bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspirin use and the risk of bleeding complications after therapeutic bronchoscopy
Authors: Harris Kassem , Kebbe Jad , Modi Kush , Alraiyes Abdul Hamid , Kumar Abhishek , Attwood Kristopher , Dhillon Samjot S.
Published: May 2016

Background:

Aspirin use has been shown to be safe for patients undergoing certain diagnostic bronchoscopy procedures such as transbronchial biopsies and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial needle aspiration. However, there are no studies documenting the safety of aspirin in patients undergoing therapeutic bronchoscopy. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether aspirin increases the risk of bleeding following therapeutic bronchoscopy.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study to determine if there was a higher risk of bleeding in patients on aspirin undergoing therapeutic bronchoscopy compared with those not on aspirin. Patient characteristics were reported by cohort using the mean, median, and standard deviation for continuous variables, and using frequencies and relative frequencies for categorical variables.

Results:

Of the 108 patients who had multimodality therapeutic bronchoscopy, 17 (15.7%) were taking aspirin and 91 (84.3%) were not on aspirin. Patients in the aspirin group were older than those in the no aspirin group (median age: 66 versus 60 years, p = 0.007). The treatment modalities were similar in both groups except that more patients in the no aspirin group were treated with argon plasma coagulation (APC) compared to the aspirin group (60.4% versus 29.4%, p = 0.031). The estimated blood loss (EBL) between the aspirin and no aspirin groups was not significantly different (mean: 6.0 versus 6.7 ml; median: 5.0 versus 5.0, p = 0.36). Overall, there was no difference in complications between both groups.

Conclusion:

Aspirin use was not associated with increased risk of bleeding or procedure-related complications after therapeutic bronchoscopy.
Looking Out or Turning in? Organizational Ramifications of Online Political Posters on Facebook
Authors: Lee Benjamin , Campbell Vincent
Published: May 2016

Academic analysis of the growth and nature of political campaigning online has concentrated largely on textual interactions between politicians, parties, their members, and supporters, as well as voters more widely. In evaluating the shift from traditional to online campaigning techniques, the use of social media’s increasingly visual capabilities has been comparatively neglected in research. This article considers one type of online visual political communication, the online political poster, in terms of its strategic campaign functions relating to persuasive and organizational roles. The article uses a case study of an extensive data set of online political posters collected from political parties in the United Kingdom, on Facebook, between September 2013 through to and including the general election in May 2015, to try to understand how parties used online political posters and how audiences responded to them. The findings show that despite a clear emphasis on sharing images, very few received widespread attention, arguably limiting their persuasive role. However, their prevalence suggests a role relating to parties trying to maintain relationships with existing online supporters as a form of displaying virtual presence, credibility, and belonging, paralleling the function of traditional window posters and yard signs but in a social media setting.
Authentic and Hubristic Pride as Assessed by Self, Friends, and Strangers
Authors: Liu Conghui , Yuan Li , Chen Chuansheng , Yu Guoliang
Published: May 2016

Previous research has distinguished authentic and hubristic facets of pride, which can be assessed by the Authentic and Hubristic Pride Scales (AHPS). To examine the relations between self-ratings and others’ ratings of pride, this study recruited 110 participants and obtained their self-ratings on the AHPS and ratings by two friends and three strangers in a round-robin design. In addition, participants’ social status was self-reported and their leadership style (dominance vs. prestige) was evaluated by friends and strangers. Results revealed higher self-friend agreement than self-stranger agreement on authentic pride and higher friend–stranger agreement than self-other (friend and stranger) agreement on hubristic pride, suggesting that authentic pride is noticed by close friends as well as oneself, but hubristic pride is obvious only to others. Consistent with this, there was also some evidence that other-rated hubristic pride was significantly associated with social status and dominant leadership style.
The Conceptualization of a Competency-Based Health Literacy Intervention for a German University
Authors: Vamos Sandra , Schlueter Kirsten
Published: May 2016

Gesundheitskompetenz, also known as health literacy in German, is an essential capacity to lead a healthy life. Education plays a major role in the development of health literacy. Health literacy is seen as an asset to be built focusing on actions to develop age- and context-specific health knowledge and skills that enable people to exert greater control over their health and health-related decisions. Conceptualizing health literacy in this way has important implications for the design, scope, and content of health education programs and interventions. While many health education interventions are developed with attention to the use of behavior change theories, little attention is given to the instructional foundation of how individuals learn information and acquire skills. This article explores the relevance of health literacy and articulates an approach to promote health literacy among university students, using inquiry-based mobile learning and the integration of multiple health behavior theories, Bloom’s revised taxonomy, adult learning principles, health education standards, and professional health competencies, into university program planning. This article offers a framework of health literacy to depict the main domains of health literacy and influencing factors to inform, guide, and support the university-based health literacy effort. A logic model is also provided to map out the major conceptual ideas connecting program activities to anticipated participant outcomes.
The combined use of steam-treated bentonites and natural zeolites in the oenological refining process
Authors: Mercurio M. , Bish D. L. , Cappelletti P. , de Gennaro B. , de Gennaro M. , Grifa C. , Izzo F. , Mercurio V. , Morra V. , Langella A.
Published: May 2016

Industrial minerals, particularly bentonites, have long been used in treatments to improve the stability and shelf life of white wines. We evaluated a new combination of rocks and minerals, including steam-treated bentonites and natural zeolites (chabazite and phillipsite), to greatly reduce the risk of protein and tartaric instability of wines. Detailed mineralogical, chemical and electrokinetic studies of these materials were conducted using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), microporosimetry, BET surface-area analysis and zeta-potential measurements. Several model wine solutions containing Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) were prepared to evaluate the oenological performance of the rock/mineral combinations. UV-VIS spectrophotometry and ion chromatography were used to evaluate the degree of wine stabilization from the protein and tartaric point of view.

The experimental results showed that steam treatment modifies both the microporosity and external surface area of the bentonite. These changes in surface area, along with creation of hydrophobic surfaces, significantly modified the behaviour of the steam-treated bentonites, requiring an increase in the amount of material necessary to bring the protein content to required levels. An important benefit derived from the use of steam-treated bentonites is that the pre-mixing with water before addition to wine is not necessary, as the material is readily dispersed. Finally, the addition of natural zeolites effectively decreased the potassium content, thereby improving the tartaric stability of white wines. In addition, this procedure results in minimal waste, as the bentonite-zeolite mixture can be reused as soil amendments in agriculture.
The Great Barrier Reef Expedition 1928–29: The crystal structure and occurrence of weddellite, ideally CaC2O4·2.5H2O, from the Low Isles, Queensland
Authors: Mills Stuart J. , Christy Andrew G.
Published: May 2016

“Envelope crystals” collected during The Great Barrier Reef Expedition in May 1929 have been studied using low-temperature synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystals are shown to be weddellite, with the largest content of zeolitic water reported to date. A new H2O site has been located within the crystal structure. Study of the crystals show that the end-member formula for weddellite should be reported as CaC2O4·(2.5 – x)H2O, where 0≤x≤ 0.25, instead of CaC2O4·(2H2O or CaC2O4·(2 + x )H2O. This is also the first report of weddellite occurring in a coral reef.
FBXO11 inactivation leads to abnormal germinal-center formation and lymphoproliferative disease
Authors: Schneider Christof , Kon Ning , Amadori Letizia , Shen Qiong , Schwartz Friederike H. , Tischler Benjamin , Bossennec Marion , Dominguez-Sola David , Bhagat Govind , Gu Wei , Basso Katia , Dalla-Favera Riccardo
Published: May 2016

Key Points

FBXO11 loss in mice enhances GC B-cell formation and leads to increased BCL6 expression. FBXO11 inactivation, mimicking genetic alterations identified in human lymphomas, represents an alternative mechanism of BCL6 deregulation.
Phase 2 study of panobinostat with or without rituximab in relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Assouline Sarit E. , Nielsen Torsten Holm , Yu Stephen , Alcaide Miguel , Chong Lauren , MacDonald David , Tosikyan Axel , Kukreti Vishal , Kezouh Abbas , Petrogiannis-Haliotis Tina , Albuquerque Marco , Fornika Daniel , Alamouti Sepideh , Froment Remi , Greenwood Celia M. T. , Oros Kathleen Klein , Camglioglu Errol , Sharma Ayushi , Christodoulopoulos Rosa , Rousseau Caroline , Johnson Nathalie , Crump Michael , Morin Ryan D. , Mann Koren K.
Published: May 2016

Key Points

Panobinostat induces responses in 28% of patients with relapsed and refractory DLBCL that are typically durable off therapy. MEF2B mutations predicted for response whereas early increase in ctDNA abundance was a strong predictor of subsequent treatment failure.
Clinical and prognostic significance of serum levels of von Willebrand factor and ADAMTS-13 antigens in AL amyloidosis
Authors: Kastritis Efstathios , Papassotiriou Ioannis , Terpos Evangelos , Roussou Maria , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Komitopoulou Anna , Skevaki Chrysanthi , Eleutherakis-Papaiakovou Evangelos , Pamboucas Constantinos , Psimenou Erasmia , Manios Efstathios , Giannouli Stavroula , Politou Marianna , Gakiopoulou Harikleia , Papadopoulou Elektra , Stamatelopoulos Kimon , Tasidou Anna , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: May 2016

Key Points

Serum levels of VWF antigen are elevated in AL amyloidosis, reflecting endothelial dysfunction. High VWF levels predict for poor outcome in patients with cardiac involvement and discriminate high-risk patients even within stage IIIB.
A gene-signature progression approach to identifying candidate small-molecule cancer therapeutics with connectivity mapping
Authors: Wen Qing , Kim Chang-Sik , Hamilton Peter W. , Zhang Shu-Dong
Published: May 2016

Background

Gene expression connectivity mapping has gained much popularity recently with a number of successful applications in biomedical research testifying its utility and promise. Previously methodological research in connectivity mapping mainly focused on two of the key components in the framework, namely, the reference gene expression profiles and the connectivity mapping algorithms. The other key component in this framework, the query gene signature, has been left to users to construct without much consensus on how this should be done, albeit it has been an issue most relevant to end users. As a key input to the connectivity mapping process, gene signature is crucially important in returning biologically meaningful and relevant results. This paper intends to formulate a standardized procedure for constructing high quality gene signatures from a user’s perspective.

Results

We describe a two-stage process for making quality gene signatures using gene expression data as initial inputs. First, a differential gene expression analysis comparing two distinct biological states; only the genes that have passed stringent statistical criteria are considered in the second stage of the process, which involves ranking genes based on statistical as well as biological significance. We introduce a “gene signature progression” method as a standard procedure in connectivity mapping. Starting from the highest ranked gene, we progressively determine the minimum length of the gene signature that allows connections to the reference profiles (drugs) being established with a preset target false discovery rate. We use a lung cancer dataset and a breast cancer dataset as two case studies to demonstrate how this standardized procedure works, and we show that highly relevant and interesting biological connections are returned. Of particular note is gefitinib, identified as among the candidate therapeutics in our lung cancer case study. Our gene signature was based on gene expression data from Taiwan female non-smoker lung cancer patients, while there is evidence from independent studies that gefitinib is highly effective in treating women, non-smoker or former light smoker, advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients of Asian origin.

Conclusions

In summary, we introduced a gene signature progression method into connectivity mapping, which enables a standardized procedure for constructing high quality gene signatures. This progression method is particularly useful when the number of differentially expressed genes identified is large, and when there is a need to prioritize them to be included in the query signature. The results from two case studies demonstrate that the approach we have developed is capable of obtaining pertinent candidate drugs with high precision.
Brain Radiation Information Data Exchange (BRIDE): integration of experimental data from low-dose ionising radiation research for pathway discovery
Authors: Karapiperis Christos , Kempf Stefan J. , Quintens Roel , Azimzadeh Omid , Vidal Victoria Linares , Pazzaglia Simonetta , Bazyka Dimitry , Mastroberardino Pier G. , Scouras Zacharias G. , Tapio Soile , Benotmane Mohammed Abderrafi , Ouzounis Christos A.
Published: May 2016

Background

The underlying molecular processes representing stress responses to low-dose ionising radiation (LDIR) in mammals are just beginning to be understood. In particular, LDIR effects on the brain and their possible association with neurodegenerative disease are currently being explored using omics technologies.

Results

We describe a light-weight approach for the storage, analysis and distribution of relevant LDIR omics datasets. The data integration platform, called BRIDE, contains information from the literature as well as experimental information from transcriptomics and proteomics studies. It deploys a hybrid, distributed solution using both local storage and cloud technology.

Conclusions

BRIDE can act as a knowledge broker for LDIR researchers, to facilitate molecular research on the systems biology of LDIR response in mammals. Its flexible design can capture a range of experimental information for genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. The data collection is available at: .
Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing: A Comparative Cost Analysis of Whole-Breast Radiotherapy Versus Balloon-Based Brachytherapy in the Management of Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Schutzer Matthew E. , Arthur Douglas W. , Anscher Mitchell S.
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

Value in health care is defined as outcomes achieved per dollar spent, and understanding cost is critical to delivering high-value care. Traditional costing methods reflect charges rather than fundamental costs to provide a service. The more rigorous method of time-driven activity-based costing was used to compare cost between whole-breast radiotherapy (WBRT) and accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI) using balloon-based brachytherapy.

Materials and Methods:

For WBRT (25 fractions with five-fraction boost) and APBI (10 fractions twice daily), process maps were created outlining each activity from consultation to post-treatment follow up. Through staff interviews, time estimates were obtained for each activity. The capacity cost rates (CCR), defined as cost per minute, were calculated for personnel, equipment, and physical space. Total cost was calculated by multiplying the time required of each resource by its CCR. This was then summed and combined with cost of consumable materials.

Results:

The total cost for WBRT was $5,333 and comprised 56% personnel costs and 44% space/equipment costs. For APBI, the total cost was $6,941 (30% higher than WBRT) and comprised 51% personnel costs, 6% space/equipment costs, and 43% consumable materials costs. The attending physician had the highest CCR of all personnel ($4.28/min), and APBI required 24% more attending time than WBRT. The most expensive activity for APBI was balloon placement and for WBRT was computed tomography simulation.

Conclusion:

APBI cost more than WBRT when using the dose/fractionation schemes analyzed. Future research should use time-driven activity-based costing to better understand cost with the aim of reducing expenditure and defining bundled payments.
Young Men With Cancer Experience Low Referral Rates for Fertility Counseling and Sperm Banking
Authors: Grover Natalie S. , Deal Allison M. , Wood William A. , Mersereau Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

With improved cancer survival rates and the current trend of delaying parenthood, fertility is a growing issue among cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of fertility counseling and sperm banking in reproductive-age male cancer patients and to assess factors that influence counseling and banking.

Materials and Methods:

Male patients ages 13 to 50 years who received a new cancer diagnosis from January 1, 2013, to May 1, 2015, and planned to initiate curative chemotherapy at our center were identified. Documentation of fertility counseling and sperm cryopreservation was abstracted from the medical record. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to examine variables associated with fertility counseling and sperm banking.

Results:

Of 201 patients who fit the study criteria, 59 (29%) received fertility counseling and 23 (11%) attempted sperm banking. All patients who banked sperm had documentation of fertility counseling. Younger patients were significantly more likely to be counseled, with mean ages of 27.4 and 40.4 years for counseled and noncounseled patients, respectively (P < .001). Among counseled patients, those with a lower median income (P = .038) or who had Medicaid or no insurance (P = .042) were less likely to bank sperm. In a multivariable logistic regression model, older age (5-year odds ratio, 0.61; P < .001) and presence of comorbidities (odds ratio, 0.15; P = .03) remained significantly associated with a lower counseling rate.

Conclusion:

There is a low rate of fertility counseling and referral for sperm banking in young men with cancer receiving chemotherapy. Further work is needed to develop interventions to improve fertility counseling rates and opportunities for sperm banking.
Progesterone-Dependent Induction of Phospholipase C-Related Catalytically Inactive Protein 1 (PRIP-1) in Decidualizing Human Endometrial Stromal Cells
Authors: Muter Joanne , Brighton Paul J. , Lucas Emma S. , Lacey Lauren , Shmygol Anatoly , Quenby Siobhan , Blanks Andrew M. , Brosens Jan J.
Published: May 2016

Decidualization denotes the transformation of endometrial stromal cells into specialized decidual cells. In pregnancy, decidual cells form a protective matrix around the implanting embryo, enabling coordinated trophoblast invasion and formation of a functional placenta. Continuous progesterone (P4) signaling renders decidual cells resistant to various environmental stressors, whereas withdrawal inevitably triggers tissue breakdown and menstruation or miscarriage. Here, we show that PLCL1, coding phospholipase C (PLC)-related catalytically inactive protein 1 (PRIP-1), is highly induced in response to P4 signaling in decidualizing human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs). Knockdown experiments in undifferentiated HESCs revealed that PRIP-1 maintains basal phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Protein kinase B activity, which in turn prevents illicit nuclear translocation of the transcription factor forkhead box protein O1 and induction of the apoptotic activator BIM. By contrast, loss of this scaffold protein did not compromise survival of decidual cells. PRIP-1 knockdown did also not interfere with the responsiveness of HESCs to deciduogenic cues, although the overall expression of differentiation markers, such as PRL, IGFBP1, and WNT4, was blunted. Finally, we show that PRIP-1 in decidual cells uncouples PLC activation from intracellular Ca2+ release by attenuating inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate signaling. In summary, PRIP-1 is a multifaceted P4-inducible scaffold protein that gates the activity of major signal transduction pathways in the endometrium. It prevents apoptosis of proliferating stromal cells and contributes to the relative autonomy of decidual cells by silencing PLC signaling downstream of Gq protein-coupled receptors.
Danon disease – dysregulation of autophagy in a multisystem disorder with cardiomyopathy
Authors: Rowland Teisha J. , Sweet Mary E. , Mestroni Luisa , Taylor Matthew R. G.
Published: May 2016

Danon disease is a rare, severe X-linked form of cardiomyopathy caused by deficiency of lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP-2). Other clinical manifestations include skeletal myopathy, cognitive defects and visual problems. Although individuals with Danon disease have been clinically described since the early 1980s, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in pathological progression remain poorly understood. LAMP-2 is known to be involved in autophagy, and a characteristic accumulation of autophagic vacuoles in the affected tissues further supports the idea that autophagy is disrupted in this disease. The LAMP2 gene is alternatively spliced to form three splice isoforms, which are thought to play different autophagy-related cellular roles. This Commentary explores findings from genetic, histological, functional and tissue expression studies that suggest that the specific loss of the LAMP-2B isoform, which is likely to be involved in macroautophagy, plays a crucial role in causing the Danon phenotype. We also compare findings from mouse and cellular models, which have allowed for further molecular characterization but have also shown phenotypic differences that warrant attention. Overall, there is a need to better functionally characterize the LAMP-2B isoform in order to rationally explore more effective therapeutic options for individuals with Danon disease.
The PUF binding landscape in metazoan germ cells
Authors: Prasad Aman , Porter Douglas F. , Kroll-Conner Peggy L. , Mohanty Ipsita , Ryan Anne R. , Crittenden Sarah L. , Wickens Marvin , Kimble Judith
Published: May 2016

PUF (Pumilio/FBF) proteins are RNA-binding proteins and conserved stem cell regulators. The Caenorhabditis elegans PUF proteins FBF-1 and FBF-2 (collectively FBF) regulate mRNAs in germ cells. Without FBF, adult germlines lose all stem cells. A major gap in our understanding of PUF proteins, including FBF, is a global view of their binding sites in their native context (i.e., their “binding landscape”). To understand the interactions underlying FBF function, we used iCLIP (individual-nucleotide resolution UV crosslinking and immunoprecipitation) to determine binding landscapes of C. elegans FBF-1 and FBF-2 in the germline tissue of intact animals. Multiple iCLIP peak-calling methods were compared to maximize identification of both established FBF binding sites and positive control target mRNAs in our iCLIP data. We discovered that FBF-1 and FBF-2 bind to RNAs through canonical as well as alternate motifs. We also analyzed crosslinking-induced mutations to map binding sites precisely and to identify key nucleotides that may be critical for FBF–RNA interactions. FBF-1 and FBF-2 can bind sites in the 5′UTR, coding region, or 3′UTR, but have a strong bias for the 3′ end of transcripts. FBF-1 and FBF-2 have strongly overlapping target profiles, including mRNAs and noncoding RNAs. From a statistically robust list of 1404 common FBF targets, 847 were previously unknown, 154 were related to cell cycle regulation, three were lincRNAs, and 335 were shared with the human PUF protein PUM2.
Να ξανασκεφτούμε τις αξίες της κοινωνικής ασφάλισης
Authors: Στεργίου Άγγελος
Published: May 2016

Lately, the economy seems cut off from society. Instead of satisfying needs, it is devoted to an endless race for profit increase. Every attempt to recalibrate social insurance is  subordinated to this ≪unified thought≫. In the absence of a social perspective, reform attempts view social insurance predominantly as a burden for the economy. The present article puts forward a social-centered approach for the reform of social security systems. In order to do so, it is important to focus once again on the values that brought about and strengthened social insurance.
Reproductive success is predicted by social dynamics and kinship in managed animal populations
Authors: Newman Saul J. , Eyre Simon , Kimble Catherine H. , Arcos-Burgos Mauricio , Hogg Carolyn , Easteal Simon
Published: May 2016

Kin and group interactions are important determinants of reproductive success in many species. Their optimization could, therefore, potentially improve the productivity and breeding success of managed populations used for agricultural and conservation purposes. Here we demonstrate this potential using a novel approach to measure and predict the effect of kin and group dynamics on reproductive output in a well-known species, the meerkat Suricata suricatta. Variation in social dynamics predicts 30% of the individual variation in reproductive success of this species in managed populations, and accurately forecasts reproductive output at least two years into the future. Optimization of social dynamics in captive meerkat populations doubles their projected reproductive output. These results demonstrate the utility of a quantitative approach to breeding programs informed by social and kinship dynamics. They suggest that this approach has great potential for improvements in the management of social endangered and agricultural species.
SGICT Builds an Optimization-Based System for Daily Berth Planning
Authors: Ding Yi , Jia Shuai , Gu Tianyi , Li Chung-Lun
Published: May 2016

In container terminal operations, the allocation of berth-side resources to serve calling vessels is called berth planning. For each vessel, berth planning generally involves determining the time interval for berth stay (i.e., berthing and departure times and the handling of start and end times), the berthing position along the quay, and the number of quay cranes that will be dedicated to handle it. The objectives are to maximize the vessel service levels (i.e., minimize the departure lateness) and minimize operating costs during a planning horizon. In this paper, we describe the implementation of an operations research-based solution at Shanghai Guandong International Container Terminal (SGICT), one of the largest container terminals at the Port of Shanghai, to optimize its daily berth planning. We embed our solution into a decision support system (BAPOPT), which provides SGICT’s planners with effective and executable berth plans. Using BAPOPT, SGICT expects to improve its vessel-handling productivity by at least 15 percent. With the support of BAPOPT, SGICT has started shifting its operational emphasis from reactive real-time dispatching to proactive resource planning, helping to relieve its operations department from a considerable amount of tedious work and improve the efficiency of its planning department.
Keeping Your Enemies Closer: When Market Entry as an Alliance with Your Competitor Makes Sense
Authors: Cai C. Jeffrey , Raju Jagmohan S.
Published: May 2016

We present an analytical framework of multimarket competition and supporting empirical analysis to explain why and when competing firms in an existing market may prefer an alliance entry over independent entry into a new market. Our findings suggest that an alliance entry is more profitable than an independent entry (i) when the new market is larger relative to the existing market, and (ii) when the competition in the existing market is stronger relative to the new market. We compare these key predictions with archival data from the regional shopping center industry in the United States and find that instances of alliance formation in this industry are consistent with our model-based predictions.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2016.0988 .
Using ambulance service PCRs to understand 999 call-outs to older people with dementia
Authors: Buswell Marina , Lumbard Philip , Fleming Jane , Ayres Dean , Brayne Carol , Goodman Claire
Published: May 2016

Objectives:

To use local ambulance service patient care records (PCRs) at an aggregate level to study the use of emergency medical services (EMS) by older people with dementia in two English counties. To understand how and where in the PCR dementia is recorded. To measure the proportion of patients aged 75 and over who had an emergency (999) ambulance response who have dementia recorded in the PCR. To carry out a descriptive analysis of any associations with age, gender, reason for the call, time of call, residential status or call outcome.

Methods:

Four days of PCRs from two counties (UK) for patients aged 75 and over were reviewed and non-patient-identifiable data extracted. Data for the total number of call-outs for those days were obtained from the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.

Results:

In 4 days' records for Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (2 304 records), over one third of call-outs (830) were to patients aged 75 and over. Data were obtained from 358 paper records. Dementia was recorded on 14.5% of records and another 7.0% recorded details suggesting dementia or cognitive impairment. Around 15% of call-outs to ≥75-year-olds were to care homes. Ambulance crews attended higher proportions of ‘older old’ people than the local population percentages of 85 to 89-year-olds and ≥90-year-olds. The most common reason (27.5%) for a call-out was a fall.

Conclusions:

This is the first paper to look in detail at the numbers of older people with dementia seen by emergency ambulance crews as documented in PCRs. It gives a benchmark for others looking at ambulance service data and highlights possibilities and pitfalls of using ambulance service PCR data.
No association of the single nucleotide polymorphism rs8044769 in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene with knee osteoarthritis risk and body mass index
Authors: Wang Y. , Chu M. , Rong J. , Xing B. , Zhu L. , Zhao Y. , Zhuang X. , Jiang L.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have reported significant association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs8044769 in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) with osteoarthritis (OA) risk in European populations. However, these findings have not been confirmed in Chinese populations.

Methods

We systematically genotyped rs8044769 and evaluated the association between the genetic variants and OA risk in a case-controlled study including 196 OA cases and 442 controls in a northern Chinese population. Genotyping was performed using the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform.

Results

We found that the variant T allele of rs8044769 showed no significant association of OA risk (p = 0.791), or association with body mass index (BMI) (pmeta = 0.786) in an additive genetic model. However, we detected a significant interaction between rs8044769 genotypes and BMI on OA risk (p = 0.037), as well as a borderline interaction between rs8044769 genotypes and age on OA risk (p = 0.062).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that rs8044769 in the FTO gene may not modify individual susceptibility to OA or increased BMI in the Chinese population. Further studies are warranted to validate and extend our findings. Cite this article: Prof L. Jiang. No association of the single nucleotide polymorphism rs8044769 in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene with knee osteoarthritis risk and body mass index: A population-based study in China. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:169–174. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.55.2000589.
Weathering The Storm: Developing a Climate Change Adaptation Policy for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Authors: Leighty Kristin , Simon Ellen , Yi Kyung-Ok
Published: May 2016

For many Americans the impacts of climate change are either hypothetical futures or far-off problems. However, climate change is already impacting millions of Americans as they commute to work each day. In the Nation’s capital the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has already suffered as heat waves and severe weather damage equipment and reduce service. The transportation authority must take a comprehensive look at its infrastructure and adapt policies to mitigate the current and future risks to transportation services.
Sobrevivência, enraizamento e biomassa de miniestacas de aceroleira utilizando extrato de tiririca
Authors: Medeiros Câmara Francisco Mickael , Soares de Carvalho Adriano , Mendonça Vander , Da Cruz Paulino Renan , Porto Diógenes Francisco Ésio
Published: May 2016

With the need of a large-scale seedling production, the application of purple nutsedge extract may represent a promising alternative, contributing to the fruit species propagation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nutsedge extract on the survival rate, rooting and biomass of acerola’s mini-cuttings. The experimental design was a completely randomized block, with a 5x2 factorial arrangement (five aqueous purple nutsedge extracts of nutsedge (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) and two types of mini-cuttings, a pair of entire leaves and a pair of half leaves) resulting in 10 treatments with 5 repetitions and 8 mini-cuttings per repetition. The evaluations were performed at 75 days after planting, when destructive analysis were carried out for morphological characteristics. The evaluates variables were mini-cuttings survival percentage, percentage of mini-cuttings with sprouts, percentage of mini-cuttings with callus, percentage of minicuttings with roots, root system length, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, total dry biomass and the ratio between shoot and root dry mass. For the experiment conditions, the nutsedge extract positively influenced the survival percentage and percentage of sprouting of acerola’s mini-cuttings, however the extract application did not influence the mini-cuttings biomass of, being the results observed with or without the cut on mini-cuttings leaves.
Biostimulant and substrates on litchi tree propagation by air layering
Authors: Souza Jackson Mirellys Azevêdo , Leonel Sarita , Dos Reis Luis Lessi , Ferraz Rafael Augusto , Gonçalves Bruno Henrique Leite
Published: May 2016

The production of quality seedlings is important for the crop cycle and the main propagation type is by the air layering technique, which can be enhanced by using different substrates and plant growth regulators. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a biostimulant and substrate types in the propagation of litchi tree by air layering. The experiment was installed in a commercial area in the city of Mogi Mirim, SP, Brazil and conducted in a randomized block design with a 5x2 factorial with four replications. The treatments consisted of five Stimulate® biostimulant concentrations (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 ml L-1) and two substrate types (Plantmax® and earthworm humus). After 120 days, the root length (cm), number of roots, calloused and rooted layers percentage (%), root fresh and dry mass (g) and root volume (cm3) were evaluated. Based on the results, it was found that the concentrations of 6.1 and 6.9 ml L-1 promoted greater success in litchi tree propagation and that the layers can be produced on both evaluated substrates.
Resistência do solo à penetração em sistemas de preparo e velocidades de deslocamento do trator
Authors: Nagahama Hideo De Jesus , Cortez Jorge Wilson , Pimenta Wisy Alves , Patrocinio Filho Antonio Pereira , Souza Elder Barboza de
Published: May 2016

The continuous use of tillage equipment without variation of the work depth can lead to soil compression problems. This study aimed to evaluate the spatial variability of soil resistance to penetration (RP) in a yellow ultisol profile in different tillage systems and tractor-equipment speeds. The experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Sciences Campus – UNIVASF, Petrolina- PE, Brazil, in randomized blocks with split plot with four repetitions. The treatments consisted of five tillage systems applied to the plots: without the first soil preparation, tandem grid and moldboard plow, 0.56 m off-set grid discs, 0.61 m off-set grid disc plus tandem grid and chisel plow. For the subplots, the speeds of the tractor-equipment used were: 2.45 km h‑1 (L1), 3.88 km h-1 (L2), 5.72 km h-1 (L3) and 6.50 km h-1 (H1). For the soil data collection and the RP determination, an electronic penetrometer was used, determining the sample profile moisture. Data analysis was carried out based on geostatistics and isoline maps. It can be verified the operationarea of the active organs of the equipment, the zoning of compacted areas (RP) and the RP levels of the studied profile. The lower RP was obtained when the tandem grid plus the chisel plow was used.
Iohexol clearance in unstable critically ill patients: a tool to assess glomerular filtration rate
Authors: Salmon-Gandonnière Charlotte , Benz-de Bretagne Isabelle , Mercier Emmanuelle , Joret Aurélie , Halimi Jean-Michel , Ehrmann Stephan , Barin-Le Guellec Chantal
Published: May 2016

Background:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in unstable critically ill patients. In this context, serum creatinine concentration is an imperfect tool for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR), an index of renal function. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of measuring iohexol clearance for GFR assessment in critically ill patients with acute circulatory failure at intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

Methods:

ICU patients were prospectively included within 12 h of acute circulatory failure; a non-toxic dose of iohexol (5 mL) was infused intravenously and iohexol plasma concentration decrease was measured over 24 h. Urinary iohexol concentration was measured in urine samples collected four times, every 6 h for 24 h. The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome score, measuring AKI, was calculated each day.

Results:

Among 18 patients with acute circulatory failure, AKI developed in 15; 14 showed decreased serum creatinine concentration during the first 24 h even though 10 presented AKI. The absolute variation in serum creatinine concentration was correlated with fluid balance over 24 h. Median [min; max] plasma clearance of iohexol was 39.4 mL/min [6.1; 154.0] and iohexol urinary clearance 32.8 mL/min [0.8–170.4]. The correlation between plasma and urinary clearance was ρ=0.97, p<0.0001.

Conclusions:

GFR may be estimated by plasma iohexol clearance in unstable critically ill patients. This method is reliable, correlates very well with urinary iohexol clearance and does not depend on input/output fluid balance and fluid infusion, as compared with serum creatinine concentration.
Exosomal non-coding RNAs: a promising cancer biomarker
Authors: Yang Huan , Fu Hailong , Xu Wenrong , Zhang Xu
Published: May 2016

Novel and non-invasive biomarkers are urgently needed for early detection of cancer. Exosomes are nano-sized particles released by cells and contain various bioactive molecules including proteins, DNA, mRNAs, and non-coding RNAs. Increasing evidence suggests that exosomes play critical roles in tumorigenesis, tumor growth, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Exosomes could be readily accessible in nearly all the body fluids. The altered production of exosomes and aberrant expression of exosomal contents could reflect the pathological state of the body, indicating that exosomes and exosomal contents can be utilized as novel cancer biomarkers. Herein, we review the basic properties of exosomes, the functional roles of exosomes in cancer, and the methods of detecting exosomes and exosomal contents. In particular, we highlight the clinical values of exosomal non-coding RNAs in cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
Altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of repaglinide by ritonavir in rats with healthy, diabetic and impaired hepatic function
Authors: Goud Thirumaleswara , Maddi Srinivas , Nayakanti Devanna , Thatipamula Rajendra Prasad
Published: May 2016

Background: Ritonavir is an antiretroviral drug to treat HIV AIDS and inhibits cytochrome P450 3A4. To treat diabetes mellitus in HIV, repaglinide is coadministered with ritonavir in the clinic. Multiple cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms are involved in the metabolism of repaglinide like CYP2C8 and CYP 3A4. In order to predict and understand drug-drug interactions of these two drugs, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of repaglinide and ritonavir were studied in normal, diabetic and hepatic impaired rats. The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of ritonavir on the PK/PD of repaglinide in rats with normal, diabetic and impaired hepatic function.

Methods: Human oral therapeutic doses of ritonavir and repaglinide were extrapolated to rats based on the body surface area. Ritonavir (20 mg/kg, p.o.), alone and along with repaglinide (0.5 mg/kg, p.o.), was given to normal, diabetic and hepatic impaired rats, and the PK/PD were studied.

Results: The pharmacokinetic parameters like peak plasma concentration (Cmax), area under the plasma concentration time profile (AUC) and elimination half life of repaglinide were significantly (p<0.0001) increased when compared to repaglinide control rats. The repaglinide clearance (CL) was significantly (p<0.0001) decreased in the presence of ritonavir treatment. In the presence of ritonavir, repaglinide hypoglycemic activity was increased significantly (p<0.0005) when compared with repaglinide control group.

Conclusions: The significant difference in the PK/PD changes have been due to the increased plasma exposure and decreased total body clearance of repaglinide, which may be due to the inhibition of the CYP P450 metabolic system and organic anion-transporting polypeptide transporter by ritonavir.
Synthesis and biological activity studies of some new hybrid compounds derived from antipyrine
Authors: Demirci Serpil
Published: May 2016

N-Benzyl-N′-(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)urea (1) was obtained from antipyrine. The reaction of 1 with ethyl bromoacetate produced the 1,3-oxazole derivative 2. Compounds 5a–c were obtained from antipyrine by three steps via intermediary of the ester 3 and hydrazide 4. The microwave supported cyclocondensation of 5a–c with 4-chlorophenacyl bromide and ethyl bromoacetate afforded the corresponding 1,3-thiazoles 6 or 1,3-thia(oxa)zolidines 7. The intramolecular cyclization of 5a–c in the presence of NaOH produced the corresponding triazoles 8a–c. The synthesis of the hybrid compound 9 containing a penicillin skeleton was carried out by the treatment of 8a with (+)-6-aminopenicillanic acid (6-apa) in the presence of formaldehyde. The structural assignments of new compounds were based on their elemental analysis and spectral (IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and LC-MS) data. All compounds except 1 and 7b show moderate antimicrobial activity.
Does physical and health education classes improve physical fitness?
Authors: Chow Ronald , Hollenberg Drew , Midroni Cooper , Cumner Stuart
Published: May 2016

Traditional continuous exercise, as well as low-volume high-intensity interval training in adults, have shown to offer benefits to one’s cardio-metabolic health. With the benefits of physical activity being proven without a doubt, education curricula around the world have implemented physical and health education programs with the aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle through physical activity and healthy habits. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether physical and health education, alone without any change, improved heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SP) and diastolic blood pressure (DP) of adolescents at Crescent School. HR, SP and DP of students were recorded before and immediately after they ran 1 mile, and statistical analyses were conducted to determine whether there was any difference in HR, SP and DP from baseline at the beginning of the year to Term 2, the middle of the school year. While mile-run times did improve from baseline to Term 2, SP, DP and HR did not significantly change from one term to another. This study does suggest that SP, DP and HR are not affected by physical and health education classes, but it is important to keep in mind that the sample group was already a very healthy and active group.
Interprofessional education and practice in Sweden / Interprofessionelle Bildung und Praxis in Schweden
Authors: Sottas Beat , Mentrup Christiane , Meyer Peter C.
Published: May 2016

There are some significant differences between the health systems in German speaking Europe and Sweden: In Sweden, the number of hospitals is small, caregiving services in the hospital and ambulatory sector are integrated, health professionals with university degrees are granted extended competencies and rights incl. first line consultation and limited prescription. Education is designed to prepare for these functions and responsibilities. It started more than 30 years ago when Linköping implemented the OECD-model of Health Universities. Interprofessional teaching, common learning of the various tracks and training on real patients are constitutive elements of this novel approach. Karolinska University in Stockholm adopted the model in 1998 and gave way to a nationwide reform. A recommendation of the German Science Council regarding training of health professionals, published 2012, drew the attention of educators to this approach. The paper explains the circumstances of the consolidation of this concept. It is important to realize that overarching governance principles and measures deriving from health and education policy are of crucial importance. They evolve from evaluations of needs carried out by the regional health agencies which lead to conditional mandates and financial incentives to the education sector. Moreover, decisions taken by the national board for accreditation and quality assurance take also in account the goals set and the outcomes in education and caregiving. Outside Sweden they would be considered an inappropriate limitation of academic freedom.The paper ends with a reflection of impressions collected during a study trip and shows some lessons to be learnt from the Swedish education and practice.
Geographical extension of Chaetodipus fallax (Rodentia: Heteromyidae) in the Baja California Peninsula
Authors: Camargo Issac , Rios Evelyn , Álvarez-Castañeda Sergio Ticul
Published: May 2016

We report two new locations for Chaetodipus fallax (Merriam 1889) in Baja California Sur, Mexico: the first, south of San Ignacio; and the second, in the plains of Magdalena Bay. These are the southernmost records for the presence of this species and broaden the species’ previously known distribution range in ~400 km. We suggest that changes in weather conditions could explain the southward expansion of the distribution of C. fallax in Baja California Peninsula.