bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in anxiety following a randomized control trial of a theatre-based intervention for youth with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Corbett Blythe A , Blain Scott D , Ioannou Sara , Balser Maddie
Published: May 2016

Increased anxiety and stress are frequently found in children with autism spectrum disorder and are associated with social challenges. Recently, we reported changes in social competence following peer-mediated, theatre-based intervention. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the intervention on reducing anxiety and stress. Participants included 30 youth with autism spectrum disorder (8–14 years old) randomly assigned to the experimental (17) or waitlist control (13) group. Pretest adjusted, between-group differences were analyzed for state-anxiety, trait-anxiety, play-based cortisol, and diurnal cortisol. Pearson correlations were conducted between anxiety, cortisol, and group play. Significant pretest-adjusted between-group differences at posttest were observed on trait-anxiety (F(1, 27) = 9.16, p = 0.005) but not state-anxiety (F(1, 27) = 0.03, p = 0.86), showing lower trait-anxiety in the experimental group. There were no between-group differences on cortisol. There was a significant negative correlation between group play and trait-anxiety (r = −0.362, p = 0.05). Playground cortisol correlated with group play, for the experimental group (r = 0.55, p = 0.03). The theatre-based, peer-mediated intervention not only contributes to improvement in social competence in youth with autism spectrum disorder but also contributes to reductions in trait-anxiety associated with more social interaction with peers. Results suggest that some degree of physiological arousal is essential for social interaction.
New relationships and intimacy in long-term care: The views of relatives of residents with dementia and care home staff
Authors: Wiskerke Esther , Manthorpe Jill
Published: May 2016

Background

There is limited research on what family members and frontline care home staff consider to be the best responses to the sexual expression of a person with dementia, whilst at the same time respecting relatives’ feelings, managing their possible distress and conflict.

Methods

This exploratory study investigated the views of relatives and care workers of new relationships or sexual intimacy between care home residents with dementia, whilst still married to another person. It reports the themes that emerged in qualitative interviews with eight relatives of people with dementia and with 12 frontline care home staff working in two English care homes. Interviews took place in 2015 using a hypothetical vignette that unfolded in four stages. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The views of care home staff and relatives had similarities in general terms regarding the problems arising around expressions of sexuality in care homes: indicting that a light-hearted or non-physical connection between residents is deemed acceptable, but the moment it becomes a sexual relationship then decision making becomes more complicated. Staff were inclined to turn to managers for advice and to consider separating residents. They expressed familiarity with distracting residents from situations that were of concern. Relatives were considerate of the difficulties and dilemmas faced by care home staff.

Conclusion

The use of a vignette facilitated discussion of a potentially sensitive topic. Areas for further research are identified.
Ideologies and perceptions of quality in higher education: from the dichotomy between social and economic aspects to the ‘middle way’
Authors: Bertolin Julio Cesar Godoy
Published: May 2016

This article reports on an investigation into the relationship between people’s perspectives and ideologies and interest groups with their respective conceptions and perceptions of higher education. The aim is to show that the contemporary understanding of purposes and quality in higher education originate, fundamentally, in the most important ideological dichotomy of our age: left versus right. By summarizing literature and documentary analyses, the author seeks primarily to demonstrate the ideological roots of two current conceptions of higher education: as a public good, and as a commercial service. It is argued that such conceptions connect two main quality views about higher education: one emphasizes the social aspect, and the other focuses on the economic aspect. Finally, the ‘middle way’ is proposed as a desirable alternative to these views.
Linagliptin and pioglitazone combination therapy versus monotherapy with linagliptin or pioglitazone: A randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, multinational clinical trial
Authors: Nauck Michael Albrecht , di Domenico Maximiliano , Patel Sanjay , Kobe Maureen , Toorawa Robert , Woerle Hans-Juergen
Published: May 2016

Linagliptin plus pioglitazone single-pill combinations were evaluated. Patients ( n = 936) with insufficient glycaemic control, despite lifestyle interventions, were randomised for 30 weeks to either monotherapy with linagliptin 5 mg; pioglitazone 15, 30 or 45 mg; or single-pill combination with linagliptin 5 mg plus pioglitazone 15, 30 or 45 mg. An extension (⩽54 weeks) planned to evaluate linagliptin plus pioglitazone 30 or 45 mg single-pill combinations was not completed due to a protocol amendment. Adjusted mean (95% confidence interval) differences in HbA1c change from baseline at week 30 for linagliptin plus pioglitazone 15, 30 and 45 mg were −0.17% (−0.41, 0.07), −0.37% (−0.60, −0.14) and −0.41% (−0.64, −0.18) versus pioglitazone monotherapies, respectively, and −0.44% (−0.67, −0.20), −0.68% (−0.91, −0.44) and −0.89% (−1.12, −0.66) versus linagliptin monotherapy, respectively. Single-pill combinations were generally well tolerated. Hypoglycaemia frequency was ⩽1.5% per group. Linagliptin plus pioglitazone combinations were efficacious, with safety profiles comparable to the individual monotherapies.
Effects of Locus of Control, Academic Self-Efficacy, and Tutoring on Academic Performance
Authors: Drago Anthony , Rheinheimer David C. , Detweiler Thomas N.
Published: May 2016

This study investigated the connection between locus of control (LOC), academic self-efficacy (ASE), and academic performance, and whether these variables are affected by tutoring. Additional variables of interest, including gender, students’ Pell Grant status, ethnicity, and class size, were also considered for the research models. The population for this study consisted of students enrolled at a mid-sized public university in northeastern United States who were pre- and posttested as part of a causal-comparative, quasi-experimental research design. Results of this study showed that LOC, tutoring, gender, and an ASE measure identified as self-assurance had positive and significant effects on academic performance as measured by students’ total grade point averages. However, tutoring had no effect on LOC but had only a small moderating effect on one component of ASE. It was postulated that assessing incoming students on LOC and ASE measures could aid in identifying students with external LOC and low ASE for possible intervention.
Addition of Rice Bran Arabinoxylan to Curcumin Therapy May Be of Benefit to Patients With Early-Stage B-Cell Lymphoid Malignancies (Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance, Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, or Stage 0/1 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia)
Authors: Golombick Terry , Diamond Terrence H. , Manoharan Arumugam , Ramakrishna Rajeev
Published: May 2016

Hypothesis. Prior studies on patients with early B-cell lymphoid malignancies suggest that early intervention with curcumin may lead to delay in progressive disease and prolonged survival. These patients are characterized by increased susceptibility to infections. Rice bran arabinoxylan (Ribraxx) has been shown to have immunostimulatory, anti-inflammatory, and proapoptotic effects. We postulated that addition of Ribraxx to curcumin therapy may be of benefit. Study design. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)/smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) or stage 0/1 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients who had been on oral curcumin therapy for a period of 6 months or more were administered both curcumin (as Curcuforte) and Ribraxx. Methods. Ten MGUS/SMM patients and 10 patients with stage 0/1 CLL were administered 6 g of curcumin and 2 g Ribraxx daily. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 2-month intervals for a period of 6 months, and various markers were monitored. MGUS/SMM patients included full blood count (FBC); paraprotein; free light chains/ratio; C-reactive protein (CRP)and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); B2 microglobulin and immunological markers. Markers monitored for stage 0/1 CLL were FBC, CRP and ESR, and immunological markers. Results. Of 10 MGUS/SMM patients,5 (50%) were neutropenic at baseline, and the Curcuforte/Ribraxx combination therapy showed an increased neutrophil count, varying between 10% and 90% among 8 of the 10 (80%) MGUS/SMM patients. An additional benefit of the combination therapy was the potent effect in reducing the raised ESR in 4 (44%) of the MGUS/SMM patients. Conclusion. Addition of Ribraxx to curcumin therapy may be of benefit to patients with early-stage B-cell lymphoid malignancies.
Original Research: Label-free detection for radiation-induced apoptosis in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Qi Dandan , Feng Jingwen , Yang Chengwen , Jin Changrong , Sa Yu , Feng Yuanming
Published: May 2016

Current flow cytometry (FCM) requires fluorescent dyes labeling cells which make the procedure costly and time consuming. This manuscript reports a feasibility study of detecting the cell apoptosis with a label-free method in glioblastoma cells. A human glioma cell line M059K was exposed to 8 Gy dose of radiation, which enables the cells to undergo radiation-induced apoptosis. The rates of apoptosis were studied at different time points post-irradiation with two different methods: FCM in combination with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and a newly developed technique named polarization diffraction imaging flow cytometry. Totally 1000 diffraction images were acquired for each sample and the gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) algorithm was used in morphological characterization of the apoptotic cells. Among the feature parameters extracted from each image pair, we found that the two GLCM parameters of angular second moment (ASM) and sum entropy (SumEnt) exhibit high sensitivities and consistencies as the apoptotic rates ( Pa) measured with FCM method. In addition, no significant difference exists between Pa and ASM_S, Pa and SumEnt_S, respectively ( P > 0.05). These results demonstrated that the new label-free method can detect cell apoptosis effectively. Cells can be directly used in the subsequent biochemical experiments as the structure and function of cells and biomolecules are well-preserved with this new method.
Original Research: Establishment of an early embolus-related cerebral injury model after cardiopulmonary bypass in miniature pigs
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Weng Guoxing , Li Min , Yu Shun , Bao Jiayin , Cao Xiying , Dou Zhi , Wang Huan , Chen Haiyu
Published: May 2016

Embolus-related cerebral injury is still a serious adverse event after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). But there is no stable animal model for basic and clinical research purposes. We chose miniature pig to establish a stable animal model of embolus-related cerebral injury after CPB and verified the validity of results by correlating the histopathological findings with those of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI). Based on different treatment regimens, 24 male miniature pigs were randomly assigned into four groups: Control, CPB, embolus, and CPB–embolus groups. DW-MRI was performed before and after surgery to diagnose and locate the brain lesions. Histopathological changes in brain tissues were examined using H&E and Nissl staining. All surgical procedures were uneventful with 100% postoperative survival of pigs. Two animals in the Embolus group and six animals in the CPB–embolus group showed signs of ischemic penumbra on DW-MRI performed 6 h after surgery. Consistent with the results of DW-MRI, histopathological examination showed necrosis and ischemic lesions. In this paper, we demonstrate the feasibility and validity of a pig model of embolus-related cerebral injury associated with CPB. This model may be used in the future for basic and translational research.
Drug delivery strategies to control macrophages for tissue repair and regeneration
Authors: Garash Reham , Bajpai Anamika , Marcinkiewicz Brandon M , Spiller Kara L
Published: May 2016

Tissue repair and regeneration is a complex process. Our bodies have an excellent capacity to regenerate damaged tissues in many situations. However, tissue healing is impaired in injuries that exceed a critical size or are exacerbated by chronic inflammatory diseases like diabetes. In these instances, biomaterials and drug delivery strategies are often required to facilitate tissue regeneration by providing physical and biochemical cues. Inflammation is the body’s response to injury. It is critical for wound healing and biomaterial integration and vascularization, as long as the timing is well controlled. For example, chronic inflammation is well known to impair healing in chronic wounds. In this review, we highlight the importance of a well-controlled inflammatory response, primarily mediated by macrophages in tissue repair and regeneration and discuss various strategies designed to promote regeneration by controlling macrophage behavior. These strategies include temporally controlled delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs, delivery of macrophages as cellular therapy, controlled release of cytokines that modulate macrophage phenotype, and the design of nanoparticles that exploit the inherent phagocytic behavior of macrophages. A clear outcome of this review is that a deeper understanding of the role and timing of complex macrophage phenotypes or activation states is required to fully harness their abilities with drug delivery strategies.
What Edith Stein Can Teach Adult Educators
Authors: Culkin David T.
Published: May 2016

Many think of Edith Stein as a phenomenological philosopher who experienced a dramatic religious conversion, but contemporary adult educators may also look to her as a model for the application of social activism based in theory. This article explores Stein’s continued relevance for adult educators who research and then try to apply key concepts related to transformative learning and social activism. The author first provides a context for her transformative learning experience, describes her social activism in 20th-century Germany, discusses how Stein integrated theory and practice, and then suggests key areas that could inform future research. Edith Stein left an unsurpassed but largely untapped legacy of adult education practice in three key areas for future research: how transformative learning can influence adult educators, the application of social activism in a tumultuous social–political environment, and the integration of theory and practice.
Building predictive models of counterinsurgent deaths using robust clustering and regression
Authors: King Marvin L , Hering Amanda S , Aguilar Oscar M
Published: May 2016

Counterinsurgencies are conflicts where an insurgent organization conducts violence to replace or influence a recognized government. Furthering our understanding of the conditions that influence violence in different types of counterinsurgencies is important to government leaders who must deploy scarce resources efficiently. Subject matter experts (SMEs) have developed classification schemes that divide counterinsurgencies into similar groups, but no data-driven methods have ever been developed. Using the robust partitioning around medoids (PAM) algorithm, we cluster counterinsurgencies based on distances among independent variables measured on each counterinsurgency. We apply several criteria for choosing the optimal number of clusters, and then we take these groups of counterinsurgencies and build regression models for counterinsurgent deaths, an annual measure of conflict status. We evaluate these schemes using cross-validation to select the grouping whose regression models best predict counterinsurgent deaths. This approach produces a set of data-driven clusters whose predictive ability is similar to the best existing SME classification scheme, but reduces error in the assignment of a new counterinsurgency to a cluster.
A study on properties of a cone-type brake for motor vehicle winch
Authors: Li Dongxu , Hu Ningning , Wang Songquan , Jiang Haibo
Published: May 2016

The brake of winch is to prevent the occurrence of reverse slipping at working time. Based on the analysis of two types of brake, this article establishes the relationship model of the brake force and the angle of the screw thread on the brake shaft and builds the model of the relationship of the brake force and the height of the cone and found that the brake force is the largest when the angle of the screw is 45°. Also found that the brake force increases with the increase in the load, and the brake force is positively related to the height of the cone. Two brake mechanisms are manufactured and arranged in the same winch to conduct the experimental performance comparison. The experimental results show that the temperature of the winch with cone brake finally reaches about 60°C, which is 33% lower than the 90°C of the disk brake, and the no-load current of the cone brake winch is under 60 A, while in the disk brake winch it is over 90 A after 7 min, which consumes 33% energy than cone brake. The cone brake can reduce the occurrence of harmful friction and enhance the efficiency of winch and is able to solve the winch safety problem caused by nylon cable damage because of the heat accumulation.
Experiment of aerosol-release time for a novel automatic metered dose inhaler
Authors: Zhang Mingrong , Wang Songhao , Yang Yu-Ching
Published: May 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the aerosol-release time in the development of a new automatic adapter for metered dose inhaler. With this device, regular manually operated metered dose inhalers become automatic. During the study, an inhalation simulator was designed and tested with the newly developed mechatronic system. By adjusting the volume and the pressure of the vacuum tank, most human inhalation waveforms were able to simulate. As an example, regular quick-deep and slow-deep waveforms were matched within reasonable accuracy. Finally, with the help of dynamic image processing, the aerosol-release time (Tr) was carefully measured and fully discussed, including the switch-on time (Ts), the mechatronics-hysteresis (Tm) and the intentional-delay (Ti). Under slow-deep inhalation condition which is suitable for metered dose inhaler medicine delivery, the switch-on flow-rate could reach as low as 10 L/min, and the corresponding switch-on time was approximately 0.20 s. While the mechatronics-hysteresis depended on the brand of metered dose inhaler, assuming there was no intentional-delay, the aerosol-release time could be as low as 0.40 and 0.60 s, respectively, for two commercially available metered dose inhalers studied in this article. Therefore, this newly developed mechatronic adapter system could ensure aerosol-release time (Tr) within satisfactory range for metered dose inhalers.
Paediatric electronic infusion calculator: An intervention to eliminate infusion errors in paediatric critical care
Authors: Venkataraman Aishwarya , Siu Emily , Sadasivam Kalaimaran
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Medication errors, including infusion prescription errors are a major public health concern, especially in paediatric patients. There is some evidence that electronic or web-based calculators could minimise these errors.

Aims

To evaluate the impact of an electronic infusion calculator on the frequency of infusion errors in the Paediatric Critical Care Unit of The Royal London Hospital, London, United Kingdom.

Method

We devised an electronic infusion calculator that calculates the appropriate concentration, rate and dose for the selected medication based on the recorded weight and age of the child and then prints into a valid prescription chart. Electronic infusion calculator was implemented from April 2015 in Paediatric Critical Care Unit. A prospective study, five months before and five months after implementation of electronic infusion calculator, was conducted. Data on the following variables were collected onto a proforma: medication dose, infusion rate, volume, concentration, diluent, legibility, and missing or incorrect patient details.

Results

A total of 132 handwritten prescriptions were reviewed prior to electronic infusion calculator implementation and 119 electronic infusion calculator prescriptions were reviewed after electronic infusion calculator implementation. Handwritten prescriptions had higher error rate (32.6%) as compared to electronic infusion calculator prescriptions (<1%) with a p < 0.001. Electronic infusion calculator prescriptions had no errors on dose, volume and rate calculation as compared to handwritten prescriptions, hence warranting very few pharmacy interventions.

Conclusions

Use of electronic infusion calculator for infusion prescription significantly reduced the total number of infusion prescribing errors in Paediatric Critical Care Unit and has enabled more efficient use of medical and pharmacy time resources.
Language and Emotion
Authors: Lakoff George
Published: May 2016

Originally a keynote address at the International Society for Research on Emotion (ISRE) 2013 convention, this article surveys many nonobvious ways that emotion phenomena show up in natural language. One conclusion is that no classical Aristotelian definition of “emotion” in terms of necessary and sufficient conditions is possible. The brain naturally creates radial, not classical categories. As a result, “emotion” is a contested concept. There is no one correct, classical definition of “emotion.” There are real emotion phenomena that can be precisely studied, and language is an important area to look at for such phenomena.
Comment on “Language and Emotion”: Metaphor, Morality and Contested Concepts
Authors: Roberson Debi , Whitaker Lydia
Published: May 2016

The nature of emotion concepts and whether there are any that are universally “basic” remains controversial, as acknowledged in the article “Language and Emotion.” The suggestion that some emotions are embodied through a process of association between neural networks for bodily sensations (e.g., raised temperature) and neural circuitry dedicated to linguistic metaphor is interesting, but speculative. However, it is a hypothesis that risks relegating speakers of languages that lack sophisticated metaphors to a lower level on some scale of linguistic evolution.
Comment: Acquiring metaphors
Authors: Hartshorne Joshua K.
Published: May 2016

Lakoff (2016) describes an account of conceptual representation based in part on metaphor. Though promising, this account faces several challenges with respect to learning and development.
Comment: Embodied Emotions From a Dutch Historical Perspective
Authors: Leemans Inger
Published: May 2016

This comment challenges essentialist “brain biased” interpretations of emotions from a historical perspective. (Digital) humanities research shows that the embodying of emotions is historically contingent. Emotion metaphors do not so much reflect what is happening in our brain or in other parts of the body: they reflect what people think/thought is/was happening in and outside their body.
Why Do We Need Emotion Words in the First Place? Commentary on Lakoff (2015)
Authors: Wood Adrienne , Lupyan Gary , Niedenthal Paula
Published: May 2016

George Lakoff (2016) discusses how emotion metaphors reflect the discrete bodily states associated with each emotion. The analysis raises questions about the context for and frequency of use of emotion metaphors and, indeed, emotion labels (e.g., “angry”), per se. An assumption implicit to most theories of emotion is that emotion language is just another channel through which people express ongoing emotion states. Drawing from recent evidence that labeling ongoing emotions reduces their intensity, we propose that a primary function of emotion language is regulatory rather than expressive.
Glaucoma
Authors: Davis Abigail , Gilhooley Michael James
Published: May 2016

The term, glaucoma, describes a group of conditions that are characterised by progressive optic nerve damage. Untreated glaucoma causes progressive visual field loss and eventually blindness. There are four main types: primary open angle glaucoma, acute angle closure glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, and congenital glaucoma. Primary open angle glaucoma is a common condition; it affects 2.1% of the UK population and is the second-most-common cause of blindness in the UK. Incidence and prevalence increase with age. Intraocular pressure is the only modifiable risk factor for progression of glaucoma; treatment to reduce intraocular pressure can prevent progression of optic nerve damage and preserve vision. Acute angle closure glaucoma is an ophthalmic emergency and prompt recognition and treatment of the condition is sight-saving. This article will discuss the aetiology, diagnosis and management of primary open angle and acute angle closure glaucoma, the role of GPs in supporting patients with glaucoma, and summarise the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency guidance relevant to these patients.
Development and appraisal of a hand hygiene teaching approach for medical students: a qualitative study
Authors: Kaur Rajneesh , Razee Husna , Seale Holly
Published: May 2016

Background:

Poor hand hygiene (HH) practices among medical students have previously been attributed to students not being exposed to sufficient teaching materials during their training.

Aim:

To develop and evaluate a teaching module directed at improving the knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate medical students towards HH.

Methods:

The HH teaching module was designed based on educational materials used by the World Health Organization and other patient safety organisations. The development was also informed by the findings from two previous studies including qualitative interviews with staff and students and a survey of Australian medical schools. In-depth group interviews were undertaken with 24 undergraduate medical students.

Results:

Favourable feedback was received from the interviewed medical students towards the developed scenario-based learning activity; however, the group interview activity was not received well by students. They suggested that the HH teaching activities should be compulsory and not optional for medical students. In order to reinforce good HH practices and to improve knowledge around HH and healthcare-associated infections, they felt that the activities should be repeated during each phase of their degree.

Conclusions:

There is a need to change the approach to training in education, particularly to engage students in topics such as HH which are often seen as unimportant.
First Clinical Experience with Retrospective Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM) Analysis in South Africa
Authors: Distiller Larry A. , Cranston Iain , Mazze Roger
Published: May 2016

Background:

In 2014, an innovative blinded continuous glucose monitoring system was introduced with automated ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) reporting. The clinical use and interpretation of this new technology has not previously been described. Therefore we wanted to understand its use in characterizing key factors related to glycemic control: glucose exposure, variability, and stability, and risk of hypoglycemia in clinical practice.

Methods:

Clinicians representing affiliated diabetes centers throughout South Africa were trained and subsequently were given flash glucose monitoring readers and 2-week glucose sensors to use at their discretion. After patient use, sensor data were collected and uploaded for AGP reporting.

Results:

Complete data (sensor AGP with corresponding clinical information) were obtained for 50 patients with type 1 (70%) and type 2 diabetes (30%), irrespective of therapy. Aggregated analysis of AGP data comparing patients with type 1 versus type 2 diabetes, revealed that despite similar HbA1c values between both groups (8.4 ± 2 vs 8.6 ± 1.7%, respectively), those with type 2 diabetes had lower mean glucose levels (9.2 ± 3 vs 10.3 mmol/l [166 ± 54 vs 185 mg/dl]) and lower indices of glucose variability (3.0 ± 1.5 vs 5.0 ± 1.9 mmol/l [54 ± 27 vs 90 ± 34.2 mg/dl]). This highlights key areas for future focus.

Conclusions:

Using AGP, the characteristics of glucose exposure, variability, stability, and hypoglycemia risk and occurrence were obtained within a short time and with minimal provider and patient input. In a survey at the time of the follow-up visit, clinicians indicated that aggregated AGP data analysis provided important new clinical information and insights.
On Roland Boer’s Marxism and theology
Authors: Sharpe Matthew
Published: May 2016

This piece aims to provide a synoptic introduction to Boer’s claims in the five volumes of Marxism and Theology. Obviously, such an account must miss many important nuances across the host of critical readings Boer assembles, guided by his broadly Jamesonian manner of reading the texts with a view to their biblical and theological claims. Nevertheless, by aiming at a synoptic view of a truly compendious contribution to scholarship, it is hoped that the piece will provide assistance to readers, and encourage them to test their own intuitions and thoughts against the original texts. The final part of the article stands back from this “standing back”: and asks questions concerning Boer’s treatments of biblical criticism, with and/or against theology; and concerning the role of what might be called (even despite Boer’s own protests) a kind of “secularised” Calvinism in Boer’s work and its interest in a post-Marxian politics of grace.
A comparison of clinical parameters at presentation, pathological outcomes and biochemical relapse between NHS and private patients undergoing radical prostatectomy at a single centre in the United Kingdom
Authors: Robinson Simon , Laniado Marc , Farooq Assad , Motiwala Hanif , Omar Mohamed , Summers Dominic , Rao Amrith , Ali Mufeed , Meiers Isabelle , Karim Omer
Published: May 2016

Objective:

We studied our hypothesis that patients with private health insurance (PHI) with prostate cancer present with more favourable pathological outcomes.

Patients and methods:

Data were analysed from 554 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy from 2002 to 2010. A total of 328 patients under the NHS and 226 men had PHI. Two groups were compared for age, PSA, Gleason score, number of cores involved, maximum tumour length on biopsy core, socioeconomic status, imaging and pathological outcomes.

Results:

PHI presented at a younger age (63 vs 61, p = 0.008) and lower mean PSA (9.5 vs 8.04, p = 0.0005). Staging MRI showed a significant difference in usage (77% vs 45% p < 0.001). Importantly there was significant difference in the total tumour volume (4 cc vs 8 cc, p = 0.001). There were significantly more wealthy patients being seen privately ( p < 0.0001). However, on the final Cox regression model only grade, stage and insurance status were significant predictors of BCR.

Conclusions:

Patients with PHI were younger, had a lower presenting PSA and were wealthier. There is a significant difference in the social profile seen, but wealth itself is not protective yet health insurance is. Insurance status and not social status represents a factor in predicting final pathological outcomes after RRP.
Burden of genetic risk variants in multiple sclerosis families in the Netherlands
Authors: Mescheriakova Julia Y , Broer Linda , Wahedi Simin , Uitterlinden André G , van Duijn Cornelia M , Hintzen Rogier Q
Published: May 2016

Background

Approximately 20% of multiple sclerosis patients have a family history of multiple sclerosis. Studies of multiple sclerosis aggregation in families are inconclusive.

Objective

To investigate the genetic burden based on currently discovered genetic variants for multiple sclerosis risk in patients from Dutch multiple sclerosis multiplex families versus sporadic multiple sclerosis cases, and to study its influence on clinical phenotype and disease prediction.

Methods

Our study population consisted of 283 sporadic multiple sclerosis cases, 169 probands from multiplex families and 2028 controls. A weighted genetic risk score based on 102 non-human leukocyte antigen loci and HLA-DRB1*1501 was calculated.

Results

The weighted genetic risk score based on all loci was significantly higher in familial than in sporadic cases. The HLA-DRB1*1501 contributed significantly to the difference in genetic burden between the groups. A high weighted genetic risk score was significantly associated with a low age of disease onset in all multiple sclerosis patients, but not in the familial cases separately. The genetic risk score was significantly but modestly better in discriminating familial versus sporadic multiple sclerosis from controls.

Conclusion

Familial multiple sclerosis patients are more loaded with the common genetic variants than sporadic cases. The difference is mainly driven by HLA-DRB1*1501. The predictive capacity of genetic loci is poor and unlikely to be useful in clinical settings.
Altruism and the flourishing teacher: Exploring a Christian theology of love
Authors: Matthias Laurie R
Published: May 2016

This article responds to Chris Higgins’ (2010) claim that perpetuating the myth of altruism is a factor that leads to teacher burnout, thus making “flourishing teacher” an oxymoron. It does so by exploring various views of the Christian concepts of agape, kenosis, and desire, debunking some persistent definitions that linger in Christian circles as well as embracing the layers of complexity inherent in a theology of love. The implication for Christian teachers is that because self-sacrifice and self-abnegation are not synonymous, it is possible for them to live lives of altruistic love, avoid burnout, and flourish in their vocations. Implications for teacher educators are also explored.
Giant Right Atrial Aneurysm: Antenatal Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment
Authors: Bezuska Laurynas , Bu’Lock Frances A. , Anderson Robert H. , Speggiorin Simone , Corno Antonio F.
Published: May 2016

Giant congenital right atrial aneurysms are rare, with their natural history complicated by death, heart failure, arrhythmias, and thrombosis. Prenatal diagnosis of the defect is feasible and allows an early preparation of a plan for management. We present details of a patient diagnosed prenatally with a giant right atrial aneurysm, which was successfully treated surgically as soon as the patient became symptomatic.
Ventricular Septal Defect Creation: A Viable Option to Decompress a Large Non-Systemic Left Ventricle in a Fontan Patient
Authors: Elderie Ahmad , Reddy Abhi , Zafar Farhan , Hirsch Russel , Morales David L. S.
Published: May 2016

When the interventricular septum is intact, a well-formed non-systemic ventricle with no outlet is prone to hypertension and hypertrophy after Fontan operation. Herein, we report a patient who had a complex d-transposition of the great arteries palliated over 14 years ago with a Fontan operation and presented with a hypertensive left ventricle (LV) contributing to heart failure. He underwent surgical creation of a ventricular septal defect to decompress the LV and was able to resume his desired lifestyle.
Streptobacillus moniliformis Endocarditis: An Unusual Case of Pulmonary Valve Erosion Resulting in Free Pulmonary Regurgitation and Aneurysm
Authors: Ioffe Viktoriya , Amir Gabriel , Zalzstein Eli , Krymko Hanna , Levitas Aviva
Published: May 2016

Endocarditis is a consideration in the differential diagnosis when masses are seen on echocardiography in a patient with congenital heart disease. We present a case of insidious development of endocarditis caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis in a seven-month-old baby after a rat bite, when the baby was three months of age.
Seeing Through Fishers’ Lenses
Authors: Moshy Victoria H. , Bryceson Ian
Published: May 2016

Insights from traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of the marine environment are difficult to integrate into conventional science knowledge (CSK) initiatives. Where TEK is integrated into CSK at all, it is usually either marginalized or restricted to CSK modes of interpretation, hence limiting its potential contribution to the understanding of social-ecological systems. This study uses semi-directive interviews, direct observations, and structured open-ended questionnaires ( n = 103) to explore TEK of marine ecological changes occurring within the Mafia Island Marine Park, Tanzania, and factors contributing to these changes. It illuminates TEK insights that can be valuable in parallel with CSK to provide a more nuanced understanding of ecological changes. In some areas, fishers observed coral reef growth, increased fish abundance, and increased sea temperatures, whereas in others, they reported decreases in sea level, coral cover, fish abundance, catch composition, catch quantities, and fish size. They associated these changes with interrelated factors emanating from environmental processes, conservation outcomes, marketing constraints, population dynamics, and disappearance of cultural traditions. Utilizing TEK without restricting it to CSK modes of interpretation has the potential to improve CSK initiatives by promoting complementarity and mutual enrichment between the two kinds of knowledge, thereby contributing new insights that may enhance adaptive management and resilience in social-ecological systems.
Does Repair of a Hill-Sachs Defect Increase Stability at the Glenohumeral Joint?
Authors: Bakshi Neil K. , Jolly John T. , Debski Richard E. , Sekiya Jon K.
Published: May 2016

Background:

The effect of osteoallograft repair of a Hill-Sachs lesion and the effect of allograft fit on glenohumeral translations in response to applied force are poorly understood.

Purpose:

To compare the impact of a 25% Hill-Sachs lesion, a perfect osteoallograft repair (PAR) of a 25% Hill-Sachs lesion, and an “imperfect” osteoallograft repair (IAR) of a 25% Hill-Sachs lesion on glenohumeral translations in response to a compressive load and either an anterior or posterior load in 3 clinically relevant arm positions.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A robotic/universal force-moment sensor testing system was used to apply joint compression (22 N) and an anterior or posterior load (44 N) to cadaveric shoulders (n = 9) with the skin and deltoid removed (intact) at 3 glenohumeral joint positions (abduction/external rotation): 0°/0°, 30°/30°, and 60°/60°. The 25% bony defect state, PAR state, and IAR state were created and the loading protocol was performed. Translational motion was measured in each position for each shoulder state. A nonparametric repeated-measures Friedman test with a Wilcoxon signed-rank post hoc test was performed to compare the biomechanical parameters ( P < .05).

Results:

Compared with the defect shoulder, the PAR shoulder had significantly less anterior translation with an anterior load in the 0°/0° (15.3 ± 8.2 vs 16.6 ± 9.0 mm, P = .008) and 30°/30° (13.6 ± 7.1 vs 14.2 ± 7.0 mm, P = .021) positions. Compared with IAR, the PAR shoulder had significantly less anterior translation with an anterior load in the 0°/0° (15.3 ± 8.2 vs 16.6 ± 9.0 mm, P = .008) and 30°/30° (13.6 ± 7.1 vs 14.4 ± 7.1 mm, P = .011) positions, and the defect shoulder had significantly less anterior translation with an anterior load in the 30°/30° (14.2 ± 7.0 vs 14.4 ± 7.0 mm, P = .038) position.

Conclusion:

PAR resulted in the least translational motion at the glenohumeral joint. The defect shoulder had significantly less translational motion at the joint compared with the IAR. An IAR resulted in the most translational motion at the glenohumeral joint. This demonstrates the biomechanical importance of performing an osteoallograft repair in which the allograft closely matches the Hill-Sachs defect and fully restores the preinjury state of the humeral head.

Clinical Relevance:

This study demonstrates the importance of performing an osteoallograft repair of a Hill-Sachs defect that closely matches the preinjury state and restores normal humeral head anatomy.
Prevalence and Determinants of True Thyroid Dysfunction Among Pediatric Referrals for Abnormal Thyroid Function Tests
Authors: Lahoti Amit , Klein Jason , Schumaker Tiffany , Vuguin Patricia , Frank Graeme
Published: May 2016

Background/Aims. Abnormalities in thyroid function tests (TFTs) are a common referral reason for pediatric endocrine evaluation. However, a sizable proportion of these laboratory abnormalities do not warrant therapy or endocrine follow-up. The objectives of this study were ( a) to evaluate the prevalence of true thyroid dysfunction among pediatric endocrinology referrals for abnormal TFTs; ( b) to identify the historical, clinical, and laboratory characteristics that predict decision to treat. Methods. This was a retrospective chart review of patients evaluated in pediatric endocrinology office during a weekly clinic designated for new referrals for abnormal TFTs in 2010. Results. A total of 230 patients were included in the study. Median age at referral was 12 years (range = 2-18); 56% were females. Routine screening was cited as the reason for performing TFTs by 33% patients. Majority was evaluated for hypothyroidism (n = 206). Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone was the most common referral reason (n = 140). A total of 41 out of 206 patients were treated for hypothyroidism. Conclusions. Prevalence of hypothyroidism was 20%. Thyroid follow-up was not recommended for nearly one third of the patients. Among all the factors analyzed, an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone level and antithyroglobulin antibodies strongly correlated with the decision to treat ( P < .005).
Globalisation, inequality and economic crisis
Authors: Patnaik Prabhat
Published: May 2016

As finance capital becomes multinational, it begins to exercise enormous influence on individual countries, by its capacity to shift away from a country that refuses to subordinate itself to its demands. As a result of the concessions it is able thus to extract, for example, free trade, withdrawal of welfare subsides, tax concessions to the rich, labour ‘reform’, and so on., inequalities have grown as real income of the working (and workless) populations decline, while profits rise. ‘Crisis’ in this situation becomes a normal phenomenon.
Metastasis: new functional implications of platelets and megakaryocytes
Authors: Leblanc Raphael , Peyruchaud Olivier
Published: May 2016

Platelets are essential components of hemostasis. Due to a plethora of factors released on activation, platelet functions are also connected to tumor growth, notably by acting on angiogenesis. It is now well recognized that major roles of platelets in the poor outcome of cancer patients occurs during hematogenous dissemination of cancer cells. In this review, we describe recent insights into the molecular mechanisms supporting the prometastatic activity of platelets. Platelets have been shown to promote survival of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the bloodstream by conferring resistance to the shear stress and attack from natural killer cells. Recently, platelets were found to promote and/or maintain the state of epithelial to mesenchymal transition on CTCs through platelet secretion of transforming growth factor β in response to CTC activation. At a later stage in the metastatic process, platelets promote extravasation and establishment of metastatic cells in distant organs as observed in bone. This particular environment is also the site of hematopoiesis, megakaryocytopoiesis, and platelet production. Increasing the number of megakaryocytes (MKs) in the bone marrow results in a high bone mass phenotype and inhibits skeletal metastasis formation of prostate cancer cells. As a result of their specific location in vascular niches in the bone marrow, MK activity might contribute to the “seed and soil” suitability between CTCs and bone. In conclusion, recent findings have made a great advance in our knowledge on how platelets contribute to the metastatic dissemination of cancer cells and that may support the development of new antimetastasis therapies.
A whole-mount in situ hybridization method for microRNA detection in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Andachi Yoshiki , Kohara Yuji
Published: May 2016

Whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) is an outstanding method to decipher the spatiotemporal expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) and provides important clues for elucidating their functions. The first WISH method for miRNA detection was developed in zebrafish. Although this method was quickly adapted for other vertebrates and fruit flies, WISH analysis has not been successfully used to detect miRNAs in Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, we show a novel WISH method for miRNA detection in C. elegans. Using this method, mir-1 miRNA was detected in the body-wall muscle where the expression and roles of mir-1 miRNA have been previously elucidated. Application of the method to let-7 family miRNAs, let-7, mir-48, mir-84, and mir-241, revealed their distinct but partially overlapping expression patterns, indicating that miRNAs sharing a short common sequence were distinguishably detected. In pash-1 mutants that were depleted of mature miRNAs, signals of mir-48 miRNA were greatly reduced, suggesting that mature miRNAs were detected by the method. These results demonstrate the validity of WISH to detect mature miRNAs in C. elegans.