bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Valproic acid attenuates skeletal muscle wasting by inhibiting C/EBPβ-regulated atrogin1 expression in cancer cachexia
Authors: Sun Rulin , Zhang Santao , Hu Wenjun , Lu Xing , Lou Ning , Yang Zhende , Chen Shaoyong , Zhang Xiaoping , Yang Hongmei
Published: April 2016

Muscle wasting is the hallmark of cancer cachexia and is associated with poor quality of life and increased mortality. Valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, has important biological effects in the treatment of muscular dystrophy. To verify whether VPA could ameliorate muscle wasting induced by cancer cachexia, we explored the role of VPA in two cancer cachectic mouse models [induced by colon-26 (C26) adenocarcinoma or Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC)] and atrophied C2C12 myotubes [induced by C26 cell conditioned medium (CCM) or LLC cell conditioned medium (LCM)]. Our data demonstrated that treatment with VPA increased the mass and cross-sectional area of skeletal muscles in tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, treatment with VPA also increased the diameter of myotubes cultured in conditioned medium. The skeletal muscles in cachectic mice or atrophied myotubes treated with VPA exhibited reduced levels of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPβ), resulting in atrogin1 downregulation and the eventual alleviation of muscle wasting and myotube atrophy. Moreover, atrogin1 promoter activity in myotubes was stimulated by CCM via activating the C/EBPβ-responsive cis-element and subsequently inhibited by VPA. In contrast to the effect of VPA on the levels of C/EBPβ, the levels of inactivating forkhead box O3 (FoxO3a) were unaffected. In summary, VPA attenuated muscle wasting and myotube atrophy and reduced C/EBPβ binding to atrogin1 promoter locus in the myotubes. Our discoveries indicate that HDAC inhibition by VPA might be a promising new approach for the preservation of skeletal muscle in cancer cachexia.
Ascending aorta of hooded seals with particular emphasis on its vasa vasorum
Authors: Blix Arnoldus Schytte , Kuttner Samuel , Messelt Edward B.
Published: April 2016

The pressure-volume relationship in the ascending aorta (“windkessel”) of the hooded seal was determined and the morphology of its vasa vasorum described in some detail. We found that the ascending aorta has a high compliance and can easily accommodate the entire stroke volume when the peripheral vascular resistance becomes much increased and maintain perfusion pressure during the much extended diastole and thereby reduce cardiac stroke work during diving. We also found that the 3- to 5-mm thick wall of the ascending aorta had a very elaborate vasa vasorum interna with a hitherto undescribed vascular structure that penetrates the entire vascular wall. If similar structures with similar importance for the nutrition of the wall of the vessel are found in humans, important implications for the understanding of pathological conditions, such as aneurisms, may be indicated.
Personalized Medicine Based on Theranostic Radioiodine Molecular Imaging for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Ahn Byeong-Cheol
Published: April 2016

Molecular imaging based personalized therapy has been a fascinating concept for individualized therapeutic strategy, which is able to attain the highest efficacy and reduce adverse effects in certain patients. Theranostics, which integrates diagnostic testing to detect molecular targets for particular therapeutic modalities, is one of the key technologies that contribute to the success of personalized medicine. Although the term “theranostics” was used after the second millennium, its basic principle was applied more than 70 years ago in the field of thyroidology with radioiodine molecular imaging. Differentiated thyroid cancer, which arises from follicular cells in the thyroid, is the most common endocrine malignancy, and theranostic radioiodine has been successfully applied to diagnose and treat differentiated thyroid cancer, the applications of which were included in the guidelines published by various thyroid or nuclear medicine societies. Through better pathophysiologic understanding of thyroid cancer and advancements in nuclear technologies, theranostic radioiodine contributes more to modern tailored personalized management by providing high therapeutic effect and by avoiding significant adverse effects in differentiated thyroid cancer. This review details the inception of theranostic radioiodine and recent radioiodine applications for differentiated thyroid cancer management as a prototype of personalized medicine based on molecular imaging.
Design of a Load Torque Based Control Strategy for Improving Electric Tractor Motor Energy Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Liu Mengnan , Xu Liyou , Zhou Zhili
Published: April 2016

In order to improve the electrical conversion efficiency of an electric tractor motor, a load torque based control strategy (LTCS) is designed in this paper by using a particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO). By mathematically modeling electric-mechanical performance and theoretical energy waste of the electric motor, as well as the transmission characteristics of the drivetrain, the objective function, control relationship, and analytical platform are established. Torque and rotation speed of the motor’s output shaft are defined as manipulated variables. LTCS searches the working points corresponding to the best energy conversion efficiency via PSO to control the running status of the electric motor and uses logic and fuzzy rules to fit the search initialization for load torque fluctuation. After using different plowing forces to imitate all the common tillage forces, the simulation of traction experiment is conducted, which proves that LTCS can make the tractor use electrical power efficiently and maintain agricultural applicability on farmland conditions. It provides a novel method of fabricating a more efficient electric motor used in the traction of an off-road vehicle.
Osteogenic Potential of Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells for Calvaria Bone Regeneration
Authors: Lee Dong Joon , Park Yonsil , Hu Wei-Shou , Ko Ching-Chang
Published: April 2016

Osteogenic cells derived from rat multipotent adult progenitor cells (rMAPCs) were investigated for their potential use in bone regeneration. rMAPCs are adult stem cells derived from bone marrow that have a high proliferation capacity and the differentiation potential to multiple lineages. They may also offer immunomodulatory properties favorable for applications for regenerative medicine. rMAPCs were cultivated as single cells or as 3D aggregates in osteogenic media for up to 38 days, and their differentiation to bone lineage was then assessed by immunostaining of osteocalcin and collagen type I and by mineralization assays. The capability of rMAPCs in facilitating bone regeneration was evaluatedin vivoby the direct implantation of multipotent adult progenitor cell (MAPC) aggregates in rat calvarial defects. Bone regeneration was examined radiographically, histologically, and histomorphometrically. Results showed that rMAPCs successfully differentiated into osteogenic lineage by demonstrating mineralized extracellular matrix formationin vitroand induced new bone formation by the effect of rMAPC aggregatesin vivo. These outcomes confirm that rMAPCs have a good osteogenic potential and provide insights into rMAPCs as a novel adult stem cell source for bone regeneration.
Administration of Myelin Basic Protein Peptides Encapsulated in Mannosylated Liposomes Normalizes Level of Serum TNF-αand IL-2 and Chemoattractants CCL2 and CCL4 in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Lomakin Yakov , Belogurov Alexey , Glagoleva Irina , Stepanov Alexey , Zakharov Konstantin , Okunola John , Smirnov Ivan , Genkin Dmitry , Gabibov Alexander
Published: April 2016

We have previously shown that immunodominant MBP peptides encapsulated in mannosylated liposomes (Xemys) effectively suppressed experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). Within the frames of the successfully completed phase I clinical trial, we investigated changes in the serum cytokine profile after Xemys administration in MS patients. We observed a statistically significant decrease of MCP-1/CCL2, MIP-1β/CCL4, IL-7, and IL-2 at the time of study completion. In contrast, the serum levels of TNF-αwere remarkably elevated. Our data suggest that the administration of Xemys leads to a normalization of cytokine status in MS patients to values commonly reported for healthy subjects. These data are an important contribution for the upcoming Xemys clinical trials.
Human Embryonic Stem Cells: A Model for the Study of Neural Development and Neurological Diseases
Authors: Prajumwongs Piya , Weeranantanapan Oratai , Jaroonwitchawan Thiranut , Noisa Parinya
Published: April 2016

Although the mechanism of neurogenesis has been well documented in other organisms, there might be fundamental differences between human and those species referring to species‐specific context. Based on principles learned from other systems, it is found that the signaling pathways required for neural induction and specification of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) recapitulated those in the early embryo development in vivo at certain degree. This underscores the usefulness of hESCs in understanding early human neural development and reinforces the need to integrate the principles of developmental biology and hESC biology for an efficient neural differentiation.
Adsorption and Photocatalytic Kinetics of Visible-Light Response N-Doped TiO2Nanocatalyst for Indoor Acetaldehyde Removal under Dark and Light Conditions
Authors: Lin Yu-Hao , Weng Chih-Huang , Tzeng Jing-Hua , Lin Yao-Tung
Published: April 2016

Understanding the removal nature of the indoor volatile organic compounds under realistic environment conditions would give clear guidance for the development of air purification devices. The study investigated the removal of indoor acetaldehyde using visible-light-responsive N-doped TiO2(N-TiO2) photocatalyst under visible-light irradiation (light) and in the absence of light (dark). The adsorption kinetics of acetaldehyde onto N-TiO2followed a pseudo-second-order model. The magnitude of acetaldehyde adsorption is proportional to temperature, and the results were fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model. Moreover, the effect of initial acetaldehyde concentration and visible-light intensity on the photooxidation of acetaldehyde was well described by the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. Results show that the mesoporous N-TiO2catalyst had a high ability to absorb acetaldehyde in the dark condition, and then acetaldehyde was subsequently photooxidized under visible-light irradiation. The adsorption capacity was found to increase with decreasing temperature. The negative value ofΔG° and the positive value ofΔS° indicate that the adsorption of acetaldehyde onto N-TiO2was a spontaneous process. Finally, a reaction scheme for removal process of indoor acetaldehyde by N-TiO2was proposed.
Role of Wheat Based Diet on the Pathology of Necrotic Enteritis in Turkeys
Authors: Umar Sajid , Younus Muhammad , Shahzad Muhammad , Aqil Kiran , Qayyum Rizwan , Mushtaq Aqsa , Shah Muhammad Ali Abdullah , Munir Muhammad Tanveer
Published: April 2016

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of wheat based diet on the pathology of necrotic enteritis in turkeys. Turkeys were divided into four groups. Groups A and B were kept as noninoculated and fed normal commercial diet while groups C and D were challenged orally withC. perfringensand fed wheat based diet to promote the development of experimental disease. Infected turkeys showed clinical signs of depression, ruffled feathers, and dark yellowish faeces showing the most prominent disease signs in turkeys of group D with 30% mortality. Similarly, turkeys of group D showed more striking gross and histopathologic lesions as compared to turkeys of group C. The most severe gross lesions comprised intestinal distension, small necrotic spots and haemorrhages on intestine, fragile intestinal wall, and gas bubble formation in the small intestine. Histologically, inoculated turkeys showed patchy necrosis, desquamation of intestinal epithelium, and intense leukocyte infiltration in the intestine. Microscopic examination showed significant decrease in the height of intestinal villi of inoculated birds. Haematological studies showed significant influence of necrotic enteritis on the blood profile of turkeys in group D. The findings revealed that simultaneous feeding of wheat enhanced the pathology of necrotic enteritis in turkeys.
Some Extensions of Fixed Point Results over Quasi-JS-Spaces
Authors: Noorwali Maha , Alsulami Hamed H. , Karapınar Erdal
Published: April 2016

We introduce the notion of quasi-JS-metric space. After defining the basic topological properties of quasi-JS-metric space, we investigate fixed point of certain mapping in the frame of complete quasi-JS-metric space. Our results unify and cover several existing fixed point theorems in distinct structures (such as standard quasi-metric spaces, quasi-b-metric spaces, dislocated quasi-metric spaces, and quasi-modular spaces) in the literature.
Dyspepsia: When and How to Test forHelicobacter pyloriInfection
Authors: Dore Maria Pina , Pes Giovanni Mario , Bassotti Gabrio , Usai-Satta Paolo
Published: April 2016

Dyspepsia is defined as symptoms related to the upper gastrointestinal tract. Approximately 25% of western populations complain of dyspeptic symptoms each year. 70% of them do not have an organic cause and symptoms are related to the so-called functional dyspepsia, characterized by epigastric pain, early satiety, and/or fullness during or after a meal occurring at least weekly and for at least 6 months according to ROME III criteria. In order to avoid invasive procedures and adverse effects, to minimize costs, to speed up diagnosis, and to provide the most appropriate treatments, primary care physicians need to recognize functional dyspepsia. Because symptoms do not reliably discriminate between organic and functional forms of the disease, anamnesis, family history of peptic ulcer and/or of gastric cancer, medication history, especially for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, age, and physical examination could help the physician in discerning between functional dyspepsia and organic causes. For patients without alarm symptoms, noninvasive testing forH. pylori, with either carbon-13-labeled urea breath testing or stool antigen testing, is recommended as a first-line strategy. In this review, we provide recommendations to guide primary care physicians for appropriate use of diagnostic tests and forH. pylorimanagement in dyspeptic patients.
A Novel Dual-Band Circularly Polarized Rectangular Slot Antenna
Authors: Li Biao , Ding Yang , Yin Ying-Zeng
Published: April 2016

A coplanar waveguide fed dual-band circularly polarized rectangular slot antenna is presented. The proposed antenna consists of a rectangular metal frame acting as a ground and an S-shaped monopole as a radiator. The spatial distribution of the surface current density is employed to demonstrate that the circular polarization is generated by the S-shaped monopole which controls the path of the surface currents. An antenna prototype, having overall dimension 37 × 37 × 1 mm3, has been fabricated on FR4 substrate with dielectric constant 4.4. The proposed antenna achieves 10 dB return loss bandwidths and 3 dB axial ratio (AR) in the frequency bands 2.39–2.81 GHz and 5.42–5.92 GHz, respectively. Both these characteristics are suitable for WLAN and WiMAX applications.
Gambogic Acid Inhibits Malignant Melanoma Cell Proliferation Through Mitochondrial p66shc/ROS-p53/Bax-Mediated Apoptosis
Authors: Liang Lili , Zhang Zhixin
Published: April 2016

Background/Aims: Malignant melanoma has high metastatic potential, is highly resistant to chemotherapy, and has a poor survival rate. Gambogic acid (GA), a polyprenylated xanthone extracted from a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has been proven to exhibit antitumor activity. The present study aimed to investigate the signaling pathways that mediated GA-induced inhibition of human malignant skin melanoma proliferation. Methods: The study was conducted using A375 cells and the corresponding tumor transplanted in nude mice. Results: Incubation of A375 cells with 1-10 μg/ml GA decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis. GA concentration-dependently increased p66shc expression and intracellular ROS levels. GA also decreased the oxygen consumption rate and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in A375 cells. Experimental inhibition of p66shc by siRNA suppressed GA-induced increase of ROS, decrease of oxygen consumption rate, MMP and cell viability, whilst suppressing GA-induced increase of apoptosis. GA concentration-dependently upregulated p53 and Bax expression in A375 cells. GA also increased p53-TA-luciferase activity and p53-binding to Bax promoter, which was inhibited by Sip53. Experimental inhibition of p53 with Sip53 blocked GA-induced decrease of the oxygen consumption rate and cell viability, and blocked the increase of apoptosis. In tumor-bearing nude mice, GA notably inhibited tumor growth, and this action was suppressed by N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a potent antioxidant, and by PFT-α, a p53 inhibitor. In A375 tumors transplanted in nude mice, GA increased both p66shc and p53 expression. NAC and PFT-α treatment did not significantly affect p66shc expression in tumors grown in mice treated with GA. In contrast, both NAC and PFT-α treatment inhibited GA-induced p53 expression in mouse tumors. Conclusion: Results provided novel preclinical insights into the chemotherapeutic use of GA by highlighting the importance of p66shc/ROS-p53/Bax pathways in the antitumor effect of GA in malignant melanoma.
The Effects of Two Anesthetics, Propofol and Sevoflurane, on Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Xu Zhijie , Yu Jingui , Wu Jianbo , Qi Feng , Wang Huanliang , Wang Zhigang , Wang Zhou
Published: April 2016

Background: Propofol and sevoflurane are widely used in clinical anesthesia, and both have been reported to exert a protective effect in organ ischemia/reperfusion (IR). This study aims to investigate and compare the effects of propofol and sevoflurane on liver ischemia/reperfusion and the precise molecular mechanism. Methods and Materials: Rats were randomized into four groups: the sham group, I/R group, propofol treatment group (infused with 1% propofol at 500 µg· kg-1· min-1), and sevoflurane treatment group (infused with 3% (2 L/min) sevoflurane). The liver ischemia/reperfusion model was used to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect on ischemic injury. Liver enzyme leakage, liver cytokines and histopathological examination were used to evaluate the extent of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. Oxidative stress was investigated by evaluating the levels of Malondialdehyde(MDA), Superoxide Dismutase(SOD) and NO. The terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and western blot were applied to detect apoptosis in the ischemic liver tissue and its mechanism. Results: Both propofol and sevoflurane attenuated the extent of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury which is evident from the hisopathological studies and alterations in liver enzymes such as AST and LDH by inhibiting Nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) activation and subsequent alterations in inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1(IL-1), interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and increased IL10 release. Propofol exhibited a similar protective effect and a lower IL-1 release, while sevoflurane decreased TNF-a leakage more significantly. Meanwhile, oxidative stress was attenuated by reduced MDA and NO and elevated SOD release. The expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl were enhanced while that of apoptotic protein Bax and Bak were reduced by both propofol and sevoflurane to regulate hepatic apoptosis. In addition, propofol downregulated the phosphorylation of AKT and Bad protein, while sevoflurane downregulated the phosphorylation of p38. In addition, Both the treatments had no effect on the expression of AKT, Bad and p38. Conclusion: Both propofol and sevoflurane can protect the liver from ischemia/reperfusion injury by modulating the inflammatory responses reducing oxidative stress and liver apoptosis.
Pulmonary Artery Intimal Sarcoma: A Case Report
Authors: Kriz Joseph P. , Munfakh Nabil A. , King Gregory S. , Carden Juan O.
Published: April 2016

Pulmonary artery intimal sarcomas are rare and lethal malignant tumors that typically affect larger vessels: the aorta, inferior vena cava, and pulmonary arteries. Since symptoms and imaging of pulmonary arterial intimal sarcomas mimic pulmonary thromboembolism, the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with chest pain, dyspnea, and filling defect within the pulmonary arteries should include intimal sarcoma. Often right ventricular failure is observed due to pulmonary hypertension caused by the obstructive effect of the tumor and concomitant chronic thromboembolism. We report the case of a 72-year-old African-American male with arterial intimal sarcoma of the left and right pulmonary artery with extension through the right artery into the bronchus and right lung.
Dystrophy of the Great Toenail by Subungual Exostosis and Hyperostosis: Three Case Reports with Different Clinical Presentations
Authors: Wollina Uwe , Baran Robert , Schönlebe Jacqueline
Published: April 2016

Subungual exostoses and hyperostoses of the great toenail are a differential diagnosis of nail tumors. We present 3 cases of subungual exostosis/hyperostosis with secondary nail dystrophy: a 36- and a 37-year-old woman as well as an 8-year-old boy. Two of the 3 patients suffered from pain. The 2 female patients presented with the classic dorsolateral firm protrusion, while the child presented with bilateral nail dystrophy with lateral wall hypertrophy. In this later case, a bony ridge was identified, which is an unusual subungual, nonprotruding type of exostosis. The hypertrophic lateral walls were removed by the Vandenbos technique. In the 2 former cases, complete excision of the bony lesions was performed with a proximal block. Healing by second intention was uneventful.
A reduction of prothrombin conversion by cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass shifts the haemostatic balance towards bleeding
Authors: Bosch Yvonne P. J. , Bloemen Saartje , de Laat Bas , Weerwind Patrick W. , Mochtar Bas , Maessen Jos G. , Wagenvoord Rob J. , Al Dieri Raed , Coenraad Hemker H. , Kremers Romy M. W.
Published: April 2016

Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with blood loss and post-surgery thrombotic complications. The process of thrombin generation is disturbed during surgery with CPB because of haemodilution, coagulation factor consumption and heparin administration. We aimed to investigate the changes in thrombin generation during cardiac surgery and its underlying pro- and anticoagulant processes, and to explore the clinical consequences of these changes using in silico experimentation. Plasma was obtained from 29 patients undergoing surgery with CPB before heparinisation, after heparinisation, after haemodilution, and after protamine administration. Thrombin generation was measured and prothrombin conversion and thrombin inactivation were quantified. In silico experimentation was used to investigate the reaction of patients to the administration of procoagulant factors and/or anticoagulant factors. Surgery with CPB causes significant coagulation factor consumption and a reduction of thrombin generation. The total amount of prothrombin converted and the rate of prothrombin conversion decreased during surgery. As the surgery progressed, the relative contribution of α2-macroglobulin-dependent thrombin inhibition increased, at the expense of antithrombin-dependent inhibition. In silico restoration of post-surgical prothrombin conversion to pre-surgical levels increased thrombin generation excessively, whereas co-administration of antithrombin resulted in the normalisation of post-surgical thrombin generation. Thrombin generation is reduced during surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass because of a balance shift between prothrombin conversion and thrombin inactivation. According to in silico predictions of thrombin generation, this new balance increases the risk of thrombotic complications with prothrombin complex concentrate administration, but not if antithrombin is co-administered.
NIILISMO POLÍTICO E GALHOFA EM ESAÚ E JACÓ, DE MACHADO DE ASSIS
Authors: Cei Vitor
Published: April 2016

O objetivo geral deste artigo é argumentar que o niilismo político é um leitmotiv do romance Esaú e Jacó, aparecendo como perspectiva a ser galhofada. A principal reivindicação do presente estudo é que Machado de Assis teve uma aguda consciência do caráter complexo e multifacetado da presença do niilismo em seu tempo.
MÁRIO DE ANDRADE: OUTLAW OU AU-DESSUS DE LA MÊLÉE?
Authors: Pinheiro Valter Cesar
Published: April 2016

Este artigo intenta compreender, a partir da leitura de ensaios escritos nos anos 1930, o posicionamento de Mário de Andrade quanto a uma questão ainda atual: quais são o papel e a função social do artista e do intelectual? São nos textos daquela fase – mais do que nos da década seguinte – que se fixam alguns dos conceitos mais caros ao autor, como “consciência artística”, “artesanato” e “traição”, o que justifica sua retomada.
REESCRITAS FANTÁSTICAS E FANTASMÁTICAS DO “EU” EM MARIE NDIAYE
Authors: Cardoso Irene Corrêa de Paula Sayão
Published: April 2016

Análise das estratégias narrativas empregadas pela francesa Marie NDiaye nos romances Mon coeur à l’étroit e Autoportrait en vert para subverter os modelos da literatura real-naturalista, através de diferentes manifestações do insólito, em que se busca mostrar, a partir de reflexões sobre o fantástico, o “estranho” em Freud e o “Real” em Lacan, como os romances resistem à transparência (do “eu” social) visando à parte mais rebelde do sujeito íntimo.
Animal Models of Thrombosis From Zebrafish to Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Jagadeeswaran Pudur , Cooley Brian C. , Gross Peter L. , Mackman Nigel
Published: April 2016

Thrombosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Animal models are used to understand the pathological pathways involved in thrombosis and to test the efficacy and safety of new antithrombotic drugs. In this review, we will first describe the central role a variety of animal models of thrombosis and hemostasis has played in the development of new antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs. These include the widely used P2Y
12
antagonists and the recently developed orally available anticoagulants that directly target factor Xa or thrombin. Next, we will describe the new players, such as polyphosphate, neutrophil extracellular traps, and microparticles, which have been shown to contribute to thrombosis in mouse models, particularly venous thrombosis models. Other mouse studies have demonstrated roles for the factor XIIa and factor XIa in thrombosis. This has spurred the development of strategies to reduce their levels or activities as a new approach for preventing thrombosis. Finally, we will discuss the emergence of zebrafish as a model to study thrombosis and its potential use in the discovery of novel factors involved in thrombosis and hemostasis. Animal models of thrombosis from zebrafish to nonhuman primates are vital in identifying pathological pathways of thrombosis that can be safely targeted with a minimal effect on hemostasis. Future studies should focus on understanding the different triggers of thrombosis and the best drugs to prevent each type of thrombotic event.
Global Burden of Thrombosis
Authors: Wendelboe Aaron M. , Raskob Gary E.
Published: April 2016

Thromboembolic conditions were estimated to account for 1 in 4 deaths worldwide in 2010 and are the leading cause of mortality. Thromboembolic conditions are divided into arterial and venous thrombotic conditions. Ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke comprise the major arterial thromboses and deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism comprise venous thromboembolism. Atrial fibrillation is a major risk factor for stroke and systemic arterial thromboembolism. Estimates of the global burden of disease were obtained from Global Burden of Disease Project reports, recent systematic reviews, and searching the published literature for recent studies reporting measures of incidence, burden, and disability-adjusted life-years. Estimates per 100 000 of the global incidence rate (IR) for each condition are ischemic heart disease, IR=1518.7; myocardial infarction, IR=139.3; ischemic stroke, IR=114.3; atrial fibrillation, IR=77.5 in males and 59.5 in females; and venous thromboembolism, IR=115 to 269. Mortality rates (MRs) for each condition are ischemic heart disease, MR=105.5; ischemic stroke, MR=42.3; atrial fibrillation, MR=1.7; and venous thromboembolism, MR=9.4 to 32.3. Global public awareness is substantially lower for pulmonary embolism (54%) and deep-vein thrombosis (44%) than heart attack (88%) and stroke (85%). Over time, the incidence and MRs of these conditions have improved in developed countries, but are increasing in developing countries. Public health efforts to measure disease burden and increase awareness of symptoms and risk factors need to improve, particularly in low- and middle-income regions to address this leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Social Media: Effect of Increased Intensity of the Intervention
Authors: Fox Caroline S. , Gurary Ellen B. , Ryan John , Bonaca Marc , Barry Karen , Loscalzo Joseph , Massaro Joseph
Published: April 2016

Background

A prior randomized controlled trial of social media exposure at
Circulation
determined that social media did not increase 30‐day page views. Whether insufficient social media intensity contributed to these results is uncertain.

Methods and Results

Original article manuscripts were randomized to social media exposure compared with no social media exposure (control) at
Circulation
beginning in January 2015. Social media exposure consisted of Facebook and Twitter posts on the journal's accounts. To increase social media intensity, a larger base of followers was built using advertising and organic growth, and posts were presented in triplicate and boosted on Facebook and retweeted on Twitter. The primary outcome was 30‐day page views. Stopping rules were established at the point that 50% of the manuscripts were randomized and had 30‐day follow‐up to compare groups on 30‐day page views. The trial was stopped for futility on September 26, 2015. Overall, 74 manuscripts were randomized to receive social media exposure, and 78 manuscripts were randomized to the control arm. The intervention and control arms were similar based on article type (
P
=0.85), geographic location of the corresponding author (
P
=0.33), and whether the manuscript had an editorial (
P
=0.80). Median number of 30‐day page views was 499.5 in the social media arm and 450.5 in the control arm; there was no evidence of a treatment effect (
P
=0.38). There were no statistically significant interactions of treatment by manuscript type (
P
=0.86), by corresponding author (
P
=0.35), by trimester of publication date (
P
=0.34), or by editorial status (
P
=0.79).

Conclusions

A more intensive social media strategy did not result in increased 30‐day page views of original research.
Comparing the Performance of Approaches for Testing the Homogeneity of Variance Assumption in One-Factor ANOVA Models
Authors: Wang Yan , Rodríguez de Gil Patricia , Chen Yi-Hsin , Kromrey Jeffrey D. , Kim Eun Sook , Pham Thanh , Nguyen Diep , Romano Jeanine L.
Published: April 2016

Various tests to check the homogeneity of variance assumption have been proposed in the literature, yet there is no consensus as to their robustness when the assumption of normality does not hold. This simulation study evaluated the performance of 14 tests for the homogeneity of variance assumption in one-way ANOVA models in terms of Type I error control and statistical power. Seven factors were manipulated: number of groups, average number of observations per group, pattern of sample sizes in groups, pattern of population variances, maximum variance ratio, population distribution shape, and nominal alpha level for the test of variances. Overall, the Ramsey conditional, O’Brien, Brown–Forsythe, Bootstrap Brown–Forsythe, and Levene with squared deviations tests maintained adequate Type I error control, performing better than the others across all the conditions. The power for each of these five tests was acceptable and the power differences were subtle. Guidelines for selecting a valid test for assessing the tenability of this critical assumption are provided based on average cell size.
Diabetes prevention and management among minority ethnic groups in Nicaragua: Findings from Phase 2 of a community-based participatory research study
Authors: Newlin Lew Kelley , Mitchell Emma McKim , Mclean Yolanda
Published: April 2016

Objectives:

To (1) describe barriers to diabetes prevention and self-management, (2) explore how religious beliefs inform diabetes prevention and self-management and (3) describe community action strategies to address the problem of diabetes locally.

Design:

Qualitative, descriptive design.

Setting:

Three Moravian Churches located, respectively, in Bluefields, Pearl Lagoon and Tasbapounie on Nicaragua’s Southern Atlantic Coast.

Methods:

Using convenience sampling procedures, local church pastors or leaders, health professionals and local lay adults with or at-risk for type 2 diabetes were recruited. Structured by an interview guide, focus groups were conducted. Data were analysed using Krippendorff’s content analysis method.

Results:

Barriers to diabetes prevention and self-management behaviours included financial constraints, inconsistent availability of diabetes medications and testing supplies, and limited diabetes knowledge. Religious faith was identified as central in coping with the daily demands of preventing or self-managing diabetes. Community action strategies to address diabetes included (1) the formation of interdisciplinary diabetes teams, (2) church-based diabetes care and (3) public health announcements.

Conclusion:

Findings informed culturally sensitive diabetes prevention and self-management education through the identified community action strategies.
Symbolic Closure: Towards a Renewed Sociological Perspective on the Relationship between Higher Education, Credentials and the Graduate Labour Market
Authors: Tholen Gerbrand
Published: April 2016

This article explores how our understanding of the graduate labour market can be improved by re-assessing some of the insights of the conflictual tradition within sociology. In particular, its theorising of ‘social closure’ and the use of educational credentials within the labour market remain highly relevant. Yet these ideas need to be modified to better deal with the current social, economic and educational contexts. This article extends the social closure literature to deal with some of the changes within the graduate labour market by turning to Pierre Bourdieu’s ideas on symbolic violence. I will argue that ‘symbolic closure’, the reliance on exclusion through categorisation and classification, becomes of greater importance in a graduate labour market that no longer offers any clarity about what graduate skills, jobs and rewards constitute and signify.
The Intersection of Race and Community Poverty and Its Effects on Adolescents’ Academic Achievement
Authors: Gordon Mellissa S. , Cui Ming
Published: April 2016

Although most studies have established the importance of individual-level influences on adolescent outcomes, studies are often limited in that they do not address the effects of broader community-level factors. To address this limitation, we examined the association between community-level poverty and adolescents’ academic achievement, and the role of race in this association. Results from multilevel modeling suggested that (a) regardless of community type (i.e., low vs. high poverty), Black adolescents reported lower academic achievement than White adolescents, (b) community poverty was negatively associated with adolescents’ academic achievement among both White and Black adolescents, and (c) the racial disparity in academic achievement was greater in communities with low poverty. Findings indicated the complex effect of community context and race on adolescents’ academic outcome. Implications of such findings were discussed.
Public Service Motivation, Public Management Reform, and Organizational Socialization
Authors: Battaglio R. Paul , French P. Edward
Published: April 2016

This study tests public service motivation (PSM) by accounting for organizational factors and socialization in shaping motives. Focusing on PSM and its four dimensions, we control for employment at-will as an organizational factor and agency type in influencing organizational socialization. Utilizing hierarchical linear modeling, we evaluate PSM in 10 municipalities at the individual level, while controlling for agency context as a predictor for a second level of analysis. The results underscore the effect of organizational factors, indicating that municipal employees in employment at-will environments have higher levels of self-sacrifice than their civil service counterparts. Although municipal employees in public safety agencies exhibit higher levels of self-sacrifice and commitment to the public interest than their peers in other agencies, their levels of attraction to policy making and compassion are significantly lower. The findings suggest the importance of a multi-dimensional approach to PSM when considering institutional factors and agency socialization in the workplace.
Stressful Life Circumstances, Resources for Support, and African American Children’s Psychological Symptoms
Authors: Woerpel Allison J. , Winston Willie , Brady Sonya S.
Published: April 2016

This brief report examines African American children’s and caregivers’ exposure to stressors and perceived support in relation to children’s internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Forty-six children aged 8 to 12 years and their primary caregivers were recruited from an urban school in the Midwestern United States and interviewed separately. Adjusting for child’s age and gender, caregiver’s gender, and number of caregivers in the family, child-reported stressful life events were associated with child-reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms. When children reported greater support from caregivers, children reported fewer externalizing symptoms and caregivers reported fewer oppositional behaviors and ADHD symptoms on the part of their child. Caregivers’ health- and relationship-related stressors were associated with child-reported externalizing symptoms, as well as caregiver-reported ADHD symptoms. Family-based mental health services within schools and communities may improve caregiver and child support systems, reduce caregiver-child conflict, and promote resilience to stress among urban, low-income African American families.
Investigating the precision of Web image search engines for popular and less popular entities
Authors: Uyar Ahmet , Karapinar Rabia
Published: April 2016

Image search is the second most frequently used search service on the Web. However, there are very few studies investigating any aspect of it. In this study, we investigate the precision of Web image search engines of Google and Bing for popular and less popular entities using text-based queries. Furthermore, we investigate four additional aspects of Web image search engines that have not been studied before. We used 60 different queries in total from three different domains for popular and less popular categories. We examined the relevancy of the top 100 images for each query. Our results indicate that image search is a solved problem for popular entities. They deliver 97% precision on the average for popular entities. However, precision values are much lower for less popular entities. For the top 100 results, average precision is 48% for Google and 33% for Bing. The most important problem seems to be the worst cases in which the precision can be less than 10%. The results show that significant improvement is needed to better identify relevant images for less popular entities. One of the main issues is the association problem. When a Web page has query words and multiple images, both Google and Bing are having difficulty determining the relevant images.
Early or late surgery for endocarditis with neurological complications
Authors: Oh Timothy Hou Teng , Wang Tom Kai Ming , Pemberton James A , Raudkivi Peter J
Published: April 2016

Background

The European Society of Cardiology 2015 guidelines advise urgent surgery for endocarditis complicated by cerebral embolism or transient ischemic events (1B evidence). Nevertheless, the timing of surgery remains contentious. This study aimed to review our experience of early versus delayed surgery in a selected cohort.

Methods

Our surgical database was examined for patients with a discharge diagnosis of endocarditis from 2005 to 2011. Selection was limited to patients who fulfilled the Duke criteria and underwent brain imaging for a clinically diagnosed preoperative neurological event. Patients were categorized as early surgery (≤7 days of clinical or cerebral imaging diagnosis of stroke) or delayed surgery (>7 days after diagnosis).

Results

Thirty-nine patients were identified: 20 in the early group (mean age 52 ± 15 years, diagnosis-to-surgery time 4 ± 2 days) and 19 in the delayed group (mean age 45 ± 15 years, diagnosis-to-surgery time 17 ± 11 days). There were no statistical differences in preoperative risks, operative data (cardiopulmonary bypass and crossclamp times) or postoperative neurological and mortality outcomes between the 2 groups. The size of the cerebral lesion was not a significant predictor of postoperative hemorrhagic or neurological outcome. Multivariate analysis did not show any independent predictor of mortality during follow-up (mean 51 ± 27 months). There was no difference in long-term survival, freedom from reoperation, or recurrent endocarditis between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

This study showed no statistical excess of mortality or neurological outcomes after early surgical intervention, regardless of the preoperative cerebral lesion size.
Psychometric properties of the Behavioural Outcomes of Anxiety questionnaire in stroke patients with aphasia
Authors: Eccles Alicia , Morris Reg , Kneebone Ian
Published: April 2016

Objective:

To evaluate the psychometric properties of an observational, carer-completed anxiety screen for aphasic stroke patients.

Design:

Phase 1: A cross-sectional questionnaire design to establish psychometric properties. Phase 2: A randomized longitudinal design with treatment and control to evaluate sensitivity to change and repeatability/reliability.

Subjects:

Phase 1: 111 patient-carer dyads were recruited through stroke charities: patient mean age 69.7(10. 7), 6.2(5. 2) years since stroke, 76 male; carer mean age 64.7(12. 2), 27 male. Phase 2. A subsample of 50 dyads (29 completed).

Measures:

All patients completed the Tension Rating Circles and the Frenchay Aphasia Screening Test. Carers completed the Behavioural Outcomes of Anxiety questionnaire, observational versions of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7, and a feedback questionnaire.

Intervention:

Phase 2: 25 dyads were offered relaxation training and 25 acted as controls.

Results:

The Behavioural Outcomes of Anxiety questionnaire correlated .77 with the HADS-A and Cronbach’s Alpha was .82 demonstrating validity and internal consistency. Using HADS-A cut-off > 7 as criterion the area under the curve was 0.90 and at cut-off of > 16 sensitivity (0.85) and specificity (0.85) were both good. Scores declined significantly more in a group given anxiety training ( n = 12) than in a control group ( n = 17), demonstrating sensitivity to change and construct validity. Two-week repeatability/reliability was .92. Feedback suggested the scale was acceptable.

Conclusions:

The Behavioural Outcomes of Anxiety questionnaire shows promise as an anxiety screen for stroke patients with aphasia and is sensitive to change. Further analysis of dimensionality and discriminant validity is needed.
Cutaneous Chromatophoromas in Captive Snakes
Authors: Muñoz-Gutiérrez J. F. , Garner M. M. , Kiupel M.
Published: April 2016

Chromatophoromas are neoplasms arising from pigment-bearing cells (chromatophores) of the dermis. While isolated cases have been reported in the literature, the prevalence and biological behavior of chromatophoromas in snakes are unknown. Forty-two chromatophoromas were identified among 4663 submissions (0.9%) to a private diagnostic laboratory in a 16-year period. The most commonly affected snakes were colubrids (23 cases, 55%) and vipers (8 cases, 19%). The San Francisco garter snake was the most commonly affected species (6 cases; 14% of all affected snake species and 3.7% of all garter snake submissions). No sex predilection was found. The age of 28 snakes ranged from 5 to 27 years. Single cutaneous chromatophoromas were most commonly observed and presented as pigmented cutaneous masses or plaques along any body segment. Euthanasia or death due to progressive neoplastic disease or metastasis was reported in 8 (19%) and 4 (10%) cases, respectively. The survival time of 4 animals ranged from 4 to 36 months. Microscopically, xanthophoromas, iridophoromas, melanocytic neoplasms, and mixed chromatophoromas were identified, with melanocytic neoplasms being most common. Microscopic examination alone was generally sufficient for the diagnosis of chromatophoroma, but immunohistochemistry for S-100 and PNL-2 may be helpful for diagnosing poorly pigmented cases. Moderate to marked nuclear atypia appears to be consistently present in cutaneous chromatophoromas with a high risk of metastasis, while mitotic count, lymphatic invasion, the level of infiltration, and the degree of pigmentation or ulceration were not reliable predictors of metastasis.
Occupational therapy roles and responsibilities: Development of a standardised measure of time use for staff working with adults in community settings
Authors: Hughes Jane , Wilberforce Mark , Symonds Eileen , Bowns Ian , Challis David
Published: April 2016

Introduction

This paper documents the development of a diary schedule to describe the work of occupational therapists of all grades, across a range of adult care groups and community health and social care settings, to permit comparison between them and over time.

Method

Two sources of information were used to develop the schedule: findings from five focus groups with occupational therapists (46 participants) and analysis of previous research on staff time use undertaken by the Personal Social Services Research Unit at the University of Manchester. It was piloted and evaluated by scrutiny of the schedules, a group interview with participants and meetings with managers.

Results

Practitioners identified almost 200 activities in their day-to-day work. These were categorised into three principal activity themes: direct care, indirect care and team or service development. The pilot study revealed ease of completion and discernible differences between settings and activities together with suggestions for improvement to the schedule regarding the description of activities and the accompanying guidance.

Conclusion

A diary schedule and common activity list, covering the full breadth of occupational therapy practice in adult community care, was developed. Whilst its utility in an organisation employing practitioners in multiple settings was demonstrated its wider applicability is unproven.