bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Literature review of post‐traumatic stress disorder in the critical care population
Authors: Morrissey Matthew , Collier Elizabeth
Published: April 2016

Aim

To determine which factors relate to the development of post‐traumatic stress disorder, in adult patients who are admitted to critical care units.

Background

Patient survival rates from critical care areas are improving each year and this has led to interest in the long‐term outcomes for patients who have been discharged from such environments. Patients typically require invasive and extensive treatment, which places a stress on physical and mental health. Prevalence estimates of post‐traumatic stress disorder in the critical care discharge population vary from 5–63%, yet it remains unclear what the predisposing factors are.

Design

A systematised review.

Method

Subject heading and keyword searches were conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and ScienceDirect, with 23 articles identified that examined the relationship between critical care and the development of post‐traumatic stress disorder.

Results

Three main themes were identified; Critical Care Factors, Patient Factors and Experience Factors. Eight key and three potential causative factors were found: younger age, female, previous psychiatric history, length of ICU stay, benzodiazepine sedation, use of stress hormones, delusional memory and traumatic memory, delirium, GCS score of ≤9 on admission & use of mechanical restraint.

Conclusions

Post‐traumatic stress reactions can be strongly related to the development and presence of traumatic and delusional memories. Younger patients may exclude themselves from research to avoid their traumatic thoughts. The role of prior psychiatric illness is unknown. Distinction between ‘factual’ and ‘false’ or delusional memory as occurs in the literature maybe unhelpful in understanding trauma reactions.

Relevance to clinical practice

There are around 38,000 occupied critical care beds each year in England. The scale of the issue is therefore substantial. Risk factors can be isolated from available evidence and provide a rudimentary risk assessment tool to inform practice development in this area.
New Insights in the Functional Zonation of the Canine Adrenal Cortex
Authors: Sanders K. , Mol J.A. , Kooistra H.S. , Slob A. , Galac S.
Published: April 2016

Background

Current understanding of adrenal steroidogenesis is that the production of aldosterone or cortisol depends on the expression of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) and 11β‐hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (CYP11B1), respectively. However, this has never been studied in dogs, and in some species, a single CYP11B catalyzes both cortisol and aldosterone formation. Analysis of the canine genome provides data of a single CYP11B gene which is called CYP11B2, and a large sequence gap exists near the so‐called CYP11B2 gene.

Objectives

To investigate the zonal expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the canine adrenal cortex and to determine whether dogs have 1 or multiple CYP11B genes.

Animals

Normal adrenal glands from 10 healthy dogs.

Methods

Zona fasciculata (zF) and zona glomerulosa (zG) tissue was isolated by laser microdissection. The mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes and their major regulators was studied with RT‐qPCR. Southern blot was performed to determine whether the sequence gap contains a CYP11B gene copy. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed for 17α‐hydroxylase/17,20‐lyase (CYP17).

Results

Equal expression (P = .62) of the so‐called CYP11B2 gene was found in the zG and zF. Southern blot revealed a single gene. CYP17 expression (P = .05) was significantly higher in the zF compared with the zG, which was confirmed with IHC.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

We conclude that there is only 1 CYP11B gene in canine adrenals. The zone‐specific production of aldosterone and cortisol is probably due to zone‐specific CYP17 expression, which makes it an attractive target for selective inhibition of cortisol synthesis without affecting mineralocorticoid production in the zG.
Accuracy of a Mouse Bioassay for the Diagnosis of Botulism in Horses
Authors: Johnson A.L. , McAdams‐Gallagher S.C. , Aceto H.
Published: April 2016

Background

The laboratory diagnosis of botulism in horses traditionally has relied upon the mouse bioassay (MBA). The accuracy of this test for the diagnosis of botulism in horses is unknown.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Our goal was to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of theMBAon laboratory‐processed fecal and gastrointestinal samples for foals and adult horses.

Animals

Cases included all horses with a final clinical diagnosis of botulism that were admitted between 1986 and 2011 and hadMBAtesting performed. Controls included horses without botulism that were admitted during the same time period and hadMBAtesting performed.

Methods

Retrospective study. Horses suspected of having botulism had fecal or (less commonly) gastrointestinal content samples tested usingMBA. For every hospitalized botulism suspect, control samples were obtained from ≥1 additional hospitalized horses not suspected to have botulism.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐nine adult horses and 253 adult controls were identified. Overall sensitivity of theMBAwas only 32% but specificity was 97%. Forty‐three foal cases and 21 foal controls were evaluated; sensitivity of theMBAwas 53% and specificity was 100%. Positive predictive value was substantially higher (100% for foals and 89% for adults) than negative predictive value (51% for foals and 67% for adults).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Mouse bioassay has low sensitivity but high specificity for the diagnosis of botulism in horses. Positive results are highly suggestive of botulism but negative results do not exclude the diagnosis. Unaffected horses and foals rarely shedC. botulinumin their feces.
Development and Evaluation of an Ultrasound Imaging Reproductive Index Based on the Ovarian Cycle of Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus
Authors: Novelo Noel D. , Tiersch Terrence R.
Published: April 2016

Commercial production of hybrid catfish (female channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus × male blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus) is reliant on interdependent biological, environmental, and technical procedures. This study addresses one of these critical components – the evaluation of channel catfish ovarian development based on sonographic analysis. The objectives were to: (1) develop a channel catfish ovarian ultrasonography index, (2) test the effect of the spawning trials on fertilization estimates of fish assessed using the ultrasonography index, and (3) evaluate the expected (hypothesized) and observed outcome of the ultrasonography assessments. Seven ovarian morphology classifications were developed based on ultrasonography of 915 channel catfish (N = 915 images), and 210 females were selected for spawning. The predictions based on the classifications prior to hormone injection showed a significant effect (P < 0.002) on the observed outcomes (viable or nonviable eggs). The probability of correct classification was 0.86–0.89 for Categories 3 (developing), 4 (advanced), and 5 (mature), and 0.93–1.0 for Categories 1 (undeveloped), 2 (underdeveloped), 6 (spawned), and 7 (atretic). The ultrasonography index covered the full range of ovarian dynamics (i.e., recrudescence through spawning). It provided an unobtrusive, direct method of ovarian assessment to work toward improving the efficiency of broodstock selection.
Sticklebacks show consistent prey share hierarchies within but not between patchy and sequential prey distributions
Authors: Taylor D. E. F. , Cownden D. , Webster M. M.
Published: April 2016

When animals compete, hierarchies can emerge. If the outcome of competition under different conditions is dependent upon different sets of attributes, then we may expect to see hierarchies that are domain‐specific, rather than domain general. We tested this idea by comparing prey share hierarchies within shoals of sticklebacksGasterosteus aculeatusas they foraged for patchily distributed or for drifting prey. We found that prey share was correlated across pairs of patch‐ and pairs of drift‐foraging trials, but not between the two conditions, suggesting that separate repeatable but independent prey share hierarchies arise for each type of prey distribution. We discuss possible underlying mechanisms and ecological implications of this finding.
Do Open Primaries Improve Representation? An Experimental Test of California's 2012 Top‐Two Primary
Authors: Ahler Douglas J. , Citrin Jack , Lenz Gabriel S.
Published: April 2016

To improve representation and alleviate polarization among US lawmakers, many have promoted open primaries—allowing voters to choose candidates from any party—but the evidence that this reform works is mixed. To determine whether open primaries lead voters to choose ideologically proximate candidates, we conducted a statewide experiment just before California's 2012 primaries, the first conducted under a new top‐two format. We find that voters failed to distinguish moderate and extreme candidates. As a consequence, voters actually chose more ideologically distant candidates on the new ballot, and the reform failed to improve the fortunes of moderate congressional and state senate candidates.
When Voters Pull the Trigger: Can Direct Democracy Restrain Legislative Excesses?
Authors: Kogan Vladimir
Published: April 2016

Direct democracy is sometimes described as a “gun behind the door,” but how do legislators react when voters pull the trigger? Leveraging the high‐profile referendum defeat of a controversial law passed by the Ohio legislature, I examine how legislators respond to voter disaffection. Using interest groups to “bridge” votes before and after the election, I show that the measure's defeat induced moderation on the part of the Republican legislative majority, while leaving the behavior of opposition Democrats largely unchanged. The results suggest that direct democracy has the potential to restrain legislative excesses and alleviate polarization in state legislatures.
Better Politicians: If We Pay, Will They Come?
Authors: Atkinson Michael M. , Rogers Dustin , Olfert Sara
Published: April 2016

While each election provides the Canadian House of Commons with a fresh batch of politicians, no consideration has been given to the question of whether the quality of politicians is improving. Yet improving quality has been the focus of several commissions urging increases in MP compensation. This article addresses the competence and compensation questions by asking whether changes in levels of compensation might make a difference to the educational qualifications of political leaders. We assemble a unique dataset of 1,291 federal politicians elected to the Canadian House of Commons from 1993 to 2011 and show that prime ministers do have a preference for more highly educated MPs when filling ministerial and other executive positions. Our findings suggest that certain subgroups of MPs, particularly educated women, may be attracted by upward shifts in compensation. We discuss the reasons for these effects and the relative importance of compensation in career decisions.
Inventory of metal complexes circulating in plant fluids: a reliable method based on HPLC coupled with dual elemental and high‐resolution molecular mass spectrometric detection
Authors: Flis Paulina , Ouerdane Laurent , Grillet Louis , Curie Catherine , Mari Stéphane , Lobinski Ryszard
Published: April 2016

Description of metal species in plant fluids such as xylem, phloem or related saps remains a complex challenge usually addressed either by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, X‐ray analysis or computational prediction. To date, none of these techniques has achieved a complete and true picture of metal‐containing species in plant fluids, especially for the least concentrated complexes. Here, we present a generic analytical methodology for a large‐scale (> 10 metals, > 50 metal complexes) detection, identification and semiquantitative determination of metal complexes in the xylem and embryo sac liquid of the green pea, Pisum sativum.

The procedure is based on direct injection using hydrophilic interaction chromatography with dual detection by elemental (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) and molecular (high‐resolution electrospray mass spectrometry) mass spectrometric detection.

Numerous and novel complexes of iron(II), iron(III), copper(II), zinc, manganese, cobalt(II), cobalt(III), magnesium, calcium, nickel and molybdenum(IV) with several ligands including nicotianamine, citrate, malate, histidine, glutamine, aspartic acid, asparagine, phenylalanine and others are observed in pea fluids and discussed.

This methodology provides a large inventory of various types of metal complexes, which is a significant asset for future biochemical and genetic studies into metal transport/homeostasis.
Human papillomavirus‐related oropharyngeal cancer in the HIV‐infected population
Authors: Wang CC , Palefsky JM
Published: April 2016

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted virus and an important etiologic factor in head and neck cancers. HIV‐infected individuals are at increased risk of developing oropharyngeal cancers (OPC) compared with the general population. HPV‐positive OPC are also increasingly a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for HIV‐infected individuals in the era of effective combination antiretroviral therapy. The epidemiology and natural history of oral HPV infection have not been well established, but it appears that oral HPV infection is less common than anal infection, and more common among HIV‐infected persons than the general population. Prevention of OPC is therefore increasingly important in HIV‐infected individuals. Although not demonstrated in randomized controlled trials, HPV vaccination may prevent oral HPV infection as well. The focus of organized HPV cancer prevention programs should include prophylactic HPV vaccination to reduce the burden of high‐risk HPV and low‐risk HPV types who have not yet been exposed.
TB–HIV co‐infection: a catastrophic comradeship
Authors: Narendran G , Swaminathan S
Published: April 2016

The symbiotic association of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV poses a challenge to human survival. HIV complicates every aspect of TB including presentation, diagnosis and treatment. HIV–TB patients encounter unique problems like drug–drug interactions, cumulative toxicity, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), lower plasma drug levels and emergence of drug resistance during treatment despite adherence. TB may also be overdiagnosed in HIV due to a number of diseases that closely resemble TB. Notable among them are non‐tuberculous mycobacteria, Pneumocystis Jirovecii and Nocardia. Even though diagnostic procedures have improved over the years, patients in developing countries usually seek health care at later stage of the disease. Research data ascertains the duration of therapy for TB to be 6 months with rifampicin and isoniazid, reinforced with ethambutol and pyrazinamide in the first 2 months. The schedule of therapy is still debatable with daily regimens being preferred in the context of HIV. Many reasons exist for persistence of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (M.TB) in sputum, or delayed‐clearance of TB from sputum smears in HIV, apart from emergence of drug resistance and non‐compliance. Acquired rifampicin resistance (ARR) is a unique phenomenon complicating HIV‐associated TB when an intermittent regimen of antituberculosis therapy (ATT) is used without timely initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), especially in patients harbouring isoniazid‐resistant strains Immune restoration is often incomplete (‘swiss cheese’ pattern) even with effective HAART if not started early. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is the paradoxical worsening of the patient's condition often with radiological deterioration, due to an enhanced immune response with HAART. IRIS occurs despite an effective virological suppression and a favourable response to ATT. The incidence of IRIS in HIV has reached up to 54%, requiring utilization of experts and tertiary care which forms an obstacle to the decentralization of patients in the ART programme. Research in HIV–TB immunology and management needs further exploration in order to understand the diseases and offer appropriate treatment. The following paragraphs provide scientific evidences generated through research that could potentially guide management.
Hairy leukoplakia; lessons learned: 30‐plus years
Authors: Greenspan JS , Greenspan D , Webster‐Cyriaque J
Published: April 2016

Well into the fourth decade of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, we can look back on the early years, the initial discoveries, and the broad sweep of the progress of our understanding of the nature, causes, and significance of the oral lesions seen in those infected with the virus. Prominent among these is oral hairy leukoplakia (HL), a previously unknown lesion of the mouth associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and initially seen only in people with AIDS, in the then‐recognized risk groups, or those shown to be HIV positive. Subsequently, it became clear that the distribution of HL extends well beyond the HIV spectrum. In this brief review, we consider the clinical and histological features of HL, discuss how it was discovered, explore its cause, diagnosis, relationship with AIDS, pathogenesis, significance in EBV biology, options for management, and how it changes with HIV/AIDS therapy.
Oral health needs assessment world‐wide in relation to HIV. Themes: Oral health needs and inequalities, oral health promotion, co‐ordinating research and enhancing dissemination in relation to HIV‐ a workshop report
Authors: Koyio L , Ranganathan K , Kattappagari KK , Williams DM , Robinson PG
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Review the meaning of ‘health need’, consider oral health inequalities and oral health promotion among people with HIV and outline methods to enhance coordination, standardization and dissemination of research efforts.

Methods

This workshop involved a brief introduction of each topic by an invited speaker followed by participant discussion. Participants were dentists and dental students attending the 7th World Workshop on Oral Health & Disease in AIDS

Results

A health need was regarded as a population's ability to benefit from care. Oral health inequalities called for both downstream and upstream health promotion. A community health programme to reach people with HIV infection in the community was described. Despite deploying community health workers to reduce costs, the programme required additional resources for comprehensive implementation. The Indian National AIDS Control Program exemplified coordinated efforts. Knowledge transfer can be achieved via educational, linkage and exchange and organizational interventions. Stakeholder engagement in a combination of all three types of intervention is the most effective.

Conclusions

The discussion centred on the difficulties of Indian dentists who felt they did not receive sufficient revenue to treat patients with HIV. An opposing view approach treated all patients using universal standards of infection control. Dental regulatory bodies, professional organizations and governments may need to demonstrate leadership and advocacy for the oral health of people with HIV infection.
The social impact of HIV/AIDS in India
Authors: Solomon S , Kumarasamy N , Challacombe SJ
Published: April 2016

This paper is based on the last public lecture given by Dr Solomon at the 7th World Workshop on Oral Health & Disease in HIV/AIDS, held in Hyderabad, India, in November 2014. It examines the social impact of HIV in India and the founding of the Y.R. Gaitonde Center for AIDS Research and Education (YRG CARE) clinic in Chennai, India, by Dr Suniti Solomon and her colleagues. This is a story of prejudice and ignorance throughout the various social levels in India. Reports of India's first AIDS case surfaced in 1986, when female sex workers were found to be HIV positive. The first voluntary counseling and testing center, part of a sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic, was set up to increase awareness about the epidemic. To address the rapid spread of HIV infection in Tamil Nadu and the existing stigma in society and hospitals, Dr Solomon established YRG CARE in 1993. She recognized that fear and panic about HIV led to widespread social prejudice against HIV‐positive patients, even within hospitals. By the end of 2014, over 34 000 patients had accessed these services and 20 000 HIV+ patients had been registered, nearly 40% of whom were females. The team embarked on a statewide awareness program on HIV and sexuality, covering over two hundred schools and colleges educating them about prevention strategies and combating the social stigma attached. The grass‐root work of YRG CARE in the management of HIV infections revealed a widespread prejudice, due largely to the lack of awareness about the subject. It is estimated that even in 2015, as little as 40% of HIV‐infected people are formally diagnosed and have access to care. In a country as socially and culturally diverse as India, there is much more to be carried out to build on the pioneering work of Dr Solomon.
HIV/AIDS in women and children in India
Authors: Mothi SN , Lala MM , Tappuni AR
Published: April 2016

Management of HIV in India has significantly improved with many international and local programmes supporting prevention and treatment. However, there are areas in India where women and children living with HIV endure a myriad of medical, psychological and social challenges. Women in rural poor areas in India have little control over important aspects of their life. Often, they have little decision‐making powers within their families on matters that affect them personally. They find themselves unable to negotiate to protect themselves from harm or risk of infection. Those who are known to have contracted HIV are reluctant to access health care for fear of discrimination and marginalization, leading to a disproportionate death rate in HIV women. India is arguably home to the largest number of orphans of the HIV epidemic. These children face an impenetrable barrier in many Indian societies and endure stigmatization. This situation encourages concealment of the disease and discourages children and their guardians from accessing available essential services. This article provides an overview of the relevant literature and presents an insight into a complex mix of issues that arise directly out of the HIV diagnosis, including the role of social attitudes in the spread of HIV, and in creating barriers to accessing care. The review identifies international programmes and local initiatives that have ensured better access to antiretroviral therapy and have led to prolonged survival and reduction in the vertical transmission of HIV in India.
The Protopalatial State of the Western Magazines of the Palace at Malia (Crete)
Authors: Devolder Maud
Published: April 2016

The evidence available for the reconstruction of the Western Magazines of the early palace at Malia is here re‐evaluated. Despite the importance given to external social agents stationed in the Protopalatial town outside the palace, our knowledge of the main building during this key period in the history of the settlement remains limited. The shallow stratigraphy associated with its construction and heavy rebuilding during the succeeding Neopalatial period obstruct a clear vision of the architectural phasing of the early building, but a new analysis focusing on building materials and techniques suggests the presence of a series of Protopalatial storage rooms behind the main façade on the West Court, later integrated into the Neopalatial building. This architectural analysis allows a better assessment of the role of the central building of Middle Bronze Age Malia.
Unique Objects, Special Deposits and Elite Networks in Bronze Age Europe
Authors: Wells Peter S.
Published: April 2016

Most material culture of later prehistoric Europe comprises common forms of pottery, personal ornaments, and tools of different kinds. But some objects stand out by virtue of their unique decoration. These special objects were often ornamented with motifs and patterns that were intended to capture and hold the viewer's attention. Many such objects were purposefully deposited, sometimes in graves, sometimes in ‘structured deposits’. In the Early and Middle Bronze Age, ornate cups played special roles, both in expressing the status of elites and in serving as common elements in long‐distance connections between elites in different regions of Europe. An unusual pit at Kelheim in Bavaria, Germany, serves as a case study to explore the connections between uniquely decorated cups, the emergence of elites during the Early and Middle Bronze Age, and the formation and maintenance of long‐distance connections between communities throughout Europe.
‘Twas When my Shield Turned traitor’! Establishing the Combat Effectiveness of the Greek Hoplite Shield
Authors: De Groote Kevin Rowan
Published: April 2016

Greek hoplite warfare has traditionally been explored through the extant textual and pictorial evidence. This has resulted in an incomplete picture, with much of the focus on the strategic and tactical aspects of battle, to the neglect of practical and functional considerations of combat. As a consequence, many of our understandings of the nature of hoplite combat, the how, remain deficient. In this paper, I explore the structural and functional aspects of the hoplite shield, the single most important item in the Greek hoplite's panoply, to determine its efficacy in a combat environment. Through a set of controlled practical experiments, the effectiveness of the hoplite shield is tested to establish its defensive qualities vis‐a‐vis the long thrusting spear, the hoplite's primary offensive weapon.
Radiocarbon Dates from the Loughcrew Cairn h Bone Slips
Authors: Vejby Mara
Published: April 2016

A total of 150 intricately carved bone slips were uncovered at the Loughcrew H passage tomb in Co. Meath, Ireland, during excavations between 1865 and 1943. Studies of the carvings identified La Tène motifs suggesting that the slips may have been Middle to Late Iron Age in date. Joseph Raftery even went so far as to argue that the megalithic tomb itself was an Iron Age construction. His theory has since been debunked, but absolute dates have not been forthcoming for either these finds or the tomb. The following Middle Iron Age results presented here are slightly earlier than the dates that had hitherto been anticipated and they help to shed light on the subsequent interactions with this tomb.
Utility of screening questionnaire, obesity, neck circumference, and sleep polysomnography to predict sleep‐disordered breathing in children and adolescents
Authors: Raman Vidya T. , Splaingard Mark , Tumin Dmitry , Rice Julie , Jatana Kris R. , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: April 2016

Background

Polysomnography (PSG) remains the gold standard for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sleep‐disordered breathing in children. Yet, simple screening tools are needed as it is not feasible to perform PSG in all patients with possible OSA.

Aim

The study adapted questions from the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire‐Sleep‐Related Breathing Disorder (SRBD) Questionnaire to develop a predictive scale for OSA identified on PSG. We also tested whether adding anthropometric measurements (body mass index and neck circumference) improved prediction of OSA.

Methods

After IRB approval, OSA questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were collected on 948 consecutive patients scheduled for PSG, aged 4 months to 24.5 years (median = 8.5 years). The sample was reduced to 636 patients in the age range (6–18 years old) where normative values for neck circumference are defined. OSA was characterized using the obstructive apnea–hypopnea index (AHI). After identifying questions related to OSA in univariate logistic regression, multivariable models were fitted to select questions for a short scale, and points for exceeding body mass or neck circumference cutoffs were added to assess improvement in predictive value.

Results

A long scale of 16 questionnaire items was constructed using univariate models, while six items were selected for the short scale by multivariable regression. The short scale was associated with greater odds of moderate/severe OSA (OR = 1.964; 95% CI = 1.620, 2.381; P < 0.001) and attained good predictive value (area under receiver operating characteristics curve [AUC] = 0.74), which was not significantly improved by addition of BMI and neck circumference data (AUC = 0.75).

Conclusions

We developed a six‐question scale with good predictive utility for OSA. These findings may contribute to developing a preoperative clinical tool to help clinicians identify children with OSA for determining risk stratification and postoperative disposition.
Fasciola hepatica infection reduces Mycobacterium bovis burden and mycobacterial uptake and suppresses the pro‐inflammatory response
Authors: Garza‐Cuartero L. , O'Sullivan J. , Blanco A. , McNair J. , Welsh M. , Flynn R. J. , Williams D. , Diggle P. , Cassidy J. , Mulcahy G.
Published: April 2016

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, has an annual incidence in cattle of 0.5% in the Republic of Ireland and 4.7% in the UK, despite long‐standing eradication programmes being in place. Failure to achieve complete eradication is multifactorial, but the limitations of diagnostic tests are significant complicating factors. Previously, we have demonstrated that Fasciola hepatica infection, highly prevalent in these areas, induced reduced sensitivity of the standard diagnostic tests for BTB in animals co‐infected with F. hepatica and M. bovis. This was accompanied by a reduced M. bovis‐specific Th1 immune response. We hypothesized that these changes in co‐infected animals would be accompanied by enhanced growth of M. bovis. However, we show here that mycobacterial burden in cattle is reduced in animals co‐infected with F. hepatica. Furthermore, we demonstrate a lower mycobacterial recovery and uptake in blood monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDM) from F. hepatica‐infected cattle which is associated with suppression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and a switch to alternative activation of macrophages. However, the cell surface expression of TLR2 and CD14 in MDM from F. hepatica‐infected cattle is increased. These findings reflecting the bystander effect of helminth‐induced downregulation of pro‐inflammatory responses provide insights to understand host‐pathogen interactions in co‐infection.
Demographic, Clinical, and Service Utilization Factors Associated with Suicide‐Related Visits among Alaska Native and American Indian Adults
Authors: Dillard Denise A. , Avey Jaedon P. , Robinson Renee F. , Smith Julia J. , Beals Janette , Manson Spero M. , Comtois Katherine Anne
Published: April 2016

Alaska Native and American Indian people (AN/AIs) are disproportionately affected by suicide. Within a large AN/AI health service organization, demographic, clinical, and service utilization factors were compared between those with a suicide‐related health visit and those without. Cases had higher odds of a behavioral health diagnosis, treatment for an injury, behavioral health specialty care visits, and opioid medication dispensation in the year prior to a suicide‐related visit compared to gender‐, age‐, and residence‐ (urban versus rural) matched controls. Odds of a suicide‐related visit were lower among those with private insurance and those with non‐primary care ambulatory clinic visits.
Numerical semigroups with a given set of pseudo-Frobenius numbers
Authors: Delgado M. , García-Sánchez P. A. , Robles-Pérez A. M.
Published: April 2016

The pseudo-Frobenius numbers of a numerical semigroup are those gaps of the numerical semigroup that are maximal for the partial order induced by the semigroup. We present a procedure to detect if a given set of integers is the set of pseudo-Frobenius numbers of a numerical semigroup and, if so, to compute the set of all numerical semigroups having this set as set of pseudo-Frobenius numbers.
Análisis crítico del discurso de políticas públicas en diversidad sexual en Chile
Authors: Echeverría Genoveva , Maturana José Martín
Published: April 2016

La investigación analiza las últimas políticas públicas relacionadas con la diversidad sexual producidas en Chile en los últimos cinco años. Se revisan las posiciones de poder, las versiones de sexualidad, las normalizaciones y los estereotipos de género que permanecen presentes en estos planes. Desde una perspectiva cualitativa, se utiliza el Análisis Crítico del Discurso para analizar cuatro iniciativas generadas en el sector salud, educación y derechos ciudadanos. Los resultados evidencian la presencia del marco heteronormativo y la fuerza del control de la sexualidad y los cuerpos en estos programas y leyes, lo que dificultaría que los sujetos logren un reconocimiento desde un lugar de agencia y poder.
Sentido de comunidad, participación y apego de lugar en comunidades desplazadas y no desplazadas postdesastres: Chaitén y Consitución
Authors: Berroeta Héctor , Ramoneda Alvaro , Opazo Luis
Published: April 2016

La relación socioespacial de personas y comunidades se ve afectada por procesos de desplazamientos a causa de desastres socio-naturales. A partir de experiencias de la comunidad disgregada de Chaitén por la erupción del volcán Chaitén y la que se mantuvo unida en Constitución post terremoto de 2010, se exploró cómo los procesos vividos inciden en niveles de Apego e Identidad de lugar, así como Sentido de Comunidad y Participación. Las comunidades estudiadas presentan diferentes vínculos espaciales y relacionales con respecto a su barrio de origen y actual. Las diferencias presentadas evidencian que vínculos comunitarios como aspectos psicológicos deben ser considerados centrales en la elaboración e implementación de estrategias para desplazamientos o reconstrucción. Se encuestó a un total de 224 personas
A Participatory Action Research Method in a Rural Community of Mexico
Authors: Arellano Rubi , Balcazar Fabricio , Suarez Sergio , Alvarado Francisco
Published: April 2016

For several decades, community interventions have promoted community development with strategies involving capacity building, advocacy, social change, and empowerment. Although community interventions intend to ameliorate social and economic inequalities, there is still a need to evaluate the outcomes of Participatory Action Research (PAR). PAR approaches have demonstrated to be a helpful tool for addressing and identifying community issues and strengths, while leading community members into action. The PAR approach described in this case study of “Ciudad Renace” (Town Reborn)—the Concerns Report Method (CRM)—provided a process for the community to come together and identify main issues, organize, and take actions. The findings suggest multiple activities and outcomes in areas like environmental contamination, social services, and education. Participatory methodologies like the Concerns report Method provided opportunities for community members to become engaged in pursing issues and addressing their own needs. The implications for community psychology research and practice are discussed.
Plastic Forming of AZ91 Alloy Using the KOBO Method
Authors: Bochniak Włodzimierz , Ostachowski Paweł , Jagieła Sylwester
Published: April 2016

The desirability of using the KOBO extrusion process for AZ91 magnesium alloy preceding its further plastic processing has been experimentally verified. Importantly, during the conducted experiments, heat treatment (e.g., homogenization) was applied either before or after direct KOBO extrusion, which if used might have affected the properties of the alloy. The products of the cold KOBO process take the form of tapes with different cross sections. They were pressed (deep drawing), or, alternatively, subjected to conventional indirect extrusion in order to acquire the desired spatial geometry of the product. Due to the need for relatively wide strips, a variant of the KOBO extrusion with lateral outflow was used, since the press structure, providing reversibly oscillating die, strongly limited the cross sections of directly extruded products. The research procedure, involving plastic deformation with cyclic changes of the deformation path, allowed to obtain results indicating new potential properties of metallic materials crucial for their applicability.
The Depth-Averaged Numerical Simulation of Laminar Thin-Film Flows With Capillary Waves
Authors: Kakimpa Bruce , Morvan Herve , Hibberd Stephen
Published: April 2016

Thin-film flows encountered in engineering systems such as aero-engine bearing chambers often exhibit capillary waves and occur within a moderate to high Weber number range. Although the depth-averaged simulation of these thin-film flows is computationally efficient relative to traditional volume-of-fluid (VOF) methods, numerical challenges remain particularly for solutions involving capillary waves and in the higher Weber number, low surface tension range. A depth-averaged approximation of the Navier–Stokes equations has been used to explore the effect of surface tension, grid resolution, and inertia on thin-film rimming solution accuracy and numerical stability. In shock and pooling solutions where capillary ripples are present, solution stability, and accuracy are shown to be highly sensitive to surface tension. The common practice in analytical studies of enforcing unphysical low Weber number stability constraints is shown to stabilize the solution by artificially damping capillary oscillations. This approach, however, although providing stable solutions is shown to adversely affect solution accuracy. An alternative grid resolution-based stability criterion is demonstrated and used to obtain numerically stable shock and pooling solutions without recourse to unphysical surface tension values. This allows for the accurate simulation of thin-film flows with capillary waves within the constrained parameter space corresponding to physical material and flow properties. Results obtained using the proposed formulation and solution strategy show good agreement with available experimental data from literature for low Re coating flows and moderate to high Re falling wavy film flows.
Characterization of Transition to Turbulence for Blood in a Straight Pipe Under Steady Flow Conditions
Authors: Biswas Dipankar , Casey David M. , Crowder Douglas C. , Steinman David A. , Yun Yang H. , Loth Francis
Published: April 2016

Blood is a complex fluid that, among other things, has been established to behave as a shear thinning, non-Newtonian fluid when exposed to low shear rates (SR). Many hemodynamic investigations use a Newtonian fluid to represent blood when the flow field of study has relatively high SR (>200 s−1). Shear thinning fluids have been shown to exhibit differences in transition to turbulence (TT) compared to that of Newtonian fluids. Incorrect prediction of the transition point in a simulation could result in erroneous hemodynamic force predictions. The goal of the present study was to compare velocity profiles near TT of whole blood and Newtonian blood analogs in a straight rigid pipe with a diameter 6.35 mm under steady flow conditions. Rheology was measured for six samples of whole porcine blood and three samples of a Newtonian fluid, and the results show blood acts as a shear thinning non-Newtonian fluid. Measurements also revealed that blood viscosity at SR = 200 s−1 is significantly larger than at SR = 1000 s−1 (13.8%, p < 0.001). Doppler ultrasound (DUS) was used to measure velocity profiles for blood and Newtonian samples at different flow rates to produce Reynolds numbers (Re) ranging from 1000 to 3300 (based on viscosity at SR = 1000 s−1). Two mathematically defined methods, based on the velocity profile shape change and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), were used to detect TT. Results show similar parabolic velocity profiles for both blood and the Newtonian fluid for Re < 2200. However, differences were observed between blood and Newtonian fluid velocity profiles for larger Re. The Newtonian fluid had blunt-like velocity profiles starting at Re = 2403 ± 8 which indicated transition. In contrast, blood did not show this velocity profile change until Re = 2871 ± 104. The Newtonian fluid had large velocity fluctuations (root mean square (RMS) > 20%) with a maximum TKE near the pipe center at Re = 2316 ± 34 which indicated transition. In contrast, blood results showed the maximum TKE at Re = 2806 ± 109. Overall, the critical Re was delayed by ∼20% (p < 0.001) for blood compared to the Newtonian fluid. Thus, a Newtonian assumption for blood at flow conditions near transition could lead to large errors in velocity prediction for steady flow in a straight pipe. However, these results are specific to this pipe diameter and not generalizable since SR is highly dependent on pipe diameter. Further research is necessary to understand this relation in different pipe sizes, more complex geometries, and under pulsatile flow conditions.
A Direct Method for Mapping the Center of Pressure Measured by an Insole Pressure Sensor System to the Shoe's Local Coordinate System
Authors: Weaver Brian T. , Braman Jerrod E. , Haut Roger C.
Published: April 2016

A direct method to express the center of pressure (CoP) measured by an insole pressure sensor system (IPSS) into a known coordinate system measured by motion tracking equipment is presented. A custom probe was constructed with reflective markers to allow its tip to be precisely tracked with motion tracking equipment. This probe was utilized to activate individual sensors on an IPSS that was placed in a shoe fitted with reflective markers used to establish a local shoe coordinate system. When pressed onto the IPSS the location of the probe's tip was coincident with the CoP measured by the IPSS (IPSS-CoP). Two separate pushes (i.e., data points) were used to develop vectors in each respective coordinate system. Simple vector mathematics determined the rotational and translational components of the transformation matrix needed to express the IPSS-CoP into the local shoe coordinate system. Validation was performed by comparing IPSS-CoP with an embedded force plate measured CoP (FP-CoP) from data gathered during kinematic trials. Six male subjects stood on an embedded FP and performed anterior/posterior (AP) sway, internal rotation, and external rotation of the body relative to a firmly planted foot. The IPSS-CoP was highly correlated with the FP-CoP for all motions, root mean square errors (RMSRRs) were comparable to other research, and there were no statistical differences between the displacement of the IPSS-CoP and FP-CoP for both the AP and medial/lateral (ML) axes, respectively. The results demonstrated that this methodology could be utilized to determine the transformation variables need to express IPSS-CoP into a known coordinate system measured by motion tracking equipment and that these variables can be determined outside the laboratory anywhere motion tracking equipment is available.
Modeling the Human Tibiofemoral Joint Using Ex Vivo Determined Compliance Matrices
Authors: Lamberto Giuliano , Richard Vincent , Dumas Raphaël , Valentini Pier Paolo , Pennestrì Ettore , Lu Tung-Wu , Camomilla Valentina , Cappozzo Aurelio
Published: April 2016

Several approaches have been used to devise a model of the human tibiofemoral joint for embedment in lower limb musculoskeletal models. However, no study has considered the use of cadaveric 6 × 6 compliance (or stiffness) matrices to model the tibiofemoral joint under normal or pathological conditions. The aim of this paper is to present a method to determine the compliance matrix of an ex vivo tibiofemoral joint for any given equilibrium pose. Experiments were carried out on a single ex vivo knee, first intact and, then, with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) transected. Controlled linear and angular displacements were imposed in single degree-of-freedom (DoF) tests to the specimen, and the resulting forces and moments were measured using an instrumented robotic arm. This was done starting from seven equilibrium poses characterized by the following flexion angles: 0 deg, 15 deg, 30 deg, 45 deg, 60 deg, 75 deg, and 90 deg. A compliance matrix for each of the selected equilibrium poses and for both the intact and ACL-deficient specimen was calculated. The matrix, embedding the experimental load–displacement relationship of the examined DoFs, was calculated using a linear least squares inversion based on a QR decomposition, assuming symmetric and positive-defined matrices. Single compliance matrix terms were in agreement with the literature. Results showed an overall increase of the compliance matrix terms due to the ACL transection (2.6 ratio for rotational terms at full extension) confirming its role in the joint stabilization. Validation experiments were carried out by performing a Lachman test (the tibia is pulled forward) under load control on both the intact and ACL-deficient knee and assessing the difference (error) between measured linear and angular displacements and those estimated using the appropriate compliance matrix. This error increased nonlinearly with respect to the values of the load. In particular, when an incremental posterior–anterior force up to 6 N was applied to the tibia of the intact specimen, the errors on the estimated linear and angular displacements were up to 0.6 mm and 1.5 deg, while for a force up to 18 N, the errors were 1.5 mm and 10.5 deg, respectively. In conclusion, the method used in this study may be a viable alternative to characterize the tibiofemoral load-dependent behavior in several applications.
Effects of Treadmill Exercise on Spontaneous Firing Activities of Striatal Neurons in a Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Shi Kaixuan , Liu Xiaoli , Qiao Decai , Hou Lijuan
Published: April 2016

Exercise improves motor deficits in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients but the underlying neuronal mechanism is poorly understood. Since the striatum is critical to motor function, we have investigated the potential effects of exercise on the spiking activity of the striatal neurons in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease. Twenty-four hours after injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the right medial forebrain bundle, rats in exercise groups were trained to exercise on a treadmill. Twenty-eight days after 6-OHDA lesion, apomorphine induced fewer rotations in the PD rats with exercise than in PD + Ex rats. Anatomical examination indicates that compared with the PD rats, PD + Ex rats had an attenuated loss of dopamine axonal fibers in the striatum and dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars. Equally important, the abnormal burst firing and firing rates in striatal neurons were lower in the PD + Ex rats than in the PD rats. Taken together, our results suggest that exercise has neuroprotective effects that can reduce the degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopamine system and minimize the abnormal neuronal spike firing in parkinsonian striatum, potentially contributing to exercise’s motor-improving effects in PD.
Alternating hemiparesis and orolingual apraxia as manifestations of methotrexate neurotoxicity in a paediatric case of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Yap Siew Mei , MacEneaney Peter , Ryan Clodagh , O'Toole Orna
Published: April 2016

A 15-year-old girl with a recent diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was admitted to hospital with pancytopaenia after having received high-dose intrathecal methotrexate 1 day prior. During the next week she had intermittent episodes of alternating hemiparesis associated with speech arrest lasting minutes to hours at a time. The episodes were not associated with altered level of consciousness or headache. MRI of the brain showed features consistent with methotrexate encephalopathy. This report discusses the typical clinical and radiological features of methotrexate neurotoxicity in addition to differential diagnoses and the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms.