bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a Multicomponent Exercise Program on Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters, Risk of Falling and Physical Activity in Dementia Patients
Authors: Perrochon Anaïck , Tchalla Achille E. , Bonis Joelle , Perucaud Florian , Mandigout Stéphane
Published: September 2015

Background: Exercise programs are presumed to rehabilitate gait disorders and to reduce the risk of falling in dementia patients. This study aimed to analyze the specific effects of multicomponent exercise on gait disorders and to determine the association between gait impairments and the risk of falling in dementia patients before and after intervention. Methods: We conducted an 8-week multicomponent exercise program in 16 dementia patients (age 86.7 ± 5.4 years). All participants were assessed several times for gait analysis (Locométrix®), Tinetti score and physical activity (Body Media SenseWear® Pro armband). Results: After 8 weeks of the exercise program, the mean gait speed was 0.12 m/s faster than before the intervention (0.55 ± 0.17 vs. 0.67 ± 0.14 m/s). The multicomponent exercise program improved gait performance and Tinetti score (p < 0.05). Gait performance (gait speed, stride length) was correlated with the Tinetti score (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Analysis of spatiotemporal gait parameters using an accelerometer method provided a quick and easy tool to estimate the benefits of an exercise program and the risk of falling.
Assessment of Physical Activity by Accelerometer and IPAQ-Short Version in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Rosa Clara Suemi da Costa , Gracia-Marco Luis , Barker Alan R. , Freitas Jr. Ismael Forte , Monteiro Henrique Luiz
Published: September 2015

Aim: To compare the short version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the accelerometer measurement of physical activity (PA) in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: Sample consisted of 40 patients (19 men) aged 45 ± 16 years. Patients reported their PA using the IPAQ during a face-to-face interview, and wore an Actigraph GT3-X accelerometer for 1 week to obtain minutes per day of light PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and total PA as well as raw counts per day (vector magnitude). Results: All PA-related variables were significantly correlated among instruments (r = 0.34-0.47) when analyzed as a group. However, when analyzed separately by gender, the relationships were present for women only (r = 0.46-0.62). IPAQ significantly underestimated light PA (IPAQ vs. accelerometer: 180.0 vs. 251.1 min/day, p = 0.019), but no differences were found between methods for MVPA and total PA. Conclusion: Modest correlations were found between self-reported PA time by IPAQ (short version) and accelerometer, but only in women. However, the IPAQ may underestimate light PA, which is the main form of PA in this population.
Response of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Cells in Tissue-Related O2 Microenvironment to Short-Term Hypoxic Stress
Authors: Andreeva Elena R. , Lobanova Margarita V. , Udartseva Olga O. , Buravkova Ludmila B.
Published: September 2015

A microenvironment low in O2 (‘physiological' hypoxia) governs the functions of perivascular multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells, defining their involvement in tissue physiological homeostasis and regenerative remodelling. Acute hypoxic stress is considered as one of the important factors inducing tissue damage. Here, we evaluate the influence of short-term hypoxia (1% O2 for 24 h) on perivascular adipose tissue-derived cells (ASCs) permanently expanded in tissue-related O2 (5%) microenvironment. After hypoxic exposure, ASCs retained high viability, stromal cell morphology and mesenchymal phenotype (CD73+, CD90+, CD105+ and CD45-). Mild oxidative damage was unveiled as elevation of reactive oxygen species and thiobarbituric acid-active products, while no reduction in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and glutathione peroxidase and a 20% statistically significant increase in superoxide dismutase activity was detected. Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and HIF-3α isoforms was differently regulated. HIF-1α displayed transient up-regulation, with maximum levels 30 min after acute hypoxic exposure, while HIF-3α was significantly up-regulated after 24 h. Up-regulation of ERK7, MEK1 and c-fos, and down-regulation of MKK6, p53, CCNA2, CCNB1 and CCNB2 were observed after 24 h of oxygen deprivation. Acute hypoxic exposure did not affect the gene expression of other mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and MAPK kinases, MAPK/ERK kinase-interacting proteins, MAPK-activated transcription factors and scaffolding proteins. Significant stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor α and interleukin-6 production was detected in ASC-conditioned medium. Thus, tissue O2-adapted ASCs are resistant to hypoxic stress, which can ensure their effective involvement in the regeneration of tissue damage under significant oxygen deprivation.
Short-Term Postnatal Renal Function in Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence
Authors: Verbeek Lianne , Slaghekke Femke , Favre Romain , Vieujoz Marine , Cavigioli Francesco , Lista Gianluca , Oepkes Dick , Lopriore Enrico
Published: September 2015

Objective: To evaluate the short-term renal function in neonates with twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS). Methods: All consecutive monochorionic twins with TAPS with double survivors admitted to three European centers were included in this retrospective study. Each twin pair was matched for gestational age at birth with a control twin pair unaffected by TAPS or twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Creatinine and urea levels in the first week after birth were recorded. Short-term postnatal renal dysfunction was defined as creatinine >100 μmol/l during the first week after birth. Results: A total of 52 TAPS twin pairs and 52 control twin pairs with a median gestational age of 31 weeks at birth were included in the study. In the TAPS group, donors had higher mean creatinine levels compared to recipients, 85 versus 71 μmol/l, respectively (p = 0.001). Short-term renal dysfunction was detected in 26.0% (13/50) of the donors versus 6.3% (3/48) of the recipients (p = 0.022). In the control group, no inter-twin differences in creatinine levels were found. Conclusions: Donor twins with TAPS have higher creatinine levels than recipient twins, suggesting that chronic inter-twin transfusion in TAPS may also cause short-term renal dysfunction. Long-term renal consequences in TAPS donors require further investigation.
Microspectroscopic Confocal Raman and Macroscopic Biophysical Measurements in the in vivo Assessment of the Skin Barrier: Perspective for Dermatology and Cosmetic Sciences
Authors: Falcone Denise , Uzunbajakava Natallia E. , Varghese Babu , de Aquino Santos Gabriela Ricardo , Richters Renée J.H. , van de Kerkhof Peter C.M. , van Erp Piet E.J.
Published: September 2015

Skin barrier function, confined to the stratum corneum, is traditionally evaluated using established, noninvasive biophysical methods like transepidermal water loss, capacitance and conductance. However, these methods neither measure skin molecular composition nor its structure, hindering the actual causes of skin barrier change or impairment. At the same time, confocal Raman microspectroscopy (CRS) can directly measure skin molecular composition and structure and has proven itself to be a powerful technique for biomolecular analysis. The aims of this literature review were to evaluate noninvasive biophysical methods in view of CRS and to outline a direction towards more specific and informative skin measurement methods. We address this by investigating, for the first time, the relation between in vivo assessment of the skin barrier using indirect biophysical methods and the actual skin composition and structure as given by CRS, and emphasize the high potential of CRS for dermatology and cosmetic sciences. CRS acceptance in these fields will require close collaboration between dermatologists, skin scientists and spectroscopy experts towards simplifying the technology and creating robust, rapid, easy-to-use and less expensive CRS applications.
Improved Mortality Prediction in Dialysis Patients Using Specific Clinical and Laboratory Data
Authors: Hemke Aline C. , Heemskerk Martin B.A. , van Diepen Merel , Dekker Friedo W. , Hoitsma Andries J.
Published: September 2015

Background: Risk prediction models can be used to inform patients undergoing renal replacement therapy about their survival chances. Easily available predictors such as registry data are most convenient, but their predictive value may be limited. We aimed to improve a simple prediction model based on registry data by incrementally adding sets of clinical and laboratory variables. Methods: Our data set includes 1,835 Dutch patients from the Netherlands Cooperative Study on the Adequacy of Dialysis. The potential survival predictors were categorized on availability. The first category includes easily available clinical data. The second set includes laboratory values like albumin. The most laborious category contains glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and Kt/V. Missing values were substituted using multiple imputation. Within 1,225 patients, we recalibrated the registry model and subsequently added parameter sets using multivariate Cox regression analyses with backward selection. On the other 610 patients, calibration and discrimination (C-index, integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index and net reclassification improvement (NRI) index) were assessed for all models. Results: The recalibrated registry model showed adequate calibration and discrimination (C-index = 0.724). Adding easily available parameters resulted in a model with 10 predictors, with similar calibration and improved discrimination (C-index = 0.784). The IDI and NRI indices confirmed this, especially for short-term survival. Adding laboratory values resulted in an alternative model with similar discrimination (C-index = 0.788), and only the NRI index showed minor improvement. Adding GFR and Kt/V as candidate predictors did not result in a different model. Conclusion: A simple model based on registry data was enhanced by adding easily available clinical parameters.
MicroRNA-34a Suppresses Autophagy in Tubular Epithelial Cells in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Liu Xiu-Juan , Hong Quan , Wang Zhen , Yu Yan-Yan , Zou Xin , Xu Li-Hong
Published: September 2015

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is traditionally described as a condition leading to rapid damage to kidney function, eventually becoming a significant healthcare concern with a high mortality rate. Autophagy deficiency in the tubular epithelial cells is the main cause of AKI; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be defined. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are related to autophagy in many diseases. This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between miRNA expression and autophagic activity in the pathogenesis of AKI. Methods: A mouse model of AKI was produced by ischemia reperfusion (I/R). The expressions of microRNA-34a (miR-34a) and the autophagy-related protein LC3 II/I and p62 were determined in renal tissues and the tubular epithelial cells (RTECs). Moreover, the autophagic activity was investigated after miR-34a overexpression and inhibition. Additionally, the effect of miR-34a on its target gene in regulating autophagic activity in RTECs was also investigated. Results: I/R suppressed the autophagic activity and increased the expression of miR-34a in renal tissues. The in vitro data showed that the upregulation of miR-34a suppressed, whereas the inhibition of miR-34a promoted, autophagy in RTECs. Moreover, miR-34a could directly bind to Atg4B 3′-untranslated region. In addition, the knockdown of Atg4B expression inhibited the autophagic activity in RTECs. Conclusion: This study indicated that miR-34a might regulate the autophagic activity and can cause injury in I/R RTECs via targeting Atg4B.
Variation of Meiotic Recombination Rates and MLH1 Foci Distribution in Spermatocytes of Cattle, Sheep and Goats
Authors: Fröhlich Jan , Vozdova Miluse , Kubickova Svatava , Cernohorska Halina , Sebestova Hana , Rubes Jiri
Published: September 2015

Despite similar genome sizes, a great variability in recombination rates is observed in mammals. We used antibodies against SYCP3, MLH1 and centromeres to compare crossover frequency, position along chromosome arms and the effect of crossover interference in spermatocytes of 4 species from the family Bovidae (Bos taurus, 2n = 60, tribe Bovini; Ovis aries, 2n = 54, Capra hircus, 2n = 60 and Ammotragus lervia, 2n = 58, tribe Caprini). Despite significant individual variability, our results also show significant differences in both recombination rates and the total length of autosomal synaptonemal complexes (SC) between cattle (47.53 MLH1 foci/cell, 244.59 µm) and members of the tribe Caprini (61.83 MLH1 foci, 296.19 µm) which can be explained by the length of time that has passed since their evolutionary divergence. Sheep displayed the highest number of MLH1 foci per cell and recombination density, although they have a lower diploid chromosome number caused by centric fusions corresponding to cattle chromosomes 1;3, 2;8 and 5;11. However, the proportion of MLH1 foci observed on the fused chromosomes in sheep (26.14%) was significantly lower than on the orthologous acrocentrics in cattle (27.6%) and goats (28.2%), and their distribution along the SC arms differed significantly. The reduced recombination rate in metacentrics is probably caused by interference acting across the centromere.
Combined assessment of thrombotic and haemorrhagic risk in acute medical patients
Authors: Orlandini Francesco , Marchini Francesca , Marinaro Alessia , Bonacci Rosanna , Bonanni Paola , Corsini Francesca , Ceraudo Anna Maria , Pacetti Edoarda , Scuotri Lucia , Costabile Davide , Dentali Francesco , Regina Micaela La
Published: September 2015

Acute medical patients have a high risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTE). Unfortunately, the fear of bleeding complications limits the use of antithrombotic prophylaxis in this setting. To stratify the VTE and haemorrhagic risk, two clinical scores (PADUA, IMPROVE) have recently been developed. However, it is not clear how many patients have a concomitant high VTE and haemorrhagic risk and what is the use of prophylaxis in this situation. To clarify these issues we performed a prospective cohort study enrolling consecutive patients admitted to internal medicine. Patients admitted to internal medicine (January to December 2013) were included. VTE and haemorrhagic risk were evaluated in all the included patients. Use and type of anti-thrombotic prophylaxis was recorded. A total of 1761 patients (mean age 77.6 years) were enrolled; 76.8 % (95 % CI 74.7–78.7) were at high VTE risk and 11.9 % (95 % CI 10.4–13.5) were at high haemorrhagic risk. Anti-thrombotic prophylaxis was used in 80.5 % of patients at high VTE risk and in 6.5 % at low VTE risk (p< 0.001), and in 16.6 % at high haemorrhagic risk and in 72.5 % at low haemorrhagic risk (p< 0.001). Prophylaxis was used in 20.4 % at both high VTE and haemorrhagic risk and in 88.9 % at high VTE risk but low haemor-rhagic risk. At multivariate-analysis, use of prophylaxis appeared highly influenced by the VTE risk (OR 68.2, 95 % CI 43.1 - 108.0). In conclusion, many patients admitted to internal medicine were at high risk of VTE. Since almost 90 % of them were at low haemorrhagic risk, pharmacological prophylaxis may be safely prescribed in most of these patients.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Macrophage Notch Ligand Delta-Like 4 Promotes Vein Graft Lesion Development
Authors: Koga Jun-ichiro , Nakano Toshiaki , Dahlman James E. , Figueiredo Jose-Luiz , Zhang Hengmin , Decano Julius , Khan Omar F. , Niida Tomiharu , Iwata Hiroshi , Aster Jon C. , Yagita Hideo , Anderson Daniel G. , Ozaki C. Keith , Aikawa Masanori
Published: September 2015

Objective—

Despite its large clinical impact, the underlying mechanisms for vein graft failure remain obscure and no effective therapeutic solutions are available. We tested the hypothesis that Notch signaling promotes vein graft disease.

Approach and Results—

We used 2 biotherapeutics for Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4), a Notch ligand: (1) blocking antibody and (2) macrophage- or endothelial cell (EC)–targeted small-interfering RNA. Dll4 antibody administration for 28 days inhibited vein graft lesion development in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-deficient (
Ldlr
−/−
) mice, and suppressed macrophage accumulation and macrophage expression of proinflammatory M1 genes. Dll4 antibody treatment for 7 days after grafting also reduced macrophage burden at day 28. Dll4 silencing via macrophage-targeted lipid nanoparticles reduced lesion development and macrophage accumulation, whereas EC-targeted Dll4 small-interfering RNA produced no effects. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies suggested in vitro that Dll4 induces proinflammatory molecules in macrophages. Macrophage Dll4 also stimulated smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration and suppressed their differentiation.

Conclusions—

These results suggest that macrophage Dll4 promotes lesion development in vein grafts via macrophage activation and crosstalk between macrophages and smooth muscle cells, supporting the Dll4–Notch axis as a novel therapeutic target.
Estrogen-Related Receptor γ Plays a Key Role in Vascular Calcification Through the Upregulation of BMP2 Expression
Authors: Kim Ji-Hyun , Choi Yeon-Kyung , Do Ji-Yeon , Choi Young-Keun , Ha Chae-Myeong , Lee Sun Joo , Jeon Jae-Han , Lee Won-Kee , Choi Hueng-Sik , Park Keun-Gyu , Lee In-Kyu
Published: September 2015

Objective—

Vascular calcification which refers to ectopic mineralization in vascular cells is associated with several conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, atherosclerosis, and diabetes mellitus. Estrogen-related receptor (ERR)γ is a member of the orphan nuclear receptor superfamily, which plays diverse roles in regulating homeostatic and metabolic processes. However, the role of ERRγ in vascular calcification has not been investigated to date. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of ERRγ in vascular calcification.

Approach and Results—

Vascular calcification was induced by treating rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells with calcification medium. ERRγ expression in vascular smooth muscle cells was induced during calcification medium–induced vascular calcification. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of ERRγ in vascular smooth muscle cells resulted in the upregulation of the expression of osteogenic genes, including runt-related transcription factor 2, osteopontin, and Msx2, and the downregulation of α-smooth muscle actin. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of ERRγ induced bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) expression, leading to increased phosphorylation of the intracellular BMP2 effector proteins SMAD1/5/8. Collectively, these data suggested that ERRγ promotes dedifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells to an osteogenic phenotype during the vascular calcification process. Inhibition of endogenous ERRγ expression or activity using a specific siRNA or the selective inverse agonist GSK5182 attenuated vascular calcification and osteogenic gene expression in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions—

The present results indicate that ERRγ plays a key role in vascular calcification by upregulating the BMP2 signaling pathway, suggesting that inhibition of ERRγ is a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention of vascular calcification.
Utility of Screening for Cerebral Vasospasm Using Digital Subtraction Angiography
Authors: Arias Eric J. , Vajapey Sravya , Reynolds Matthew R. , Chicoine Michael R. , Rich Keith M. , Dacey Ralph G. , Dorward Ian G. , Derdeyn Colin P. , Moran Christopher J. , Cross DeWitte T. , Zipfel Gregory J. , Dhar Rajat
Published: September 2015

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral arterial vasospasm (CVS) is a common complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage strongly associated with neurological deterioration and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). The utility of screening for CVS as a surrogate for early detection of DCI, especially in patients without clinical signs of DCI, remains uncertain.

Methods—

We performed a retrospective analysis of 116 aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients who underwent screening digital subtraction angiography to determine the association of significant CVS and subsequent development of DCI. Patients were stratified into 3 groups: (1) no symptoms of DCI before screening, (2) ≥1 episodes of suspected DCI symptoms before screening, and (3) unable to detect symptoms because of poor examination.

Results—

Patients asymptomatic before screening had significantly lower rates of CVS (18%) compared with those with transient symptoms of DCI (60%;
P
<0.0001). None of the 79 asymptomatic patients developed DCI after screening, regardless of digital subtraction angiography findings, compared with 56% of those with symptoms (
P
<0.0001). Presence of CVS was significantly associated with DCI in those with transient symptoms and in those whose examinations did not permit clear assessment (odds ratio 16.0, 95% confidence interval 2.2–118.3,
P
=0.003).

Conclusions—

Patients asymptomatic before screening have low rates of CVS and seem to be at negligible risk of developing DCI. Routine screening of asymptomatic patients seems to have little utility. Screening may still be considered in patients with possible symptoms of DCI or those with examinations too poor to clinically detect symptoms because finding CVS may be useful for risk stratification and guiding management.
Midlife Alcohol Consumption and the Risk of Stroke in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Jones Sara B. , Loehr Laura , Avery Christy L. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Wruck Lisa , Shahar Eyal , Rosamond Wayne D.
Published: September 2015

Background and Purpose—

Alcohol consumption is common in the United States and may confer beneficial cardiovascular effects at light-to-moderate doses. The alcohol–stroke relationship remains debated. We estimated the relationship between midlife, self-reported alcohol consumption and ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in a biracial cohort.

Methods—

We examined 12 433 never and current drinkers in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, aged 45 to 64 years at baseline. Participants self-reported usual drinks per week of beer, wine, and liquor at baseline. We used multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression to assess the association of current alcohol consumption relative to lifetime abstention with incident ischemic stroke and ICH and modification by sex–race group. We modeled alcohol intake with quadratic splines to further assess dose–response relationships.

Results—

One third of participants self-reported abstention, 39% and 24%, respectively, consumed ≤3 and 4 to 17 drinks/wk, and only 5% reported heavier drinking. There were 773 ischemic strokes and 81 ICH over follow-up (median ≈22.6 years). For ischemic stroke, light and moderate alcohol consumption were not associated with incidence (hazard ratios, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.79–1.21; 1.06, 0.84–1.34), whereas heavier drinking was associated with a 31% increased rate relative to abstention (hazard ratios, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.92–1.86). For ICH, moderate-to-heavy (hazard ratios, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.07–3.70), but not light, consumption increased incidence.

Conclusions—

Self-reported light-to-moderate alcohol consumption at midlife was not associated with reduced stroke risk compared with abstention over 20 years of follow-up in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Heavier consumption increased the risk for both outcomes as did moderate intake for ICH.
On the taxonomy of the genus Acronicta Ochsenheimer, 1816 (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae). I. Redescription of Acronicta grumi (Alphéraky, 1897), with notes on synonymy and its subgeneric placement
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , MATOV ALEXEJ YU. , STÜNING DIETER , BEHOUNEK GOTTFRIED
Published: September 2015

Acronicta Ochsenheimer, 1816 is a large genus of Noctuidae, with worldwide distribution mainly in the temperate zone. The genus includes more than 150 described species and is subdivided into nine subgenera (Sugi 1979; Fibiger et al. 2009; Kononenko 2003, 2010; Han & Kononenko 2010): Subacronicta Kozhanchikov, 1950, Jocheaera Hübner, [1820], Triaena Hübner, [1818], Hyboma Hübner, [1820], Viminia Chapman, 1890, Acronicta, Molybdonycta Sugi, 1979, Hylonycta Sugi, 1979 and Plataplecta Butler, 1878. A diagnosis of the genus was given by Fibiger et al. (2009) and Han & Kononenko (2010).
Revision of the cirolanid isopod genus Odysseylana Malyutina, 1995 (Crustacea) with description of two new species from Singapore
Authors: SIDABALOK CONNI M. , BRUCE NIEL L.
Published: September 2015

The genus Odysseylana Malyutina, 1995 is revised and a new diagnosis presented; two new species from Singapore are described: Odysseylana sakijang sp. nov. and Odysseylana temasek sp. nov. The monotypic genus Parilcirolana Yu & Li, 2001, is placed in synonymy, bringing total number of species in Odysseylana to four including the type species Odysseylana sirenkoi Malyutina, 1995 and Odysseylana setosa (Yu & Li, 2001) comb. nov. The genus is known only from coastal waters from Singapore to off Macau, western Pacific. The principal distinguishing character of Odysseylana are an elongate body shape (2.9–3.5 long as greatest width), head without a rostral point, pentagonal and flat frontal lamina; antenna peduncle articles 1–3 short, 4 and 5 subequal in length and longest; and pleopod 1 peduncle quadrate, and a slender pleopod 1 endopod.
Genera of the Scirtothrips genus-group (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) with a new species of Siamothrips from Malaysia
Authors: NG Y.F. , MOUND L.A.
Published: September 2015

The Scirtothrips genus-group is here considered to comprise 11 genera, and an identification key to these is presented. These genera are Ajothrips Bhatti, Anascirtothrips Bhatti, Biltothrips Bhatti, Cercyothrips Morgan, Drepanothrips Uzel, Ephedrothrips zur Strassen, Kenyattathrips Mound, Parascirtothrips Masumoto & Okajima, Scirtidothrips Hood, Scirtothrips Shull and Siamothrips Okajima. One genus, Sericopsothrips Hood, is considered a new synonym of Scirtothrips, with the only species now referred to as Scirtothrips palloris (Hood) comb.n. A second species in the genus Siamothrips is described from Malaysia as Siamothrips initium sp.n.
3. World Enough and Time: Religious Strategy and Historical Imagination in an Indian Sufi Tale
Authors: Alam Muzaffar
Published: September 2015

Alam’s chapter presents a sophisticated analysis of a Persian text that creatively brings together Hindu and Muslim worlds. He specifically relates his work to a what is perhaps the most frequent performative dynamic recurring in the volume: the ways in which elements of stories were mixed and manipulated in retellings.
6. A Handbook for Storytellers: The Ṭirāz al-akhbār and the Qissa Genre
Authors: Khan Pasha M.
Published: September 2015

Khan offers a philosophical and critical study of a Persian performative genre, bringing contemporary theory together with Persianate understandings of performance, truth and mendacity.
9. Listening for the Context: Tuning in to the Reception of Riti Poetry1
Authors: Busch Allison
Published: September 2015

Busch, a world expert in Hindi riti poetry, looks at what that poetry itself can tell us about its recitation. Although this was a poetry that was often privately read, it was also sometimes publicly performed in court. Busch examines features in poems, such as onomatopoetic effect, that mark them for oral delivery.
10. Reading the Acts and Lives of Performers in Mughal Persian Texts
Authors: Sharma Sunil
Published: September 2015

Sharma’s chapter on story-telling practices in the Indo-Muslim world, offering a diachronic view of its subject, draws on various textual sources, including writers, to give a full history with some clear outlines.
11. Persian Poets on the Streets: The Lore of Indo-Persian Poetic Circles in Late Mughal India
Authors: Pellò Stefano
Published: September 2015

Pellò zeros in on a specific Indo-Persian genre: tazkiras of poets, their short biographical sketches. Moving from the courts to the streets, he brings a complex analysis to engaging, sometimes humorous, material.
12. Texts and Tellings: Kathas in the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries
Authors: Orsini Francesca
Published: September 2015

Orsini’s chapter on early Hindavi Kathas offers incites on the early Kathas as a genre and discusses some clues specific to the genre that suggest possible performative practices. At the same time, Orsini shows how vernacular tellers turn classical material in their own directions, with a thoughtful feminist slant.
13. A Curious King, a Psychic Leper, and the Workings of Karma: Bajid’s Entertaining Narratives
Authors: Bangha Imre
Published: September 2015

Bangha’s chapter on Vajid offers an interesting twist to the way a writer transforms his material. To do this, he looks at a how a writer known for his devotional verse, when writing secular poetry, sometimes seems to satirize his own devotional usage.
16. Patterns of Composition in the Seventeenth-Century Bengali Literature of Arakan
Authors: d’Hubert Thibaut
Published: September 2015

This essay on the role of performance in the 17th-century Bengali panchali poetry of Aloal introduces a form of poetic performance that is little known outside of Bengali-speaking parts of India. D’Hubert provides a model for how texts can be enriched through consideration of how they unfolded in performance.
17. The Musical Lives of Texts: Rhythms and Communal Relationships among the Nizamis and Some of Their Neighbours in South and West Asia
Authors: Wolf Richard K.
Published: September 2015

Wolf’s study of drumming during Muharram in Delhi, Karachi, and Trinidad is dense with insights on the relationship between texts, meanings, and rhythm. Through close analysis of drum patterns associated with specific Islamic texts, Wolf reveals the layers of meaning that are intelligible to listeners to varying degrees depending on their proximity to South Asia, their experience with drumming, their engagement with textual traditions. Starting with an introduction to the meanings of the Karbala story, he elucidates the varied, subtle, and sometimes abstracted relationship between drumming patterns and texts in Muharram celebrations and the meanings of these for community and intercommunal relationships.
Modelling job crafting behaviours: Implications for work engagement
Authors: Bakker Arnold B , Rodríguez-Muñoz Alfredo , Sanz Vergel Ana Isabel
Published: September 2015

In this study among 206 employees (103 dyads), we followed the job demands–resources approach of job crafting to investigate whether proactively changing one’s work environment influences employee’s (actor’s) own and colleague’s (partner’s) work engagement. Using social cognitive theory, we hypothesized that employees would imitate each other’s job crafting behaviours, and therefore influence each other’s work engagement. Results showed that the crafting of social and structural job resources and the crafting of challenge job demands was positively related to own work engagement, whereas decreasing hindrance job demands was unrelated to own engagement. As predicted, results showed a reciprocal relationship between dyad members’ job crafting behaviours – each of the actor’s job crafting behaviours was positively related to the partner’s job crafting behaviours. Finally, employee’s job crafting was related to colleague’s work engagement through colleague’s job crafting, suggesting a modelling process.
Decentralization of the French welfare state: from ‘big bang’ to ‘muddling through’
Authors: Reiter Renate , Kuhlmann Sabine
Published: September 2015

This article analyses the decentralization of the French welfare state focusing on the transfer of the Revenu minimum d’insertion (RMI) welfare benefit to the departments in 2003 and 2004. We map and explain the effects of the reform on the system and performance of the subnational provision of welfare tasks. To evaluate the impact of decentralization on the RMI-related action of the departments, we carry out a qualitative document analysis and use data from two case studies. The RMI decentralization offers an exemplary insight into the incremental implementation of French decentralization. We find many unintended effects in terms of the performance and outcome of the subnational welfare provision. This is traced back to the combining of institutional and policy reforms and the inadequate translation of high political expectations into an inadequate action programme both resulting in excessive demands on the local actors.

Points for practitioners

The decentralization of public tasks is associated with high expectations in terms of the effects on the performance of public services and public governance on the subnational levels. For an in-depth measure the range of administrative performance and political systems effects should be taken into account. We propose a five-dimensional scheme allowing for the determination of decentralization effects on the resource input to and the operative output of subnational public services, on the horizontal coordination between subnational task holders and the affected non-public stakeholders, on the vertical intergovernmental coordination, and on the democratic accountability of subnational authorities.
Special-purpose authorities: a welcomed alien to decentralization in Lebanon?
Authors: AbouAssi Khaldoun , Bowman Ann O'M.
Published: September 2015

Countries in transition face numerous political and economic challenges often exacerbated by persistent corruption and internecine religious conflict. In Lebanon, existing local governments have proven ineffective at providing many public services, especially those with spillover effects and externalities. This article proposes a structural change: the introduction of special-purpose local authorities to provide a single service transcending the boundaries of individual local governments. This proposal promises an innovative and practical solution to some existing problems; moreover, it will disentangle some of the complexities in the social and political milieus of a country typified by intense conflict.

Points for practitioners

This article proposes a policy recommendation to address one of the many challenges facing decentralization in Lebanon. Existing local governments have proven ineffective at providing many public services, especially those with spillover effects and externalities. Special-purpose local authorities are introduced as an innovative and practical solution to some existing problems; an approach that will disentangle some of the complexities in the social and political milieus of a country typified by intense conflict. The article provides certain decision points that are useful for policy makers and practitioners as they consider possible resolutions to existing challenges, potential implementation obstacles, and mitigating factors.
‘Blaming-the-poor’: Strengths and development discourses which obfuscate neo-liberal and individualist ideologies
Authors: Harms Smith Linda
Published: September 2015

Critical interrogation of social work texts reveals ideologies contributing to hegemonic ‘taken-for-granted’ knowledge that maintains oppressive power relations. In the South African context of ongoing inequality after the 1994 democratic transition, neo-liberal ideologies have structured and constrained social work knowledge and practice constitutive of social change. Similarly, conservative neo-liberal ideologies underpinning social work knowledge and discourse act performatively to shape practice and social realities. This article, based on a section of the author’s PhD study, examines one of the thematic ideological trends found in post-1994 social work texts on poverty and social development, which reflect neo-liberal, individualist ideologies of ‘blaming-the-poor’ and personal culpability for poverty. A selection of three texts is discussed, illustrating processes and modes of operation of these ideologies in the various approaches proposed.
An exploratory comparative study of perspectives on non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors among social work students in the United States, Greece, Cyprus, and Jordan: Implications for social work practice and education
Authors: Kokaliari Efrosini D , Roy Ann W , Panagiotopoulos Christos , Al-Makhamreh Sahar
Published: September 2015

There has been a call for cross-cultural research in the understanding of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of ethnicity and culture on the understanding of NSSI among social work students in the United States, Greece/Cyprus, and Jordan. A convenience sample of 438 social work students was used. Participants completed a 60-item questionnaire. Results revealed statistically significant differences in students’ knowledge and cultural beliefs about NSSI by country. This study makes a novel contribution to the exploration of cultural aspects of NSSI and has implications for international social work practice and education.
Ameloblast Modulation and Transport of Cl−, Na+, and K+ during Amelogenesis
Authors: Bronckers A.L.J.J. , Lyaruu D. , Jalali R. , Medina J.F. , Zandieh-Doulabi B. , DenBesten P.K.
Published: September 2015

Ameloblasts express transmembrane proteins for transport of mineral ions and regulation of pH in the enamel space. Two major transporters recently identified in ameloblasts are the Na+K+-dependent calcium transporter NCKX4 and the Na+-dependent HPO42– (Pi) cotransporter NaPi-2b. To regulate pH, ameloblasts express anion exchanger 2 (Ae2a,b), chloride channel Cftr, and amelogenins that can bind protons. Exposure to fluoride or null mutation of Cftr, Ae2a,b, or Amelx each results in formation of hypomineralized enamel. We hypothesized that enamel hypomineralization associated with disturbed pH regulation results from reduced ion transport by NCKX4 and NaPi-2b. This was tested by correlation analyses among the levels of Ca, Pi, Cl, Na, and K in forming enamel of mice with null mutation of Cftr, Ae2a,b, and Amelx, according to quantitative x-ray electron probe microanalysis. Immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction analysis, and Western blotting confirmed the presence of apical NaPi-2b and Nckx4 in maturation-stage ameloblasts. In wild-type mice, K levels in enamel were negatively correlated with Ca and Cl but less negatively or even positively in fluorotic enamel. Na did not correlate with P or Ca in enamel of wild-type mice but showed strong positive correlation in fluorotic and nonfluorotic Ae2a,b- and Cftr-null enamel. In hypomineralizing enamel of all models tested, 1) Cl− was strongly reduced; 2) K+ and Na+ accumulated (Na+ not in Amelx-null enamel); and 3) modulation was delayed or blocked. These results suggest that a Na+K+-dependent calcium transporter (likely NCKX4) and a Na+-dependent Pi transporter (potentially NaPi-2b) located in ruffle-ended ameloblasts operate in a coordinated way with the pH-regulating machinery to transport Ca2+, Pi, and bicarbonate into maturation-stage enamel. Acidification and/or associated physicochemical/electrochemical changes in ion levels in enamel fluid near the apical ameloblast membrane may reduce the transport activity of mineral transporters, which results in hypomineralization.
The Role of ORAI1 in the Odontogenic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Sohn S. , Park Y. , Srikanth S. , Arai A. , Song M. , Yu B. , Shin K.-H. , Kang M.K. , Wang C. , Gwack Y. , Park N.-H. , Kim R.H.
Published: September 2015

Pulp capping, or placing dental materials directly onto the vital pulp tissues of affected teeth, is a dental procedure that aims to regenerate reparative dentin. Several pulp capping materials are clinically being used, and calcium ion (Ca2+) released from these materials is known to mediate reparative dentin formation. ORAI1 is an essential pore subunit of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), which is a major Ca2+ influx pathway in most nonexcitable cells. Here, we evaluated the role of ORAI1 in mediating the odontogenic differentiation and mineralization of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). During the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs, the expression of ORAI1 increased in a time-dependent manner. DPSCs knocked down with ORAI1 shRNA (DPSC/ORAI1sh) or overexpressed with dominant negative mutant ORAI1E106Q (DPSC/E106Q) exhibited the inhibition of Ca2+ influx and suppression of odontogenic differentiation and mineralization as demonstrated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity/staining as well as alizarin red S staining when compared with DPSCs of their respective control groups (DPSC/CTLsh and DPSC/CTL). The gene expression for odontogenic differentiation markers such as osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein, and dentin matrix protein 1 ( DMP1) was also suppressed. When DPSC/CTL or DPSC/E106Q cells were subcutaneously transplanted into nude mice, DPSC/CTL cells induced mineralized tissue formation with significant increases in ALP and DMP1 staining in vivo, whereas DPSC/E106Q cells did not. Collectively, our data showed that ORAI1 plays critical roles in the odontogenic differentiation and mineralization of DPSCs by regulating Ca2+ influx and that ORAI1 may be a therapeutic target to enhance reparative dentin formation.
Introducing simulation-based education to healthcare professionals: exploring the challenge of integrating theory into educational practice
Authors: Katoue Maram G , Iblagh Nadia , Somerville Susan , Ker Jean
Published: September 2015

Background

Introducing simulation-based education to the curricular programme of healthcare professionals can be challenging. This study explored the early experiences of healthcare professionals in the use of simulation. This was in the context of the Kuwait–Scotland transformational health innovation network programme.

Methods

Two cohorts of healthcare professionals undertook a simulation module as part of faculty development programme in Kuwait. Participants’ initial perceptions of simulators were gathered using a structured questionnaire in the clinical skills centre. Their subsequent ability to demonstrate the application of simulation was evaluated through analyses of the video-recordings of teaching sessions they undertook and written reflections of their experiences of using simulation.

Results

In theory, participants were able to identify simulators’ classification and fidelity. They also recognised some of the challenges of using simulators. In their teaching sessions, most participants focused on using part-task trainers to teach procedural skills. In their written reflections, they did not articulate a justification for their choice of simulator or its limitations.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a theory-to-practice gap in the early use of simulation by healthcare educators. The findings highlight the need for deliberate practice and adequate mentorship for educators to develop confidence and competence in the use of simulation as part of their educational practice.
Views of medical students: what, when and how do they want statistics taught?
Authors: Fielding S , Poobalan A , Prescott GJ , Marais D , Aucott L
Published: September 2015

Background

A key skill for a practising clinician is being able to do research, understand the statistical analyses and interpret results in the medical literature. Basic statistics has become essential within medical education, but when, what and in which format is uncertain.

Methods

To inform curriculum design/development we undertook a quantitative survey of fifth year medical students and followed them up with a series of focus groups to obtain their opinions as to what statistics teaching they want, when and how.

Results

A total of 145 students undertook the survey and five focus groups were held with between 3 and 9 participants each. Previous statistical training varied and students recognised their knowledge was inadequate and keen to see additional training implemented. Students were aware of the importance of statistics to their future careers, but apprehensive about learning. Face-to-face teaching supported by online resources was popular. Focus groups indicated the need for statistical training early in their degree and highlighted their lack of confidence and inconsistencies in support.

Conclusion

The study found that the students see the importance of statistics training in the medical curriculum but that timing and mode of delivery are key. The findings have informed the design of a new course to be implemented in the third undergraduate year. Teaching will be based around published studies aiming to equip students with the basics required with additional resources available through a virtual learning environment.
An update of the UK’s test reference year: The implications of a revised climate on building design
Authors: Eames ME , Ramallo-Gonzalez AP , Wood MJ
Published: September 2015

Average weather years have been used around the world for testing buildings to ascertain their likely energy use using thermal modelling software. In the UK, the Test Reference Years which are in current use were released in 2006 but generally consisted of data from 1983 to 2004. In this work, revised test reference years will be proposed which are based on a new climatic period from 1984 to 2013. The differences between the two years will be highlighted and the implications for building design will be discussed.

Practical application: Test Reference years are integral to building design to assess the performance of buildings at design stage. Specifically, they are used to assess energy use in buildings as well as for compliance purposes with Part L of the Building Regulations.
Identifying Those Whom Health Promotion Hardly Reaches
Authors: Sokol Rebeccah , Fisher Edwin , Hill Julia
Published: September 2015

To understand what circumstances lend groups to be recognized as hardly reached by health services and research, we systematically reviewed studies that identified their priority populations as hard to reach. We classified attributes of hardly reached groups into cultural/environmental, individual, and demographic domains. Of the 334 identified studies, 78.74% used attributes that were classified into the cultural/environmental, 74.85% the individual, and 50% the demographic domain to identify those hardly reached. Of all possible combinations of domains, the most common was the use of all three domains (28.74%). Overall, papers were more likely to use attributes to identify their hardly reached population that fell into more than one domain (74.85%) compared to only one domain (25.15%; χ2, p < .0001). Through this review, we identified the attributes of those who have been identified as hardly reached in published research. No single attribute is used to identify those who are hardly reached. This reflects a socioecological perspective, emphasizing that both intrapersonal and external elements may cause interventions to fail to reach those intended. Moreover, the focus not on populations hardly reached but on the attributes of those hardly reached suggests objectives for interventions to reach them better.