bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Technique for Predicting the Thermal Behavior of Stratospheric Balloon
Authors: Ma Yunpeng , Huang Jun , Yi Mingxu
Published: February 2018

This paper is devoted to introduce a novel method of the operational matrix of integration for Legendre wavelets in order to predict the thermal behavior of stratospheric balloons on float at high altitude in the stratosphere. Radiative and convective heat transfer models are also developed to calculate absorption and emission heat of the balloon film and lifting gas within the balloon. Thermal equilibrium equations (TEE) for the balloon system at daytime and nighttime are shown to predict the thermal behavior of stratospheric balloons. The properties of Legendre wavelets are used to reduce the TEE to a nonlinear system of algebraic equations which is solved by using a suitable numerical method. The approximations of the thermal behavior of the balloon film and lifting gas within the balloon are derived. The diurnal variations of the film and lifting gas temperature at float conditions are investigated, and the efficiency of the proposed method is also confirmed.
Antiosteoarthritic Effects of ChondroT in a Rat Model of Monosodium Iodoacetate‐Induced Osteoarthritis
Authors: Bae Kil-Joon , Jeong Ji-Won , Choi Chan-Hun , Won Jeong-Yoon , Kim Tae-Gwang , Kim Young-Ran , Na Chang-Su , Kim Seon-Jong
Published: February 2018

Ganghwaljetongyeum is a traditional Korean herbal medicine used to treat joint pain, limited motion, fever, and swelling; it also inhibits inflammatory processes associated with arthritis. ChondroT, a water extract of Ganghwaljetongyeum, is a new complex herbal medicine. This study investigated the effects of ChondroT using a rat model of monosodium iodoacetate‐ (MIA‐) induced osteoarthritis. Thirty‐six rats were randomly divided into three ChondroT groups and a normal, control, and positive control group. Changes in paw edema volume, histopathology, and plantar withdrawal response were analyzed. Further, inflammatory cytokines, arachidonic acids, liver and kidney function, and hematological features were measured. ChondroT significantly decreased paw edema by the 5th day and notably improved articular cartilage damage; it also significantly improved the plantar withdrawal response in terms of both reaction time and force intensity. Moreover, treatment with ChondroT significantly decreased the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, and prostaglandin E2 and significantly increased serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels. This study demonstrates that ChondroT has anti‐inflammatory and analgesic effects in a MIA‐induced osteoarthritis rat model. These results support the clinical relevance of ChondroT for future use in patients with osteoarthritis. However, further studies are required to elucidate the corresponding mechanisms.
Utilization of Smartphone Applications by Anesthesia Providers
Authors: Green Michael S. , Mathew Johann J. , Gundigi Venkatesh Archana , Green Parmis , Tariq Rayhan
Published: February 2018

Health care-related apps provide valuable facts and have added a new dimension to knowledge sharing. The purpose of this study is to understand the pattern of utilization of mobile apps specifically created for anesthesia providers. Smartphone app stores were searched, and a survey was sent to 416 anesthesia providers at 136 anesthesiology residency programs querying specific facets of application use. Among respondents, 11.4% never used, 12.4% used less than once per month, 6.0% used once per month, 12.1% used 2-3 times per month, 13.6% used once per week, 21% used 2-3 times per week, and 23.5% used daily. Dosage/pharmaceutical apps were rated the highest as most useful. 24.6% of the participants would pay less than $2.00, 25.1% would pay $5.00, 30.3% would pay $5–$10.00, 9.6% would pay $10–$25.00, 5.1% would pay $25–$50.00, and 5.1% would pay more than $50.00 if an app saves 5–10 minutes per day or 30 minutes/week. The use of mobile phone apps is not limited to reiterating information from textbooks but provides opportunities to further the ever-changing field of anesthesiology. Our survey illustrates the convenience of apps for health care professionals. Providers must exercise caution when selecting apps to ensure best evidence-based medicine.
STW 5 (Iberogast) Therapy in Gastrointestinal Functional Disorders
Authors: Malfertheiner Peter
Published: February 2018

Background: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are very common and affect populations worldwide. A majority of patients are affected by a variety of heterogenous gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) related to the upper and lower digestive system with frequent overlap and mostly of mild to moderate degree. The herbal medicinal preparation STW 5 is documented as an effective therapeutic option for treating FGID. Studies Conducted in Summary: STW 5 has been in use for more than 50 years in clinical practice and proven to be effective and safe in the management of FGID. The high efficacy of STW 5 on symptoms clustered in functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well as on individual abdominal symptoms is demonstrated in 5 controlled, randomized double-blind studies in FD and in one trial conducted in patients with IBS. In addition the beneficial therapeutic effect of STW 5 on FGD as well as safety issues have been reported in a series of non interventional studies conducted in several thousands of adult patients and including 980 children. An additional study has been performed addressing the question as to how quickly the therapeutic effect is obtained after STW 5 administration. Key Messages from These Studies: STW 5 is an effective phyto-medication for treating patients with FD and IBS. STW 5 acts beneficially on abdominal symptom clusters as well as on individual GIS in adults and children. The time to onset of action is rapid, well tolerated and safe. The repetitive use of STW 5 is an appropriate option in clinical practice for patients with FGID.
Herbal Preparation STW 5 for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Clinical Experience in Everyday Practice
Authors: Lapina Tatiana L. , Trukhmanov Alexander S.
Published: February 2018

Background: The most common functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with a prevalence in the general population of 15–20% (FD) and 10% (IBS), respectively. The complexity of pathophysiologic mechanisms and limitations in therapeutic options make the management of FD and IBS patients a challenge in routine clinical practice. Summary: Syndromes classified as FGID frequently overlap, and coexist with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Patients with overlapping symptoms are more likely to seek medical care. The challenge for routine clinical practice is to find the best approach for treatment of multiple symptoms. STW 5, a combination of 9 herbal extracts, was shown to have multi-target effects: it normalizes the disturbed gastrointestinal motility, alleviates hypersensitivity, inhibits inflammation, suppresses gastric hypersecretion, and modulates the microbiota. Controlled randomized studies proved STW 5 to be efficacious both in FD and IBS, with control over the full spectrum of upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms. STW 5 reduced concomitant heartburn in FD patients. STW 5 was well tolerated in the examined populations, independent of concomitant diseases and concomitant medication. Key Messages: The clinical use of the herbal preparation STW 5 in FD and IBS is evidence-based. STW 5 is an example for the concept of multi-target therapy. It offers treatment opportunities in routine clinical practice with high prevalence of overlap of FGID and concomitant GERD. Considering that FD and IBS are typically chronic and recurrent conditions, the clinically observed good tolerability and safety of STW 5 is an advantage.
Mechanism of Action of STW 5 in Functional Dyspepsia and IBS: The Origin of Multi-Target
Authors: Allescher Hans-Dieter , Abdel-Aziz Heba
Published: February 2018

Background: STW 5 is a complex herbal combination preparation composed of 9 different herbal extracts. As an herbal medicinal product, this preparation is indicated for treating functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Its efficacy and practical applicability was demonstrated in several clinical studies. Summary: Each herbal constituent of STW 5 has distinct effects on the gastrointestinal tract, and each shows activity through different mechanisms of action: among others, the single extracts have effects on nerves, smooth muscles, epithelial, and inflammatory cells. For example, they have relaxing or tonicizing effects on gastrointestinal muscles, and they counteract inflammation through different physiological systems, contributing to the clinical efficacy through modulation of multiple therapeutic targets. Key Messages: STW 5 is a role model for the concept of multi-targeting in therapy. Especially in complex syndromes such as FD and IBS, simultaneous multi-targeting of different functional causes seems to be a more promising approach than the classical paradigm of one disease – one receptor – one effect.
Phytotherapy in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Authors: Kelber Olaf , Bauer Rudolf , Kubelka Wolfgang
Published: February 2018

Background: Phytotherapy is an important therapeutic option in functional gastrointestinal diseases (FGID). It has a large tradition, with different approaches in different regions of the world, some of which have made their way into modern evidence-based medicine (EBM). Summary: Taking into account the number of herbs in use, and also the cumulated scientific evidence on them, FGID are possibly the most important indication in phytotherapy. This does not only apply for European phytotherapy, but also for other regions, such as Asia. Within European phytotherapy, herbs active in FGID are usually classified according to their main active constituents and their activities. Typically, the herbs used in FGID are grouped into amara, aromatica, amara aromatica combining both properties, herbs stimulating gastric secretion, herbs containing spasmolytic and carminative essential oils or spasmolytic alkaloids, mucilaginosa soothing the mucosa, and flavonoid containing drugs with anti-inflammatory properties. In phytotherapy, different plants are frequently combined to maximize effectiveness and specificity of action. Very potent combination products can be developed when the mechanisms of action of the combination partners are complementary. This approach can be demonstrated by the example of STW 5. For this herbal combination product, therapeutic efficacy in FGID has been clinically proven according to the highest standards of EBM. This example also underlines that modern rational phytotherapy is definitely part of modern EBM. Key Messages: FGID is one of the most important indications in phytotherapy and rationally combined herbal preparations are established evidence-based therapeutic options.
Instrumento de avaliação das competências de liderança nas chefias de enfermagem: estudo das propriedades psicométricas
Authors: Sousa Teófilo , Vasconcelos Guimarães Ana Paula
Published: February 2018

Introdução: As competências de liderança são consideradas ferramentas essenciais para o sucesso das organizações em geral e dos seus colaboradores em particular. Assim, torna-se fundamental a existência de instrumentos capazes de proporcionar a sua medição. Objetivo: Este artigo tem como objetivo avaliar as propriedades psicométricas do questionário de competências de liderança, desenvolvido por Robert Quinn. Métodos: Neste estudo transversal, foram incluídos 248 enfermeiros a exercer funções no Centro Hospitalar do Porto, que avaliaram as competências de liderança nas chefias de enfermagem. A validade e fiabilidade do instrumento foram estimadas com recurso a uma análise descritiva, correlacional, fatorial confirmatória e de consistência interna. Resultados: O questionário das competências de liderança apresenta um bom poder discriminativo, dado que as correlações entre os itens e as dimensões (papéis de liderança) são moderadas a fortes, apresentando valores mais elevados relativamente ao fator a que conceptualmente pertencem. As correlações dos itens com as dimensões sem sobreposição apresentam valores moderados, na sua maioria superiores a 0,60, indicando relativa interdependência entre dimensões. Este facto confirma uma estrutura fatorial representativa de um constructo que está de acordo com o modelo conceptual que lhe deu origem. Os valores da consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach), para todos os papéis de liderança, variam entre 0,86 e 0,94. Discussão e conclusões: À semelhança de outros estudos de referência, este, revelou que o questionário em análise apresenta boas propriedades psicométricas, indicando ser um instrumento adequado para avaliar a perceção das competências de liderança na população em estudo.
Endoscopic Dilation of Pharyngoesophageal Strictures: There Are More Dimensions than a Diameter
Authors: Martins Diana , Pires Sara , Pimentel-Nunes Pedro , Almeida Silva Rui , Dias Claúdia Camila , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Dysphagia due to benign pharyngoesophageal strictures (PES) often requires repeated dilations; however, a uniform definition for the therapeutic efficacy of this technique has not been yet established. We aimed to assess the overall efficacy of endoscopic dilation of pharyngoesophageal anastomotic or post-radiotherapy (post-RT) strictures. Methods: The data of 48 patients with post-RT (n = 29) or anastomotic PES (n = 19) submitted to endoscopic dilation during a 3-year period were retrospectively assessed. The Kochman criteria were used to determine refractoriness and recurrence. Patients were asked to answer a questionnaire determining prospectively the dilation program efficacy as (a) dysphagia improvement, (b) dysphagia resolution, (c) need for further dilations, or (d) percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) during the previous 6 months. Need for additional therapy was considered an inefficacy criterion. Results: The median number of dilations per patient was 4 (total of 296 dilations) with a median follow-up of 29 months. The mean predilation dysphagia Mellow-Pinkas score was 3 and the initial stenosis diameter was 7 mm. Fifteen and 29% of patients presented with the Kochman criteria for refractory and recurrent strictures, respectively. Moreover, 96 and 60% showed dysphagia improvement and resolution, respectively. Seventy-five-percent did not require dilations during 6 months, and 89% did not require PEG. From the patients’ perspective, overall efficacy was achieved in 58% of cases. Nine additional therapies were required. Number of dilations (OR 0.7), stricture diameter (OR 2.2), and nonrecurrence criteria (OR 14.2) appeared as significant predictors of overall efficacy, whereas refractory stenosis criteria did not. Conclusions: Endoscopic dilation seems to be effective for patients with dysphagia after RT or surgery, especially when assessed as patient perception of improvement. Narrow strictures, recurrent ones, and strictures requiring a higher number of dilations may predict worse outcomes. Key Message: Health professionals should establish well-defined efficacy criteria for dilations and base their decision beyond exclusively objective measurements.
Portuguese Observational Study of Ischaemic Stroke in Patients Medicated with Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Beato-Coelho José , Marto João Pedro , Alves José Nuno , Marques-Matos Cláudia , Calado Sofia , Araújo José , Cunha Luís , Pinho João , Azevedo Elsa , Viana-Baptista Miguel , Sargento-Freitas João
Published: February 2018

Introduction: Clinical trials and subsequent meta-analyses showed advantages of non-vitamin K antagonists oral anticoagulants (NOACs) over vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The impact of preadmission anticoagulation in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) has not been established. Objective: To compare functional outcome of patients with AIS with preadmission NOACs vs. VKAs. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on consecutive AIS patients under oral anticoagulation (VKAs or NOACs) admitted in 4 Portuguese hospitals within a period of 30 months. Two primary outcomes were defined and compared between VKA and NOAC groups: symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage transformation (sICH) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months. Results: Four hundred sixty-nine patients were included, of whom 332 (70.8%) were treated with VKA and 137 (29.2%) with NOAC. Patients’ median age was 78.0 and 234 (49.9%) were male. NOAC-treated patients had a higher median CHA2DS2-VASc score than those under VKA (5.0 vs. 4.0, p = 0.023). The two primary outcomes showed no statistical differences between the VKAs’ group and the NOACs’ group (sICH: 5.4 vs. 5.4% [p = 0.911]; mRS at 3 months: 3.0 vs. 3.0 [p = 0.646], respectively). Conclusion: Preadmission anticoagulation with NOACs in AIS has a functional impact similar to that of VKAs.
B1a Lymphocytes (CD19+CD5+) Deficiency in Patients with Crohn’s Disease and Its Relation with Disease Severity
Authors: Gil-Borras Rafael , García-Ballesteros Carlos , Benet-Campos Carmen , Catalán-Serra Ignacio , López-Chuliá Francisca , Cuéllar Carmen , Andreu-Ballester Juan Carlos
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: B1a cells (CD19+CD5+) are considered elements of the innate immune system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of B1a cells in the peripheral blood of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and its relation with disease severity. Methods: In this prospective study, a total of 128 subjects (64 CD patients and 64 healthy controls) were studied. B1a cells in peripheral blood, CD Activity Index, and Simple Endoscopic Score of B1a cells were studied. Results: A significant decrease of B1a cells in peripheral blood was observed in patients with CD versus controls (p = 0.002), especially in perforating or penetrating patterns (p = 0.017). A lower frequency of B1a cells is related to increased endoscopic severity (Spearman’s Rho: –0.559, p = 0.004). The mean frequency of B1a cells in patients with pre- and post-study surgery was significantly lower than that in patients who did not undergo surgery (p = 0.050 and p = 0.026, respectively). Conclusions: The B1a cell count in peripheral blood is lower in CD patients. This decrease is directly related to the severity of the disease (penetrating or perforating, Simple Endoscopy Score and surgery complication). These results pointed to the fact that B1a cells play an important role in immune protection in CD.
Postoperative Liver Failure Criteria for Predicting Mortality after Major Hepatectomy with Extrahepatic Bile Duct Resection
Authors: Kawamura Takeshi , Noji Takehiro , Okamura Keisuke , Tanaka Kimitaka , Nakanishi Yoshitsugu , Asano Toshimichi , Ebihara Yuma , Kurashima Yo , Nakamura Toru , Murakami Soichi , Tsuchikawa Takahiro , Shichinohe Toshiaki , Hirano Satoshi
Published: February 2018

Background: Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a serious complication after major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection (Hx with EBDR) that may cause severe morbidity and even death. The purpose of this study was to compare several criteria systems as predictors of PHLF-related mortality following Hx with EBDR for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC). Methods: The study cohort consisted of 222 patients who underwent Hx with EBDR for PHCC. We compared several criteria systems, including previously established criteria (the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) criterion; and the “50-50” criterion), and our institution’s novel systems “Max T-Bili” defined as total bilirubin (T-Bili) >7.3 mg/dL during post-operative days (POD) 1–7, and the “3-4-50” criterion, defined as total bilirubin >4 mg/dL and prothrombin time <50% on POD #3. Results: Thirteen patients (5.8%) died from PHLF-related causes. The 3-4-50 criterion showed high positive predictive values (39.1%), the 3-4-50, Max T-Bili, and 50-50 criterion showed high accuracies (91.7, 86.9, and 90.5%, respectively) and varying sensitivities (69.2, 69.2, and 38.5% respectively). Conclusions: The 3-4-50, Max T-Bili, and 50-50 criterion were all useful for predicting PHLF-related mortality after Hx with EBDR for PHCC.
Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevi: An Update and Emerging Therapies
Authors: Meshram Girish Gulab , Kaur Neeraj , Hura Kanwaljeet Singh
Published: February 2018

Giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) are a rare occurrence. Gain-of-function mutation in the NRAS gene is found to be associated with GCMN, causing abnormal proliferation of embryonic melanoblasts. The two major complications associated with GCMN are malignant melanoma and neurocutaneous melanosis. Treatment of GCMN has conventionally been surgical. However, the role of NRAS inhibitors and inactivation of nevus tissue by high hydrostatic pressure are being explored. We present a case of a 1-day-old neonate born with GCMN, along with a review of the literature.
Variability in Predialysis Systolic Blood Pressure and Long-Term Outcomes in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wang Ying , Qin Yan , Fan Xiaohong , Cai Jianfang , Ye Wei , Xia Jinghua , Li Mingxi , Li Xuemei , Li Xuewang , Chen Limeng
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: While systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) is an independent risk factor for mortality in the general population, its association with outcomes in hemodialysis patients has been less well-investigated. Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 99 eligible HD patients from 2006 to 2016. Predialysis blood pressure measurements obtained over 1-year period were used to determine each patient’s BPV. The standard deviation (SD), the coefficient of variation (CV) and the variation independent of the mean (VIM) were used as metrics of BPV. Results: During a median follow-up period of 68 months, 52 patients died, and cardiovascular disease (31.3%) was the primary cause of death in these patients. After adjusting for covariates, the hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were 1.80 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-2.92) and 1.71 (95% CI 1.01-2.90), respectively, for a one percent increase in CV. Variability in the volume removed per session and predialysis serum albumin and calcium levels were identified as factors associated with BPV. Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrate that greater variability in predialysis SBP is associated with long-term mortality in hemodialysis patients. Controlling volume variation, avoiding hypoalbuminemia and reducing blood calcium levels might reduce SBP variability and thereby improve prognoses in these patients.
Luteolin Modulates SERCA2a Leading to Attenuation of Myocardial Ischemia/ Reperfusion Injury via Sumoylation at Lysine 585 in Mice
Authors: Du Yinping , Liu Ping , Xu Tongda , Pan Defeng , Zhu Hong , Zhai Nana , Zhang Yanbin , Li Dongye
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: The myocardial sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA2a) is a pivotal pump responsible for calcium cycling in cardiomyocytes. The present study investigated the effect of luteolin (Lut) on restoring SERCA2a protein level and stability reduced by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We verified a hypothesis that Lut protected against myocardial I/R injury by regulating SERCA2a SUMOylation. Methods: The hemodynamic data, myocardial infarct size of intact hearts, apoptotic analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), the level of SERCA2a SUMOylation, and the activity and expression of SERCA2a were examined in vivo and in vitro to clarify the cardioprotective effects of Lut after SUMO1 was knocked down or over-expressed. The putative SUMO conjugation sites in mouse SERCA2a were investigated as the possible regulatory mechanism of Lut. Results: Initially, we found that Lut reversed the SUMOylation and stability of SERCA2a as well as the expression of SUMO1, which were reduced by I/R injury in vitro. Furthermore, Lut increased the expression and activity of SERCA2a partly through SUMO1, thus improving ΔΨm and reducing apoptotic cells in vitro and promoting the recovery of heart function and reducing infarct size in vivo. We also demonstrated that SUMO acceptor sites in mouse SERCA2a involving lysine 585, 480 and 571. Among the three acceptor sites, Lut enhanced SERCA2a stability via lysine 585. Conclusions: Our results suggest that Lut regulates SERCA2a through SUMOylation at lysine 585 to attenuate myocardial I/R injury.
ВПЛИВ МЕДСЕСТРИНСЬКОГО ДОГЛЯДУ У ПОДОЛАННІ ДЕПРЕСИВНИХ СТАНІВ ПАЦІЄНТІВ ХОСПІСУ
Authors: Ivanchuk O. V. , Slobodenyuk K. N. , Bob A. O.
Published: February 2018

Сестринський персонал відіграє ключову роль в організації паліативної допомоги. Медична сестра має великі можливості налагодити психологічний контакт із пацієнтом, що сприятиме адекватному і організованому догляду. Медсестринський догляд, як один із складових хоспісної допомоги, допомагає виявити депресивні стани та вчасно контролювати їх. Когнітивно-поведінкову психотерапію вважають пріоритетним способом, який полягає в навчанні хворого вміння контролювати власні емоції, мислення, поведінку.
РОЛЬ СТАРШОЇ МЕДСЕСТРИ В ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ СЕСТРИНСЬКОГО ПЕРСОНАЛУ
Authors: Andrievska O. V. , Krynytska I. Ya.
Published: February 2018

У статті викладено сучасні дані щодо цінностей медичної сестри-керівника,  її управлінських компетентностей, лідерських якостей, комунікативних здібностей.
МЕТОДИ ОЦІНЮВАННЯ БОЛЮ В ДИТЯЧОМУ ВІЦІ
Authors: Ivanova S. V. , Haliyash N. B.
Published: February 2018

У статті проаналізовано проблемні питання фізіології та оцінювання стійкого болю у дітей, а також можливість впровадження найпоширеніших інструментів для вимірювання болю в дитячому віці.
ПІСЛЯОПЕРАЦІЙНИЙ БІЛЬ У ДІТЕЙ У ВІДДІЛЕННІ ІНТЕНСИВНОЇ ТЕРАПІЇ
Authors: Ivanovych Y. V.
Published: February 2018

У статті подано характеристику різних ступенів інтенсивності післяопераційного болю у дітей. Наведено методи оцінки вираження болю у дітей за допомогою валідних шкал інтенсивності болю для різних вікових груп з урахуванням когнітивних та неврологічних порушень, ступеня тяжкості основного захворювання.
Deletion of BMAL1 in Smooth Muscle Cells Protects Mice From Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Lutshumba Jenny , Liu Shu , Zhong Yu , Hou Tianfei , Daugherty Alan , Lu Hong , Guo Zhenheng , Gong Ming C.
Published: February 2018

Objective—

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has high mortality rate when ruptured, but currently, there is no proven pharmacological therapy for AAA because of our poor understanding of its pathogenesis. The current study explored a novel role of smooth muscle cell (SMC) BMAL1 (brain and muscle Arnt-like protein-1)—a transcription factor known to regulate circadian rhythm—in AAA development.

Approach and Results—

SMC-selective deletion of BMAL1 potently protected mice from AAA induced by (1) MR (mineralocorticoid receptor) agonist deoxycorticosterone acetate or aldosterone plus high salt intake and (2) angiotensin II infusion in hypercholesterolemia mice. Aortic BMAL1 was upregulated by deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt, and deletion of BMAL1 in SMCs selectively upregulated TIMP4 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 4) and suppressed deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt–induced MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) activation and elastin breakages. Moreover, BMAL1 bound to the
Timp4
promoter and suppressed
Timp4
transcription.

Conclusions—

These results reveal an important, but previously unexplored, role of SMC BMAL1 in AAA. Moreover, these results identify TIMP4 as a novel target of BMAL1, which may mediate the AAA protective effect of SMC BMAL1 deletion.
Thrombus Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Content Impair tPA-Induced Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Ducroux Celina , Di Meglio Lucas , Loyau Stephane , Delbosc Sandrine , Boisseau William , Deschildre Catherine , Ben Maacha Malek , Blanc Raphael , Redjem Hocine , Ciccio Gabriele , Smajda Stanislas , Fahed Robert , Michel Jean-Baptiste , Piotin Michel , Salomon Laurence , Mazighi Mikael , Ho-Tin-Noe Benoit , Desilles Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2018

Background and Purpose—

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) are DNA extracellular networks decorated with histones and granular proteins produced by activated neutrophils. NETs have been identified as major triggers and structural factors of thrombosis. A recent study designated extracellular DNA threads from NETs as a potential therapeutic target for improving tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA)-induced thrombolysis in acute coronary syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of NETs in thrombi retrieved during endovascular therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and their impact on tPA-induced thrombolysis.

Methods—

We analyzed thrombi from 108 AIS patients treated with endovascular therapy. Thrombi were characterized by hematoxylin/eosin staining, immunostaining, and ex vivo enzymatic assay. Additionally, we assessed ex vivo the impact of deoxyribonuclease 1 (DNAse 1) on thrombolysis of AIS thrombi.

Results—

Histological analysis revealed that NETs contributed to the composition of all AIS thrombi especially in their outer layers. Quantitative measurement of thrombus NETs content was not associated with clinical outcome or AIS pathogenesis but correlated significantly with endovascular therapy procedure length and device number of passes. Ex vivo, recombinant DNAse 1 accelerated tPA-induced thrombolysis, whereas DNAse 1 alone was ineffective.

Conclusions—

This study suggests that thrombus NETs content may be responsible for reperfusion resistance, including mechanical or pharmacological approaches with intravenous tPA, irrespectively of their etiology. The efficacy of a strategy involving an administration of DNAse 1 in addition to tPA should be explored in the setting of AIS.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02907736.
Suppressive effect of black oat, Avena strigosa, KH1a on Meloidogyne spp.
Authors: Uesugi Kenta , Katsura Masaaki , Uwatoko Naohiro , Tateishi Yasushi , Murata Gaku , Iwabuchi Kei
Published: February 2018

The suppressive effect of a black oat, Avena strigosa, breeding line KH1a on Meloidogyne spp. was examined in pot tests and on Meloidogyne incognita in pot and field tests. In pot tests, roots of black oats were examined 42-46 days after inoculation of 500 second-stage juveniles. There were significantly fewer egg masses on the roots of KH1a than on 12 black oat cultivars examined. KH1a was a poor host for four isolates of M. incognita, two isolates of M. arenaria and one isolate of M. javanica, and a non-host for one isolate of M. hapla. The effect of autumn and spring cropping of KH1a on soil nematode density was examined in M. incognita-infested fields. Nematode density after autumn cropping of KH1a was significantly lower than that after susceptible black oat, resulting in significantly lower Pf/Pi in KH1a (0.10 and 0.13) than in susceptible black oat (0.42 and 0.74). Damage indices of the succeeding crop, sweet potato, were significantly lower in KH1a plots than in susceptible black oat plots. In spring cropping, there were significantly fewer soil nematodes in KH1a plots than in susceptible black oat plots 3 weeks after cultivation. In both autumn and spring cropping, there was no significant difference in soil nematode density between KH1a and bare fallow. These results suggested that KH1a is a good alternative to current susceptible cultivars for the management of M. incognita.
Vismia conduplicata (Hypericaceae), a new species from Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: MARTINS MILENA VENTRICHI , SHIMIZU GUSTAVO HIROAKI , BITTRICH VOLKER , AMARAL MARIA DO CARMO ESTANISLAU DO
Published: February 2018

Vismia conduplicata, a new species of Hypericaceae from Mato Grosso state, Brazil, is described and illustrated. It is associated to “campos de murundus”, a kind of Cerrado physiognomy with woody plants growing on earth mounds, in a grassland matrix. The species was included in Vismia sect. Trianthera, based on the number of stamens per stamen fascicle and the number of ovules per locule. A comparison with the morphologically similar species Vismia micrantha is also provided.
Clinical response to treatment in inpatients with depression correlates with changes in activity levels and psychomotor speed
Authors: Averill Ian RE , Crowe Marie , Frampton Chris M , Beaglehole Ben , Lacey Cameron J , Jordan Jennifer , Wilson Lynere D , Douglas Katie M , Porter Richard J
Published: February 2018

Background:

Monitoring clinical response to treatment in depressed inpatients, particularly identifying early improvement, may be sub-optimal. This may impact adversely on patients through longer admissions and sub-optimal pharmacotherapy. Psychomotor speed is a prominent neuropsychological function which changes as recovery occurs. This study examines simple techniques used to quantify psychomotor change and their potential to contribute to monitoring recovery.

Methods:

Activity levels were continuously monitored in patients diagnosed with a major depressive episode from four acute psychiatric wards using two actigraphs (commercial and scientific) for 3 weeks and linear regression used to calculate a gradient to express rate of change. Psychomotor speed was assessed using the simple Coin Rotation Task. Mood and functioning were rated using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms, Clinical Global Impression Scale and Functioning Assessment Short Test. The assessments were completed at baseline and follow-up (3 weeks), and correlations were calculated for all change measures.

Results:

In all, 24 inpatients were recruited but not all completed baseline and follow-up measures. Change in activity count ( N = 16) and psychomotor speed ( N = 13) correlated significantly with improvement in clinical measures of depressive symptoms. Actigraphs were acceptable to hospital inpatients.

Limitations:

The limited size of this pilot study precludes the analysis of predictive power or the influence of other variables such as depression subtypes, age, gender or variations related to medications.

Conclusion:

Early change in simple activity and psychomotor speed warrant further investigation for utility in measuring treatment response in depressed inpatients.
La Napoletanità demistificata di Carlo Bernari
Authors: Capozzi Rocco
Published: February 2018

La Napoli di Bernari, una realtà con le sue irrealtà, non è mai stata quella turistica, pittorica e cartolinesca, ma una “terza Napoli,” non il “paese dell’anima” ma il “luogo delle anime” incapace di concedersi al primo venuto. Questo è ciò che sostiene l’autore nel saggio “Il paese delle anime” in Non gettate via la scala. Da Tre operai in poi Bernari non ha esitato a dissacrare alcuni miti della città partenopea famosa per il sole, il mare, il Vesuvio e i vicoli formicolanti di gente spassosa che canta anche se disoccupata e affamata. I romanzi Speranzella e Vesuvio e pane, le raccolte Bibbia Napoletana e Napoli silenzio e grida, e saggi come “Rapporto su Napoli oggi” testimoniano l’arte di Bernari narratore e storiografo mentre accentuano con acutezza il paradosso del napoletano che come Pulcinella è sempre attore e spettatore, eroe e vittima, paziente e carnefice della sua verità e della sua maschera. La produzione narrativa e saggistica di Bernari, ricca di elementi autobiografici, è dedicata ad una disanima—quando non proprio una critica severa—delle condizioni economiche, sociali ed esistenziali di Napoli e del meridione, che allo stesso tempo riflettono condizioni e contraddizioni simili in ogni parte d’Italia.
Coming of age in a conflict area: Mental health, education, employment, migration and family formation in the southernmost provinces of Thailand
Authors: Ford Kathleen , Jampaklay Aree , Chamratrithirong Aphichat
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

Three southern provinces of Thailand – Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat – have been involved in a long period of unrest. Young people in these provinces have lived with this violence for many years. The objectives of this article are to assess the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms of young adults aged 18–24 years and to examine the perceived effects of the conflict on education, employment, social and religious life.

Methods:

Data were drawn from a probability sample of 2,053 Muslim adults aged 18–59 years conducted in 2014. Mental health was assessed using World Health Organization’s (WHO) Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) of 20 questions, the Thai Mental Health questionnaire and a Happiness scale. In-depth interviews with 30 respondents were also used to assess the perceived effects of the conflict on daily life, education, employment and settlement.

Results:

Most respondents reported low levels of psychiatric symptoms, though a small proportion reported a large high enough number to be of concern. Most of them also reported high levels of happiness. Respondents who wished to migrate to work in another area reported more psychiatric symptoms and lower levels of happiness. Many respondents reported concerns about the violence in their daily lives, although some may have become habituated to its effects. There were many obstacles reported toward obtaining education including the threat of violence, financial cost and drug use. Male respondents had concerns about consequences of being suspected to be involved in the violence and drug use. The limited employment and the threat of violence were related to the plan to migrate or to settle in the three provinces.

Conclusion:

In summary, most young people in the area move forward with their lives and many display some habituation to the violence. However, the economic depression due to the violence and the threat of violence often affected their daily lives.
Learning With Sound Recordings: A History of Suzuki’s Mediated Pedagogy
Authors: Thibeault Matthew D.
Published: February 2018

This article presents a history of mediated pedagogy in the Suzuki Method, the first widespread approach to learning an instrument in which sound recordings were central. Media are conceptualized as socially constituted: philosophical ideas, pedagogic practices, and cultural values that together form a contingent and changing technological network. Suzuki’s early experiments in the 1930s and 1940s established central ideas: the importance of repetition in learning, the recording as teacher, a place for mothers in assisting learning, and the teachability of talent. Suzuki also refined approaches to learning through specialized modes of listening as he examined tens of thousands of student graduation tapes. During the 1960s, Kendall published the first translation of the method in the United States, and his correspondence with Suzuki along with writings for teachers provide a window into evolving pedagogic practices. The method’s mediated pedagogy changed radically in the 1970s as cassette tapes allowed students to be easily recorded for the first time. The article also considers cultural values and the contingency of media through the vastly different acceptance of recordings in the Japanese and US contexts, including efforts by Kendall during the 1980s to eliminate Suzuki’s controversial practice of advanced recitals played to recorded accompaniment.
Measuring Teaching Quality of Secondary Mathematics and Science Residents: A Classroom Observation Framework
Authors: Nava Imelda , Park Jaime , Dockterman Danny , Kawasaki Jarod , Schweig Jon , Quartz Karen Hunter , Martinez Jose Felipe
Published: February 2018

This study assesses the reliability of two observation rubrics, one in math and the other in science, and documents how the rubric data were used to inform a teacher education program. Classroom observations are typically considered essential for assessing teaching practice, yet many popular observation frameworks, while comprehensive in aim, do not appropriately capture key features of teaching valued by teacher education programs. Many of these tools do not attend to issues of equity, humanizing pedagogy, and thus, social justice. We report on the development of two observation rubrics—secondary math and science—that embody the aims and values of our teacher education program, specifically, equity and humanizing pedagogy, and the results of our examination of the reliability of ratings of teaching practice generated using these rubrics. We discuss the various sources of measurement error and the implications for further developing and using the observation rubric in our program.
Solution into problem: Ukrainian Marshrutka and Romanian maxi-taxi at the fall of planning paradigms after 1990
Authors: Vozyanov Andrey
Published: February 2018

Focusing on marshrutka in Ukraine and maxi-taxi in Romania after 1990, I argue that both the idea and the realisation of shared taxis at the peripheries of Europe during the post-socialist years have been implemented as a solution for needed mobility, yet they have shifted to becoming a problem. Marshrutka and maxi-taxi can be considered an area of negotiations, which caused both public support and rejection. More recently, collocated as they are in the peripheries of Europe, a shared taxi service conflicted with images of (European) modernity and was labelled as incompatible with any planning or sustainable policy. Additionally, implementing stricter regulations displayed the state’s power and presence.
A heuristic method against simulation for optimal allocation of inspection stations in manufacturing systems
Authors: Maleki Hamed , Aghazadeh Shabestari Aydin
Published: February 2018

Continuous improvement in quality is the most important mantra for success in today’s competitive market. Previous studies indicated that although quality is the most important factor in gaining competitive superiority, increasing the level of quality alone cannot meet customers’ needs. One complementary approach to improving the level of quality to meet customers’ expectations is to lower the production costs and price of finished products. The quality circle as a path to achieve greater customer satisfaction is formed to identify the cost of quality and thus reduce this cost, which is a significant cost portion of the entire life cycle of products. This paper presents a case study in an electromotor manufacturing company. First, we build a mathematical model to allocate inspection stations to manufacturing processes and propose a heuristic approach to optimize it. Next, we use Enterprise Dynamic software for simulation. Finally, we compare these methods.
Are Christians Obliged not to Forgive? A Response to Martin (1997)
Authors: Gassin Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2018

In contrast to the prevailing wisdom of many Christian and secular psychologists, biblical studies scholar T. Martin (1997) claims that a Christian has an obligation not to forgive an unrepentant offender. In this article, I analyze each of his points, offer more evidence from the writings of the early Church, and reach the following conclusion: Although we must always remember that reconciliation between victim and offender is the goal in Christian relationships, subtle distinctions between God's forgiveness of humans or the Church's reconciliation with offenders (on the one hand) and forgiveness between two individual Christians (on the other hand) allow us to maintain that Christians can and should forgive unrepentant offenders, at least as forgiveness is defined in the psychological tradition. I end with a series of forgiveness-related challenges and questions for scholars in biblical studies, theology, and psychology.
The Role of Secure Attachment in Predicting Spiritual Maturity of Students at a Conservative Seminary
Authors: Tenelshof Judith K. , Furrow James L.
Published: February 2018

Previous research on attachment relationships suggests that early parental interactions generate internalized models of self and others–-models which are carried forward in later relationships. In order to investigate the relationships between secure attachment styles and their collective influence on spiritual maturity, a survey of 216 seminary students was conducted using the Parental Bonding Instrument, Adult Attachment Scale, and the Faith Maturity Index. Secure adult attachment styles were predicted to relate positively with spiritual maturity. Findings of the study suggest that adult measures of secure attachment styles are correlated with faith maturity. Measures of parental bonding evidenced minimal associations with adult attachment styles and were weaker correlates of faith maturity. Secure adult attachment was a stronger predictor of faith maturity when compared to measures of parental bonding. Implications are offered for religious training institutions, the church, and the community.
Surrender to God: An Additional Coping Style?
Authors: Wong-Mcdonald Ana , Gorsuch Richard L.
Published: February 2018

In addition to the religious coping styles proposed by K. I. Pargament et al. (1988), a surrender style of coping is proposed. Surrender is not a passive waiting for God to take care of everything; rather, it entails an active choice to relinquish one's will to God's rule. Analysis of 30 surrender-associated coping items rated by 151 Christian undergraduates yielded a 12-item Surrender Scale with a reliability coefficient of .94. A factor analysis delineated Surrender as a separate factor from the other coping styles. Preliminary incremental validity was also established employing a hierarchical multiple regression analysis. After removing the effects of the other coping styles, the Surrender Scale correlated positively with religious importance, intrinsic religiousness, spiritual well-being, and locus of control in God. Moreover, the Surrender Scale correlated negatively with Extrinsic-Personal religiousness and locus of control in luck. As hypothesized, surrender, as a coping strategy, was significantly related with the other coping styles, yet it evidenced sufficient incremental validity for its consideration as a distinct coping style.
Protecting One's Soul: A Christian Inquiry into Defensive Activity
Authors: Johnson Eric L. , Sellers Burroughs Christina
Published: February 2018

Defense mechanisms are widely accepted as important psychological constructs. However, each theoretical community is obliged to reinterpret such complex constructs in light of its own ultimate framework and set of goods. For the Christian, this entails an examination of biblical and theological materials that bear upon the defenses. Søren Kierkegaard's work illustrates the possible fruits of original sin and Christian exploration of defensive activity. As is well-known, Freud and his followers developed an orientation to the defenses that is rich, but is also one rooted in secular, naturalistic assumptions. The article concludes with a discussion of some developmental, moral, and treatment implications regarding the defenses from a Christian standpoint.
Scientist vs. Believer?: On Navigating between the Scilla of Scientific Norms and the Charybdis of Personal Experience
Authors: Reich K. Helmut
Published: February 2018

A clash exists between the established norms and rules for doing scientific research and the personal convictions and experiences of psychologists of religion. This complex issue is approached from a critical, hypothetical realist perspective with regard to epistemological concerns when approaching the topic of the transcendent. The impact of personal religious experience on the work of the clinician/researcher in the psychology of religion is explored; various perspectives on scientifically investigated religious phenomena seem most advantageous, as is present within research teams with diverse membership. In addition, the evolution of the philosophy of scientific knowledge is discussed in light of these topics. Finally, conclusions regarding the ideal attitudes and competencies of psychologists of religion are proferred.