bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced protein availability by albumen removal during chicken embryogenesis decreases body weight and induces hormonal changes
Authors: Willems Els , Wang Yufeng , Koppenol Astrid , Lesuisse Jens , Franssens Lies , Decuypere Eddy , Buyse Johan , Everaert Nadia
Published: September 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Prenatal protein undernutrition by albumen removal in an avian model of fetal programming leads to long‐term programming effects, but when do these effects first appear and are these programming effects regulated by the same candidate genes as in mammals?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The present results indicate that prenatal protein undernutrition by albumen removal induces phenotypical and hormonal changes in the early posthatch period, when the mismatch between the prenatal and postnatal environment first arises, but these changes are not accompanied by an altered gene expression of the selected candidate genes.

Studies of the chicken offer a unique model for investigation of the direct effects of reduced prenatal protein availability by the partial replacement of albumen with saline in eggs at embryonic day 1 (albumen‐deprived group). The results were compared with mock‐treated sham chicks and non‐treated control chicks. Although no differences in hatch weight were found, body weight and growth were reduced in the albumen‐deprived chicks until 3 weeks of age. The feed intake of the albumen‐deprived chicks, however, was increased compared with the control (day 13–21) and the sham chicks (day 16–18). In the albumen‐deprived chicks, the ratio of thyroxine to 3,5,3′‐triiodothyronine in the plasma was increased compared with the control chicks, whereas the plasma corticosterone level was increased only at day 7 compared with both other groups. The plasma glucose concentration and glucose tolerance were not affected by treatment. Several candidate genes previously associated with effects of prenatal protein deprivation in mammals were examined in the liver of newly hatched chicks. Gene expression of glycogen synthase 2, glycogen phosphorylase 1, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α and γ and glucocorticoid receptor was not affected by the treatment. In conclusion, reduction of prenatal protein availability led to differences in body weight and influenced hormones involved in metabolism and growth. Gene expression of the selected candidate genes was not altered, in contrast to mammals.
The energetic cost of vision and the evolution of eyeless Mexican cavefish
Authors: Moran Damian , Softley Rowan , Warrant Eric J.
Published: September 2015

The loss of vision during the evolution of cave Mexican tetra considerably reduced the energetic burden of neural tissue.
Combustion of available fossil fuel resources sufficient to eliminate the Antarctic Ice Sheet
Authors: Winkelmann Ricarda , Levermann Anders , Ridgwell Andy , Caldeira Ken
Published: September 2015

Fossil-fuel resources are sufficient to eliminate the Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Metabolic Engineering of a Novel Muconic Acid Biosynthesis Pathway via 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid in Escherichia coli
Authors: Sengupta Sudeshna , Jonnalagadda Sudhakar , Goonewardena Lakshani , Juturu Veeresh
Published: September 2015

cis
,
cis
-Muconic acid (MA) is a commercially important raw material used in pharmaceuticals, functional resins, and agrochemicals. MA is also a potential platform chemical for the production of adipic acid (AA), terephthalic acid, caprolactam, and 1,6-hexanediol. A strain of
Escherichia coli
K-12, BW25113, was genetically modified, and a novel nonnative metabolic pathway was introduced for the synthesis of MA from glucose. The proposed pathway converted chorismate from the aromatic amino acid pathway to MA via 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHB). Three nonnative genes,
pobA
,
aroY
, and
catA
, coding for 4-hydroxybenzoate hydrolyase, protocatechuate decarboxylase, and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase, respectively, were functionally expressed in
E. coli
to establish the MA biosynthetic pathway.
E. coli
native genes
ubiC
,
aroF
FBR
,
aroE
, and
aroL
were overexpressed and the genes
ptsH
,
ptsI
,
crr
, and
pykF
were deleted from the
E. coli
genome in order to increase the precursors of the proposed MA pathway. The final engineered
E. coli
strain produced nearly 170 mg/liter of MA from simple carbon sources in shake flask experiments. The proposed pathway was proved to be functionally active, and the strategy can be used for future metabolic engineering efforts for production of MA from renewable sugars.
High Prevalence and Genetic Heterogeneity of Rodent-Borne Bartonella Species on Heixiazi Island, China
Authors: Li Dong-Mei , Hou Yong , Song Xiu-Ping , Fu Ying-Qun , Li Gui-Chang , Li Ming , Eremeeva Marina E. , Wu Hai-Xia , Pang Bo , Yue Yu-Juan , Huang Ying , Lu Liang , Wang Jun , Liu Qi-Yong
Published: September 2015

We performed genetic analysis of
Bartonella
isolates from rodent populations from Heixiazi Island in northeast China. Animals were captured at four sites representing grassland and brushwood habitats in 2011 and examined for the prevalence and genetic diversity of
Bartonella
species, their relationship to their hosts, and geographic distribution. A high prevalence (57.7%) and a high diversity (14 unique genotypes which belonged to 8 clades) of
Bartonella
spp. were detected from 71 rodents comprising 5 species and 4 genera from 3 rodent families. Forty-one
Bartonella
isolates were recovered and identified, including
B. taylorii
,
B. japonica
,
B. coopersplainsensis
,
B. grahamii
,
B. washoensis
subsp.
cynomysii
,
B. doshiae
, and two novel
Bartonella
species, by sequencing of four genes (
gltA
, the 16S rRNA gene,
ftsZ
, and
rpoB
). The isolates of
B. taylorii
and
B. grahamii
were the most prevalent and exhibited genetic difference from isolates identified elsewhere. Several isolates clustered with strains from Japan and far-eastern Russia; strains isolated from the same host typically were found within the same cluster. Species descriptions are provided for
Bartonella heixiaziensis
sp. nov. and
B. fuyuanensis
sp. nov.
Monitoring patient safety in primary care: an exploratory study using in-depth semistructured interviews
Authors: Samra Rajvinder , Bottle Alex , Aylin Paul
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To explore how information and data are used to monitor patient safety and quality of primary care by professionals working in, or supporting, primary healthcare.

Design

Qualitative study of semistructured interviews with a directed content analysis of transcripts.

Setting

North-West London, UK.

Participants

21 individuals from various levels of the primary healthcare system were recruited, including general practitioners, practice nurses, practice managers, members of Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) governing bodies, and senior members of regional patient safety teams.

Results

Participants described being overwhelmed with complicated data which lacked any meaningful analyses about safety and quality. There was also a lack of clarity over which patient safety events are expected to be reported or monitored. Participants also reported uncertainty on whose responsibility it was to act on patient safety information or concerns. At the practice level, there was a range of disincentives for responding to and acting on safety issues and concerns, with few reported benefits. Participants made recommendations to improve future monitoring.

Conclusions

There is a need for clearer information in the form of specific guidelines, policies and procedures with regard to who monitors patient safety in primary care, what is monitored and how it should be monitored.
Interpersonal violence: quantifying the burden of injury in a South African trauma centre
Authors: Bola Sumrit , Dash Isabella , Naidoo Maheshwar , Aldous Colleen
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Interpersonal violence is an epidemic in South Africa and remains an under-reported and expensive burden on health resources. In most of the developing world there is little or no descriptive information about the expense of treating the consequences of interpersonal violence.

Objective

To review the direct burden of interpersonal violence on a tertiary hospital in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, an area known to have high rates of poverty and violent crime.

Material and methods

A retrospective case note review of emergency hospital admissions between January and March 2013 was carried out. The reports included demographic characteristics, admitting diagnosis and surgical management. Case files were reviewed to determine cost drivers, such as radiological investigations, blood products, theatre usage and specialist care.

Results

Trauma accounted for 374 hospital admissions from the emergency department, of which 142 (38%) were attributable to interpersonal violence (16% of total admissions). One hundred and fifty-six hospital bed days were used over the study period. The average inpatient stay was 9.8 days with 58% requiring a resuscitation bed on admission. One-third of patients underwent emergency surgery and eight patients required postoperative intensive care. The minimum hospital expenditure for interpersonal violence injuries over 3 months was R8 367 788 ($783 960).

Discussion

Interpersonal violence is the source of a significant financial burden on the South African health system. Patients are often severely injured and require a high level of specialist investigations and surgical care. This study gives evidence to improve budget and workload planning for regional surgical departments and supports the need for more effective primary prevention.
Beyond triage: the diagnostic accuracy of emergency department nursing staff risk assessment in patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Carlton Edward Watts , Khattab Ahmed , Greaves Kim
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To establish the accuracy of emergency department (ED) nursing staff risk assessment using an established chest pain risk score alone and when incorporated with presentation high-sensitivity troponin testing as part of an accelerated diagnostic protocol (ADP).

Design

Prospective observational study comparing nursing and physician risk assessment using the modified Goldman (m-Goldman) score and a predefined ADP, incorporating presentation high-sensitivity troponin.

Setting

A UK District ED.

Patients

Consecutive patients, aged ≥18, with suspected cardiac chest pain and non-ischaemic ECG, for whom the treating physician determined serial troponin testing was required.

Outcome measures

30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Results

960 participants were recruited. 912/960 (95.0%) had m-Goldman scores recorded by physicians and 745/960 (77.6%) by nursing staff. The area under the curve of the m-Goldman score in predicting 30-day MACE was 0.647 (95% CI 0.594 to 0.700) for physicians and 0.572 (95% CI 0.510 to 0.634) for nursing staff (p=0.09). When incorporated into an ADP, sensitivity for the rule-out of MACE was 99.2% (95% CI 94.8% to 100%) and 96.7% (90.3% to 99.2%) for physicians and nurses, respectively. One patient in the physician group (0.3%) and three patients (1.1%) in the nursing group were classified as low risk yet had MACE. There was fair agreement in the identification of low-risk patients (kappa 0.31, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.38).

Conclusions

The diagnostic accuracy of ED nursing staff risk assessment is similar to that of ED physicians and interobserver reliability between assessor groups is fair. When incorporating high-sensitivity troponin testing, a nurse-led ADP has a miss rate of 1.1% for MACE at 30 days.

Trial registration number

Controlled Trials Database (ISRCTN no. 21109279).
Storying, fiction and philosophy: turning our attention to the traumatised or damaged nurse
Authors: Radcliffe Mark
Published: September 2015

The Francis Report, the result of a UK public inquiry into ongoing mistreatment of patients at a large teaching hospital, revealed deep-rooted flaws in care delivery and professional performance. It led to regulatory review, policy initiatives and public outcry. To this point, it has not led to any extended or focused discussion on the sustenance or well-being of nurses so that we might avoid it happening again. This paper emerges from the writing and publication of a novel calledStranger Than Kindnessand a subsequent PhD. The novel explored the themes of damaged or hurt healthcare professionals and their attempts at restoration or in one case, redemption. The paper uses the novel as ‘data’ for an articulation of the emotional world of (some) nurses and imports three theoretical perspectives; McGilchrist's work on the divided brain, Damasio's work on emotion and Merleau-Ponty's phenomenology to support an emerging philosophical position of embodied cognition.
Recent advances in the mechanisms of lung alveolarization and the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Silva Diogo M. G. , Nardiello Claudio , Pozarska Agnieszka , Morty Rory E.
Published: September 2015

Alveolarization is the process by which the alveoli, the principal gas exchange units of the lung, are formed. Along with the maturation of the pulmonary vasculature, alveolarization is the objective of late lung development. The terminal airspaces that were formed during early lung development are divided by the process of secondary septation, progressively generating an increasing number of alveoli that are of smaller size, which substantially increases the surface area over which gas exchange can take place. Disturbances to alveolarization occur in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), which can be complicated by perturbations to the pulmonary vasculature that are associated with the development of pulmonary hypertension. Disturbances to lung development may also occur in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn in term newborn infants, as well as in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. These disturbances can lead to the formation of lungs with fewer and larger alveoli and a dysmorphic pulmonary vasculature. Consequently, affected lungs exhibit a reduced capacity for gas exchange, with important implications for morbidity and mortality in the immediate postnatal period and respiratory health consequences that may persist into adulthood. It is the objective of this Perspectives article to update the reader about recent developments in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of alveolarization and the pathogenesis of BPD.
CD73 Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Turcotte Martin , Spring Kathleen , Pommey Sandra , Chouinard Guillaume , Cousineau Isabelle , George Joshy , Chen Gregory M. , Gendoo Deena M.A. , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Karn Thomas , Rahimi Kurosh , Le Page Cécile , Provencher Diane , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie , Stagg John
Published: September 2015

The cell surface nucleotidase CD73 is an immunosuppressive enzyme involved in tumor progression and metastasis. Although preclinical studies suggest that CD73 can be targeted for cancer treatment, the clinical impact of CD73 in ovarian cancer remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the prognostic value of CD73 in high-grade serous (HGS) ovarian cancer using gene and protein expression analyses. Our results demonstrate that high levels of CD73 are significantly associated with shorter disease-free survival and overall survival in patients with HGS ovarian cancer. Furthermore, high levels of CD73 expression in ovarian tumor cells abolished the good prognosis associated with intraepithelial CD8+ cells. Notably, CD73 gene expression was highest in the C1/stromal molecular subtype of HGS ovarian cancer and positively correlated with an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition gene signature. Moreover, in vitro studies revealed that CD73 and extracellular adenosine enhance ovarian tumor cell growth as well as expression of antiapoptotic BCL-2 family members. Finally, in vivo coinjection of ID8 mouse ovarian tumor cells with mouse embryonic fibroblasts showed that CD73 expression in fibroblasts promotes tumor immune escape and thereby tumor growth. In conclusion, our study highlights a role for CD73 as a prognostic marker of patient survival and also as a candidate therapeutic target in HGS ovarian cancers. Cancer Res; 75(21); 4494–503. ©2015 AACR.
Elevated Expression of the C-Type Lectin CD93 in the Glioblastoma Vasculature Regulates Cytoskeletal Rearrangements That Enhance Vessel Function and Reduce Host Survival
Authors: Langenkamp Elise , Zhang Lei , Lugano Roberta , Huang Hua , Elhassan Tamador Elsir Abu , Georganaki Maria , Bazzar Wesam , Lööf Johan , Trendelenburg George , Essand Magnus , Pontén Fredrik , Smits Anja , Dimberg Anna
Published: September 2015

Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain tumor characterized by an abnormal blood vasculature that is hyperpermeable. Here, we report a novel role for CD93 in regulating angiogenesis in this setting by modulating cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion of endothelial cells. Tissue microarray analysis demonstrated that vascular expression of CD93 was correlated with poor survival in a clinical cohort of patients with high-grade astrocytic glioma. Similarly, intracranial growth in the GL261 mouse model of glioma was delayed significantly in CD93−/− hosts, resulting in improved survival compared with wild-type mice. This effect was associated with increased vascular permeability and decreased vascular perfusion of tumors, indicating reduced vessel functionality in the absence of CD93. RNAi-mediated attenuation of CD93 in endothelial cells diminished VEGF-induced tube formation in a three-dimensional collagen gel. CD93 was required for efficient endothelial cell migration and proper cell polarization in vitro. Further, in endothelial cells where CD93 was attenuated, decreased cell spreading led to a severe reduction in cell adhesion, a lack of proper cell contacts, a loss of VE-cadherin, and aberrant actin stress fiber formation. Our results identify CD93 as a key regulator of glioma angiogenesis and vascular function, acting via cytoskeletal rearrangements required for cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion. Cancer Res; 75(21); 4504–16. ©2015 AACR.
Molecular Characterization of the
NLRC4
Expression in Relation to Interleukin-18 Levels
Authors: Zeller Tanja , Haase Tina , Müller Christian , Riess Helene , Lau Denise , Zeller Simon , Krause Jasmin , Baumert Jens , Pless Ole , Dupuis Josée , Wild Philipp S. , Eleftheriadis Medea , Waldenberger Melanie , Zeilinger Sonja , Ziegler Andreas , Peters Annette , Tiret Laurence , Proust Carole , Marzi Carola , Munzel Thomas , Strauch Konstantin , Prokisch Holger , Lackner Karl J. , Herder Christian , Thorand Barbara , Benjamin Emilia J. , Blankenberg Stefan , Koenig Wolfgang , Schnabel Renate B.
Published: September 2015

Background—

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pleiotropic cytokine centrally involved in the cytokine cascade with complex immunomodulatory functions in innate and acquired immunity. Circulating IL-18 concentrations are associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular events, and diverse inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.

Methods and Results—

To identify causal variants affecting circulating IL-18 concentrations, we applied various omics and molecular biology approaches. By genome-wide association study, we confirmed association of IL-18 levels with a single nucleotide polymorphism in the untranslated exon 2 of the inflammasome component
NLRC4
(NLR family, caspase recruitment domain–containing 4) gene on chromosome 2 (rs385076;
P
=2.4×10
−45
). Subsequent molecular analyses by gene expression analysis and reporter gene assays indicated an effect of rs385076 on
NLRC4
expression and differential isoform usage by modulating binding of the transcription factor PU.1.

Conclusions—

Our study provides evidence for the functional causality of single nucleotide polymorphism rs385076 within the
NLRC4
gene in relation to IL-18 activation.
Adipocyte-Derived Hormone Leptin Is a Direct Regulator of Aldosterone Secretion, Which Promotes Endothelial Dysfunction and Cardiac Fibrosis
Authors: Huby Anne-Cécile , Antonova Galina , Groenendyk Jake , Gomez-Sanchez Celso E. , Bollag Wendy B. , Filosa Jessica A. , de Chantemèle Eric J. Belin
Published: September 2015

Background—

In obesity, the excessive synthesis of aldosterone contributes to the development and progression of metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunctions. Obesity-induced hyperaldosteronism is independent of the known regulators of aldosterone secretion, but reliant on unidentified adipocyte-derived factors. We hypothesized that the adipokine leptin is a direct regulator of aldosterone synthase (
CYP11B2
) expression and aldosterone release and promotes cardiovascular dysfunction via aldosterone-dependent mechanisms.

Methods and Results—

Immunostaining of human adrenal cross-sections and adrenocortical cells revealed that adrenocortical cells coexpress
CYP11B2
and leptin receptors. Measurements of adrenal
CYP11B2
expression and plasma aldosterone levels showed that increases in endogenous (obesity) or exogenous (infusion) leptin dose-dependently raised
CYP11B2
expression and aldosterone without elevating plasma angiotensin II, potassium or corticosterone. Neither angiotensin II receptors blockade nor α and β adrenergic receptors inhibition blunted leptin-induced aldosterone secretion. Identical results were obtained in cultured adrenocortical cells. Enhanced leptin signaling elevated
CYP11B2
expression and plasma aldosterone, whereas deficiency in leptin or leptin receptors blunted obesity-induced increases in
CYP11B2
and aldosterone, ruling out a role for obesity per se. Leptin increased intracellular calcium, elevated calmodulin and calmodulin-kinase II expression, whereas calcium chelation blunted leptin-mediated increases in
CYP11B2
, in adrenocortical cells. Mineralocorticoid receptor blockade blunted leptin-induced endothelial dysfunction and increases in cardiac fibrotic markers.

Conclusions—

Leptin is a newly described regulator of aldosterone synthesis that acts directly on adrenal glomerulosa cells to increase
CYP11B2
expression and enhance aldosterone production via calcium-dependent mechanisms. Furthermore, leptin-mediated aldosterone secretion contributes to cardiovascular disease by promoting endothelial dysfunction and the expression of profibrotic markers in the heart.
Paracrine Engineering of Human Cardiac Stem Cells With Insulin‐Like Growth Factor 1 Enhances Myocardial Repair
Authors: Jackson Robyn , Tilokee Everad L. , Latham Nicholas , Mount Seth , Rafatian Ghazaleh , Strydhorst Jared , Ye Bin , Boodhwani Munir , Chan Vincent , Ruel Marc , Ruddy Terrence D. , Suuronen Erik J. , Stewart Duncan J. , Davis Darryl R.
Published: September 2015

Background

Insulin‐like growth factor 1 (
IGF
‐1) activates prosurvival pathways and improves postischemic cardiac function, but this key cytokine is not robustly expressed by cultured human cardiac stem cells. We explored the influence of an enhanced
IGF
‐1 paracrine signature on explant‐derived cardiac stem cell–mediated cardiac repair.

Methods and Results

Receptor profiling demonstrated that
IGF
‐1 receptor expression was increased in the infarct border zones of experimentally infarcted mice by 1 week after myocardial infarction. Human explant‐derived cells underwent somatic gene transfer to overexpress human
IGF
‐1 or the green fluorescent protein reporter alone. After culture in hypoxic reduced‐serum media, overexpression of
IGF
‐1 enhanced proliferation and expression of prosurvival transcripts and prosurvival proteins and decreased expression of apoptotic markers in both explant‐derived cells and cocultured neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. Transplant of explant‐derived cells genetically engineered to overexpress
IGF
‐1 into immunodeficient mice 1 week after infarction boosted
IGF
‐1 content within infarcted tissue and long‐term engraftment of transplanted cells while reducing apoptosis and long‐term myocardial scarring.

Conclusions

Paracrine engineering of explant‐derived cells to overexpress
IGF
‐1 provided a targeted means of improving cardiac stem cell–mediated repair by enhancing the long‐term survival of transplanted cells and surrounding myocardium.
Collaborative derivation of reference intervals for major clinical laboratory tests in Japan
Authors: Ichihara Kiyoshi , Yomamoto Yoshikazu , Hotta Taeko , Hosogaya Shigemi , Miyachi Hayato , Itoh Yoshihisa , Ishibashi Midori , Kang Dongchon ,   on behalf of the Committee on Common Reference Intervals, Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Three multicentre studies of reference intervals were conducted recently in Japan. The Committee on Common Reference Intervals of the Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry sought to establish common reference intervals for 40 laboratory tests which were measured in common in the three studies and regarded as well harmonized in Japan.

Methods

The study protocols were comparable with recruitment mostly from hospital workers with body mass index ≤28 and no medications. Age and sex distributions were made equal to obtain a final data size of 6345 individuals. Between-subgroup differences were expressed as the SD ratio (between-subgroup SD divided by SD representing the reference interval). Between-study differences were all within acceptable levels, and thus the three datasets were merged.

Results

By adopting SD ratio ≥0.50 as a guide, sex-specific reference intervals were necessary for 12 assays. Age-specific reference intervals for females partitioned at age 45 were required for five analytes. The reference intervals derived by the parametric method resulted in appreciable narrowing of the ranges by applying the latent abnormal values exclusion method in 10 items which were closely associated with prevalent disorders among healthy individuals. Sex- and age-related profiles of reference values, derived from individuals with no abnormal results in major tests, showed peculiar patterns specific to each analyte.

Conclusion

Common reference intervals for nationwide use were developed for 40 major tests, based on three multicentre studies by advanced statistical methods. Sex- and age-related profiles of reference values are of great relevance not only for interpreting test results, but for applying clinical decision limits specified in various clinical guidelines.
Family Model of Diabetes Education With a Pacific Islander Community
Authors: McElfish Pearl Anna , Bridges Melissa D. , Hudson Jonell S. , Purvis Rachel S. , Bursac Zoran , Kohler Peter O. , Goulden Peter A.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to use a community-based participatory research approach to pilot-test a family model of diabetes education conducted in participants’ homes with extended family members.

Methods

The pilot test included 6 families (27 participants) who took part in a family model of diabetes self-management education (DSME) using an intervention-driven pre- and posttest design with the aim of improving glycemic control as measured by A1C. Questionnaires and additional biometric data were also collected. Researchers systematically documented elements of feasibility using participant observations and research field reports.

Results

More than three-fourths (78%) of participants were retained in the study. Posttest results indicated a 5% reduction in A1C across all participants and a 7% reduction among those with type 2 diabetes. Feasibility of an in-home model with extended family members was documented, along with observations and recommendations for further DSME adaptations related to blood glucose monitoring, physical activity, nutrition, and medication adherence.

Conclusions

The information gained from this pilot helps to bridge the gap between knowledge of an evidence-based intervention and its actual implementation within a unique minority population with especially high rates of type 2 diabetes and significant health disparities. Building on the emerging literature of family models of DSME, this study shows that the family model delivered in the home had high acceptance and that the intervention was more accessible for this hard-to-reach population.
An awareness of spirituality from two perspectives
Authors: Zweiback Yoshi , Kaplan Sandra N , Manzone Jessica
Published: September 2015

This paper addresses the question of spirituality in a religious setting, and prayer as an expression of ultimate values, as a discipline which inspires empathy, as an instrument for connecting us with nature, and as a compass pointing us toward God, meaning, and purpose. Spirituality in the general education setting will also be discussed, as well as the relationship that exists between the skills of critical and creative thinking and the traits of spiritual intelligence. Examples will be provided on ways in which the prompts of depth and complexity can be used to provide opportunities for students to develop understanding of content, knowledge, and skills, and how these can be integrated into classroom learning experiences through questions that teachers ask students.
A symposium on media, communication and the limits of liberalism
Authors: Calabrese Andrew , Fenton Natalie
Published: September 2015

The essays in this Special Issue explore the power and appeal of modern liberalism, even among the vast populations for whom its egalitarian promises go unfulfilled. For more than 30 years, we have seen dramatic growth in inequality worldwide, resulting from increasingly draconian economic policies – including severe austerity measures in the economic ‘periphery’ and sustained assaults on welfare and public service policies in affluent ‘core’ countries – along with a scandalous global financial crisis that calls into question the sustainability and legitimacy of the current politicaleconomic trajectory. During that same time, the media and communication industries have played a variety of key roles – as chronicler, cheerleader, infrastructure provider and highly profitable beneficiary – in bringing about this political-economic and ideological project, sometimes called “neoliberalism,” which has profoundly eroded the promise and realities of liberal democracy. Media institutions are implicated as subject and object in this pattern of erosion, which favours a thin stratum of elites, with injurious consequences for much of the rest of humanity, the latter of whose taxes and labor have paid disproportionately for the new boom in incomes for the financial class. In order to reconceive democracy in more substantive and egalitarian forms, media and communication scholars and practitioners need to address the critical questions about the organization of our lives by capital and seek to re-establish the value of publics and public goods. But first, we need to agree that the limits of liberalism are real, since such a consensus is not a foregone conclusion.
Mourning and longing: Media studies learning to let go of liberal democracy
Authors: Fenton Natalie , Titley Gavan
Published: September 2015

In her essay ‘Neoliberalism and the end of liberal democracy’, Wendy Brown suggests that critical political theory needs to ‘mourn liberal democracy’ in order to develop a transformative vision of ‘the good’. The problem, as Brown outlines it, is not only that – to varying extents and in different scales across democratic states – market rationality has hollowed out representative structures and processes and organizes social life but also that ‘basic principles and institutions of democracy are becoming nothing other than ideological shells’ that nevertheless legitimate neoliberal governmentality. Brown’s concept of mourning has implications for Media Studies’ constitutive focus on publicness and political participation within the democratic nation-state. This article considers Brown’s critique in relation to the tendency in Media Studies to admit the unachievable idealism of certain ideas – particularly in relation to the public sphere and pluralism – while continuing to use them as guiding normative standards and values. The article questions how such normative ideals can provide guidance where not only the political and institutional imaginary that underpins them has changed, perhaps irrevocably, but where the continued flagging of these ideas may be implicated in the kind of ideological camouflage Brown identifies.
Ruptured Tendons in Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Users
Authors: Kanayama Gen , DeLuca James , Meehan William P. , Hudson James I. , Isaacs Stephanie , Baggish Aaron , Weiner Rory , Micheli Lyle , Pope Harrison G.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Accumulating case reports have described tendon rupture in men who use anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). However, no controlled study has assessed the history of tendon rupture in a large cohort of AAS users and comparison nonusers.

Hypothesis:

Men reporting long-term AAS abuse would report an elevated lifetime incidence of tendon rupture compared with non–AAS-using bodybuilders.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Medical histories were obtained from 142 experienced male bodybuilders aged 35 to 55 years recruited in the course of 2 studies. Of these men, 88 reported at least 2 years of cumulative lifetime AAS use, and 54 reported no history of AAS use. In men reporting a history of tendon rupture, the circumstances of the injury, prodromal symptoms, concomitant drug or alcohol use, and details of current and lifetime AAS use (if applicable) were recorded. Surgical records were obtained for most participants.

Results:

Nineteen (22%) of the AAS users, but only 3 (6%) of the nonusers, reported at least 1 lifetime tendon rupture. The hazard ratio for a first ruptured tendon in AAS users versus nonusers was 9.0 (95% CI, 2.5-32.3; P < .001). Several men reported 2 or more independent lifetime tendon ruptures. Interestingly, upper-body tendon ruptures occurred exclusively in the AAS group (15 [17%] AAS users vs 0 nonusers; risk difference, 0.17 [95% CI, 0.09-0.25]; P < .001 [hazard ratio not estimable]), whereas there was no significant difference between users and nonusers in risk for lower-body ruptures (6 [7%] AAS users, 3 [6%] nonusers; hazard ratio, 3.1 [95% CI, 0.7-13.8]; P = .13). Of 31 individual tendon ruptures assessed, only 6 (19%) occurred while weightlifting, with the majority occurring during other sports activities. Eight (26%) ruptures followed prodromal symptoms of nonspecific pain in the region. Virtually all ruptures were treated surgically, with complete or near-complete ultimate restoration of function.

Conclusion:

AAS abusers, compared with otherwise similar bodybuilders, showed a markedly increased risk of tendon ruptures, particularly upper-body tendon rupture.
Differential Interactive Effects of Cartilage Traumatization and Blood Exposure In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Joos Helga , Leucht Frank , Riegger Jana , Hogrefe Cathrin , Fiedler Jörg , Dürselen Lutz , Reichel Heiko , Ignatius Anita , Brenner Rolf E.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Sport injuries of the knee often lead to posttraumatic arthritis. In addition to direct damage of the cartilage, trauma-associated intra-articular bleeding may cause hemarthrosis. Both blood exposure and trauma are known to induce cell death and inflammation and to enhance proteoglycan release in cartilage.

Hypothesis:

Blood exposure increases chondrocyte death as well as inflammatory and degenerative processes in traumatized cartilage.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Human macroscopically intact osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage explants were impacted by a drop-tower system (0.59 J) and cultivated with or without 10% blood. Interactive effects were studied concerning cell survival, gene expression, and the release of mediators over 24 hours and 96 hours. To evaluate the effects of trauma and hemarthrosis in vivo, a newly established blunt cartilage trauma model in the rabbit was used. Treatment of the knee joints of mature New Zealand White rabbits consisted of the following groups: control (C), arthrotomy (A), arthrotomy with cartilage trauma (AT; 1.0 J), and arthrotomy with cartilage trauma and blood injection (ATH). After 1 and 12 weeks, inflammatory mediators in the synovial fluid and histological changes of the cartilage were determined, and immunohistological staining was performed.

Results:

The in vitro studies revealed a significant additional or synergistic effect of blood exposure on trauma-induced chondrocyte death, interleukin (IL)–1β and prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) release, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)/pro-MMP level. Singular arthrotomy in vivo induced a temporary inflammation. Histologically, cartilage trauma caused significant OA changes that were not aggravated by an additional hemarthrosis. Trauma led to a persistent deposition of terminal complement complex (TCC), being enhanced by hemarthrosis. However, trauma-induced formation of osteophytes and arthrotomy-induced elevation of tumor necrosis factor–α release were reduced by hemarthrosis.

Conclusion:

While blood exposure clearly aggravated trauma-induced OA processes in the in vitro model, a singular blood injection revealed heterogeneous effects in vivo, enhancing TCC deposition but reducing trauma-induced osteophyte formation while the histological score of traumatized cartilage was not further impaired.

Clinical Relevance:

The results of this study indicate that a singular, limited bleeding event might not exacerbate early trauma-induced cartilage degeneration in joint injuries. An early removal of intra-articular blood may not prevent the final resulting cartilage damage.
Rosin: Recent advances and potential applications in novel drug delivery system
Authors: Yadav Bhupendra Kumar , Gidwani Bina , Vyas Amber
Published: September 2015

Gum exudates are among the oldest natural polymer. Natural gums have remained one of the major areas of interest for the researchers for their applicability in the drug delivery system because of their wide availability, inexpensiveness and availability in a variety of structures with varied properties. They can be easily modified chemically, biochemically and are highly stable, safe, non-toxic, gel forming and in addition are biodegradable. Rosin is one of the natural gums obtained as resinous constituent of the oleoresin exuded by various species of pine, mostly conifers. Rosin consists primarily of abietic- and pimaric-type resin acids (or rosin acids) with characteristic hydrophobic hydrophenanthrene rings which impart them excellent film-forming properties. Rosin and its derivatives are biopolymers that are increasingly used for their pharmaceutical applications. In the pharmaceutical field, it has been investigated for film-forming and coating properties, microencapsulation and as a matrix material in the tablets for sustained and controlled drug release. This article reviews the literature on rosin and its derivative and describes the varied applications of the rosin and their future exploitation in novel drug delivery systems.
Postsentencing Supervision
Authors: Humphrey Tamara , Gibbs Van Brunschot Erin
Published: September 2015

Postsentencing supervision of offenders is often justified by authorities as a means to improve public safety and promote positive behavior among offenders. The application of supervision and registration orders to offenders who have completed their sentences is claimed officially not as punitive but rather to secure the good conduct of these individuals and to ensure public safety. Yet the deployment of postsentencing measures does not easily fall within a particular sentencing system or philosophy. Using the example of Section 810 peace bonds under S.810.1 and 810.2 of the Canadian Criminal Code, and sex offender registration and surveillance in the United States, we suggest that the application of such postsentencing measures may be as punitive in nature as they are preventative.
Web-Based Intervention for Teachers of Elementary Students With ADHD: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Corkum Penny , Elik Nezihe , Blotnicky-Gallant Pamela A. C. , McGonnell Melissa , McGrath Patrick
Published: September 2015

Objective: To test the acceptability, satisfaction, and effectiveness of a web-based intervention for teachers of elementary school–aged children with ADHD. Method: Elementary classroom teachers (N = 58), along with their students with ADHD, participated in a randomized controlled trial. The program consisted of six sessions that included evidence-based intervention strategies for reducing ADHD symptoms and impairment in the classroom setting. Teachers also had access to a moderated Discussion Board and an online ADHD coach. Questionnaire data were electronically collected from teachers and parents pre-intervention, post-intervention (6 weeks), and after an additional 6-week follow-up. Results: Intent-to-treat analyses found significant improvements based on teacher (but not parent) reports of core ADHD symptoms and impairment for the Teacher Help for ADHD treatment group. Teachers reported a high level of acceptability and satisfaction. Conclusion: Web-based ADHD interventions have the potential to reduce the barriers to treatment utilization and implementation that are common problems for school-based ADHD interventions.
Technology support to a telehealth in the home service: Qualitative observations
Authors: Taylor Alan , Wade Victoria , Morris Greg , Pech Joanne , Rechter Stuart , Kidd Michael , Carati Colin
Published: September 2015

Introduction

The Flinders University Telehealth in the Home (FTH) trial was an action research initiative that introduced and evaluated the impact of telehealth services on palliative care patients living in the community, home-based rehabilitation services for the elderly, and services to the elderly in residential aged care. The aim of this study was to understand the issues encountered during the provision of technology services that supported this trial.

Methods

A mixed methods approach was undertaken to analyse the roles of information and communication technology (ICT) and clinical staff in design, technology management and training. The data sources were staff observations and documents including job logs, meetings, emails and technology descriptions.

Results

Use of consumer technology for telehealth required customisation of applications and services. Clinicians played a key role in definition of applications and the embedding of workflow into applications. Usability of applications was key to their subsequent use. Management of design creep and technology services, coupled with support and training for clinicians were important to maintenance of a telehealth service.

Discussion

In the setting described, an iterative approach to the development of telehealth services to the home using consumer technologies was needed. The efficient management of consumer devices in multiple settings will become critical as telehealth services grow in scale. Effective collaboration between clinical and technical stakeholders and further workforce education in telehealth can be key enablers for the transition of face-to-face care to a telehealth mode of delivery.
A first-level evaluation of a school-based family programme for adolescent social, emotional and behavioural difficulties
Authors: Rickard Eóin D , Brosnan Eileen , O’Laoide Aoife , Wynne Ciara , Keane Mary , McCormack Margaret , Sharry John
Published: September 2015

This study is a first-level evaluation of an intervention targeted at adolescents with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties in Irish post-primary schools. It is a combined implementation of the Working Things Out adolescent programme and the Parents Plus Adolescent Programme (WTOPPAP). Overall, 47 parents and their children (mean age: 13.81 years) took part in the study. The study used a repeated measures design to assess change at pre- and post-intervention and 5-month follow-up using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, McMaster General Functioning Scale, Goal Attainment (parent- and adolescent-rated), Parent Stress Scale and Kansas Parenting Satisfaction Scale (parent-rated) as assessment measures. This study found that parent-rated child total difficulties and adolescent-rated emotional difficulties significantly improved from pre-test to 5-month follow-up. Parent- and adolescent-rated goals, and parent-rated child conduct difficulties, parental stress and satisfaction with parenting also significantly improved from pre- to post-test. These gains were largely maintained at 5-month follow-up. These findings indicate that the WTOPPAP may be an effective intervention for adolescents with emotional and behavioural difficulties and their parents. It was demonstrated that a manualised family intervention could be effectively rolled out at a number of school locations, with delivery and evaluation being conducted by school staff. Further implications are also discussed.
Competing past tense forms in English attrition
Authors: Kang Sang-Gu
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectives:

This paper examines longitudinal speech data from two Korean sisters, focusing on English irregular past tense forms to probe the course of attrition within the framework of the regression hypothesis, which suggests that language is lost in the reverse order of acquisition. During the course of attrition, evidence supporting one of the two irregular past tense acquisition theories (blocking vs competition hypothesis) is manifested.

Methodology:

The loss of English past tense forms of two girls who had lived in Anglophone Hawaii for two years before returning to Korea is tracked using free speech samples.

Data and analysis:

The children’s naturalistic speech data collected over a three-year period after their return is analyzed in terms of accuracy and error types.

Findings/conclusions:

Although the older sister did not exhibit clear signs of attrition, the constitution of the younger sibling’s licit and illicit past tense usage varied every year, reflecting her declining proficiency. The results also show that the path of attrition follows the prediction of the regression hypothesis.

Originality:

The prolonged attrition process of the sisters’ language use, which is unlike acquisition that can happen at a quick rate, demonstrated a relatively large window to witness their reshaping grammar at different interlanguage stages.

Implications:

The sisters’ irregular past forms retreating to a more rudimentary form provided an opportunity to support the competition model of irregular past tense acquisition. Their past tense accuracy and error analysis demonstrated various past tense forms in competition that could produce a different winner over different periods of time.