bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining RE and Emotional Distress in Population With Existing Cardiovascular Disease and/or Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Those Without
Authors: Daire Andrew P. , Liu Xun , Williams Brooke , Tucker Kelsee , Wheeler Naomi , Moumouris Teddy , Liekweg Kimberly , Peoples Taylar
Published: September 2017

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of death in the United States (Hoyert & Xu, 2012), and low-income and ethnic minorities are disproportionally affected. Relationship education (RE) interventions have been shown to improve relationship quality and reduce distress in individuals and couples, including low-income and ethnic minority populations. This study examined the effect of an evidenced-based, individual-oriented, RE intervention, within my reach, (WMR), on emotional distress in a population of mostly low-income and ethnic minority individuals with existing CV disease and/or CV disease risk factors (CVD) to those without disease or risk factors (non-CVD). Results showed significant improvements in overall distress for both the CVD and non-CVD groups, but neither group improved significantly more than the other. The authors found similar changes in distress levels when we examined a subset of the population that met the criteria for clinical distress. Also, data showed that CVD participants presented with significantly greater overall distress than non-CVD participants. These findings are consistent with prior research that showed the effectiveness of the WMR curriculum in stress reduction. Furthermore, this study contributes knowledge about a unique population, individuals with CV disease and/or CVD, who may greatly benefit from interventions focused on stress reduction.
Digoxin Is Associated With Increased Shock Events and Electrical Storms in Patients With Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Authors: Mina George S. , Acharya Madan , Shepherd Taylor , Gobrial George , Tekeste Michael , Watti Hussam , Bhandari Ruchi , Saini Aditya , Reddy Pratap , Dominic Paari
Published: September 2017

Aim:

Recently, digoxin use has been found to associate with higher mortality. Yet, potential mechanisms by which digoxin use increases mortality remain unclear. Increased arrhythmogenicity from digoxin use is one possibility. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the relation between digoxin and shock events in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).

Methods:

We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with ICDs and at least 1 device interrogation at our institution between January 1, 2012, and January 1, 2015. We aimed to cover 1 year of interrogation period. Patients with heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or both were included in the analysis. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on digoxin use, defined as use of digoxin for any period of time during ICD interrogation period. Incidence of ICD shock events and electrical storms and hospitalizations were compared between the 2 groups.

Results:

The study included 202 patients. Of those, 55 patients were on digoxin and 147 were not on digoxin. Patients on digoxin were more likely to receive ICD shocks (odds ratio [OR] = 2.5, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.01-6.18, P = .04) and have increased risk of electrical storms ( P = .02). Moreover, total hospitalizations were higher in digoxin users ( P = .02). Multivariate logistic regression analysis also showed that digoxin use was an independent predictor of shock events (OR = 4.07, 95% CI = 1.43-11.58, P = .009).

Conclusion:

Digoxin is associated with increased shock events and electrical storms in patients with ICDs; however, large randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Function-Based Approach to Designing an Instructional Environment
Authors: Park Kristy , Pinkelman Sarah
Published: September 2017

Teachers are faced with the challenge of selecting interventions that are most likely to be effective and best matched to the function of problem behavior. This article will define aspects of the instructional environment and describe a decision-making logic to select environmental variables. A summary of commonly used function-based interventions will be provided through two students: one who engages in problem behavior to access peer attention and another who engages in problem behavior to escape work tasks.
Transient simulation and uncertainty analysis of brake systems using a fuzzy-parameterized multibody system approach
Authors: Iroz Igor , Carvajal Sergio , Hanss Michael , Eberhard Peter
Published: September 2017

Brake-system dynamics still represents a key question for the understanding and quantification of self-excited vibrations in automotive applications. Conventionally, the dynamics of brake systems is analyzed by using complex eigenvalue analysis, which consists of linearizing the nonlinear equations of motion at a sliding state and solving the quadratic eigenvalue problem there. This method, however, only reproduces the local vibration behavior, tends to overestimate the number of instabilities, and its resulting complex eigenvectors do not provide amplitudes for the vibrations. Thus, in order to overcome these difficulties, alternative methods for the modeling, simulation, and analysis of friction-induced vibrations need to be addressed. In this contribution, as an alternative, a time-domain investigation of an industrial brake system based on elastic multibody systems is proposed. Moreover, since the occurrence of brake squeal is a highly parameter-dependent phenomenon, uncertainties are considered using fuzzy arithmetical methods.
Does Foundation Giving Stimulate or Suppress Private Giving? Evidence from a Panel of Canadian Charities
Authors: Khovrenkov Iryna
Published: September 2017

As non-governmental providers of public goods, charities are funded by governments and also by individuals and foundations. How do foundation grants to charities affect private donations to these organizations? The standard economic theory on voluntary contributions to the public good hypothesizes that foundation giving will crowd out private donations. An alternative giving dynamic may arise whereby foundations act as complements to private donations because they can provide a signal of charity quality to individuals and thereby influence their decisions to give. This article offers a rigorous empirical analysis of the relationship between foundation and private donations by utilizing a unique data set on Canadian social welfare and community charities matched with their foundation donors. Empirical findings confirm that an additional dollar of foundation grants to charities crowds in private giving by three dollars on average, suggesting that private donors may look to foundation grants for information on charities to make informed giving decisions.
The mediation of childbirth: ‘Joyful’ birthing and strategies of silencing on a Facebook discussion group
Authors: Das Ranjana
Published: September 2017

The mediation of parenting has recently occupied sociologists and media, communication and cultural studies scholars alike. This article locates itself within this developing strand of research, as it explores discourses of intensive motherhood on a Facebook discussion group that provides support and advice for a specific approach to and philosophy of childbirth. Presenting findings from an analysis of main posts and comments made on them, I tease out the brighter and darker sides of the performance of motherhood in anticipation of birth on social media - reading these against discussions about the self-managing, intensive mother who is responsible for making the very best decisions for her child.
Äldre, alkohol och omsorgsbehov: Biståndshandläggare om arbetet med äldre personer med missbruksproblem
Authors: Gunnarsson Evy , Karlsson Lis-Bodil
Published: September 2017

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate how care managers went about in their work with older people living at home and having alcohol abuse problems.

Method:

Six focus group interviews and one interview with two participants were carried out. In total, 23 care managers from five different municipalities participated.

Results:

The care managers all stressed the fact that within home care, no addiction treatment was conducted. The role of home care was to provide good care helping older people in their everyday lives irrespective of their problems. The care managers had to push the limits for the available services to be able to help older people with alcohol abuse problems. The services offered are however strictly regulated in guidelines. Many older people with alcohol abuse problems were not interested in receiving home care, and they were seldom interested in having contact with the addiction unit. The self-determination of older people in need of home care is strongly stressed in legislation. If the older person did not want any help, there was not much the care managers could do.

Conclusions:

Since older people today drink more alcohol than earlier generations, there is a need for services and addiction treatment specifically directed at older people with alcohol abuse problems suitable for their needs.
Alcohol and prescribed psychotropic drug use among patients admitted to a department of old-age psychiatry in Norway
Authors: Johannesen Aud , Engedal Knut , Larsen Marianne , Lillehovde Elin , Stelander Line Tegner , Helvik Anne-Sofie
Published: September 2017

Background:

Although alcohol and prescribed psychotropic drug use has increased among older people, the usefulness of information provided about these substances in patients’ referrals to departments of old-age psychiatry (OAPsy) is unknown.

Aims:

To examine whether patients’ self-reported elevated use of alcohol and prescribed psychotropic drugs corresponds with information provided in the referrals to OAPsy departments and to explore the factors associated with elevated self-reported use of these substances.

Methods:

We recorded the information provided in referrals about the elevated use of alcohol and psychotropic drugs in a sample of 206 patients (69 men) from 12 OAPsy departments. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT) helped to assess self-reported use. We also collected demographic data, as well as information about cognitive functioning and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Results:

Seventy-three patients (35%) scored above the cut-off for alcohol use for women/men (AUDIT ≥ 3/4) or psychotropic drugs (DUDIT ≥ 6/8), if not both. Twenty patients (10%) reported an elevated use of both alcohol and psychotropic drugs, and the referrals for eight (40%) and ten (50%) of them, respectively, included information about this use. There was a significant association between self-reported use of alcohol above the cut-off and information about elevated use in the referrals. However, no such association was found between information in the referrals and self-reported use of prescribed psychotropic drugs. Elevated alcohol use was associated with more years of education, while elevated use of psychotropic drugs was associated with younger age and severe symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Conclusion:

The information reported in referrals about the elevated use of alcohol and psychotropic drugs demonstrated a trend in associations with self-reported use. However, the risk factors for elevated use of alcohol and psychotropic drugs in the elderly need to be examined further.
Psychometric properties of the UngDOK
Authors: Dahlberg Mikael , Anderberg Mats , Wennberg Peter
Published: September 2017

Aim:

This article describes and discusses the Swedish UngDOK interview and its psychometric properties.

Method:

The study is based on empirical data from 1633 intake interviews collected by 15 units in ten cities and focused primarily on the two central sections of intake form: alcohol and drug use and mental health. The statistical analyses concern internal consistency, test–retest reliability, discriminant validity and internal non-response.

Results:

The reliability of AUDIT-C and the mental health domain was good with regard to both internal consistency and test–retest. The test–retest values were generally satisfactory, except for frequency of drug use and association with peers who use drugs. The discriminant validity shows that the interview clearly distinguishes adolescents with more profound problems from a group with milder problems and that a minor degree of inconsistency and non-response bias may occur in empirical material based upon self-reported information.

Conclusion:

The study showed that the psychometric properties of the UngDOK interview are generally satisfactory and may be regarded as a valuable option for practices engaged in treating adolescents with substance-use problems.
Is training in creative writing a feasible treatment adjunct for clients suffering from chronic alcohol-use disorder?
Authors: Hellum Rikke , Jensen Stine , Nielsen Anette
Published: September 2017

Introduction:

If and how various ways of expressing oneself creatively might help heal and resolve mental problems is a question that has been discussed for decades. Creative writing is typically used as an add-on to traditional therapy rather than being an integrated part of the therapy. There is a lack of research into the effect of implementing creative writing as an add-on to therapy for alcohol dependence. The aim of this study was to introduce creative writing to chronic alcohol-dependent clients.

Method:

A creative writing course was held as a pilot study with six workshops each lasting two hours. Six clients recruited from a harm reduction unit in a Danish alcohol treatment centre and suffering from chronic alcohol-use disorder participated in the workshops. The workshops were led by two professional authors experienced in teaching creative writing. At the end we conducted three interviews: one with the clients, one with the therapist and one with the authors. The interviews were analysed with a focus on the clients’ perspective.

Findings:

In the analysis, we found that writing can give the clients a lower self-esteem, make them fear failure, and it can be too private. We also found that writing can increase the clients’ self-confidence and unity in the group, give them new nuances of life, stimulate their brain, give zest for life, and improve relations between clients and care providers. Further, we identified a few points of importance to be added to the organization of the workshops.

Conclusion:

We found that clients suffering from alcohol-use disorder participating in creative writing profited from increased self-confidence, a sense of unity, were better able to appreciate the nuances of life, experienced stimulating brain activity, had more zest for life, and that the intervention improved relations between clients and care providers.
The cultural aspect
Authors: Rehm Jürgen , Room Robin
Published: September 2017

Aims:

To examine the cultural impact on the diagnosis of alcohol-use disorders using European countries as examples.

Design:

Narrative review.

Results:

There are strong cultural norms guiding heavy drinking occasions and loss of control. These norms not only indicate what drinking behaviour is acceptable, but also whether certain behaviours can be reported or not. As modern diagnostic systems are based on lists of mostly behavioural criteria, where alcohol-use disorders are defined by a positive answer on at least one, two or three of these criteria, culture will inevitably co-determine how many people will get a diagnosis. This explains the multifold differences in incidence and prevalence of alcohol-use disorders, even between countries where the average drinking levels are similar. Thus, the incidence and prevalence of alcohol-use disorders as assessed by surveys or rigorous application of standardised instruments must be judged as measuring social norms as well as the intended mental disorder.

Conclusions:

Current practice to measure alcohol-use disorders based on a list of culture-specific diagnostic criteria results in incomparability in the incidence, prevalence or disease burden between countries. For epidemiological purposes, a more grounded definition of diagnostic criteria seems necessary, which could probably be given by using heavy drinking over time.
Alcohol use and generational masculinity
Authors: Emiliussen Jakob , Morrison Alastair David
Published: September 2017

Introduction:

Alcohol ranks as a major risk factor for health-related harm and mortality. Older males who encounter alcohol problems late in life are an under-studied part of the affected population. This article seeks to broaden our understanding of this group by combining empirical data with humanistic cultural analysis. Specifically, it seeks to show how the desire to cope alone can be linked to generationally specific constructions of hegemonic masculinity.

Method:

Clinical empirical methods are fused here with those of literary analysis. The subjects which the clinical researcher chooses for scrutiny are different from those most natural to literary study, yet the interpretive approaches of qualitative phenomenological investigation and literary close reading are in fact quite similar, and we argue that new knowledge can be generated by evaluating cultural texts alongside the testimony of phenomenological research subjects.

Findings and discussion:

Our findings illustrate a thematic connection between subject testimony and literary texts from the relevant historical period. In the sources we compared – a qualitative study conducted in Denmark and a British novel, Kingsley Amis’s 1954 Lucky Jim – we found a strong link between the values of masculinity and the values of independence. Older men’s resistance of institutional treatment for alcohol problems has motivations which go beyond the desire not to rely on outside aid, a desire which may apply to any illness. As Lucky Jim helps us show, alcohol use functions for men of a certain generation as a symbol of rebellion against institutions, and having institutions play a dominant role in their alcohol cessation may create resistance in these men.
Trends in alcohol drinking among university students at the Polish University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn
Authors: Podstawski Robert , Wesołowska Elżbieta , Choszcz Dariusz
Published: September 2017

Aim:

This article presents cross-sectional data collected from the population of first-year students at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn in 2000–2016. The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the following trends among university students after Poland’s accession to the European Union (2004): (1) alcohol consumption, (2) alcoholic beverage preferences, and (3) attitudes towards alcohol.

Method:

The study relied on data from anonymous surveys conducted every two years between 2000 and 2016 among a representative sample of first-year university students. A total of 9778 individuals (4264 males and 5514 females) completed anonymous questionnaires during the period under analysis. Statistical analyses were performed by comparing the frequency of answers given by male and female students in the first and last year of the study.

Results:

There was a steady linear decrease in the percentages of abstainers of both genders and a regular linear increase in the number of female students abusing alcohol to blackout level in the analysed period of 2000 to 2016. The respondents’ preferences for alcohol brands became more diversified (with foreign types of strong liquors becoming more popular), and their attitudes towards alcohol availability on campus were liberalised.

Conclusions:

Our data complement the gaps in empirical research on alcohol consumption among university students in European countries. They point to greater homogenisation of Polish drinking culture and convergence in male and female drinking behaviours.
Is it all about money? A qualitative analysis of problem gamblers’ conceptualisations of money
Authors: Heiskanen Maria
Published: September 2017

Aim:

Money is an essential element in gambling but gambling disorders are more often discussed from the perspective of individual and psychological experiences than in the context of financial practices. Losing money is often among the first signs of problem gambling as well as being a motive for treatment-seeking. This article asks: what kinds of practices and meanings do problem gamblers assign to money in their everyday lives?

Design:

The data consist of 17 individual interviews with problem gamblers in Finland. The participants form a heterogeneous group of people with different financial backgrounds. Their discourses on money are systematically organised into a structured qualitative content analysis.

Results:

The results reveal four main conceptual traits of money as an everyday gambling-related problem: (1) a compelling need for money; (2) disposable money defining the tempo of gambling; (3) the balance between using money for gambling and spending it on other matters of everyday life; and (4) gradual spiral of increased money-related problems.

Conclusions:

Problem gambling re-organises the uses and sources of money in everyday life, and changes the meanings of money. Nevertheless, gambling spending does not seem to be utterly out of control, rather, on one hand, disposable income organises spending episodically, and on the other hand, problem gamblers exercise a certain degree of control over their household expenses. This observation could promote problem gamblers’ sense of control when recovering.this page for more information about identifying these."-->
Märta Tikkanen’s gender and alcohol saga
Authors: Mai Anne-Marie
Published: September 2017

Märta Tikkanen’s poetry collection Århundradets kärlekssaga ( The love story of the century, 1978) is a confessional book on life in a family where the husband and father is an alcohol abuser. It is also a love story about a married couple who love one another despite the terrible challenges posed to the relationship by alcoholism. The poetry collection became one of the most influential books in contemporary Nordic fiction, its themes on gender roles and alcohol abuse setting the trend in the Nordic discussion of women’s liberation. Märta Tikkanen’s courage to tell her own private story inspired other women to confess their gender equality problems to the public. The alcohol abuse of Märta Tikkanen’s husband Henrik Tikkanen was seen as an allegory for the more general problems in the relation between men and women. My essay introduces Märta Tikkanen’s poetry collection and discusses how the poems develop the theme of gender and alcohol. I will also compare her description of their marriage with Henrik Tikkanen’s self-portrait in his autobiographical novella Mariegatan 26, Kronohagen (1977). The analysis refers to contemporary research on gender and alcohol abuse and discusses how the poems contribute to a public recognition of the relationship between gender and alcohol abuse. The essay discusses the reception of Märta Tikkanen’s influential poems and explores her treatment of alcohol and gender in relation to other Nordic confessional or fictional books on alcohol abuse.
Similarity scaling of jet noise sources for low-order jet noise modelling based on the Goldstein generalised acoustic analogy
Authors: Semiletov Vasily A , Karabasov Sergey A
Published: September 2017

As a first step towards a robust low-order modelling framework that is free from either calibration parameters based on the far-field noise data or any assumptions about the noise source structure, a new low-order noise prediction scheme is implemented. The scheme is based on the Goldstein generalised acoustic analogy and uses the Large Eddy Simulation database of fluctuating Reynolds stress fields from the CABARET MILES solution of Semiletov et al. corresponding to a static isothermal jet from the SILOET experiment for reconstruction of effective noise sources. The sources are scaled in accordance with the physics-based arguments and the corresponding sound meanflow propagation problem is solved using a frequency domain Green’s function method for each jet case. Results of the far-field noise predictions of the new method are validated for the two NASA SHJAR jet cases, sp07 and sp03 from and compared with the reference predictions, which are obtained by applying the Lighthill acoustic analogy scaling for the SILOET far-field measurements and using an empirical jet-noise prediction code, sJet.
A Review of Current Methods to Develop Empowering Service-Learning Programs for Latina/o College Students
Authors: Cate Rachael , Russ-Eft Darlene
Published: September 2017

This review of research suggests a need for service-learning programs that empower Latina/o students. Research on the status of Latina/os in higher education and key challenges to Latina/o student success highlights the demand for innovative programmatic solutions. A review of postcolonialist educational and Latina/o student identity theory along with case studies from critical service-learning programs is presented to provide a framework for program innovation, and recommendations are made for future program development research.
The Geography of Underrepresentation: Latino Student Success and Absence at a Predominantly White Public University
Authors: Burkham Jonathan Mann
Published: September 2017

This study examines the reasons for underrepresentation in enrollment of Latinos in comparison with all students at a predominantly White public university. Using a quantitative analysis of student enrollment data, including residential location and grade point average, combined with a more qualitative analysis of household survey responses, this study finds that academic obstacles are not among the primary reasons for relatively low Latino student enrollment. The underrepresentation of Latinos can mostly be explained by the high cost of a university education for lower income families, especially those from high-poverty neighborhoods.
Clinical and follow-up study of bronchiolitis obliterans in pediatric patients in China
Authors: Huang Li , Xie Yaping , Fan Huifeng , Lu Gen , Yu Jialu , Chen Chen , Yang Diyuan
Published: September 2017

Bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is in general a rare and life-threatening form of non-reversible obstructive lung disease in which the bronchioles are compressed and narrowed by fibrosis and/or inflammation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of BO in pediatric patients and explore its risk factors. The medical records of 35 pediatric patients with BO at Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center were evaluated. The age at onset of symptoms was 2–42 months (mean 13.3 ± 8.9 months), with age at diagnosis of 5 months–4 years (mean 17.8 ± 9.0 months). High-resolution computed tomography findings included mosaic pattern (100%), atelectasis (37.1%), air trapping (31.4%), and bronchiectasis (20.0%). Three patients received lung biopsies and mainly exhibited an inflammatory process surrounding the lumen of bronchioles. BO predominantly resulted from post-infectious causes (91.4%) which were primarily caused by adenovirus (50%), followed by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (46.7%) and influenza (20%). Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) showed severe and fixed airflow obstruction, decreased compliance, and increased resistance. No significant difference was found between before and after steroid treatment ( P > 0.05). Two patients died owing to severe pulmonary complications, one of whom had inherent immunodeficiency. Our study suggests that the occurrence of BO, especially post-infectious BO, in China is relatively high and might result from primary immunodeficiency diseases in severe cases. Recurrent aspiration pneumonia caused by congenital dysplasia of the larynx and vaccination not on schedule might be potential risk factors for persistent and recurrent BO.
Pregnancy-related outcomes for women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: McDonnell Rose , Hart Roger J
Published: September 2017

The polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrine disorder that has profound implications for women throughout their reproductive years. A diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with reproductive challenges including a difficulty in conceiving as well as the pregnancy-related complications of miscarriage, hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes and prematurity. Consequently, polycystic ovary syndrome has profound implications for women and their offspring with regard to reproductive function in the short term and in the longer term the risk of chronic illness and congenital anomalies, and health care resources should be directed accordingly to mitigate against these risks.
Collective Psychological Ownership and Intergroup Relations
Authors: Verkuyten Maykel , Martinovic Borja
Published: September 2017

Whereas much social psychological research has studied the in-group and out-group implications of social categorization and collective identity (“we”), little research has examined the nature and relevance of collective psychological ownership (“ours”) for intergroup relations. We make a case for considering collective psychological ownership as an important source of intergroup tensions. We do so by integrating theory and research from various social sciences, and we draw out implications for future social psychological research on intergroup relations. We discuss collective psychological ownership in relation to the psychology of possessions, marking behavior, intergroup threats, outgroup exclusion, and in-group responsibility. We suggest that the social psychological processes discussed apply to a range of ownership objects (territory, buildings, cultural artifacts) and various intergroup settings, including international, national, and local contexts, and in organizations and communities. We conclude by providing directions for future research in different intergroup contexts.
Effects of vitamin D3 in clinically isolated syndrome and healthy control participants: A double-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: O’Connell Karen , Sulaimani Jamal , Basdeo Sharee A , Kinsella Katie , Jordan Sinead , Kenny Orla , Kelly Siobhan B , Murphy David , Heffernan Eric , Killeen Ronan P , Mulready Keith , MacMahon Marguerite , Brady Jennifer J , McKenna Carmel , Muldowney Ciaran , Cassidy Lorraine , Walsh Cathal , O’Rourke Killian , Tubridy Niall , McGuigan Chris , Fletcher Jean M , Hutchinson Michael
Published: September 2017

Background

Lowserum vitamin D levels are associated with susceptibility to, and severity of, multiple sclerosis. High dose vitamin D has been proposed as a potential immunomodulator in multiple sclerosis.

Objectives

We performed a single centre, investigator-led, exploratory, double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled, trial of vitamin D3 in clinically isolated syndrome and healthy control participants to assess its immunological effects. Secondary end-points included clinical and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes and safety.

Methods

Clinically isolated syndrome patients and healthy control participants were randomised to: placebo, 5000 IU or 10,000 IU vitamin D3/day (Vigantol oil). Study duration was 24 weeks.

Results

The trial did not meet its primary end point, with no difference in the frequency of pro-inflammatory CD4+ T cells (interleukin (IL)-17+/interferon (IFN)-γ+) seen. A higher level of disease freedom (67% versus 50%) was seen in those with serum 1,25 (OH) vitamin D levels>100 nmol/l but this did not reach significance. High dose vitamin D3 was well tolerated with no safety signal.

Conclusions

High dose vitamin D3 over 24 weeks was well tolerated but without immunological, magnetic resonance imaging or clinical evidence of benefit. The hypothesised therapeutic effects in clinically isolated syndrome or multiple sclerosis patients may require longer periods of administration or may only be seen in patients treated with vitamin D3 as an adjunct to established disease modifying therapies.
National Trends in Demographics and Outcomes Following Cervical Fusion for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Vonck Caroline E. , Tanenbaum Joseph E. , Smith Gabriel A. , Benzel Edward C. , Mroz Thomas E. , Steinmetz Michael P.
Published: September 2017

Study Design:

Retrospective trends analysis.

Objectives:

Cervical fusion is a common adjunctive surgical modality used in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). The purpose of this study was to quantify national trends in patient demographics, hospital characteristics, and outcomes in the surgical management of CSM.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study that used the National Inpatient Sample. The sample included all patients over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of CSM who underwent cervical fusion from 2003 to 2013. The outcome measures were in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and hospital charges. Chi-square tests were performed to compare categorical variables. Independent t tests were performed to compare continuous variables.

Results:

We identified 62 970 patients with CSM who underwent cervical fusion from 2003 to 2013. The number of fusions performed per year in the treatment of CSM increased from 3879 to 8181. The average age of all fusion patients increased from 58.2 to 60.6 years ( P < .001). Length of stay did not change significantly from a mean of 3.7 days. In-hospital mortality decreased from 0.6% to 0.3% ( P < .01). Hospital charges increased from $49 445 to $92 040 ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

This study showed a dramatic increase in cervical fusions to treat CSM from 2003 to 2013 concomitant with increasing age of the patient population. Despite increases in average age and number of comorbidities, length of stay remained constant and a decrease in mortality was seen across the study period. However, hospital charges increased dramatically.
Collaboration and Outside-the-Box Thinking to Overcome Training-Related Challenges for Including Patient Stakeholders as Data Collectors in a Patient-Engaged Research Project
Authors: Page-Reeves Janet , Regino Lidia , McGrew Hannah Cole , Tellez Maria , Pedigo Blanca , Overby Amy , Cunningham Abigail , Tigert Susan , Burge Mark
Published: September 2017

Including patient stakeholders as active members of the research team is essential to a patient-engaged research design. To hire community-based research staff for a study comparing the effectiveness of diabetes self-management programs for Latinos, we had to provide phlebotomy training which was not allowed under the fiscal guidelines of our funders. By collaborating with partners at the Clinical and Translational Science Center, we were not only able to find a creative solution and provide phlebotomy training to our research staff but the process of creating the training also contributed to improved infrastructure for patient-engaged research at our institution.
Forces to pierce cuticle of tarsi and material properties determined by nanoindentation: The Achilles’ heel of bed bugs
Authors: Bustamante Jorge , Panzarino Jason F. , Rupert Timothy J. , Loudon Catherine
Published: September 2017

The mechanical properties of bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) tarsi and pretarsi were investigated in order to evaluate their vulnerability to piercing by plant trichomes (sharp microscopic hairs). Nanoindentation was used to measure the force required to insert a sharp probe into the cuticle of these different regions, as well as to determine creep and reduced elastic moduli for the cuticle. Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize the indents that had been generated by nanoindentation. The force required to insert a cube corner nanoindenter probe into the cuticle was determined for a range of displacements (1 to 9 µm) and strain rates (0.003 to 0.5 s−1). Greater force was required to insert this sharp probe at greater depth or at faster strain rates. A specific region of the pretarsus (membrane with microtrichia), more frequently pierced by trichomes during bed bug locomotion, required approximately 20-30% less force, exhibited more creep, and had a lower reduced elastic modulus for the first micron of indentation, compared to the other regions, although this pattern was not consistent for greater displacements. These mechanical attributes, which will facilitate the initial stage of puncture, in addition to the presence of natural infoldings in the cuticle of this area, may make that area of the pretarsus particularly vulnerable to piercing. This information will help inform development of physical methods for control of insect pests such as bed bugs.
Unraveling transcriptome dynamics in human spermatogenesis
Authors: Jan Sabrina Z. , Vormer Tinke L. , Jongejan Aldo , Röling Michael D. , Silber Sherman J. , de Rooij Dirk G. , Hamer Geert , Repping Sjoerd , van Pelt Ans M. M.
Published: September 2017

Spermatogenesis is a dynamic developmental process that includes stem cell proliferation and differentiation, meiotic cell divisions and extreme chromatin condensation. Although studied in mice, the molecular control of human spermatogenesis is largely unknown. Here, we developed a protocol that enables next-generation sequencing of RNA obtained from pools of 500 individually laser-capture microdissected cells of specific germ cell subtypes from fixed human testis samples. Transcriptomic analyses of these successive germ cell subtypes reveals dynamic transcription of over 4000 genes during human spermatogenesis. At the same time, many of the genes encoding for well-established meiotic and post-meiotic proteins are already present in the pre-meiotic phase. Furthermore, we found significant cell type-specific expression of post-transcriptional regulators, including expression of 110 RNA-binding proteins and 137 long non-coding RNAs, most of them previously not linked to spermatogenesis. Together, these data suggest that the transcriptome of precursor cells already contains the genes necessary for cellular differentiation and that timely translation controlled by post-transcriptional regulators is crucial for normal development. These established transcriptomes provide a reference catalog for further detailed studies on human spermatogenesis and spermatogenic failure.
CIP2A acts as a scaffold for CEP192-mediated microtubule organizing center assembly by recruiting Plk1 and aurora A during meiotic maturation
Authors: Wang HaiYang , Choe Min Ho , Lee In-Won , Namgoong Suk , Kim Jae-Sung , Kim Nam-Hyung , Oh Jeong Su
Published: September 2017

In somatic cells spindle microtubules are nucleated from centrosomes that act as major microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs), whereas oocytes form meiotic spindles by assembling multiple acentriolar MTOCs without canonical centrosomes. Aurora A and Plk1 are required for these events, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here we show that CIP2A regulates MTOC organization by recruiting aurora A and Plk1 at spindle poles during meiotic maturation. CIP2A colocalized with pericentrin at spindle poles with a few distinct cytoplasmic foci. Although CIP2A has been identified as an endogenous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), overexpression of CIP2A had no effect on meiotic maturation. Depletion of CIP2A perturbed normal spindle organization and chromosome alignment by impairing MTOC organization. Importantly, CIP2A was reciprocally associated with CEP192, promoting recruitment of aurora A and Plk1 at MTOCs. CIP2A was phosphorylated by Plk1 at S904, which targets CIP2A to MTOCs and facilitates MTOC organization with CEP192. Our results suggest that CIP2A acts as a scaffold for CEP192-mediated MTOC assembly by recruiting Plk1 and aurora A during meiotic maturation in mouse oocytes.
Hyperspectral analysis for extraction of chemical characteristics in dehydrated bones
Authors: Blanch-Perez-del-Notario Carolina , Lambrechts Andy
Published: September 2017

Gelatin, a valuable commodity in food processing, pharmaceuticals and photography, is produced by boiling the
connective tissues, bones and skins of animals. To be able to predict the quality of the resulting gelatin, a number of
parameters, such as percentage of fat, protein, water and mineral content, are measured in the raw bones. We evaluate
in this paper whether hyperspectral imaging can perform the required fast and accurate prediction of these parameters
based on the spectral response of bone samples. This would allow replacing the time-consuming chemical analysis. The
spectral response of nine different bone batches in the 600–1000 nm range (Vis-NIR) is correlated by means of Partial
Least Square regression with the measured parameters. Our results show that high prediction accuracy can be obtained
for all measured parameters based on the Vis-NIR spectral response. We can then conclude that hyperspectral imaging is
a promising metric for the estimation of these chemical characteristics.
UK guidance on the management of personal dosimetry systems for healthcare staff working at multiple organizations
Authors: Rogers Andy , Chapple Claire-Louise , Murray Maria , Platten David , Saunderson John
Published: September 2017

There has been concern expressed by the UK regulator, the Health & Safety Executive, regarding the management of occupation dose for healthcare radiation workers who work across multiple organizations. In response to this concern, the British Institute of Radiology led a working group of relevant professional bodies to develop guidance in this area. The guidance addresses issues of general system management that would apply to all personal dosimetry systems, regardless of whether or not the workers within that system work across organizational boundaries, along with exploring efficient strategies to comply with legislation where those workers do indeed work across organizational boundaries. For those specific instances, the guidance discusses both system requirements to enable organizations to co-operate (Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999 Regulation 15), as well as specific instances of staff exposure. This is broken down into three categories—low, medium and high risk. A suggested approach to each is given to guide employers and their radiation advisers in adopting sensible strategies for the monitoring of their staff and the subsequent sharing of dosimetry data to ensure overall compliance with both dose limits and optimization requirements.
Single-cell heterogeneity and cell-cycle-related viral gene bursts in the human leukaemia virus HTLV-1
Authors: Billman Martin R , Rueda David , Bangham Charles R M
Published: September 2017

Background: The human leukaemia virus HTLV-1 expresses essential accessory genes that manipulate the expression, splicing and transport of viral mRNAs.  Two of these genes,taxandhbz, also promote proliferation of the infected cell, and both genes are thought to contribute to oncogenesis in adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma.  The regulation of HTLV-1 proviral latency is not understood. tax,on the proviral plus strand, is usually silent in freshly-isolated cells, whereas the minus-strand-encodedhbzgene is persistently expressed at a low level.  However, the persistently activated host immune response to Tax indicates frequent expression oftaxin vivo. 

Methods: We used single-molecule RNA-FISH to quantify the expression of HTLV-1 transcripts at the single-cell level in a total of >19,000 cells from five T-cell clones, naturally infected with HTLV-1, isolated by limiting dilution from peripheral blood of HTLV-1-infected subjects. 

Results: We found strong heterogeneity both within and between clones in the expression of the proviral plus-strand (detected by hybridization to thetaxgene) and the minus-strand (hbzgene). Both genes are transcribed in bursts;taxexpression is enhanced in the absence ofhbz, whilehbzexpression increased in cells with hightaxexpression. Surprisingly, we found thathbzexpression is strongly associated with the S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle, independent oftaxexpression.  Contrary to current belief,hbzis not expressed in all cells at all times, even within one clone.  Inhbz-positive cells, the abundance ofhbztranscripts showed a very strong positive linear correlation with nuclear volume.

Conclusions: The occurrence of intense, intermittent plus-strand gene bursts in independent primary HTLV-1-infected T-cell clones from unrelated individuals strongly suggests that the HTLV-1 plus-strand is expressed in bursts in vivo.  Our results offer an explanation for the paradoxical correlations observed between the host immune response and HTLV-1 transcription.
A função preditora da síndrome de burnout para o turnover nos profissionais de enfermagem
Authors: Silva Adão Ademir , Nora Marcelo , Ziebell de Oliveira Manoela
Published: September 2017

El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar la relación entre el síndrome de burnout y turnover en los equipos de enfermería por medio de una revisión sistemática de la literatura nacional e internacional. Se siguieron los pasos sugeridos por el método de investigación Cochrane. La búsqueda fue realizada en los meses de febrero a abril del 2015 en las bases de datos, bdenf, lilacs, medline, pepsic, scopus y revistas capes. Solo se incluyeron los artículos completos que tenían relación directa con el tema de la investigación, publicados en el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2010 y marzo de 2015, lo que dio como resultado 14 artículos. En ellos se observó una relación positiva y predictiva entre burnout y turnover en profesionales de enfermería. Se puso en evidencia que las consecuencias del burnout y turnover recaen sobre el profesional doliente, el equipo que permanece en el trabajo y también sobre la organización del hospital. La relación burnout-turnover entre el personal de enfermería es un asunto serio y necesita ser tratado preventivamente con acciones de formación y atención con todo el equipo.
Riscos psicossociais associados à Síndrome de Burnout em professores universitários
Authors: Carlotto Mary sandra , Gonçalves Câmara Sheila
Published: September 2017

El síndrome de burnout es un fenómeno psicosocial que ocurre como respuesta crónica a los estresores psicosociales presentes en el contexto del trabajo. Constituyese de cuatro dimensiones, Ilusión por el trabajo, Desgaste Psicológico, Indolencia y Culpa. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los estresores ocupacionales de naturaleza psicosocial, como posibles predictores de las dimensiones del síndrome de burnout en una muestra de 250 profesores universitarios. Como instrumento de evaluación fue utilizado el Cuestionario para la Evaluación del síndrome de burnout por el Trabajo (cesqt) y la Batería de riesgos psicosociales. Los resultados, obtenidos por medio del análisis de regresión lineal apuntaron a las variables “autonomía”, “apoyo social”, “conflicto de papel” y “conflictos interpersonales” como principales predictoras de burnout. El estudio sugestiona posibles intervenciones y posibilidades de nuevos estudios.
O alongamento do tempo de prisão e a violação de direitos na custódia de presos no Brasil
Authors: Rangel Flavio Medeiros , Bicalho Pedro Paulo Gastalho
Published: September 2017

El presente artículo tuvo como objetivo analizar algunos aspectos de la racionalidad política que rige el sistema penitenciario brasileño en la actualidad. Para esto, se tomaron como objeto de investigación los relatos de inspecciones realizadas en establecimientos penales brasileños por el Consejo Nacional de Política Criminal y Penitenciaria entre 2011 y 2012. El análisis del alargamiento del tiempo de prisión posibilitó inferir la lógica no solamente limitada a las prisiones, sino expandida por todo el cuerpo social, direccionada, principalmente, a aquellos al margen de la producción y del consumo y, por eso, tal como se observó, actúa como efecto que conserva la función de reproducción de esta racionalidad