bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Epidemic in Mainland China Dissected
Authors: Cao Wuchun , De Vlas Sake J. , Richardus Jan H.
Published: January 2015

This paper provides a review of a recently published series of studies that give a detailed and comprehensive documentation of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in mainland China, which severely struck the country in the spring of 2003. The epidemic spanned a large geographical extent but clustered in two areas: first in Guangdong Province, and about 3 months later in Beijing with its surrounding areas. Reanalysis of all available epidemiological data resulted in a total of 5327 probable cases of SARS, of whom 343 died. The resulting case fatality ratio (CFR) of 6.4% was less than half of that in other SARS-affected countries or areas, and this difference could only partly be explained by younger age of patients and higher number of community acquired infections. Analysis of the impact of interventions demonstrated that strong political commitment and a centrally coordinated response was the most important factor to control SARS in mainland China, whereas the most stringent control measures were all initiated when the epidemic was already dying down. The long-term economic consequence of the epidemic was limited, much consumption was merely postponed, but for Beijing irrecoverable losses to the tourist sector were considerable. An important finding from a cohort study was that many former SARS patients currently suffer from avascular osteo­necrosis, as a consequence of the treatment with corticosteroids during their infection. The SARS epidemic provided valuable information and lessons relevant in controlling outbreaks of newly emerging infectious diseases, and has led to fundamental reforms of the Chinese health system. In particular, a comprehensive nation-wide internet-based disease reporting system was established.
Is Incidental Recovery of Yeast from Enteric Pathogen Stool Cultures Obtained from Hospitalized Patients Clinically Significant?
Authors: Pfeifer Rachel A. , Iwen Peter C. , Qiu Fang , Rupp Mark E. , Hermsen Elizabeth D.
Published: January 2015

A matched case-control study was conducted to investigate gastrointestinal colonization with yeast as a predictor of invasive candidiasis (IC) in patients who underwent an enteric pathogen test. No significant association was detected between gastrointestinal colonization and IC. However, gastrointestinal colonization with yeast was associated with increased antimicrobial exposure and median length of hospitalization.
Safety, Pharmacokinetics and Efficacy of Artemisinins in Pregnancy
Authors: Ades Veronica
Published: January 2015

Malaria in pregnancy can lead to serious maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Access to the most effective antimalarials in pregnancy is essential. Resistance to current therapies is high for all antimalarial therapies except artemisinins. Artemisinin-based combination therapy is current the first line of malaria treatment recommended by the WHO for children, adults and pregnant women in second or third trimester. Due to potential embryotoxicity of artemisinins identified in animal studies, artemisinins are not considered safe for use in first trimester of pregnancy. Artemisinins are more rapidly metabolized in pregnant women, but this does not seem to reduce efficacy. Most studies show very high cure rates for pregnant women. Areas for further research include the safety profile in first trimester of pregnancy, the effect of HIV infection on artemisinin use in pregnancy, the relationship between the pharmacokinetic profile and efficacy, and the use of artemisinin-based combination therapy for intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy.
Opportunistic infections in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Mysorekar Vijaya V. , Eshwarappa Mahesh , Lingaraj Umesh
Published: January 2015

With the present progress in transplantation procedures, there is an improvement in patient and allograft survival. However, the immunosuppression necessary to sustain the allograft predisposes these transplant recipients to infection, which is now a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. We describe a case of a 30-year-old renal transplant recipient with two opportunistic infections, namely, primary cutaneous aspergillosis and intestinal tuberculosis, with terminal enterococcal pleuritis and peritonitis. Control of the degree of immunosuppression, and prompt recognition and treatment of infection are vital for successful organ transplantation.
Human immunodeficiency virus and its effects on the visual system
Authors: Stewart Michael W.
Published: January 2015

During the first 15 years of the AIDS epidemic patients experienced a high incidence of blindness due to cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis and other severe ocular opportunistic infections. Highly active anti-retroviral therapy, introduced in 1996, dramatically decreased the incidence of CMV retinitis. Though CMV retinitis still causes 40% of vision loss in AIDS patients, other conditions such as immune reconstitution uveitis, cataracts, and a significant othercategory -which most investigators believe is directly due to HIV - comprise the majority of cases. HIV causes vascular abnormalities of the conjunctiva and retina in the majority of AIDS patients, as well as retinitis, anterior and posterior uveitis and vasculitis. HIV frequently causes an optic neuropathy and is responsible for the majority of eye movement disorders among HIV patients. Physicians need to be aware that these problems may be the initial manifestation of HIV infections or a sign of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) failure. Therefore, patients with identifiable risk factors for AIDS who present with ophthalmologic conditions of unknown etiology should be considered for HIV testing. Finally, anti-retroviral therapy has been reported to cause asymptomatic deposits as well as degenerative conditions of both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye.
Development of a New Trend Conjugate Vaccine for the Prevention of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Ahmad Tarek A. , Haroun Medhat , Hussein Ahmed A. , El Ashry El Sayed H. , El-Sayed Laila H.
Published: January 2015

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major cause of nosocomial pneumonia, septicemia and urinary tract infections, especially in newborns, blood cancer patients, and other immunocompromised candidates. The control of K. pneumoniae is a complicated issue due to its tight pathogenesis. Immuno-prophylactic preparations, especially those directed toward the bacterium O-antigen, showed to be the most successful way to prevent the infection incidence. However, all previously proposed preparations were either of limited spectrum or non-maternal, and hence not targeting the main Klebsiella patients. Moreover, all preparations were directed only to prevent the respiratory diseases due to that pathogen. This article addresses the development of a method originally used to purify the non-capsular bacterial- endotoxins, as a new and easy method for vaccine production against K. pneumoniae. The application of this method was preceded by a biotechnological control of capsular polysaccharide production in K. pneumoniae. The new produced natural conjugate between the bacterial O-antigen and its outer membrane proteins was evaluated by physicochemical and immunological methods to investigate its purity, integrity, safety and immunogenicity. It showed to be pure, stable, safe for use, and able to elicit a protective immunoglobulin titer against different Klebsiella infections. This immune-response proved to be transferable to the offspring of the vaccinated experimental rabbits via placenta.
Focal Peripheral Neuropathies (4th ed)
Authors: Chalk Colin
Published: January 2015

This is a review of a new edition of JD Stewart's Focal Peripheral Neuropathies
Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa
Authors: Van Wyk Braam , Palgrav Keith Coates , Van Wyk Piet
Published: January 2015

The mainland region of Africa is Southern Africa because it is considered to be robust with an estimate of around 1700 tree species that are native and a couple 100 more that are alien, but have become accustomed to the natural environment; invading, penetrating and replacing vegetation [...]
Parenting Stress and Impact of Illness in Parents of Children with Coeliac Disease
Authors: Epifanio Maria Stella , Genna Vitalba , Vitello Maria Grazia , Roccella Michele , La Grutta Sabina
Published: January 2015

Coeliac disease (CD) is a chronic disease which could stress patients and their family. Although, poor attention has been paid to the quality of life in CD children and to the functioning of families with CD children. The study aims to evaluate the parenting perception of the CD impact and the parenting distress level. A group of 74 parents of CD children compiled the Impact Childhood Illness Scale and the Parenting Stress Index which is also compiled by 74 parents of health children. The assessment does not reveal a significant impact of CD on patient’s personal life although some critical areas emerged. Results evidenced an higher level of parenting stress in parents of CD children than parents of healthy children. CD, if suitably managed, has not a critical impact on parenting perception. Although, CD certainly put parents through an higher risk of a distress related to parenting role than parents with health children. A early identification of parenting distress in a pediatric chronic illness could facilitate the adjustment to pathology.
Health and Development of Children Born after Assisted Reproductive Technology and Sub-Fertility Compared to Naturally Conceived Children: Data from a National Study
Authors: Sutcliffe Alastair G. , Melhuish Edward , Barnes Jacqueline , Gardiner Julian
Published: January 2015

In a non-matched case-control study using data from two large national cohort studies, we investigated whether indicators of child health and development up to 7 years of age differ between children conceived using assisted reproductive technology (ART), children born after sub-fertility (more than 24 months of trying for conception) and other children. Information on ART use/sub-fertility was available for 23,649 children. There were 227 cases (children conceived through ART) and two control groups: 783 children born to sub-fertile couples, and 22,639 children born to couples with no fertility issues. In models adjusted for social and demographic factors there were significant differences between groups in rate of hospital admissions before the children were 9 months old (P=0.029), with the ART group showing higher rates of hospital admission than the no fertility issues control group, the sub-fertile control group being intermediate between the two. Children born after ART had comparable health and development beyond 9 months of age to their naturally conceived peers. This applied to the whole sample and to a sub-sample of children from deprived neighborhoods.
Decreasing Adhesions and Avoiding Further Surgery in a Pediatric Patient Involved in a Severe Pedestrian versus Motor Vehicle Accident
Authors: Rice Amanda D. , Wakefield Leslie B. , Patterson Kimberley , Reed Evette D'Avy , Wurn Belinda F. , King C. Richard , Wurn Lawrence J.
Published: January 2015

In this case study, we report the use of manual physical therapy in a pediatric patient experiencing complications from a life-threatening motor vehicle accident that necessitated 19 surgeries over the course of 12 months. Post-surgical adhesions decreased the patient’s quality of life. He developed multiple medical conditions including recurrent partial bowel obstructions and an ascending testicle. In an effort to avoid further surgery for bowel obstruction and the ascending testicle, the patient was effectively treated with a manual physical therapy regimen focused on decreasing adhesions. The therapy allowed return to an improved quality of life, significant decrease in subjective reports of pain and dysfunction, and apparent decreases in adhesive processes without further surgery, which are important goals for all patients, but especially for pediatric patients.
Breakthroughs in Hematology
Authors: Jäger Ulrich
Published: January 2015

Hematology is a comprehensive discipline covering all oncological and non-oncological aspects of diseases of the blood or related organs. Hematological researchers have been pivotal in the progress which has been made in molecular diagnostics, targeted therapies, and hence personalized medicine. Besides the rapid scientific and clinical developments political and strategic issues have to be addressed: Education of medical personnel needs harmonization throughout Europe; patients all over Europe should have equal access to treatment, and further scientific progress has to be secured through funding on a national, European and international level despite economic restraints. The European Hematology Association (EHA) pursues these issues with and for all European hematologists and patients.
Recent Advances in Molecular Understanding of NTDT: 2012
Authors: Viprakasit Vip
Published: January 2015

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License [...]
Prevention of the Hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Loukopoulos Dimitris
Published: January 2015

The inherited hemoglobin disorders not only cause suffering and unhappiness to the patients but they also absorb a large part of resources and human effort in several countries which harbor the deleterious genes [...]
Renal Complications in Hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Abboud Miguel R.
Published: January 2015

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License (by-nc 3.0) which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited [...]
Diabetes and Thalassaemia
Authors: Barnard Maria , Tzoulis Ploutarchos
Published: January 2015

Diabetes is a significant complication of b-thalassaemia major. The aetiology includes iron overload causing b-cell destruction, autoimmunity, insulin resistance secondary to liver disease and development of type 1 or 2 diabetes. There are specific issues for patients with diabetes and thalassaemia which will be discussed here. Impaired carbohydrate metabolism must be detected early, to allow intensification of iron chelation. As life expectancy in thalassaemia rises, diabetic complications are seen. Optimising blood glucose and cardiovascular risk factor control is essential. Insulin remains critical for severely symptomatic patients. With milder hyperglycaemia, oral antidiabetic drugs are increasingly used. At Whittington Hospital, we wanted to address these issues. In 2005, we developed a unique Joint Diabetes Thalassaemia Clinic, where patients are reviewed jointly by specialist teams, including Consultant Diabetologist and Haematologist. The Joint Clinic aims to optimise diabetes, endocrine and thalassaemia care, while supporting patient self-management. A retrospective audit of the Joint Clinic (2005-09), showed improvement in glycaemic control, (Fructosamine falling from 344 umol/l to 319 umol/l). We compared our cohort to the National Diabetes Audit for England (2007-08). Patients attending the Joint Clinic achieved better glycaemic control (target reached: 73% Joint Clinic vs. 63% Nationally), blood pressure control (target reached: 58% Joint Clinic vs. 30% Nationally) and cholesterol control (target reached: 81% Joint Clinic vs. 78% Nationally). 22.7% of our patients had ≥1 microvascular complication. A significant proportion had endocrinopathies (86% hypogonadism, 23% hypoparathyroidism, 18% hypothyroidism). Managing diabetes is one of the greatest challenges a person with thalassaemia can face. Training people to self-manage their diabetes and providing support from specialist teams working together are critical. The unique partnership working of our Joint Diabetes Thalassaemia Clinic allows these very complex patients to be managed effectively.
Bone Disease in Haemoglobin Disorders
Authors: Voskaridou Ersi , Terpos Evangelos
Published: January 2015

Bone disease represents a prominent cause of morbidity in patients with thalassaemia and other haemoglobin disorders. The delay in sexual maturation, the presence of diabetes and hypothyroidism, the parathyroid gland dysfunction, the haemolytic anaemia, the progressive marrow expansion, the iron toxicity on osteoblasts, the iron chelators, and the deficiency of growth hormone or insulin growth factors have been identified as major causes of osteoporosis in thalassaemia. Adequate hormonal replacement, effective iron chelation, improvement of hemoglobin levels, calcium and vitamin D administration, physical activity, and smoking cessation are the main to-date measures for the management of the disease. During the last decade, novel pathogenetic data suggest that the reduced osteoblastic activity, which is believed to be the basic mechanism of bone loss in thalassemia, is accompanied by a comparable or even greater increase in bone resorption. Therefore, potent inhibitors of osteoclast activation, such as the aminobisphosphonates, arise as key drugs for the management of osteoporosis in thalassaemia patients and other haemoglobin disorders.
Overview of Recommended Blood Transfusion Therapy in Thalassaemia Major
Authors: Porter John
Published: January 2015

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License [...]
Pathogen Inactivation. New Progress
Authors: Piga Antonio
Published: January 2015

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License (by-nc 3.0) which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited [...]
Diagnosis and Epidemiology of Red Blood Cell Enzyme Disorders
Authors: Van Wijk Richard
Published: January 2015

The red blood cell possess an active metabolic machinery that provides the cell with energy to pump ions against electrochemical gradients, to maintain its shape, to keep hemoglobin iron in the reduced (ferrous) form, and to maintain enzyme and hemoglobin sulfhydryl groups [...]
Indian National Conference on Hemoglobinopathies, 17–18 May 2013, Bangalore, India
Authors: Rameshkumar EKaruna , Ross Cecil , Prakash Anand
Published: January 2015

This abstract book contains some abstracts presented at the Indian National Conference on Hemoglobinopathies, 17–18 May 2013, Bangalore, India Organized by Departments of Clinical Pathology, Paediatrics & Haematology St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences Bangalore, India [...]
Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma Presenting as Cellulitis
Authors: Zhao Min , Sasikumar Katamreddy , Kinoshita Masanosuke , Abdullah Mahdi , Alhusaini Hiyard , Alaie Dariush , Petrillo Richard L.
Published: January 2015

In general, skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) presents as papules or plaques with erythematous or pigmented appearance that may ulcerate the skin. Cellulitis caused by metastatic deposit from a known primary skin SCC has been reported once. 1 We describe a patient who presented with cellulitis on the face that did not respond well to full course of antibiotics treatment, and turned out to be a newly diagnosed SCC after biopsy. Other differential diagnoses, such as malignancy, should be suspected in all unusual presentations and biopsy should be taken if patients do not show an optimal and desired improvement after receiving a full-course of antibiotic therapy for cellulitis.
Changes on the fine sediment dynamics after the Port of Rio Grande expansion
Authors: Silva P. D. , Lisboa P. V. , Fernandes E. H.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The Patos Lagoon estuary is a reservoir of fine sediments derived from the continental basin, which is exported to the coastal area through a narrow channel with average discharge of 2000 m3 s−1. The Port of Rio Grande is located in this connection channel between the Patos Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, and recently received investments from the Brazilian Government to expand its draft and modify the configuration of the breakwaters located at the mouth. The objective of this study is to investigate changes in the fine sediment dynamics in the estuarine and coastal region, after the modernization work carried out at the Port of Rio Grande. The study was conducted using a three-dimensional numerical model (TELEMAC-3D) coupled with a sediment in suspension and morphological model (SediMorph). Results were analyzed in a comparative way in relation to the deposition pattern observed in these regions before and after the construction work. Results indicate that there was a change in the deposition pattern and redistribution of sediment at the bottom due to hydrodynamic changes resulting from the new configuration of the breakwaters and progressive deepening of the access channel.
The importance of micrometeorological variations for photosynthesis and transpiration in a boreal coniferous forest
Authors: Schurgers G. , Lagergren F. , Mölder M. , Lindroth A.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Plant canopies affect the canopy micrometeorology, and thereby alter canopy exchange processes. For the simulation of these exchange processes on a regional or global scale, large-scale vegetation models often assume homogeneous environmental conditions within the canopy. In this study, we address the importance of vertical variations in light, temperature, CO2 concentration and humidity within the canopy for fluxes of photosynthesis and transpiration of a boreal coniferous forest in central Sweden. A leaf-level photosynthesis-stomatal conductance model was used for aggregating these processes to canopy level while applying the within-canopy distributions of these driving variables. The simulation model showed good agreement with eddy covariance-derived gross primary production (GPP) estimates on daily and annual timescales, and showed a reasonable agreement between transpiration and observed H2O fluxes, where discrepancies are largely attributable to a lack of forest floor evaporation in the model. Simulations in which vertical heterogeneity was artificially suppressed revealed that the vertical distribution of light is the driver of vertical heterogeneity. Despite large differences between above-canopy and within-canopy humidity, and despite large gradients in CO2 concentration during early morning hours after nights with stable conditions, neither humidity nor CO2 played an important role for vertical heterogeneity of photosynthesis and transpiration.
Flood frequency analysis of historical flood data under stationary and non-stationary modelling
Authors: Machado M. J. , Botero B. A. , López J. , Francés F. , Díez-Herrero A. , Benito G.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Historical records are an important source of information about extreme and rare floods with a great value to establish a reliable flood return frequency. The use of long historic records for flood frequency analysis brings in the question of flood stationarity, since climatic and land-use conditions can affect the relevance of past flooding as a predictor of future flooding. In this paper, a detailed 400 year flood record from the Tagus River in Aranjuez (Central Spain) was analysed under stationary and non-stationary flood frequency approaches, to assess their implications on hazard studies. Historical flood records in Aranjuez were obtained from documents (Proceedings of the City Council, diaries, chronicles, memoirs, etc.), epigraphic marks, and indirect historical sources and reports. The water levels associated with different floods (derived from descriptions or epigraphic marks) were computed into discharge values using a one-dimensional hydraulic model. Secular variations on flood magnitude and frequency, found to respond to climate and environmental drivers, showed a good correlation between high values of historical flood discharges and a negative mode of the North Atlantic Oscillation index (NAO index). Over the systematic gauge record (1913–2008), an abrupt change on flood magnitude was produced in 1957 due to constructions of three major reservoirs in the Tagus headwaters (Bolarque, Entrepeñas and Buendia) controlling 80% of the watershed surface draining to Aranjuez. Two different models were used for the flood frequency analysis: (a) a stationary model estimating statistical distributions incorporating imprecise and categorical data based on maximum likelihood estimators; (b) a time–varying model based on "generalized additive models for location, scale and shape" (GAMLSS) modelling, that incorporates external covariates related to climate variability (NAO index) and catchment hydrology factors (in this paper a reservoir index; RI). Flood frequency analysis using documentary data (plus gauged record) improved the estimates of the probabilities of rare floods (return intervals of 100 year and higher). Under non-stationary modelling flood occurrence associated with an exceedance probability of 0.01 (i.e. return period of 100 year) has changed over the last 500 year due to decadal and multi-decadal variability of the NAO. Yet, frequency analysis under stationary models was successful on providing an average discharge around which value flood quantiles estimated by non-stationary models fluctuate through time.
CHALLENGES OF ACCELERATED AGING TECHNIQUES FOR ELASTOMER LIFETIME PREDICTIONS
Authors: Gillen K. T. , Bernstein R. , Celina M.
Published: January 2015

Elastomers are often degraded when exposed to air or high humidity for extended times (years to decades). Lifetime estimates normally involve extrapolating accelerated aging results made at higher than ambient environments. Several potential problems associated with such studies are reviewed, and experimental and theoretical methods to address them are provided. The importance of verifying time–temperature superposition of degradation data is emphasized as evidence that the overall nature of the degradation process remains unchanged versus acceleration temperature. The confounding effects that occur when diffusion-limited oxidation (DLO) contributes under accelerated conditions are described, and it is shown that the DLO magnitude can be modeled by measurements or estimates of the oxygen permeability coefficient (POx) and oxygen consumption rate (φ). POx and φ measurements can be influenced by DLO, and it is demonstrated how confident values can be derived. In addition, several experimental profiling techniques that screen for DLO effects are discussed. Values of φ taken from high temperature to temperatures approaching ambient can be used to more confidently extrapolate accelerated aging results for air-aged materials, and many studies now show that Arrhenius extrapolations bend to lower activation energies as aging temperatures are lowered. Best approaches for accelerated aging extrapolations of humidity-exposed materials are also offered.
SURFACE MODIFICATION OF TPR SOLE: AN APPROACH TO IMPROVE SLIP RESISTANCE ON QUARRY AND CERAMIC TILES
Authors: Mohan R. , Raja S. , Saraswathy G. , Das B. N.
Published: January 2015

Human slip on smooth surfaces is a common accident, even though the footwear soling materials are designed with cleats and treads to provide more friction with the floor. About 20% of footwear is made with thermoplastic rubber (TPR; styrene-butadiene-styrene) soles. The slip resistance property under wet-flooring conditions of this kind of sole is poor because of the nonionic nature of the polymer. Chemical surface modification can be exploited to improve the slip-resistance property of TPR soles. The surface is chemically modified with trichloroisocyanuric acid in a methyl ethyl ketone medium (TCI/MEK; at 1, 2, and 3%) to introduce chlorinated and oxidized moieties to the rubber surface. The extent of surface modification produced in TPR with this change can be tested using attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle and surface roughness measurements. The improvement in slip resistance can be evaluated by measuring the coefficient of friction using a dynamic slip-resistance tester. The extent of the change in the functional physical properties, such as surface roughness, contact angle, work adhesion, in slip resistance can be improved by optimizing the concentration of trichloroisocyanuric acid. Physicomechanical properties of unmodified and modified soles that are essential for wear performance can be tested and compared. Quantitative changes on the surface of modified rubber soles increases surface roughness, reduces contact angles, and increases work energy, so there is a considerable increase in the coefficient of friction, especially under wet floor conditions. The chemical surface treatment tends to reduce the bulk mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, elongation at break, and abrasion resistance, because cyanuric acid attacks the sole. The coefficient of friction produces a positive trend at 1 and 2% TCI/MEK treatments, but the trend is negative at a 3% concentration. The optimum surface treatment level for surface modification to enhance the slip resistance of TPR is 2% TCI/MEK.
Relationship between Inflation and Stock Returns – Evidence from BRICS markets using Panel Co integration Test
Authors: Tripathi Vanita , Kumar Arnav
Published: January 2015

Stocks are generally considered to be a good hedge against inflation because of their tendency to move together. This paper examines long term relationship between inflation and stock returns in BRICS markets using panel data for the period from March 2000 to September 2013. Correlation results reveal a significant negative relationship between stock index and inflation rate for Russia and a significantly positive relationship for India & China. ADF, PP and KPSS unit root tests indicate non-stationary characteristic of the data. Further we find no long term co-integrating relationship between stock index values and inflation rates using Pedroni panel co integration test. These findings have important implications for policy makers, regulators and investment community at large. There may seem to be short term contemporaneous relationship between inflation and equity returns but in the long run they do not seem to be significantly integrated. Changes in inflation may bring some short run movement in stock return but certainly equity does not seem to be a good hedge against inflation in long run at least in emerging BRICS markets.                       Keywords:  BRICS, Stock Index, Inflation, Unit root test, Pedroni Panel Co integration Test, Johansen Co integration Test.
Painkiller Misuse among Appalachians and in Appalachian Counties in Kentucky
Authors: Chubinski Jennifer , Walsh Sarah , Sallee Toby , Rademacher Eric
Published: January 2015

The misuse of prescription medications is a growing problem in Kentucky (Bunn and Slavova 2012). However, the burden of prescription drug abuse is not borne equally throughout the commonwealth. This article will discuss the issue of prescription painkiller misuse and present original research on self-reported use and perception of use to demonstrate the wide disparity between Appalachians and residents of Appalachian counties and statewide averages. The issue of prescription drug misuse in Appalachian Kentucky has been studied, but this study aims to shed light on the breadth of the issue for the general population, not just users. To understand public awareness of opioid overdoses, the 2012 Kentucky Health Issues Poll (KHIP) asked adults in Kentucky about their awareness of the issue, their personal experience with prescription drug misuse, and their indirect experience with the issue. In two out of three measures (awareness and indirect experience), residents of Appalachian counties and adults of Appalachian heritage reported significantly higher percentages of awareness of the problem and friends and family members who misuse prescription pain medicine. Health policy and actions individual readers can take to reduce the risk of painkiller misuse are discussed.
MountainWise: A Story Worth Sharing, People Worth Preserving--Community Transformation Grant Project of Western North Carolina
Authors: Tallant April , Russell Elaine , Tennyson Sarah , Allison Erica , Whinnem Jenn , Kostelec Donald
Published: January 2015

The North Carolina Division of Public Health Community Transformation Grant Project aims to create healthier communities by facilitating sustainable policy, systems, and environmental change that increase opportunities connected to the four strategic action areas of active living, healthy eating, tobacco-free living, and community-clinical linkages. The evidence-based practices for achieving this work in rural communities is minimal. The work of MountainWise: Region 1 Community Transformation Grant Project seeks to address this need. MountainWise serves the eight most western counties of North Carolina, including Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, and Transylvania. This conference panel paper provides (1) the strategic vision of the regional work, (2) the relevance and power of a customized external communications plan, (3) the integration of health impact assessments for creating healthy communities through improved
Food Insecurity Is Associated with Depression among Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS in Rural Appalachia
Authors: Bansah Abednego K. , Holben David H. , Basta Tania
Published: January 2015

Individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are faced with numerous issues, including access to medications and food, as well as the struggle to pay for day-to-day expenses, such as utilities. This cross-sectional study examines the levels of food security and depression among eighty-two individuals living with HIV/AIDS in rural Appalachia. More than half of the participants (n = forty-five, 54.9 percent) were living in food insecure households. Participants were categorized as depressed as follows: minimally depressed (n = twenty-four, 29.3 percent), mildly (n = twenty-seven, 32.9 percent), moderately (n = ten, 12.2 percent), moderately severely (n = eight, 9.8 percent), or severely (n = ten, 12.2 percent). Food insecurity was significantly correlated with depression (taub = 0.406, p < 0.001). This study supports that individuals living with HIV/AIDS in this sample have decreased access to resources needed for food and are prone to depression.
Potential cell-specific functions of CXCR4 in atherosclerosis
Authors: Döring Yvonne , Noels Heidi , Weber Christian
Published: January 2015

Der Chemokinrezeptor CXCR4 and sein Ligand CXCL12 bilden eine wichtige Achse in der Regulation von Zellfunktionen bei normaler Homöostase und bei Erkrankungen. Zusätzlich kann der atypische CXCL12 Rezeptor CXCR7 die Verfügbarkeit und Funktion von CXCL12 modulieren. Neben ihrer Rolle in der Mobilisierung von Stamm- und Vorläuferzellen, können CXCR4 und CXCL12 auch die Entwicklung der Atherosklerose über verschiedene Zellfunktionen beeinflussen. Dieser kurze Übersichtsartikel fasst das gegenwärtige Wissen zu den zellspezifischen Funktionen von CXCL12 und den Rezeptoren CXCR4 und CXCR7 mit möglichen Implikationen für die Entstehung und Progression der Atherosklerose zusammen
Use of Accelerometers to Measure Real-Life Physical Activity in Ambulatory Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Fjeldstad Cecilie , Fjeldstad Anette S. , Pardo Gabriel
Published: January 2015

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) may negatively affect individuals' participation in physical activity (PA). We used accelerometers to determine PA level in individuals with MS with varying degrees of disability as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) during regular daily activities.

Methods: Participants wore an accelerometer from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for 7 consecutive days. Activity counts recorded during this period were analyzed in 1-minute epochs and categorized into one of four PA levels: light, moderate, hard, and very hard.

Results: The study cohort comprised 13 patients with MS and 12 controls. There were significant negative correlations for minutes spent in PA and EDSS measures on weekdays (r = −0.61), weekend (r = −0.64), and full week (r = −0.61) and number of steps taken on weekdays (r = −0.56), weekend (r = −0.80), and full-week average (r = −0.68). Significant positive correlations were found for minutes spent in light PA and EDSS score (r = 0.69). Significant negative correlations were found for minutes spent in moderate and hard PA and EDSS score. No significant difference was seen between the MS group and controls on any parameters (P > .05).

Conclusions: This study showed that accelerometers can be used to objectively quantify PA levels in individuals with MS with different disability levels. This cohort demonstrated that the amount of PA is inversely proportional to the degree of physical disability. Collected data revealed not only the amount but also the intensity of PA performed in real-life circumstances.
Intolerance of Uncertainty
Authors: Alschuler Kevin N. , Beier Meghan L.
Published: January 2015

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive neurologic condition that, by its nature, carries uncertainty as a hallmark characteristic. Although all patients face uncertainty, there is variability in how individuals cope with its presence. In other populations, the concept of “intolerance of uncertainty” has been conceptualized to explain this variability such that individuals who have difficulty tolerating the possibility of future occurrences may engage in thoughts or behaviors by which they attempt to exert control over that possibility or lessen the uncertainty but may, as a result, experience worse outcomes, particularly in terms of psychological well-being. This topical review introduces MS-focused researchers, clinicians, and patients to intolerance of uncertainty, integrates the concept with what is already understood about coping with MS, and suggests future steps for conceptual, assessment, and treatment-focused research that may benefit from integrating intolerance of uncertainty as a central feature.
Preference and Expectation for Treatment Assignment in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Once- vs Twice-weekly Yoga for Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Tran Huong H. , Weinberg Janice , Sherman Karen J. , Saper Robert B.
Published: January 2015

Background:

In studies involving nonpharmacological complementary and alternative medicine interventions, participant blinding is very difficult. Participant expectations may affect perceived benefit of therapy. In studies of yoga as treatment for chronic low back pain, little is known about the relationship between patient expectations and preferences on outcomes. This study was designed to identify baseline predictors of preference and to determine if expectations and preferences for different doses of yoga affect back-related function and low back pain intensity.

Methods:

This was a secondary data analysis of a 12-week randomized controlled trial comparing once-weekly vs twice-weekly yoga for treatment of chronic low back pain in 93 adults from a predominantly low-income minority population. At baseline, participants were asked about back function, back pain, treatment expectations, and treatment preferences. We created a variable “concordance” to describe the matching of participant preference to randomized treatment. Our outcome variables were change in back function and pain intensity after 12 weeks of yoga instruction. We performed logistic regression to identify predictors of preference for once- or twice-weekly yoga instruction. We created linear regression models to identify independent associations between expectations, preference, concordance, and outcomes.

Results:

Worse back function at baseline was associated with 20% higher odds of preferring twice-weekly yoga (OR 1.2, CI 1.1, 1.3). Individuals with higher expectation scores for twice-weekly yoga had 90% higher odds of preferring twice-weekly vs once-weekly yoga (OR 1.9, CI 1.3, 2.7). Individuals with higher expectation scores for once-weekly yoga had 40% less odds of preferring twice-weekly yoga (OR 0.6, CI 0.5, 0.9). After controlling for baseline characteristics, we found no statistically significant relationship between treatment outcomes, preference, expectation scores, or concordance.

Conclusion:

In a population of predominantly low-income minority participants with chronic low back pain, worse back function was associated with preference for more frequent yoga classes. Those who preferred more yoga classes had higher expectations for those classes. Twelve-week change in back pain intensity and back function were not affected by dosing preference, expectation score, or concordance. More research is needed to better measure and quantify preference, expectations, and their relationship to outcomes in yoga research.
Mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake by the voltage-dependent anion channel 2 regulates cardiac rhythmicity
Authors: Shimizu Hirohito , Schredelseker Johann , Huang Jie , Lu Kui , Naghdi Shamim , Lu Fei , Franklin Sarah , Fiji Hannah DG , Wang Kevin , Zhu Huanqi , Tian Cheng , Lin Billy , Nakano Haruko , Ehrlich Amy , Nakai Junichi , Stieg Adam Z , Gimzewski James K , Nakano Atsushi , Goldhaber Joshua I , Vondriska Thomas M , Hajnóczky György , Kwon Ohyun , Chen Jau-Nian
Published: January 2015

Tightly regulated Ca2+ homeostasis is a prerequisite for proper cardiac function. To dissect the regulatory network of cardiac Ca2+ handling, we performed a chemical suppressor screen on zebrafish tremblor embryos, which suffer from Ca2+ extrusion defects. Efsevin was identified based on its potent activity to restore coordinated contractions in tremblor. We show that efsevin binds to VDAC2, potentiates mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and accelerates the transfer of Ca2+ from intracellular stores into mitochondria. In cardiomyocytes, efsevin restricts the temporal and spatial boundaries of Ca2+ sparks and thereby inhibits Ca2+ overload-induced erratic Ca2+ waves and irregular contractions. We further show that overexpression of VDAC2 recapitulates the suppressive effect of efsevin on tremblor embryos whereas VDAC2 deficiency attenuates efsevin's rescue effect and that VDAC2 functions synergistically with MCU to suppress cardiac fibrillation in tremblor. Together, these findings demonstrate a critical modulatory role for VDAC2-dependent mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake in the regulation of cardiac rhythmicity.
Utility of telomere length measurements for age determination of humpback whales
Authors: Olsen Morten Tange , Robbins Jooke , Bérubé Martine , Rew Mary Beth , Palsbøll Per J
Published: January 2015

This study examines the applicability of telomere length measurements by quantitative PCR as a tool for minimally invasive age determination of free-ranging cetaceans. We analysed telomere length in skin samples from 28 North Atlantic humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), ranging from 0 to 26 years of age. The results suggested a significant correlation between telomere length and age in humpback whales. However, telomere length was highly variable among individuals of similar age, suggesting that telomere length measured by quantitative PCR is an imprecise determinant of age in humpback whales. The observed variation in individual telomere length was found to be a function of both experimental and biological variability, with the latter perhaps reflecting patterns of inheritance, resource allocation trade-offs, and stochasticity of the marine environment.
An Attack on Inclusive Education in Secondary Education. Limitations in Initial Teacher Training in Spain
Authors: López-Torrijo Manuel , Mengual-Andrés Santiago
Published: January 2015

Inclusive education is hard to implement in secondary schools. Probably, one of the determining factors lies in teachers’ initial training that determines their attitude, identity and professional practice. This research analyses the initial teacher education programmes for Secondary Education, Higher Secondary Education, called bachillerato in Spain, and Vocational and Artistic training in the five best valued Spanish universities in the education field, according to the ranking I-UGR, after the European convergence process in the European Higher Education Area. The study analyses the national regulations that govern this training. A quantitative study was conducted to examine the number of credits dedicated to inclusive education and also a review of the contents of these subjects was carried out. The study concludes that this initial teacher training provides sufficient theoretical basis regarding the conceptualization of inclusive education and the skills to deal with the tutorship and academic and professional orientation. However, important limitations in training prevent future teachers from identifying students’ and context’s special educational needs, and the attention to diversity through different methods and curriculum adaptations.
Clinical competency evaluation of Brazilian chiropractic interns
Authors: Facchinato Ana Paula A. , Benedicto Camila C. , Mora Aline G. , Cabral Dayane M.C. , Fagundes Djalma J.
Published: January 2015

Objective

This study compares the results of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) between 2 groups of students before an internship and after 6 months of clinical practice in an internship.

Methods

Seventy-two students participated, with 36 students in each cohort. The OSCEs were performed in the simulation laboratory before the participants' clinical practice internship and after 6 months of the internship. Students were tested in 9 stations for clinical skills and knowledge. The same procedures were repeated for both cohorts. The t test was used for unpaired parametric samples and Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of proportions.

Results

There was no difference in the mean final score between the 2 groups (p = .34 for test 1; p = .08 for test 2). The performance of the students in group 1 was not significantly different when performed before and after 6 months of clinical practice, but in group 2 there was a significant decrease in the average score after 6 months of clinical practice.

Conclusions

There was no difference in the cumulative average score for the 2 groups before and after 6 months of clinical practice in the internship. There were differences within the cohorts, however, with a significant decrease in the average score in group 2. Issues pertaining to test standardization and student motivation for test 2 may have influenced the scores.
A COOPERATIVE APPROACH TO OIL SPILL PLANNING
Authors: Gorham William , Cramer Martin
Published: January 2015

California's oil spill cooperatives joined forces to prepare a regional resource manual. The manual provided cooperative members detailed information on sensitive marine resources, response strategies, spill envelopes, response resources, navigation hazards, and other topics for incorporation into individual facility or vessel response plans being prepared for compliance with the stringent requirements of California's Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act. Detailed maps of sensitive resources, response strategies, and spill envelopes were prepared using a geographic information system (GIS) for ease of presentation and revision. Maps were supported by detailed tables on the facing page, producing a maximally user-friendly document.