bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational therapy practice in acute physical hospital settings: Evidence from a scoping review
Authors: Britton Lauren , Rosenwax Lorna , McNamara Beverley
Published: September 2015

Background/Aim

Increased accountability and growing fiscal limitations in global health care continue to challenge how occupational therapy practices are undertaken. Little is known about how these changes affect current practice in acute hospital settings. This article reviews the relevant literature to further understanding of occupational therapy practice in acute physical hospital settings.

Method

A scoping review of five electronic databases was completed using the keywords Occupational therapy, acute hospital settings/acute physical hospital settings, acute care setting/acute care hospital setting, general medicine/general medical wards, occupational therapy service provision/teaching hospitals/tertiary care hospitals. Criteria were applied to determine suitability for inclusion and the articles were analysed to uncover key themes.

Results

In total 34 publications were included in the review. Analysis of the publications revealed four themes: (1) Comparisons between the practice of novice and experienced occupational therapists in acute care (2) Occupational therapists and the discharge planning process (3) Role of occupation in the acute care setting and (4) Personal skills needed and organisation factors affecting acute care practice.

Conclusion

The current literature has highlighted the challenges occupational therapists face in practicing within an acute setting. Findings from this review enhance understanding of how occupational therapy department managers and educators can best support staff that practise in acute hospital settings.
Speech pathology and occupational therapy students participating in placements where their supervisor works in a dual role
Authors: Thomasz Tennille , Young Denise
Published: September 2015

Objective

To investigate the facilitating factors and barriers to students participating in placements where their supervisor works in a dual role.

Design

A combination of semi structured interviews and focus groups were used. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

Regional brain injury rehabilitation programs and university programs.

Participants

Eleven Speech Pathologists or Occupational Therapists who worked in regional brain injury rehabilitation programs as both a case manager and within their discipline. Five Speech Pathology or Occupational Therapy university academics who were employed in a role central to facilitating student clinical placements.

Results

6 themes emerged. These included the supervisor's experience of a non‐traditional model, communication, perceptions of a clinical placement, supervision, student cohort and assessment criteria.

Conclusions

It appears that students are able to participate in placements where their supervisor works within a specific discipline, as well as a case manager. There are particular factors that are likely to make this experience successful. It is important for all stakeholders to communicate about the placement and their expectations, which may assist with managing perceptions of what an appropriate placement is. Utilising different supervisory models is also necessary. There are factors that do not appear to have a significant effect on the success of such a placement. There is no consensus about the particular level of experience that a student should have to manage this type of placement. The assessment criteria that supervisors are required to complete does not appear to be a barrier to students participating. While there are challenges, benefits for all stakeholders are identified.
Fine‐scale Beta‐diversity Patterns Across Multiple Arthropod Taxa Over a Neotropical Latitudinal Gradient
Authors: Gonçalves‐Souza Thiago , Araújo Marcel S. , Barbosa Eduardo P. , Lopes Sonia M. , Kaminski Lucas A. , Shimizu Gustavo H. , Santos Adalberto J. , Romero Gustavo Q.
Published: September 2015

Documenting how diversity patterns vary at fine‐ and broad scales may help answer many questions in theoretical and applied ecology. However, studies tend to compare diversity patterns at the same scale and within the same taxonomic group, which limits the applicability and generality of the results. Here, we have investigated whether vegetation‐dwelling arthropods from different trophic ranks and with distinct life histories (i.e., ants, caterpillars, cockroaches, and spiders) have different beta‐diversity patterns at multiple scales. Specifically, we compared their beta diversity across architecturally distinct plant species (fine‐scale process) and a latitudinal gradient of sites (broad‐scale process) along 2040 km of coastal restinga vegetation in the Neotropics. Over 50 percent of the compositional changes (β‐diversity) in ants, caterpillars, and spiders and 41 percent of those in cockroaches were explained by plant identity within each site. Even groups that do not feed on plant tissues, such as omnivores and predators, were strongly affected by plant identity. Fine‐scale variation was more important than large‐scale processes for all studied groups. Performing a cross‐scale comparison of diversity patterns of groups with distinct life histories helps elucidate how processes that act at regional scales, such as dispersal, interact with local processes to assemble arthropod communities.
Sofosbuvir plus simeprevir treatment of recurrent genotype 1 hepatitis C after liver transplant
Authors: Punzalan Carmi Santos , Barry Curtis , Zacharias Isabel , Rodrigues Julie , Mehta Savant , Bozorgzadeh Adel , Barnard Graham F.
Published: September 2015

Background

Patients with recurrent hepatitis C (HCV) infection post‐liver transplant can be difficult to treat safely and effectively. A prior (COSMOS) study in patients with non‐transplant HCV, using sofosbuvir plus simeprevir, had high efficacy and tolerability in treating patients with HCV genotype 1, even prior non‐responders to interferon therapy and those with cirrhosis. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of sofosbuvir and simeprevir in patients with genotype 1 HCV post‐liver transplant.

Methods

In this prospective, observational study, patients received sofosbuvir 400 mg plus simeprevir 150 mg daily for 12 wk without ribavirin. The primary end point was a sustained virologic response 12 wk after the end of therapy.

Results

Forty‐two patients completed the treatment. Twenty‐six percent started the treatment ≤6 months post‐liver transplant. Nineteen percent of the included patients had cirrhosis, 14% with decompensation. At week 4 on the treatment, 21% of patients had detectable virus but at the end of the treatment, 100% were undetectable. Twelve weeks after the end of the treatment, 95% of the patients had undetectable hepatitis C. The regimen was generally well tolerated.

Conclusion

The oral regimen of sofosbuvir plus simeprevir without ribavirin is efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment of patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C post‐liver transplant.
Prevalence of soft tissue injuries in pediatric patients and its relationship with the quest for treatment
Authors: Soares Thais Rodrigues Campos , Barbosa Ana Carolina Uchôa , de Oliveira Symone Nisa Serafim , Oliveira Evelyn Mendes , Risso Patricia de Andrade , Maia Lucianne Cople
Published: September 2015

Background/aim

Soft tissue injuries (STI) are common in children and adolescents. This retrospective study evaluated the frequency of STI, gender, type of injury, and its location in pediatric patients, comparing the different age groups and how the presence of these lesions influences the pursuit for immediate care.

Material and methods

Medical records of patients 0–15 years old who had been treated between 2005 and 2013 at the Dental Trauma Surveillance Center, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro were included in this study. Records with incomplete data and those in which the patient took more than 2 weeks to seek attendance were excluded. The data collected included the age and gender of the patient, the frequency, type and location of the injury, and immediate treatment (<24 h). Data were analyzed descriptively and with the chi‐square test (P ≤ 0.05).

Results

Of the 543 patients who met the eligibility criteria, 56.2% had STI, and males (65.6%), and the age group of 0–3 years (39.7%) were the most affected. The concomitant presence of lesions in the intra‐ and extra‐oral region was the most frequent in all age groups. In the extra‐oral region, contusion (20.7%) and abrasion (19.3%) were more common to the upper lip and laceration to the lower lip (18.4%). In the intra‐oral region, the injury was more frequent to the gums (41%), while the lips were the most affected by abrasion (12.2%) and laceration (24.9%). Regardless of the age groups, the pursuit for immediate care was statistically influenced by the presence of soft tissue lesions (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

We conclude that there is a high prevalence of STI in the study sample; the lesions were more common in boys and in patients aged 0–3 years. The presence of STI proved to be a determining factor for the pursuit for immediate care.
Expanding the Therapy Paradigm with Queer Couples: A Relational Intersectional Lens
Authors: Addison Sheila M. , Coolhart Deborah
Published: September 2015

North American and global cultures in general—and the field of Couple and Family Therapy in particular—have made significant strides toward recognizing and validating LGBTQ identities and relationships. However, clinical assessment and conceptualization of queer couples still lack the complexity needed to encompass the issues involved in treatment. Existing literature provides clinicians a basic understanding of queer couples and the dynamics that make them unique from nonqueer couples. However, much of this knowledge has been normed on White middle‐class couples and has rarely included couples with transgender or bisexual members. This article invites clinicians and researchers to apply a feminist model of intersectionality to understand queer couples. Our proposed intersectional lens considers multiple axes of identity and power and their interrelationships (Crenshaw, 1989, 1991). We argue that intersectionality is important for understanding all identities, whether privileged or marginalized (Falicov, 2003). This application of the concept of intersectionality is unique in its relational focus, emphasizing how partners’ complex individual identities overlap with and intersect with one another. Additionally, this lens considers how the therapists’ and clients’ multidimensional identities intersect. Three case studies are presented to illustrate application of the intersectional lens. In each case, exploring the partners’ multiple social locations, their influences on one another, and the therapist's intersections of identity all proved critical to the direction of therapy.
Spatial Filtering for Identifying a Shortest Path Around Obstacles
Authors: Hong Insu , Murray Alan T. , Wolf Levi J.
Published: September 2015

The shortest path between two locations is crucial for location modeling, spatial analysis, and wayfinding in complex environments. When no transportation system or network exists, continuous space movement adds substantial complexity to identifying a best path as there are increased travel options as well as barriers inhibiting potential movement. To derive the shortest path, various methods have been developed. Recent work has attempted to exploit spatial knowledge and geographic information system functionality, representing significant advantages over existing methods. However, a high density of obstacles increases computational complexity making real‐time solution difficult in some situations. This article presents a spatial filtering method to enhance Euclidean shortest path derivation in complex environments. The new approach offers substantial computational improvement while still guaranteeing an optimal path is found. Application results demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach and its comparative superiority.
The Yellow Flower of Norway: Trauma and Repetition in Hans Henny Jahnn's Perrudja
Authors: Roddy Harry Louis
Published: September 2015

In Hans Henny Jahnn's Perrudja (1929), the eponymous hero, who is the world's richest man and lives alone in the Norwegian mountains, is repeatedly thwarted in his attempts to pursue romantic absolution by what he describes as his predestination to romantic failure. He explains this predestination via the metaphor of the “gelbe Blume,” with which he identifies himself. In this essay, I argue that Perrudja's self‐identification as “gelbe Blume,” and his repeated, ritualized enactments of romantic failure, represent the performance of a repetition compulsion that has its roots in trauma. Perrudja compulsively repeats his alienation within a homosocial triangle, in which he always plays the role of vanquished rival. It is only with respect to his special relationship with animals that Perrudja is able to overcome the ritualized repetition of repressed trauma and to live authentically.
European Fissure Sealant Guidelines: assessment using AGREE II
Authors: San Martin‐Galindo L , Rodríguez‐Lozano FJ , Abalos‐Labruzzi C , Niederman R
Published: September 2015

Background

Pit and fissure sealants are effective in reducing the incidence of occlusal caries, and multiple clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been developed for recommending their proper use. The usefulness of CPGs depends on their quality and on the rigour of the guideline development process.

Objective

A study was made to assess the quality of current European CPGs based on the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument, which uses 23 key items rated on a 7‐point scale to assess practice guideline development and the quality of reporting.

Methods

A search was conducted for fissure sealant guidelines for preventing caries in children and adults at high and low risk published in the last 10 years. Calibration was carried out before scoring to assess agreement between the appraisers using the AGREE II instrument.

Results

The searches identified 19 relevant guidelines, and following application of the inclusion/exclusion criteria, three guidelines were retained for evaluation. The proportion of observed agreement was calculated, expressed by the agreement separately for positive and negative ratings (PA = 0.89, NA = 0–91). The results of the guideline assessments revealed the highest score for the Irish guideline, a moderate score for the French guideline and the lowest score for the European guideline.

Conclusions

Based on the AGREE II instrument, the results obtained show significant variation in the quality assessment of the three European Fissure Sealant Guidelines. Future studies should be carried out both to develop quality dental CPGs and to investigate effective ways of adopting them.
Success and failure assessing gonad maturity in sequentially hermaphroditic fishes: comparisons between macroscopic and microscopic methods
Authors: Klibansky N. , Scharf F. S.
Published: September 2015

For two protogynous hermaphrodite fish species, the performance of visual gonad analysis techniques was evaluated to determine when the use of macroscopic methods was sufficient and when microscopic techniques were necessary. Simple macroscopic gonad analysis was found to be a powerful tool for distinguishing sex and whether or not females were spawning capable or ripe for black sea bass Centropristis striata (n = 1443) and red porgy Pagrus pagrus (n = 980), often producing results that were in close agreement with more complex and expensive microscopic techniques. Estimates of key reproductive variables, such as size‐dependent sex‐change ogives, spawning season duration, spawning fraction and batch number, were also very similar or equal between methods. Apparent seasonal spawning activity was also predicted similarly by each method and the patterns were highly correlated with seasonal patterns in gonado‐somatic indices. In contrast, distinguishing between immature females and those that were mature, but inactive, proved difficult when using macroscopic methods and, in these cases, predictions often differed from those produced microscopically. In turn, maturity ogives differed significantly between methods for C. striata (maturity ogives could not be generated for P. pagrus as nearly all fish encountered were mature). Agreement rates among male phases were also very low. Macroscopic methods were able to identify signs of sex transition in very advanced specimens, but early signs were only evident microscopically. While much more detail is visible microscopically, here several population‐scale parameters important for fisheries management were estimated equally well with the unaided eye for C. striata and P. pagrus. For comprehensive, fishery‐independent surveys and long‐term research programmes in particular, determining when microscopic techniques are and are not necessary can greatly improve efficiency and reduce costs without compromising data quality.
Coping with work‐related stressors and building resilience in mental health workers: A comparative focus group study using interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Lamb Danielle , Cogan Nicola
Published: September 2015

Experiencing excessive stress in the workplace can lead to mental ill health, which has costs both personally for individuals and for the wider economy in terms of lost working days. This study used two in‐depth focus groups, one with NHS mental health workers (n = 9) and one with Samaritans’ volunteers (n = 8), to investigate how they cope with work‐based stressors, and build and maintain resilience. The qualitative data derived from the focus groups were compared and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis to gain an in‐depth understanding of the lived experiences of those working in both statutory and voluntary adult mental health settings. Four superordinate themes emerged: (1) Perceived lack of control as a stressor; (2) Ways of building resilience; (3) The dual impact of values; and (4) The effect of environment. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of recommendations for training to help foster resilience within mental health care systems, along with possible areas of future investigation.

Practitioner points

Resilience has been shown to be an important element in allowing those working and volunteering in mental health settings to cope with the stressors inherent in their chosen field.

Allowing staff reasonable control over their work, and providing an adequate environment in which to carry out their work, is conducive to building and maintaining resilience.

Consideration should be given to the dual nature of some elements of working in a mental health context, in terms of both the positive and negative impact they can have (e.g., values and environment).

Training programmes using aspects of developments such as mindfulness and acceptance and commitment training may also be able to contribute to building and maintaining resilience in mental health workers.
Transcending matter: physics and ultimate meaning
Authors: Paulson Steve , Frank Adam , Kaiser David , Maudlin Tim , Natarajan Priyamvada
Published: September 2015

From the discovery of new galaxies and nearly undetectable dark energy to the quantum entanglement of particles across the universe, new findings in physics naturally elicit a sense of awe and wonder. For the founders of modern physics—from Einstein and Bohr to Heisenberg, Pauli, and Bohm—a fascination with deeper questions of meaning and ultimate reality led some of them to explore esoteric traditions and metaphysics. More recently, however, physicists have largely shunned such philosophical and spiritual associations. What can contemporary physics offer us in the quest to understand our place in the universe? Has physics in some ways become a religion unto itself that rejects the search for existential meaning? Discussion of these and related questions is presented in this paper.
Comparison of inherently essential genes of Porphyromonas gingivalis identified in two transposon‐sequencing libraries
Authors: Hutcherson J.A. , Gogeneni H. , Yoder‐Himes D. , Hendrickson E.L. , Hackett M. , Whiteley M. , Lamont R.J. , Scott D.A.
Published: September 2015

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a Gram‐negative anaerobe and keystone periodontal pathogen. A mariner transposon insertion mutant library has recently been used to define 463 genes as putatively essential for the in vitro growth of P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 in planktonic culture (Library 1). We have independently generated a transposon insertion mutant library (Library 2) for the same P. gingivalis strain and herein compare genes that are putatively essential for in vitro growth in complex media, as defined by both libraries. In all, 281 genes (61%) identified by Library 1 were common to Library 2. Many of these common genes are involved in fundamentally important metabolic pathways, notably pyrimidine cycling as well as lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, pantothenate and coenzyme A biosynthesis, and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism. Also in common are genes encoding heat‐shock protein homologues, sigma factors, enzymes with proteolytic activity, and the majority of sec‐related protein export genes. In addition to facilitating a better understanding of critical physiological processes, transposon‐sequencing technology has the potential to identify novel strategies for the control of P. gingivalis infections. Those genes defined as essential by two independently generated TnSeq mutant libraries are likely to represent particularly attractive therapeutic targets.
ArabidopsisTAF1 is anMRE11‐interacting protein required for resistance to genotoxic stress and viability of the male gametophyte
Authors: Waterworth Wanda M. , Drury Georgina E. , Blundell‐Hunter George , West Christopher E.
Published: September 2015

Repair ofDNAdouble‐strand breaks (DSBs) by recombination pathways is essential for plant growth and fertility. The recombination endonucleaseMRE11 plays important roles in sensing and repair ofDNA DSBs. Here we demonstrate protein interaction between ArabidopsisMRE11 and the histone acetyltransferaseTAF1, aTATA‐binding protein Associated Factor (TAF) of theRNApolymeraseIItranscription initiation factor complexTFIID. Arabidopsis has twoTAF1 homologues termedTAF1 andTAF1b and mutanttaf1blines are viable and fertile. In contrast,taf1null mutations are lethal, demonstrating thatTAF1is an essential gene. Heterozygoustaf1+/−plants display abnormal segregation of the mutant allele resulting from defects in pollen tube development, indicating thatTAF1 is important for gamete viability. Characterization of an allelic series oftaf1lines revealed that hypomorphic mutants are viable but display developmental defects and reduced plant fertility. Hypersensitivity oftaf1mutants lacking the C‐terminal bromodomain to X‐rays and mitomycin C, but not to other forms of abiotic stress, established a specific role forTAF1 in plantDNArepair processes. Collectively these studies reveal a function forTAF1 in plant resistance to genotoxic stress, providing further insight into the molecular mechanisms of theDNAdamage response in plants.
Two-Dimensional Arbitrary Shape Acoustic Cloaks Composed of Homogeneous Parts Realized by Layered Structures
Authors: Li Qi , Vipperman Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2015

Acoustic cloaking is an important application of metamaterials and has received much attention since it was first proposed. Due to the extreme properties of the cloaks produced by previous methods, they are difficult to fabricate. In addition, cloaks with arbitrary shapes are more favorable in applications but are difficult to realize. Therefore, it is important to present a method for designing arbitrary shaped cloak with attainable properties. In this paper, a technique for realizing cloaks with arbitrary shapes is presented by dividing the cloak into finite parts. Transformation acoustics is used to derive the properties of each part of the cloak. With appropriate mapping relationships, the properties of each part are anisotropic but homogeneous. Layered structures are adopted to approximate the anisotropic properties within each part. Full wave simulations are conducted to validate this technique. The method can be used to design cloaks with arbitrary shapes, which perform well within certain frequency limits. It provides an easier way to fabricate cloaks with arbitrary shapes.
Effects of 340 keV proton irradiation on InGaN/GaN blue light-emitting diodes
Authors: Kim Byung-Jae , Hwang Ya-Hsi , Ahn Shihyun , Ren Fan , Pearton Stephen J. , Kim Jihyun , Jang Tae Sung
Published: September 2015

The effects of proton irradiation on optical and electrical performances of InGaN/GaN blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were investigated. The InGaN/GaN blue LEDs were irradiated with protons at a fixed energy of 340 keV and doses ranging from 5 × 1010 to 1 × 1014/cm2. Both current–voltage (I-V) and light output–current (L-I) characteristics of InGaN/GaN blue LEDs were gradually degraded as increasing the proton doses. The optical performances of LED were much more sensitive to the proton irradiation than that of electrical performances. The electroluminescence spectra and the light output performances before and after proton irradiations had similar trends in degradation. Then, the reverse recovery time before and after 1 × 1014/cm2 proton irradiation slightly decreased from 31.0 to 27.6 ns.
Thermal stability and oxidation resistance of Cr1−xAlxN coatings with single phase cubic structure
Authors: He Linqing , Chen Li , Xu Yuxiang , Du Yong
Published: September 2015

Cr-Al-N coatings possessing excellent oxidation and wear resistance have been widely applied in cutting tools. Here, the thermal stability and oxidation resistance of Cr1−xAlxN coatings with single phase cubic structure are studied in detail. Incorporation of Al into CrN coating leads to an increased hardness from ∼14.9 GPa for CrN to 26.3 GPa for Cr0.48Al0.52N and to 27.6 GPa for Cr0.32Al0.68N. Increasing Al content of Cr1−xAlxN delays the N-loss, but promotes the wurtzite (w) AlN formation during thermal annealing. The Al-addition highlights a significant improvement in oxidation resistance of CrN coating due to the formation of a dense and protective Cr-Al-oxide scale. However, the Cr0.48Al0.52N coating with lower oxidation rate constant and higher activation energy exhibits better oxidation resistance compared with Cr0.32Al0.68N coating. After oxidation at 1100 °C for 15 h, the Cr0.48Al0.52N coating only exhibits a dense Cr-Al-oxide scale with a thickness of ∼0.4 μm whereas a ∼1.75 μm thick oxide scale with Cr-Al-oxide mixed top-layer and Al-rich porous precipitation sublayer is obtained by Cr0.32Al0.68N coating. Additionally, the formation of dense oxide scale on the surface of Cr1−xAlxN coatings has an obvious inhibited effect on the thermal decomposition process.
A Skill Acquisition Perspective on Early Specialization in Sport
Authors: Anderson David I. , Mayo Anthony M.
Published: September 2015

This paper examines the costs and benefits of early specialization in sport from a skill acquisition perspective. The focus is on whether early specialization in a single sport is the best way to facilitate the acquisition of skill in that sport. The paper is organized relative to the two major conceptual frameworks that have motivated much of the discussion about early specialization in sport: the theory of deliberate practice and the Developmental Model of Sport Participation. Our analysis reveals that while early specialization in sport is one way to reach elite status, it is not the only way. Considerable evidence shows that many elite athletes specialized in their sport late, following diversified experiences with other sports. These findings raise a number of exciting questions about the long-term development of skill in sport.
Tailpipe to tank
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: September 2015

Researchers are vying to use renewable energy to suck carbon dioxide out of the air and turn it back into fuel.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Panton-Valentine Leukocidin-Positive Staphylococcus aureus Sequence Type 30 Isolate from a Pediatric Patient with a Lung Infection in Brazil
Authors: Stephens Craig , Cho Paul Jang-Yeon , Afonso de Araujo Veronica , Gomes Ivete Martins , de Azevedo Sias Selma Maria , Araújo Cardoso Claudete A. , Riley Lee W. , Aguiar-Alves Fábio
Published: September 2015

The sequence of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
strain B6 (sequence type 30 [ST30],
spa
type t433, staphylococcal chromosomal cassette
mec
element [SCC
mec
] type IVc, Panton-Valentine leukocidin [PVL] positive), isolated from a pediatric patient with a lung infection in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is described here. The draft genome sequence includes a 2.8-Mb chromosome, accompanied by a 20-kb plasmid containing
blaZ
and two small cryptic plasmids.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Phenol-Degrading Bacterium Pseudomonas putida H
Authors: Vizoso Paula , Pacheco Nicolas , Bastias-Molina Macarena , Meneses Claudio , Poblete-Castro Ignacio
Published: September 2015

In this study, we report the draft genome of
Pseudomonas putida
H, a well-known bacterium capable of degrading various aromatic compounds. Its genome size is 6,065 Mbp with a GC content of 61.6%. This work will aid future studies on this versatile bacterium.
Dietary calcium intake influences the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD) concentration and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration
Authors: Patel Prerna , Mughal M Zulf , Patel Pinal , Yagnik Bhrugu , Kajale Neha , Mandlik Rubina , Khadilkar Vaman , Chiplonkar Shashi A , Phanse Supriya , Patwardhan Vivek , Patel Ashish , Khadilkar Anuradha
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To investigate whether dietary calcium intake will modify the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD) with intact serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations in apparently healthy Indian adolescents.

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting and participants

Apparently healthy adolescents aged 10–14 years (n=181), from Gujarat, western India. Study conducted from January 2012 to March 2014.

Methods

Serum 25OHD concentrations and intact serum PTH concentrations (both using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay) were measured. Diet was recorded through 24 h diet recall and calcium intake was computed (C-diet V.2.1). To assess relationship between 25OHD and PTH, data were dichotomised according to median calcium intakes (520 mg/day) and relationship between serum 25OHD and PTH in the two subgroups was plotted.

Results

Subjects with calcium intakes above median (>520 mg/day) had lower intact serum PTH values for given serum 25OHD concentration while those with calcium intakes below median (<520 mg/day) had higher intact serum PTH values for given serum 25OHD concentration. Serum 25OHD concentration was negatively correlated with intact serum PTH concentration at lower as well as higher calcium intakes (r=− 0.606 and −0.483, respectively, p<0.01 for both). Using a regression analysis, predicted values for intact serum PTH concentration for the given serum 25OHD concentrations were plotted. The plot revealed a negative shift with increasing calcium intake.

Conclusions

Dietary calcium intake modifies the relationship between serum 25OHD concentrations and intact serum PTH concentrations. Thus, dietary calcium intake should be taken into account when assessing an individual's vitamin D status.
Culture-centered approaches: the relevance of assessing emotional health for Latinos with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Concha Jeannie Belinda , Mezuk Briana , Duran Bonnie
Published: September 2015

Objective

Within Latino culture, there is a belief that strong emotions can cause diabetes. Because of this belief and evidence regarding the bi-directional relationship between depression and diabetes, the objectives of this study were to determine if medical doctors are asking Latinos with diabetes about emotional problems and to assess attitudes toward professional help for emotional problems.

Research design and methods

Data come from the nationally representative National Latino and Asian American Study and the National Comorbidity Survey Replication study. Only Latino subsamples were included (n=3076). A smaller subsample with complete data (n=2568) was used for the inquiry outcome variable. Weighted χ2analysis and logistic regression were conducted to determine the likelihood of being asked about emotional problems and attitudes toward professional help.

Results

Latinos with mood disorders or anxiety (MD/AX; OR 2.84, 95% CI 2.02 to 4.00), diabetes only (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.69), and co-occurring diabetes and MD/AX (OR 6.67, 95% CI 2.33 to 19.04) were more likely to be asked about emotional problems, relative to Latinos without diabetes or MD/AX. A minority of respondents with diabetes (32%) were asked about emotional problems. Respondents with diabetes only were more likely to feel comfortable talking to a professional for personal problems compared with those without diabetes or MD/AX (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.99 to 2.09). Although the relationship between having diabetes and feeling comfortable taking to a professional is not statistically significant, z-test statistics indicate that having diabetes influences attitudes about discussing emotional problems.

Conclusions

Among Latinos, having diabetes is associated with greater likelihood of being asked about emotional problems and feeling comfortable talking to a professional about personal problems. Consistent with the cultural relevance of emotions as a cause of diabetes, asking about emotional problems may be a useful approach for engaging Latinos into a discussion about their diabetes self-care activities.
Electric dipole transition probabilities, oscillator strengths, and lifetimes for Co16+
Authors: Çelik G. , Ateş Ş. , Tekeli G.
Published: September 2015

The electric dipole transition probabilities, oscillator strengths, and lifetimes for Co16+ have been calculated within the weakest bound electron potential model (WBEPM) theory using experimental energy levels and theoretical expectation values of orbital radii corresponding to those energy levels under the assumption of the LS coupling scheme. In the calculations both multiplet and fine structure transitions are studied. The present results are consistent with earlier results given in the literature. Moreover, some transition probability and oscillator strength values not existing in the literature are reported for the first time.
On the Design of High-Rise Buildings for Multihazard: Fundamental Differences between Wind and Earthquake Demand
Authors: Aly Aly Mousaad , Abburu Srinivasa
Published: September 2015

In the past few decades, high-rise buildings have received a renewed interest in many city business locations, where land is scarce, as per their economics, sustainability, and other benefits. Taller and taller towers are being built everywhere in the world. However, the increased frequency of multihazard disasters makes it challenging to balance between a resilient and sustainable construction. Accordingly, it is essential to understand the behavior of such structures under multihazard loadings, in order to apply such knowledge to design. The results obtained from the dynamic analysis of two different high-rise buildings (54-story and 76-story buildings) investigated in the current study indicate that earthquake loads excite higher modes that produce lower interstory drift, compared to wind loads, but higher accelerations that occur for a shorter time. Wind-induced accelerations may have comfort and serviceability concerns, while excessive interstory drifts can cause security issues. The results also show that high-rise and slender buildings designed for wind may be safe under moderate earthquake loads, regarding the main force resisting system. Nevertheless, nonstructural components may present a significant percentage of loss exposure of buildings to earthquakes due to higher floor acceleration. Consequently, appropriate damping/control techniques for tall buildings are recommended for mitigation under multihazard.
Transcriptome Analysis of Interspecific Hybrid betweenBrassica napusandB. rapaReveals Heterosis for Oil Rape Improvement
Authors: Zhang Jinfang , Li Guangrong , Li Haojie , Pu Xiaobin , Jiang Jun , Chai Liang , Zheng Benchuan , Cui Cheng , Yang Zujun , Zhu Yongqing , Jiang Liangcai
Published: September 2015

The hybrid betweenBrassica napusandB. rapadisplays obvious heterosis in both growth performance and stress tolerances. A comparative transcriptome analysis forB. napus(AnAnCCgenome),B. rapa(ArArgenome), and its hybrid F1 (AnArCgenome) was carried out to reveal the possible molecular mechanisms of heterosis at the gene expression level. A total of 40,320 nonredundant unigenes were identified usingB. rapa(AA genome) andB. oleracea(CC genome) as reference genomes. A total of 6,816 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mapped in the A and C genomes with 4,946 DEGs displayed nonadditively by comparing the gene expression patterns among the three samples. The coexistence of nonadditive DEGs including high-parent dominance, low-parent dominance, overdominance, and underdominance was observed in the gene action modes of F1 hybrid, which were potentially related to the heterosis. The coexistence of multiple gene actions in the hybrid was observed and provided a list of candidate genes and pathways for heterosis. The expression bias of transposable element-associated genes was also observed in the hybrid compared to their parents. The present study could be helpful for the better understanding of the determination and regulation of mechanisms of heterosis to aidBrassicaimprovement.
Left Ventricular Aneurysm Presenting as a Late Complication of Childhood Chemotherapy
Authors: Thyagarajan Braghadheeswar , Munshi Lubna Bashir , Amor Martin Miguel
Published: September 2015

Cardiotoxicity is a well known adverse effect of chemotherapy. Multiple cardiac injuries have been reported including cardiomyopathy, pericarditis, myocarditis, angina, arrhythmias, and myocardial infarction. A left ventricular aneurysm due to chemotherapy is a rare and a dangerous complication which is particularly challenging in diagnosis requiring a high index of suspicion and periodic imaging. We present a case of a young Caucasian male with a past medical history of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia status after chemotherapy during his childhood diagnosed with left ventricular aneurysm several years later.
Clinical Outcome of a Portosplenomesenteric Venous Thrombosis in Necrotizing Acute Pancreatitis with Protein C and S Deficiency Treated by Anticoagulation Therapy Alone
Authors: Ankouane Firmin , Kowo Mathurin , Ngo Nonga Bernadette , Magny Eric , Hell Medjo Edith , Ndjitoyap Ndam Elie Claude
Published: September 2015

Cases of splanchnic venous thrombosis have not been described in Cameroon. Their prevalence in acute pancreatitis is variable. With the emergence of acute intra-abdominal infections including typhoid fever and peritoneal tuberculosis in situations of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, these cases will become frequent. We report the case of a portosplenomesenteric venous thrombosis related to necrotizing acute pancreatitis associated with proteins C and S deficiency, in a 46-year-old Cameroonian man, without particular past medical history. He was admitted for abdominal pain which had been evolving for 3 weeks and accompanied by vomiting. In the absence of hemorrhagic risk factor, the patient received low molecular weight heparin followed by oral warfarin. The abdominal ultrasound check on the 12th day showed a partial recanalization of venous thrombosis. The abdominal contrast-enhanced CT scanner at day 30 on oral anticoagulation therapy showed collateral vessels and small bowel edema. At the same time the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed grade II esophageal varices. We have maintained oral anticoagulation therapy. This case highlights that an early effective anticoagulation heparin therapy is needed for a clear benefit in case of suspected PSMVT. It is certain that the sooner the treatment is given, the better outcome will be.
Implication of the Autologous Immune System in BCR–ABL Transcript Variations in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Patients Treated with Imatinib
Authors: Clapp Geoffrey D. , Lepoutre Thomas , El Cheikh Raouf , Bernard Samuel , Ruby Jérémy , Labussière-Wallet Hélène , Nicolini Franck E. , Levy Doron
Published: September 2015

Imatinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have improved treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML); however, most patients are not cured. Deeper mechanistic understanding may improve TKI combination therapies to better control the residual leukemic cell population. In analyzing our patients' data, we found that many patients who otherwise responded well to imatinib therapy still showed variations in their BCR–ABL transcripts. To investigate this phenomenon, we applied a mathematical model that integrates CML and an autologous immune response to the patients' data. We define an immune window or a range of leukemic loads for which the autologous immune system induces an improved response. Our modeling results suggest that, at diagnosis, a patient's leukemic load is able to partially or fully suppress the autologous immune response developed in a majority of patients, toward the CML clone(s). Imatinib therapy drives the leukemic population into the “immune window,” allowing the patient's autologous immune cells to expand and eventually mount an efficient recognition of the residual leukemic burden. This response drives the leukemic load below this immune window, allowing the leukemic population to partially recover until another weaker immune response is initiated. Thus, the autologous immune response may explain the oscillations in BCR–ABL transcripts regularly observed in patients on imatinib. Cancer Res; 75(19); 4053–62. ©2015 AACR.
A Systematic Analysis Reveals Heterogeneous Changes in the Endocytic Activities of Cancer Cells
Authors: Elkin Sarah R. , Bendris Nawal , Reis Carlos R. , Zhou Yunyun , Xie Yang , Huffman Kenneth E. , Minna John D. , Schmid Sandra L.
Published: September 2015

Metastasis is a multistep process requiring cancer cell signaling, invasion, migration, survival, and proliferation. These processes require dynamic modulation of cell surface proteins by endocytosis. Given this functional connection, it has been suggested that endocytosis is dysregulated in cancer. To test this, we developed In-Cell ELISA assays to measure three different endocytic pathways: clathrin-mediated endocytosis, caveolae-mediated endocytosis, and clathrin-independent endocytosis and compared these activities using two different syngeneic models for normal and oncogene-transformed human lung epithelial cells. We found that all endocytic activities were reduced in the transformed versus normal counterparts. However, when we screened 29 independently isolated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines to determine whether these changes were systematic, we observed significant heterogeneity. Nonetheless, using hierarchical clustering based on their combined endocytic properties, we identified two phenotypically distinct clusters of NSCLCs. One co-clustered with mutations in KRAS, a mesenchymal phenotype, increased invasion through collagen and decreased growth in soft agar, whereas the second was enriched in cells with an epithelial phenotype. Interestingly, the two clusters also differed significantly in clathrin-independent internalization and surface expression of CD44 and CD59. Taken together, our results suggest that endocytotic alterations in cancer cells that affect cell surface expression of critical molecules have a significant influence on cancer-relevant phenotypes, with potential implications for interventions to control cancer by modulating endocytic dynamics. Cancer Res; 75(21); 4640–50. ©2015 AACR.
Stimulation of Suicidal Erythrocyte Death by Garcinol
Authors: Fazio Antonella , Briglia Marilena , Faggio Caterina , Alzoubi Kousi , Lang Florian
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: The benzophenone garcinol from dried fruit rind of Garcinia indica counteracts malignancy, an effect at least in part due to stimulation of apoptosis. The proapototic effect of garcinol is attributed in part to inhibition of histone acetyltransferases and thus modification of gene expression. Moreover, garcinol triggers mitochondrial depolarisation. Erythrocytes lack gene expression and mitochondria but are nevertheless able to enter apoptosis-like suicidal death or eryptosis, which is characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Stimulators of eryptosis include oxidative stress, energy depletion and Ca2+ entry with increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i). The present study explored, whether and how garcinol induces eryptosis. Methods: To this end, phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface was estimated from annexin-V-binding, cell volume from forward scatter, hemolysis from hemoglobin release, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3-fluorescence, ROS formation from DCFDA dependent fluorescence and cytosolic ATP levels utilizing a luciferin-luciferase-based assay. Results: A 24 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to garcinol (2.5 or 5 µM) significantly increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding cells. Garcinol decreased (at 1 µM and 2.5 µM) or increased (at 5 µM) forward scatter. Garcinol (5 µM) further increased Fluo3-fluorescence, increased DCFDA fluorescence, and decreased cytosolic ATP levels. The effect of garcinol on annexin-V-binding was significantly blunted, but not abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+. Conclusions: Garcinol triggers cell shrinkage and phospholipid scrambling of the erythrocyte cell membrane, an effect in part due to stimulation of ROS formation, energy depletion and Ca2+ entry.
Transcranial Yellow, Red, and Infrared Laser and LED Stimulation: Changes of Vascular Parameters in a Chick Embryo Model
Authors: Litscher Gerhard , Min Lequan , Passegger Christina Angelika , Litscher Daniela , Li Min , Wang Mian , Ghaffari-Tabrizi-Wizsy Nassim , Stelzer Ingeborg , Feigl Georg , Gaischek Ingrid , Wang Guangjun , Sadjak Anton , Bahr Frank
Published: September 2015

Background: The use of transcranial laser or light-emitting diode (LED) therapy in the treatment of different neurological diseases is attracting increasing attention. The main goal of this study was to investigate different kinds of scientifically and commercially available laser (yellow, red, and infrared) and LED stimulation systems for the first time using a chick embryo model under a fixed human cadaver (scalp and/or skull) and without this anatomical preparation. Methods: In the present study, the extra-embryonic vasculature of a 1-week-old chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) was investigated. For stimulation, four different systems were used (infrared LED and yellow, red, and infrared laser). Four measurement periods were compared: before stimulation, immediately after stimulation onset, immediately after the 10-min stimulation was turned off, and 6 min after stimulation had ended. Special image processing programs developed at the Beijing University of Science and Technology were used for data analysis. Results: The different kinds of laser induced different effects, e.g. the direct stimulation with yellow laser led to initial vasoconstriction (-17%), whereas yellow laser stimulation through a human skull resulted in an increase in blood volume. These effects could only be observed after mathematical processing of the images. Conclusion: After intensive basic research (e.g. CAM model), transcranial laser stimulation may open up new therapies for lifestyle-related diseases such as stroke, dementia, Alzheimer's or possibly Parkinson's disease.