bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between post‐traumatic stress disorder and quality of life in infertile Shidu parents from the 2008 Sichuan earthquake: the moderating role of social support
Authors: Wang Z. , Xu J.
Published: July 2016

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Since the promulgation of the one‐child policy in 1979, most families have had only one child. Shidu parents, as a special group of Sichuan 2008 earthquake victims, are parents who lost their only child in the earthquake.

What does this paper added to existing knowledge?

Shidu parents are an especially vulnerable group in China. This study was the first systematic population‐based investigation to explore quality of life (QOL) risk factors and to examine the moderating role of social support between post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and QOL in Shidu parents.

What are the implications for practice?

The results found that further social support should be provided as a long‐term mental health intervention strategy to promote QOL in Shidu parents suffering from PTSD.

The research may provide information to assist psychologists in post‐disaster mental health interventions with Shidu parents and to inspire decision makers who work with similar groups in other countries.

Introduction

Because of the one‐child policy in force in China from 1979 to 2015, most parents were only allowed to have a single child. Of all the Sichuan earthquake victims, there was a special group called the Shidu parents who lost their only child in the earthquake.

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify the related risk factors for the Shidu parents' quality of life (QOL) and to examine the role of social support as a moderator between post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and QOL in Shidu parents.

Method

A cross‐sectional sample survey was conducted to collect data from 10 heavily damaged counties in Sichuan province (n = 176).

Discussion

PTSD was found to be negatively associated with the Shidu parents' QOL, and social support had a major effect on moderating the association between the PTSD and QOL in Shidu parents.

Implications for practice

Developing suitable social support could be considered a key part of psychological intervention strategies to promote QOL in Shidu parents suffering from PTSD. This study could provide decision support for mental health professionals (e.g. nurses and psychiatrists) working on mental crisis interventions with Shidu parents.
Influence of harvesting site on chemical composition and potential protein value of Acacia erioloba, A. nilotica and Ziziphus mucronata leaves for ruminants
Authors: Mnisi C. M. , Mlambo V.
Published: July 2016

This study was designed to evaluate the chemical composition, buffer N solubility, in vitro ruminal N degradation and in vitro ruminal biological activity of condensed tannins in Acacia erioloba, Acacia nilotica and Ziziphus mucronata leaves harvested from two sites (Masuthle communal grazing land and Molelwane private farm). Leaves were harvested, dried at 60 °C and milled. The highest crude protein (CP) content was found in leaves of Z. mucronata (177.7 g/kg DM). Leaves harvested from Masuthle had higher (p < 0.05) soluble phenolics (SPh) (44.6 g TAE/kg DM) compared to those harvested from Molelwane (29.8 g TAE/kg DM). In both Molelwane and Masuthle, leaves of A. nilotica had higher levels of condensed tannins (CT) (0.76 AU550/200 mg and 0.52 AU550/200 mg respectively) followed by A. erioloba and Z. mucronata, which did not differ (p > 0.05). Nitrogen degradability at 24 h was the same (p > 0.05) for all tree species but not at 12 and 36 h. No linear association (p > 0.05) was found between buffer‐soluble N and in vitro ruminal N degradability in leaves with high SPh content. The largest polyethylene glycol (PEG) effect was in leaves of A. nilotica (448%) harvested from Masuthle after 36 h of incubation. Ziziphus mucronata leaves harvested from Molelwane had the least PEG effect at 48 h. There was no linear association (p > 0.05) between PEG effect and SPh for all incubation periods, but a positive relationship was observed between PEG effect and condensed tannins content. There was no linear association between solubility index (SI) and in vitro ruminal N degradability for tannin‐rich leaves. It was concluded that higher browsing pressure in Masuthle communal rangeland resulted in leaves with higher levels of condensed tannins, which had higher in vitro ruminal biological activity, compared to those harvested from Molelwane.
Zoning‐Based Vertical Transportation Optimization for Workers at Peak Time in a Skyscraper Construction
Authors: Koo Choongwan , Hong Taehoon , Yoon Jaeseong , Jeong Kwangbok
Published: July 2016

In a skyscraper construction, a great number of workers and materials must be vertically transported to the proper positions depending on their roles. Particularly, the optimal vertical transportation logistics of lift cars for workers at peak time should be established to enhance the entire project performance in a skyscraper construction. For achieving this objective, the zoning‐based concept can be introduced to improve the effectiveness of the vertical transportation logistics of lift cars for workers at peak time in a skyscraper construction. In developing the zoning‐based vertical transportation logistics, it is necessary to consider the minimization of the electricity consumption as an environmental index as well as the minimization of the operating time and the maximization of the cost effectiveness. Therefore, this study aims to develop a multi‐objective optimization model for solving the time–cost–environment trade‐off problem in establishing the zoning‐based vertical transportation logistics of lift cars for workers at peak time in a skyscraper construction.
Communication difficulties experienced by deaf male patients during their in‐hospital stay: findings from a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Sirch Linda , Salvador Linda , Palese Alvisa
Published: July 2016

Studies available have described several specific issues affecting healthcare accessibility by deaf people, but to date, no research has reported the experience of deaf patients with in‐hospital communication. The aim of the study was to explore the communication experience of deaf patients with regard to their in‐hospital stay. A purposeful sample of participants was selected. The data collection process was based on a focus group. The focus groups were conducted in Italian sign language and videorecorded; subsequently, the entire conversation was faithfully transcribed. A qualitative content analysis of the transcription was performed and the findings are reported using the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research approach. Four themes have emerged: (a) experiencing a common vulnerability: the need for reciprocal understanding and sensitivity, (b) being outside the comfort zone: feeling discriminated against once again, (c) perceiving a lack of consonance between care and needs and (d) developing a sense of progressively disempowerment. The experience of deaf individuals during their in‐hospital stay may be critical: they are exposed to protracted communication and interaction with healthcare providers and an environment that is not prepared and designed for these vulnerable patients. Two levels of strategies should be identified, implemented and developed to increase the quality of communication with deaf people during hospitalisation, both at the hospital/health system level and at the healthcare professional/clinical level.
Parent's perception of their children's health, quality of life and burden of diabetes: testing reliability and validity of ‘Check your Health’ by proxy
Authors: Brorsson Anna Lena , Lindholm Olinder Anna , Wikblad Karin , Viklund Gunnel
Published: July 2016

Aim

To test the validity and reliability of the ‘Check your Health by proxy’ instrument in parents to children with diabetes aged 8–17 years.

Methods

One hundred and ninety‐one caregivers and their children, aged 8–17 years, were included. All completed the ‘Check your Health’ questionnaire measuring quality of life and burden of diabetes, DISABKIDS self‐ or proxy version, and 45 completed the same questionnaires 2 weeks later.

Results

Test–retest reliability on the ‘Check your Health’ questionnaire by proxy was moderate to strong (r = 0.48–0.74), p < 0.002). Convergent validity was weak to moderate (r = 0.15–0.49, p < 0.05). The instrument showed acceptable discriminant validity. Parents reported lower scores than the children on emotional health and social relations and higher scores on physical and emotional burden and higher burden on quality of life. Poorer social relationships and quality of life were associated with higher reported disease severity. The diabetes burden domain of the questionnaire correlated to perceived severity of diabetes and to perceived health. Discriminant validity showed that poorer social relationships and quality of life were associated with higher severity of the disease. The diabetes burden domain of ‘Check your Health’ by proxy showed discriminant validity on perceived severity of diabetes.

Conclusions

The instrument ‘Check your Health’ by proxy showed acceptable psychometric characteristics in parents to young people (8–17 years of age) with diabetes. We also concluded that parents reported that their children had lower health and higher burden of diabetes than the children did, and it correlated to reported disease severity.
Stylistic Fronting as Remnant Movement
Authors: Ott Dennis
Published: July 2016

This paper presents a novel analysis of Stylistic Fronting (SF) in Icelandic. It is argued that SF is not a head‐movement operation, but rather phrasal movement to subject position. Typically, however, independent factors require evacuation movements prior to raising, in which case the fronted phrase moves as a remnant category. It is shown that this approach can account for a variety of otherwise puzzling properties of SF.
Exploring the potential of contemplative pedagogy in health professional education
Authors: Barratt Caroline
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Although interest in and use of contemplative pedagogy is growing, particularly in the US, its potential to contribute to current dialogues about higher education and, in particular, the development of education for health professionals has not received much attention. The aim of this paper is to introduce contemplative pedagogy to educators working within health professional education so that the merits of such an approach can be more extensively debated. What is contemplative pedagogy? The aim of contemplative pedagogy is the development of students’ first-person experience of knowing as a counterbalance and compliment to the objective, third-person, didactic approach, which dominates higher education. Through contemplative practice, students’ learning becomes connected to their own sense of meaning and personal values. I start by exploring the concept of contemplative pedagogy. Examples of contemplative practices are briefly introduced so that the reader can better envisage how contemplation can be introduced into the classroom. Discussion and conclusions: I argue that contemplative pedagogy could help overcome the gap between theory and practice and assist educators in equipping students to care compassionately and effectively in dynamic and demanding healthcare contexts. I finish by emphasising the need for more research to investigate the efficacy of incorporating contemplative pedagogy in the education of health professionals.
Student feedback on learning and teaching: The value of focus groups
Authors: Edgar Susan , Gibson William
Published: July 2016

Traditional methods of student feedback at both individual unit and program level consist of a range of online or paper survey instruments. Frequent systematic evaluations of this nature are carried out by all higher education institutions to meet quality assurance requirements. Evaluation reports, alongside students’ evaluations of teaching effectiveness (SETs) also provide evidence for academic tenure and promotion. Likert-style survey items with limited open-ended response categories are often used for student feedback on survey instruments. Feedback is generally categorised by content, resources and organisation of the unit as well as evaluating the learning and teaching activities and quality of delivery. Feedback is often undertaken just prior to or immediately upon completion of a unit of study, thus little is gained regarding the longer-term outcomes, as perceived by students, from the whole of unit experience. Therefore, it may be questioned whether current feedback systems provide timely, detailed information that ultimately enhances future student learning.The literature presents varied arguments on the role, process and perceived benefits of SETs. It includes evidence that feedback of this nature, in isolation, is not useful for improving teacher effectiveness, whereas SETs combined with external consultation has been shown to improve outcomes (Marsh, 2007). This has led us to consider whether unit evaluation processes, in isolation of additional consultation, are optimal for improving unit offerings and subsequent student learning.
Discussion Paper: Commissioning of medical education in the post-registration arena
Authors: Walsh Kieran , Rogers Gary
Published: July 2016

Medical education is expensive. In some circumstances, this expense has led to new models of funding post-registration education. One such approach is commissioned or tendered education. This model is based on a purchaser–provider split, where centrally funded authorities commission or seek tenders for post-registration medical education from education providers. Despite the growth of commissioning of medical education, there has been little public debate on its advantages or disadvantages. There are a number of advantages of a commissioning model. It can act as an incentive to quality improvement, and it drives competition between providers. In addition, commissioning decisions can be devolved so that local purchasers can decide what forms of medical education they wish to pay for. It also acts as a means of increasing choice. There are also disadvantages to the commissioning model. The process of commissioning is in itself expensive. In addition, competition might act as a barrier to integration and induce destabilisation in the system of medical education. This model may also suggest that there is a price for everything and that all components of medical education must be reduced to their lowest common denominator of cost. It would work best if pure market forces were unleashed, but the truth is that medical education is rarely a pure market.
Is Soleus Muscle-Tendon-Unit Behavior Related to Ground-Force Application During the Sprint Start?
Authors: Schrödter Erik , Brüggemann Gert-Peter , Willwacher Steffen
Published: July 2016

Purpose:

To describe the stretch-shortening behavior of ankle plantar-flexing muscle–tendon units (MTUs) during the push-off in a sprint start.

Methods:

Fifty-four male (100-m personal best: 9.58–12.07 s) and 34 female (100-m personal best: 11.05–14.00 s) sprinters were analyzed using an instrumented starting block and 2-dimensional high-speed video imaging. Analysis was performed separately for front and rear legs, while accounting for block obliquities and performance levels.

Results:

The results showed clear signs of a dorsiflexion in the upper ankle joint (front block 15.8° ± 7.4°, 95% CI 13.2–18.2°; rear block 8.0° ± 5.7°, 95% CI 6.4–9.7°) preceding plantar flexion. When observed in their natural block settings, the athletes’ block obliquity did not significantly affect push-off characteristics. It seems that the stretch-shortening-cycle-like motion of the soleus MTU has an enhancing influence on push-off force generation.

Conclusion:

This study provides the first systematic observation of ankle-joint stretch-shortening behavior for sprinters of a wide range of performance levels. The findings highlight the importance of reactive-type training for the improvement of starting performance. Nonetheless, future studies need to resolve the independent contributions of tendinous and muscle-fascicle structures to overall MTU performance.
Paediatric suicide in the USA: analysis of the National Child Death Case Reporting System
Authors: Trigylidas Theodore E , Reynolds Eliza M , Teshome Getachew , Dykstra Heather K , Lichenstein Richard
Published: July 2016

Importance

Suicide is a leading cause of death among youths. The relationship between mental health, psychosocial factors and youth suicidality needs further analysis.

Objective

To describe paediatric suicide in the USA and the impact of mental health and substance abuse using the National Child Death Review Case Reporting System (CDR-CRS). To identify psychosocial correlates contributing to suicide and whether these factors are more common among individuals with history of mental illness or substance abuse.

Design

Deidentified data (CDR-CRS) from 2004 to 2012 was obtained from 29 participating states. Demographic data and psychosocial correlates, including age, gender, cause of death, history of mental illness and/or substance abuse, school concerns, previous suicide attempts and family history of suicide, were collected.

Results

A total of 2850 suicides were identified. Mean age was 15.6±1.9 years; (range 7–21 years) 73.6% male and 65.1% Caucasian. The leading causes of death were asphyxia (50.2%) and weapon/firearm (36.5%). Among all subjects, 25.5% had history of mental illness and 19.0% had history of substance abuse. 60.0% had no report of mental illness or substance abuse. Subjects with both mental illness and substance abuse were more likely to have school concerns (OR=4.1 (p<0.001)), previous suicide attempts (OR=4.2 (p<0.001)) and a family history of suicide (OR=3.2 (p<0.001)) compared with subjects without those characteristics.

Conclusions

Most suicide records in the CDR-CRS had no indication of mental illness or substance abuse. The youth with mental-illness/substance-abuse issues were more likely to have other compounding psychosocial correlates that may be warning signs of suicide.
Chromium behavior in aquatic environments: a review
Authors: Gorny Josselin , Billon Gabriel , Noiriel Catherine , Dumoulin David , Lesven Ludovic , Madé Benoît
Published: July 2016

The fate of chromium (Cr) – a redox sensitive metal – in surface sediments is closely linked to early diagenetic processes. This review summarizes the main redox pathways that have been clearly identified over recent decades concerning the behavior of Cr(III,VI) in aquatic environments, and applies them to surface sediments where data for redox speciation remain limited. Overall, abiotic redox reactions that govern the speciation of Cr involve manganese (Mn) (III,IV) (hydr)-oxydes for Cr(III) oxidation, Cr(VI)-reducing species (dissolved iron (Fe) (II) and hydrosulfide (HS)−), and Cr(VI)-reducing phases (ferrous and sulfide minerals, as well as Fe(II)-bearing minerals). Bacterial activity is also responsible for the redox interconversion between Cr(III) and Cr(VI): biotic reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) is observed through either detoxification or dissimilatory reduction. Whereas Mn(II)-oxidizing bacteria are known to promote indirect oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI), the reaction mechanisms are unresolved. Conversely, oxygen (O2), nitrate (NO3−), and nitrite (NO2−) do not appear to play any role in Cr(III) oxidation. Additionally, Mn(II) and ammonium (NH4+) are not known to promote Cr(VI) reduction. Once reduced, the mobility of Cr(III) in sediments is significantly restricted and regulated by precipitation and sorption processes. Finally, even if the role of natural organic matter in sediment has been determined, further research is required to identify the complexation mechanisms.
A Dynamic Pen-Based Interface for Writing and Editing Complex Mathematical Expressions With Math Boxes
Authors: Taranta Eugene M. , Vargas Andrés N. , Compton Spencer P. , Laviola Joseph J.
Published: July 2016

Math boxes
is a recently introduced pen-based user interface for simplifying the task of hand writing difficult mathematical expressions. Visible bounding boxes around subexpressions are automatically generated as the system detects relevant spatial relationships between symbols including superscripts, subscripts, and fractions. Subexpressions contained in a math box can then be extended by adding new terms directly into its given bounds. When new characters are accepted, box boundaries are dynamically resized and neighboring terms are translated to make room for the larger box. Feedback on structural recognition is given via the boxes themselves. In this work, we extend the math boxes interface to include support for subexpression modifications via a new set of pen-based interactions. Specifically, techniques to expand and rearrange terms in a given expression are introduced. To evaluate the usefulness of our proposed methods, we first conducted a user study in which participants wrote a variety of equations ranging in complexity from a simple polynomial to the more difficult expected value of the logistic distribution. The math boxes interface is compared against the commonly used
offset typeset (small)
method, where recognized expressions are typeset in a system font near the user’s unmodified ink. In this initial study, we find that the fluidness of the offset method is preferred for simple expressions but that, as difficulty increases, our math boxes method is overwhelmingly preferred. We then conducted a second user study that focused only on modifying various mathematical expressions. In general, participants worked faster with the math boxes interface, and most new techniques were well received. On the basis of the two user studies, we discuss the implications of the math boxes interface and identify areas where improvements are possible.
How Online Training Can Help Businesses Prepare for Brexit Uncertainty
Authors: McDonald Keir
Published: July 2016

In the wake of the results of UK's Brexit referendum, various uncertainties that different sectors will be facing under shifting legislation need to be addressed. Online training can help businesses prepare for this period of uncertainty.
Interteaching within a human physiology course: a comparison of first- and second-year students' learning skills and perceptions
Authors: Byrne Bruce , Guy Richard
Published: July 2016

This article describes student perceptions and outcomes in relation to the use of a novel interteaching approach. The study sample ( n = 260) was taken from a large human physiology class, which included both first- and second-year students. However, unlike the first-year students, the second-year students had significant prior knowledge, having completed a previous physiology course. Active learning, where students were required to engage with course material in a self-directed manner before tutorials and to identify areas of difficulty and discuss these within tutorial sessions, was a central component of the study. The second-year students adapted quickly to the novel approach, as indicated by stable levels of perceived difficulty and understanding. In contrast, the first-year students demonstrated a decrease in perceived difficulty and an increase in perceived individual understanding throughout the study. These results notwithstanding, there was a consistent low level of interest for both years but no significant difference between the first- and second-year individual and group learning skills by the end of the study, as measured by their performance in the tutorials. Overall, the results were encouraging, with both years achieving a reasonably high learning skill level (average: ∼70%) within the interteaching environment. The improvement of active learning shown by the first-year students may have compensated, to some extent, for the prior learning advantage of the second-year students, since both groups achieved similar marks in the written components of final exams for both interteaching modules.
Lighter Ingestion as an Uncommon Cause of Severe Vomiting in a Schizophrenia Patient
Authors: Atayan Yahya , Cagin Yasir Furkan , Erdogan Mehmet Ali , Bilgic Yılmaz , Bestas Remzi , Harputluoglu Murat , Seckin Yüksel
Published: July 2016

Background. Foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract are important morbid and mortal clinical conditions. Particularly, emergency treatment is required for cutting and drilling bodies. The majority of ingested foreign bodies (80–90%) leave gastrointestinal tract without creating problems. In 10–20% of cases, intervention is absolutely required. Less than 1% of cases need surgery. In this paper, we present a schizophrenia patient who swallowed multiple lighters.Case. A 21-year-old male schizophrenic patient who uses psychotic drugs presented to the emergency department with the complaints of abdominal pain, severe vomiting, and inability to swallow for a week. His physical examination revealed epigastric tenderness. A plain radiograph of the abdomen revealed multiple tiny metallic densities. Gastroscopy was performed. The lighters were not allowing the passage, and some of them had penetrated the gastric mucosa, and bezoars were observed. One lighter was extracted with the help of the polypectomy snare. Other lighters as a bezoar were removed by surgery.Conclusion. Excessive vomiting of swallowed foreign bodies in the etiology of psychotic patients should be kept in mind. Endoscopic therapy can be performed in the early stages in these patients, but in the late stage surgery is inevitable.
Mathematical Model of Homogeneous Corrosion of Steel Pipe Pile Foundation for Offshore Wind Turbines and Corrosive Action
Authors: Wang Kui , Zhao Ming-jie
Published: July 2016

In this paper, the nonlinear corrosion model under the combined action of the anticorrosion system and corrosive environment is chosen as the mathematical model of homogeneous corrosion of steel pipe pile foundation for the offshore wind turbine. Based on the mathematical model, a three-dimensional finite element model was established for the steel pipe pile foundation of the offshore wind turbine. And the homogeneous corrosion action of the steel pipe piles was calculated, and the reduction rules of the strength and stability of the steel pipe piles for wind turbines under different corrosion patterns are analyzed. According to the calculation results, the mathematical model can be used in the analysis of corrosion for steel pipe pile in the wind turbine. Under the normal operation conditions, the reduction rules of the strength and stability of the steel pipe piles contain three stages: no influence stage, negative exponential decrease stage, and stable stage. But under the extreme load conditions, the effect of corrosion is enormous for the strength and stability of the steel pipe pile.
High Serum FSH is Associated with Brown Oocyte Formation and a Lower Pregnacy Rate in Human IVF Parctice
Authors: Xu Hongyi , Deng Kai , Luo Qingbing , Chen Juan , Zhang Xin , Wang Xiaoyan , Diao Honglu , Zhang Changjun
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims: To investigate whether brown zona pellucida (ZP) of oocytes affects the outcome of fertilization, embryo quality and pregnancy rate in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Methods: Based on the ZP color of their oocytes, a total number of 703 patients dated from 2012 to 2014 were divided into a normal egg group (group A) and a brown oocyte group (group B), with 629 and 74 cases, respectively. Clinical characteristics, gonadotropin (Gn) days, Gn dosage, serum hormone levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection, ZP thickness (ZPT) of the eggs, fertilization rate, rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (rICSI) rate, good-quality embryo rate and pregnancy rate were compared between the two groups. Results: No significant differences were found in the duration and the causes of infertility, and their basal level of endocrine hormone before IVF-ET between normal egg group and brown egg group. The level of serum hormone including estradiol, progesterone and luteinizing hormone on the day of HCG injection were again similar. Moreover, there were no differences in number of mature oocytes, oocyte fertilization rates and rICSI rates after IVF between the two groups. However, we observed that the ZPT of brown oocytes (group B) was higher than that of normal oocytes (group A). Moreover, the Gn dosage and FSH levels on the day of HCG injection were significantly higher in group B than in group A and the good-quality embryo rate and pregnancy rate in group B were lower than those in group A. Conclusion: Compared with normal eggs, oocytes with a brown ZP were found to have a higher ZPT, lower embryo quality and lower pregnancy rate, which might be due to a high Gn dosage injection and high serum FSH levels during IVT-ET cycles.
TLR4 Overexpression Inhibits Endothelial PAS Domain-Containing Protein 1 Expression in the Lower Respiratory Tract of Patients with Chronic COPD
Authors: Li Hong , Yang Tian , Li Fei-Yan , Ning Qian , Sun Zhong-Min
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims: The study was designed to explore the potential relationship of TLR4 and endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 (EPAS1) in vivo and vitro experiments. Methods: Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected from 55 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and 25 healthy subjects. The differential cell count was performed using Wright-Giemsa staining. The expression levels of TLR4 and TLR5 were detected by RT-qPCR. The levels of methylation and mRNA expression of EPAS1 were assayed by bisulfite sequencing PCR and real-time PCR. The correlation of TLR4 and EPAS1 was also analyzed in TLR 4-overexpressing endothelial cells. Results: The results showed that the number of neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages and expression of TLR 4 were significantly increased in lower respiratory tract of COPD patients. Moreover, decreased EPAS1 mRNA and increased EPAS1 promoter methylation were detected in COPD, which were closely associated with increased TLR4 expression. According to in vitro experiments, TLR 4 inhibited EPAS1 mRNA expression and promoted promoter methylation in endothelial cells. Conclusion: These findings suggest that TLR4 over-expression decreased EPAS1expression which contributes to the progress of COPD.
Glomerular Epithelial Cells-Targeted Heme Oxygenase-1 Over Expression in the Rat: Attenuation of Proteinuria in Secondary But Not Primary Injury
Authors: Atsaves Vassilios , Makri Panagiota , Detsika Maria G. , Tsirogianni Alexandra , Lianos Elias A.
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims: Induction of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in glomerular epithelial cells (GEC) in response to injury is poor and this may be a disadvantage. We, therefore, explored whether HO-1 overexpression in GEC can reduce proteinuria induced by puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) or in anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibody (Ab)-mediated glomerulonephritis (GN). Methods: HO-1 overexpression in GEC (GECHO-1) of Sprague-Dawley rats was achieved by targeting a FLAG-human (h) HO-1 using transposon-mediated transgenesis. Direct GEC injury was induced by a single injection of PAN. GN was induced by administration of an anti-rat GBM Ab and macrophage infiltration in glomeruli was assessed by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis, which was also used to assess glomerular nephrin expression. Results: In GECHO-1 rats, FLAG-hHO-1 transprotein was co-immunolocalized with nephrin. Baseline glomerular HO-1 protein levels were higher in GECHO-1 compared to wild type (WT) rats. Administration of either PAN or anti-GBM Ab to WT rats increased glomerular HO-1 levels. Nephrin expression markedly decreased in glomeruli of WT or GECHO-1 rats treated with PAN. In anti-GBM Ab-treated WT rats, nephrin expression also decreased. In contrast, it was preserved in anti-GBM Ab-treated GECHO-1 rats. In these, macrophage infiltration in glomeruli and the ratio of urine albumin to urine creatinine (Ualb/Ucreat) were markedly reduced. There was no difference in Ualb/Ucreat between WT and GECHO-1 rats treated with PAN. Conclusion: Depending on the type of injury, HO-1 overexpression in GEC may or may not reduce proteinuria. Reduced macrophage infiltration and preservation of nephrin expression are putative mechanisms underlying the protective effect of HO-1 overexpression following immune injury.
Acceleration of Collagen Breakdown by Extracellular Basic pH in Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Park Gunhyuk , Oh Dal-Seok , Kim Yong-ung , Park Moon-Ki
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims: Wound healing is a complex regeneration process involving the degradation and reassembly of connective tissues and skin layers. Previous studies have shown that pH plays a signiﬁcant role in both the direct and indirect regulation of cellular processes in the wound, which, in turn, affect the wound healing process. However, the effects of pH on the collagen breakdown component of wound healing have yet to be investigated. Therefore, we investigated the induction of accelerated collagen breakdown by pH imbalance in the skin. Methods: Na+/H+ exchanger and metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 were analyzed spectrophotometrically, and the expression of collagen type-I-alpha-1 (COL1A1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was measured by Western blotting. Results: Accelerated collagen breakdown induced by extracellular basic pH via the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and MAPK signaling was examined in skin fibroblasts and in a three-dimensional human skin equivalent system. Basic pH (>7.50) upregulated MMP-1 and downregulated COL1A1 levels via ROS generation and MAPK signaling pathways. Acidic pH (<6.04) slightly upregulated MMP-1 and slightly downregulated COL1A1 levels via ROS generation and the p38 signaling pathway. Conclusion: Our results indicate that skin pH is an important effector of collagen formation in wound healing. This finding will aid in the development of new pH-targeted therapeutic strategies.
Different Seasonal Patterns in Song System Volume in Willow Tits and Great Tits
Authors: Longmoor Georgia K. , Lange C. Henrik , Darvell Hannah , Walker Lauren , Rytkönen Seppo , Vatka Emma , Hohtola Esa , Orell Markku , Smulders Tom V.
Published: July 2016

In most species of seasonally breeding songbirds studied to date, the brain areas that control singing (i.e. the song control system, SCS) are larger during the breeding season than at other times of the year. In the family of titmice and chickadees (Paridae), one species, the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus), shows the typical pattern of seasonal changes, while another species, the black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), shows, at best, very reduced seasonal changes in the SCS. To test whether this pattern holds up in the two Parid lineages to which these two species belong, and to rule out that the differences in seasonal patterns observed were due to differences in geography or laboratory, we compared the seasonal patterns in two song system nuclei volumes (HVC and Area X) in willow tits (Poecile montanus), closely related to black-capped chickadees, and in great tits (Parus major), more closely related to blue tits, from the same area around Oulu, Finland. Both species had larger gonads in spring than during the rest of the year. Great tit males had a larger HVC in spring than at other times of the year, but their Area X did not change in size. Willow tits showed no seasonal change in HVC or Area X size, despite having much larger gonads in spring than the great tits. Our findings suggest that the song system of willow tits and their relatives may be involved in learning and producing nonsong social vocalizations. Since these vocalizations are used year-round, there may be a year-round demand on the song system. The great tit and blue tit HVC may change seasonally because the demand is only placed on the song system during the breeding season, since they only produce learned vocalizations during this time. We suggest that changes were not observed in Area X because its main role is in song learning, and there is evidence that great tits do not learn new songs after their first year of life. Further study is required to determine whether our hypothesis about the role of the song system in the learned, nonsong vocalizations of the willow tit and chickadee is correct, and to test our hypothesis about the role of Area X in the great tit song system.
Cardiovascular Consequences of Prostanoid I Receptor Deletion in Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1–Deficient Hyperlipidemic Mice
Authors: Tang Soon Yew , Monslow James , R. Grant Gregory , Todd Leslie , Pawelzik Sven-Christian , Chen Lihong , Lawson John , Puré Ellen , FitzGerald Garret A.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 alleviate pain and reduce fever and inflammation by suppressing the biosynthesis of prostacyclin (PGI
2
) and prostaglandin E
2
. However, suppression of these prostaglandins, particularly PGI
2
, by cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition or deletion of its I prostanoid receptor also predisposes to accelerated atherogenesis and thrombosis in mice. By contrast, deletion of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 (mPGES-1) confers analgesia, attenuates atherogenesis, and fails to accelerate thrombogenesis, while suppressing prostaglandin E
2
, but increasing biosynthesis of PGI
2
.

Methods:

To address the cardioprotective contribution of PGI
2
, we generated mice lacking the I prostanoid receptor together with mPges-1 on a hyperlipidemic background (low-density lipoprotein receptor knockouts).

Results:

mPges-1 depletion modestly increased thrombogenesis, but this response was markedly further augmented by coincident deletion of the I prostanoid receptor (n=10–18). By contrast, deletion of the I prostanoid receptor had no effect on the attenuation of atherogenesis by mPGES-1 deletion in the low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice (n=17–21).

Conclusions:

Although suppression of prostaglandin E
2
accounts for the protective effect of mPGES-1 deletion in atherosclerosis, augmentation of PGI
2
is the dominant contributor to its favorable thrombogenic profile. The divergent effects on these prostaglandins suggest that inhibitors of mPGES-1 may be less likely to cause cardiovascular adverse effects than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs specific for inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2.
The Betrayal of the Unreliable Narrator: Deconstruction, Dualism, and the “Other Disciple” of John 18:15–16
Authors: Shinall Myrick C. , Hallum Christopher M.
Published: July 2016

One of the most troubling aspects of the Gospel of John is its tendency to create rigid dualisms between insiders and outsiders. This article uses the technique of deconstruction to undermine John’s characterization of the ultimate outsider: Judas. John inadvertently gives the reader the freedom to identify the anonymous figure of the other disciple who lets Peter into the high priest’s courtyard as Judas. Such identification leads to a deconstructive reading of the Gospel of John in which dualism collapses. With its ambiguities and aporias, the Gospel of John allows for the redemption of Judas when read deconstructively. The instability John’s dualism calls into question the validity of any strict binary that labels people as insiders or outsiders.
Effects of Urbanization and Climate Change on Peak Flows over the San Antonio River Basin, Texas
Authors: Zhao Gang , Gao Huilin , Cuo Lan
Published: July 2016

A thorough understanding of the peak flows under urbanization and climate change—with the associated uncertainties—is indispensable for mitigating the negative social, economic, and environmental impacts from flooding. In this paper, a case study was conducted by applying the Distributed Hydrology Soil Vegetation Model (DHSVM) to the San Antonio River basin (SARB), Texas. Historical and future land-cover maps were assembled to represent the urbanization process. Future climate and its uncertainties were represented by a series of designed scenarios using the Change Factor (CF) method. The factors were calculated by comparing the model ensemble from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) with baseline historical climatology during two future periods (2020–49, period 1; 2070–99, period 2). It was found that with urban impervious areas increasing alone, annual peak flows may increase from 601 (period 1) to 885 m3 s−1 (period 2). With regard to climate change, annual peak flows driven by forcings from maximum, median, and minimum CFs under four representative concentration pathways (RCPs) were analyzed. While the median values of future annual peak flows—forced by the median CF values—are very similar to the baseline under all RCPs, in each case the uncertainty range (calculated as the difference between annual peak flows driven by the maximum and minimum CFs) is very large. When urbanization and climate change coevolve, these averaged annual peak flows from the four RCPs will increase from 447 (period 1) to 707 m3 s−1 (period 2), with the uncertainties associated with climate change more than 3 times greater than those from urbanization.
Can Gridded Precipitation Data and Phenological Observations Reduce Basis Risk of Weather Index–Based Insurance?
Authors: Dalhaus Tobias , Finger Robert
Published: July 2016

Adverse weather events occurring at sensitive stages of plant growth can cause substantial yield losses in crop production. Agricultural insurance schemes can help farmers to protect their income against downside risks. While traditional indemnity-based insurance schemes need governmental support to overcome market failure caused by asymmetric information problems, weather index–based insurance (WII) products represent a promising alternative. In WII the payout depends on a weather index serving as a proxy for yield losses. However, the nonperfect correlation of yield losses and the underlying index, the so-called basis risk, constitutes a key challenge for these products. This study aims to contribute to the reduction of basis risk and thus to the addition of risk-reducing properties of WII. More specifically, the study tests whether grid data for precipitation (vs weather station data) and phenological observations (vs fixed time windows for index determination) that are provided by public institutions can reduce spatial and temporal basis risk and thus improve the performance of WII. An empirical example of wheat production in Germany is used.

No differences were found between using gridded and weather station precipitation, whereas the use of phenological observations significantly increases expected utility. However, even if grid data do not yet reduce basis risk, they enable overcoming several disadvantages of using station data and are thus useful for WII applications. Based on the study’s findings and the availability of these data in other countries, a massive potential for improving WII can be concluded.
Gender Differences in Lifestyle: Results of a Survey among Indian School-going Adolescents
Authors: Singh Arun Pratap , Misra Girishwar
Published: July 2016

Gendered segregation of lifestyle issues is of central importance in identifying gender-linked priorities of health education being followed in various schools with different economic-cultural settings. Therefore, this study has examined gender differences in multiple aspects of an adolescent’s lifestyle, including dietary habits, food consumption, sleep, sports, games, physical activity, sedentary and leisure patterns through an anonymous lifestyle survey. The survey questioned 1,500 Indian school-going adolescents from 18 schools located in various rural, urban and metro areas of the country. The results indicated that female adolescents in rural schools had the least positive dietary habits, and had a limited engagement in sports or games while male school-going adolescents fared less favourably in cultural activities. Urban and metro-urban female school going adolescents reported a greater engagement in sedentary activities than their rural counterparts. Such trends would suggest a crucial need to design and implement gender-sensitive health education.
Parenteral Nutrition Basics for the Clinician Caring for the Adult Patient
Authors: Derenski Karrie , Catlin Jennifer , Allen Livia
Published: July 2016

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a life‐sustaining therapy providing nutrients to individuals with impaired intestinal tract function and enteral access challenges. It is one of the most complex prescriptions written routinely in the hospital and home care settings. This article is to aid the nutrition support clinician in the safe provision of PN, including selecting appropriate patients for PN, vascular access, development of a PN admixture, appropriate therapy monitoring, recognition of preparation options, and awareness of preparation and stability concerns.
Tackling Health System Delays for Cancer Patients in LMICs: An Innovative Multicomponent Programmatic Intervention in Botswana
Authors: Tapela Neo M. , Pusoentsi Malebogo , Botebele Kerapetse , Peluso Michael , Nkele Isaac , Efstathiou Jason , Barak Tomer , Dryden-Peterson Scott
Published: July 2016

Abstract 67

Background:

Health system delays are a major contributor to poor outcomes among cancer patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Botswana, while median time from cancer-related symptom onset to first presentation at local health facility is 29 days, median time to initiation of cancer treatment is 401 days. Challenges to timely diagnosis and care include clinicians' lack of knowledge, limited diagnostic capacity, poor coordination between facilities, and socioeconomic barriers of patients that impede follow-up. We sought to develop an intervention to improve access to prompt cancer care.

Methods:

Participating facilities are all public health facilities (21 health posts, 14 clinics, 2 hospitals) in Botswana's Kweneng-East district as well as the national referral hospital. The five components of intervention are a) training of clinicians at primary facilities on evaluation of patients with suspected cancer, b) implementation of a standardized referral algorithm for cancer suspects, c) introduction of care-coordinator role to support patient and clinician navigation of the health system, d) use of SMS-based platform to support follow-up, e) provision of transport support for vulnerable patients. The primary endpoints are stage at cancer diagnosis and time from initial presentation to initiation of cancer treatment. Evaluation of the intervention's impact will include comparing endpoints following intervention with those at baseline and those among patients residing outside the Kweneng-East district.

Results:

Implementation of the above multi-component intervention will be presented, including a standardized algorithm to guide the evaluation, triage and referral of patients, an intensive one-day didactic training program that adapts curricula employed in the region, and the impact of training on knowledge.

Conclusion:

In conducting this study, we hope to identify effective program-based measures to reduce delays and improve cancer outcomes in Botswana. These measures may be scaled to other districts, and may be applicable to similar settings in the region.

AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST:

Neo M. Tapela No relationship to disclose Malebogo Pusoentsi No relationship to disclose Kerapetse Botebele No relationship to disclose Michael Peluso No relationship to disclose Isaac Nkele No relationship to disclose Jason Efstathiou Honoraria: Medivation/Astellas, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Consulting or Advisory Role: Medivation/Astellas, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Tomer Barak No relationship to disclose Scott Dryden-Peterson No relationship to disclose