bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated career education in senior high: Intern teacher and student recommendations
Authors: Welde Annelise MJ , Bernes Kerry B , Gunn Thelma M , Ross Stanley A
Published: June 2015

Intern teachers in Southern Alberta, Canada participated in two career education courses. As a culminating activity, intern teachers created and delivered integrated career education projects in their final practicum placements, submitted project reports, and collected standardized evaluation surveys from their students. This nonexperimental study analyzed 10 intern teachers’ senior high projects and 170 corresponding student evaluation surveys to determine trends in project strengths, challenges, and recommendations for future career education. Senior high students benefited from engaging in self-exploration and career research activities, as students often expressed that they found career education to be helpful and relevant to their futures. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Mediating and moderating role of academic self-efficacy in the relationship between student academic support and personal growth initiative
Authors: Çelik Eyüp
Published: June 2015

The primary goal of the current study was to investigate the mediating and moderating effects of the academic self-efficacy in the relationship between student academic support and personal growth initiative. The Turkish version of the Personal Growth Initiative Scale, the Student Academic Support Scale, and the Academic Self-efficacy Scale were administrated to a sample of 237 university students, between the ages of 18 and 23. The present study showed that academic self-efficacy and student academic support were positively related to personal growth initiative. Regression-based mediation analysis indicated that the effect of student academic support on personal growth initiative was mediated by academic self-efficacy. However, the effect of student academic support on personal growth initiative was not moderated by academic self-efficacy. These findings suggested that the student academic support was both direct and indirect effects on personal growth initiative.
An exploration of career decision-making in the Australian Football League: Does playing experience matter?
Authors: Ryan Matthew J , Chambers Timothy P
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of sporting experience on the perceived effectiveness of career development support and the experience of career decision-making difficulty for current Australian Football League (AFL) players. Thirty-four AFL players ( Mage = 24, SD = 3.98), with varied playing experience in the AFL ( Mgames = 87.82, SD = 93.41), completed measures of career decision-making, and career-related support. Results indicated that participants did not report experiencing career decision-making difficulty regardless of playing experience. Findings also indicated that AFL players rate the career-related support provided by the player development manager as effective for their career and educational development. This research contributes to an understanding of the benefit of providing career support for professional athletes.
Multidimensional analysis of food-allergic children and adolescents’ self-concept: A comparison with a healthy matched sample
Authors: Polloni Laura , Baldi Ileana , Lazzarotto Francesca , Bonaguro Roberta , Toniolo Alice , Gregori Dario , Muraro Antonella
Published: June 2015

The study investigated self-concept in food-allergic youths and matched healthy controls. Global and domain-specific self-concepts were assessed in 154 participants (9–19 years) using the Multidimensional Self-Concept Scale. Statistical analysis assessed differences between the two samples and effects of asthma, dermatitis, age, and gender among patients. Significant differences were found for Total Scale score and for Competence and Physical scores. Patients showed clinically problematic self-concepts in Global, Competence, and Family domains. Age was found to be associated with the Total score. Health professionals should consider food-allergic patients’ personality development. Further studies could examine disease-specific consequences and interventions.
Food cravings mediate the relationship between chronic stress and body mass index
Authors: Chao Ariana , Grilo Carlos M , White Marney A , Sinha Rajita
Published: June 2015

This study examined the relationships between chronic stress, food cravings, and body mass index. A community-based sample of adults ( N = 619) completed a comprehensive assessment battery and heights and weights were measured. Chronic stress had a significant direct effect on food cravings, and food cravings had a significant direct effect on body mass index. The total effect of chronic stress on body mass index was significant. Food cravings partially mediated the relationship between chronic stress and body mass index. These findings are consistent with research that chronic stress may potentiate motivation for rewarding substances and behaviors and indicate that high food cravings may contribute to stress-related weight gain.
Gut-directed guided affective imagery as an adjunct to dietary modification in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Boltin Doron , Sahar Nadav , Gil Efi , Aizic Shoshana , Hod Keren , Levi-Drummer Rachel , Niv Yaron , Dickman Ram
Published: June 2015

This work aimed to study the effect of guided affective imagery on the irritable bowel syndrome. A total of 15 irritable bowel syndrome patients received guided affective imagery and 19 patients served as controls. Symptom severity and irritable bowel syndrome quality of life were measured at baseline and 8 weeks. Symptom severity decreased following guided affective imagery compared to controls (−1.5 ± 1.9 vs 0.1 ± 1.6, p = 0.04). Irritable bowel syndrome quality of life increased following guided affective imagery compared to controls (12.1 ± 12.5 vs −0.7 ± 16.2, p < 0.01). Guided affective imagery predicted reduced symptom severity (odds ratio = 5.71, p = 0.02) and increased irritable bowel syndrome quality of life (odds ratio = 17.88, p = 0.01). Guided affective imagery combined with dietary modification may be beneficial in the management of irritable bowel syndrome, however larger studies are required.
Association of biological, psychological and lifestyle risk factors for eating disturbances in adolescents
Authors: Gutiérrez Teresa , Espinoza Paola , Penelo Eva , Mora Marisol , González Marcela L , Rosés Rocío , Raich Rosa M
Published: June 2015

We aimed to assess the association of several risk factors for eating disturbances in adolescents. Participants were 448 girls and boys aged 12–15 years. Being female, higher body mass index, internalisation of standard of appearance, perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, number of lifetime addictive behaviours and lower self-esteem were associated with higher eating disturbance scores, whereas frequency of sedentary behaviours and physical activity were not ( R2 ⩾ 41%). Findings suggest the need to guide prevention efforts towards the broad spectrum of individual potentially modifiable factors. A non-specific comprehensive perspective may be adequate to prevent problems related to weight, body image and drug use.
Allocation of food allergy responsibilities and its correlates for children and adolescents
Authors: Annunziato Rachel A , Rubes Melissa , Ambrose Michael , Caso Nicole , Dillon Matthew , Sicherer Scott H , Shemesh Eyal
Published: June 2015

This study examined the degree to which children and adolescents with food allergy accept responsibility for their own care, and the extent to which greater self-management is associated with past history of a life-threatening allergic reaction or anxiety. For children ( n = 190), caregiver and patient report of self-management was consistent, but agreement was poor for adolescent dyads ( n = 59). History of a life-threatening allergic reaction was associated with greater self-management for children only, while among adolescents, it was associated with greater anxiety. Given that shifting to self-management may be challenging, discussion and preparation about this process is warranted.
Normal-weight and overweight female adolescents with and without extreme weight-control behaviours: Emotional distress and body image concerns
Authors: Cruz-Sáez Soledad , Pascual Aitziber , Salaberria Karmele , Echeburúa Enrique
Published: June 2015

The objective of this study was to analyse emotional distress and concerns related to body image in 712 normal-weight and overweight adolescent girls. A total of 12.3 per cent of the normal-weight girls and 25 per cent of the overweight girls showed extreme weight-control behaviours. In normal-weight adolescents, their engagement in extreme weight-control behaviours was associated with high levels of somatic symptoms, a drive for thinness and control over eating. In overweight girls, high levels of drive for thinness and anxiety were associated with extreme weight-control behaviours. Finally, the implications for preventive and therapeutic programmes are discussed.
Weight perception in overweight adolescents: Associations with body change intentions, diet and physical activity
Authors: Fredrickson Julia , Kremer Peter , Swinburn Boyd , de Silva Andrea , McCabe Marita
Published: June 2015

This study examined the association of weight perception and weight satisfaction with body change intentions and weight-related behaviours in 928 overweight adolescents (aged 11–18 years, 44% female). Accurate perception of weight was associated with trying to lose weight and inaccurate perception was associated with trying to gain muscle. Weight dissatisfaction was associated with trying to lose weight and gain muscle. Accurate weight perception and weight dissatisfaction were not associated with healthy weight-related behaviours. Awareness of overweight and body dissatisfaction may be detrimental to the adoption of healthy weight-control behaviours. Interventions with overweight adolescents should encourage body satisfaction, rather than promoting awareness of overweight.
The meaning of colours in nutrition labelling in the context of expert and consumer criteria of evaluating food product healthfulness
Authors: Wąsowicz Grażyna , Styśko-Kunkowska Małgorzata , Grunert Klaus G
Published: June 2015

Qualitative and quantitative studies were conducted to explore the effect of front-of-pack nutrition labels on the perceived healthfulness of food products. Consumers were found to hold beliefs about colours and their fit to product categories that influence the assessment process. Consumers associate certain colours with product healthfulness. Yellow, blue, green and red were found to be evocative of health. Heather, pink and celadon suggested an artificial thus unhealthful product. The impact of labels on healthfulness assessment was observed only in the unhealthful category. The findings show the complexity of psychological processes in the perception of food healthfulness.
Systematic Review on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Survivors of the Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: Hong Chunlan , Efferth Thomas
Published: June 2015

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) widely occurs among victims or witness of disasters. With flashbacks, hyperarousal, and avoidance being the typical symptoms, PTSD became a focus of psychological research. The earthquake in Wenchuan, China, on May 12, 2008, was without precedent in magnitude and aftermath and caused huge damage, which drew scientists’ attention to mental health of the survivors. We conducted a systematic overview by collecting published articles from the PubMed database and classifying them into five points: epidemiology, neuropathology, biochemistry, genetics and epigenetics, and treatment. The large body of research during the past 6 years showed that adolescents and adults were among the most studied populations with high prevalence rates for PTSD. Genomic and transcriptomic studies focusing on gene × environment studies as well as epigenetics are still rare, although a few available data showed great potential to better understand the pathophysiology of PTSD as multifactorial disease. Phytotherapy with Chinese herbs and acupuncture are rarely reported as of yet, although the first published data indicated promising therapy effects. Future studies should focus on the following points: (1) The affected populations under observation should be better defined concerning individual risk factor, time of observation, spatial movement, and individual disease courses of patients. (2) The role of social support for prevalence rates of PTSD should be observed in more detail. (3) Efficacy and safety of Chinese medicine should be studied to find potential interventions and effective treatments of PTSD.
Understanding High Inflation Trend in India
Authors: Goyal Ashima
Published: June 2015

Stylized Indian facts and structural features are consistent with an elastic aggregate supply, subject to cost push. A variety of time series tests support this against an alternative hypothesis of inelastic supply. Mechanisms that propagate relative price changes into the price level include sector bottlenecks and governance failures. The first best policy response to a temporary supply shock is to shift down the supply curve by neutralizing mechanisms that propagate supply shocks, while avoiding too large a demand contraction. A standard monetary tightening to anchor inflation expectations requires a large growth sacrifice. Backward-looking price setting in some Indian firms reduces the required intensity of tightening.

JEL Classification: E31, E52, E62, O23
Source of Service Sector TFP Growth in India: Evidence from Micro-data
Authors: Sahu Sohini
Published: June 2015

India has seen service sector-led growth in recent years. High growth in the total factor productivity (TFP) has been the dominant source of growth in this sector. I use micro-data on the service sector companies to test the hypothesis if better factor reallocation has led to TFP gains in the service sector. I find that post reforms, the extent of resource misallocation has reduced in the service sector, thereby accelerating the pace of the TFP growth. Due to improved resource allocation, the information-technology industry operated at 84 per cent of its efficient TFP level in 2005. The communication industry and community services industry registered the fastest growth in terms of moving towards their efficient TFP levels.

JEL Classification: 014, 040
Book Review: Nicoli Nattrass and G. Visakh Varma. Macroeconomics Simplified—Understanding Keynesian and Neoclassical Macroeconomic Systems
Authors: Chaudhury Ranajoy
Published: June 2015

Nicoli Nattrass and G. Visakh Varma. Macroeconomics Simplified—Understanding Keynesian and Neoclassical Macroeconomic Systems. New Delhi: Sage Publications India Pvt. Ltd., pp. 204, ₹495.
Impediments to Women in Post-civil War Economic Growth in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sarvananthan Muttukrishna
Published: June 2015

This policy-oriented article is an ethnographic study of the impact of the economic growth on women in the Eastern and Northern Provinces of Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the civil war. Preliminary indications are that the resurgent economic growth in the former conflict-affected regions have had very limited positive impact on women in terms of livelihood opportunities and economic empowerment. The impediments to realizing the opportunities by women are identified through ethnographic investigation and a consultative process with key stakeholders. Programmes and projects could and should be developed to address the profound difficulties faced by women in taking advantage of the opportunities spurred by the resurgent regional economies of Sri Lanka during the post-civil war era.
What Happens to Female Employees in Skewed IT Project Teams in Sri Lanka? Revisiting Kanter
Authors: Adikaram Arosha S. , Wijayawardena Kanchana
Published: June 2015

Post-war Sri Lanka is heavily dependent on the promising future of the Information Technology (IT) industry to contribute considerably to the economic and social development of the country. Given the reported skill shortage and gender imbalance in the IT sector, female participation and retention is greatly advocated and promoted. In this milieu, we aim to understand what happens to female employees in male-dominant IT project teams, and the challenges and issues they face, as well as the related causes, using Kanter’s Theory of Group Proportions as the theoretical lens. Such understanding will provide a backdrop to develop ways and means of attracting and retaining females in the IT industry in Sri Lanka. Employing qualitative inquiry, we carried out in-depth interviews and focus-group discussions with 14 informants—10 female team members and four male team counterparts—from six IT companies. We identified four main challenges and issues females face in working alongside males where females strive to prove their technical and leadership capabilities, gain acceptance of the dominants in the team, overcome role entrapment and gain due recognition for their hard work. In facing these challenges females use various strategies and changes of behaviour which can ultimately lead to work pressure, strained relationships and anxiety for females. While these challenges are largely comparable to the main phenomena and experiences explained by Kanter, it appeared that gender-role stereotyping and sexist attitudes prevailing in the work setting, rather than the numerical minority status of females as mentioned by Kanter, gave rise to these situations.
Finding the Right Balance—Improving the Gender Profile of the British Council in Pakistan
Authors: Rizvi Fseeha , Hussain Tanzeela , Walsh Dan
Published: June 2015

This article is an account of how the British Council in Pakistan has sought to improve its gender balance. The organization has seen a marked change in its staff profile in recent years. As recently as 2013, there was a stark gender imbalance, with women accounting for barely a quarter of all staff. Further, statistical analysis showed that this picture was skewed according to the office, the pay grade and the department.

This case study outlines the research undertaken by the HR team. The findings are presented in this case study. It then describes the actions taken to increase the number of women and to address their underrepresentation in key positions. It concludes with the evaluation of the effectiveness of these management interventions resulting in evidence-based managerial decision making, strategic vision and institutionalization of best practices.

This undertaking on gender balancing was deemed integral to the development of a new strategic vision for the British Council in Pakistan. The research challenged several assumptions. It showed that the existing gender imbalance was not a result of cultural factors. Instead it demonstrated that the British Council’s pay and benefits were uncompetitive in the job market.

The last three years have seen profound changes in the scale of the organization’s ambitions, its risk appetite, how it operates and its culture. These changes have coincided with a marked increase in women at every level of the organization. The case study emphasizes how equal opportunities and diversity became integral to these strategic changes. It charts how the demographics of British Council teams have altered since 2012 and how this has affected organizational culture. Finally, it presents the continuing challenges that the British Council faces in recruiting, retaining and promoting the best talent available.
Mirrors and Sight: or How Do I Look in This?
Authors: Tarrant Naomi E. A.
Published: June 2015

This article considers how people in the past were able to see how they looked in clothes before large mirrors were available. For a clothing historian this is a fascinating question, so this paper is concerned with the practicalities of viewing your own clothed figure, not with the metaphysics or psychological aspects of it. It probably asks more questions than it answers.
Dressed in Blue: The Impact of Woad on English Clothing,c.1350–c.1670
Authors: Hayward Maria
Published: June 2015

This paper seeks to explore the changing importance of blue colours, blue dyes and woad in particular in England in the late Middle Ages and early modern period. It does so by considering six themes — the popularity and fashionability of blue; blue and its significance within the Order of the Garter; blue as a colour worn by the lower social groups and its association with poverty and livery; colour symbolism of blue; blue and court entertainments; blue and the liturgy — but it will start with a review of blue colours and blue dyes.
Janet Arnold’s Patterns of Fashion
Authors: Tiramani Jenny
Published: June 2015

This article celebrates fifty years of the series of pattern books by Janet Arnold and shares some of her unpublished drawings from patterns that remain unpublished; these are scheduled for inclusion in further volumes of the series. Several important aspects of pattern taking and making are explored in the article, including the use of X-radiography and the testing of patterns by the construction of toiles.
A Life in Costume: How the Journal Recorded the Costume Society
Authors: Kim Alexandra
Published: June 2015

To celebrate fifty years of the Costume Society and the free online access which Costume’s publishers’ Maney are providing to Society members, this article explores a variety of features in the journal which highlight the history of the Society and the way in which it has played a pivotal role in advancing the study of dress history. In particular the article considers personal recollections, obituaries, and notes and queries and the wealth of information to be found within them.
New Users and Changing Traditions—(Re)Defining Sami Offering Sites
Authors: Äikäs Tiina , Spangen Marte
Published: June 2015

Sami are indigenous people of Northern Fennoscandia. Some Sami offering sites have been used for over a thousand years. During this time, the offering traditions have changed and various people have started using the places based on different motivations. Present day archaeological finds give evidence of both continuing traditions and new meanings attached to these sites, as well as to sites that were probably not originally used for rituals in the Sami ethnic religion. In some cases, the authenticity of the place seems to lie in the stories and current beliefs more than in a historical continuity or any specifically sacred aspects of the topography or nature it is situated in. Today's new users include, for example, local (Sami) people, tourists, and neo-pagans. This paper discusses what informs these users, what identifies certain locations as offering sites, and what current users believe their relationship to these places should be. What roles do scholarly traditions, heritage tourism, and internal culture have in (re)defining Sami offering sites and similarly what roles do ‘appropriate’ rituals have in ascribing meaning to particular places? How do we mediate wishes for multivocality with our professional opinions when it comes to defining sacredness?
An official American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society statement: research questions in COPD
Authors: Celli Bartolome R. , Decramer Marc , Wedzicha Jadwiga A. , Wilson Kevin C. , Agustí Alvar A. , Criner Gerard J. , MacNee William , Make Barry J. , Rennard Stephen I. , Stockley Robert A. , Vogelmeier Claus , Anzueto Antonio , Au David H. , Barnes Peter J. , Burgel Pierre-Regis , Calverley Peter M. , Casanova Ciro , Clini Enrico M. , Cooper Christopher B. , Coxson Harvey O. , Dusser Daniel J. , Fabbri Leonardo M. , Fahy Bonnie , Ferguson Gary T. , Fisher Andrew , Fletcher Monica J. , Hayot Maurice , Hurst John R. , Jones Paul W. , Mahler Donald A. , Maltais François , Mannino David M. , Martinez Fernando J. , Miravitlles Marc , Meek Paula M. , Papi Alberto , Rabe Klaus F. , Roche Nicolas , Sciurba Frank C. , Sethi Sanjay , Siafakas Nikos , Sin Don D. , Soriano Joan B. , Stoller James K. , Tashkin Donald P. , Troosters Thierry , Verleden Geert M. , Verschakelen Johny , Vestbo Jorgen , Walsh John W. , Washko George R. , Wise Robert A. , Wouters Emiel F.M. , ZuWallack Richard L.
Published: June 2015

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity, mortality and resource use worldwide. The goal of this official American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) Research Statement is to describe evidence related to diagnosis, assessment, and management; identify gaps in knowledge; and make recommendations for future research. It is not intended to provide clinical practice recommendations on COPD diagnosis and management.

Clinicians, researchers and patient advocates with expertise in COPD were invited to participate. A literature search of Medline was performed, and studies deemed relevant were selected. The search was not a systematic review of the evidence. Existing evidence was appraised and summarised, and then salient knowledge gaps were identified.

Recommendations for research that addresses important gaps in the evidence in all areas of COPD were formulatedviadiscussion and consensus.

Great strides have been made in the diagnosis, assessment and management of COPD, as well as understanding its pathogenesis. Despite this, many important questions remain unanswered. This ATS/ERS research statement highlights the types of research that leading clinicians, researchers and patient advocates believe will have the greatest impact on patient-centred outcomes.
Control of asthma in real life: still a valuable goal?
Authors: Papaioannou Andriana I. , Kostikas Konstantinos , Zervas Eleftherios , Kolilekas Lykourgos , Papiris Spiridon , Gaga Mina
Published: June 2015

Although studies show that control of asthma can be achieved in the majority of patients, surveys repeatedly show that this is not the case in real life. Important measures to implement in order to achieve asthma control are trained healthcare professionals, a good patient–doctor relationship, patient education, avoidance of exposure to triggers, personalised management and adherence to treatment. These measures help the majority of asthma patients but have not yet been widely implemented and there should be a concerted action for their implementation. Moreover, further and focused research is needed in severe/refractory asthma.
Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and the lung
Authors: Lega Jean-Christophe , Reynaud Quitterie , Belot Alexandre , Fabien Nicole , Durieu Isabelle , Cottin Vincent
Published: June 2015

Idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM) is a group of rare connective tissue diseases (CTDs) characterised by muscular and extramuscular signs, in which lung involvement is a challenging issue. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the hallmark of pulmonary involvement in IIM, and causes morbidity and mortality, resulting in an estimated excess mortality of 50% in some series. Except for inclusion body myositis, these extrapulmonary disorders are associated with the general and visceral involvement frequently found in other CTDs including fever, Raynaud's phenomenon, arthralgia, nonspecific cutaneous modifications and ILD, for which the prevalence is estimated to be up to 65%. Substantial heterogeneity exists within the spectrum of IIMs, and each condition is associated with various frequencies and subtypes of pulmonary involvement. This heterogeneity is partly related to the presence of various autoantibodies encompassing anti-synthetase, anti-MDA5 and anti-PM/Scl. ILD is present in all subsets of IIM including juvenile myositis, but is more frequent in dermatomyositis and overlap myositis. IIM can also be associated with other presentations of respiratory involvement, namely pulmonary arterial hypertension, pleural disease, infections, drug-induced toxicity, malignancy and respiratory muscle weakness. Here, we critically review the current knowledge about adult and juvenile myositis-associated lung disease with a detailed description of therapeutics for chronic and rapidly progressive ILD.
Mucosal immunity and novel tuberculosis vaccine strategies: route of immunisation-determined T-cell homing to restricted lung mucosal compartments
Authors: Lai Rocky , Afkhami Sam , Haddadi Siamak , Jeyanathan Mangalakumari , Xing Zhou
Published: June 2015

Despite the use of bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) for almost a century, pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a serious global health concern. Therefore, there has been a pressing need for the development of new booster vaccines to enhance existing BCG-induced immunity. Protection following mucosal intranasal immunisation with AdHu5Ag85A is associated with the localisation of antigen-specific T-cells to the lung airway. However, parenteral intramuscular immunisation is unable to provide protection despite the apparent presence of antigen-specific T-cells in the lung interstitium. Recent advances in intravascular staining have allowed us to reassess the previously established T-cell distribution profile and its relationship with the observed differential protection. Respiratory mucosal immunisation empowers T-cells to home to both the lung interstitium and the airway lumen, whereas intramuscular immunisation-activated T-cells are largely trapped within the pulmonary vasculature, unable to populate the lung interstitium and airway. Given the mounting evidence supporting the safety and enhanced efficacy of respiratory mucosal immunisation over the traditional parenteral immunisation route, a greater effort should be made to clinically develop respiratory mucosal-deliverable TB vaccines.
Monitoring asthma in childhood: symptoms, exacerbations and quality of life
Authors: Brand Paul L.P. , Mäkelä Mika J. , Szefler Stanley J. , Frischer Thomas , Price David
Published: June 2015

Monitoring asthma in children in clinical practice is primarily performed by reviewing disease activity (daytime and night-time symptoms, use of reliever medication, exacerbations requiring frequent use of reliever medication and urgent visits to the healthcare professional) and the impact of the disease on children's daily activities, including sports and play, in a clinical interview. In such an interview, most task force members also discuss adherence to maintenance therapy and the patients' (and parents') views and beliefs on the goals of treatment and the amount of treatment required to achieve those goals. Composite asthma control and quality of life measures, although potentially useful in research, have limited value in clinical practice because they have a short recall window and do not cover the entire spectrum of asthma control. Telemonitoring of children with asthma cannot replace face-to-face follow-up and monitoring because there is no evidence that it is associated with improved health outcomes.
Biomarkers for efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy following complete resection in NSCLC stages I–IIIA
Authors: Wallerek Sandra , Sørensen Jens Benn
Published: June 2015

Biomarkers may be useful when deciding which nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy following complete resection and which chemotherapeutic agents may be used preferably in individual patients in order to maximise survival.

A literature search covering the period from 2003 to May, 2014 was conducted using PubMed and the following search terms: “non-small cell lung cancer”, “NSCLC”, “adjuvant chemotherapy”, “randomized”, “randomised”, “biomarkers”, “prognostic”, “predictive”. This review focuses on current knowledge of biomarkers for prognosis or efficacy of adjuvant treatment following complete resection in stage I–IIIA NSCLC patients.

This review includes results on 18 different biomarkers and five gene profiles. A statistically significant prognostic impact was reported for: iNTR, TUBB3, RRM1, ERCC1, BRCA1, p53, MRP2, MSH2, TS, mucin, BAG-1, pERK1/2, pAkt-1, microRNA, TopIIA, 15-gene profile, 92-gene profile, 31-gene profile and 14-gene profile. A statistically significant predictive impact was reported for: ERCC1, p53, MSH2, p27, TUBB3, PARP1, ATM, 37-gene profile, 31-gene profile, 15-gene profile and 92-gene profile.

Uncertainties regarding the optimal analysis method and cut-off levels for the individual markers may blur the prognostic or predictive signals. None of the possible predictive markers have been validated in prospective trials. Thus, there are no biomarkers ready to use in an adjuvant setting in NSCLC.
Clinically relevant subgroups in COPD and asthma
Authors: Turner Alice M. , Tamasi Lilla , Schleich Florence , Hoxha Mehmet , Horvath Ildiko , Louis Renaud , Barnes Neil
Published: June 2015

As knowledge of airways disease has grown, it has become apparent that neither chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) nor asthma is a simple, easily defined disease. In the past, treatment options for both diseases were limited; thus, there was less need to define subgroups. As treatment options have grown, so has our need to predict who will respond to new drugs. To date, identifying subgroups has been largely reported by detailed clinical characterisation or differences in pathobiology. These subgroups are commonly called “phenotypes”; however, the problem of defining what constitutes a phenotype, whether this should include comorbid diseases and how to handle changes over time has led to the term being used loosely.

In this review, we describe subgroups of COPD and asthma patients whose clinical characteristics we believe have therapeutic or major prognostic implications specific to the lung, and whether these subgroups are constant over time. Finally, we will discuss whether the subgroups we describe are common to both asthma and COPD, and give some examples of how treatment might be tailored in patients where the subgroup is clear, but the label of asthma or COPD is not.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and sleep disorders: no longer strangers in the night
Authors: Schiza Sophia , Mermigkis Charalampos , Margaritopoulos George A. , Daniil Zoi , Harari Sergio , Poletti Venerino , Renzoni Elizabetta A. , Torre Olga , Visca Dina , Bouloukaki Isolde , Sourvinos George , Antoniou Katerina M.
Published: June 2015

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is continuously increasing in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and, for the first time, the recent IPF guidelines recognise OSA as an important associated comorbidity that can affect patient's survival. Thus, it becomes conceivable that clinicians should refer patients with newly diagnosed IPF to sleep centres for the diagnosis and treatment of OSA as well as for addressing issues regarding the reduced compliance of patients with continuous positive airway pressure therapy. The discovery of biomarkers common to both disorders may help early diagnosis, institution of the most appropriate treatment and follow-up of patients. Better understanding of epigenetic changes may provide useful information about pathogenesis and, possibly, development of new drugs for a dismal disease like IPF.
Lung imaging
Authors: Ley Sebastian
Published: June 2015

Imaging of the lung is a mainstay of respiratory medicine. It provides local information about morphology and function of the lung parenchyma that is unchallenged by other noninvasive techniques. During the 2014 European Respiratory Society International Congress in Munich, Germany, a Clinical Year in Review session was held focusing on the latest developments in pulmonary imaging. This review summarises some of the main findings of peer-reviewed articles that were published in the 12-month period prior to the 2014 International Congress.
Novel 14-nm Scallop-Shaped FinFETs (S-FinFETs) on Bulk-Si Substrate
Authors: Xu Weijia , Yin Huaxiang , Ma Xiaolong , Hong Peizhen , Xu Miao , Meng Lingkuan
Published: June 2015

In this study, novel p-type scallop-shaped fin field-effect transistors (S-FinFETs) are fabricated using an all-last high-k/metal gate (HKMG) process on bulk-silicon (Si) substrates for the first time. In combination with the structure advantage of conventional Si nanowires, the proposed S-FinFETs provide better electrostatic integrity in the channels than normal bulk-Si FinFETs or tri-gate devices with rectangular or trapezoidal fins. It is due to formation of quasi-surrounding gate electrodes on scalloping fins by a special Si etch process. The entire integration flow of the S-FinFETs is fully compatible with the mainstream all-last HKMG FinFET process, except for a modified fin etch process. The drain-induced barrier lowering and subthreshold swing of the fabricated p-type S-FinFETs with a 14-nm physical gate length are 62 mV/V and 75 mV/dec, respectively, which are much better than those of normal FinFETs with a similar process. With an improved short-channel-effect immunity in the channels due to structure modification, the novel structure provides one of possibilities to extend the FinFET scalability to sub-10-nm nodes with little additional process cost.
Distinct roles of DNMT1-dependent and DNMT1-independent methylation patterns in the genome of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Li Zhiguang , Dai Hongzheng , Martos Suzanne N. , Xu Beisi , Gao Yang , Li Teng , Zhu Guangjing , Schones Dustin E. , Wang Zhibin
Published: June 2015

Background

DNA methylation patterns are initiated by de novo DNA methyltransferases DNMT3a/3b adding methyl groups to CG dinucleotides in the hypomethylated genome of early embryos. These patterns are faithfully maintained by DNMT1 during DNA replication to ensure epigenetic inheritance across generations. However, this two-step model is based on limited data.

Results

We generated base-resolution DNA methylomes for a series of DNMT knockout embryonic stem cells, with deep coverage at highly repetitive elements. We show that DNMT1 and DNMT3a/3b activities work complementarily and simultaneously to establish symmetric CG methylation and CHH (H = A, T or C) methylation. DNMT3a/3b can add methyl groups to daughter strands after each cycle of DNA replication. We also observe an unexpected division of labor between DNMT1 and DNMT3a/3b in suppressing retrotransposon long terminal repeats and long interspersed elements, respectively. Our data suggest that mammalian cells use a specific CG density threshold to predetermine methylation levels in wild-type cells and the magnitude of methylation reduction in DNMT knockout cells. Only genes with low CG density can be induced or, surprisingly, suppressed in the hypomethylated genome. Lastly, we do not find any association between gene body methylation and transcriptional activity.

Conclusions

We show the concerted actions of DNMT enzymes in the establishment and maintenance of methylation patterns. The finding of distinct roles of DNMT1-dependent and -independent methylation patterns in genome stability and regulation of transcription provides new insights for understanding germ cell development, neuronal diversity, and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and will help to develop next-generation DNMT inhibitors.
The role of social media in reducing stigma and
discrimination
Authors: Betton Victoria , Borschmann Rohan , Docherty Mary , Coleman Stephen , Brown Mark , Henderson Claire
Published: June 2015

This editorial explores the implications of social media practices whereby
people with mental health problems share their experiences in online public
spaces and challenge mental health stigma. Social media enable individuals
to bring personal experience into the public domain with the potential to
affect public attitudes and mainstream media. We draw tentative conclusions
regarding the use of social media by campaigning organisations.
Closing forensic psychiatric hospitals in Italy: a new revolution begins?
Authors: Barbui Corrado , Saraceno Benedetto
Published: June 2015

On 30 May 2014 the Italian Parliament approved a new law regarding forensic psychiatric hospitals. Forensic psychiatric hospitals are facilities that admit individuals who have committed a criminal offence but lack criminal responsibility because of a mental disorder and are deemed as dangerous to public safety. Here we report the key aspects of the new legislation together with some critical considerations.
Investigating the usefulness of a metacognitive training group programme for schizophrenia
Authors: Howe Lorna Jane , Brown Ian D.
Published: June 2015

Aims and method

To examine the usefulness of a cognitive–behavioural therapy-based group intervention, metacognitive training for schizophrenia (MCT), in a ‘real-world’ clinical setting. In total, 164 participants completed 327 questionnaires at the end of MCT group sessions; rating the perceived usefulness, helpfulness to recovery, change in knowledge and anxiety. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to analyse the data.

Results

Participants indicated positive responses in terms of perceived usefulness, helpfulness to recovery and increased knowledge following group attendance. Significant positive correlations were found between: (a) usefulness and helpfulness to recovery, and (b) helpfulness to recovery and change in knowledge. There were significant negative correlations between: (a) usefulness and anxiety, and (b) helpfulness to recovery and anxiety.

Clinical implications

The results suggest that MCT is a useful and effective evidence-based psychological intervention. It supports the use of cognitive-behavioural interventions in the treatment of individuals experiencing psychosis, although further evaluation is needed.
Mental health clustering and diagnosis in psychiatric in-patients
Authors: Trevithick Liam , Painter Jon , Keown Patrick
Published: June 2015

Aims and method

This paper investigates the relationship between cluster (Mental Health Clustering Tool, MHCT) and diagnosis in an in-patient population. We analysed the diagnostic make-up of each cluster and the clinical utility of the diagnostic advice in the Department of Health's Mental Health Clustering Booklet. In-patients discharged from working-age adult and older people's services of a National Health Service trust over 1 year were included. Cluster on admission was compared with primary diagnosis on discharge.

Results

Organic, schizophreniform, anxiety disorder and personality disorders aligned to one superclass cluster. Alcohol and substance misuse, and mood disorders distributed evenly across psychosis and non-psychosis superclass clusters. Two-thirds of diagnoses fell within the MHCT ‘likely’ group and a tenth into the ‘unlikely’ group.

Clinical implications

Cluster and diagnosis are best viewed as complimentary systems to describe an individual's needs. Improvements are suggested to the MHCT diagnostic advice in in-patient settings. Substance misuse and affective disorders have a more complex distribution between superclass clusters than all other broad diagnostic groups.
Profile: Morgan David Enoch
Authors: Keynejad Roxanne
Published: June 2015

A benchmark of fame in the modern world, a quick Google search for Dr Morgan David Enoch brings up an intriguing set of results. These range from a BBC article, ‘Spotting the Royal stalkers’, a BMJ case report on ‘Exorcism for schizophrenia’ and Ian McEwan's Enduring Love, to Mersey Regional Health Authority's implementation of care in the community and books, including I Want a Christian Psychiatrist and Uncommon Psychiatric Syndromes: now out of print, the paperback fourth edition is currently available from online sellers, second-hand, for over £1000.
Services for adults with ADHD: work in progress
Authors: Coghill David
Published: June 2015

Magon and colleagues highlight a number of relative strengths and weaknesses very reminiscent of those we have seen over the years in the development of similar services for children and adolescents. It is clear that we all have a lot of work to do to improve our approach to the transition from child to adult services. There was clear evidence that adult services can adapt to manage ADHD, but there is also a clear need for increased upskilling of clinicians in the practical management of medication and other treatments. I disagree with Magon and colleagues about the role of primary care and believe that treatment initiation and ongoing monitoring should, for the time being, remain in secondary care and that, because of the volume of work that will come our way, this will need to become a core rather than specialist task. As with other aspects of psychiatric care, there is a clear role for specialist nurses in delivering a significant proportion of the core care.
Evidence of ectoparasite-induced endocrine disruption in an imperiled giant salamander, the eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
Authors: DuRant S. E. , Hopkins W. A. , Davis A. K. , Romero L. M.
Published: June 2015

Parasitic leeches and trypanosomes release chemical signals into their hosts to evade immuno-detection, but it is unknown whether these compounds manipulate host behavior or physiology. We determined whether parasitic infections with leeches and/or trypanosomes affected the immune and stress response of an imperiled giant species of amphibian, the eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, Daudin). We monitored corticosterone and white blood cell counts in response to restraint and injection with adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) or saline for up to 50 h. The presence of leeches dampened hellbender corticosterone responses to restraint and reduced diel patterns of plasma corticosterone. Injection with ACTH restored the normal interrenal responses of hellbenders suggesting that leeches, possibly through neurotransmitters in leech saliva, cause down-regulation of corticosterone release at the level of the pituitary or hypothalamus. Infection with leeches also increased relative abundance of eosinophils, white blood cells often recruited into circulation in response to parasitic infection. Lastly, N:L ratios increased in all animals after 24 h of capture and remained elevated for up to 50 h, but these temporal dynamics did not differ with parasite infection. Trypanosome infection did not affect any aspect of hellbender physiology that we measured. Our findings reveal a previously undocumented host-parasite dynamic. While the functional significance to the parasite is unclear, the physiological and behavioral implications for the host are great, given the important role of glucocorticoids in regulating physiology and behavior.
Combining complexity measures of EEG data: multiplying measures reveal previously hidden information
Authors: Burns Thomas , Rajan Ramesh
Published: June 2015

Many studies have noted significant differences among human electroencephalograph (EEG) results when participants or patients are exposed to different stimuli, undertaking different tasks, or being affected by conditions such as epilepsy or Alzheimer's disease. Such studies often use only one or two measures of complexity and do not regularly justify their choice of measure beyond the fact that it has been used in previous studies. If more measures were added to such studies, however, more complete information might be found about these reported differences. Such information might be useful in confirming the existence or extent of such differences, or in understanding their physiological bases. In this study we analysed publically-available EEG data using a range of complexity measures to determine how well the measures correlated with one another. The complexity measures did not all significantly correlate, suggesting that different measures were measuring unique features of the EEG signals and thus revealing information which other measures were unable to detect. Therefore, the results from this analysis suggests that combinations of complexity measures reveal unique information which is in addition to the information captured by other measures of complexity in EEG data. For this reason, researchers using individual complexity measures for EEG data should consider using combinations of measures to more completely account for any differences they observe and to ensure the robustness of any relationships identified.