bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing Growth of Infants Fed a 100% Whey Extensively Hydrolyzed Formula Compared With a Casein-Based Extensively Hydrolyzed Formula
Authors: Fields David , Czerkies Laura , Sun Shumei , Storm Heidi , Saavedra José , Sorensen Ricardo
Published: April 2016

This study compared the growth of healthy infants fed a hypoallergenic 100% whey-based extensively hydrolyzed formula (EHF) with Bifidobacterium lactis (test) with that of infants fed an extensively hydrolyzed casein formula (control). Formula-fed infants (14 ± 3 days) were randomized to test or control groups until 112 days of age. Anthropometrics were assessed at 14, 28, 56, 84, and 112 days, and daily records were kept for 2 days prior to study visits. Serum albumin and plasma amino acids at 84 days were assessed in a subset. A total of 282 infants were randomized (124 test, 158 control). Significantly more infants dropped out of the control (56%) as compared with the test (41%) group. Mean daily weight gain was significantly higher in the test group compared with the control group (27.95 ± 5.91 vs 25.93 ± 6.12 g/d; P = .027) with the test group reporting significantly fewer stools (2.2 vs 3.6 stools/d; P < .0001). The control group reported significantly more days with >3 loose stools/d and a higher incidence of vomiting as compared with the test group. There were no differences in gas, mood, sleep, or serum albumin. Plasma arginine and valine were significantly lower in the test group, whereas leucine and lysine were higher; all values were within normal limits. Significantly more adverse events attributed to the study formula were reported in the control group. The 100% whey-based hypoallergenic EHF containing Bifidobacterium lactis and medium chain triglycerides supported growth of healthy infants. Future studies on the application of this formula in clinically indicated populations are warranted.
China and the Iranian Nuclear Issue—Converting Challenges into Opportunities
Authors: Kondapalli Srikanth
Published: April 2016

After 13 years of intense and grueling negotiations, diplomatic and political activities, the Iranian nuclear issue was resolved in mid-2015 with the provision of implementing the accord in a decade. As a member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Permanent Five (P5) P5+1 since April 2010 who negotiated the deal, China’s moderate role has attracted global attention. While the United States, Russia, and European countries played a crucial role, Beijing’s position in resolving the issue is not insignificant. Given China’s interests in the region—ranging from economic, commercial, energy, and regional security to strategic concerns—while being one of the quiet negotiators, Beijing periodically dispatched its envoys and others to influence Tehran’s responses. In the coming years, China’s role is expected to show benefits in terms of energy deals as well as infrastructure developments and even arms sales to Tehran.
Manipulating leukocyte interactions in vivo through optogenetic chemokine release
Authors: Sarris Milka , Olekhnovitch Romain , Bousso Philippe
Published: April 2016

Key Points

We report a method to optogenetically control the release of soluble mediators, such as chemokines, and influence immune cell migration. This approach is applicable to a variety of secreted ligands and can facilitate dynamic, in situ studies of immune cell communication.
CyTRANSFINDER: a Cytoscape 3.3 plugin for three-component (TF, gene, miRNA) signal transduction pathway construction
Authors: Politano Gianfranco , Orso Francesca , Raimo Monica , Benso Alfredo , Savino Alessandro , Taverna Daniela , Di Carlo Stefano
Published: April 2016

Background

Biological research increasingly relies on network models to study complex phenomena. Signal Transduction Pathways are molecular circuits that model how cells receive, process, and respond to information from the environment providing snapshots of the overall cell dynamics. Most of the attempts to reconstruct signal transduction pathways are limited to single regulator networks including only genes/proteins. However, networks involving a single type of regulator and neglecting transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulations mediated by transcription factors and microRNAs, respectively, may not fully reveal the complex regulatory mechanisms of a cell. We observed a lack of computational instruments supporting explorative analysis on this type of three-component signal transduction pathways.

Results

We have developed CyTRANSFINDER, a new Cytoscape plugin able to infer three-component signal transduction pathways based on user defined regulatory patterns and including miRNAs, TFs and genes. Since CyTRANSFINDER has been designed to support exploratory analysis, it does not rely on expression data. To show the potential of the plugin we have applied it in a study of two miRNAs that are particularly relevant in human melanoma progression, miR-146a and miR-214.

Conclusions

CyTRANSFINDER supports the reconstruction of small signal transduction pathways among groups of genes. Results obtained from its use in a real case study have been analyzed and validated through both literature data and preliminary wet-lab experiments, showing the potential of this tool when performing exploratory analysis.
CollapsABEL: an R library for detecting compound heterozygote alleles in genome-wide association studies
Authors: Zhong Kaiyin , Karssen Lennart C. , Kayser Manfred , Liu Fan
Published: April 2016

Background

Compound Heterozygosity (CH) in classical genetics is the presence of two different recessive mutations at a particular gene locus. A relaxed form of CH alleles may account for an essential proportion of the missing heritability, i.e. heritability of phenotypes so far not accounted for by single genetic variants. Methods to detect CH-like effects in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) may facilitate explaining the missing heritability, but to our knowledge no viable software tools for this purpose are currently available.

Results

In this work we present the Generalized Compound Double Heterozygosity (GCDH) test and its implementation in the R package CollapsABEL. Time-consuming procedures are optimized for computational efficiency using Java or C++. Intermediate results are stored either in an SQL database or in a so-called big.matrix file to achieve reasonable memory footprint. Our large scale simulation studies show that GCDH is capable of discovering genetic associations due to CH-like interactions with much higher power than a conventional single-SNP approach under various settings, whether the causal genetic variations are available or not. CollapsABEL provides a user-friendly pipeline for genotype collapsing, statistical testing, power estimation, type I error control and graphics generation in the R language.

Conclusions

CollapsABEL provides a computationally efficient solution for screening general forms of CH alleles in densely imputed microarray or whole genome sequencing datasets. The GCDH test provides an improved power over single-SNP based methods in detecting the prevalence of CH in human complex phenotypes, offering an opportunity for tackling the missing heritability problem.

Binary and source packages of CollapsABEL are available on CRAN (https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/CollapsABEL) and the website of the GenABEL project (http://www.genabel.org/packages).
The genome anatomy of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis VD57 a highly virulent strain causing Caseous lymphadenitis
Authors: Almeida Sintia , Tiwari Sandeep , Mariano Diego , Souza Flávia , Jamal Syed Babar , Coimbra Nilson , Raittz Roberto Tadeu , Dorella Fernanda Alves , Carvalho Alex Fiorine de , Pereira Felipe Luiz , Soares Siomar de Castro , Leal Carlos Augusto Gomes , Barh Debmalya , Ghosh Preetam , Figueiredo Henrique , Moura-Costa Lília Ferreira , Portela Ricardo Wagner , Meyer Roberto , Silva Artur , Azevedo Vasco
Published: April 2016

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis strain VD57 (Cp_VD57), a highly virulent, nonmotile, non-sporulating, and a mesophilic bacterium, was isolated from a goat’s granulomatous lesion in the municipality of Juazeiro, Bahia State, Brazil. Here, we describe a set of features of the strain, together with the details of its complete genome sequence and annotation. The genome comprises of a 2.5 Mbp long, single circular genome with 2,101 protein-coding genes, 12 rRNA, 49 tRNA and 47 pseudogenes and a G + C content of 52.85 %. Genetic variation was detected in Cp_VD57 using C. pseudotuberculosis strain 1002 as reference, wherein small genomic insertions and deletions were identified. The comparative analysis of the genome sequence provides means to better understand the host pathogen interactions of this strain and can also help us to understand the molecular and genetic basis of virulence of this bacterium.
Secondary hemochromatosis as a result of acute transfusion-induced iron overload in a burn patient
Authors: Amatto Michael , Acharya Hernish
Published: April 2016

Background

Red blood cell transfusions are critical in burn management. The subsequent iron overload that can occur from this treatment can lead to secondary hemochromatosis with multi-organ damage.

Case Presentation

While well recognized in patients receiving chronic transfusions, we present a case outlining the acute development of hemochromatosis secondary to multiple transfusions in a burn patient.

Conclusions

Simple screening laboratory measures and treatment options exist which may significantly reduce morbidity; thus, we believe awareness of secondary hemochromatosis in those treating burn patients is critical.
A Primer for Developing Measures of Science Content Knowledge for Small-Scale Research and Instructional Use
Authors: Bass Kristin M. , Drits-Esser Dina , Stark Louisa A.
Published: April 2016

The credibility of conclusions made about the effectiveness of educational interventions depends greatly on the quality of the assessments used to measure learning gains. This essay, intended for faculty involved in small-scale projects, courses, or educational research, provides a step-by-step guide to the process of developing, scoring, and validating high-quality content knowledge assessments. We illustrate our discussion with examples from our assessments of high school students’ understanding of concepts in cell biology and epigenetics. Throughout, we emphasize the iterative nature of the development process, the importance of creating instruments aligned to the learning goals of an intervention or curricula, and the importance of collaborating with other content and measurement specialists along the way.
Association between stressful life events and psychotic experiences in adolescence: Evidence for gene–environment correlations
Authors: Shakoor Sania , Zavos Helena M. S. , Haworth Claire M. A. , McGuire Phillip , Cardno Alastair G. , Freeman Daniel , Ronald Angelica
Published: April 2016

Background

Stressful life events (SLEs) are associated with psychotic experiences. SLEs might act as an environmental risk factor, but may also share a genetic propensity with psychotic experiences.

Aims

To estimate the extent to which genetic and environmental factors influence the relationship between SLEs and psychotic experiences.

Method

Self- and parent reports from a community-based twin sample (4830 16-year-old pairs) were analysed using structural equation model fitting.

Results

SLEs correlated with positive psychotic experiences (r = 0.12–0.14, all P<0.001). Modest heritability was shown for psychotic experiences (25–57%) and dependent SLEs (32%). Genetic influences explained the majority of the modest covariation between dependent SLEs and paranoia and cognitive disorganisation (bivariate heritabilities 74–86%). The relationship between SLEs and hallucinations and grandiosity was explained by both genetic and common environmental effects.

Conclusions

Further to dependent SLEs being an environmental risk factor, individuals may have an underlying genetic propensity increasing their risk of dependent SLEs and positive psychotic experiences.
ESCRT-0 complex modulates Rbf-mutant cell survival by regulating Rhomboid endosomal trafficking and EGFR signaling
Authors: Sheng Zhentao , Yu Lijia , Zhang Tianyi , Pei Xun , Li Xuan , Zhang Zhihua , Du Wei
Published: April 2016

The Rb tumor suppressor is conserved in Drosophila, and its inactivation can lead to cell proliferation or death depending on the specific cellular context. Therefore, identifying genes that affect the survival of Rb-mutant cells can potentially identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer. From a genetic screen in Drosophila, we identified synthetic lethal interactions between mutations of fly Rb (rbf) and the ESCRT-0 components stam and hrs. We show that inactivation of ESCRT-0 sensitizes rbf-mutant cells to undergo apoptosis through inhibition of EGFR signaling and accumulation of Hid protein. Mutation of stam inhibits EGFR signaling upstream of secreted Spi and downstream of Rhomboid expression, and causes Rhomboid protein to accumulate in the abnormal endosomes labeled with both the early and late endosomal markers Rab5 and Rab7. These results reveal that ESCRT-0 mutants inhibit EGFR signaling by disrupting Rhomboid endosomal trafficking in the ligand-producing cells. Because ESCRT-0 also plays crucial roles in EGFR downregulation after ligand binding, this study provides new insights into how loss of ESCRT-0 function can either increase or decrease EGFR signaling.
Comunicação Organizacional: a arte sofìstica na Administração
Authors: Bazanini Roberto , Miklos Jorge , Bazanini Homero Leoni , Santana Nathalia Caroline
Published: April 2016

Em nossa contemporaneidade as organizações modernas buscam preparar seus dirigentes para o relacionamento cotidiano com a imprensa. Na sociedade do infoentretenimento predomina o estilo de produção com respaldo na cultura dos eventos midiáticos que cada vez mais se transformam em grandes espetáculos. O presente trabalho buscou investigar os aspectos simbólicos decorrentes das transformações comunicacionais e a relevância da atuação do Media Training no cenário contemporâneo. Por meio de pesquisa exploratória, de natureza qualitativa, com o auxílio do método histórico-crítico, foram realizadas entrevistas com profissionais de Media Training e executivos submetidos ao treinamento, atuantes no Estado de São Paulo. Os resultados da pesquisa indicam os elementos da arte sofística como fatores essenciais na construção da imagem organizacional para alcance de vantagem competitiva. Palavras-chave: Arte Sofística; Bens Simbólicos; Media Training; Sociedade do infoentretenimento; Teoria Social Cognitiva
Estratégia nacional de desenvolvimento nos governos Lula e Dilma: transformação neoliberal
Authors: Faé Rogério , Goulart Sueli , Abdala Paulo Ricardo Zilio
Published: April 2016

Discutimos as concepções teórico-ideológicas que fundamentam a estratégia nacional de desenvolvimento adotada pelo Governo do Brasil nos últimos 12 anos, com o objetivo de analisar o sentido que lhe atribuem, levando-se em conta a retórica em torno da promoção de transformações sociais e a alegada retomada das proposições de Celso Furtado. Desde o primeiro governo Lula o direcionamento das ações governamentais atribuiu ao Estado funções de planejamento estratégico e regulação do mercado para facilitar transações econômicas. Essa orientação conforma-se a uma divisão internacional do trabalho em que os países periféricos produzem commodities agrícolas e extrativistas. Com efeito, a estratégia brasileira dos últimos anos desprezou preocupações com a autonomia nacional para alinhar-se à lógica dos mercados globais. Ao final, concluímos que os fundamentos da estratégia nacional de desenvolvimento empreendida no período vinculam-se às concepções de Bresser-Pereira e do novo desenvolvimentismo.
Estratégia e redes: empresas aracajuanas de alimentação saudável
Authors: Dantas Cristiane Feitoza , Montenegro Ludmilla Meyer , Heber Florence Cavalcanti
Published: April 2016

Este artigo tem como objetivo investigar como as micros e pequenas empresas de Aracaju, SE que fornecem alimentação saudável se estruturam estrategicamente em redes. Na metodologia, optou-se por uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa e interpretativa, realizada por meio de estudo de casos múltiplos, com amostra não probabilística e por conveniência. O instrumento utilizado para coleta de dados primários foi a entrevista semiestruturada com os proprietários de duas pequenas empresas e de uma microempresa que fornecem alimentação saudável. Os resultados encontrados indicaram que as empresas formam redes organizacionais e interorganizacionais e realizam planejamento estratégico, mesmo que de maneira informal.
Imagem do Brasil e atitudes dos consumidores sul-africanos
Authors: Ceribeli Harrison Bachion , Souza Natália Brito Zuca de
Published: April 2016

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar o efeito que a imagem do Brasil exerce sobre as atitudes dos consumidores sul-africanos em relação às roupas e calçados de origem brasileira. Para coleta de dados, realizou-se um levantamento de campo. A amostra de pesquisa foi composta por habitantes da cidade de Stellenbosch, África do Sul. Para análise dos dados, foram utilizadas duas técnicas estatísticas: Análise Fatorial Exploratória e Análise de Regressão Múltipla. Com base nos resultados, constatou-se que o efeito país de origem que a imagem brasileira exerce sobre os consumidores sul-africanos influencia suas atitudes no nível cognitivo, no segmento de calçados, e nos níveis cognitivo, afetivo e conativo, no segmento de vestuário. Tal constatação evidencia que, para que a indústria da moda brasileira consiga efetivamente penetrar na África do Sul, é importante que haja um esforço consciente e direcionado para formar nos consumidores de lá uma imagem positiva a respeito do Brasil.
INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF PUBLIC CONTROL OVER ACTIVITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Authors: Селиванова  , Selivanova Elena , Малахова  , Malakhova Oksana
Published: April 2016

Authors concentrate attention on features of formation of system of public control at the level of local community. Potential of system of local government is analyzed from the point of view of spheres of public control; author´s approach to classification of authors of public control at the local level is formulated. The key directions of public control from the side of citizens and public associations at the local level are emphasized: formation of the local budget and its expenditure, ecological condition of the territory, improvement, pricing of utility payments and other range of questions and democratic procedures.
THE INTERACTION OF CIVIL SOCIETY WITH THE STATE BODIES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION: PROBLEM ASPECTS
Authors: Меркулов  , Merkulov Sergey
Published: April 2016

The article is devoted to actual issues of the development of civil society in modern Russia. The author describes the structure, features of civil society, as well as the main approaches to the understanding of its content. The typology of institutions of civil society operating in the Russian Federation are provided and clarified. In the article the author points to the role of nonprofit organizations, defines the value of their cooperation with public authorities. The content of the problems arising in the process of interaction between public organizations and public management is identified. The author´s recommendations to improve state support of institutions of civil society in the Russian Federation are provided.
PRACTICE OF STATE REGULATION OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Authors: Мельников  , Melnikov Aleksey , Бабаянц  , Babayants Nikita
Published: April 2016

The article investigates the practice of state regulation of interethnic relations in the Russian Federation and foreign countries. It is proved that the problem of interethnic relations influence the transformation of the political system of the state. The author concludes that in the Russian Federation a model of nation-building «multinational state» with the policy of «cautious of multiculturalism» is being developed. The «pure» multiculturalism, typical to many democratic countries, requires objective adjustments in view of features of modern political process.
PECULIARITIES OF THE FORMATION OF TATAR NATIONALISM WITH ISLAMIST BIAS AND POSSIBLE TRENDS OF ITS DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Волкова  , Volkova Alina
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study is to determine the artificial elements in the formation of Tatar nationalism, which together with natural ones can be a problem for the national security of the Russian Federation. This is primarily due to the possible development of separatism in the region, and secondly, with strengthening of the Islamic factor to the transition of certain groups to positions of radical Islam. The realization of the process of formation of Tarar nationalism will help federal and regional authorities, public organizations to build an effective system to counter Tatar nationalism.
LAW-ENFORCEMENT BODIES IN SYSTEM OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND THEIR SOCIAL APPOINTMENT
Authors: Госсельбах  , Gosselbach Ludmila
Published: April 2016

In this article formation and modern development of system of law enforcement bodies of the Russian Federation are described. The main directions of reforming of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation are formulated in orders of the President of the Russian Federation; the main objective is creation of the professional police meeting requirements of the society. The special place in the article is given to the description of social purpose of law enforcement bodies, their tasks and functions.
ROLE OF THE INSTITUTE OF MASTER OF EDUCATION IN RUSSIA
Authors: Иващенко  , Ivashchenko Tatyana
Published: April 2016

The article defines the role of Master institution in the system of higher education in modern Russia. A qualitative analysis of the modern educational trends on Master programs in Russian universities is done. The preferences of employers when selecting the candidates for the various positions are analyzed. The prospects of development of Master education are determined.
METHODICAL APPROACH TO MANAGEMENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF CORPORATE INNOVATION SYSTEM
Authors: Иванушкина  , Ivanushkina Anastasiya
Published: April 2016

This article discusses the concept of the innovation system, as well as models of corporate innovation system proposed by foreign and domestic scientists. Author´s definition of corporate innovation system is defined. The value of innovation activity for the development of corporate innovation system is examined.
The impact of capital ratio on lending of EU banks – the role of bank specialization and capitalization
Authors: Olszak Małgorzata , Pipień Mateusz , Roszkowska Sylwia
Published: April 2016

In this paper we aim to find out whether bank specialization and bank capitalization affect the relationship between loans growth and capital ratio, both in expansions and in contractions. We hypothesize that the impact of bank capital on lending is relatively strong in cooperative banks and savings banks. We also expect that this effect is nonlinear, and is stronger in “low” capital banks than in “high” capital banks. In order to test our hypotheses, we apply the two-step GMM robust estimator for data spanning the years 1996–2011 on individual banks available in the Bankscope database. Our analysis shows that lending of poorly capitalized banks is more affected by capital ratio than lending of well-capitalized banks. Loans growth of cooperative and savings banks is more capital constrained that lending of commercial banks. Capital matters for the lending activity in contractions only in the case of savings and “low” capital banks.
Global competitiveness and economic growth: a one-way or two-way relationship?
Authors: Kordalska Aleksandra Kordalska , Olczyk Magdalena
Published: April 2016

The Global Competitiveness Index is treated as a standard to measure the competitiveness of countries. Leaders look at it to make policy and resource allocation decisions, because global competitiveness is expected to be related to economic growth. However, studies which analyze the empirical relationship between these two economic categories are very rare. It is still an open question in the literature whether economic growth can be used to predict future global competitiveness or the other way round. This paper empirically tests the relationship between the GCI and the economic growth rate by using a panel Granger causality analysis based on annual data for 114 countries divided into five groups by income criteria and covering the period 2006-2014. We confirm a strong unidirectional causality among the countries analyzed, i.e. GDP growth causes global competitiveness. Additionally, we find that the GCI is successful in predicting economic growth for the majority low income and OCED high income counties, but among the middle income countries this relationship exists only for large economies such as China and India.
Economic vs. organisational perspective on inter-organisational relations’ analysis – are economists on the dead-end track?
Authors: Stępień Beata , Sulimowska-Formowicz Monika
Published: April 2016

Inter-organizational relations (IORs), complex constructs existing on the verge of companies’ boundaries, are a popular area of managerial and academic investigation, due to their ability to create sustainable competitive advantage. The aim of the article is to show applicability, insights and limitations of economic perspective in IORs analysis. By reviewing advances of selected economic and organizational theories exploring IORs, we will try to answer the following questions: (1) Can economic thought add any novelty to IOR analysis in the era of dynamic global shifts in competitive environment? Are economic lenses still useful and applicable here? (2) Do organizational sciences’ academics take more practical, down to earth approach, or have they just moved forward (or blurred the clarity of) their theories by employing advances from social sciences, like sociology and psychology? (3) Are these two perspectives contradictory or supplementary? The article is divided into four parts. Firstly, we propose an analytical framework to study inter-organizational relations, secondly we analyze the theories focused on IORs as results of rational choices; thirdly, we move to theories exploring the reasons why IORs are built in a specific way, and then to concepts looking for conditions, methods and key drivers of IORs successful management. In conclusion, we give a brief summary of the main findings together with the limitations and areas open for further investigation of inter-organizational relations.
Constraints from observations and modeling on atmosphere–surface exchange of mercury in eastern North America
Authors: Song Shaojie , Selin Noelle E. , Gratz Lynne E. , Ambrose Jesse L. , Jaffe Daniel A. , Shah Viral , Jaeglé Lyatt , Giang Amanda , Yuan Bin , Kaser Lisa , Apel Eric C. , Hornbrook Rebecca S. , Blake Nicola J. , Weinheimer Andrew J. , Mauldin III Roy L. , Cantrell Christopher A. , Castro Mark S. , Conley Gary , Holsen Thomas M. , Luke Winston T. , Talbot Robert
Published: April 2016

Atmosphere–surface exchange of mercury, although a critical component of its global cycle, is currently poorly constrained. Here we use the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model to interpret atmospheric Hg0 (gaseous elemental mercury) data collected during the 2013 summer Nitrogen, Oxidants, Mercury and Aerosol Distributions, Sources and Sinks (NOMADSS) aircraft campaign as well as ground- and ship-based observations in terms of their constraints on the atmosphere–surface exchange of Hg0 over eastern North America. Model–observation comparison suggests that the Northwest Atlantic may be a net source of Hg0, with high evasion fluxes in summer (our best sensitivity simulation shows an average oceanic Hg0 flux of 3.3 ng m-2 h-1 over the Northwest Atlantic), while the terrestrial ecosystem in the summer of the eastern United States is likely a net sink of Hg0 (our best sensitivity simulation shows an average terrestrial Hg0 flux of -0.6 ng m-2 h-1 over the eastern United States). The inferred high Hg0 fluxes from the Northwest Atlantic may result from high wet deposition fluxes of oxidized Hg, which are in turn related to high precipitation rates in this region. We also find that increasing simulated terrestrial fluxes of Hg0 in spring compared to other seasons can better reproduce observed seasonal variability of Hg0 concentration at ground-based sites in eastern North America.
Combining treatment for asthma and allergy for better outcomes: Review
Authors: Sealey Katrina , Strong Susan E
Published: April 2016

This literature review provides evidence for including allergy avoidance guidance, skin-prick testing (SPT), or both, in an annual asthma review, in the light of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's (NICE) Quality Standards for asthma diagnosis and monitoring ( NICE, 2013a ). There is evidence to suggest a relationship between asthma and allergies, and these findings are compounded by the improvement in quality of life of the participants. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that attendance at asthma review also improves symptoms. The literature suggests that a number of treatments should be developed, such as steroid-based dual-treatment, prophylactic allergen-specific immunotherapy and SPT for those with asthma. This review concludes that there is a lack of qualitative evidence to guide the development of a holistic, person-centred asthma review, although there is strong evidence to suggest that including SPT and allergy avoidance advice in asthma review could benefit some patients immediately.
Revalidation and developing advanced nursing practice
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: April 2016

Nurses practising at advanced level may work in a hospital, community or general-practice setting. They may sometimes feel isolated and anxious about how to demonstrate that they have met the requirements of revalidation. This article examines the nature of advanced practice and revalidation requirements, and provides practical guidance on how nurses can not only meet these requirements, but also further develop their practice.
Osteogenic, stem cell and molecular characterisation of the human induced membrane from extremity bone defects
Authors: Gruber H. E. , Ode G. , Hoelscher G. , Ingram J. , Bethea S. , Bosse M. J.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The biomembrane (induced membrane) formed around polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) spacers has value in clinical applications for bone defect reconstruction. Few studies have evaluated its cellular, molecular or stem cell features. Our objective was to characterise induced membrane morphology, molecular features and osteogenic stem cell characteristics.

Methods

Following Institutional Review Board approval, biomembrane specimens were obtained from 12 patient surgeries for management of segmental bony defects (mean patient age 40.7 years, standard deviation 14.4). Biomembranes from nine tibias and three femurs were processed for morphologic, molecular or stem cell analyses. Gene expression was determined using the Affymetrix GeneChip Operating Software (GCOS). Molecular analyses compared biomembrane gene expression patterns with a mineralising osteoblast culture, and gene expression in specimens with longer spacer duration (> 12 weeks) with specimens with shorter durations. Statistical analyses used the unpaired student t-test (two tailed; p < 0.05 was considered significant).

Results

Average PMMA spacer in vivo time was 11.9 weeks (six to 18). Trabecular bone was present in 33.3% of the biomembrane specimens; bone presence did not correlate with spacer duration. Biomembrane morphology showed high vascularity and collagen content and positive staining for the key bone forming regulators, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Positive differentiation of cultured biomembrane cells for osteogenesis was found in cells from patients with PMMA present for six to 17 weeks. Stem cell differentiation showed greater variability in pluripotency for osteogenic potential (70.0%) compared with chondrogenic or adipogenic potentials (100% and 90.0%, respectively). Significant upregulation of BMP2 and 6, numerous collagens, and bone gla protein was present in biomembrane compared with the cultured cell line. Biomembranes with longer resident PMMA spacer duration (vs those with shorter residence) showed significant upregulation of bone-related, stem cell, and vascular-related genes.

Conclusion

The biomembrane technique is gaining favour in the management of complicated bone defects. Novel data on biological mechanisms provide improved understanding of the biomembrane’s osteogenic potential and molecular properties. Cite this article: Dr H. E. Gruber. Osteogenic, stem cell and molecular characterisation of the human induced membrane from extremity bone defects. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:106–115. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.54.2000483.
Prophylactic proton pump inhibitors in femoral neck fracture patients – A life - and cost-saving intervention
Authors: Singh R , Trickett R , Meyer CER , Lewthwaite S , Ford D
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Acute gastrointestinal stress ulceration is a common and serious complication of trauma. Prophylactic proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine receptor antagonists have been used in poly-trauma, burns and head and spinal injuries, as well as on intensive care units, for the prevention of acute gastric stress ulcers.

Methods

We prospectively studied the use of prophylactic PPIs in with femoral neck fracture patients, gathering data on all acute gastric ulcer complications, including coffee-ground vomiting, malena and haematemesis. We then implemented a treatment protocol in which all patients were given prophylactic PPIs, again prospectively collecting all data.

Results

Five hundred and fifteen patients were included. Prior to prophylactic PPI, 15% of patients developed gastric stress ulcer complications, with 3% requiring acute intervention with oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD), 5% requiring transfusions and 4% experiencing surgical delays. All patients had delayed discharges. Following PPI implementation, no patients developed gastric stress ulcer complications.

Conclusions

Femoral neck fracture patients create a substantial workload for orthopaedic units. The increasingly elderly population often have comorbidities, and concomitantly use medications with gastrointestinal side effects. This, combined with the stress of a fracture and preoperative starvation periods increases the risk of gastric ulcers. Here, the use of prophylactic PPIs statistically reduced the incidence of gastric stress ulcers in patients with femoral neck fractures, resulting in fewer surgical delays, reduced length of hospital stay and reduced stress ulcer-related mortality.
Intrahepatic perforation of the gallbladder causing liver abscesses: case studies and literature review of a rare complication
Authors: Hussain T , Adams M , Ahmed M , Arshad N , Solkar M
Published: April 2016

A spontaneous (non-traumatic) gallbladder perforation with gallstone disease is not common. Concomitant development of a liver abscess is a very rare complication observed in such cases. A few cases of intrahepatic gallbladder perforations with chronic liver abscesses have been described. However, a patient series summarising classical and atypical presentations, relevant imaging studies, and the role of surgical and non-surgical options are lacking. We report a short case series on this rare complication of intrahepatic gallbladder perforations and share our experience of management of this condition.
Serum albumin and fixation failure with cannulated hip screws in undisplaced intracapsular femoral neck fracture
Authors: Riaz O , Arshad R , Nisar S , Vanker R
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Internal fixation of undisplaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures with cannulated hip screws is a widely accepted surgical technique, despite reported failure rates of 12%–19%. This study determined whether preoperative serum albumin levels are linked to fixation failure.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 251 consecutive undisplaced intracapsular femoral neck fracture patients treated with cannulated hip screws in a district general hospital. Preoperative albumin levels were measured, and the fixation technique, classification and posterior tilt on radiography assessed. Fixation failure was defined as a screw cut, avascular necrosis (AVN) or non-union.

Results

Of the patients, 185 were female and 66 male. The mean age was 77 years (range 60–101 years). Thirty seven (15%) patients had fixation failure: 10 (4%) due to AVN; 12 (5%) due to non-union; and 15 (6%) due to fixation collapse. Low serum albumin levels were significantly associated with failure (p=0.01), whereas gender (p=0.56), operated side (p=0.62), age (p=0.34) and screw configuration (p=0.42) were not. A posterior tilt angle greater than 20° on lateral radiography significantly predicted failure (p=0.002).

Conclusions

Preoperative serum albumin is an independent predictor of cannulated hip screw fixation failure in undisplaced femoral neck fractures. Nutritional status should therefore be considered when deciding between surgical fixation and arthroplasty to avoid the possibility of revision surgery, along with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality.
Impact of a blood management protocol on transfusion rates and outcomes following total hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Frew N , Alexander D , Hood J , Acornley A
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Preoperative anaemia remains undertreated in the UK despite advice from national agencies to implement blood conservation measures. A local retrospective audit of 717 primary hip/knee replacements in 2008–2009 revealed 25% of patients were anaemic preoperatively. These patients experienced significantly increased transfusion requirements and length of stay. We report the results of a simple and pragmatic blood management protocol in a district general hospital.

Methods

Since 2010 patients at our institution who are found to be anaemic when listed for hip/knee replacement have been offered iron supplementation and/or erythropoietin depending on haemoglobin and ferritin levels. In this study, postoperative blood transfusions, length of stay and readmissions were assessed retrospectively for all patients undergoing elective primary hip/knee replacement in 2014 and compared with the baseline findings.

Results

During the 12-month study period, 406 patients were eligible for inclusion and none were excluded. Eighty-nine patients (22%) were anaemic preoperatively and sixty-five received treatment. The transfusion rate fell from the baseline levels of 23.0% and 6.7% to 4.3% and 0.5% for hip and knee replacements respectively (p<0.001). The median length of stay reduced from 6 to 3 days (p<0.001) for both hip and knee replacements. The rate for readmissions within 90 days fell from 13.5% to 8.9% (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Preoperative anaemia is common in patients listed for hip/knee replacement and it is associated strongly with increased blood transfusion. The introduction of a blood management protocol has led to significant reductions in transfusion and length of stay, sustained over a four-year period. This suggests that improved patient outcomes, conservation of blood stocks and cost savings can be achieved.
Does chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine preoperative antisepsis reduce surgical site infection in cranial neurosurgery?
Authors: Davies BM , Patel HC
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a significant cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Effective preoperative antisepsis is a recognised prophylactic, with commonly used agents including chlorhexidine (CHG) and povidone-iodine (PVI). However, there is emerging evidence to suggest an additional benefit when they are used in combination.

Methods

We analysed data from our prospective SSI database on patients undergoing clean cranial neurosurgery between October 2011 and April 2014. We compared the case-mix adjusted odds of developing a SSI in patients undergoing skin preparation with CGH or PVI alone or in combination.

Results

SSIs were detected in 2.6% of 1146 cases. Antisepsis with PVI alone was performed in 654 (57%) procedures, while 276 (24%) had CHG alone and 216 (19%) CHG and PVI together. SSIs were associated with longer operating time (p<0.001) and younger age (p=0.03). Surgery type (p<0.001) and length of operation (p<0.001) were significantly different between antisepsis groups. In a binary logistic regression model, CHG and PVI was associated with a significant reduction in the likelihood of developing an SSI (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02–0.63) than either agent alone. There was no difference in SSI rates between CHG and PVI alone (AOR 0.60, 95% CI 0.24–1.5).

Conclusions

Combination skin preparation with CHG and PVI significantly reduced SSI rates compared to CHG or PVI alone. A prospective, randomized study validating these findings is now warranted.
Examination of attitudes of secondary school 6th classstudents related to their attitudes towards maths in the frame of several variables
Authors: Karabacak Kerim , Eksioglu Subhan , Karakıs Nesibe
Published: April 2016

This research, which is carried out in Kinik, İzmir, aims at determining the reasons of students’ attitude towards Maths. Sixth class students from Kinik town make up population of the research which has been carried out as the model of survey. The sample of the research has been determined by the method of “purposeful sampling”. It is constituted of 152 students at the sixth grade. Collected data has been transferred into SPSS and the statistical process such as, analysis of average, standard deviation, T-test and one way analysis of variance procedures have been realized. It has been identified that the students who gets higher grades at Maths have got better attitude towards Maths than the ones who got lower grades at Maths. It has been identified that there has been no relationship between the students’ attitude towards Maths and their families’ income, their parents’ educational status, their parents’ occupation and the teachers’ way of teaching.
Effect of Platelet-rich Plasma on Implant Stability in the Mandible
Authors: Ketabi Mohammad , Fahami Narges , Amini Shahram
Published: April 2016

Background and aims. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGFs) has been recently proposed as an aid to enhance regeneration of osseous and epithelial tissues in oral surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of local application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on implant stability measured by periotest. Materials and methods. A total of 24 implants were placed in the mandibles of 12 lower edentulous patients. In each patient, 2 implants were placed anterior to the mental foramen in bilateral canine sites. One implant in each patient was dipped in autogenous PRP before insertion (test group), while the other implant was not embedded in PRP (control group). Repeated stability measurements were carried out by periotest on the day of surgery and 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after surgery. Results. In both groups minimum periotest values (highest stability) were observed on the day of surgery and 8 weeks after surgery. The maximum periotest values (lowest stability) were observed in 4th week after surgery. Considering implant stability, no statistically significant differences were observed between the test and control groups at any time (P>0.05). In the PRP group, the difference in implant stability between the day of surgery and the 2nd and 4th weeks were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion. Application of PRP on implant surface did not have any additional effect on implant stability in the mandible
Factors Associated with the Success of Orthodontic Miniscrews
Authors: Mohammadi Amir , Keshavarz  Meshkinfam Sareh , Foroughi  Moghaddam Saeid
Published: April 2016

Background and aims. Nowadays miniscrews are widely used as skeletal anchorage in orthodontics. However, the success rate of miniscrews is less than that of osseointegrated implants. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate factors influencing the success rate of orthodontic miniscrews. Materials and methods. Data of 244 miniscrews in 122 patients (99 females and 23 males, with a mean age of 19 years and 6 months) were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of age, gender, placement side and insertion torque on the success rates of miniscrews. Results. The overall success rate of miniscrews was 90.6% in the present study (221/244). Logistic regression analysis showed that the success rate of miniscrews was not under the influence of variables such as gender, placement side and miniscrew brand. However, age groups and insertion torques over 10 Ncm decreased miniscrew success rates. In this context, the success rates of miniscrews in patients under 16 years of age was less than those in patients over 16 years of age (P<0.001) and the success rates of miniscrews with insertion torques ≤10 Ncm were higher than those with insertion torques over 10 Ncm (P=0.019). Conclusion. We concluded that patients under 16 years of age and insertion torques over 10 were increased the failure of orthodontic miniscrews.
Impaired Explicit Processing of Musical Syntax and Tonality in a Group of Mandarin-Speaking Congenital Amusics
Authors: Jiang Cunmei , Liu Fang , Thompson William Forde
Published: April 2016

We examined explicit processing of musical syntax and tonality in a group of Han Chinese Mandarin speakers with congenital amusia, and the extent to which pitch discrimination impairments were associated with syntax and tonality processing. In Experiment 1, we assessed whether congenital amusia is associated with impaired explicit processing of musical syntax. Congruity ratings were examined for syntactically regular or irregular endings in harmonic and melodic contexts. Unlike controls, amusic participants failed to explicitly distinguish regular from irregular endings in both contexts. Surprisingly, however, a concurrent manipulation of pitch distance did not affect the processing of musical syntax for amusics, and their impaired music-syntactic processing was uncorrelated with their pitch discrimination thresholds. In Experiment 2, we assessed tonality perception using a probe-tone paradigm. Recovery of the tonal hierarchy was less evident for the amusic group than for the control group, and this reduced sensitivity to tonality in amusia was also unrelated to poor pitch discrimination. These findings support the view that music structure is processed by cognitive and neural resources that operate independently of pitch discrimination, and that these resources are impaired in explicit judgments for individuals with congenital amusia.
Perceived and Induced Emotion Responses to Popular Music
Authors: Song Yading , Dixon Simon , Pearce Marcus T. , Halpern Andrea R.
Published: April 2016

Music both conveys and evokes emotions, and although both phenomena are widely studied, the difference between them is often neglected. The purpose of this study is to examine the difference between perceived and induced emotion for Western popular music using both categorical and dimensional models of emotion, and to examine the influence of individual listener differences on their emotion judgment. A total of 80 musical excerpts were randomly selected from an established dataset of 2,904 popular songs tagged with one of the four words “happy,” “sad,” “angry,” or “relaxed” on the Last.FM web site. Participants listened to the excerpts and rated perceived and induced emotion on the categorical model and dimensional model, and the reliability of emotion tags was evaluated according to participants’ agreement with corresponding labels. In addition, the Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index (Gold-MSI) was used to assess participants’ musical expertise and engagement. As expected, regardless of the emotion model used, music evokes emotions similar to the emotional quality perceived in music. Moreover, emotion tags predict music emotion judgments. However, age, gender and three factors from Gold-MSI, importance, emotion, and music training were found not to predict listeners’ responses, nor the agreement with tags.