bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of burn related injuries following the natural disaster Super Storm Hurricane Sandy to the National Burn Repository of the American Burn Association
Authors: Kalina Michael , Malyutin Grigoriy , Cooper Michael L.
Published: January 2016

Background

Burn related injuries from natural disasters are not well described and natural disasters are not identified as an etiology of burn injury in the National Burn Repository (NBR) of the American Burn Association. The natural disaster Super Storm Hurricane Sandy had devastating effects. Our goal was to detail the burn related injuries following this natural disaster and to compare the data to the NBR.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of thirty four patients who sustained burn related injuries following Super Storm Hurricane Sandy (SSHS) and were managed at Staten Island University Hospital Burn Center. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. Data variables included age, gender, race, past medical history (PMHx), burn type, percentage total body surface area (%TBSA), hospital length of stay (HLOS), and mortality. We compared data from SSHS to the 2003-2013 NBR. Categorical data were summarized using frequency counts, percentages and Clopper-Pearson 95 % confidence interval for proportion. Continuous outcome data were summarized by descriptive statistics. Data analyses performed with SAS® System Version 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) and p < 0.05 was significant.

Results

In the SSHS group, average age was 36 + 24 years, range 1-80 years, and 44.1 % were males (15/34, 95 % CI: 27.2 - 62.1). Caucasians comprised 58.8 %, (20/34, 95 % CI: 40.7, 75.4) and 73.5 % had no PMHx (25/34, 95 % CI: 55.6, 87.1). The most common burn type was scald, 55.9 %, (19/34, 95 % CI: 37.9, 72.8) and %TBSA ranged 1 %–47 %, average of 7 % + 12 %. The average HLOS was 13 + 26 days, range of 1–113 days. Mortality was 2.9 % (1/34, 95 % CI: 0.07–15). In comparison, the NBR reported an average age of 32 years and 69 % were males. Caucasians comprised 59.1 %. The most common burn type was flame, 43.2 % and the %TBSA ranged 1 %–9.9 %. HLOS ranged 8.4–10.2 days and mortality was 3.4 %.

Conclusion

We conclude that burn related injuries following a natural disaster differ as compared to those most commonly reported in the NBR.
Integration of controlled-source and radio magnetotellurics, electric resistivity tomography, and reflection seismics to delineate 3D structures of a quick-clay landslide site in southwest of Sweden
Authors: Shan Chunling , Bastani Mehrdad , Malehmir Alireza , Persson Lena , Lundberg Emil
Published: January 2016

Quick clay, which is the main cause of landslides that occur in the northern countries, liquefies easily, and its presence implies an increased risk of landslide. Geophysical methods have been increasingly used in landslide investigations. Three-dimensional electric resistivity tomography, radio magnetotelluric (RMT), controlled-source RMT (CSRMT), and high-resolution reflection seismic data were acquired at a quick-clay landslide site in the southwest of Sweden. The main objectives were to evaluate the capability of each method in delineating different subsurface geologic structures that controlled a peculiar and hazardous retrogressive-type landslide in the study area. A 3D resistivity model from the inversion of CSRMT data showed the best correlation with the reflection seismic data and borehole information, thanks to the broad frequency range of the data set. It better imaged the resistive crystalline bedrock underlying the marine conductive clays and showed considerable correlations with the 3D reflection seismic data in resolving a coarse-grained layer that was interpreted to act as a conduit directing freshwater into the clays under a confined pressure, leaching their salt and forming quick clays. The 3D CSRMT resistivity model and 3D reflection seismic data showed that the coarse-grained layer has a varying thickness. At some locations, it was too thin to be resolved by the methods used here. Combination of the CSRMT model, reflection seismic data, and the borehole data suggested that a layer with thickness of approximately 5 m and resistivity between [Formula: see text] was potentially quick clay, which probably extended laterally in the entire study area. These observations suggested that future developments should focus on joint inversion of such 3D data sets incorporating sharp boundaries as constraints in the inversion and particularly when quick clays were studied.
Optimizing Tobacco Cessation Resource Awareness Among Patients and Providers
Authors: Ma Laura , Donohue Caitlin , DeNofrio Tina , Vitale Pedulla Lillian , Haddad Robert I. , Rabinowits Guilherme
Published: January 2016

The limited number of tobacco cessation discussions among patients and providers is at least partially the result of unawareness of cessation resources available within the community.
Perspective on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's Clinical Practice Guidelines for Smoking Cessation
Authors: Ostroff Jamie S. , Goffin John R. , Khuri Fadlo R. , Warren Graham W.
Published: January 2016

The new NCCN Smoking Cessation Guidelines represent a critical step in closing research-to-practice gaps, and should help foster successful incorporation of smoking cessation support in cancer care.
ReCAP: Improving the Quality of Radiation Treatment for Patients in Ontario: Increasing Peer Review Activities on a Jurisdictional Level Using a Change Management Approach
Authors: Reddeman Lindsay , Foxcroft Sophie , Gutierrez Eric , Hart Margaret , Lockhart Elizabeth , Mendelsohn Marissa , Ang Michelle , Sharpe Michael , Warde Padraig , Brundage Michael , Reddeman Lindsay , Foxcroft Sophie , Gutierrez Eric , Hart Margaret , Lockhart Elizabeth , Mendelsohn Marissa , Ang Michelle , Sharpe Michael , Warde Padraig , Brundage Michael
Published: January 2016

QUESTION ASKED:

What is the impact of the Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) strategy (designed with guidance from a change management framework) to accelerate the use of peer-review processes in radiation oncology (ie, review of a radiation oncologist’s proposed treatment plan by a second radiation oncologist with or without additional multidisciplinary input) across all of its 14 cancer treatment centers?

SUMMARY ANSWER:

By following a number of key change management principles for organizational transformation, the proportion of radical-intent radiation therapy courses peer reviewed province-wide increased from 43.5% (April 2013) to 68.0% (March 2015), with some centers reaching over 95%.

METHODS:

The initiative design was guided by the Kotter eight-step process for organizational transformation, including the creation of a multidisciplinary leadership team, site visits to individual centers, the development of education and implementation processes (done in collaboration with each center), and the creation of new performance metrics for central reporting. Monitoring of these metrics enabled the leadership team to track the percentage of radiation therapy courses peer reviewed and the timing of peer review (before 25% treatment visits complete, after 25% treatment visits complete). Performance targets for the quality measures were arrived at by consensus that included engagement of all center radiation treatment program leaders.

BIAS, CONFOUNDING FACTOR(S), DRAWBACKS:

Peer review has been shown to increase quality of care. However, it requires that resources be invested, including the time and effort of radiation oncologists, and the programmatic work required to organize, execute, and document peer-review activities. There is currently no way of confirming the quality of peer-review activities.

REAL-LIFE IMPLICATIONS:

A change management framework can be useful for planning and achieving substantial increases in peer-review activities on a jurisdictional basis. Ongoing work will capitalize on facilitators of peer review and on addressing barriers to its application that were identified as part of the initiative. Guidance for peer-review activities specific to common clinical cases is required and is under development. The principles of peer review could be extended to other oncological disciplines with the goal of improving individual patient care and overall program quality. [Figure: see text]
ReCAP: The ASCO Oncology Composite Provider Utilization File: New Data, New Insights
Authors: Barr Thomas R. , Towle Elaine L. , Barr Thomas R. , Towle Elaine L.
Published: January 2016

QUESTION ASKED:

What can we learn regarding oncology practice economics from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services public use files and other publicly available datasets?

SUMMARY ANSWER:

By combining and analyzing publicly available datasets, we are able to provide information on the distribution of supply of and demand for oncology services as well as present a clear picture of the financial risks associated with the provision of drug therapies to patients with cancer.

METHODS:

We combined publicly available datasets into what we call the ASCO Provider Utilization File and used it to calculate the average work performed per physician, observe regional differences in work production, and quantify the downside risk and upside potential associated with the provision of chemotherapy drugs.

BIAS, CONFOUNDING FACTOR(S), DRAWBACKS:

These data are limited to services provided only to Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries and are derived from billing data submitted by noninstitutional providers only. Because Medicare data captures only approximately one half of all services provided to patients with cancer, conclusions may reflect age and reimbursement bias.

REAL-LIFE IMPLICATIONS:

Our analysis demonstrates significant downside financial risk associated with the provision of drug therapy to Medicare beneficiaries. This is of particular concern as it reveals the fragile nature of the complex chemotherapy delivery system that efficiently provides the right drug to the right patient at the right time. The interruption of this system in the absence of an equally effective supply chain would be extremely disruptive. [Table: see text]
Low Oxygen Tension Modulates the Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 or -2 Signaling via Both Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Receptor and Insulin Receptor to Maintain Stem Cell Identity in Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Youssef Amer , Han Victor K. M.
Published: January 2016

Placental mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs) are readily available multipotent stem cells for potential use in regenerative therapies. For this purpose, PMSCs must be maintained in culture conditions that mimic the in vivo microenvironment. IGFs (IGF-1 and IGF-2) and oxygen tension are low in the placenta in early gestation and increase as pregnancy progresses. IGFs bind to two receptor tyrosine kinases, the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and the insulin receptor (IR), and their hybrid receptors. We hypothesized that IGF-1 and IGF-2 signal via distinct signaling pathways under low-oxygen tension to maintain PMSC multipotency. In preterm PMSCs, low-oxygen tension increased the expression of IGF-2 and reduced IGF-1. IGF-1 stimulated higher phosphorylation of IGF-1Rβ, ERK1/2, and AKT, which was maintained at steady lower levels by low oxygen tension. PMSC proliferation was increased by IGF-1 more than IGF-2,and was potentiated by low-oxygen tension. This IGF/low oxygen tension-mediated proliferation was receptor dependent because neutralization of the IGF-1R inhibited PMSC proliferation in the presence of IGF-1 and the IR in presence of IGF-2. These findings suggest that both IGF-1R and the IR can participate in mediating IGF signaling in maintaining PMSCs multipotency. We conclude that low-oxygen tension can modify the IGF-1 or IGF-2 signaling via the IGF-1R and IR in PMSCs.
PROX1 Promotes Secretory Granule Formation in Medullary Thyroid Cancer Cells
Authors: Ishii Jun , Yazawa Takuya , Chiba Tomohiro , Shishido-Hara Yukiko , Arimasu Yuu , Sato Hanako , Kamma Hiroshi
Published: January 2016

Mechanisms of endocrine secretory granule (SG) formation in thyroid C cells and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) cells have not been fully elucidated. Here we directly demonstrated that PROX1, a developmental homeobox gene, is transcriptionally involved in SG formation in MTC, which is derived from C cells. Analyses using gene expression databases on web sites revealed that, among thyroid cancer cells, MTC cells specifically and highly express PROX1 as well as several SG-forming molecule genes. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that in vivo MTC and C cells expressed PROX1, although follicular thyroid cancer and papillary thyroid cancer cells, normal follicular cells did not. Knockdown of PROX1 in an MTC cells reduced SGs detected by electron microscopy, and decreased expression of SG-related genes (chromogranin A, chromogranin B, secretogranin II, secretogranin III, synaptophysin, and carboxypeptidase E). Conversely, the introduction of a PROX1 transgene into a papillary thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer cells induced the expression of SG-related genes. Reporter assays using the promoter sequence of chromogranin A showed that PROX1 activates the chromogranin A gene in addition to the known regulatory mechanisms, which are mediated via the cAMP response element binding protein and the repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR assays demonstrated that PROX1 binds to the transcriptional regulatory element of the chromogranin A gene. In conclusion, PROX1 is an important regulator of endocrine SG formation in MTC cells.
Mapping a Slave Revolt
Authors: Brown Vincent
Published: January 2016

Creative historical scholarship demonstrates that archives are not just the records bequeathed by earlier times. Archives also consist of the tools we use to explore the past, the vision that allows us to read its signs, and the design decisions that communicate our sense of history's possibilities. The online project Slave Revolt in Jamaica, 1760–1761, which interprets the spatial history of the greatest slave insurrection in the eighteenth-century British Empire, offers a telling example. The map suggests an argument about the strategies of the rebels and the tactics of counterinsurgency and about the importance of the landscape to the course of the uprising. No less important, the project highlights the difficulty of representing such events cartographically with available sources. Maintaining historians' traditional emphasis on primary sources, attention to change over time, historiographical awareness, and an overarching respect for evidence-based claims, scholars may admit more experimental forms of research and presentation without compromising the veracity of historical study. Yet such a shift will require a deeper exploration of the relation between aesthetic expression and knowledge.
Secret and Spectral
Authors: Childs Greg L.
Published: January 2016

This article explores the problem of torture and secrecy in the archives of conspiracies, seditions, and black resistance movements in the colonial Americas of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Using the example of the Tailors' Conspiracy, a seditious movement that occurred in 1798 in the state of Bahia, Brazil, the author argues for the importance of shifting from historical methods that attempt to recover or reveal evidence of secrets within archival records to a focus on why both judges and suspects were motivated to keep secrets during interrogations. For their part, African-descended subjects who were arrested kept secrets both to avoid capital punishment and to ensure that other participants of the movement could not be captured and interrogated. Judges were likely motivated to keep evidence of torture secret because career advancement in the Portuguese imperial judiciary was based on how magistrates performed during interrogations. These two motivations for keeping secrets depended on one another, as subalterns kept secrets in an effort to thwart the power of judges and judges themselves guarded secrets that might otherwise show that they could not discover the full extent of the seditious movement or capture all of its supporters. Thus, shifting from the recovery of secrets to dwelling on secrets forged by both prosecutors and defendants in colonial interrogation records helps better elucidate the importance of secrecy both to black political organization and to maintenance of colonial rule.
In Memory of Marcos Vidal (1974-2016)
Authors: Cagan Ross , Gottlieb Eyal
Published: January 2016

With the untimely death of Marcos Vidal, we have lost a good friend and a creative, brilliant colleague who made important contributions to the field of cancer biology through fruit fly research. Marcos began his research into Drosophila at Ross Cagan's laboratory in 2003 first at Washington University in St. Louis and later at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. In 2009 Marcos was appointed as Research Group Leader at the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research in Glasgow.
The ribonuclease polynucleotide phosphorylase can interact with small regulatory RNAs in both protective and degradative modes
Authors: Bandyra Katarzyna J. , Sinha Dhriti , Syrjanen Johanna , Luisi Ben F. , De Lay Nicholas R.
Published: January 2016

In all bacterial species examined thus far, small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) contribute to intricate patterns of dynamic genetic regulation. Many of the actions of these nucleic acids are mediated by well-characterized chaperones such as the Hfq protein, but genetic screens have also recently identified the 3′-to-5′ exoribonuclease polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) as an unexpected stabilizer and facilitator of sRNAs in vivo. To understand how a ribonuclease might mediate these effects, we tested the interactions of PNPase with sRNAs and found that the enzyme can readily degrade these nucleic acids in vitro but, nonetheless, copurifies from cell extracts with the same sRNAs without discernible degradation or modification to their 3′ ends, suggesting that the associated RNA is protected against the destructive activity of the ribonuclease. In vitro, PNPase, Hfq, and sRNA can form a ternary complex in which the ribonuclease plays a nondestructive, structural role. Such ternary complexes might be formed transiently in vivo, but could help to stabilize particular sRNAs and remodel their population on Hfq. Taken together, our results indicate that PNPase can be programmed to act on RNA in either destructive or stabilizing modes in vivo and may form complex, protective ribonucleoprotein assemblies that shape the landscape of sRNAs available for action.
Fingerprinting the junctions of RNA structure by an open-paddlewheel diruthenium compound
Authors: Lozano Gloria , Jimenez-Aparicio Reyes , Herrero Santiago , Martinez-Salas Encarnacion
Published: January 2016

RNA function is determined by its structural organization. The RNA structure consists of the combination of distinct secondary structure motifs connected by junctions that play an essential role in RNA folding. Selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) probing is an established methodology to analyze the secondary structure of long RNA molecules in solution, which provides accurate data about unpaired nucleotides. However, the residues located at the junctions of RNA structures usually remain undetected. Here we report an RNA probing method based on the use of a novel open-paddlewheel diruthenium (OPW-Ru) compound [Ru2Cl2(µ-DPhF)3(DMSO)] (DPhF = N,N′-diphenylformamidinate). This compound has four potential coordination sites in a singular disposition to establish covalent bonds with substrates. As a proof of concept, we have analyzed the reactivity of OPW-Ru toward RNA using two viral internal ribosome entry site (IRES) elements whose function depends on the structural organization of the molecule. Our study suggests that the compound OPW-Ru preferentially attacks at positions located one or two nucleotides away from junctions or bulges of the RNA structure. The OPW-Ru fingerprinting data differ from that obtained by other chemical reagents and provides new information about RNA structure features.
circTAIL-seq, a targeted method for deep analysis of RNA 3′ tails, reveals transcript-specific differences by multiple metrics
Authors: Gazestani Vahid H. , Hampton Marshall , Abrahante Juan E. , Salavati Reza , Zimmer Sara L.
Published: January 2016

Post-transcriptionally added RNA 3′ nucleotide extensions, or tails, impose numerous regulatory effects on RNAs, including effects on RNA turnover and translation. However, efficient methods for in-depth tail profiling of a transcript of interest are still lacking, hindering available knowledge particularly of tail populations that are highly heterogeneous. Here, we developed a targeted approach, termed circTAIL-seq, to quantify both major and subtle differences of heterogeneous tail populations. As proof-of-principle, we show that circTAIL-seq quantifies the differences in tail qualities between two selected Trypanosoma brucei mitochondrial transcripts. The results demonstrate the power of the developed method in identification, discrimination, and quantification of different tail states that the population of one transcript can possess. We further show that circTAIL-seq can detect the tail characteristics for variants of transcripts that are not easily detectable by conventional approaches, such as degradation intermediates. Our findings are not only well supported by previous knowledge, but they also expand this knowledge and provide experimental evidence for previous hypotheses. In the future, this approach can be used to determine changes in tail qualities in response to environmental or internal stimuli, or upon silencing of genes of interest in mRNA-processing pathways. In summary, circTAIL-seq is an effective tool for comparing nonencoded RNA tails, especially when the tails are extremely variable or transcript of interest is low abundance.
Implications of circadian rhythm and stress in addiction vulnerability
Authors: Becker-Krail Darius , McClung Colleen
Published: January 2016

In the face of chronic stress, some individuals can maintain normal function while others go on to develop mental illness. Addiction, affecting one in every twelve people in America, is a substance use disorder long associated with stressful life events and disruptions in the sleep/wake cycle. The circadian and stress response systems have evolved to afford adaptability to environmental changes and allow for maintenance of functional stability, or homeostasis. This mini-review will discuss how circadian rhythms and stress individually affect drug response, affect each other, and how their interactions may regulate reward-related behavior. In particular, we will focus on the interactions between the circadian clock and the regulation of glucocorticoids by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Determining how these two systems act on dopaminergic reward circuitry may not only reveal the basis for vulnerability to addiction, but may also illuminate potential therapeutic targets for future investigation.
Bringing experiential learning into the lecture theatre using 3D printed objects
Authors: Smith David P.
Published: January 2016

The ability to conceptualize 3D shapes is central to understanding biological processes. The concept that the structure of a biological molecule leads to function is a core principle of the biochemical field. Conceptual teaching usually involves vocal explanations or using two dimensional slides or video presentations. A deeper understanding may be obtained by the handling of objects. 3D printed biological molecules can be used as active learning tools to stimulate engagement in large group lectures. These models can be used to build upon initial core knowledge which can be delivered in either a flipped form or a more didatic manner. Within the teaching session the students are able to learn by handling, rotating and viewing the objects to gain an appreciation of an enzyme’s active site or the structure of DNA for example. Models and other artefacts are handled in small groups and act as a focus for talking points to generate conversation. Through this approach core knowledge is first established and then supplemented with high level problem solving through a "Think-Pair-Share" cooperative learning strategy. The teaching delivery is adjusted based around experiential learning activities by moving the object from mental cognition and into a physical environment leading to student engagement in the lecture theatre and a dialog with the lecturer. The use of artefacts in teaching allows the lecturer to create interactive sessions that challenge and enable the student. This approach can be applied at all levels and across many disciplines.
PTSD prevalence among Polish World War II survivors
Authors: Lis-Turlejska Maja , Łuszczyńska Aleksandra , Szumiał Szymon
Published: January 2016

Cel

Od kilkunastu lat w różnych krajach Europy prowadzone są badania nad rozpowszechnieniem PTSD wśród osób, przed wszystkim cywilnych, które przeżyły II wojnę światową. Wskaźniki rozpowszechnienia tego zaburzenia wynoszą od 1,9% do 10,8 %. Celem badania był pomiar częstości występowania PTSD wśród polskich ocalałych z II wojny światowej.

Metoda

Przebadano 96 osób: 59 kobiet i 37 mężczyzn w wieku 70-96 lat (M=80,94; SD=6,56), urodzonych przed 1945 rokiem. Narzędzia pomiaru (polskie adaptacje): Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS), Impact of Event Scale (IES), Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) oraz Kwestionariusz odnoszący się do traumatycznych zdarzeń związanych z II wojną światową.

Wyniki

Wskaźnik rozpowszechnienia potencjalnego PTSD 32,3% . Zależność pomiędzy doświadczeniem traumy wojennej, a nasileniem objawów PTSD uzasadniającym postawienie diagnozy była istotna statystycznie.

Wnioski

W porównaniu z danymi z badań związanego w wojną PTSD w innych krajach, uzyskany wskaźnik rozpowszechnienia PTSD jest bardzo wysoki. Poszukiwanie odpowiedzi na pytanie o przyczyny tego stanu rzeczy stanowi istotne wyzwanie.
Neurological and neuropsychological complications in the course of chronic Whipple’s disease – case report
Authors: Dymon Izabela , Tabaka-Pradela Justyna , Knast Katarzyna , Dudek Dominika , Rudzińska Monika
Published: January 2016

Cel pracy. Celem pracy jest przedstawienie przypadku pacjenta z postawionym rozpoznaniem choroby Whipple'a z dominującymi w fazie późnej powikłaniami neuropsychologicznymi i behawioralnymi. Metoda. Opis przypadku - Pacjent 54l. przyjęty do Kliniki Neurologii SCPSK celem diagnostyki pogarszającego się od ok. 1,5 roku stanu ogólnego z wyniszczeniem oraz stopniowo narastających objawów neurologicznych. Wyniki. Prezentowany przypadek dowodzi, że wielospecjalistyczna opieka kliniczna pozwala na uchwycenie zaburzeń neurobehawioralnych już na wczesnym etapie zajęcia OUN. Nawet prawidłowo zastosowana antybiotykoterapia nie stanowi zapewnienia pełnej remisji choroby i uniknięcia tym samym powikłań ze strony OUN. Wnioski. Choroba Whipple'a jest rzadką chorobą z możliwymi powikłaniami neurologicznymi i neuropsychiatrycznymi. Zaburzenia neurologiczne (miorytmie oczno-twarzowe i szkieletowe, mioklonie, postępujące otępienie, zaburzenia gałkoruchowe) mogą wystąpić w przebiegu tej choroby nawet pomimo prawidłowo prowadzonej terapii farmakologicznej. Poza klasycznym zespołem neurologicznym przewlekłej postaci lipodystrofii jelitowej w obrazie klinicznym mogą wystąpić również niespecyficzne zaburzenia funkcji poznawczych, a także zaburzenia ze strony układu autonomicznego. Prawidłowo zastosowana antybiotykoterapia nie zawsze zapewnia pełną remisję choroby i zapobiega wystąpieniu powikłań neuropsychiatrycznych, jednak wczesna diagnoza oraz czujność kliniczna umożliwiają włączenie właściwego leczenia i poprawiają dalsze rokowanie.
Cost-effectiveness of treatments for COPD
Authors: Cope Graham
Published: January 2016

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a long-term debilitating illness caused by inflammation and tissue destruction, resulting in impaired airflow and inadequate oxygen availability during exercise. Inhalers acting on the nervous system that control the respiratory muscles are the main drug therapy used to treat COPD—often in combination to enhance their efficacy. Anti-inflammatory formulae are also used, but more likely with long-lasting bronchoinhalers.
Health professionals' views on oral health promotion: A qualitative study
Authors: Filipponi Teresa , Richards Wayne , Coll Anne-Marie
Published: January 2016

Dental disease is a preventable condition; however, the most at-risk are the less affluent in society. Governments have responded with programmes to tackle the inequalities. This qualitative study aimed to explore the views of healthcare professionals regarding their role in oral health promotion and their understanding of the issues surrounding the delivery of effective oral health promotion within their practice. Six school nurses and three health visitors currently attending the specialist community public health nursing course took part in the focus group. An interview schedule devised by the authors and peer-reviewed for face and content validity was used. Three main themes generated from the data analysis: role and limitations, barriers and opportunities. The participants were committed to promote oral health, though they had little knowledge and participation in the Welsh Government's scheme, Designed to Smile. The caregivers voiced answers to improve the effectiveness of oral health promotion which included education and a cohesive approach. A greater involvement of the health carers is needed to address inequality; furthermore, at the time of internal review the need for process and outcome evaluation along with the critical appraisal of the evidence is vital to shape programmes that are fit-for-purpose and sustainable.
Implementing a technology enabled care service
Authors: Taylor Lisa , Birch-Jones Jayne
Published: January 2016

Adoption and diffusion of any innovation within the NHS present particular challenges. This article aims to consolidate the learning gathered thus far from telehealth implementation nationally by delivering practical critical factors that have previously demonstrated success, including those that have succeeded in diffusing its use more widely. This article focuses on the lessons learned from the use of telehealth to promote patient self-management. It will refer to best practice evidence and examples collected as part of a yearlong national project supported by NHS England and of those identified across other organisations who have commissioned Simple Telehealth (STH) outside of the project. The article will identify nine areas of key success criteria and best practice, supported by evidence and case studies.
Comparing treatment programmes for anorexia
Authors: Cotter Lisa J , Lacey Hubert J , Morgan John F , Sly Richard , Ussher Michael H
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

To compare end-of-treatment outcomes for patients receiving either inpatient or day patient specialist treatment for anorexia nervosa. Outcomes included body mass index (BMI), symptom severity (EDE), general psychopathology (CORE), and treatment cost.

Methods:

A naturalistic study design was used. Participants were asked to complete validated questionnaires at the start and end of treatment, and weight data were also collected at these points. Cost of treatment episode was calculated at the end of treatment. These variables were compared between units.

Results:

Patients attending the two different treatment modalities had comparable treatment outcomes across weight measures, and global scores on the EDE and CORE questionnaires—all considered key treatment outcome variables. Those attending day patient treatment had treatment costs of on average £17 753 less than those in inpatient treatment.

Discussion:

Day patient treatment can produce similar treatment outcomes to its more intensive—and expensive—inpatient alternative. This is the first study to examine this in eating disorders, and warrants further examination.
Leading exceptional teacher development
Authors: Weston David
Published: January 2016

What does exceptional CPD look like and how can school leaders ensure they achieve this for their teachers? David Weston looks at the research and some examples of best practice
The building blocks of Pupil Premium success
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: January 2016

Drawing on the work of more than 1,300 schools, new research into the Pupil Premium has identified common successful strategies and the key ‘building blocks’ for their implementation. Dorothy Lepkowska reports
Some of the secrets to fundraising success
Authors: Donohoe Tom
Published: January 2016

In recent times, Anton Junior School has successfully raised funds for three major projects. Headteacher Tom Donohoe explains the key tenets of the school's approach to fundraising
Epilepsy and female contraception
Authors: Cosgrave Rebecca
Published: January 2016

The various options to consider when prescribing for women with epilepsy are outlined by Rebecca Cosgrave
The iron laws of infant nutrition
Authors: Patience Sara
Published: January 2016

Nurses need to be able to advise parents and know how to address iron deficiency, explains Sara Patience
Delivering men's mental health
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: January 2016

It is important to understand specific needs of males in order to help them access services, explains Ian Peate
Latest clinical research
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: January 2016

Mark Greener presents some important new cardiovascular studies from healthcare journals
Diagnosing melanomas early
Authors: Montgomery Rachel , Mitra Angana
Published: January 2016

Red flag signs of this common skin cancer are outlined by Rachel Montgomery and Angana Mitra
A world of possibilities
Authors: Gallagher Rachael
Published: January 2016

Rachael Gallagher explains how her school's technologically savvy staff are focusing on using their favourite apps and programs to effectively support pupils with SEND.
To infinity and beyond!
Authors: Rhodes Karen
Published: January 2016

Build on the excitement around Tim Peake's space mission to meet science objectives which include describing the basic needs for survival of humans and animals.
What has greatest resistance – air or water?
Authors: Davis John
Published: January 2016

In the first of his series on great scientists, John Davis explores Einstein's theory of relativity and invites pupils to pursue their own lines of scientfic enquiry.
Find different ways to represent an equal share
Authors: Davis John
Published: January 2016

Taken from Hopscotch's Cosmic Maths Year 5, these activities are all about understanding equivalents and representing them in a variety of ways.
NQT special: Equipping you to do your best
Authors: Keates Chris
Published: January 2016

Chris Keates outlines NASUWT's commitment to supporting new teachers and its ongoing campaign to ensure they are professionally rewarded and recognised.
Achieving a ‘green dream’
Authors: Seagrove Dionnne
Published: January 2016

Are the issues of conservation and sustainability close to your heart? If so, you will want to explore a wealth of free resources recommended by headteacher Dionne Seagrove.
Find meaningful contexts for cross-curricular work
Authors: Donohoe Tom
Published: January 2016

As a new teacher, you may sometimes find it challenging to teach effectively across a range of subjects. Try these strategies for making cross-curricular links.
Graphs with few distinct distance eigenvalues irrespective of the diameters
Authors: Atik Fouzul , Panigrahi Pratima
Published: January 2016

The distance matrix of a simple connected graph $G$ is $D(G)=(d_{ij})$, where $d_{ij}$ is the distance between $i$th and $j$th vertices of $G$. The multiset of all eigenvalues of $D(G)$ is known as the distance spectrum of $G$. Lin et al.(On the distance spectrum of graphs. \newblock {\em Linear Algebra Appl.}, 439:1662-1669, 2013) asked for existence of graphs other than strongly regular graphs and some complete $k$-partite graphs having exactly three distinct distance eigenvalues. In this paper some classes of graphs with arbitrary diameter and satisfying this property is constructed. For each $k\in \{4,5,\ldots,11\}$ families of graphs that contain graphs of each diameter grater than $k-1$ is constructed with the property that the distance matrix of each graph in the families has exactly $k$ distinct eigenvalues. While making these constructions we have found the full distance spectrum of square of even cycles, square of hypercubes, corona of a transmission regular graph with $K_2$, and strong product of an arbitrary graph with $K_n$
Influence of the vegetation mosaic on ant (Formicidae: Hymenoptera) distributions in the Northern Brazilian Pantanal
Authors: Meurer Eliandra , Battirola Leandro Denis , Delabie Jacques Hubert Charles , Marques Marinez Isaac
Published: January 2016

We examined how vegetation mosaic influences distribution of the edaphic ant (Formicidae) community in the northern part of the Pantanal in Cáceres, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Plant formations (hereafter habitats) that characterize this area include several savanna types, such as: Cerrado sensu stricto, Cerradão, Semi-deciduous forest, Termite savanna, Open fields and Cerrado field/carandazal. Pitfall traps were placed in ten 250 m transects each one separated by 1 km, within an area of 2 x 5 km (following RAPELD methodology). Five traps at intervals of 50 m were placed along each transect, in September and December 2008. Forty-four ant species were collected. leaf litter predicted ant presence and influenced species occurrence in the different habitats. Pantanal habitats are very different structurally from one to another, which has have resulted in areas with very specific ant assemblages. The understanding of the antcommunity structure in these areas is fundamental to floodplain management.
Population Dynamics of Acromyrmex crassispinus (Forel) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Attacks on Pinus taeda Linnaeus (Pinaceae) plantations
Authors: Nickele Mariane Aparecida , Reis Filho Wilson
Published: January 2016

This work aimed to study the population dynamics of Acromyrmex crassispinus (Forel) in Pinus taeda L. plantations, evaluating the density and spatial distribution of nests over time, inferring about the period of the first nuptial flight of A. crassispinus colonies, and evaluating the levels of attack of this leaf-cutting ant on P. taeda plants. Assessments were performed monthly in the first year after planting, every three months until the third year and every six months until the plantation was six years old. The presence of nests was observed only after 15 months after planting. The nest density gradually increased until the planting completed 30 months, and decreased when the forest canopy began to close (after 54 months). Spatial distribution of A. crassispinus nests was random. Probably, the first nuptial flight of an A. crassispinus colony occurs after the third year of the colony foundation. Pinus taeda plants were not attacked by A. crassispinus throughout the evaluation period. Then, when dealing with a replanting area of Pinus plantation, where the previous forest has not been subject to pruning nor thinning, the problem with A. crassispinus is almost null if the clearcutting and the new planting occur during the winter. In this case, leaf-cutting ants control can be alleviated and it is not necessary to carry out systematic control of ants where A. crassispinus is the predominant leaf cutting ant species. Acromyrmex crassispinus control should be done only if nests are located or if attacked plants by ants are detected.
Two Cleptoparasitic Ant Crickets (Orthoptera: Myrmecophilidae) That Share Similar Host Ant Species Differentiate Their Habitat Use in Areas of Sympatry in Japan
Authors: Komatsu Takashi , Maruyama Munetoshi , Itino Takao
Published: January 2016

Myrmecophilus crickets (Myrmecophilidae, Orthoptera) are typical ant guests. In Japan, about 10 species are recognized on the basis of morphological and molecular phylogenetic frameworks. We focused on two of these species, M. kinomurai and M. kubotai, and compared their host and habitat use. Previous work based on a limited sampling effort suggested that these two species share some ant species as hosts, but that their habitat (open versus shaded) preferences differ. Here, on the basis of exhaustive sampling across Japan, we confirmed that M. kinomurai and M. kubotai do not differ in their host ant preferences: both prefer formicine ants as hosts. As for habitat preferences, M. kubotai occurred significantly more often in open habitats than in shaded ones (P < 0.05). In contrast, M. kinomurai showed no habitat preference in areas where M. kubotai did not occur. However, M. kinomurai showed an obvious preference for shaded environments in areas of sympatry with its potential competitor M. kubotai. This pattern suggests that interspecific competition between M. kinomurai and M. Kubotai is a factor causing habitat differentiation in areas of sympatry.
Nest Biology and Demography of the Fungus-Growing Ant Cyphomyrmex lectus Forel (Myrmicinae; Attini) at a Disturbed Area Located in Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
Authors: Lacau Lucimeire S. Ramos , Silva Paulo Sávio Damásio , Delabie Jacques Hubert Charles , Lacau Sébastien , Bueno Odair Correa
Published: January 2016

Cyphomyrmex ants are a basal group of small fungus-growers (Myrmicinae:Attini), which differ profoundly from their most studied relatives Atta and Acromyrmex. Our objective was to investigate the nest biology and demography of the fungus-growing ant Cyphomyrmex lectus in a transitional area (savanna-forest) disturbed by an annual fire regime, in Southeast Brazil. The colonies of C. lectus were located close to each other (mean distance between nests, 3.38 ± 2.75 m). Its external nest structure consisted of a single circular nest-entrance hole but without a conspicuous nest mound. Nests were relatively simple consisting of a single well-formed chamber and a single gallery connecting to the nest entrance. No relationships were found between ant number per colony and gallery length, as well as chamber volume. Nonetheless, we detected an effect of the ant number per colony on chamber depth. In this sense, a deeper chamber could warrant a better protection against fire, natural enemies and offer favorable micro-conditions to yeast culture. The colonies of C. lectus are small (a mean of 70 ± 49.4 individuals/colony). Alates, larvae and pupae were found only in one out of eight colonies. A single dealate queen per colony was observed strongly suggesting that this species is monogynous. Further studies could evaluate whether (1) nests density differ before and after fire periods, (2) fire occurrence affects the survival and establishment rate of new colonies, as well as (3) the nest microclimatic conditions necessary to yeast culture.
Temporal Turnover of Species Maintains Ant Diversity but Transforms Species Assemblage Recovering from Fire Disturbance
Authors: Anjos Diego Vinícius , Campos Renata Bernardes Faria , Ribeiro Servio Pontes
Published: January 2016

The rupestrian complex is a montane transitional vegetation type between the Brazilian Savanna (‘Cerrado’) and the Atlantic Forest, frequently threatened by human activities. In this study, we evaluated the recovery to fire disturbance of ant fauna in an environment evolved under fire regime. We confirmed that the ant diversity recovers quickly after the fire. However, our results show that ant assemblage in burned areas presented greater ant’s foraging activity, here detected as higher abundance. The ant composition changed over time, being that species turnover lead to a strikingly different species composition comparing burned to unburned areas after 16 months of recovering. In fact, both areas changed their ant composition through species turnover, but we believe that the mechanisms that act in species turnover are different in each area. Along time, in burned areas the fauna maintained a constant species diversity but dramatically changed species assemblage due to appearance of several species not found in the unburned area.
Diversity of Social Wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae) in an Agricultural Environment in Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Jacques Gabriel De Castro , Souza Marcos Magalhães , Coelho Heslander Júnio , Vicente Lucas Oliveira , Silveira Luis Claudio Paterno
Published: January 2016

Studies on the diversity of social wasps in agricultural environments represent an important step to identifying the ideal species to be used in biological pest control programs. There is a growing effort to acknowledge the diversity of such Hymenoptera in the state of Minas Gerais, but information on anthropized environments is still rare. The objective of this study was to obtain data on the diversity of social wasps in the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciências e Tecnologia de Minas Gerais (IFMG), Bambuí campus, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Sampling was conducted from July 2012 to July 2014 with two methodologies: attractive traps and active search. This work confirms that a well diversified environment, even if anthropized, is rich in social wasp species. In addition, the great number of collected species, shows the importance of a long-term survey and the use of more than one method of collection. The high rate of collections of Polistes versicolor in a predominantly agricultural environment, coupled with other studies on this species as a predator of lepidopteran caterpillars, suggests the use of this species as a tool in the biological control of pests.
Nestmate Recognition in the Amazonian Myrmecophyte Ant Pseudomyrmex concolor Smith (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
Authors: Del-Claro Kleber , Pacheco Paulo S.M.
Published: January 2016

Nestmate recognition is fundamental to colonial cohesion in social insects, since it allows altruistic behavior towards relatives, recognition of intruders, territorial monopoly and resources defense. In ants, olfactory cues is a key factor in this process. Pseudomyrmex concolor is a highly aggressive ant that defends their host plant Tachigali myrmecophila against herbivores. However, this defense depends on the ant ability to discriminate in order to treat differentially between  members of their own colony and intruders . In this study we investigated “whether” and “how” P. concolor recognizes nestmates from non-nestmates. We hypothesized that P. concolor is skillful in recognizing nestmates and tested it in field with experiments using nestmates and non-nestmates. Additionally, to test the efficiency of resident ants against intraspecific competition during colony foundation, we simulate the plant occupation by a competitor queen, introducing non-nestmates queens in plants previously occupied by P. concolor. For the issue of the "how", we hypothesized that the main cue used by this ant in nestmate recognition is olfactory signal. Thus, we tested adaptive threshold model, which predicts that, if the individual odor and colony’s internal template are discrepant enough, the resident nestmate will behave aggressively towards incoming individuals. In this case, we confined nestmates with non-nestmates odors, and then, we reintroduced them in its host plants. In each experiment the frequency of aggressive behaviors were recorded and compared. Results showed that P. concolor recognize and discriminate nestmates from non-nestmates workers (biting and stinging them) and exclude potential competitors queens. Workers reintroduced in their own colony after impregnated with non-familiar odor were treated as non-nestmates. The adaptive threshold hypothesis was confirmed, the main cue used by this ant species in nestmate recognition is olfactory signals.