2012 to the Department of Haematology in a fairly good general condition. On the basis of cytological, cytochemical, immunophenotypic, and cytogenetic analysis of bone marrow, the patient was diagnosed with acute myeloblastic leukemia. On the 7th day of hospitalization in the Department of Haematology, patient was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to acute respiratory and circulatory failure. In March 2013, 3 months after the onset of respiratory failures, a mature form ofAscarisspp. appeared in the patient’s mouth. This report highlights the importance of considering anAscarisinfection in patients with low immunity presenting no eosinophilia but pulmonary failure in the central countries of Europe.
Extract ofSesbania grandifloraAmeliorates Hyperglycemia in High Fat Diet-Streptozotocin Induced Experimental Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Panigrahi Ghanshyam , Panda Chhayakanta , Patra Arjun
Published: May 2016

Background. Sesbania grandiflorahas been traditionally used as antidiabetic, antioxidant, antipyretic, and expectorant and in the management of various ailments.Materials and Methods.The study evaluates the antidiabetic activity of methanolic extract ofSesbania grandiflora(MESG) in type 2 diabetic rats induced by low dose streptozotocine and high fat diet. Diabetic rats were given vehicle, MESG (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.), and the standard drug, metformin (10 mg/kg), for 28 days. During the experimental period, body weight, abdominal girth, food intake, fasting serum glucose, urine analyses were measured. Insulin tolerance test was carried out on 25th day of drug treatment period. Serum analyses for lipid profile and SGOT and SGPT and serums creatinine, urea, protein, SOD, and MDA were also carried out. At the end of the experiment, animals were euthanized, the liver and pancreas were immediately dissected out, and the ratio of pancreas to body weight and hepatic glycogen were calculated.Results.MESG (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) induced significant reduction (P<0.05) of raised blood glucose levels in diabetic rats and also restored other parameters to normal level.Conclusion.Therefore, it is concluded that MESG has potential antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipemic activities and alleviate insulin resistance conditions.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of bZIP Transcription Factors inBrassica oleraceaunder Cold Stress
Authors: Hwang Indeok , Manoharan Ranjith Kumar , Kang Jong-Goo , Chung Mi-Young , Kim Young-Wook , Nou Ill-Sup
Published: May 2016

Cabbages (Brassica oleraceaL.) are an important vegetable crop around world, and cold temperature is among the most significant abiotic stresses causing agricultural losses, especially in cabbage crops. Plant bZIP transcription factors play diverse roles in biotic/abiotic stress responses. In this study, 119 putative BolbZIP transcription factors were identified using amino acid sequences from several bZIP domain consensus sequences. The BolbZIP members were classified into 63 categories based on amino acid sequence similarity and were also compared with BrbZIP and AtbZIP transcription factors. Based on this BolbZIP identification and classification, cold stress-responsiveBolbZIPgenes were screened in inbred lines,BN106andBN107, using RNA sequencing data and qRT-PCR. The expression level of the 3 genes,Bol008071,Bol033132, andBol042729, was significantly increased inBN107under cold conditions and was unchanged inBN106. The upregulation of these genes inBN107, a cold-susceptible inbred line, suggests that they might be significant components in the cold response. Among three identified genes,Bol033132has 97% sequence similarity toBra020735, which was identified in a screen for cold-related genes inB. rapaand a protein containing N-rich regions in LCRs. The results obtained in this study provide valuable information for understanding the potential function of BolbZIP transcription factors in cold stress responses.
Endothelial Microparticle‐Derived Reactive Oxygen Species: Role in Endothelial Signaling and Vascular Function
Authors: Burger Dylan , Turner Maddison , Munkonda Mercedes N. , Touyz Rhian M.
Published: May 2016

Endothelial microparticles are effectors of endothelial damage; however mechanisms involved are unclear. We examined the effects of eMPs on cultured endothelial cells (ECs) and isolated vessels and investigated the role of eMP‐derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) and redox signaling in these processes. eMPs were isolated from EC media and their ability to directly produce ROS was assessed by lucigenin and liquid chromatography. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (Nox) subunits were probed by Western blot. ECs were treated with eMPs and effects on kinase signaling, superoxide anion () generation, and nitric oxide (NO) production were examined. Acetylcholine‐mediated vasorelaxation was assessed by myography in eMP‐treated mesenteric arteries. eMPs contained Nox1, Nox2, Nox4, p47phox, p67phox, and p22phox and they produced ROS which was inhibited by the Nox inhibitor, apocynin. eMPs increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Src, increased production, and decreased A23187‐induced NO production in ECs. Pretreatment of eMPs with apocynin diminished eMP‐mediated effects on ROS and NO production but had no effect on eMP‐mediated kinase activation or impairment in vasorelaxation. Our findings identify a novel mechanism whereby eMP‐derived ROS contributes to MP bioactivity. These interactions may be important in conditions associated with vascular injury and increased eMP formation.
Transitions in Interface Objects: Searching Databases
Authors: Gamble Tim , May Jon
Published: May 2016

Two experiments demonstrate that a list-like database interface which benefits from the persistence of contextual information does not show the same degree of benefit of collocating objects over display changes that has been previously observed in a map-searching study. This provides some support for the claim that the nature of the task must be taken into account in choosing how to design dynamic displays. We discuss the benefit of basing design principles on theoretical models derived from film cutting methods used in cinematography, so that they can be extended to novel design situations.
Recipient Hyperbilirubinemia May Reduce Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury but Fails to Improve Outcome in Clinical Liver Transplantation
Authors: Oltean Mihai , Barrenäs Christian , Martins Paulo Ney , Herlenius Gustaf , Gustafsson Bengt , Friman Styrbjörn , Bennet William
Published: May 2016

Background.Exogenous bilirubin may reduce experimental ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) due to its antioxidant properties. We studied if early graft exposure to high bilirubin levels in the recipient affects the early IRI and outcomes after liver transplantation (LTx).Methods.In 427 LTx patients, the AUROC curve based on bilirubin and AST at day 1 identified a cutoff of 2.04 mg/dL for the recipient pretransplant bilirubin. Recipients were grouped as having low (group L,n=152) or high (group H,n=275) bilirubin. Both groups had similar donor-related variables (age, preservation time, donor BMI > 28, and donor risk index (DRI)).Results.Alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) aminotransferase levels were higher in group L at day 1; ALT levels remained higher at day 2 in group L. LTx from high risk donors (DRI > 2) revealed a trend towards lower transaminases during the first two days after transplantation in group H. One month and 1-year patient survival were similar in groups L and H. High preoperative bilirubin did not affect the risk for early graft dysfunction (EGD), death, or graft loss during the first year after transplantation nor the incidence of acute rejection. LTx using donors with DRI > 2 resulted in similar rates of EGD in both groups.Conclusion.Increased bilirubin appears to reduce the early IRI after LTx yet this improvement was insufficient to improve the clinical outcome.
Current Advances in the Biochemical and Physiological Aspects of the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Thiazolidinediones
Authors: Alemán-González-Duhart D. , Tamay-Cach F. , Álvarez-Almazán S. , Mendieta-Wejebe J. E.
Published: May 2016

The present review summarizes the current advances in the biochemical and physiological aspects in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) with thiazolidinediones (TZDs). DM2 is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, triggering the abnormal activation of physiological pathways such as glucose autooxidation, polyol’s pathway, formation of advance glycation end (AGE) products, and glycolysis, leading to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proinflammatory cytokines, which are responsible for the micro- and macrovascular complications of the disease. The treatment of DM2 has been directed toward the reduction of hyperglycemia using different drugs such as insulin sensitizers, as the case of TZDs, which are able to lower blood glucose levels and circulating triglycerides by binding to the nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) as full agonists. When TZDs interact with PPARγ, the receptor regulates the transcription of different genes involved in glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, and adipogenesis. However, TZDs exhibit some adverse effects such as fluid retention, weight gain, hepatotoxicity, plasma-volume expansion, hemodilution, edema, bone fractures, and congestive heart failure, which limits their use in DM2 patients.
Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Nanostructured Materials of Titanium Dioxide Doped with Silver and/or Copper and Their Effects onArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Garcidueñas-Piña Cristina , Medina-Ramírez Iliana E. , Guzmán Plinio , Rico-Martínez Roberto , Morales-Domínguez José Francisco , Rubio-Franchini Isidoro
Published: May 2016

Nanostructured materials (NSMs) of silver (Ag@TiO2) and copper (TiO2-Cu2+) doped titanium dioxide were synthesized, fully characterized, and evaluated for their antimicrobial efficiency and effects onArabidopsis thaliana. The NSMs were prepared using an environmentally benign route. The physicochemical properties of the materials were determined with analytical techniques. These materials are active under visible light, exhibit a small size (10–12 nm), are crystalline (anatase), and liberate metal ions (Ag+and Cu2+) in solution. Microbicide activity was observed inE. coliC600 andS. cerevisiaeW303 strains treated with several concentrations of Ag@TiO2and TiO2-Cu2+, radiated and nonradiated, and after different times. Higher inactivation was achieved with Ag@TiO2inE. coli, with value of log inactivation of 2.2 with 0.5 mg/mL after 4 h, than inS. cerevisiae, with a log inactivation of 2.6 with 10 mg/mL after 24 h. The impact of these NSMs in plants was evaluated inArabidopsis thalianaCol-0 strain exposed to such materials at different conditions and concentrations, and physical and biochemical effects were analyzed. Seeds exposed to NSMs did not show effects on germination and growth. However, seedlings treated with these materials modified their growth and their total chlorophyll content.
Evaluation of Subsurface Damage in Concrete Deck Joints Using Impact Echo Method
Authors: Rickard Larry , Choi Wonchang
Published: May 2016

Many factors can affect the overall performance and longevity of highway bridges, including the integrity of their deck joints. This study focuses on the evaluation of subsurface damage in deteriorated concrete deck joints, which includes the delamination and corrosion of the reinforcement. Impact echo and surface wave technology, mainly a portable seismic property analyzer (PSPA), were employed to evaluate the structural deficiency of concrete joints. Laboratory tests of core samples were conducted to verify the nondestructive test results. The primary advantage of the PSPA as a bridge assessment tool lies in its ability to assess the concrete’s modulus and to detect subsurface defects at a particular point simultaneously.
Assessment of Startle Response and Its Prepulse Inhibition Using Posturography: Pilot Study
Authors: Polechoński Jacek , Juras Grzegorz , Słomka Kajetan , Błaszczyk Janusz , Małecki Andrzej , Nawrocka Agnieszka
Published: May 2016

Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using static posturography in the assessment of sensorimotor gating.Subjects and Methods. Fourteen subjects took part in the experiment. The inhibitory mechanisms of startle reflex were used as the measure of sensorimotor gating. It was evoked by a strong acoustic stimulus (106 dB SPL, 40 ms) which was preceded by the weaker similar signal (80 dB SPL, 20 ms). A stabilographic platform was used to measure sensorimotor gating.Results. Results of static posturography show that the postural sway caused by the reaction to a strong acoustic stimulus is significantly smaller when this stimulus is preceded by the signal of lower intensity (prepulse). Such assessment is only possible in eyes open conditions.Conclusions. Static posturography can be simple and effective method used for diagnosis of sensorimotor gating in humans.
Association between Mild Renal Dysfunction and Insulin Resistance or Metabolic Syndrome in a Random Nondiabetic Population Sample
Authors: Onat Altan , Hergenç Gülay , Uyarel Hüseyin , Özhan Hakan , Esen A. Metin , Karabulut Ahmet , Albayrak Sinan , Can Günay , Keleş Ibrahim
Published: May 2016

Aims: The association of mild renal dysfunction (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 60–89.9 ml/min/1.73 m2) with insulin resistance (IR) or metabolic syndrome (MS) needs be investigated in a population in which MS prevails. Methods: After excluding subjects with diabetes mellitus, 1,678 subjects from a representative cohort (median age 52 years) were studied cross-sectionally. eGFR was based on serum creatinine concentrations using the quadratic GFR equation and categorized by 90 and 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 as limits. MS was identified using the modified criteria of the Adult Treatment Panel-III. Results: In men, whereas MS was not significantly associated with a reduced eGFR category when controlled for homeostatic model assessment (HOMA), HOMA adjusted for MS or for its components was significantly associated with the likelihood of a reduced eGFR. This likelihood was increased by 14% with a doubling of HOMA in men. Age was the dominant correlate of reduced eGFR in women, whereby an association with HOMA was not significant. Conclusion: Mildly impaired kidney function is common in nondiabetic adults among whom MS prevails, and in men it is mainly associated with IR but not with central obesity and MS-related dyslipidemia. The quadratic GFR equation enables an acceptable estimation of GFR in a general population.
Melatonin Regulates Daily Variations in Electric Behavior Arousal in Two Species of Weakly Electric Fish with Different Social Structures
Authors: Migliaro Adriana , Silva Ana
Published: May 2016

Timing is crucial for social interactions. Animal behavior is synchronized with biotic and abiotic environment variables ensuring that the activity phase of conspecifics occurs during the same period of the day. As biological rhythms are embedded in the complex integrative control of the brain, it is fundamental to explore its interaction with environmental and social factors. This approach will unravel the link between external stimuli carrying information on environmental cycles and the neural commands for behavior, including social behavior, associated with precise phases of those cycles. Arousal in the solitary Gymnotus omarorum and in the gregarious Brachyhypopomus gauderio is characterized by a nocturnal increase in the basal discharge rate of electric behavior, which is mild and transient in G. omarorum and large and persistent in B. gauderio. In this study, we show that the major integrator of social behavior, AVT (arginine vasotocin), is not involved in the nocturnal increase of electric behavior basal rate in isolated animals of either species. On the other hand, endogenous melatonin, the major modulator of the circadian system, is responsible for the nocturnal increase in electric behavior in isolated individuals of both species.
Correlation of Genetic Heterogeneity with Cytopathological and Epidemiological Findings of Leishmania major Isolated from Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Southern Iran
Authors: Shirian Sadegh , Oryan Ahmad , Hatam Gholam-Reza , Tabandeh Mohammad-Reza , Daneshmand Ehasan , Hashemi Orimi Maryam , Saberi Hooshang , Daneshbod Yahya
Published: May 2016

Objective: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has recently grown into a major public health problem in 88 countries of the world, including Iran. It is a polymorphic disease which may show various clinicopathological features. Although the effect of the genetic diversity of the parasite has been demonstrated as one of the factors influencing clinical manifestations in CL, no data exist regarding the genetic variation of Leishmania major and its microscopical features. Study Design: Fine-needle aspiration, touch smears and the histological sections of 100 patients were examined for Leishmania amastigotes, using Giemsa and hematoxylin and eosin. Diverse types of inflammatory cells in the 40 positive and 5 negative smears were differentiated. Kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) was amplified using nested PCR and subsequently sequenced. Sequencing analysis of the amplified kDNA was used to investigate the genetic variations among L. major isolates and to correlate the findings with microscopical features and geographical origins. Results: The quantified amastigote density in the 40 positive touch smears was blindly classified by 3 observers. Grade I, II, III and IV had 7, 13, 9 and 11 cases, respectively. The microscopical features, the mean percentage of neutrophils, lymphocytes and other inflammatory cells, and the leishmanial density of the grades and negative cytopathological samples were contrasting. kDNA amplification of L. major was detected from the cutaneous lesion, and 21 of these amplicons were successfully sequenced. Conclusions: These results indicate that L. major strains causing CL in southern Iran are genetically diverse; furthermore, a correlation between the genetic heterogeneity of the parasite, the microscopical manifestation and the geographical regions of the disease in humans was found.
Incidence and Natural History of Idiopathic Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: A Population-Based Study in Iceland
Authors: Hafsteinsdottir Brynhildur , Olafsson Elias
Published: May 2016

Background and Aim: We report a population-based study conducted in Iceland to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics and prognosis of idiopathic chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) during a 21-year period. Methods: Cases were identified from the records of all practicing neurologists in the country, the only neurology department in the country and both neurophysiology laboratories. All index cases met the 2010 European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society criteria for CIDP. Results: Nineteen individuals fulfilled the diagnostic criteria during the study period. The average annual incidence was 0.3/100,000 (95% CI 0.04-2.47). There were 14 men (74%) in a gender ratio of 1:2.8. The mean age at diagnosis was 57 (range 19-81 years): women, 36 years and men, 63 years; p = 0.0006. The disease course was remitting-relapsing in 21% and chronic progressive or monophasic in 79%. The average length of follow-up was 6.9 years. The standardized mortality ratio for the 21-year study period was 0.9 (95% CI 0.3-2.2). Conclusion: We believe we have identified all diagnosed with CIDP in Iceland during a 21-year period. Many had no or only limited disease progression over the years and mortality is not increased compared with the general population.
A Patient with Giant Rippled-Pattern Sebaceoma in the Occipital Region
Authors: Takahashi Masayuki , Arima Masaru , Iwata Yohei , Suzuki Kayoko , Mizoguchi Yoshikazu , Kuroda Makoto , Matsunaga Kayoko
Published: May 2016

A 72-year-old male visited a nearby hospital with a large tumor in his occipital region, which had existed since 20 years. Since malignant tumor was suspected, he was referred to our department. At the initial consultation, an elastic-hard, yellow-brown, sessile tumor, measuring 8 × 7 × 5 cm and with a flat surface, was observed in the occipital region. The tumor was resected and covered with artificial dermis. Histopathologically, the lesion was composed of basal-cell-like cells with nest formation in the dermis. A rippled pattern, or the single-line arrangement of tumor cells involving the stroma, was present. In addition, some tumor clusters revealed the differentiation to sebaceous glands, and these cells were positive for cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) and epithelial membrane antigen, which is consistent with the staining of sebaceous glands. On the contrary, tumor cells were negative for epithelial antigen (Ber-EP4), and Ki67 (MIB1) index was 5% or lower. Therefore, we diagnosed the tumor as rippled-pattern sebaceoma and not as basal cell carcinoma. Although this case was quite unique in its large size, immunostaining was useful for the definite diagnosis.
Implementation of an HIV-1 Triple-Target NAT Assay in the Routine Screening at Three German Red Cross Blood Centres
Authors: De Zolt Silke , Thermann Rolf , Bangsow Thorsten , Pichl Lutz , Müller Benjamin , Jork Christine , Weber-Schehl Marijke , Hedges Doris , Schupp Ingo , Unverzagt Patrick , de Rue Katrin , Roth W. Kurt
Published: May 2016

Background: Blood product safety was significantly improved by the introduction of NAT testing in the late 1990s, resulting in a strong decrease of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs). Due to the occurrence of HIV-1 NAT test failures as a consequence of mismatch mutations in the amplicon regions of mono-target NAT assays, the Paul Ehrlich Institute mandated the implementation of multi-target NAT assays for HIV-1 in 2014. Commercial suppliers mostly developed dual-target NAT assays, with only one implementing a triple-target NAT assay. Methods: The HIV-1 triple-target NAT assay v3 (GFE Blut) was tested on mutated specimens and synthetic DNA bearing mutations that resulted in sample underquantification or false-negative test results. In addition, data from 2 years routine testing at three German Red Cross Blood centres were analysed. Results: The HIV-1 triple-target PCR could compensate for all mutations tested and could compensate the loss of one amplicon without a significant loss of sensitivity. Data from 2 years routine testing showed a solid performance. Conclusion: The HIV-1 triple-target v3 assay (GFE Blut) can compensate mutations in target sequences better than a dual-target assay and is applicable to high-throughput screening, thus increasing blood product safety.
Primary Effusion Lymphoma: Is Dose-Adjusted-EPOCH Worthwhile Therapy?
Authors: Jessamy Kegan , Ojevwe Fidelis O. , Doobay Ravi , Naous Rana , Yu John , Lemke Sheila M.
Published: May 2016

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare condition, which accounts for approximately 4% of all human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated non-Hodgkin lymphomas. PEL has a predilection for body cavities and occurs in the pleural space, pericardium, and peritoneum. Without treatment, the median survival is approximately 2–3 months, and with chemotherapy, the median survival is approximately 6 months. We describe the case of a 47-year-old male with HIV and Kaposi’s sarcoma who presented with complaints of abdominal pain and distension and was subsequently diagnosed with PEL. Despite limited clinical data being available, chemotherapy with dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin (EPOCH) has proven to increase survival rates in patients with this condition.
Socrates' Refutation of Apollo
Authors: Carvalho John M
Published: May 2016

It has been argued about Plato’s early dialogues that Socrates is made there to privilege beliefs derived from “information” he receives through certain forms of divination. These beliefs, the argument continues, are allowed to supplement Socrates’s elenctically established human knowledge while remaining “logically independent” of it.Such a view is needed, some believe, to solve the paradox that, while Socrates disavows knowledge of anything great or small, he is convinced that his life is morally unimpeachable. Socrates will also claim that wrongdoing is the result of ignorance implying that virtue follows from knowledge. These apparent conflicts can be explained, it is supposed, by Socrates’s confidence in divine signs which, while failing to secure the knowledge Socrates is seeking in answers to his “What is F?” questions, gives him the warrant he requires to hold the beliefs he does. This warrant could be substantively challenged, however, if it turned out that Socrates also believes these divine signs may be subject to elenctic refutation. I show, here, that Socrates does refute Apollo or, rather, that Socrates performs an elenchus on the god’s pronouncement, and that this elenctic test sheds important light on the meaning and function of “refutation” in Socratic argumentation. What Socrates hopes to exhibit through his examinations of the politicians, poets and artisans is just that, since there is someone wiser than Socrates, he has reasons for believing the god means something other than what he appears at first to say. If the apparent meaning of Apollo’s pronouncement cannot be shown to be inconsistent with the god’s otherwise infallible wisdom, Socrates will have reasons for doubting his own claim to lack such wisdom and for accepting the indictment brought against him. At his trial, Socrates argues that he refuted Apollo, but the jury, ironically, disagrees and convicts him of impiety.
Death and Emergency Readmission of Infants Discharged After Interventions for Congenital Heart Disease: A National Study of 7643 Infants to Inform Service Improvement
Authors: Crowe Sonya , Ridout Deborah A. , Knowles Rachel , Tregay Jenifer , Wray Jo , Barron David J. , Cunningham David , Parslow Roger C. , Utley Martin , Franklin Rodney , Bull Catherine , Brown Katherine L.
Published: May 2016

Background

Improvements in hospital‐based care have reduced early mortality in congenital heart disease. Later adverse outcomes may be reducible by focusing on care at or after discharge. We aimed to identify risk factors for such events within 1 year of discharge after intervention in infancy and, separately, to identify subgroups that might benefit from different forms of intervention.

Methods and Results

Cardiac procedures performed in infants between 2005 and 2010 in England and Wales from the
UK
National Congenital Heart Disease Audit were linked to intensive care records. Among 7976 infants, 333 (4.2%) died before discharge. Of 7643 infants discharged alive, 246 (3.2%) died outside the hospital or after an unplanned readmission to intensive care (risk factors were age, weight‐for‐age, cardiac procedure, cardiac diagnosis, congenital anomaly, preprocedural clinical deterioration, prematurity, ethnicity, and duration of initial admission; c‐statistic 0.78 [0.75–0.82]). Of the 7643, 514 (6.7%) died outside the hospital or had an unplanned intensive care readmission (same risk factors but with neurodevelopmental condition and acquired cardiac diagnosis and without preprocedural deterioration; c‐statistic 0.78 [0.75–0.80]). Classification and regression tree analysis were used to identify 6 subgroups stratified by the level (3–24%) and nature of risk for death outside the hospital or unplanned intensive care readmission based on neurodevelopmental condition, cardiac diagnosis, congenital anomaly, and duration of initial admission. An additional 115 patients died after planned intensive care admission (typically following elective surgery).

Conclusions

Adverse outcomes in the year after discharge are of similar magnitude to in‐hospital mortality, warrant service improvements, and are not confined to diagnostic groups currently targeted with enhanced monitoring.
Reflections on the Spiritual in Rothko
Authors: Arya Rina
Published: May 2016

Much has been made of the metaphysical aspects of Mark Rothko’s abstract art, especially his classic works of the 1950s and the Seagram murals. The claims for the spirituality of Rothko’s work are by no means unique either to his art or to art in general. Indeed there are many people who probe cultural forms, such as art, in order to reflect on life and broader questions that can be classed as spiritual concerns. The “revelations” that Rothko’s classic works give rise to, as described by visitors and commentators alike, reflect this phenomenon, and, taking this view further, explain why secular institutions such as art galleries can be spaces for spiritual experience. Rothko presents an interesting case as his work can be understood as spiritual in a broadly numinous way with recourse to the concepts of the sublime and the mystical as well as reflecting aspects of his Jewish identity. The intention of this article is to discuss the different spiritual aspects of Rothko’s work, particularly of his later career, in order to argue for the coexistence of these different strands, as well as to show the progression of his ideas.
New records of the genus Parabolopona Matsumara (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae), with description of a new species from India
Authors: MESHRAM NARESH M. , SHASHANK P. R. , SRINIVASA N.
Published: May 2016

New records for the leafhopper genus Parabolopona Matsumura from India are provided with description of Parabolopona zhangi sp. nov. Materials are deposited in the National Pusa Collection, Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India. Morphological illustrations are provided. A checklist and key to species of the genus along with a distribution map are also provided.
How leader and follower attachment styles are mediated by trust
Authors: Harms P.D. , Bai Yuntao , Han Guohong Helen
Published: May 2016

The current study utilizes attachment theory to understand how leader–follower relationships impact emotional and behavioral outcomes in the workplace. Specifically, we examine the roles of two dysfunctional attachment styles – anxious and avoidant attachment – as determinants of trust in leaders, stress and citizenship behaviors. Results showed that followers with anxious attachment orientations reported experiencing more stress, whereas followers with avoidant attachment orientations were less likely to engage in organizational citizenship behaviors. Moreover, we found that the relationship between attachment orientations and workplace outcomes are mediated by affective and cognitive trust. However, these negative outcomes only occur when the follower has a leader with an avoidant attachment orientation. Implications for training, selection, job design and understanding leader–follower dynamics are discussed.
The politics of student engagement
Authors: Milburn-Shaw Heather , Walker David
Published: May 2016

Student engagement (SE) is currently a significant focus of attention in Higher Education (HE), but its underlying political character and the broader political-economic context have been overlooked. SE has not been considered from the perspective of the ‘Idea’ of the university. Bringing together the literature on SE, the marketisation of HE and the ‘Idea’ of the university, we argue that current policies and practices are based on a one-dimensional conception, which neglects the crucial elements of cognitive and emotional engagement, and that this both reflects and reinforces an economic utilitarian conception of the university and a consumer model of student identity.
Partial white and grey matter protection with prolonged infusion of recombinant human erythropoietin after asphyxia in preterm fetal sheep
Authors: Wassink Guido , Davidson Joanne O , Dhillon Simerdeep K , Fraser Mhoyra , Galinsky Robert , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair J
Published: May 2016

Perinatal asphyxia in preterm infants remains a significant contributor to abnormal long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Recombinant human erythropoietin has potent non-haematopoietic neuroprotective properties, but there is limited evidence for protection in the preterm brain. Preterm (0.7 gestation) fetal sheep received sham asphyxia (sham occlusion) or asphyxia induced by umbilical cord occlusion for 25 min, followed by an intravenous infusion of vehicle (occlusion-vehicle) or recombinant human erythropoietin (occlusion-Epo, 5000 international units by slow push, then 832.5 IU/h), starting 30 min after asphyxia and continued until 72 h. Recombinant human erythropoietin reduced neuronal loss and numbers of caspase-3-positive cells in the striatal caudate nucleus, CA3 and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, and thalamic medial nucleus ( P < 0.05 vs. occlusion-vehicle). In the white matter tracts, recombinant human erythropoietin increased total, but not immature/mature oligodendrocytes ( P < 0.05 vs. occlusion-vehicle), with increased cell proliferation and reduced induction of activated caspase-3, microglia and astrocytes ( P < 0.05). Finally, occlusion-Epo reduced seizure burden, with more rapid recovery of electroencephalogram power, spectral edge frequency, and carotid blood flow. In summary, prolonged infusion of recombinant human erythropoietin after severe asphyxia in preterm fetal sheep was partially neuroprotective and improved electrophysiological and cerebrovascular recovery, in association with reduced apoptosis and inflammation.