bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation Analysis of Potential Factors Influencing Graft Maturity After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Li Hong , Chen Shuang , Tao Hongyue , Li Hongyun , Chen Shiyi
Published: October 2014

Background:

Postoperatively, signal changes of the reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images commonly occurs, which may be a cause for concern. The signal intensity changes are usually expressed by signal/noise quotient (SNQ) value, representing graft maturity. To date, little is known about the factors influencing the SNQ value of the reconstructed ACL graft.

Purpose:

To evaluate ACL graft SNQ value and associated factors after ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Male patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using autograft or allograft tendon from September 2004 to September 2011 were randomly invited to take part in this investigation, including functional scores, physical examination, and MRI scan. The femoral side graft was fixed with Endobutton CL or Rigidfix pins, and the tibial side graft was fixed with a bio-intrafix. SNQ values of each graft were measured on MRI to represent graft maturity. Sagittal ACL angle, ACL–Blumensaat line angle, and medial and lateral posterior tibial slope (PTS) were measured using MRI 3-dimensional dual-echo steady-state images. Potential risk factors, including age, body mass index, postoperative time, Tegner activity scale (TAS), sagittal ACL angle, ACL–Blumensaat line angle, medial PTS, lateral PTS, and primary graft diameter, were tested for their association with the graft SNQ value by multivariate stepwise regression analysis.

Results:

A total of 104 male subjects (mean follow-up, 30.7 months) were examined, including 62 allograft and 42 autograft reconstructions. There was a significant association between graft SNQ and postoperative time ( r = −0.431, P < .001), TAS ( r = 0.295, P = .002), and ACL–Blumensaat line angle ( r = −0.304, P = .002). Univariate regression analysis showed that TAS (β = 6.15, P < .001) positively correlated, postoperative time (β = −0.26, P < .001) negatively correlated, and ACL–Blumensaat line angle (β = −0.40, P = .038) negatively correlated with graft SNQ. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed that TAS, postoperative time, ACL–Blumensaat line angle, and age were significant independent factors associated with graft SNQ.

Conclusion:

The graft SNQ value had a significant positive correlation with physical activity level and a significant negative correlation with postoperative time in this study. Males with a shorter postoperative time and a higher physical activity level had higher graft signal intensity postoperatively.
Development and Current Status of the “Cambridge” Loudness Models
Authors: Moore Brian C. J.
Published: October 2014

This article reviews the evolution of a series of models of loudness developed in Cambridge, UK. The first model, applicable to stationary sounds, was based on modifications of the model developed by Zwicker, including the introduction of a filter to allow for the effects of transfer of sound through the outer and middle ear prior to the calculation of an excitation pattern, and changes in the way that the excitation pattern was calculated. Later, modifications were introduced to the assumed middle-ear transfer function and to the way that specific loudness was calculated from excitation level. These modifications led to a finite calculated loudness at absolute threshold, which made it possible to predict accurately the absolute thresholds of broadband and narrowband sounds, based on the assumption that the absolute threshold corresponds to a fixed small loudness. The model was also modified to give predictions of partial loudness—the loudness of one sound in the presence of another. This allowed predictions of masked thresholds based on the assumption that the masked threshold corresponds to a fixed small partial loudness. Versions of the model for time-varying sounds were developed, which allowed prediction of the masked threshold of any sound in a background of any other sound. More recent extensions incorporate binaural processing to account for the summation of loudness across ears. In parallel, versions of the model for predicting loudness for hearing-impaired ears have been developed and have been applied to the development of methods for fitting multichannel compression hearing aids.
Sonographic Prenatal Diagnosis of Turner Syndrome
Authors: Polivka Brooke , Merideth Kelsy L.
Published: October 2014

Turner syndrome is the most common sex chromosome abnormality in female fetuses, in which all or part of one of the X chromosomes is absent or has some other abnormality. The syndrome has a number of characteristic sonographic findings such as diffuse fetal edema, cystic hygroma with septations, renal and cardiac anomalies, increased nuchal translucency, and growth retardation. A case is presented of Turner syndrome diagnosed by cytogenic testing after a number of anatomic anomalies, including diffuse edema, cystic hygroma and growth retardation, were found by sonography.
Crystallinity improvement of hydroxyapatite coating by saturated steam treatment
Authors: Tian Y. S. , Qian X. L. , Chen M. Q.
Published: October 2014

During plasma spraying, partial hydroxyapatite (HA) decomposes and partial constituent of the coatings transforms into amorphous phase, which greatly reduce the crystalline HA content of the coatings. Experimental results indicate that the content of crystalline HA in the coatings can be increased significantly by saturated steam treatment. Owing to the existence of steam, the reaction [3Ca3(PO4)2+CaO+H2O→Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] will take place during treatment, and with the increase in processing temperature and the increase in holding period, the content of the crystalline HA increases obviously. In addition, HA nanocrystals can be obtained with suitable processing parameters.
NRAS

G12V
oncogene facilitates self-renewal in a murine model of acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Sachs Zohar , LaRue Rebecca S. , Nguyen Hanh T. , Sachs Karen , Noble Klara E. , Mohd Hassan Nurul Azyan , Diaz-Flores Ernesto , Rathe Susan K. , Sarver Aaron L. , Bendall Sean C. , Ha Ngoc A. , Diers Miechaleen D. , Nolan Garry P. , Shannon Kevin M. , Largaespada David A.
Published: October 2014

Key Points

NRAS G12V maintains leukemia self-renewal in a genetically engineered murine model of AML. NRAS G12V differentially regulates transcription and signaling among leukemic subpopulations.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and its risk factors among adolescent survivors three years after an 8.0 magnitude earthquake in China
Authors: Tian Yali , Wong Thomas KS , Li Jiping , Jiang Xiaolian
Published: October 2014

Background

Serious and long-lasting psychiatric consequences can be found in children and adolescents following earthquake, including the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although researchers have been focused on PTSD recently, its prevalence and risk factors after a huge natural disaster are still unclear because of limited sample size. The purpose of this study is to explore the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescent survivors three years after the Wenchuan earthquake, describe PTSD symptoms, and to find out risk factors of PTSD.

Methods

A total of 4,604 adolescents from three middle schools which located in earthquake-stricken areas were recruited in this study. Instruments included the demographic questionnaire, questionnaire about earthquake exposure, the Social Support Appraisal Scale (SSA), the Posttraumatic stress disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), and the structured clinical interview for DSM-IV Disorders (SCID).

Results

The prevalence rate of PTSD was 5.7% (frequency: n = 261), and the most commonly occurring symptoms of PTSD were distress at reminders (64.5%), difficulty concentration (59.1%), and being easily startled (58.6%). Loss of houses and property, being injured, deaths of family members, and witness of death are positive risk factors of PTSD, and physical exercise and social support are negative risk factors of PTSD.

Conclusions

Professional and effective interventions are needed to reduce the development of PTSD among adolescents after the Wenchuan earthquake, especially for these who lost their houses or property and lost their family members, witnessed death, and lacked of social support in the earthquake. Moreover, injured adolescents and adolescents who lacked of physical exercise also need intervention due to high risk.
Suppression of lung inflammation in an LPS-induced acute lung injury model by the fruit hull of Gleditsia sinensis
Authors: Kim Kyun Ha , Kwun Min Jung , Han Chang Woo , Ha Ki-Tae , Choi Jun-Yong , Joo Myungsoo
Published: October 2014

Background

The fruit hull of Gleditsia sinensis (FGS) used in traditional Asian medicine was reported to have a preventive effect on lung inflammation in an acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model. Here, we explored FGS as a possible therapeutics against inflammatory lung diseases including ALI, and examined an underlying mechanism for the effect of FGS.

Methods

The decoction of FGS in water was prepared and fingerprinted. Mice received an intra-tracheal (i.t.) FGS 2 h after an intra-peritoneal (i.p.) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The effect of FGS on lung inflammation was determined by chest imaging of NF-κB reporter mice, counting inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, analyzing lung histology, and performing semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis of lung tissue. Impact of Nrf2 on FGS effect was assessed by comparing Nrf2 knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice that were treated similarly.

Results

Bioluminescence from the chest of the reporter mice was progressively increased to a peak at 16 h after an i.p. LPS treatment. FGS treatment 2 h after LPS reduced the bioluminescence and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes in the lung. While suppressing the infiltration of inflammatory cells to the lungs of WT mice, FGS post-treatment failed to reduce lung inflammation in Nrf2 KO mice. FGS activated Nrf2 and induced Nrf2-dependent gene expression in mouse lung.

Conclusions

FGS post-treatment suppressed lung inflammation in an LPS-induced ALI mouse model, which was mediated at least in part by Nrf2. Our results suggest a therapeutic potential of FGS on inflammatory lung diseases.
The role of EBV in the pathogenesis of Burkitt’s Lymphoma: an Italian hospital based survey
Authors: Pannone Giuseppe , Zamparese Rosanna , Pace Mirella , Pedicillo Maria Carmela , Cagiano Simona , Somma Pasquale , Errico Maria Elena , Donofrio Vittoria , Franco Renato , De Chiara Annarosaria , Aquino Gabriella , Bucci Paolo , Bucci Eduardo , Santoro Angela , Bufo Pantaleo
Published: October 2014

The exact worldwide incidence of Burkitt’s lymphoma is not known. There are three distinct clinical variants of Burkitt’s lymphoma, each manifesting differences in epidemiology, clinical presentation, morphology, biology and genetic features: the endemic (African), the sporadic (non-endemic), and the immunodeficiency-associated form. In particular, we reported data regarding Burkitt’s lymphoma incidence in the world and across different European countries. Finally, we described clinic-pathological data of 48 Burkitt’s lymphomas occurred in Italy from 2003 to 2013, in 4 different hospitals, two of which located in east side, and the other ones located in the west-coast. Forty Burkitt’s lymphomas occurs in children (age range 3–12), and 8 were adulthood Burkitt’s lymphomas (age range 18–87). In the pediatric group the Male:Female ratio (M:F) was of 4:1, whereas the group of the adult patients has a M:F of 1:1.67. Immunohistochemical detection of Latent Membrane Protein 1 (LMP1) expression and Epstein-Barr virus Encoded RNA (EBER) In Situ Hybridization (ISH) procedures have been performed. Lymphocyte B monoclonal spread has been demonstrated using a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based method to amplify Fragment Restriction FR1, FR2 and FR3 immunoglobulin heavy chains DNA fragments. Only 38 cases out of 48 were analyzed for LMP-1 showing various percentage of stained cells in 47.4% of the patients.

Considering ISH for EBER detection results:

– 1 out 2 (50%) adult analyzed cases was positive, with 50% of stained tumor cells (this patient was a 22 years old female, coming from Napoli);

– 15 out 24 (62.5%) children analyzed Burkitt’s lymphomas resulted as positive for EBER;

– the overall positivity has been observed in 16/26 Burkitt’s lymphomas (61.53%).

– Finally, EBV has been detected in children and adult patients, one of them with deregulation of the oncogene c-MYC by chromosomal translocation.
Extracting ore-deposit-controlling structures from aeromagnetic, gravimetric, topographic, and regional geologic data in western Yukon and eastern Alaska
Authors: Sánchez Matías G. , Allan Murray M. , Hart Craig J. R. , Mortensen James K.
Published: October 2014

Aeromagnetic lineaments interpreted from reduced-to-pole (RTP) magnetic grids were compared with gravity, topography, and field-based geologic maps to infer regional structural controls on hydrothermal mineral occurrences in a poorly exposed portion of the North American Cordillera in western Yukon and eastern Alaska. High-frequency and variable-intensity aeromagnetic lineaments corresponding to discontinuities with an aeromagnetic domain change were interpreted as steep-dipping and either magnetite-destructive or magnetite-additive faults. These structures were interpreted to be predominantly Cretaceous in age and to have formed after the collision of the Intermontane terranes with the ancient Pacific margin of North America. To demonstrate the reliability of the aeromagnetic interpretation, we developed a multidata set stacking methodology that assigns numeric values to individual lineaments depending on whether they can be traced in residuals and first vertical derivative of RTP aeromagnetic grids, isostatic residual gravity grids, digital topography, and regional geologic maps. The sum of all numeric values was used to estimate the likelihood of the aeromagnetic lineament as a true geologic fault. Fault systems were interpreted from zones of lineaments with high spatial density. Using this procedure, 10 major northwest-trending fault systems were recognized. These were oriented subparallel to the regional Cordilleran deformation fabric, the mid-Cretaceous Dawson Range magmatic arc, and well-established crustal-scale dextral strike-slip fault systems in the area. These orogen-parallel fault systems were interpreted to play a structural role in the emplacement of known porphyry Cu-Au and epithermal Au systems of mid-Cretaceous (115–98 Ma) and Late Cretaceous (79–72 Ma) age. The procedure also identified seven northeast-trending, orogen-perpendicular fault-fracture systems that are prominent in eastern Alaska and exhibit sinistral-to-oblique extensional kinematics. These structures were interpreted to govern the emplacement of Late Cretaceous (72–67 Ma) porphyry Mo- and Ag-rich polymetallic vein and carbonate replacement systems in the region.
Coupled synthesis and translocation restrains polyphosphate to acidocalcisome-like vacuoles and prevents its toxicity
Authors: Gerasimaitė Rūta , Sharma Shruti , Desfougères Yann , Schmidt Andrea , Mayer Andreas
Published: October 2014

Eukaryotes contain inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) and acidocalcisomes, which sequester polyP and store amino acids and divalent cations. Why polyP is sequestered in dedicated organelles has been unknown. We show that polyP produced in the cytosol of yeast becomes toxic. Reconstitution of polyP translocation with purified vacuoles, the acidocalcisomes of yeast, showed that cytosolic polyP cannot be imported whereas polyP produced by the VTC complex, an endogenous vacuolar polyP polymerase, is efficiently imported and does not interfere with growth. PolyP synthesis and import require an electrochemical gradient, probably as a driving force for polyP translocation. VTC exposes its catalytic domain to the cytosol and carries nine vacuolar transmembrane domains. Mutations in the VTC transmembrane regions, which likely constitute the translocation channel, block not only polyP translocation but also synthesis. Since they are far from the cytosolic catalytic domain of VTC, this suggests that the VTC complex obligatorily couples synthesis of polyP to its import in order to avoid toxic intermediates in the cytosol. Sequestration of otherwise toxic polyP may be one reason for the existence of acidocalcisomes in eukaryotes.
Application of ARID1A to murine formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue using immunohistochemistry
Authors: Howat Will , Miller Jodi , Gounaris Ioannis
Published: October 2014

ARID1A is a known suppressor of tumour formation and the Human Protein Atlas antibody HPA005456 has been demonstrated in previous literature to stain tumour tissue by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in formalin-fixed paraffin embedded human tissue and human cell lines. This article details the validation of this antibody for immunohistochemistry of formalin-fixed paraffin embedded murine tissue using a Leica BondMax immunostainer. Using Western blot and IHC on murine wild-type and knockout tissue we have demonstrated that this antibody to ARID1A correctly stains murine tissue by immunohistochemistry.
The Sacrificial Ritual in Homer
Authors: Bednarek Bartłomiej
Published: October 2014

Sacrificial Ritual in Homer

The paper discusses the model of interpretation of the Greek sacrificial ritual and proposes some changes and adjustment in the currently accepted paradigm. The main suggestion presented here is that the ritual slaughter of animals, as described in the Homeric poems, can be treated by protagonists as the practice of great practical impact (it provides the heroes with food) rather than that of a symbolic value.
Das Erhabene als literarisch-ästhetische Kategorie
Authors: Styka Jerzy
Published: October 2014

The Sublime as a Literary-Aesthetic Category

The paper discusses the rhetorical and literary concept of the sublime (tὸ u`qos) and its development in the theory and practice of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Special emphasis is put on pseudo-Longinus' treatise De sublimitate and its understanding of the concept of the sublime.
Descriptive Criteria of nominal inflectional categories in Ancient Greek Grammar
Authors: Wolanin Hubert
Published: October 2014

Descriptive Criteria of nominal inflectional categories in Ancient Greek Grammar

The present paper analyses the methodology adopted in the ancient Greek grammatical tradition to define and describe the nominal inflectional categories, i.e. gender, number, and case. The main source for the said analysis is the treatise Tekhne grammatike attributed to Dionysius Thrax, but references are also made to the works of Aristotle and some other authors. The research shows that semantic (functional) criteria played the principal part in describing the nominal inflectional categories, and especially that of the case. This does not mean, however, that the formal factor was completely absent: Aristotle’s determination in searching for formal criteria of gender classes of nouns is noteworthy in this respect, as well as the attempt to associate thenumber category with some formal factors, evidenced in the Tekhne.
Balancing Exploitation and Exploration in Discrete Optimization via Simulation Through a Gaussian Process-Based Search
Authors: Sun Lihua , Hong L. Jeff , Hu Zhaolin
Published: October 2014

Random search algorithms are often used to solve discrete optimization-via-simulation (DOvS) problems. The most critical component of a random search algorithm is the sampling distribution that is used to guide the allocation of the search effort. A good sampling distribution can balance the trade-off between the effort used in searching around the current best solution (which is called exploitation) and the effort used in searching largely unknown regions (which is called exploration). However, most of the random search algorithms for DOvS problems have difficulties in balancing this trade-off in a seamless way. In this paper we propose a new scheme that derives a sampling distribution from a fast fitted Gaussian process based on previously evaluated solutions. We show that the sampling distribution has the desired properties and can automatically balance the exploitation and exploration trade-off. Furthermore, we integrate this sampling distribution into a random research algorithm, called a Gaussian process-based search (GPS) and show that the GPS algorithm has the desired global convergence as the simulation effort goes to infinity. We illustrate the properties of the algorithm through a number of numerical experiments.
Visiting the crafty side of twigs
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: October 2014

Twigs are widely available and interesting natural objects that are ideal for winter craft projects, when flora and fauna are hard to find, which makes them perfect resources.
Latest Developments
Authors: Smith Sue
Published: October 2014

Send your letters, news stories or latest developments to: The Editor, Child Care, St Jude's Church, Dulwich Road, Herne Hill, London, SE24 0PB email: childcare@markallengroup.com
Fun on the school run
Authors: Sowerby Jennifer
Published: October 2014

When minding children of different ages, it is inevitable that your day will involve at least one school run, which you can make into a true learning journey for younger children.
Put some flavour into learning
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: October 2014

In this extract from Planning for Learning Through the Senses [Practical Pre-School Books] we explore activities based on the seven areas of learning: this month, we focus on taste.
Nurse-led consent in endoscopy
Authors: Burrows Anna , Asare Jean
Published: October 2014

In order to implement best practice in the consent process for patients undergoing endoscopy at Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust, the registered nurses at the endoscopy department wanted to determine if nurse-led consent might present to patients a more consistent and high-quality approach to this very important component of the endoscopy experience. This article describes the nurses' efforts in introducing an initiative wherein the endoscopy nurse who admits the patient for the endoscopic procedure also takes the patient's consent. This has led to the nurses developing a good rapport with patients and ensuring the uninterrupted and smooth running of the endoscopy department as well as overall patient care.
Management of paediatric ileostomies: selecting suitable appliances
Authors: Chandler Pip
Published: October 2014

Stoma's created in children can be both lifesaving and a means of improving the quality of life of the child. Caring for a child with an ileostomy requires different skills compared with those used in caring for an adult ileostomist. This article analyses the care needs of a child with an ileostomy and focuses on the factors underlying the decisions in product choice. Because the age range is quite large, the article provides practical stoma care product advice for the nurse caring for children, highlighting the differences in the care of an adult ileostomist. It must also be recognised that the emotional needs of neonates, children, and teenagers with a stoma will differ considerably and will need to be part of the decision-making process.
Colorectal telephone assessment pathway: setting up a nurse-led service
Authors: Watson Harriet
Published: October 2014

It has been well documented that the cancer yield from 2-week-wait (2ww) colorectal referrals is low. Many patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) are referred via non-2ww pathways. In the author's unit, 82% of colorectal cancers were diagnosed via routine pathways, some taking up to 6 months from referral to diagnosis. Therefore, in 2008, a colorectal telephone assessment pathway (CTAP) was introduced. Results show that the time to diagnosis decreased from 23 to 4 weeks, with high GP- and patient-satisfaction rates. This article describes how the CTAP was set up by the consultant nurse, and explores the issues involved and how they were addressed. It explains how results were achieved at no extra cost, and in reality, generated income. Development of this pathway has been proposed, but goes against existing Department of Health guidance. This is also explored, alongwith the dissemination work underway via an NHS Improving Quality initiative.
Ocular involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: implications for ophthalmic nursing practice
Authors: Jaiyesimi Stella , Gregg Emma , Barket Cynthia , Seewoodhary Ramesh
Published: October 2014

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body and lead to the development of sight-threatening eye complications. The ophthalmic nurse's role is important in the early identification and management of patients who present with ocular manifestations. After diagnosis, patient education and family involvement are both essential on an ongoing basis, and ophthalmic nurses play a vital role in this. This empowerment will help patients to selfcare and be in control of the disease. The care of patients who have developed eye complications can be very challenging, and patient care must be individualised as the symptoms and complications vary from patient to patient.

This article discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and ophthalmic complications of SLE, and the ophthalmic nurse's role in managing this condition.
Stereo imaging in ophthalmology: Part II
Authors: Hancock Richard
Published: October 2014

In Part I of this two-part series, the author looked at the history of stereo photography and its application and rationale to ophthalmology (Hancock R (2014) Stereo imaging in ophthalmology. International Journal of Ophthalmic Practice 5(2): 58–61). Part II will illustrate examples of stereo ophthalmic photography by means of anaglyphic images. To view the following images, you will require red and cyan anaglyph glasses.
Service evaluation of child chalazion management: an orthoptist-led clinic
Authors: Bedi Kaveeta Kaur , Pilling Rachel
Published: October 2014

Background/Aim:

In November 2012, a new patient pathway was introduced in the management of paediatric chalazion at the Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI), UK. In the new pathway, children aged two to 16 years referred by their GP to an ophthalmologist for chalazion treatment were seen, examined and managed by an orthoptist within four weeks of referral, reducing referral to treatment waiting times by half. This study aims to evaluate: new pathway utilisation; the management received from each appointment; and the overall impact of the new system.

Methods:

This retrospective study looked at all paediatric patients (n=24) referred to the Paediatric Ophthalmology Department at the BRI between November 2012 and November 2013.

Results:

Approximately 91.7% (n=22) of referrals were seen by an orthoptist. Of these, 77.3% (n=17) required no further care and were not seen again for any ongoing problems. Care or treatment of those referred to an ophthalmologist was not delayed by seeing an orthoptist at first visit. This service resulted in a reduction of 34 appointments in the ophthalmologist clinic.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that organisational change can be rapidly implemented and well accepted when driven by good leadership and management. The new patient pathway also shows that savings can be made without a reduction in costs, while ensuring patient safety.
Access to a local Digital Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Service
Authors: Hirji Nizar K , Myers Paulette
Published: October 2014

Background:

Diabetic retinopathy is the second most frequent cause of registerable blindness in the working-age population in the UK. Despite the implementation of the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme in England and Wales, many patients with diabetes continue to become sight impaired.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to better understand the impact of a Digital Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Service (DDRSS) provided to residents of Walsall in the West Midlands, UK.

Methods:

An analysis of data from the UK National Diabetes Audit and a plot of the location of DDRSS providers against a ‘heat map’ of the resident population density of those aged 60 years and over in Walsall provided a gauge of the impact of the service, including accessibility to and reach of the service.

Results:

DDRSS providers were not necessarily located in residential areas of older people, nor within a 15-minute walking distance for a significant proportion of residents. The DDRSS pathway extensively involves community optometrists but appears to under-deliver in meeting the key performance indicators of the service.

Conclusions:

There is a need to better understand the barriers to the uptake of the DDRSS in Walsall. The feasibility of a mobile DDRSS service is also being considered so that the areas not within easy access of residents can be provided with the screening service. Further consideration should be given to the provision of the service to patients in their homes, and in residential homes and day-care centres.
The Community Health Applied Research Network (CHARN) Data Warehouse: a Resource
for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research and Quality Improvement in Underserved, Safety
Net Populations
Authors: Laws Reesa , Gillespie Suzanne , Puro Jon , Van Rompaey Stephan , Quach Thu , Carroll Joseph , Chang Weir Rosy , Crawford Phil , Grasso Chris , Kaleba Erin , McBurnie Mary Ann
Published: October 2014

Background: The Community Health Applied Research Network, funded by the Health
Resources and Services Administration, is a research network comprising 18 Community
Health Centers organized into four Research Nodes (each including an academic partner)
and a data coordinating center. The network represents more than 500,000 diverse safety
net patients across 11 states.Objective: The primary objective of this paper is to
describe the development and implementation process of the CHARN data
warehouse.Methods: The methods involved regulatory and governance development and
approval, development of content and structure of the warehouse and processes for
extracting the data locally, performing validation, and finally submitting data to the
data coordinating center.Progress to Date: Version 1 of the warehouse has been
developed. Tables have been added, the population and the years of electronic health
records (EHR) have been expanded for Version 2.Conclusions: It is feasible to create a
national, centralized data warehouse with multiple Community Health Center partners
using different EHR systems. It is essential to allow sufficient time: (1) to develop
collaborative, trusting relationships among new partners with varied technology,
backgrounds, expertise, and interests; (2) to complete institutional, business, and
regulatory review processes; (3) to identify and address technical challenges associated
with diverse data environments, practices, and resources; and (4) to provide continuing
data quality assessments to ensure data accuracy.
Fungus-Modified Lignin and Its Use in Wood Adhesive for Manufacturing Wood Composites*
Authors: Zhang Yaolin , Yang Dian-Qing , Wang Xiang-Ming , Feng Martin , He Guangbo
Published: October 2014

Organosolv lignins were modified with different fungal species. The modified lignins were used as raw materials for preparing lignin-phenol-formaldehyde (LPF) resins. Oriented strandboard (OSB) panels were produced with these laboratory-synthesized LPF resins for evaluating the bond performance of the LPF resins in the manufacturing of wood composites. Ultraviolet spectroscopy results show that the phenolic hydroxyl contents in the lignins were changed after the lignins were treated with fungi. The lignin modified with the brown-rot fungi extended the gel time of the LPF resin compared with the corresponding unmodified lignin, while the lignin modified with the white-rot fungi shortened the gel time. The OSB test results show that the internal bond strength and the bending properties of the panels bonded with the LPF resins containing the modified lignin were comparable to or better than those of the panels bonded with the commercial phenolic resin or the LPF resin containing the unmodified lignin. It is worth noting that the fungi-modified lignin reduced the thickness swell and water absorption of the OSB panels, implying the water resistance of the LPF resins was improved with the fungi-modified lignin. It is also suggested that up to 50 percent of phenol can be potentially replaced with fungi-modified lignin in phenolic resins used as wood adhesives.
The eAutopsy
Authors: Talmon Geoffrey A. , Czarnecki Donna , Bernal Kerry
Published: October 2014

Objectives:

One reason for declining autopsy numbers is clinicians’ lack of familiarity with the practice. We developed an online tool used in place of attending postmortem examinations and aimed to determine if the experience was as effective in affecting medical students’ attitudes toward the procedure.

Methods:

The eAutopsy was a part of a unit consisting of a mixture of a didactic lecture, readings, and online discussion board. A class of second-year medical students was randomly distributed between autopsy attendance and the eAutopsy, afterward completing a Likert-type attitudinal survey. Responses were compared with previous students receiving only a lecture.

Results:

Thirty students attended a “live” autopsy, 90 completed the eAutopsy, and 47 students from the prior year completed the survey. Responses between all three were statistically similar for all but one item. The live and eAutopsy groups would be significantly more comfortable asking for an autopsy in the future. Narrative responses indicated that while the eAutopsy was effective in delivering information, some noticed the lack of emotional impact.

Conclusions:

The two forms of autopsy exposure performed similarly on a Likert-type survey assessing certain attitudes related to the procedure. However, the emotional impact of the live experience may be longer lasting.
Blastomycosis of Bone
Authors: Jain Richa , Singh Kamaljit , Lamzabi Ihab , Harbhajanka Aparna , Gattuso Paolo , Reddy Vijaya B.
Published: October 2014

Objectives:

Blastomycosis osteomyelitis is a well-known but infrequently encountered complication of infection with the dimorphic mold, Blastomyces dermatitidis. Oftentimes, the diagnosis is unsuspected, resulting in a delay in making the diagnosis. The role of intraoperative consultation in making a rapid diagnosis has not been discussed previously.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of clinicopathologic information was conducted from all cases of blastomycosis osteomyelitis and arthritis diagnosed at Rush University Medical Center between 2000 and 2010.

Results:

Fourteen cases of blastomycosis osteomyelitis and/or arthritis were identified, 12 of which clinically and radiologically presented as a bone tumor. The disease most commonly affected the lower extremities, particularly around the knee joint. Septic arthritis generally occurred secondary to osteomyelitis of the adjacent bone. Frozen section was performed in 10 cases, all of which were correctly diagnosed as granulomatous osteomyelitis. Two cases were culture negative, one of which showed many budding yeast forms typical of B dermatitidis on histology.

Conclusion:

Blastomycosis osteomyelitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bone tumor, particularly when there is history of residence or travel in endemic areas. This disease can be correctly identified at frozen section, thus offering rapid diagnosis. There is an excellent correlation between morphologic and microbiologic studies.
Management of testosterone therapy in adolescents and young men with hypogonadism: are we following adult clinical practice guidelines?
Authors: Nahata Leena , Yu Richard N. , Bhasin Shalender , Cohen Laurie E.
Published: October 2014

Male hypogonadism is a common disorder that is associated with low bone density, poor muscle mass, anemia, and sexual dysfunction. The Endocrine Society recently published a Clinical Practice Guideline for testosterone therapy in androgen-deficient men. Because treatment is frequently initiated in adolescence, the goal of this quality improvement initiative was to assess whether pediatric endocrinologists at a large tertiary care center follow these guidelines and to identify opportunities for improvement.

We performed a retrospective chart review at Boston Children’s Hospital. Inclusion criteria were as follows: current age ≥16 years, diagnosis of hypogonadism, and testosterone replacement therapy. Data were collected about current age, age at treatment initiation, diagnoses, pre- and on-treatment testosterone levels, route of testosterone administration and dose, bone density, hematocrit levels, and adherence with therapy.

Fifty-nine patients were included. Fourteen (24%) were prescribed lower testosterone doses than those recommended in the Clinical Practice Guideline. Seven (12%) had no pre-treatment testosterone levels, and 10 (17%) had no on-treatment levels. In 49 patients with on-treatment testosterone levels, 36 had at least one value that was lower than the adult reference range. Ten (28%) of the 36 men with low testosterone levels had no dose adjustments. Thirty-seven (63%) of the 59 patients had no dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans, and 18 (31%) did not have hematocrit levels.

Pediatric endocrinologists in this review did not consistently follow the Clinical Practice Guideline for testosterone therapy in hypogonadal adult males. Strategies that improve adherence to guidelines could help maximize the benefits of therapy and minimize treatment-associated risks.
Gaseous mercury behaviour in the presence of functionalized styrene–divinylbenzene copolymers
Authors: Díaz-Somoano Mercedes , Popa Adriana , Rumayor Marta , López-Antón M. Antonia , Martínez-Tarazona M. Rosa , Ilia Gheorghe
Published: October 2014

Two styrene-6.7 % divinylbenzene copolymers functionalized with aminophosphonate groups and phosphonic acid groups by means of “one-pot” reactions were evaluated for gaseous mercury removal. The results were compared with those obtained using a commercial activated carbon. These materials exhibit a significant capacity for mercury oxidation (13–25 %) with low mercury capture (9–30 μg g–1). The mercury retention capacity was observed to decrease when acid gases are present in the gas atmosphere. The highest retention capacity corresponded to the highest oxidation ratio and was obtained using the AMINOPHOS sample. These results suggest a mercury oxidation and a subsequent chemical adsorption mechanism in which the amino groups play a role in mercury capture.
Advances in interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels and their applications
Authors: Dragan Ecaterina Stela
Published: October 2014

Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels brought distinct benefits compared to single network hydrogels like more widely controllable physical properties, and (frequently) more efficient drug loading/release. However, IPN strategy is not sufficient to design hydrogels with enhanced mechanical properties required for regenerative medicine like replacement of natural cartilage or artificial cornea. Some of the novel techniques promoted last decade for the preparation of IPN hydrogels which fulfill these requirements are discussed in the review. Among them, “double network” strategy had a strong contribution in the development of a large variety of hydrogels with spectacular mechanical properties at water content up to 90 %. Using cryogelation in tandem with IPN strategy led to composite cryogels with high mechanical properties and high performances in separation processes of ionic species. Highly stretchable and extremely tough hydrogels have been obtained by combining a covalently cross-linked synthetic network with an ionically cross-linked alginate network. IPN hydrogels with tailored mesh size have been also reported.
Synthesis and thermal behaviour of pauflerite, β-VOSO4, and its α-modification
Authors: Paufler Peter , Filatov Stanislav K. , Bubnova Rimma S. , Krzhizhanovskaya Maria G.
Published: October 2014

Powder α-VOSO4 was prepared by dehydration of VOSO4·3H2O. β-VOSO4 was synthesized by boiling of V2O5 in H2SO4. Thermal behaviour of VOSO4·3H2O, α- and β-VOSO4 modifications is studied by high-temperature powder X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis, including two-step dehydration of VOSO4·3H2O, formation of α-VOSO4, thermal expansion and decomposition of both modifications into V2O5. Higher anisotropy of thermal expansion of the tetragonal α-modification α
c
= 39(2)·10–6 K–1 along the vanadyl ion and α
a
= 2.4(6)·10–6 K–1 in the perpendicular direction) comparing to the orthorhombic β-modification (α
a
= 20.2(7), α
b
= 2.8(8), α
c
= 17.8(4)·10–6 K–1) is explained from a crystal chemical point of view.
Incommensurate modulations in stoichiometric Ni2MnGa ferromagnetic shape memory alloy: an overview
Authors: Singh Sanjay , Barman S.R. , Pandey Dhananjai
Published: October 2014

This article presents a brief overview of our recent work on the nature of long period modulation in the premartensite and martensite phases of Ni2MnGa ferromagnetic shape memory alloy using high resolution synchrotron x-ray powder diffraction patterns. The commensurate structure model using the Pnnm space group is unable to account for the peak positions of the satellite reflections that appear due to modulations correctly. LeBail and Rietveld refinements using the (3+1)-D super space group Immm(00γ)s00 show that the peak positions of all the reflections, including the satellites, can be explained satisfactorily using incommensurate modulations for both the premartensite and martensite phases. The incommensurate modulation vectors are found to be
q
=0.33761(5)
c*
=(1/3+δ1)
c*
and 0.43160(3)
c*
=(3/7+δ2)
c*
, where δ1 and δ2 are the degrees of incommensuration for the premartensite and martensite phases, respectively. The periodicity of the closest rational approximant of the premartensite and martensite phases are confirmed to be 3 M and 7 M, respectively, in agreement with single crystal diffraction results.
Multifunctional Liposomes Reduce Brain β-Amyloid Burden and Ameliorate Memory Impairment in Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Models
Authors: Balducci Claudia , Mancini Simona , Minniti Stefania , La Vitola Pietro , Zotti Margherita , Sancini Giulio , Mauri Mario , Cagnotto Alfredo , Colombo Laura , Fiordaliso Fabio , Grigoli Emanuele , Salmona Mario , Snellman Anniina , Haaparanta-Solin Merja , Forloni Gianluigi , Masserini Massimo , Re Francesca
Published: October 2014

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation and deposition of plaques of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide in the brain. Given its pivotal role, new therapies targeting Aβ are in demand. We rationally designed liposomes targeting the brain and promoting the disaggregation of Aβ assemblies and evaluated their efficiency in reducing the Aβ burden in Alzheimer's disease mouse models. Liposomes were bifunctionalized with a peptide derived from the apolipoprotein-E receptor-binding domain for blood–brain barrier targeting and with phosphatidic acid for Aβ binding. Bifunctionalized liposomes display the unique ability to hinder the formation of, and disaggregate, Aβ assembliesin vitro(EM experiments). Administration of bifunctionalized liposomes to APP/presenilin 1 transgenic mice (aged 10 months) for 3 weeks (three injections per week) decreased total brain-insoluble Aβ1–42(−33%), assessed by ELISA, and the number and total area of plaques (−34%) detected histologically. Also, brain Aβ oligomers were reduced (−70.5%), as assessed by SDS-PAGE. Plaque reduction was confirmed in APP23 transgenic mice (aged 15 months) either histologically or by PET imaging with [11C]Pittsburgh compound B (PIB). The reduction of brain Aβ was associated with its increase in liver (+18%) and spleen (+20%). Notably, the novel-object recognition test showed that the treatment ameliorated mouse impaired memory. Finally, liposomes reached the brain in an intact form, as determined by confocal microscopy experiments with fluorescently labeled liposomes. These data suggest that bifunctionalized liposomes destabilize brain Aβ aggregates and promote peptide removal across the blood–brain barrier and its peripheral clearance. This all-in-one multitask therapeutic device can be considered as a candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Resting-State Functional Connectivity Changes in Aging apoE4 and apoE-KO Mice
Authors: Zerbi Valerio , Wiesmann Maximilian , Emmerzaal Tim L. , Jansen Diane , Van Beek Maarten , Mutsaers Martina P.C. , Beckmann Christian F. , Heerschap Arend , Kiliaan Amanda J.
Published: October 2014

It is well established that the cholesterol-transporter apolipoprotein ε (APOE) genotype is associated with the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, brain functional connectivity (FC) in apoE-ε4 carriers has been investigated by means of resting-state fMRI, showing a marked differentiation in several functional networks at different ages compared with carriers of other apoE isoforms. The causes of such hampered FC are not understood. We hypothesize that vascular function and synaptic repair processes, which are both impaired in carriers of ε4, are the major contributors to the loss of FC during aging. To test this hypothesis, we integrated several different MRI techniques with immunohistochemistry and investigated FC changes in relation with perfusion, diffusion, and synaptic density in apoE4 and apoE-knock-out (KO) mice at 12 (adult) and 18 months of age.

Compared with wild-type mice, we detected FC deficits in both adult and old apoE4 and apoE-KO mice. In apoE4 mice, these changes occurred concomitant with increased mean diffusivity in the hippocampus, whereas perfusion deficits appear only later in life, together with reduced postsynaptic density levels. Instead, in apoE-KO mice FC deficits were mirrored by strongly reduced brain perfusion since adulthood. In conclusion, we provide new evidence for a relation between apoE and brain connectivity, possibly mediated by vascular risk factors and by the efficiency of APOE as synaptic modulator in the brain. Our results show that multimodal MR neuroimaging is an excellent tool to assess brain function and to investigate early neuropathology and aging effects in translational research.
KIS, a Kinase Associated with Microtubule Regulators, Enhances Translation of AMPA Receptors and Stimulates Dendritic Spine Remodeling
Authors: Pedraza Neus , Ortiz Raúl , Cornadó Alba , Llobet Artur , Aldea Martí , Gallego Carme
Published: October 2014

Local regulation of protein synthesis allows a neuron to rapidly alter the proteome in response to synaptic signals, an essential mechanism in synaptic plasticity that is altered in many neurological diseases. Synthesis of many synaptic proteins is under local control and much of this regulation occurs through structures termed RNA granules. KIS is a protein kinase that associates with stathmin, a modulator of the tubulin cytoskeleton. Furthermore, KIS is found in RNA granules and stimulates translation driven by the β-actin 3′UTR in neurites. Here we explore the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the action of KIS on hippocampal synaptic plasticity in mice. KIS downregulation compromises spine development, alters actin dynamics, and reduces postsynaptic responsiveness. The absence of KIS results in a significant decrease of protein levels of PSD-95, a postsynaptic scaffolding protein, and the AMPAR subunits GluR1 and GluR2 in a CPEB3-dependent manner. Underlying its role in spine maturation, KIS is able to suppress the spine developmental defects caused by CPEB3 overexpression. Moreover, either by direct or indirect mechanisms, KIS counteracts the inhibitory activity of CPEB3 on the GluR2 3′UTR at both mRNA translation and polyadenylation levels. Our study provides insights into the mechanisms that mediate dendritic spine morphogenesis and functional synaptic maturation, and suggests KIS as a link regulating spine cytoskeleton and postsynaptic activity in memory formation.