bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Insulin-Like Growth Factor–1 and Leptin on Bone Mineral Content in Healthy Premenopausal Women
Authors: Jürimäe Jaak , Jürimäe Toivo
Published: July 2017

The aim of the present investigation was to study the influence of plasma insulin-like growth factor–1 (IGF-1) and leptin levels on bone mineral mass (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) in premenopausal women and the relationship between IGF-1 and leptin levels. Two hundred and four healthy women participated in this study. All participants had a body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2 and were matched for their level of mean daily energy expenditure. BMC and BMD were correlated with measured body composition and blood biochemical parameters. No association was observed between BMC and BMD values with measured physical performance characteristics. Leptin had a significant association with BMC (β = 0.840; P = 0.0001), total BMD (β = 0.833; P = 0.0001), femoral neck BMD (β = 0.829; P = 0.0001), and lumbar spine BMD (β = 0.833; P = 0.0001). However, these associations were no longer independent when adjusted for body fat mass (FM) and trunk fat:leg fat ratio (P > 0.385). IGF-1 was significantly related to BMC (β = 0.920; P = 0.0001), total BMD (β = 0.918; P = 0.0001), femoral neck BMD (β = 0.921; P = 0.0001), and lumbar spine BMD (β = 0.917; P = 0.0001), but did not remain significant when adjusted for fat free mass (FFM; P > 0.062). In addition, a significant association between IGF-1 and leptin was found (β = 0.801; P = 0.0001), and it remained significant after controlling for age, FM, FFM, insulin, and fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI), but not when adjusted for BMC and body mass values. In conclusion, it appears that fasting IGF-1 and leptin concentrations have no direct effect on BMC and BMD values. In addition, if there is an important relationship between IGF-1 and leptin, it is mediated or confounded by BMC in premenopausal women.
African American Fathers’ Occupational Participation: “Keeping the Mothers in a Positive Vibe”
Authors: Pizur-Barnekow Kris , Pate David , Lazar Katie , Paul Nelly , Pritchard Kathleen , Morris George
Published: July 2017

Infant mortality is a major public health issue in the United States that disproportionally affects African Americans. Evidence suggests reducing stress on African American women and engaging African American fathers may improve health and social outcomes for families. This study sought to understand the experiences of African American fathers through a positivistic lens and to inform future interventions that support father engagement. A descriptive, qualitative study using the Person, Environment, Occupation–Performance (PEO-P) model as a framework for analysis was conducted involving 45 fathers participating in four focus groups and one member-checking group. An initial content analysis was followed by constant comparative methods to identify categories related to the PEO-P model. Transcripts revealed a range of factors that enable or inhibit fathers’ occupational performance and engagement including environmental barriers such as societal expectations and perceptions. Occupational therapy practitioners may utilize population health approaches to support African American fathers’ occupational engagement.
An Exploration of Current Approaches to and Facilities for Spiritual Care Provision in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Timmins Fiona , Caldeira Sílvia , Murphy Maryanne , Pujol Nicolas , Sheaf Greg , Weathers Elizabeth , Whelan Jacqueline , Flanagan Bernadette
Published: July 2017

This study aimed to explore current approaches to and facilities for spiritual care provision in the Republic of Ireland. The findings identify that providing spiritual care to patients is a key component of hospital policy. Spiritual support is identified as the responsibility of the whole healthcare team with specific responsibility being attributed to the healthcare chaplain. Most sites provided a sacred space or quiet place for clients, visitors and staff to contemplate.
Combination linear lines of position and neural network for mobile station location estimation
Authors: Chen Chien-Sheng
Published: July 2017

To enhance the effectiveness and accuracy of mobile station location estimation, author utilizes time of arrival measurements from three base stations and one angle of arrival information at the serving base station to locate mobile station in non-line-of-sight environments. This article makes use of linear lines of position, rather than circular lines of position, to give location estimation of the mobile station. It is much easier to solve two linear line equations rather than nonlinear circular ones. Artificial neural networks are widely used techniques in various areas due to overcoming the problem of exclusive and nonlinear relationships. The proposed algorithms employ the intersections of three linear lines of position and one angle of arrival line, based on Levenburg–Marquardt algorithm, to determine the mobile station location without requiring a priori information about the non-line-of-sight error. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithms can always provide much better location estimation than Taylor series algorithm, hybrid lines of position algorithm as well as the geometrical positioning methods for different levels of biased, unbiased, and distance-dependent non-line-of-sight errors.
Efficacy of the Novel Medical Adhesive, MAR-VIVO-107, in an Acute Porcine Liver Resection Model
Authors: Tanaka Hirokazu , Fukushima Kenji , Srinivasan Pramod Kadaba , Pawlowsky Kerstin , Koegel Babette , Hata Koichiro , Ku Yonson , Uemoto Shinji , Tolba René H.
Published: July 2017

Background. Despite modern surgical techniques, insufficient hemostasis after liver trauma is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality after injury. Therefore, efficient hemostatic agents are indicated. In this study, we evaluated the hemostatic efficacy of a novel synthetic wound adhesive (MAR-VIVO-107) based on polyurethane/polyurea, compared with a widely used fibrin adhesive (Tisseel). Materials and Methods. Twelve German Landrace pigs were randomly assigned to 2 groups. The animals were operated under sterile conditions. A midline laparotomy was performed and the left liver lobe was isolated and resected, using a surgical scissor, in order to induce hepatic trauma. MAR-VIVO-107 or Tisseel was applied to the resected area. The animals were monitored for 60 minutes; thereafter, they were sacrificed under anesthesia. Blood and tissue samples were collected pre- and postresection for biochemical and hematological analyses. Results. MAR-VIVO-107 versus Tisseel (mean ± SD, P value)—postsurgical survival rate was 100% in both groups. Bleeding time was significantly higher in Tisseel compared with MAR-VIVO-107 (10.3 ± 5.0 vs 3.7 ± 1.5 minutes, P = .0124). In trend, blood loss was less in the MAR-VIVO-107 group (54.3 ± 34.9 vs 105.5 ± 65.8 g, P = .222). Aspartate transaminase levels were significantly lower in the MAR-VIVO-107 group when compared with the Tisseel group (39.0 ± 10.0 vs 72.4 ± 23.4 U/L, P = .0459). Conclusion. The efficacy of MAR-VIVO-107 and comparable performance to the gold standard fibrin have been shown under pre-clinical conditions. MAR-VIVO-107 permits hemorrhage control within seconds, even in wet environment.
‘Clear as Mud’: Toward Greater Clarity in Generic Qualitative Research
Authors: Caelli Kate , Ray Lynne , Mill Judy
Published: July 2017

We have observed a growth in the number of qualitative studies that have no guiding set of philosophic assumptions in the form of one of the established qualitative methodologies. This lack of allegiance to an established qualitative approach presents many challenges for “generic qualitative” studies, one of which is that the literature lacks debate about how to do a generic study well. We encourage such debate and offer four basic requirements as a point of departure: noting the researchers' position, distinguishing method and methodology, making explicit the approach to rigor, and identifying the researchers' analytic lens.
I'm Okay, You're Okay?: Reflections on the Well-Being and Ethical Requirements of Researchers and Research Participants in Conducting Qualitative Fieldwork Interviews
Authors: Mitchell Wendy , Irvine Annie
Published: July 2017

In this paper the authors present their reflections on a U.K. government–funded study exploring mental health and employment. Conducting research on a sensitive theme with a potentially vulnerable group gave renewed focus to some social research issues, including consent and control, rapport building, managing and responding to emotion, and offering appropriate longer term support. The researchers discuss their personal approaches and experiences (practical, methodological, ethical) during and after the fieldwork process. In the paper the authors highlight some of the challenges they faced and discuss how these were addressed and managed, sometimes differently, and not always resolved. They demonstrate the need for researchers to be aware of their “research footprint,” in particular the need to be reflexive and responsive to participants' emotional well-being, and for funders and employers to also be sensitive to and mindful of the demands of social research, including impacts on researchers' well-being.
Effect of the dynamic stiffness of a five-axis machine tool on the quality of sculptured surface
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Qingzhao , Jiang Yunfeng
Published: July 2017

To achieve high quality of sculptured surface, a five-axis machine center must have excellent dynamic behavior. This article gives a new way to characterize and present the performance of machine center on milling sculptured surface which is constrained by the dynamic stiffness. First, the formation mechanism of surface quality is explained in intermittent milling process. It is mainly affected by the vibration frequency of cutting behavior. Second, the concept of dynamic stiffness of machine center is proposed and calculated based on the movement of multi-axis. To elaborate such effect, the map of dynamic stiffness on a sculptured surface, S part is obtained. The change of stiffness causes the different vibration frequency and then leads to different surface quality. Finally, experiments are conducted on S part by microscope and the waviness measurement. The results demonstrate the proposed method is very close to the true one. Presenting, measuring, and controlling the surface quality are easy for the user to understand the challenging performance of the machine center on milling sculptured surface.
Robust cooperative path tracking control algorithm for multi-vessel
Authors: Jiao Jianfang , Wang Guang
Published: July 2017

The issue of distributed cooperative path tracking control for multi-vessel in the presence of ocean currents has addressed in this article. The proposed cooperative control approach is achieved by designing the guidance system and the control system. In order to achieve the multi-vessel’s coordination with the desired spatial formation, the guidance system is designed based on the strategy of virtual leader for supplying the desire path and relevant parameters for each vessel. In addition, a robust cooperative path tracking controller is designed to reject the disturbance of unknown ocean currents using the backstepping method and the adaptive control technology. The synchronization between all the vessels is achieved by defining same path parameter and same speed along the path through the guidance system. Global asymptotic stability is guaranteed by Lyapunov-based technique for the whole control system. The effectiveness of the proposed cooperative path tracking control method is demonstrated by numerical simulation.
The Great White Hope: Social Control and the Psychological Wages of Whiteness
Authors: Chang Robert S.
Published: July 2017

In the run-up to and aftermath of the 2016 US presidential election, much has been made of the so-called “white working class.” Some credit or blame this group for the election’s outcome. Others warn against treating this group as monolithic. Yet despite any difficulties in defining this group and what might be ascribed to them, there appears to be an intensification of white racial identity among a growing segment of America’s white population. This article seeks to explore the dynamics of racial identity and racial contest and what they might presage for the possibility of achieving racial justice.
Judging Violent Resistances: Camus’s Artistic Sensibility and the Grey Zone of Rebellion
Authors: Mrovlje Maša
Published: July 2017

The article engages the grey zone of violent resistance – the morally ambiguous situations facing liberation activists that have generally fallen outside the grasp of transitional justice scholarship. For this purpose, it draws on Albert Camus’s artistic sensibility, reconstructing how his artistic appeal to the limits of rebellion can tackle the difficulty of judging violent resistance. The article demonstrates the relevance of Camus’s artistic sensibility on the case of the armed anti-apartheid struggle. It analyses two South African novels, Afrika’s The Innocents and Wicomb’s David’s Story, in an attempt to show how their literary insights can enrich the official vision of reconciliation as propounded by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Meta-synthesis of fathers’ experiences raising children on the autism spectrum
Authors: Lashewicz Bonnie M , Shipton Leah , Lien Kevin
Published: July 2017

Parents raising children with autism have distinct experiences that influence their well-being, relationships, engagement with the public, and interaction with education and healthcare systems. However, experiences of fathers of children with autism have been largely overlooked by researchers. This meta-synthesis is our synthesis of qualitative accounts of fathers’ experiences and we included peer reviewed and gray literature articles that: (1) reported primary qualitative research, (2) included fathers of children with autism as participants, and (3) reported qualitative findings on the first-hand experiences of fathers of children with autism. Studies were appraised for quality and many theoretical and methodological deficiencies identified. Six studies met quality appraisal criteria and three main themes of findings from these studies were generated: (1) adaptation and concern with the future, (2) the importance of cultural context, and (3) reverence for one’s child and new opportunities. Fathers’ experiences illuminate a need for father-oriented resources that recognize fathers’ value in children’s lives.
Elevated levels of circulating cell-free DNA and neutrophil proteins are associated with neonatal sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in immature mice, pigs and infants
Authors: Nguyen Duc Ninh , Stensballe Allan , Lai Jacqueline CY , Jiang Pingping , Brunse Anders , Li Yanqi , Sun Jing , Mallard Carina , Skeath Tom , Embleton Nicholas D , Berrington Janet E , Sangild Per T
Published: July 2017

Preterm infants are highly susceptible to late-onset sepsis (LOS) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), but disease pathogenesis and specific diagnostic markers are lacking. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and immune cell-derived proteins are involved in multiple immune diseases in adults but have not been investigated in preterm neonates. We explored the relation of circulating neutrophil-associated proteins and cfDNA to LOS and/or NEC. Using a clinically relevant preterm pig model of spontaneous LOS and NEC development, we investigated neutrophil-associated proteins and cfDNA in plasma, together with cytokines in gut tissues. The changes in cfDNA levels were further studied in preterm pigs and neonatal mice with induced sepsis, and in preterm infants with or without LOS and/or NEC. Fifteen of 114 preterm pigs spontaneously developed both LOS and NEC, and they showed increased intestinal levels of IL-6 and IL-1β and plasma levels of cfDNA, neutrophil-associated proteins, and proteins involved in platelet-neutrophil interaction during systemic inflammation. The abundance of neutrophil-associated proteins highly correlated with cfDNA levels. Further, Staphylococcus epidermidis challenge of neonatal mice and preterm pigs increased plasma cfDNA levels and bacterial accumulation in the spleen. In infants, plasma cfDNA levels were elevated at LOS diagnosis and 1–6 d before NEC. In conclusion, elevated levels of plasma cfDNA and neutrophil proteins are associated with LOS and NEC diagnosis.
Confirmation and certification of death
Authors: Simmons Will
Published: July 2017

The duty of a doctor to a patient continues after the death of that patient. All GPs should have a good working knowledge of the processes around confirmation and certification of death. These processes involve the completion of detailed, and sometimes unfamiliar, paperwork. Knowledge of the process can help avoid unnecessary errors that can cause distress to families at a difficult time. The coronial system has issued guidance, and understanding of this guidance can aid smooth multidisciplinary working, reduce pressure on GPs and help bereaved relatives.
Spider Monkeys in Human-Modified Landscapes
Authors: Arroyo-Rodríguez Víctor , Pérez-Elissetche Gloria Karina , Ordóñez-Gómez José D. , González-Zamora Arturo , Chaves Óscar M. , Sánchez-López Sònia , Chapman Colin A. , Morales-Hernández Karenina , Pablo-Rodríguez Miriam , Ramos-Fernández Gabriel
Published: July 2017

With the extant of tropical forest degradation, primates increasingly inhabit forest patches embedded in anthropogenic matrices. Such matrices are composed of different land cover types (e.g., agricultural lands and cattle pastures), but large uncertainty remains about the ability of primates to use these land covers. Here, we assessed the use of the landscape matrix by spider monkeys ( Ateles geoffroyi) in 13 forest sites from three countries (Mexico, Costa Rica, and El Salvador). Based on ad libitum records from >212 months of field observations, we found that spider monkeys used four types of land covers for feeding or traveling: secondary vegetation, isolated trees, tree crops, and vegetation corridors. Secondary vegetation was more frequently used than the other land covers. The number of land covers present in the matrix was positively related to the number of land covers used for traveling and feeding. Monkeys consumed 53 plant species in the matrix, mostly native and old-growth or late-successional forest species, although they also used three cultivated tree species. Most species were trees, especially from preferred food species, although monkeys also used palms, lianas, and shrubs. Monkeys fed principally from fruits, but they also used leaves, wood, and flowers. Most species were used from secondary vegetation and isolated trees. These findings suggest that the landscape matrix can provide supplementary food sources for this endangered primate and opportunities for traveling (i.e., spatial connectivity) in human-modified landscapes—information that can be used to improve conservation strategies, especially under the context of land-sharing management strategies (e.g., agroforestry).
An Evaluation of Students’ Interest in and Compliance With Self-Tracking Methods
Authors: Harari Gabriella M. , Müller Sandrine R. , Mishra Varun , Wang Rui , Campbell Andrew T. , Rentfrow Peter J. , Gosling Samuel D.
Published: July 2017

Self-tracking consists of recording the behaviors that occur in one’s daily life. Self-tracking studies can provide researchers with passively sensed information about individual’s daily behaviors and environments and actively logged information (e.g., self-reports). This method has great promise for obtaining detailed records of behavior in naturalistic contexts, but it is not known what factors would motivate individuals to participate in self-tracking studies. Here, we analyze students’ interest in self-tracking and their compliance with self-tracking using smartphones. Three dimensions of self-tracking motivations were identified: productivity and health behaviors, well-being and daily activities, and social life on campus; these motivations were related to participation preferences and individual characteristics. We also present evidence from three studies that suggest personalized feedback combined with other incentives (course credit toward a class assignment, monetary compensation, or a prize reward) can be an effective recruitment strategy. Recommendations for the design of future self-tracking studies are presented.
Hadza Color Terms Are Sparse, Diverse, and Distributed, and Presage the Universal Color Categories Found in Other World Languages
Authors: Lindsey Delwin T. , Brown Angela M. , Brainard David H. , Apicella Coren L.
Published: July 2017

In our empirical and theoretical study of color naming among the Hadza, a Tanzanian hunter-gatherer group, we show that Hadza color naming is sparse (the color appearance of many stimulus tiles was not named), diverse (there was little consensus in the terms for the color appearance of most tiles), and distributed (the universal color categories of world languages are revealed in nascent form within the Hadza language community, when we analyze the patterns of how individual Hadza deploy color terms). Using our Hadza data set, Witzel shows an association between two measures of color naming performance and the chroma of the stimuli. His prediction of which colored tiles will be named with what level of consensus, while interesting, does not alter the validity of our conclusions.
Factors influencing outcomes in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome: a nine‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Clavé Mariana M. , Maeda Nair Y. , Castro Claudia R. P. , Bydlowski Sergio P. , Lopes Antonio A.
Published: July 2017

In patients with Eisenmenger syndrome, life expectancy is usually longer than in patients with other forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We conducted a cohort study in which patients were followed over a long period of time in an attempt to identify potential predictors of clinical outcomes. Sixty‐seven treatment‐naïve patients were enrolled (age range = 12–60 years; median age = 33 years). Baseline demographic, diagnostic, and functional parameters, plasma levels of endothelial dysfunction markers, and treatment‐related data were tested for possible correlations with event‐free survival. Patients were started on oral PAH drugs at the beginning of follow‐up (n = 23), during follow‐up (n = 33), or remained untreated (n = 11). The duration of follow‐up was 0.54–9.89 years (median = 7.13 years), with an overall survival rate of 82% and an event‐free survival rate of 70%. The estimated mean for event‐free survival time was 7.71 years (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.86–8.55 years). Of the 16 variables that were analyzed, the duration of exposure to PAH drugs was identified as an independent protective factor (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.25 for quartiles, 95% CI = 0.14–0.47, P < 0.001). The initial functional class (HR = 3.07; 95% CI = 1.01–9.34; P = 0.048), the severity of right ventricular dysfunction (HR = 2.51 [mild, moderate or severe dysfunction]; 95% CI = 1.22–5.19; P = 0.013) and plasma von Willebrand factor concentration (HR = 1.74 for quartiles; 95% CI = 1.07–2.83; P = 0.026) were identified as risk factors. The length of exposure to oral PAH therapies influences survival favorably in Eisenmenger patients. This may be of interest for communities where access to medications is restricted.
Endoscopic screening for gastric cancer: A cost‐utility analysis for countries with an intermediate gastric cancer risk
Authors: Areia Miguel , Spaander Manon CW , Kuipers Ernst J , Dinis‐Ribeiro Mário
Published: July 2017

Background

Endoscopic screening for gastric cancer is debatable in countries with an intermediate risk.

Objective

The objective of this article is to determine the cost‐utility of screening strategies for gastric cancer in a European country.

Methods

We conducted a cost‐utility analysis using a Markov model comparing three screening strategies versus no screening: stand‐alone upper endoscopy, endoscopy combined with a colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy after a positive faecal occult blood test or pepsinogens serologic screening. Clinical data were collected from systematic reviews, costs from published national data and utilities as quality‐adjusted life years (QALY). The primary outcome was the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER). Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. The threshold was set at €37,000 (2016 prices).

Results

Upper endoscopy combined with screening colonoscopy (every 10 or 5 years) had an ICER of 15,407/QALY and €30,908/QALY respectively, stand‐alone endoscopic screening (every five years) an ICER of €70,693/QALY and pepsinogens screening an ICER of €143,344/QALY. Sensitivity analyses revealed that only endoscopic costs <€75, a provision of only three endoscopies per patient or a gastric cancer risk >25/100,000 would make stand‐alone endoscopic screening cost‐effective.

Conclusion

Endoscopic gastric cancer screening in Europe can be cost‐effective if combined with a screening colonoscopy in countries with a gastric cancer risk ≥10 per 100,000.
Youthful hours: Shifting poll-opening times manipulates voter demographics
Authors: Urbatsch R.
Published: July 2017

People vary in their preferred times of day for activity. Notably, as individuals age, their daily energy and attention typically peaks earlier in the day. When voting is permitted may then affect voters’ age distribution, even when holding constant the number of hours polls are open. Data from along the time-zone border in Kentucky, where poll-availability hours vary, supports this hypothesis: places where voting hours are later see higher turnout rates among younger voters and lower turnout rates among older voters. The one-hour delay in voting hours reduces older registrants’ turnout, and boosts younger registrants’, by roughly three percentage points.
Marketplace Clinics Complementing Diabetes Care for Urban Residing American Indians
Authors: Rick Robert , Hoye Robert E. , Thron Raymond W. , Kumar Vibha
Published: July 2017

Introduction: For several decades, the Minneapolis American Indian population has experienced limited health care access and threefold diabetes health disparity. As part of an urban health initiative, the marketplace clinics located in nearby CVS, Target, and Supervalu stores committed financial support, providers, certified educators, and pharmacy staff for a community-based diabetes support group. Objectives: To measure the extent to which collaborating marketplace clinics and the community-based support group expanded diabetes care and provided self-management education for this largely urban Indian neighborhood. Methods: A controlled quasi-experimental study and 3-years retrospective analysis of secondary data were used to test whether the Minneapolis marketplace clinics and the community diabetes support group participants (n = 48) had improved diabetes health outcomes relative to the comparison group (n = 87). The marketplace complemented intervention group employed motivational interviewing and the patient activation measure (PAM®) in coaching diabetes self-care and behavioral modification. The federally funded comparison group received only basic self-management education. Results: T tests and effect sizes were used to quantify the difference between the study intervention and comparison groups. Statistical significance was determined for the following outcome variables: A1C ( P < .01), body mass index ( P < .04), and PAM® ( P < .001). Discussion: Includes strengths, limitations, and future study recommendations. Conclusions: Positive effects of marketplace clinics and community health complementation were found with regard to improved blood glucose control, weight loss, and healthful lifestyle adaptation. Primary care and community health improvements could be realized by incorporating patient activation with diabetes prevention programs for the urban Indian two-thirds majority of the United States 5 million American Indian population.
An Exploratory Study of Autonomic Function Investigations in Hemophiliacs on Homoeopathy Medications Using Impedance Plethysmography
Authors: Kundu Tapas K. , Barde Pradip B. , Jindal Ghanshyam D. , Motiwala Farooq F.
Published: July 2017

Background.

Status of autonomic homoeostasis in hemostasic disturbances due to hemophilia needs to be studied.

Objectives.

To compare autonomic nervous system markers measured by heart rate variability (HRV) and blood flow variability (BFV) in hemophiliacs and healthy age-matched control population using medical analyzer system.

Design.

Cross-sectional study.

Settings.

Motiwala Homoeopathy Medical College, and Hemophilia Clinics, Nashik.

Subjects.

Eighty subjects.

Interventions.

Nil.

Outcome Measures.

Autonomic function markers for HRV and BFV.

Results.

Among 80 subjects, BFV time domain measure, root mean square of successive NN (normal-to-normal) interval differences (RMSSD), was significantly higher among hemophiliacs than nonhemophiliacs. Frequency domain analysis parameter, low frequency for both HRV and BFV was significantly higher among hemophiliacs as compared with nonhemophiliacs.

Conclusions.

Hemophiliacs were shown to have higher autonomic activity as compared with healthy controls. Homoeopathic medicines used as an adjunct was associated with decrease in parasympathetic modulations.
Cytotoxic and Immunomodulatory Potential Activity of Physalis peruviana Fruit Extracts on Cervical Cancer (HeLa) and Fibroblast (L929) Cells
Authors: Mier-Giraldo Helen , Díaz-Barrera Luis Eduardo , Delgado-Murcia Lucy Gabriela , Valero-Valdivieso Manuel Fernando , Cáez-Ramírez Gabriela
Published: July 2017

It was purposed to evaluate the biological potential of ethanol and isopropanol crude extracts of ripe Physalis peruviana fruits. Cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects of the expression of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were evaluated on human cervical cancer (HeLa) and murine fibroblast (L929) cells. The composition was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography diode-array detection and high-performance liquid chromatography ultraviolet/visible detection. The presence of ursolic acid and rosmarinic acid was found in both solvents. However, gallic acid, quercetin, and epicatechin were higher in isopropanol extracts ( P < .05). The results indicated a relationship among the total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxic activity that was dependent on the solvent used. Isopropanol extracts presented a half-maximal inhibition concentration value (IC50) of 60.48 ± 3.8 μg/mL for HeLa cells and 66.62 ± 2.67 μg/mL for L929 fibroblasts. The extracts reduced the release of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and MCP-1 in a dose-dependent manner. Extracts showed anticancer and immunomodulatory potential for new complementary pharmaceutical products development.
Surgery of patellar fractures using a medial parapatellar approach
Authors: Yoon Yong-Cheol , Sim Jae-Ang , Hong Jin-Hun
Published: July 2017

Purpose:

The general surgical approach for patellar fractures has a significant weakness, in that the articular facet is invisible because the fixation is performed using radiation amplifiers after exposing the fracture site through vertical or transverse dissection on the anterior patella. We report excellent outcomes in the surgical treatment of patellar fractures, using a medial parapatellar approach.

Methods:

This study evaluated 20 patients who underwent surgery between August 2008 and April 2014 to correct patellar fractures with comminution or with displacement of the articular facet of ≥2 mm and who had ≥1 year of follow-up. Surgery was performed using anatomical reduction with direct exposure of the articular facet of the patella via a medial parapatellar approach. Bone union, severity of displacement, range of motion (ROM) of the patella, and complications were evaluated after surgery, and patellar function was evaluated using the Lysholm knee score.

Results:

Bone union was achieved in all cases, and average displacement of the articular facet decreased from 3.2 mm (range: 1.2–7.3 mm) preoperatively to 0.2 mm (range: 0–0.5 mm) postoperatively. No particular postsurgical complication was observed. All cases had a normal ROM, and the average Lysholm score at final follow-up was 96.2 points.

Conclusion:

Anatomical fixation of the articular facet via a medial parapatellar approach appears to be suitable for patellar fractures, which are intra-articular.
The Influence of Business Students’ Listening Styles on Their Compassion and Self-Compassion
Authors: Ramos Salazar Leslie
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the four listening styles of business communication students on their demonstration of compassion for others and themselves. A sample of 387 business students completed a questionnaire that inquired about their perceptions of their preferred listening style, their compassion for others, and their self-compassion for those in a given organization. This study found that people listening positively affected both compassion and self-compassion. Another finding was that action listening negatively affected both compassion and self-compassion. Other findings are also discussed along with future directions.
Achievement Goal Task Framing and Fit With Personal Goals Modulate the Neurocognitive Response to Corrective Feedback
Authors: Mangels Jennifer A. , Rodriguez Sylvia , Ochakovskaya Yuliya , Guerra-Carrillo Belén
Published: July 2017

Past studies have demonstrated the educational impact of achievement goals, but have not yet captured their effects at a critical learning moment—students’ response to negative feedback and their subsequent engagement with error remediation opportunities. We used event-related potentials to investigate how neural substrates of feedback processing were influenced by a within-subjects manipulation of mastery and performance goals. Task goal framing did not affect event-related potentials to performance feedback, but did modulate neural activity predicting successful learning. Under a mastery frame, successful learning modulated fronto-temporal activity linked with semantic processing; under a performance frame, it modulated parieto-occipital activity linked with perceptual processing. A match (“fit”) between task and personal goals intensified these neural differences under both goal frames, but mastery goals were additionally sensitive to goal presentation order. Mastery goals may motivate better learning strategies, but are more vulnerable to modulation by students’ own goal dispositions and prior experiences.
Now and at the Hour of Death
Authors: Wieczorek Susan M
Published: July 2017

With Alzheimer disease, the challenge of death can be unique to each who experience it: the caretaker, the family, the health-care professional, and the victim himself. Death of personality, of memory, and of physical skills wears away the fabric of relationships, leaving little hope of any return to normalcy. To some, this reflection exhibits how faith sustains hope and comforts those afflicted, despite the odds of inevitable loss. To others it reflects upon the poignant complexities associated with palliative care and the demand for individualized attention to the beliefs, norms, and values of each situation, no matter the culture, religion, age, or race. No two cases are ever the same in the face of death, yet for those who experience it, all must appreciate how difficult, unique, personal, and memorable such moments can be.
Environmental Consequences of Moral Disinhibition
Authors: York Richard
Published: July 2017

The author introduces the concept of the moral disinhibition effect as a partial explanation for some unanticipated and/or unintended consequences of technologies. The moral disinhibition effect relates to how a reduction in an undesirable consequence of consuming a particular good or service (such as carbon emissions per unit of electricity consumption) may reduce societal or individual-level inhibition about overusing such a good or service and thereby increase demand and, potentially, the total consequence. The author explains the concept at both the individual and societal levels and specifies it using mathematical formalisms.
STIM1 and STIM2 cooperatively regulate mouse neutrophil store-operated calcium entry and cytokine production
Authors: Clemens Regina A. , Chong Joshua , Grimes Derayvia , Hu Yongmei , Lowell Clifford A.
Published: July 2017

Key Points

STIM1 and STIM2 cooperatively regulate neutrophil SOCE. The interaction of oxidative stress and calcium signaling pathways imparts a specific role for STIM2 in neutrophil cytokine synthesis.
Treated secondary acute myeloid leukemia: a distinct high-risk subset of AML with adverse prognosis
Authors: Boddu Prajwal , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Ravandi Farhad , Verstovsek Srdan , Jabbour Elias , Borthakur Gautam , Konopleva Marina , Bhalla Kapil N. , Daver Naval , DiNardo Courtney D. , Benton Christopher B. , Takahashi Koichi , Estrov Zeev , Pierce Sherry R. , Andreeff Michael , Cortes Jorge E. , Kadia Tapan M.
Published: July 2017

Key Points

ts-AML (arising from treated antecedent hematological disorder) is less responsive to currently applied treatment strategies. Future trial designs should accommodate this entity as a distinct category, and patients would be best evaluated on investigational therapies.
Carbon Black Nanoparticles Inhibit Aromatase Expression and Estradiol Secretion in Human Granulosa Cells Through the ERK1/2 Pathway
Authors: Simon Violaine , Avet Charlotte , Grange-Messent Valérie , Wargnier Richard , Denoyelle Chantal , Pierre Alice , Dairou Julien , Dupret Jean-Marie , Cohen-Tannoudji Joëlle
Published: July 2017

Secretion of 17-β-estradiol (E2) by human granulosa cells can be disrupted by various environmental toxicants. In the current study, we investigated whether carbon black nanoparticles (CB NPs) affect the steroidogenic activity of cultured human granulosa cells. The human granulosa cell line KGN and granulosa cells from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization were treated with increasing concentrations of CB NPs (1 to 100 µg/mL) together or not with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). We observed that CB NPs are internalized in KGN cells without affecting cell viability. CB NPs could be localized in the cytoplasm, within mitochondria and in association with the outer face of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. In both cell types, CB NPs reduced in a dose-dependent manner the activity of aromatase enzyme, as reflected by a decrease in E2 secretion. A significant decrease was observed in response to CB NPs concentrations from 25 and 50 µg/mL in KGN cell line and primary cultures, respectively. Furthermore, CB NPs decreased aromatase protein levels in both cells and reduced aromatase transcript levels in KGN cells. CB NPs rapidly activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 in KGN cells and pharmacological inhibition of this signaling pathway using PD 98059 significantly attenuated the inhibitory effects of CB NPs on CYP19A1 gene expression and aromatase activity. CB NPs also inhibited the stimulatory effect of FSH on aromatase expression and activity. Altogether, our study on cultured ovarian granulosa cells reveals that CB NPs decrease estrogens production and highlights possible detrimental effect of these common NPs on female reproductive health.
Lady Windermere syndrome
Authors: Kumfer Ann Marie , Edriss Hawa
Published: July 2017

Non-tuberculosis Mycobacterium spp (NTM) pulmonary disease is increasing in incidenceand is a common cause of undiagnosed lung disease in older patients. NTM pulmonarydisease occurring in patients without preexisting lung disease was only recently described byPrince in 1988. In 1992, Reich and Johnson presented a case series of six women describinga predilection of Mycobacterium spp pulmonary disease for the middle lobe, and its homolog,the lingula, in elderly women without preexisting pulmonary disease. Later high resolutioncomputed tomography studies (HRCT) showed that the characteristic image findings in thesecases were nodules and bronchiectasis most commonly occurring in the middle lobe andlingula. This subtype of disease is now usually referred to as nodular bronchiectasis, andsome researchers have doubted whether there really is a predilection for the middle lobe.Although Reich and Johnson hypothesized that cough suppression in “polite” women was themechanism of disease, there are no large studies which support this idea. Mutations in thecystic fibrosis transmembrane receptor, unique skeletal phenotypes, and impaired function ofthe modulators of granuloma formation are the most common characteristics found in patientswith nodular bronchiectasis. These patients usually respond well to clarithromycin-based multidrugregimens, but surgery is sometimes required to resect the infected regions of the lung.
Updates on management of advanced heart failure
Authors: Bas Hatice Duygu , Baser Kazim , Nair Nandini
Published: July 2017

Advanced heart failure defines a subset of patients with heart failure with reduced ejectionfraction having severe symptoms despite usual recommended therapy. These patients requirefrequent hospitalizations and specialized interventions, such as cardiac transplantation,implantation of mechanical circulatory support devices, continuous intravenous inotropictherapy to palliate symptoms, or continued terminal care. This review summarizes themanagement of advanced heart failure with updates in medical therapy and recent advancesin surgical therapy, particularly left ventricular assist device therapy.
Pesticides and Parkinson’s disease: A potential hazard in agricultural communities
Authors: Thakolwiboon Smathorn , Julayanont Parunyou , Ruthirago Doungporn
Published: July 2017

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. Its pathogenesis isrelated to both genetic and environmental factors. Current evidence suggests that pesticideexposure is one of the risk factors of PD. In this review, we summarize four molecularmechanisms of pesticide-induced PD with supportive evidences from both laboratory andepidemiological studies. Rotenone is the first pesticide reported to be associated with PD byinhibiting complex I of mitochondrial electron transport chain. Paraquat, a commonly-usedherbicide in some countries, is an oxidative stressor causing dopaminergic neuronal loss whichcontributes to the pathogenesis of PD. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and aldehydedehydrogenase (ALDH) inhibitors cause unwanted proteins (especially alpha-synuclein) and3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL) accumulation leading to dopaminergic neuronalapoptosis. In addition, exposure to different pesticides affecting different mechanisms mayhave synergistic effects in increasing risk of PD. Protective glove use, the amount of fat intake,and neuroprotective agents are reported to have disease modification effects for pesticideassociatedPD.
Preparing transition to adult services: New guidance
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: July 2017

Transitioning to adult services can be very challenging for young people and their families and a lot of careful planning is needed to do so successfully. Dorothy Lepkowska looks at new guidance aimed at helping with the process.
Controlled release of targeted anti-leukemia drugs azacitidine and decitabine monitored using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy
Authors: Smith Madison , Hepel Maria
Published: July 2017

A new targeted drug delivery system with controlled release of anti-cancer drugs, azacitidine and decitabine, was investigated to enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment and reduce the effects of high drug toxicity to healthy tissues. The proposed drug nanocarriers are based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified with mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA) linker to enable the immobilization of azacitidine (AZA) and decitabine (DAC) on AuNPs in the form of AuNP@MBA/AZA,DAC entities. The cancer cell recognition was accomplished by covalently binding folic acid (FA) ligands to para-aminothiophenol (PATP) in the mixed SAM shell on gold nanoparticle nanocarriers, AuNP@MBA,PATP. The FA ligand was used due to the strong expression of folic acid receptors (FR) in the membrane of cancer cells. This enables the functionalized carriers to target only cancer cells owing to the efficient FA-FR binding property. The amide bonds between the linkers and azacitidine/decitabine are pH sensitive and undergo acid hydrolysis in a low pH environment of the cytosol in cancer cells. Using the solutions of different pH, the release of azacitidine/decitabine was monitored by surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy (SERS) measurements of the MBA Raman modes at 1586 cm-1 and 1074 cm-1 . At pH 7.4, the release of the drug was found to be negligible, while at pH 4.0 and 5.5 a continuous drug release was observed over 3 hours. The utilization of SERS monitoring for the drug release was based on the strong Raman signals which are generated by the MBA linker when it is bound to a plasmonic AuNP. During the immobilization of azacitidine/decitabine on AuNP carriers, the SERS signals are strongly reduced due to the shielding by drug molecules but they increase sharply upon the drug release confirming the amide bond breakage and successful drug delivery.
Assessment of gingival sulcus depth, in primary, mixed and permanent dentition-Part-1
Authors: Shivani Singh , Vandana K.L.
Published: July 2017

Aim and objective: The objective of this in-vivo study was to evaluate toothwise and archwise sulcus depth in human primary, mixed and permanent dentition of Indian population.Method: The study included 40 subjects (22 males and 18 females) of an age range 4-25 years. Subjects were divided into 3 groups – the primary dentition (4-6 years) mixed dentition (7-13 years) and adult dentition (16-25 years). All the parameters were measured in upper and lower anterior segments.Results: Gingival sulcus depth (GSD) was measured archwise and toothwise in different dentitions and overall dentition wise without differentiating archwise and toothwise. GSD was significantly higher in maxillary mixed dentition (1.75±0.75) followed by permanent and primary dentition. In all the dentition, maxillary central incisor showed significant GSD.Conclusion: The sulcus depth is maximum in mixed dentition followed by primary and permanent dentitions and significantly higher in maxillary central incisor.