bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congenital heart disease in men – birth characteristics and reproduction: a national cohort study
Authors: Kernell Kristina , Sydsjö Gunilla , Bladh Marie , Nielsen Niels Erik , Josefsson Ann
Published: June 2014

Background

Women with congenital heart disease (CHD) are more often born preterm or small-for-gestational age and with a caesarean section. This pattern together with an increased risk of congenital anomalies seems to be repeated in the next generation. Information on the effect of paternal CHD on their offspring is sparse. In this study we investigated if men with CHD differ from those who do not have CHD with respect to characteristics related to their own births, their reproductive patterns and the neonatal outcomes of their children.

Methods

In this national cohort study data were derived from Swedish population-based registries. The population consists of all men born in 1973-1983 who were alive and living in Sweden at 13 years of age (n = 522 216). The index group is men with CHD (n = 2689). Men diagnosed with CHD were compared with men without CHD. The CHD were also divided into two groups, complex and simple CHD and comparisons between the groups were made.

Results

Men with CHD are more likely to have been born preterm (p < 0.001), small-for gestational-age (p < 0.001) or large-for-gestational-age (p < 0.001) than men without CHD. They are also more likely to have been the result of a twin pregnancy (p < 0.001) and to have been delivered by caesarean section (p < 0.001). Men with CHD have a decreased likelihood to become fathers compared to non-CHD men and in this study their offspring do not have a higher incidence of CHD than offspring to non-CHD fathers. The neonatal outcomes of children of men with CHD do not differ from the outcomes of children of non-CHD men.

Conclusions

Men with CHD were more often born with non-optimal characteristics compared to men without the condition. However, the increased risk does not repeat itself in the next generation. This knowledge can lead to improved preconception counselling for couples in which the father has a CHD.
Pata contractions and coupled type fixed points
Authors: Eshaghi Madjid , Mohseni Samad , Delavar Mohsen Rostamian , De La Sen Manuel , Kim Gwang Hui , Arian Asma
Published: June 2014

A new coupled fixed point theorem related to the Pata contraction for mappings having the mixed monotone property in partially ordered complete metric spaces is established. It is shown that the coupled fixed point can be unique under some extra suitable conditions involving mid point lower or upper bound properties. Also the corresponding convergence rate is estimated when the iterates of our function converge to its coupled fixed point.

MSC:47H10, 34B15, 54H25.
Common fixed point theorems for weakly compatible mappings satisfying contractive conditions of integral type
Authors: Liu Zeqing , Han Yan , Kang Shin Min , Ume Jeong Sheok
Published: June 2014

Two common fixed theorems for weakly compatible mappings satisfying general contractive conditions of integral type in metric spaces are proved and an illustrative example is provided. The results obtained in this paper substantially extend and improve several previous results, particularly Theorem 2.1 of Branciari (Int. J. Math. Math. Sci. 29(9):531-536, 2002), Theorem 2 of Rhoades (Int. J. Math. Math. Sci. 2003(63):4007-4013, 2003) and Theorem 2 of Vijayaraju et al. (Int. J. Math. Math. Sci. 2005(15):2359-2364, 2005). A nontrivial example with uncountably many points is also provided to support the results presented herein.

MSC:54H25.
Contraction conditions using comparison functions on b-metric spaces
Authors: Shatanawi Wasfi , Pitea Ariana , Lazović Rade
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we consider the setting of b-metric spaces to establish results regarding the common fixed points of two mappings, using a contraction condition defined by means of a comparison function. An example is presented to support our results comparing with existing ones.

MSC:49H09, 47H10.
Current approaches of the management of mercury poisoning: need of the hour
Authors: Rafati-Rahimzadeh Mehrdad , Rafati-Rahimzadeh Mehravar , Kazemi Sohrab , Moghadamnia Ali Akbar
Published: June 2014

Mercury poisoning cases have been reported in many parts of the world, resulting in many deaths every year. Mercury compounds are classified in different chemical types such as elemental, inorganic and organic forms. Long term exposure to mercury compounds from different sources e.g. water, food, soil and air lead to toxic effects on cardiovascular, pulmonary, urinary, gastrointestinal, neurological systems and skin. Mercury level can be measured in plasma, urine, feces and hair samples. Urinary concentration is a good indicator of poisoning of elemental and inorganic mercury, but organic mercury (e.g. methyl mercury) can be detected easily in feces. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are a rapid, cheap and sensitive method for detection of thymine bound mercuric ions. Silver nanoparticles are used as a sensitive detector of low concentration Hg2+ions in homogeneous aqueous solutions. Besides supportive therapy, British anti lewisite, dimercaprol (BAL), 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA. succimer) and dimercaptopropanesulfoxid acid (DMPS) are currently used as chelating agents in mercury poisoning. Natural biologic scavengers such as algae, azolla and other aquatic plants possess the ability to uptake mercury traces from the environment.
High phosphoserine in sepsis: panel of clinical and plasma amino acid correlations
Authors: Chiarla Carlo , Giovannini Ivo , Siegel John H
Published: June 2014

The determination of plasma phosphoserine concentration in sepsis is uncommon, and the clinical and metabolic correlations of abnormally high phosphoserine are basically unknown. We analyzed 430 determinations of phosphoserine, other amino acid (AA) levels and ancillary variables obtained in 18 septic patients, in order to assess the biochemical and clinical correlations of changes in phosphoserine. Phosphoserine ranged between 5 and 55 micromol/L (n.v. < 12). Increasing phosphoserine was associated with higher severity of illness and death, and its best AA correlates were increasing cystathionine, 3-methylhistidine, histidine, hydroxyproline and tyrosine (r > 0.65, p < 0.001 for all). High phosphoserine seemed to cumulatively reflect kidney and liver dysfunction and enhanced proteolysis. As a collateral finding, 3-methylhistidine (a best correlate of phosphoserine) was also inversely related to nutritional AA dose (p < 0.001). These data suggest that in septic patients the determination of plasma phosphoserine may provide useful information on severity of septic illness and prognosis. The observed correlations also indirectly evidenced an impact of nutritional AA dose in moderating proteolysis.
How to build an inducible cartilage-specific transgenic mouse
Authors: Blaney Davidson Esmeralda N , van de Loo Fons AJ , van den Berg Wim B , van der Kraan Peter M
Published: June 2014

Transgenic mice are used to study the roles of specific proteins in an intact living system. Use of transgenic mice to study processes in cartilage, however, poses some challenges. First of all, many factors involved in cartilage homeostasis and disease are also crucial factors in embryogenesis. Therefore, meddling with these factors often leads to death before birth, and mice who do survive cannot be considered normal. The build-up of cartilage in these mice is altered, making it nearly impossible to truly interpret the role of a protein in adult cartilage function. An elegant way to overcome these limitations is to make transgenic mice time- and tissue-specific, thereby omitting side-effects in tissues other than cartilage and during embryology. This review discusses the potential building blocks for making an inducible cartilage-specific transgenic mouse. We review which promoters can be used to gain chondrocyte-specificity - all chondrocytes or a specific subset thereof - as well as different systems that can be used to enable inducibility of a transgene.
Functional characterization and structural modeling of synthetic polyester-degrading hydrolases from Thermomonospora curvata
Authors: Wei Ren , Oeser Thorsten , Then Johannes , Kühn Nancy , Barth Markus , Schmidt Juliane , Zimmermann Wolfgang
Published: June 2014

Thermomonospora curvata is a thermophilic actinomycete phylogenetically related to Thermobifida fusca that produces extracellular hydrolases capable of degrading synthetic polyesters. Analysis of the genome of T. curvata DSM43183 revealed two genes coding for putative polyester hydrolases Tcur1278 and Tcur0390 sharing 61% sequence identity with the T. fusca enzymes. Mature proteins of Tcur1278 and Tcur0390 were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli TOP10. Tcur1278 and Tcur0390 exhibited an optimal reaction temperature against p-nitrophenyl butyrate at 60°C and 55°C, respectively. The optimal pH for both enzymes was determined at pH 8.5. Tcur1278 retained more than 80% and Tcur0390 less than 10% of their initial activity following incubation for 60 min at 55°C. Tcur0390 showed a higher hydrolytic activity against poly(ε-caprolactone) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanoparticles compared to Tcur1278 at reaction temperatures up to 50°C. At 55°C and 60°C, hydrolytic activity against PET nanoparticles was only detected with Tcur1278. In silico modeling of the polyester hydrolases and docking with a model substrate composed of two repeating units of PET revealed the typical fold of α/β serine hydrolases with an exposed catalytic triad. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the superior thermal stability of Tcur1278 considered as the main reason for its higher hydrolytic activity on PET.
Writing Assignments with a Metacognitive Component Enhance Learning in a Large Introductory Biology Course
Authors: Mynlieff Michelle , Manogaran Anita L. , St. Maurice Martin , Eddinger Thomas J.
Published: June 2014

Writing assignments, including note taking and written recall, should enhance retention of knowledge, whereas analytical writing tasks with metacognitive aspects should enhance higher-order thinking. In this study, we assessed how certain writing-intensive “interventions,” such as written exam corrections and peer-reviewed writing assignments using Calibrated Peer Review and including a metacognitive component, improve student learning. We designed and tested the possible benefits of these approaches using control and experimental variables across and between our three-section introductory biology course. Based on assessment, students who corrected exam questions showed significant improvement on postexam assessment compared with their nonparticipating peers. Differences were also observed between students participating in written and discussion-based exercises. Students with low ACT scores benefited equally from written and discussion-based exam corrections, whereas students with midrange to high ACT scores benefited more from written than discussion-based exam corrections. Students scored higher on topics learned via peer-reviewed writing assignments relative to learning in an active classroom discussion or traditional lecture. However, students with low ACT scores (17–23) did not show the same benefit from peer-reviewed written essays as the other students. These changes offer significant student learning benefits with minimal additional effort by the instructors.
The School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt: An Innovative Research-Based Program for High School Students
Authors: Eeds Angela , Vanags Chris , Creamer Jonathan , Loveless Mary , Dixon Amanda , Sperling Harvey , McCombs Glenn , Robinson Doug , Shepherd Virginia L.
Published: June 2014

The School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt (SSMV) is an innovative partnership program between a Research I private university and a large urban public school system. The SSMV was started in 2007 and currently has 101 students enrolled in the program, with a total of 60 students who have completed the 4-yr sequential program. Students attend the SSMV for one full day per week during the school year and 3–6 wk in the summers following their ninth- to 11th-grade years, with each grade of 26 students coming to the Vanderbilt campus on a separate day. The research-based curriculum focuses on guiding students through the process of learning to develop questions and hypotheses, designing projects and performing analyses, and communicating results of these projects. The SSMV program has elevated the learning outcomes of students as evidenced by increased achievement scores relative to a comparison group of students; has provided a rigorous research-based science, technology, engineering, and mathematics elective curriculum that culminates in a Summer research internship; has produced 27 Intel and Siemens semifinalists and regional finalists over the past 4 yr; and has supported the development of writing and communication skills resulting in regional and national oral presentations and publications in scientific journals.
Teaching Assistant Professional Development in Biology: Designed for and Driven by Multidimensional Data
Authors: Wyse Sara A. , Long Tammy M. , Ebert-May Diane
Published: June 2014

Graduate teaching assistants (TAs) are increasingly responsible for instruction in undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses. Various professional development (PD) programs have been developed and implemented to prepare TAs for this role, but data about effectiveness are lacking and are derived almost exclusively from self-reported surveys. In this study, we describe the design of a reformed PD (RPD) model and apply Kirkpatrick's Evaluation Framework to evaluate multiple outcomes of TA PD before, during, and after implementing RPD. This framework allows evaluation that includes both direct measures and self-reported data. In RPD, TAs created and aligned learning objectives and assessments and incorporated more learner-centered instructional practices in their teaching. However, these data are inconsistent with TAs’ self-reported perceptions about RPD and suggest that single measures are insufficient to evaluate TA PD programs.
Longitudinal Study of Student Attitudes in a Biology Program
Authors: Hansen Malin J. , Birol Gülnur
Published: June 2014

This is among the first longitudinal studies to report student attitudes across 4 yr of a university program. We found that the attitudes of students in biology become significantly more expert-like from the first year to the fourth year of the program, that is, there was a significant positive shift in students’ overall percent favorable scores from 64.5 to 72%, as opposed to the expert response, which averaged 90%. There was a significant positive shift for the real world connection category (78–85%), the enjoyment (personal interest) category (74–82%), and the conceptual connections/memorization category (66–74%). Moreover, there was a significant correlation between students’ overall percent favorable scores and performance (cumulative grade point average) at the end, but not at the beginning, of the fourth year, with high-performing students having significantly more expert-like attitudes than low-performing students. The correlation between percent favorable score and performance was the strongest for the problem solving: synthesis and application category, in which the highest-performing students finished their fourth year with 90% favorable compared with 35% favorable for the lowest-performing students. A comparison of these results with previously reported results and their implications for teaching are discussed.
The Dominance Concept Inventory: A Tool for Assessing Undergraduate Student Alternative Conceptions about Dominance in Mendelian and Population Genetics
Authors: Abraham Joel K. , Perez Kathryn E. , Price Rebecca M.
Published: June 2014

Despite the impact of genetics on daily life, biology undergraduates understand some key genetics concepts poorly. One concept requiring attention is dominance, which many students understand as a fixed property of an allele or trait and regularly conflate with frequency in a population or selective advantage. We present the Dominance Concept Inventory (DCI), an instrument to gather data on selected alternative conceptions about dominance. During development of the 16-item test, we used expert surveys (n = 12), student interviews (n = 42), and field tests (n = 1763) from introductory and advanced biology undergraduates at public and private, majority- and minority-serving, 2- and 4-yr institutions in the United States. In the final field test across all subject populations (n = 709), item difficulty ranged from 0.08 to 0.84 (0.51 ± 0.049 SEM), while item discrimination ranged from 0.11 to 0.82 (0.50 ± 0.048 SEM). Internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.77, while test–retest reliability values were 0.74 (product moment correlation) and 0.77 (intraclass correlation). The prevalence of alternative conceptions in the field tests shows that introductory and advanced students retain confusion about dominance after instruction. All measures support the DCI as a useful instrument for measuring undergraduate biology student understanding and alternative conceptions about dominance.
Understanding Classrooms through Social Network Analysis: A Primer for Social Network Analysis in Education Research
Authors: Grunspan Daniel Z. , Wiggins Benjamin L. , Goodreau Steven M.
Published: June 2014

Social interactions between students are a major and underexplored part of undergraduate education. Understanding how learning relationships form in undergraduate classrooms, as well as the impacts these relationships have on learning outcomes, can inform educators in unique ways and improve educational reform. Social network analysis (SNA) provides the necessary tool kit for investigating questions involving relational data. We introduce basic concepts in SNA, along with methods for data collection, data processing, and data analysis, using a previously collected example study on an undergraduate biology classroom as a tutorial. We conduct descriptive analyses of the structure of the network of costudying relationships. We explore generative processes that create observed study networks between students and also test for an association between network position and success on exams. We also cover practical issues, such as the unique aspects of human subjects review for network studies. Our aims are to convince readers that using SNA in classroom environments allows rich and informative analyses to take place and to provide some initial tools for doing so, in the process inspiring future educational studies incorporating relational data.
pClone: Synthetic Biology Tool Makes Promoter Research Accessible to Beginning Biology Students
Authors: Campbell A. Malcolm , Eckdahl Todd , Cronk Brian , Andresen Corinne , Frederick Paul , Huckuntod Samantha , Shinneman Claire , Wacker Annie , Yuan Jason
Published: June 2014

The Vision and Change report recommended genuine research experiences for undergraduate biology students. Authentic research improves science education, increases the number of scientifically literate citizens, and encourages students to pursue research. Synthetic biology is well suited for undergraduate research and is a growing area of science. We developed a laboratory module called pClone that empowers students to use advances in molecular cloning methods to discover new promoters for use by synthetic biologists. Our educational goals are consistent with Vision and Change and emphasize core concepts and competencies. pClone is a family of three plasmids that students use to clone a new transcriptional promoter or mutate a canonical promoter and measure promoter activity in Escherichia coli. We also developed the Registry of Functional Promoters, an open-access database of student promoter research results. Using pre- and posttests, we measured significant learning gains among students using pClone in introductory biology and genetics classes. Student posttest scores were significantly better than scores of students who did not use pClone. pClone is an easy and affordable mechanism for large-enrollment labs to meet the high standards of Vision and Change.
Is Peer Interaction Necessary for Optimal Active Learning?
Authors: Linton Debra L. , Farmer Jan Keith , Peterson Ernie
Published: June 2014

Meta-analyses of active-learning research consistently show that active-learning techniques result in greater student performance than traditional lecture-based courses. However, some individual studies show no effect of active-learning interventions. This may be due to inexperienced implementation of active learning. To minimize the effect of inexperience, we should try to provide more explicit implementation recommendations based on research into the key components of effective active learning. We investigated the optimal implementation of active-learning exercises within a “lecture” course. Two sections of nonmajors biology were taught by the same instructor, in the same semester, using the same instructional materials and assessments. Students in one section completed in-class active-learning exercises in cooperative groups, while students in the other section completed the same activities individually. Performance on low-level, multiple-choice assessments was not significantly different between sections. However, students who worked in cooperative groups on the in-class activities significantly outperformed students who completed the activities individually on the higher-level, extended-response questions. Our results provide additional evidence that group processing of activities should be the recommended mode of implementation for in-class active-learning exercises.
Feedback about Teaching in Higher Ed: Neglected Opportunities to Promote Change
Authors: Gormally Cara , Evans Mara , Brickman Peggy
Published: June 2014

Despite ongoing dissemination of evidence-based teaching strategies, science teaching at the university level is less than reformed. Most college biology instructors could benefit from more sustained support in implementing these strategies. One-time workshops raise awareness of evidence-based practices, but faculty members are more likely to make significant changes in their teaching practices when supported by coaching and feedback. Currently, most instructional feedback occurs via student evaluations, which typically lack specific feedback for improvement and focus on teacher-centered practices, or via drop-in classroom observations and peer evaluation by other instructors, which raise issues for promotion, tenure, and evaluation. The goals of this essay are to summarize the best practices for providing instructional feedback, recommend specific strategies for providing feedback, and suggest areas for further research. Missed opportunities for feedback in teaching are highlighted, and the sharing of instructional expertise is encouraged.
Editorial: Recovery from chemotherapy depends on STAT1 for replenishment of B lymphopoiesis
Authors: Strobl Birgit , Moriggl Richard
Published: June 2014

Discussion of how B cell immune function is affected after hematopoietic reconstitution in a situation of chemotherapy upon STAT1 deficiency, possibly impairing bone marrow transplants.
Management of medically unexplained symptoms: outcomes of a specialist liaison clinic
Authors: Röhricht Frank , Elanjithara Thomas
Published: June 2014

Aims and method

Service utilisation and clinical outcomes of a newly developed specialist primary–secondary care liaison clinic for patients with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) were evaluated in a cross-sectional and feasibility pilot study. The impact of body-oriented psychological therapy (BOPT) was explored in a small cohort of patients with an identified somatoform disorder.

Results

Of 147 consecutive referrals, 113 patients engaged with the assessment process. Of patients with MUS, 42% (n= 45) had a primary diagnosis of somatoform disorder, 36% (n= 38) depressive disorder, and depressive symptoms (even subsyndromal) mediated the effect of somatic symptoms. A marked variation of presenting complaints and service utilisation across ethnic groups was noted. A significant reduction in somatic symptom levels and service utilisation was achieved for patients undergoing BOPT.

Clinical implications

A high proportion of patients with MUS have undiagnosed and therefore untreated mental disorders. New and locally derived collaborative care models of active engagement in primary care settings are required. Patients with somatoform disorder may benefit from BOPT; this requires further evaluation in adequately powered clinical trials.
Psychiatry, subjectivity and emotion – deepening the medical model
Authors: Yakeley Jessica , Hale Rob , Johnston James , Kirtchuk Gabriel , Shoenberg Peter
Published: June 2014

Morale among psychiatrists continues to be seriously challenged in the face of recruitment difficulties, unfilled posts, diagnostic controversies, service reconfigurations and public criticism of psychiatric care, in addition to other difficulties. In this article, we argue that the positivist paradigm that continues to dominate British psychiatry has led to an undervaluing of subjectivity and of the role of emotions within psychiatric training and practice. Reintegrating the subjective perspective and promoting emotional awareness and reflection may go some way towards restoring faith in the psychiatric specialty.
Aerosol Performance and Long-Term Stability of Surfactant-Associated Liposomal Ciprofloxacin Formulations with Modified Encapsulation and Release Properties
Authors: Cipolla David , Wu Huiying , Gonda Igor , Chan Hak-Kim
Published: June 2014

Previously, we showed that the encapsulation and release properties of a liposomal ciprofloxacin formulation could be modified post manufacture, by addition of surfactant in concert with osmotic swelling of the liposomes. This strategy may provide more flexibility and convenience than the alternative of manufacturing multiple batches of liposomes differing in composition to cover a wide range of release profiles. The goal of this study was to develop a surfactant-associated liposomal ciprofloxacin (CFI) formulation possessing good long-term stability which could be delivered as an inhaled aerosol. Preparations of 12.5 mg/ml CFI containing 0.4% polysorbate 20 were formulated between pH 4.7 and 5.5. These formulations, before and after mesh nebulization, and after refrigerated storage for up to 2 years, were characterized in terms of liposome structure by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) imaging, vesicle size by dynamic light scattering, pH, drug encapsulation by centrifugation-filtration, and in vitro release (IVR) performance. Within the narrower pH range of 4.9 to 5.2, these formulations retained their physicochemical stability after 2-year refrigerated storage, were robust to mesh nebulization, and formed respirable aerosols with a volume mean diameter (VMD) of 3.7 μm and a geometric standard deviation (GSD) of 1.7. This study demonstrates that it may be possible to provide a range of release profiles by simple addition of surfactant to a liposomal formulation post manufacture, and that these formulations may retain their physicochemical properties after long-term refrigerated storage and following aerosolization by mesh nebulizer.
Embodying the People in Edwidge Danticat's Krik? Krak!
Authors: Anker Elizabeth S.
Published: June 2014

This essay analyzes how Edwidge Danticat's Krik? Krak! rewrites and overturns a number of the generic and other conventions that have typically been enlisted to theorize the novel's bearing on democracy. Political philosophy and law have advanced a number of enabling fictions both to legitimize “the People” of democracy and to manage the inherent instability in that category, and dominant theoretical models for explaining literature's democratic potential have also relied on and naturalized those mechanisms. Yet Krik? Krak! indexes the many exclusions smuggled in through such constructs. For instance, while a bildungsroman, Krik? Krak! plots the development of a multigenerational, collective, primarily women's Bildung that explodes individualist conceptions of the autonomous subject. Likewise, while an immigration narrative, it catalogs the wounds of, rather than celebrates, that process; while a marriage plot, it mourns the sacrifices accompanying such a course rather than reinforcing marriage as a route to liberal notions of civic “happiness.” In addition, by revisiting the Middle Passage, it exposes the liaisons between a particular vision of democracy and the birth of finance capital. In the process, Danticat further destabilizes the secularism thesis and premium on democratic reason by aesthetically incarnating the affective, embodied, ritual practices that forge a community.
Russian Regions’ Economy Research: Econometric Approach
Authors: Басовский  , Basovskiy Leonid , Басовская  , Basovskaya Elena
Published: June 2014

It is proposed a research program related to studying of economic development

of regions and country as a whole. It is suggested to build econometric models

of influence of factors which are able to affect indicators characterizing the

economic development. For this purpose it is proposed to use cross-sectional

data of the Federal State Statistics Service of Russia by region .On the basis of

obtained models it is possible to get partial regression equations. From these

equations it has been obtained equations for partial coefficients of influence of

studied factors by region. A use of described techniques has allowed estimate

an influence of capital-labor ratio, human capital, new technologies and private

property institution on labor efficiency in Russia. A higher education expansion

influence on salary level in Russia has been estimated. Estimates of private

property expansion influence on labor efficiency in the regions of Russia have

been obtained. Using these estimates it is possible to accomplish a costeffectiveness

analysis related to management of factors affecting the economic

development of country regions.
Structural and functional evaluation of the efficiency of alternative therapy and possibilities it´s application
Authors: Козырева  , Kozyreva S. , Суладзе  , Suladze V. , Козырев  , Kozyrev K. , Габуева  , Gabueva A.
Published: June 2014

This paper presents the discussion about the viability of alternative therapies, as well as the possibilities of its application. It is emphasized that some researchers refer warily to alternative therapies, but most publications are in solidarity with regards to its positive aspects and expediency of application. The authors have studied the scientific literature, and based on its own information, concluded that the alternative therapy doesn´t opposed to the official medicine, moreover, the alternative therapy contributes as an additional strategy, to improving the effectiveness of the influence on the patient treated by means of the standard methods of prevention and treatment of acute and chronic pathology, of human cancers. Alternative therapy gives hope, the patients live psychologically motivated expectation of arrival of the long-awaited, if not health in the biological sense of this word, at least positive clinical effect, long-term remission, improved quality of life.

Based on the study of the scientific literature and own data, devoted to the clinical, pathophysiological and experimental studies with the use of the sulfide mineral water, chronophototherapy by the Siberian ginseng, the phy-toveta, the adaptogenic phytococtails "Biorhythm-PC" as a means of alternative therapy, the positive results were received, showing their high efficiency. From the viewpoint of the authors, alternative medicine as part of regenerative medicine should still be regarded as an effective structural and functional element of reparative biogenesis.
Assessment of parameters state of neuromuscular cluster in the conditions of the dosed physical activity
Authors: Рассадина  , Rassadina Yu. , Попов  , Popov Yuriy , Карпин  , Karpin Vladimir , Башкатова  , Bashkatova Yuliya , Шиляева  , Shilyaeva O.
Published: June 2014

Parameters of neuromuscular system at the unexercised and trained examinees from a position of the theory of chaos and self-organization are studied. Essential distinction between two studied groups (the trained and unexercised students) is established. Dynamics of involuntary micro-movements of extremities (fingers of hands) in a person as reaction to the dosed physical activity is shown in change of parameters of quasiattractors of characteristics of a tremor. Dynamics of increase in volumes of quasiattractors of a vector of organism state in the unexercised students is revealed. The new technique of research of a control system by movements of a person by means of the analysis of characteristics of a tremor of an extremity in the conditions of physical activity is stated. Practical possibility of application of the method of multidimensional phase spaces of involuntary micro-movement in the assessment of reaction of neuromuscular system of the person on dynamic physical activity is shown. As a measure of state of human neuromuscular system (to loading and after loading) the authors use the quasiattractors of movement of state vector of system in two-dimensional phase space of states.
Hyperbaric oxygen correction of experimental cardiac arrhythmias caused by the aconitine
Authors: Лидохова  , Lidokhova O. , Макеева  , Makeeva A. , Тумановский  , Tumanovskiy Yu. , Крюков  , Kryukov V. , Болотских  , Bolotskikh V. , Ковалев  , Kovalev A.
Published: June 2014

In experiments on white rats the authors simulated the cardiac arrhythmias with intravenous introduction of the Aconitine (30 mg / kg body weight) and the registration of ECG II standard lead. Introduction of the Aconitine in rats caused abnormal heart rhythm as a function of changes in excitability, which was manifested in the emergence of paired and group of ventricular arrythmias. Electrocardiographic changes in the rats were observed and were associated with the development of hypoxia in the myocardium and metabolic disorders of electrolytes at excessive accumulation of sodium ions in cardiomyocytes. Arrhythmia caused death of all experimental animals within 120 minutes after drag introduction. Application of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) (300 kPa, 60 min) in animals with Aconitine arrhythmia contributed to the recovery of heart rate to 40-min HBO session. After decompression, the viability of experimental animals during the first 120 minutes of observation was 70%. Positive effect of hyperbaric oxygen at aconitine arrhythmias is due to elimination of hypoxia, reduction of energy deficit in the myocardium and normalization of electrolyte metabolism in the heart muscle. The obtained results allow the authors to recommend a method of HBO as an important component in the complex treatment of cardiac arrhythmias by means of the pharmacological anti-arrhythmic drags.
Invalidity of Decision of General Meeting of Proprietors under the New Rules of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation
Authors: Kirakosyan Susana
Published: June 2014

According to judicial practice in the past decade the disputes about invalidation of decisions taken at owners’ meetings have achieved mass proportions. Absence of the courts uniform approach in such disputes was caused by outstanding issues about criteria of meetings decisions invalidity, legal effects of decisions invalidation. A new chapter 91 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation came into effect on the 1st of September which established the uniform order for challenging of meetings decisions. The article distinguishes conditions of owners’ meetings decisions validity, explores grounds for holding the meetings decisions contested or void, rules for improvement of a contested decision, determines evidence of “antisocial” decision.
Legal Regulation of Organization and Activity of Courts of Constituent Bodies of the Russian Federation
Authors: Gravina Alla
Published: June 2014

The article deals with the current problem of the right of a subject of the Russian Federation to set up the courts, which forms the system of the courts of the subject of the Russian Federation: constitutional (statutory) courts and magistrate courts. The article also analyses the reasons for difficulties in setting up and operation of the constitution (statutory) courts. The pitfalls of legal governance of the work of the magistrate courts are also specified.
Defenses to International Criminal Responsibility
Authors: Rusanov Gyeorgiy
Published: June 2014

The author considers the grounds for exemption from international criminal responsibility provided for in accordance with the Statute of the International Criminal Court. The author examines the process of the formation of the institution, as well as the features of the application pursuant to an exemption from international criminal responsibility. In article focuses on five grounds: mental illness perpetrator; base defense; intoxication; mistake of fact or event; superior orders or prescription of law.
Senate Investigation of Abuses in Saint Petersburg Port Customs (1742—1743)
Authors: Balkovaya Valentina
Published: June 2014

The article is devoted to the history of fight against corruption in Russian Empire in XVIII. The author analyzes the materials of investigations of official malfeasances committed by St Petersburg port customs employees. These investigations were carried out by the Governing Senate’s committee of inquiry in the 1740s and resulted in disclosing an organized criminal group of 10 middle and low ranking customs officials and 19 foreign merchants. Besides, 24 foreign merchants occasionally asked the corrupt officials for services. That criminal activity in 1735—1742 caused material damage to the country amounting to 5 or 7% of due customs taxes and duties. The investigation revealed one of the most outstanding corruption cases in the XVIII century. The author discloses the reasons for abuses and conditions that led to the creation of the corruption scheme. Special attention is paid to the characteristics of methods and progress of the investigation and its results. Historical lessons for further development of customs clearance procedures in sea trade of Russia have been outlined. The research work is based on the materials of Russian State Archive of Ancient Acts (Moscow).
Are Call Center and Hospital Arrivals Well Modeled by Nonhomogeneous Poisson Processes?
Authors: Kim Song-Hee , Whitt Ward
Published: June 2014

Service systems such as call centers and hospitals typically have strongly time-varying arrivals. A natural model for such an arrival process is a nonhomogeneous Poisson process (NHPP), but that should be tested by applying appropriate statistical tests to arrival data. Assuming that the NHPP has a rate that can be regarded as approximately piecewise-constant, a Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) statistical test of a Poisson process (PP) can be applied to test for a NHPP by combining data from separate subintervals, exploiting the classical conditional-uniform property. In this paper, we apply KS tests to banking call center and hospital emergency department arrival data and show that they are consistent with the NHPP property, but only if that data is analyzed carefully. Initial testing rejected the NHPP null hypothesis because it failed to account for three common features of arrival data: (i) data rounding, e.g., to seconds; (ii) choosing subintervals over which the rate varies too much; and (iii) overdispersion caused by combining data from fixed hours on a fixed day of the week over multiple weeks that do not have the same arrival rate. In this paper, we investigate how to address each of these three problems.
The role of the community clinician in early detection, referral and treatment of critical limb ischaemia
Authors: Smith Lisa , Fox Martin , Seriki Dare
Published: June 2014

Critical limb ischaemia (CLI) is a significant public health issue worldwide, with an ever-growing incidence among people over 65. Awareness of CLI is low, particularly among non-vascular clinicians, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment. A diagnosis of CLI is known to have a grave effect on a person's quality of life, with devastating outcomes for both their life and limb, often resulting in uncontrolled pain, amputation or early death from a cardiovascular event. Community nurses and podiatrists are key clinicians who can play a crucial and active role in earlier identification, rapid referral and ongoing non-surgical care for this overlooked population.
The effect of education on community nursing practice in improving the patient–carer experience at the end of life
Authors: Wheeler Christine , Anstey Sally , Lewis Melanie , Jeynes Kay , Way Helen
Published: June 2014

Successfully completing the ‘Foundations in End of Life/Palliative Care’ distance-learning module has had a measurable effect on the knowledge, competence and confidence of community nurses in the principles and practice of palliative and end-of-life care. An appropriate practice-based education module can empower community nursing practice and have a direct impact on improving the patient–carer experience at the end of life. This article provides evidence from the quantitative and qualitative data from pre- and post-module self-assessment questionnaires along with the successful completion of an electronic multiple-choice questionnaire and short-answer classroom test to demonstrate this.
Educational challenges and requirements for managing leg ulcers in the community
Authors: Martin Fiona
Published: June 2014

The significant impact of leg ulcers upon quality of life and disease burden cannot be overemphasised, with the financial and economic impact from an individual, local and national perspective being widely acknowledged. This article attempts to highlight issues relating to education in leg ulcer management while identifying some current and emerging challenges faced in this area by professionals. With regard to education, formal training and perception of professionals, the provision of more specialised and focused training, increased use of patient-related outcome measures and the concept of knowledge brokering have been identified as important aspects in the planning and further development of education. Issues in the domains of community nursing, technology, pain management, nursing diagnosis, availability of research and recurrence were also highlighted.
Incorporating novel solutions to lower-limb problems into compression formularies
Authors: Smith Glenn , Simon Deborah , McDermott Emma , Gibson Elaine
Published: June 2014

This study investigates the effect of a new short-stretch two-layer compression system in eight patients with common chronic lower-limb conditions in three locations in the UK. Chronic leg ulcers are the most common type of lower-limb ulceration with 70% caused by chronic venous hypertension. An appropriate level of compression is proven to heal chronic venous leg ulcers. The study was only a small sample of patients; however, the underlying conditions included chronic venous eczema, diabetes, sarcoma, cellulitis and mixed-aetiology ulcers. During the study, the UK experienced some of the hottest temperatures in the last 30 years. This had an impact on five patients, who noted an increase in malodour associated with their leg ulcers. CoFlex TLC (Aspen Medical Europe Ltd) foam comfort layer is impregnated with cyclodextrin—a naturally based oligosaccharide known to reduce malodour. The zinc-impregnated foam bandages in this study were viewed very favourably by both patients and staff, particularly those who had chronic venous eczema.
Are community nurses prepared for wound debridement?
Authors: Young Trudie
Published: June 2014

Debridement is an essential component of wound care. However, autolysis remains a frequently used method of debridement, despite recent recommendations from the European Wound Management Association and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Community nurses are recognised as front-line clinicians participating in debridement interventions. It is essential that community nurses are able to deliver the most appropriate debridement method regardless of their current skill set. This will require community nurses to re-visit the evidence base for debridement, reflect on their current methods of debridement and expand their skill set when required. Guidance exists to ensure community nurses are able to offer appropriate and safe debridement to clients with non-viable tissue which is delaying the wound healing process.
Induction of labour for post-term pregnancy
Authors: Skyrme Lindsay
Published: June 2014

There has been a shift in healthcare philosophy in recent decades beyond simple requirement of client consent to treatment towards a more intricate notion of informed choice. Debate continues as to whether advocacy of shared decision-making in maternity care is more rhetoric or reality. In the context of management of so-called ‘prolonged’ pregnancy, the scope and authenticity of informed choice withers under scrutiny. It is considered that induction of labour at this juncture in pregnancy has become routinised, affecting an illusion of safety and depressing maternal stimulus to exercise choice. The offer of induction for advanced gestation has thus acquired normative power. Observation during clinical practice has revealed that there may be ethical failings in risk communication, manifested in data manipulation and scaremongering. However, a culture of powerlessness constrains midwives and compels them to seize the risk agenda and adopt the ‘medical standard’ for this common intervention.
Using feminist phenomenology to explore women's experiences of domestic violence in pregnancy
Authors: Baird Kathleen M , Mitchell Theresa
Published: June 2014

This article presents the philosophical and theoretical dimensions of a doctoral study which aimed to explore women's experiences of domestic violence in pregnancy. The intention is to share some contributions from the literature that enabled the researcher to prepare to collect and analyse sensitive data. A qualitative methodology underpinned by feminist values and the philosophy of interpretive phenomenology was employed. The researcher aimed to locate the most congruent approach and method which would allow the women's voices to be heard and facilitate an understanding of the women's experiences of domestic violence and the impact on their general health and wellbeing during pregnancy. An overview of the context of domestic violence is provided to demonstrate the need for a gender sensitive philosophical foundation and theoretical framework for the research.
Montessori EYE qualification
Authors: Johns Penny
Published: June 2014

MA Education Ltd, St Jude's Church, Dulwich Road, London, SE24 0PB. neil.henty@markallengroup.com
Make a real difference
Authors: Lee Maureen
Published: June 2014

The first Early Years Teacher Status awards were handed out earlier this year for trainees who began initial teacher training in September 2013. In this article, we hear from some of the those involved.
The confidence to care
Authors: Jefferies Tina , Baines Sean , Marshall Sue , Gillespie Linda , Sleeman Jess
Published: June 2014

Having both current and effective first aid knowledge and skills are an essential part of the tool kit for all practitioners who work closely with children, but how do you ensure that you keep up-to-date?
Creating a culture of giving
Authors: Cruft Clare
Published: June 2014

Macmillan Cancer Support is encouraging early years professionals to access information and support on living with cancer and to actively use fundraising tactics as way to unite families and communities.
Maui slowed the sun
Authors: Leeper Marion
Published: June 2014

This month, our series continues as we explore how stories can be used as starting points for young children to begin to form and test hypotheses and how we, as practitioners, can best support them.