bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meaning of Illness and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Lynch Cheryl P. , Williams Joni Strom , Voronca Delia , Walker Rebekah J. , Egede Leonard E.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between meaning of illness and cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

The sample population was recruited from primary care clinics in the southeastern United States. The meaning of illness was assessed by a validated questionnaire with 5 subscales. The primary outcomes were cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, assessed by A1C, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Multivariate linear regression models investigated associations between the clinical outcomes and the 5 MIQ factors, controlling for possible confounders.

Results

The sample comprised 302 black and white participants of whom more than half were elderly (65+ years) and the vast majority were male (98%). Systolic blood pressure was positively associated with non-anticipated vulnerability. Diastolic blood pressure was negatively associated with degree of stress/change in commitments and positively associated with challenge/motivation/hope and non-anticipated vulnerability. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly and negatively associated with degree of stress/change in commitments.

Conclusions

Meaning of illness had a significant effect on measured outcomes of CVD risk. The specific factor included in the overarching concept of meaning of illness differed in its influence, with more positive views of stress/commitments associated with lower blood pressure and LDL but more positive views of the challenge/hope/motivation and negative views of non-anticipated vulnerability associated with diabetes associated with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
A Note on the Poisson’s Binomial Distribution in Item Response Theory
Authors: González Jorge , Wiberg Marie , von Davier Alina A.
Published: February 2016

The Poisson’s binomial (PB) is the probability distribution of the number of successes in independent but not necessarily identically distributed binary trials. The independent non-identically distributed case emerges naturally in the field of item response theory, where answers to a set of binary items are conditionally independent given the level of ability, but with different probabilities of success. In many applications, the number of successes represents the score obtained by individuals, and the compound binomial (CB) distribution has been used to obtain score probabilities. It is shown here that the PB and the CB distributions lead to equivalent probabilities. Furthermore, one of the proposed algorithms to calculate the PB probabilities coincides exactly with the well-known Lord and Wingersky (LW) algorithm for CBs. Surprisingly, we could not find any reference in the psychometric literature pointing to this equivalence. In a simulation study, different methods to calculate the PB distribution are compared with the LW algorithm. Providing an exact alternative to the traditional LW approximation for obtaining score distributions is a contribution to the field.
Methods for Quantifying the Clinical Significance of Change During Intervention Program Participation
Authors: Beadnell Blair , Stafford Pamela A. , Crisafulli Michele A. , Casey Erin A. , Rosengren David B.
Published: February 2016

Assessing the practical or clinical significance (CS) of an intervention program’s outcomes is useful in determining its effectiveness. The CS approach gives information beyond traditional analyses by quantifying the proportions of people who meaningfully improve and deteriorate. We link latent transition analyses (LTA) to the CS literature and use a case study to contrast it with the long-standing Jacobson and Truax (JT) approach. Data came from 2,717 individuals convicted of a substance-related offense who participated in an indicated prevention program Prime For Life® (PFL). We selected outcomes describing drinking beliefs and behavior. Both CS approaches categorized a majority of participants as improved (i.e., transitioning from baseline subgroups with risky behaviors and cognitions into posttest subgroups showing lower risk). Results demonstrate how the JT approach allows the assessment of improvements on individual outcomes, while the LTA provides more nuanced information about risk groupings. Selecting a CS approach depends on research goals, availability of normative data, and data considerations. JT is an appropriate method when evaluating single outcomes. In contrast, LTA is better when a multivariate description is desired, advanced missing data handling methods are needed, or outcomes are not normally distributed. Although infrequently done, evaluating CS provides useful information about program effectiveness.
Everyday health information literacy among young men compared with adults with high risk for metabolic syndrome – a cross-sectional population-based study
Authors: Enwald Heidi , Hirvonen Noora , Huotari Maija-Leena , Korpelainen Raija , Pyky Riitta , Savolainen Markku , Salonurmi Tuire , Keränen Anna-Maria , Jokelainen Terhi , Niemelä Raimo
Published: February 2016

This cross-sectional population-based study aims at identifying differences in the aspects of everyday health information literacy among young healthy men and adults with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome. Data were collected with a self-assessment-based 10-item screening tool administered at the Finnish Defence Force’s call-ups ( n=2507, response rate 59%) and at health intervention study ( n=571, response rate 98%). Adults with increased risk for metabolic syndrome seemed to value health information but had more difficulty in knowing who to believe in health issues and understanding the terminology used. The difficulties applied especially to respondents 35 years old or over. Men, and especially young men, had lower motivation than women to seek health information. Although the results are indicative, the everyday health information literacy screening tool seems to be useful in revealing areas that health communication should be focused on among different populations.
STP Best Practices for Evaluating Clinical Pathology in Pharmaceutical Recovery Studies
Authors: Tomlinson Lindsay , Ramaiah Lila , Tripathi Niraj K. , Barlow Valerie G. , Vitsky Allison , Poitout-Belissent Florence M. , Bounous Denise I. , Ennulat Daniela
Published: February 2016

The Society of Toxicologic Pathology formed a working group in collaboration with the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology to provide recommendations for the appropriate inclusion of clinical pathology evaluation in recovery arms of nonclinical toxicity studies but not on when to perform recovery studies. Evaluation of the recovery of clinical pathology findings is not required routinely but provides useful information on risk assessment in nonclinical toxicity studies and is recommended when the ability of the organ to recover is uncertain. The study design generally requires inclusion of concurrent controls to separate procedure-related changes from test article–related changes, but return of clinical pathology values toward baseline may be sufficient in some cases. Evaluation of either a select or full panel of standard hematology, coagulation, and serum and urine chemistry biomarkers can be scientifically justified. It is also acceptable to redesignate dosing phase animals to the recovery phase or vice versa to optimize data interpretation. Assessment of delayed toxicity during the recovery phase is not required but may be appropriate in development programs with unique concerns. Evaluation of the recovery of clinical pathology data for vaccine development is required and, for efficacy markers, is recommended if it furthers pharmacologic understanding.
A Contextualized Approach to Faith-Based HIV Risk Reduction for African American Women
Authors: Stewart Jennifer M. , Rogers Christopher K. , Bellinger Dawn , Thompson Keitra
Published: February 2016

HIV/AIDS has a devastating impact on African Americans, particularly women and young adults. We sought to characterize risks, barriers, and content and delivery needs for a faith-based intervention to reduce HIV risk among African American women ages 18 to 25. In a convergent parallel mixed methods study, we conducted four focus groups ( n = 38) and surveyed 71 young adult women. Data were collected across four African American churches for a total of 109 participants. We found the majority of women in this sample were engaged in behaviors that put them at risk for contracting HIV, struggled with religiously based barriers and matters of sexuality, and had a desire to incorporate their intimate relationships, parenting, and financial burdens into faith-based HIV risk-reduction interventions. Incorporating additional social context–related factors into HIV risk-reduction interventions for young African American women is critical to adapting and developing HIV interventions to reduce risk among young adult women in faith settings.
Time course of pharmacokinetic and hormonal effects of inhaled high-dose salvinorin A in humans
Authors: Johnson Matthew W , MacLean Katherine A , Caspers Michael J , Prisinzano Thomas E , Griffiths Roland R
Published: February 2016

Salvinorin A is a kappa opioid agonist and the principal psychoactive constituent of the Salvia divinorum plant, which has been used for hallucinogenic effects. Previous research on salvinorin A pharmacokinetics likely underestimated plasma levels typically resulting from the doses administered due to inefficient vaporization and not collecting samples during peak drug effects. Six healthy adults inhaled a single high dose of vaporized salvinorin A ( n = 4, 21 mcg/kg; n = 2, 18 mcg/kg). Participant- and monitor-rated effects were assessed every 2 min for 60 min post-inhalation. Blood samples were collected at 13 time points up to 90 min post-inhalation. Drug levels peaked at 2 min and then rapidly decreased. Drug levels were significantly, positively correlated with participant and monitor drug effect ratings. Significant elevations in prolactin were observed beginning 5 min post-inhalation and peaking at 15 min post-inhalation. Cortisol showed inconsistent increases across participants. Hormonal responses were not well correlated with drug levels. This is the first study to demonstrate a direct relationship between changes in plasma levels of salvinorin A and drug effects in humans. The results confirm the efficacy of an inhalation technique for salvinorin A.
MiR-205 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by activation of AKT signalling
Authors: Mao Yanjiao , Wu Shixiu , Zhao Ruping , Deng Qinghua
Published: February 2016

Objective

To examine the role of microRNA (miR)-205 in proliferation, migration and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

The human NPC cell line CNE2 was transfected with miR-205 mimic, anti-miR-205 inhibitor or scrambled oligonucleotide (control). Cell proliferation was assessed via MTT assay. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated by transwell migration and Matrigel® invasion assay, respectively. Radiation induced apoptosis was quantified via Caspase-Glo3/7 assay. Apoptotic proteins and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins were semiquantified by Western blot analysis.

Results

Overexpression of miR-205 increased the proliferation, migration and invasion of CNE2 cells, and decreased radiation-induced apoptosis compared with control cells. MiR-205 overexpression downregulated E-cadherin and upregulated Snail expression via downregulation of PTEN and upregulation of AKT.

Conclusion

MiR-205 plays vital roles in tumourigenesis and tumour progression in NPC, and may be a potential treatment target.
Comparison of effects of intravenous midazolam and ketamine on emergence agitation in children: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Kyung Mi , Lee Ki Hwa , Kim Yong Han , Ko Myoung Jin , Jung Jae-Wook , Kang Eunsu
Published: February 2016

Objective

A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial to compare the effect of preoperative midazolam or ketamine on the incidence of emergence agitation (EA) following sevoflurane anaesthesia in children.

Methods

Paediatric patients (2–6 years old) undergoing ophthalmic surgery were allocated to receive premedication with either 0.1 mg/kg midazolam or 1 mg/kg ketamine. Incidence of EA and postoperative pain scores were recorded at 10-min intervals in the postanaesthetic care unit (PACU). The use of EA rescue medications (fentanyl or midazolam) was recorded.

Results

The incidence of EA was significantly lower in the ketamine group ( n = 33) than the midazolam group ( n = 34) at 10 and 20 min after transfer to PACU. There was no significant difference in overall incidence of EA. The frequency of midazolam use as rescue medication was significantly lower in the katamine group than in the midazolam group.

Conclusion

Premedication with ketamine is more effective than midazolam in preventing EA during the early emergence period after sevoflurane anaesthesia in children.
Forecasting medical waste generation using short and extra short datasets: Case study of Lithuania
Authors: Karpušenkaitė Aistė , Ruzgas Tomas , Denafas Gintaras
Published: February 2016

The aim of the study is to evaluate the performance of various mathematical modelling methods, while forecasting medical waste generation using Lithuania’s annual medical waste data. Only recently has a hazardous waste collection system that includes medical waste been created and therefore the study access to gain large sets of relevant data for its research has been somewhat limited. According to data that was managed to be obtained, it was decided to develop three short and extra short datasets with 20, 10 and 6 observations. Spearman’s correlation calculation showed that the influence of independent variables, such as visits at hospitals and other medical institutions, number of children in the region, number of beds in hospital and other medical institutions, average life expectancy and doctor’s visits in that region are the most consistent and common in all three datasets. Tests on the performance of artificial neural networks, multiple linear regression, partial least squares, support vector machines and four non-parametric regression methods were conducted on the collected datasets. The best and most promising results were demonstrated by generalised additive (R2 = 0.90455) in the regional data case, smoothing splines models (R2 = 0.98584) in the long annual data case and multilayer feedforward artificial neural networks in the short annual data case (R2 = 0.61103).
The apparatus for violence: Repression, violent protest, and civil war in a cross-national framework
Authors: Bell Sam R , Murdie Amanda
Published: February 2016

Why does repression sometimes work to stop violent protest and sometimes heighten protest? We argue that the effect of repression on protest depends critically on a “memory of violence” within the state. Without this memory, the costs of continued protest in the face of increased repression are often too great for unrelenting mobilization, effectively suppressing the political violence. We focus on a global sample of repression and protest data at the weekly level from 1990 to 2009. In states with civil war histories, repression can mobilize a population previously primed for violent protest.
Evaluation of Inpatient Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination Acceptance Rates With Pharmacist Education
Authors: Queeno Brenda V.
Published: February 2016

Objectives:

To detail the implementation of a pharmacist-driven education program targeting patients who originally declined pneumococcal or influenza vaccination upon hospital admission and to evaluate the results.

Methods:

Patients admitted to a small community hospital who qualified to receive pneumococcal polysaccharide or influenza vaccination but declined upon admission were educated in person by pharmacists or pharmacy interns and reoffered vaccination. Patient education sheets were provided. Data were obtained via pharmacy intervention documentation in the pharmacy order entry system. Staff documented the outcome of counseling for each patient.

Results:

A total of 214 and 83 patients receiving influenza and pneumococcal vaccination counseling, respectively, were evaluated. As a result, 23.4% ( P = .06) and 26.5% (n = 83, P = .18) of patients agreed to receive influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, respectively. An unanticipated subset of patients were undecided after counseling and wanted to consider the information further before making a final decision. Taken together with those who consented to receive the vaccine after counseling, 39.2% ( P = .001) and 45.8% ( P = .01) of patients were influenced by the influenza and pneumococcal vaccination counseling, respectively.

Conclusion:

Patient education performed by a pharmacist or pharmacy intern showed a trend toward increased pneumococcal and influenza vaccination acceptance rates for inpatients who had initially declined.
Effect of functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotube on mechanical and viscoelastic properties of polysulfide-modified epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Wu Yeping , Gu Zhongyun , Chen Maobin , Zhu Chunhua , Liao Hong
Published: February 2016

In order to obtain epoxy compounds with excellent mechanical properties without compromising other desired properties, pristine- or carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (p-MWCNT or f-MWCNT) along with polysulfide were incorporated into an amine-cured epoxy resin. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses proved the existence of carboxyl groups on the surface of f-MWCNT. Adding 0.1 wt% f-MWCNT significantly improved the tensile strength and impact strength of the epoxy nanocomposites by 104% and 47%, respectively. However, adding p-MWCNT had little effect on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The glass transition temperature of the f-MWCNT/epoxy nanocomposites were also much higher than neat epoxy matrix and p-MWCNT/epoxy nanocomposites. The fracture surface morphology and dynamic mechanical analysis results indicated that the interfacial interactions between f-MWCNT and the epoxy matrix were much stronger than that of p-MWCNT, which ensured the much-improved mechanical properties.
Synthesis and experiment of a novel parallel compliant mechanism with one translation and two rotations
Authors: Lin Sheng , Xu Jian , Wang Chun
Published: February 2016

A novel parallel compliant mechanism with one translation and two rotations is proposed. Its stiffness matrix and force/torque performance indices are derived. The influence of temperature on the output displacement of the compliant mechanism is deduced. Structure parameters of the compliant are optimized with the force and torque performance indices as objective and the equivalent nodal thermal load as constraint condition. The statics and dynamics experiments are conducted to verify the compliant mechanism rationality.
A study on optimization method of a powertrain mounting system with a three-cylinder engine
Authors: Liu Xiao-Ang , Shangguan Wen-Bin , Lv Zhao-Ping , Ahmed Waizuddin , Zhu Weidong
Published: February 2016

Compared with unbalance forces and moments of four- and six-cylinder engines, forces and moments applied to the engine block from a three-cylinder engine are large and the mechanism for balancing the unbalance forces are complex. So design of a mounting system for the powertrain with a three-cylinder engine is more challenging. This paper presents the analytical methods for obtaining the unbalance forces and moments applied to the engine block for a three-cylinder engine with or without balance measures, and develops a design methodology for the Powertrain Mounting System with a three-cylinder engine. The unbalance forces and moments generated by cylinders, crank and connecting rod mechanisms and applied to the engine block are analyzed firstly. Then, three balance methods for reducing the forces and moments applied to the engine block are proposed and discussed. Three balance measures are described and analyzed. The methods for estimating forces and moments applied to the engine block under the three balance measures are developed and compared. Thirdly, an optimization method is proposed to estimate mount stiffness based on minimization of mount forces transmitted to the car body or sub-frame, along with meeting requirements for placing natural frequencies of the powertrain in prescribed ranges and those for maximizing modal energy distributions of the powertrain in six directions. An example is given to validate the calculation methods and design philosophy for the mounting system of a powertrain with a three-cylinder engine.
Risk Communication under Post-feminism: Analysis of Risk Communication Programmes after the Fukushima Nuclear Accident
Authors: Kimura Aya H.
Published: February 2016

Management of risk perception, in addition to risk itself, is an important pillar of risk governance. Risk communication became pervasive in post-Fukushima Japan as the power industry grappled with the decline in support for and trust in nuclear power. Using case studies of risk communication programmes by the nuclear industry after the Fukushima nuclear accident, this article analyses the deployment of lay people, particularly women, in risk communication as an emergent characteristic of contemporary risk communication. The data are published documents, websites and videos made by two organisations affiliated with the electric power industry. Drawing on theories of neoliberal governmentality and post-feminist gender settlement, this article highlights how contemporary risk discourse refashions risk into something positive, rather than only potentially negative: risk becomes something to be bravely taken by savvy individuals, particularly women. This article shows how women are incorporated into risk communication not only as targets but also as messengers, and how the contents of risk communication weave feminist and post-feminist themes together in order to appeal to women.
The Realpolitik of Nuclear Risk: When Political Expediency Trumps Technical Democracy
Authors: Saito Hiro , Pahk Sang-Hyoun
Published: February 2016

In recent years, a growing number of researchers in science and technology studies have begun to examine the relationship between science and politics. Specifically, they focus on citizen participation in highly technical policy problems and explore the possibility of a technical democracy that avoids pitfalls of technocracy. This focus, however, downplays a possibly more serious obstacle to technical democracy than technocracy, namely, realpolitik. Based on ethnographic and textual data on citizen–government interactions in the aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster, we first show how citizens mobilised radiation detectors and counter-experts to force the Japanese government to admit scientific uncertainty about the permissible dose limit. We then explain why this successful mobilisation nonetheless had only a small impact on evacuation and compensation policies in terms of the pre-disaster structure of Japanese politics: the dominance of commission-based policy-making allowed the bureaucratic government to play realpolitik in the face of scientific uncertainty to expediently pursue its own interest, circumventing both democratic deliberation and technical rigour.
Understanding Positivity Within Dynamic Team Interactions
Authors: Lehmann-Willenbrock Nale , Chiu Ming Ming , Lei Zhike , Kauffeld Simone
Published: February 2016

Positivity has been heralded for its individual benefits. However, how positivity dynamically unfolds within the temporal flow of team interactions remains unclear. This is an important oversight, as positivity can be key to team problem solving and performance. In this study, we examine how team micro-processes affect the likelihood of positivity occurring within dynamic team interactions. In doing so, we build on and expand previous work on individual positivity and integrate theory on temporal team processes, interaction rituals, and team problem solving. We analyze 43,139 utterances during the meetings of 43 problem-solving teams in two organizations. First, we find that the observed overall frequency of positivity behavior in a team is positively related to managerial ratings of team performance. Second, using statistical discourse analysis, we show that solution-focused behavior and previous positivity within the team interaction process increase the likelihood of subsequent positivity expressions, whereas positivity is less likely after problem-focused behavior. Dynamic speaker switches moderate these effects, such that interaction instances involving more speakers increase the facilitating effects of solutions and earlier positivity for subsequent positivity within team interactions. We discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of micro-level team positivity and its performance benefits.
An American physician’s foray into Scandinavian healthcare
Authors: Gendler Robert
Published: February 2016

The article describes the experience of the author, an American Physician, seeking care for an uncommon orthopedic condition. Unable to find adequate treatment in the United States, the author traveled to Finland for surgical treatment.
Recipropriety (lishang-wanglai): A Chinese model of social relationships and reciprocity – state and villagers’ interaction 1936–2014
Authors: Chang Xiangqun
Published: February 2016

In Kaixiangong village, south-east China, the ordinary villagers seek ways to cope with change and improve their lives by constantly maintaining and managing relationships not only between themselves but also with the state. Fieldwork carried out on social support from state or private sources (1979–96), has been supplemented with material from 1936 to the present. The findings show the majority of villagers’ resource-seeking actions are rooted in implicit cultural models and patterns of social relationships, a Chinese model of social relationships and reciprocity; the current situation results from reciprocal influence and accommodation between villagers and the state over a long period.
A multidimensional analysis of metadiscourse markers across written registers
Authors: Zhang Man
Published: February 2016

The existing metadiscourse studies have focused on relatively specific registers. Metadiscourse in written and/or spoken registers in general has received little attention. To explain more fully the nature of metadiscourse, this article undertakes a comprehensive linguistic analysis of metadiscourse markers in written registers based on a reflexive model of metadiscourse. Specifically, this article conducts a multidimensional analysis of register variation of metadiscourse markers across the press, general prose, academic prose and fiction in the Freiburg update of the Lancaster-Oslo/Bergen Corpus of British English (500 texts; 1,000,000 words). Three Metadiscourse Dimensions are extracted and interpreted: writer presence, text presentation and reader guidance. Mean dimension scores are computed as a basis for functional interpretation of register variation. Results show that the appropriate use of metadiscourse markers crucially depends on the register. Metadiscourse markers are more pervasive in more informational and abstract registers (academic, general prose, editorials), especially for the function of text presentation. On the contrary, metadiscourse markers are rare in narrative and concrete registers (fiction, press, reportage), and are mostly used for the purpose of reader guidance.
Doing political ethnography in a difficult climate: A Turkish case study
Authors: Tittensor David
Published: February 2016

In recent times, there has been a great deal of soul-searching about terms such as ‘deception’ and ‘informed consent’ and, consequently, ethics review boards have applied the biomedical ethics model to the ethnographic endeavour and the wider social sciences. However, these new strictures are problematic, particularly when undertaking politically sensitive research. Drawing on 13 months of ethnographic fieldwork in Turkey on the maligned religious organization known as the Gülen Movement, this paper will argue that informed consent is not always the most appropriate approach when researching hard-to-reach or hidden communities. Rather, it will seek to illustrate that rapport, trust, friendship and reciprocity are worthy substitutes.
Doing comic geographies
Authors: Emmerson Phil
Published: February 2016

This article reflects on how notions of ‘the comic’ may be of added value to geographers’ research. It is formed around the idea that there are aspects of space and society that are by nature incongruous and unsuitable to be understood through frameworks of scholarship that privilege ‘reason’ and objectivity above all else. The author thus reflects on how these notions of ‘the comic’ as a mode of thought can be applied to understanding different fields of research. Ultimately, the article draws out how using this comic mode also forms an ‘inward’ reflective process which can help to understand the often complicated positions that researchers hold. This article thus calls for an inclusion of the often otherwise ignored comic aspects of the world into scholarship so that we, as geographers, may provide fuller and more human critical analyses of space, culture and society.
Material computation—4D timber construction: Towards building-scale hygroscopic actuated, self-constructing timber surfaces
Authors: Wood Dylan Marx , Correa David , Krieg Oliver David , Menges Achim
Published: February 2016

The implementation of active and responsive materials in architecture and construction allows for the replacement of digitally controlled mechanisms with material-based systems that can be designed and programmed with the capacity to compute and execute a behavioral response. The programming of such systems with increasingly specific response requires a material-driven computational design and fabrication strategy. This research presents techniques and technologies for significantly upscaling hygroscopically actuated timber-based systems for use as self-constructing building surfaces. The timber’s integrated hygroscopic characteristics combined with computational design techniques and existing digital fabrication methods allow for a designed processing and reassembly of discrete wood elements into large-scale multi element bilayer surfaces. This material assembly methodology enables the design and control of the encoded direction and magnitude of humidity-actuated responsive curvature at an expanded scale. Design, simulation, and material assembly tests are presented together with formal and functional configurations that incorporate self-constructing and self-rigidizing surface strategies. The presented research and prototypes initiate a shift toward a large-scale, self-construction methodology.
Measurement of daily physical activity using the SenseWear Armband
Authors: McNamara Renae J , Tsai Ling Ling Y , Wootton Sally L , Ng L W Cindy , Dale Marita T , McKeough Zoe J , Alison Jennifer A
Published: February 2016

Little is known about the acceptability of wearing physical activity-monitoring devices. This study aimed to examine the compliance, comfort, incidence of adverse side effects, and usability when wearing the SenseWear Armband (SWA) for daily physical activity assessment. In a prospective study, 314 participants (252 people with COPD, 36 people with a dust-related respiratory disease and 26 healthy age-matched people) completed a purpose-designed questionnaire following a 7-day period of wearing the SWA. Compliance, comfort levels during the day and night, adverse side effects and ease of using the device were recorded. Non-compliance with wearing the SWA over 7 days was 8%. The main reasons for removing the device were adverse side effects and discomfort. The SWA comfort level during the day was rated by 11% of participants as uncomfortable/very uncomfortable, with higher levels of discomfort reported during the night (16%). Nearly half of the participants (46%) experienced at least one adverse skin irritation side effect from wearing the SWA including itchiness, skin irritation and rashes, and/or bruising. Compliance with wearing the SWA for measurement of daily physical activity was found to be good, despite reports of discomfort and a high incidence of adverse side effects.
The missing two Cs – commodity and critique: Obscuring the political economy of the ‘gift’ of nursing
Authors: Goodman Benny
Published: February 2016

This discussion paper argues for understanding nursing care as a commodity within capitalist relations of production, ultimately as a product of labour, whose use value far exceeds its exchange value and price. This under-recognised commodification of care work obscures the social relationships involved in the contribution to the social reproduction of labour and to capital accumulation by nursing care work. This matters, because many care workers give of themselves and their unpaid overtime to provide care as if in a ‘gift economy’, but in doing so find themselves in subordinate subject positions as a part of the social reproduction of labour in a ‘commodity economy’. Thus they are caught in the contradiction between the ‘appearance’ and reality. A focus on the individual moral character of nurses (e.g. the UK’s 6Cs), may operate as a screen deflecting understanding of the reality of the lived experiences of thousands of care workers and supports the discourse of ‘care as a gift’. The commodification of care work also undermines social reproduction itself. Many nurses will not have tools of analysis to critique their subject positioning by power elites and have thus been largely ineffectual in creating change to the neoliberalist and managerialist contexts that characterise many healthcare and other public sector organisations. The implications of this analysis for healthcare policy and nursing practice is the need for a critical praxis (an ‘action nursing’) by nurses and nursing bodies, along with their allies, which may include patient groups, to put care in all its guises and consequences central to the political agenda.
Carbamylated LL-37 as a modulator of the immune response
Authors: Koro Catalin , Hellvard Annelie , Delaleu Nicolas , Binder Veronika , Scavenius Carsten , Bergum Brith , Główczyk Izabela , Roberts Helen M , Chapple Iain LC , Grant Melissa M , Rapala-Kozik Maria , Klaga Kinga , Enghild Jan J , Potempa Jan , Mydel Piotr
Published: February 2016

Carbamylation of lysine residues and protein N-termini is an ubiquitous, non-enzymatic post-translational modification. Carbamylation at sites of inflammation is due to cyanate formation during the neutrophil oxidative burst and may target lysine residues within the antimicrobial peptide LL-37. The bactericidal and immunomodulatory properties of LL-37 depend on its secondary structure and cationic nature, which are conferred by arginine and lysine residues. Therefore, carbamylation may affect the biological functions of LL-37. The present study examined the kinetics and pattern of LL-37 carbamylation to investigate how this modification affects the bactericidal, cytotoxic and immunomodulatory function of the peptide. The results indicated that LL-37 undergoes rapid modification in the presence of physiological concentrations of cyanate, yielding a spectrum of diverse carbamylated peptides. Mass spectrometry analyses revealed that the N-terminal amino group of Leu-1 was highly reactive and was modified almost instantly by cyanate to generate the predominant form of the modified peptide, named LL-37C1. This was followed by the sequential carbamylation of Lys-8, Lys-12, and Lys-15 to yield LL-37C8, and Lys-15 to yield LL-37C12,15. Carbamylation had profound and diverse effects on the structure and biological properties of LL-37. In some cases, anti-inflammatory LL-37 was rapidly converted to pro-inflammatory LL-37.
Nonadjunctive Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Diabetes Treatment Decisions
Authors: Castle Jessica R. , Jacobs Peter G.
Published: February 2016

While self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is the current standard used by people with diabetes to manage glucose levels, recent improvements in accuracy of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology are making it very likely that diabetes-related treatment decisions will soon be made based on CGM values alone. Nonadjunctive use of CGM will lead to a paradigm shift in how patients manage their glucose levels and will require substantial changes in how care providers educate their patients, monitor their progress, and provide feedback to help them manage their diabetes. The approval to use CGM nonadjunctively is also a critical step in the pathway toward FDA approval of an artificial pancreas system, which is further expected to transform diabetes care for people with type 1 diabetes. In this article, we discuss how nonadjunctive CGM is expected to soon replace routine SMBG and how this new usage scenario is expected to transform health outcomes and patient care.
Glucose Variability
Authors: Le Floch Jean-Pierre , Kessler Laurence
Published: February 2016

Background:

Glucose variability has been suspected to be a major factor of diabetic complications. Several indices have been proposed for measuring glucose variability, but their interest remains discussed. Our aim was to compare different indices.

Methods:

Glucose variability was studied in 150 insulin-treated diabetic patients (46% men, 42% type 1 diabetes, age 52 ± 11 years) using a continuous glucose monitoring system (668 ± 564 glucose values; mean glucose value 173 ± 38 mg/dL). Results from the mean, the median, different indices (SD, MAGE, MAG, glucose fluctuation index (GFI), and percentages of low [<60 mg/dL] and high [>180 mg/dL] glucose values), and ratios (CV = SD/m, MAGE/m, MAG/m, and GCF = GFI/m) were compared using Pearson linear correlations and a multivariate principal component analysis (PCA).

Results:

CV, MAGE/m (ns), GCF and GFI ( P < .05), MAG and MAG/m ( P < .01) were not strongly correlated with the mean. The percentage of high glucose values was mainly correlated with indices. The percentage of low glucose values was mainly correlated with ratios. PCA showed 3 main axes; the first was associated with descriptive data (mean, SD, CV, MAGE, MAGE/m, and percentage of high glucose values); the second with ratios MAG/m and GCF and with the percentage of low glucose values; and the third with MAG, GFI, and the percentage of high glucose values.

Conclusions:

Indices and ratios provide complementary pieces of information associated with high and low glucose values, respectively. The pairs MAG+MAG/m and GFI+GCF appear to be the most reliable markers of glucose variability in diabetic patients.
Myeloid sarcoma of submandibular salivary gland
Authors: Dagna Federico , Giordano Pamela , Boggio Valeria , Albera Roberto
Published: February 2016

Objective:

To report a rare case of a myeloid sarcoma of submandibular salivary gland.

Methods:

A 65-year-old woman with a history of successfully treated myelodysplastic syndrome, presenting with periodic painful swelling of her right submandibular area.

Results:

Physical evaluation, ultrasound and CT scan revealed the presence of a 3-cm mass contiguous to the submandibular salivary gland. A core needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma. Bone marrow biopsy was still showing complete remission and the submandibular gland was the only extramedullary site involved. The patient was submitted to chemotherapy.

Conclusion:

Myeloid sarcoma is a rare extramedullary neoplasm. It can virtually involve any anatomic site, but it usually involves lymph nodes, paranasal sinuses, skin, soft tissue and periostium. Myeloid sarcomas of salivary glands are very rare and ENTs should be aware of this disease in order to include it in the differential diagnosis of a solitary neck mass.
Contrast-enhanced synthetic MRI for the detection of brain metastases
Authors: Hagiwara Akifumi , Hori Masaaki , Suzuki Michimasa , Andica Christina , Nakazawa Misaki , Tsuruta Kouhei , Takano Nao , Sato Shuji , Hamasaki Nozomi , Yoshida Mariko , Kumamaru Kanako Kunishima , Ohtomo Kuni , Aoki Shigeki
Published: February 2016

Background

Synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a technique that enables creation of various contrast-weighted images from a single MRI quantification scan, is a useful clinical tool. However, there are currently no reports examining the use of contrast-enhanced synthetic MRI for detecting brain metastases.

Purpose

To assess whether contrast-enhanced synthetic MRI is suitable for detecting brain metastases.

Material and Methods

Ten patients with a combined total of 167 brain metastases who underwent quantitative MRI and conventional T1-weighted inversion recovery fast spin-echo (conventional T1IR) MRI before and after administration of a contrast agent were included in the study. Synthetic T1IR and T1-weighted (synthetic T1W) images were produced after parameter quantification. Lesion-to-white matter contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio were calculated for each image. The number of visible lesions in each image was determined by two neuroradiologists.

Results

The mean lesion-to-white matter contrast and mean contrast-to-noise ratio of the synthetic T1IR images were significantly higher than those of the synthetic T1W ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) and conventional T1IR ( P = 0.04 and P = 0.002, respectively) images. Totals of 130 and 124 metastases were detected in the synthetic T1IR images by the first and second radiologists, respectively. The corresponding numbers were 91 and 85 in the synthetic T1W images and 119 and 119 in the conventional T1IR images. Statistical significance was not found among detected numbers of lesions.

Conclusion

Synthetic T1IR imaging created better contrast compared with synthetic T1W or conventional T1IR imaging. The ability to detect brain metastases was comparable among these imaging.
Spontaneous brain tumor imaging of aged rat by crystal X-ray interferometer-based phase-contrast X-ray CT
Authors: Lwin Thet-Thet , Yoneyama Akio , Hara Atsuko , Ohbu Makoto , Maruyama Hiroko , Taguchi Masaya , Esashi Shogo , Matsushima Tsubasa , Terazaki Kei , Hyodo Kazuyuki , Takeda Tohoru
Published: February 2016

Background

Crystal X-ray interferometer-based phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography (C-PCCT) enables the depiction of internal structures of biological tissue without contrast agents.

Purpose

To determine the advantage of this technique in visualizing detailed morphological structures of a rare spontaneous brain tumor in an aged rat.

Material and Methods

An aged rat’s spontaneous brain tumor was imaged by C-PCCT without contrast agent. Three-dimensional (3D) images of the tumor microvasculature were reconstructed and compared with pathological pictures.

Results

C-PCCT depicted the tumor’s various pathological features clearly, e.g. its cell density and vasculature, and blood clots caused by hemorrhaging and/or hematomas. The obtained images resembled pathological pictures with a magnification of ×20 and were used to reconstruct 3D images of the tumor vascularity up to approximately 26 µm in diameter.

Conclusion

Since C-PCCT is able to depict various pathological conditions, it might be useful for cancer research.
Hyperinsulinism Hyperammonemia Syndrome, a Rare Clinical Constellation
Authors: Hussain Jonathan , Schlachterman Alexander , Kamel Amir , Gupte Anand
Published: February 2016

We present the unique case of adult hyperinsulinism hyperammonemia syndrome (HI/HA). This condition is rarely seen in children and even more infrequently in adults. A 27-year-old female with HI/HA, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, staring spells, and gastroesophageal reflux disease presented with diffuse abdominal pain, hypoglycemia, confusion, and sweating. She reported a history of significant nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which had been present intermittently over the past year. On examination, she was found to have a soft, nontender, and mildly distended abdomen without splenomegaly or masses. She had a normal blood pressure and was tachycardic (130 bpm). Her initial complete blood count and basic metabolic panel, excluding glucose, were within normal limits. She was found to have an elevated peripherally drawn venous ammonia (171 mmol/L) and near hypoglycemia (blood glucose 61 mg/dL), which were drawn given her history of HI/HA. She was continued on home carglumic acid and diazoxide, glucose was supplemented intravenously, and she was started on levetiracetam for seizure prophylaxis. An upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD]) was performed and was unremarkable, and biopsies taken were within normal limits. Following the EGD, she underwent a gastric emptying study that showed delayed emptying (216 minutes), consistent with a new diagnosis of gastroparesis, the likely etiology of her initial abdominal pain on presentation. This was subsequently treated with azithromycin oral solution. We present this case to raise awareness of this rarely encountered syndrome and to provide the basic principles of treatment.
Work-Based (Not Classroom) Learning as the Apt Preparation for the Practice of Management
Authors: Raelin Joseph A.
Published: February 2016

The author contends in this article that work-based learning is the most advantageous method to prepare people to assume mutual responsibility for leadership and management. The reason is that leadership in the current knowledge era is less frequently produced from a single individual; rather, the author claims that it now occurs more often as a dynamic practice that is distributed across a range of individuals. Compared to traditional classroom learning often delivered in off-site settings, work-based learning summons participants to live engagements during which they can reflect on their experience so as to expand and create knowledge while at the same time improve their practice. Accordingly, they develop particular habits and attitudes that give rise to an adoption and appreciation of leadership as a collective practice.
Teaching About Social Loafing
Authors: Seltzer Joseph
Published: February 2016

Many classroom groups have difficulties with individuals who do not do their fair share of the workload. The experience of “social loafing” is widespread and often not well handled. The Accounting Team exercise was developed to examine this issue. Classroom groups are given the case of six team members of an accounting firm and asked to identify how to deal with a social loafer and another member who was not loafing, but had a performance problem. As an added twist, one group member has been given a slightly different case instructing him/her to be a social loafer in the group discussion. This is revealed in the debrief and discussed, followed by a short lecture/handout on “Addressing Social Loafing.” Finally, the group is asked to identify ways they can reduce social loafing in their own classroom group.