bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The proximal tubule is the primary target of injury and progression of kidney disease: role of the glomerulotubular junction
Authors: Chevalier Robert L.
Published: May 2016

There is an alarming global increase in the incidence of end-stage kidney disease, for which early biomarkers and effective treatment options are lacking. Largely based on the histology of the end-stage kidney and on the model of unilateral ureteral obstruction, current investigation is focused on the pathogenesis of renal interstitial fibrosis as a central mechanism in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is now recognized that cumulative episodes of acute kidney injury (AKI) can lead to CKD, and, conversely, CKD is a risk factor for AKI. Based on recent and historic studies, this review shifts attention from the glomerulus and interstitium to the proximal tubule as the primary sensor and effector in the progression of CKD as well as AKI. Packed with mitochondria and dependent on oxidative phosphorylation, the proximal tubule is particularly vulnerable to injury (obstructive, ischemic, hypoxic, oxidative, metabolic), resulting in cell death and ultimately in the formation of atubular glomeruli. Animal models of human glomerular and tubular disorders have provided evidence for a broad repertoire of morphological and functional responses of the proximal tubule, revealing processes of degeneration and repair that may lead to new therapeutic strategies. Most promising are studies that encompass the entire life cycle from fetus to senescence, recognizing epigenetic factors. The application of techniques in molecular characterization of tubule segments and the development of human kidney organoids may provide new insights into the mammalian kidney subjected to stress or injury, leading to biomarkers of early CKD and new therapies.
Subspace mapping of the three-dimensional spectral receptive field of macaque MT neurons
Authors: Inagaki Mikio , Sasaki Kota S. , Hashimoto Hajime , Ohzawa Izumi
Published: May 2016

Neurons in the middle temporal (MT) visual area are thought to represent the velocity (direction and speed) of motion. Previous studies suggest the importance of both excitation and suppression for creating velocity representation in MT; however, details of the organization of excitation and suppression at the MT stage are not understood fully. In this article, we examine how excitatory and suppressive inputs are pooled in individual MT neurons by measuring their receptive fields in a three-dimensional (3-D) spatiotemporal frequency domain. We recorded the activity of single MT neurons from anesthetized macaque monkeys. To achieve both quality and resolution of the receptive field estimations, we applied a subspace reverse correlation technique in which a stimulus sequence of superimposed multiple drifting gratings was cross-correlated with the spiking activity of neurons. Excitatory responses tended to be organized in a manner representing a specific velocity independent of the spatial pattern of the stimuli. Conversely, suppressive responses tended to be distributed broadly over the 3-D frequency domain, supporting a hypothesis of response normalization. Despite the nonspecific distributed profile, the total summed strength of suppression was comparable to that of excitation in many MT neurons. Furthermore, suppressive responses reduced the bandwidth of velocity tuning, indicating that suppression improves the reliability of velocity representation. Our results suggest that both well-organized excitatory inputs and broad suppressive inputs contribute significantly to the invariant and reliable representation of velocity in MT.
Dopamine D1 receptor modulation of calcium channel currents in horizontal cells of mouse retina
Authors: Liu Xue , Grove James C. R. , Hirano Arlene A. , Brecha Nicholas C. , Barnes Steven
Published: May 2016

Horizontal cells form the first laterally interacting network of inhibitory interneurons in the retina. Dopamine released onto horizontal cells under photic and circadian control modulates horizontal cell function. Using isolated, identified horizontal cells from a connexin-57-iCre × ROSA26-tdTomato transgenic mouse line, we investigated dopaminergic modulation of calcium channel currents ( ICa) with whole cell patch-clamp techniques. Dopamine (10 μM) blocked 27% of steady-state ICa, an action blunted to 9% in the presence of the L-type Ca channel blocker verapamil (50 μM). The dopamine type 1 receptor (D1R) agonist SKF38393 (20 μM) inhibited ICaby 24%. The D1R antagonist SCH23390 (20 μM) reduced dopamine and SKF38393 inhibition. Dopamine slowed ICaactivation, blocking ICaby 38% early in a voltage step. Enhanced early inhibition of ICawas eliminated by applying voltage prepulses to +120 mV for 100 ms, increasing ICaby 31% and 11% for early and steady-state currents, respectively. Voltage-dependent facilitation of ICaand block of dopamine inhibition after preincubation with a Gβγ-blocking peptide suggested involvement of Gβγ proteins in the D1R-mediated modulation. When the G protein activator guanosine 5′- O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPγS) was added intracellularly, ICawas smaller and showed the same slowed kinetics seen during D1R activation. With GTPγS in the pipette, additional block of ICaby dopamine was only 6%. Strong depolarizing voltage prepulses restored the GTPγS-reduced early ICaamplitude by 36% and steady-state ICaamplitude by 3%. These results suggest that dopaminergic inhibition of ICavia D1Rs is primarily mediated through the action of Gβγ proteins in horizontal cells.
P2Y12 receptor inhibition and effect of morphine in patients undergoing primary PCI for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Silvain Johanne , Storey Robert F. , Cayla Guillaume , Esteve Jean-Baptiste , Dillinger Jean-Guillaume , Rousseau Hélène , Tsatsaris Anne , Baradat Caroline , Salhi Néjoua , Hamm Christian W. , Lapostolle Frédéric , Lassen Jens Flensted , Collet Jean-Philippe , ten Berg Jurrien M. , van ’t Hof Arnoud W. , Montalescot Gilles
Published: May 2016

PRIVATE-ATLANTIC (P2Y12 Receptor Inhibition with VASP Testing using Elisa kit during the ATLANTIC study) is a pre-specified substudy of the randomised, double-blind ATLANTIC trial in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, designed to help interpret the main trial results. The primary objective of ATLANTIC was to assess coronary reperfusion prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with pre- vs in-hospital ticagrelor 180 mg loading dose (LD). PRIVATE-ATLANTIC assessed platelet inhibition in 37 patients by measurement of vasodilator-associated stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) platelet reactivity index (PRI) and VerifyNow platelet reactivity units (PRU) before angiogram (T1), immediately after PCI (T2), 1 (T3), and 6 (T4) hours (h) after PCI, and before next study drug administration (T5). The median time difference between the two ticagrelor LD was 41 minutes. Platelet reactivity was unaffected at T1 when measured by VASP-PRI (89.8 vs 93.9% for pre- and in-hospital ticagrelor, respectively; p = 0.18) or PRU (239 vs 241; p = 0.82). Numerical differences were apparent at T2 and maximal at T3. Morphine administration significantly delayed onset of platelet inhibition at T3 (VASP-PRI 78.2 vs 23.4% without morphine; p = 0.0116) and T4 (33.1 vs 11.0%; p = 0.0057). In conclusion, platelet inhibition in ATLANTIC was unaffected by pre-hospital ticagrelor administration at the time of initial angiogram due to the short transfer delay. The maximum difference in platelet inhibition was detected 1 h after PCI (T3). Morphine administration was associated with delayed onset of action of ticagrelor and appeared more important than timing of ticagrelor administration.
Eficiência in vitro de três diluidores para sêmen de coelho
Authors: Andrade André Furugen Cesar de , Celeghini Eneiva Carla Carvalho , Yonezawa Letícia Andresa , Spers Aleksandrs , Arruda Rubens Paes de
Published: May 2016

Foi o objetivo deste trabalho comparar in vitro a eficiência de três diluidores para sêmen de coelhos: solução de Ringer com lactato de sódio, um meio à base de citrato de sódio e gema de ovo e um meio à base de leite desnatado sobre a manutenção da motilidade progressiva e do vigor espermático. Para tanto, foram utilizados 5 coelhos realizando-se 10 colheitas de sêmen de cada (n = 50). O sêmen foi colhido com vagina artificial, e avaliado quanto ao volume, motilidade, vigor e concentração. O sêmen foi diluído (20x106 espermatozóides/mL) em microtubos pré-aquecidos a 37ºC nos três diluidores, e então incubados em banho-maria a 37ºC por 120 minutos, realizando-se avaliações a cada 30 minutos. Imediatamente após a diluição (tempo 0) a motilidade espermática não diferiu (P>;0,05) entre os diluidores, todavia, reduziu (P<0,05) no diluído com Ringer quando comparado ao sêmen in natura. Já o vigor no tempo 0 diminuiu (P<0,05) nos três meios. A motilidade espermática foi melhor preservada (P<0,05) durante a incubação de 30 até 120 minutos para o sêmen diluído nos diluidores citrato-gema e à base de leite do que para aquele diluído em Ringer. A preservação do vigor variou entre os diluidores durante o tempo de incubação in vitro, contudo, foi semelhante entre os três diluidores após 120 minutos de incubação. Com estes resultados, pode-se inferir que os diluidores testados proporcionam um meio que permite manter a viabilidade espermática para que possa ser realizada a inseminação artificial em coelhas até duas horas pós-diluição
New technique for fixing rib fracture with bioabsorbable plate
Authors: Oyamatsu Hironori , Ohata Norihisa , Narita Kunio
Published: May 2016

Fixation of a bone fracture with a bioabsorbable plate made of poly-L-lactide and hydroxyapatite has received attention. We adopted this technique for a rib fracture by bending the plate into a U-shape and fixing it with suture through the holes in the mesh of the plate and holes that are drilled in the edge of the fractured rib. The suture is also wound around the plate.
Breaking down barriers
Authors: Abass Tahir , Reeves Carla , Raikes Ben
Published: May 2016

This paper explores the experiences and support needs of British Pakistani families of prisoners through in-depth interviews with six family members of different prisoners: four males and two females, ranging between 18 and 40 years. Key findings are that British Pakistani family members of prisoners experienced the Criminal Justice System as culturally inappropriate and insensitive, raising questions of direct, indirect and institutional racism. Furthermore, family members were more likely to access support if criminal justice and support services staff were drawn from the wider British Pakistani community, but felt hindered from doing so if those staff were thought to have personal relationships to the families’ own local communities.
PPAR-α, a lipid-sensing transcription factor, regulates blood–brain barrier efflux transporter expression
Authors: More Vijay R , Campos Christopher R , Evans Rebecca A , Oliver Keith D , Chan Gary NY , Miller David S , Cannon Ronald E
Published: May 2016

Lipid sensor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR- α) is the master regulator of lipid metabolism. Dietary release of endogenous free fatty acids, fibrates, and certain persistent environmental pollutants, e.g. perfluoroalkyl fire-fighting foam components, are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha ligands. Here, we define a role for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha in regulating the expression of three ATP-driven drug efflux transporters at the rat and mouse blood–brain barriers: P-glycoprotein (Abcb1), breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp/Abcg2), and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2/Abcc2). Exposing isolated rat brain capillaries to linoleic acid, clofibrate, or PKAs increased the transport activity and protein expression of the three ABC transporters. These effects were blocked by the PPAR- α antagonist, GW6471. Dosing rats with 20 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg of clofibrate decreased the brain accumulation of the P-glycoprotein substrate, verapamil, by 50% (in situ brain perfusion; effects blocked by GW6471) and increased P-glycoprotein expression and activity in capillaries ex vivo. Fasting C57Bl/6 wild-type mice for 24 h increased both serum lipids and brain capillary P-glycoprotein transport activity. Fasting did not alter P-glycoprotein activity in PPAR- α knockout mice. These results indicate that hyperlipidemia, lipid-lowering fibrates and exposure to certain fire-fighting foam components activate blood–brain barrier peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, increase drug efflux transporter expression and reduce drug delivery to the brain.
Survival After Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Older Adults With Neurologic Disorders
Authors: Kara Ozgur , Kizilarslanoglu Muhammet Cemal , Canbaz Busra , Arik Gunes , Varan Hacer Dogan , Kuyumcu Mehmet Emin , Kilic Mustafa Kemal , Sumer Fatih , Yesil Yusuf , Yavuz Burcu Balam , Cankurtaran Mustafa , Ozturk Omer , Kav Taylan , Halil Meltem
Published: May 2016

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement is a common procedure performed to provide a route for enteral feeding. We aimed to examine the survival after PEG in older adults with neurologic disease and to demonstrate the factors associated with mortality. Methods: We analyzed the data of 500 patients who underwent PEG placement between 2005 and 2015 at a university hospital. The data included age, sex, follow‐up duration, comorbidities, medications, indications for PEG, complications, and laboratory results. Related risk factors and mortality rates were analyzed. Results: Median age was 77 years. Median survival time after PEG placement was 13.9 months. The 30‐day, 3‐month, 1‐year, 2‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year mortality rates were 11.3%, 28.3%, 46.8%, 56.3 %, 63.0%, and 67.8%, respectively. Stroke was independently correlated with mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52–3.19; P < .001). Overall survival time after PEG placement was shorter in patients with stroke than without stroke (11.4 vs 27.1 months, P = .014). In multivariate logistic regression analyses, preprocedural neutrophil percentage (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.02–1.17, P = .015) and late complications (OR, 9.2; 95% CI, 1.80–46.90; P = .008) were independent risk factors for mortality in the stroke subgroup. Prophylactic antibiotic usage (OR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.17–0.29; P < .001) and hyperlipidemia (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.86–1.00; P = .048) were independently and inversely correlated with mortality in stroke patients. Conclusions: Stroke patients had higher mortality rates than other neurological indications for PEG. In stroke patients with PEG, neutrophil percentage was independently correlated with mortality, while hyperlipidemia and preprocedural antibiotic usage were independently related with survival.
Is conceptual analysis only an inquiry into rules for the use of concepts?
Authors: Hibberd Fiona J.
Published: May 2016

“Does what is said make sense?” or “Is what is said nonsense?” This is the criterion employed by those influenced by Wittgenstein’s post- Tractatus view that the rules or conventions for the use of expressions determine what it makes sense to say. It drives what most in theoretical psychology take conceptual analysis to be—the clarification of existing grammar, viz., rules for the use of concepts, and the provision of grammatical insights—for these apparently determine what does and what does not make sense. Yet this seems odd in ways which I highlight. Perhaps some of us continue to miss the Wittgensteinian point, but a more complex account of conceptual analysis unfolds from the anomalies in Hacker’s approach.
Book review: Jolly, A. 2015: Thank You, Madagascar: The Conservation Diaries of Alison Jolly
Authors: Shrum Megan
Published: May 2016

Jolly, A. 2015: Thank You, Madagascar: The Conservation Diaries of Alison Jolly. London: Zed Books. 424 pp. £ 18.99 hardback. ISBN: 1 78360 318 3.
Rescue Medicine for Epilepsy
Authors: Galemore Cynthia A.
Published: May 2016

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently published a clinical report recommending expanded options for seizure rescue medications in the school setting. School nurses rely on prescribing professionals for medical orders to manage children with epilepsy in the school setting. The report suggests additional medications beyond rectal diazepam gel along with discussing the purpose of the medications, the variations in prescribing practices for seizure rescue medications, inconsistencies in legislation based on jurisdictions, and the need for school medical orders for students with epilepsy. There are many issues faced by school personnel when caring for students with a diagnosis of epilepsy, chief among them the presence of licensed health professions for the school to be able to respond quickly and appropriately in the event of a seizure. School nurses can assist health care providers in determining the rescue medication most easily delivered and monitored in the variety of activities that are part of the school experience, including transportation to and from school, field trips, and before- and after-school activities, all beyond the regular classroom setting.
The School Nurse’s Role in Addressing Female Genital Mutilation
Authors: Nowak Barbara
Published: May 2016

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is the practice in some immigrant populations of cutting or causing injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The incidence of FGM/C has increased by 314% in school-aged children according to a study published in 2016. The school nurse is in an optimal position to identify children at risk and build collaborative relationships to treat the students affected by the practice. FGM/C is child abuse and carries both federal and state legal consequences. It is important for the school nurse to understand the cultural context, legal guidance, and social consequences of this practice within the greater community. The school nurse should work to develop interagency guidelines to provide safe processes for the child and the family. The most effective programs use a combination of educational strategies for families and communities along with law enforcement to help abolish the practice.
Perpetual contact as a communicative affordance: Opportunities, constraints, and emotions
Authors: Mascheroni Giovanna , Vincent Jane
Published: May 2016

This paper draws on qualitative data collected as a part of a comparative study on children and teenagers’ uses of smartphones in nine European countries to explore the meanings and emotions associated with the enhanced possibility of “full-time” contact with peers provided by smartphones. It argues that full-time access to peers—which interviewees identify as the main consequence of smartphones and instant messaging apps on their interactions with friends—is a communicative affordance, that is, a set of socially constructed opportunities and constraints that frame possibilities of action by giving rise to a diversity of communicative practices, as well as contradictory feelings among young people: intimacy, proximity, security as well as anxiety, exclusion and obligation. Understanding the perceptions and emotions around the affordance of “anywhere, anytime” accessibility, therefore, helps in untangling how communicative affordances are individually perceived but also, and more importantly, socially appropriated, negotiated, legitimised, and institutionalised.
Rousing reviews and instigative images: The impact of online reviews and visual design characteristics on app downloads
Authors: Burgers Christian , Eden Allison , de Jong Robin , Buningh Sander
Published: May 2016

Mobile apps are very popular. However, this is not true for every app, with some apps receiving millions of downloads, while other apps are mostly ignored. We investigate the popularity of apps in terms of downloads by focusing on two salient cues: (a) online recommendations (e.g., presence and valence of online reviews) and (b) visual characteristics of app icons (e.g., use of visual metaphors and anthropomorphism). Study 1 was a field study in which we content-analyzed 500 apps from the “transportation” subcategory of the Google Play Store. We found that the presence and valence of online reviews, as well as the presence of visual metaphors in app icons were positively related to the number of app downloads. Study 2 was an experiment in which we presented participants with different app icons containing different types of visual metaphors. We again found that app icons with visual metaphors led to more positive attitudes towards the apps and behavioral intentions. Combined, our studies show that both online consumers (through online reviews) and app designers (through visual design) impact an app’s popularity.
Topographic distribution of white matter changes and lacunar infarcts in neurodegenerative and vascular dementia syndromes: A post-mortem 7.0-tesla magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: De Reuck Jacques , Auger Florent , Durieux Nicolas , Cordonnier Charlotte , Deramecourt Vincent , Pasquier Florence , Maurage Claude-Alain , Leys Didier , Bordet Regis
Published: May 2016

Background

White matter changes and lacunar infarcts are regarded as linked to the same underlying small-vessel pathology. On magnetic resonance imaging, white matter changes are frequently observed, while the number of lacunar infarcts is probably underestimated. The present study post-mortem 7.0-tesla magnetic resonance imaging study compares the severity and the distribution of white matter changes and lacunar infarcts in different neurodegenerative and vascular dementia syndromes in order to determine their impact on the disease evolution.

Patients and methods

Eighty-four post-mortem brains consisting of 15 patients with pure Alzheimer’s disease and 12 with associated cerebral amyloid angiopathy, 14 patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration, 7 with Lewy body dementia, 10 with progressive supranuclear palsy, 14 with vascular dementia and 12 control brains were examined. Six hemispheric coronal sections of each brain underwent 7.0-tesla magnetic resonance imaging. Location and severity of white matter changes and lacunar infarcts were evaluated semi-quantitatively in each section separately.

Results

White matter changes predominated in the prefrontal and frontal sections of frontotemporal lobar degeneration and in the post-central section of associated cerebral amyloid angiopathy brains, while overall increased in vascular dementia cases. Lacunar infarcts were more frequent in the vascular dementia brains and mainly increased in the centrum semiovale.

Conclusions

White matter changes have a different topographic distribution in neurodegenerative diseases and are most severe and extended in vascular dementia. Lacunar infarcts predominate in the deep white matter of vascular dementia compared to the neurodegenerative diseases. Vascular cognitive impairment is mainly linked to white matter changes due to chronic ischaemia as well as to lacunar infarcts due to small-vessel occlusion.
Lipid-lowering properties of protein-rich mucuna product
Authors: Ngatchic Josiane Therese Metsagang , Njintang NicolasYanou , Bernard Clemence , Oben Julius , Mbofung Carl Moses
Published: May 2016

Background

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of protein-rich mucuna product (PRMP) on lipid parameters of hyperlipidemic rats.

Methods

Hyperlipidemia was induced in male rats for 3 weeks through high-fat diet. After induction, 30 hyperlipidemic rats were divided into five groups of six rats: control group (CG) received casein and four groups received PRMP as protein source at different proportions: 8.2, 16.4, 24.6, and 32.8 % corresponding, respectively, to 25, 50, 75, and 100 % substitution of casein in the diet for 3 weeks. Lipid and oxidative stress parameters of rats were assessed.

Results

There were no significant differences in food intake and body weight loss among the experimental groups. The concentrations of the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were lower in groups fed on PRMP 50, 75, and 100 % than in the CG group (p < 0.05). Histological analysis of the liver revealed that animals fed on PRMP diets presented a lower level of steatosis than the CG group. The most significant reduction of lipid parameters was obtained when PRMP was used as unique source of protein (PRMP 100 %). PRMP also influenced oxidative stress parameters as evidenced by a decrease in malondialdehyde and an increase in catalase and superoxide dismutase.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrated that PRMP exerts hypolipidemic effect; it has a metabolic effect on endogenous cholesterol metabolism and a protector effect on the development of hepatic steatosis. Our results also suggest that PRMP could manage metabolic diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Beverages characterize the nutritional profile of Brazilian adolescents’ breakfast
Authors: dos Santos Correa Alline , Rodrigues Paulo Rogério Melo , Monteiro Luana Silva , de Souza Rita Adriana Gomes , Sichieri Rosely , Pereira Rosangela Alves
Published: May 2016

Background

The breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and its quality is essential for children and adolescents to maintain proper health condition. However, the nutritional composition of breakfast remains poorly studied. The aim of this study was to characterize the nutritional quality of Brazilian adolescents’ breakfast.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study, conducted in 2005, including 1133 students from public schools, between 10 and 14 years old, in Niterói, Brazil. Information regarding breakfast consumption was obtained using 24-h dietary recall. Cluster analysis was applied to characterize the breakfast nutritional profiles.

Results

Of the sample, 16 % did not have breakfast on the survey day, and skipping breakfast was more frequent among overweight than among of normal-weight individuals (20 vs. 15 %; P = 0.04) as well as among those studying in the morning shift compared to adolescents studying in the afternoon shift (18 vs. 10 %; P < 0.01). The mean daily energy, macronutrient, calcium, and vitamin A intakes were significantly higher among individuals who had breakfast compared with those who did not. The breakfast contribution to the daily energy intake was, on average, of 18 %. The food profile analysis showed that breakfast could be characterized by the type of beverage consumed in the meal, and five eating profiles were identified: “Coffee or tea,” “Milk or milk-based beverages,” “Sugar-sweetened beverages,” “No beverage consumption,” and “More than one type of beverage”.

Conclusions

The dietary breakfast choices were related with the daily energy and nutrient intake and the type of beverage characterized the breakfast food selection among Brazilian adolescents.
Teaching Real Data Interpretation with Models (TRIM): Analysis of Student Dialogue in a Large-Enrollment Cell and Developmental Biology Course
Authors: Zagallo Patricia , Meddleton Shanice , Bolger Molly S.
Published: May 2016

We present our design for a cell biology course to integrate content with scientific practices, specifically data interpretation and model-based reasoning. A 2-yr research project within this course allowed us to understand how students interpret authentic biological data in this setting. Through analysis of written work, we measured the extent to which students’ data interpretations were valid and/or generative. By analyzing small-group audio recordings during in-class activities, we demonstrated how students used instructor-provided models to build and refine data interpretations. Often, students used models to broaden the scope of data interpretations, tying conclusions to a biological significance. Coding analysis revealed several strategies and challenges that were common among students in this collaborative setting. Spontaneous argumentation was present in 82% of transcripts, suggesting that data interpretation using models may be a way to elicit this important disciplinary practice. Argumentation dialogue included frequent co-construction of claims backed by evidence from data. Other common strategies included collaborative decoding of data representations and noticing data patterns before making interpretive claims. Focusing on irrelevant data patterns was the most common challenge. Our findings provide evidence to support the feasibility of supporting students’ data-interpretation skills within a large lecture course.
Collaborative Pediatric Bone Tumor Program to Improve Access to Specialized Care: An Initiative by the Lebanese Children’s Oncology Group
Authors: Saab Raya , Merabi Zeina , Abboud Miguel R. , Muwakkit Samar , Noun Peter , Gemayel Gladys , Bechara Elie , Khalifeh Hassan , Farah Roula , Kabbara Nabil , El-Khoury Tarek , Al-Yousef Rasha , Haidar Rachid , Saghieh Said , Eid Toufic , Akel Samir , Khoury Nabil , Bayram Layal , Krasin Matthew J. , Jeha Sima , El-Solh Hassan
Published: May 2016

Background

Children with malignant bone tumors have average 5-year survival rates of 60% to 70% with current multimodality therapy. Local control modalities aimed at preserving function greatly influence the quality of life of long-term survivors. In developing countries, the limited availability of multidisciplinary care and limited expertise in specialized surgery and pediatric radiation therapy, as well as financial cost, all form barriers to achieving optimal outcomes in this population.

Methods

We describe the establishment of a collaborative pediatric bone tumor program among a group of pediatric oncologists in Lebanon and Syria. This program provides access to specialized local control at a tertiary children’s cancer center to pediatric patients with newly diagnosed bone tumors at participating sites. Central review of pathology, staging, and treatment planning is performed in a multidisciplinary tumor board setting. Patients receive chemotherapy at their respective centers on a unified treatment plan. Surgery and/or radiation therapy are performed centrally by specialized staff at the children’s cancer center. Cost barriers were resolved through a program development initiative led by St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Once program feasibility was achieved, the Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon Foundation, via fundraising efforts, provided continuation of program-directed funding.

Results

Findings over a 3-year period showed the feasibility of this project, with timely local control and protocol adherence at eight collaborating centers. We report success in providing standard-of-care multidisciplinary therapy to this patient population with complex needs and financially challenging surgical procedures.

Conclusion

This initiative can serve as a model, noting that facilitating access to specialized multidisciplinary care, resolution of financial barriers, and close administrative coordination all greatly contributed to the success of the program.
The GenABEL Project for statistical genomics
Authors: Karssen Lennart C. , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Aulchenko Yurii S.
Published: May 2016

Development of free/libre open source software is usually done by a community of people with an interest in the tool. For scientific software, however, this is less often the case. Most scientific software is written by only a few authors, often a student working on a thesis. Once the paper describing the tool has been published, the tool is no longer developed further and is left to its own device. Here we describe the broad, multidisciplinary community we formed around a set of tools for statistical genomics. The GenABEL project for statistical omics actively promotes open interdisciplinary development of statistical methodology and its implementation in efficient and user-friendly software under an open source licence. The software tools developed withing the project collectively make up the GenABEL suite, which currently consists of eleven tools. The open framework of the project actively encourages involvement of the community in all stages, from formulation of methodological ideas to application of software to specific data sets. A web forum is used to channel user questions and discussions, further promoting the use of the GenABEL suite. Developer discussions take place on a dedicated mailing list, and development is further supported by robust development practices including use of public version control, code review and continuous integration. Use of this open science model attracts contributions from users and developers outside the “core team”, facilitating agile statistical omics methodology development and fast dissemination.
About the use of the recognition algorithm of the text in database
Authors: Хромушин  , Khromushin Oleg , Хромушин  , Khromushin Viktor , Китанина  , Kitanina K.
Published: May 2016

This article presents the features of the use of the recognition algorithm of the text by method "slitherring widening window" for coding the plural reasons to deaths. The used algorithm dynamically "adjusts" degree of the coincidence and finds the most similar variant, as well as allows to recognize the text with grammatical errors and with ceased word in wording of the reason to deaths.

The authors propose three variants to realization of the recognition algorithm of the text, that increase the speed of action. The first variant is based on the elimination of one of its replacement cycle by calculating the simultaneous windows with different sizes (1 to 16). The second variant is based on the pre-filter, for example, by scanning three letters, and the use of the intermediate base for receiving the filtered information. This option allows you to reduce the amount of sorted data and thereby increases performance. The third variant based on the filtering, involves sorting information in the query executed on the basis of previous information query filtration. The advantages and disadvantages identified for each option. The results were evaluated on the speed of action and accuracy of recognition. In this framework, there were 8472 languages used for encoding of multiple causes of death.

The described analysis is useful in developing a software module used to register mortality. It is recom-mended the third option, based on the filter, to implement the language Visual C ++.
Innovative methods of analyzing, processing and information management in health system
Authors: Еськов  , Eskov Valeriy , Хромушин  , Khromushin Viktor , Хетагурова  , Khetagurova A.
Published: May 2016

The review presents the results of a long-term collaboration of three research teams from Surgut, Tula and Moscow, which carried out the development of innovative methods of analyzing, processing and information management to ensure the adoption of optimal solutions and to improve the efficiency of the health system. Research teams have created an intelligent system to work with semi-structured data arrays. Creating the theory of chaos and self-organization of systems, based on compartment and cluster approach, is justified. It was shown the possibility of controlling the functional systems of the human body by methods of regenerative medi-cine. The authors have developed a system of databases formation and intelligent decision-making and imple-mentation, proving the versatility of neural network approach and adaptation it to the information processing, obtained in the course of medical research. The vastness of the received information has led to the brevity of presentation with a sufficient number of references to the realized works.
Activities of tubercular inflammation (on the morphological data) with different duration in the patients with drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Елипашев  , Elipashev A. , Никольский  , Nikolskiy V. , Шпрыков  , Shprykov A.
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this research was to determine the dependence of the tubercular inflammation activity of varying duration of the disease and drug resistance. Morphological activity of inflammation in 161 patients with drug-resistant and 149 patients with retaining its high sensitivity was studied. Morphological assessment of the activity of specific changes in tuberculosis was carried out according to the B.M. Ariel classification (1998). It was revealed at morphologic study of resection material that the greatest activity of specific inflammation and its prevalence outside the main lesion was in the group of patients limited with drug resistance tuberculosis. It was noted the prevalence of IV-V degree of morphological activity of tubercular process in the study group by 3 times over the control group with disease duration of more than 1 year. Predominance of widespread active specific changes (IV degree) was determined in 2 times for the first educed patients of basic group with drug-resistant above a control group. This is due to increasing the number of patients with cavernous and fibro-cavernous tuberculosis.Thus, it is necessary to operate patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis as soon as possi-ble after adequate specific therapy and the presence of the signs of stabilization process, because as the full stabilization of tuberculosis process did not achieve according to the morphological study of surgical specimens in the preoperative period. Further specific therapy becomes futile due to the rise of drug resistance, the emer-gence of new drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Cell damage in diabetes mellitus caused by excessive action of insulin
Authors: Макишева  , Makisheva R.
Published: May 2016

In many scientific works the conclusion about the adaptive significance of insulin resistance was formed. There is evidence that insulin hypersecretion may precede and cause insulin resistance. In this regard, a reason is important that forces the organism to reduce the sensitivity of tissues to insulin. In the present review, the authors propose to discuss the issues, which are the tissues with diabetes vulnerable to damage. Where must push glucose during intensive therapy of diabetes mellitus, aimed at euglycemia? The vulnerability of cells is determined by the degree of sensitivity, the volume of blood perfusion, the functional significance of the tissue. The sensitivity of the cells is determined by tissue type; its functional activity; share of the total integrated activity of the organism; functional reserve capacity; degree of energy and plastic deficit.

Excess effect of insulin on the tissue is hypoxia and accumulation of glycogen. Insulin therapy does not prevent development of degenerative lesions in the kidneys, brain, retina and heart muscle. In terms of complex treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 and normalization of carbohydrate metabolism does not occur full repara-tion of membrane systems due to the continuity of intensive insulin therapy. Prolonged exposure to insulin in excessive doses leads to damage accumulation and the development of complications makes the disease incurable. The need to develop mechanisms to protect cells from damage is evident. The authors suggest that to reduce the tension caused by hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance is not sufficient. Damage triggers compensatory mechanisms. The practice of continuous use of high doses of insulin to overcome insulin resistance should be terminated. It is necessary to revise the indications for insulin therapy and its duration.
Physiological criteria dynamics of mastering technique of the autogenous training
Authors: Потехина  , Potekhina Yu. , Шарандова  , Sharandova E. , Продиус  , Prodius P.
Published: May 2016

The purpose of study was to investigate the short-term and long-term effects of the autogenous training (AT) and to search the evaluation criteria of successfulness of AT mastering. It was carried out a comparative analysis of dynamics of changes of the galvanic skin response (GSR), ECG and infrared irradiation of hands, as during the session, as well as at the initial and final stage of the AT course. 10 patients have been studied: 5 women and 5 men aged 19-21 years. AT training was implemented basing on the classic Schulz method for 20 sessions. On the basis of the dynamics of physiological characteristics it was established that the GSR reduction is the most representative indicator of the short-term adaptation to AT. The ability to voluntarily prolong the R-R interval was determined as a criterion of successfulness of mastering of AT. The ability to voluntarily increase temperature of the hands during the AT session was determined as the most significant parameter of the long-term adaptation to AT. The revealed physiological criteria of dynamics of acquisition of AT can be used in practice; availability of instrumental diagnostics means, including the portable infrared thermometer CEM TermoDiagnostics and the automatic tonometer, can contribute to a more widespread application of AT tech-niques.
Cytomorphometric and immunohistochemical results of regenerate bone after intraosseous injection of the drug "perftoran" at the оsteosynthesis of femoral neck fractures (experimental study)
Authors: Будаев  , Budaev A. , Басов  , Basov A. , Шпаковский  , Shpakovskiy M. , Грибанов  , Gribanov N. , Ардашев  , Ardashev I. , Разумов  , Razumov Aleksandr , Казанин  , Kazanin Konstantin , Никитенко  , Nikitenko E.
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study is to analyze the immune-histochemical results of cytomorphometric bone regenerate after intraosseous injection the "Perftoran" with experimental osteosynthesis of femoral neck frac-tures. Materials and methods. As experimental animals were male rabbits Chinchilla aged 6 months. In all the animals the femoral neck fracture was formed transcervically osteotomy site and the femoral head ligament was crossed. These cytomorphometric and immune-histochemical studies of regenerate bone fracture area injected were analyzed in the dynamics in 3 series of animals. The first (control) series (n=20) did not carry out a fracture fixation, and the head of the thigh was injected oxygenated drug the Perftoran. In the second series (n=24) a fracture was synthesized by bioactive 3-spokes, the drug Perftoran did not injected. In the third series (n=24) a fracture was fixed by means of 3 bioactive broken spokes and the oxygenated drug Perftoran was injected in head hip intraoperatively. Results and discussion. In the first series of experiments, the radiographic and macroscopic results did not revealed signs of fracture healing, it was observed a formation of a false joint. In the series with internal fixation of femoral neck fractures by bioactive spokes it was identified fracture healing. In the 2 serie to 60 days, it was noted an increase in the number density of osteoclasts and a gradual reduction in the surface area of trabeculae, indicating that the ongoing process of reparative regeneration with active restructuring of bone tissue. In the 3 serie with the Perftoran intraosseous injection, a cellular composition of bone regeneration was significantly cor-responded more mature bone tissue. Conclusion. Intraosseous injection of the oxygenated drug Perftoran in avascular femoral head at the os-teosynthesis of experimental hip fracture by bioactive titanium implants with calcium phosphate coating reduces inflammatory infiltration and secondary osteoresorption. This contributes to improving the remodeling of bone tissue and to the completion of the formation of mature bone fracture zone in the early stages compared to the group without the use of the drug Perftoran.
Efficiency evaluation of the dimebon gel in experiment
Authors: Степанова  , Stepanova E. , Майорова  , Mayorova A. , Хадарцев  , Khadartsev Aleksandr
Published: May 2016

The article presents the characteristics of the Dimebon drug, different ways of drug delivery to organs and tissues. The purpose of this study was to determine the Dimebon gel effect on inflammation in experimental animals in comparison with other gels. It was found the criteria of evaluation and formulation of algorithms experiment. It was revealed the absence of systemic toxicity of the Dimebon gel, the severity of their de-congestant effect (77.04%) and a superior action with microcapsules Dimebon (69.63%). The Dimebon gel is not inferior to the Fenistil gel. This is explained by the action of the test Dimebon, because the effectiveness of gel base in 3,2 times is inferior to the subject gel. Regenerative activity the Dimebon gel is controlled burn time of rejection of the scab, which was lower by 2 days than when using the Fenistil gel and 4 days after the Dimebon gel microcapsules.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Home‐Based Hormonal Contraceptive Dispensing for Women At Risk of Unintended Pregnancy
Authors: Melnick Alan L. , Rdesinski Rebecca E. , Marino Miguel , Jacob‐Files Elizabeth , Gipson Teresa , Kuyl Marni , Dexter Eve , Olds David
Published: May 2016

CONTEXT

Women frequently experience barriers to obtaining effective contraceptives from clinic‐based providers. Allowing nurses to dispense hormonal methods during home visits may be a way to reduce barriers and improve ‐effective contraceptive use.

METHODS

Between 2009 and 2013, a sample of 337 low‐income, pregnant clients of a nurse home‐visit program in Washington State were randomly selected to receive either usual care or enhanced care in which nurses were permitted to provide hormonal contraceptives postpartum. Participants were surveyed at baseline and every three months postpartum for up to two years. Longitudinal Poisson mixed‐effects regression analysis was used to examine group differences in gaps in effective contraceptive use, and survival analysis was used to examine time until a subsequent pregnancy.

RESULTS

Compared with usual care participants, enhanced care participants had an average of 9.6 fewer days not covered by effective contraceptive use during the 90 days following a first birth (52.6 vs. 62.2). By six months postpartum, 50% of usual care participants and 39% of enhanced care participants were using a long‐acting reversible contraceptive (LARC). In analyses excluding LARC use, enhanced care participants had an average of 14.2 fewer days not covered by effective contraceptive use 0–3 months postpartum (65.0 vs. 79.2) and 15.7 fewer uncovered days 4–6 months postpartum (39.2 vs. 54.9).

CONCLUSION

Home dispensing of hormonal contraceptives may improve women's postpartum contraceptive use and should be explored as an intervention in communities where contraceptives are not easily accessible.
Knowing me knowing you: Enhancing emotional literacy through visual arts
Authors: Nixon Margaret
Published: May 2016

This article presents Enhancing Emotional Literacy through Visual Arts (ELVA) an innovative approach, developed by The Dax Centre, incorporating visual arts and mental health for primary school students. ELVA, beginning as a five-year project, and funded though a philanthropic grant, is the result of the collaborative efforts of a multidisciplinary advisory group of teachers, child psychotherapists, psychiatrists and art therapists, is lead by a project manager and overseen by the Director of the Dax Centre. Through an examination of ELVA’s theoretical frame and its unique experientially based teacher professional learning component, this article will highlight the contribution ELVA offers to existing well-being and visual arts approaches in schools. It will also present the findings of an independent evaluation of the initial pilot phase of ELVA.