bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial neural network EMG classifier for functional hand grasp movements prediction
Authors: Gandolla Marta , Ferrante Simona , Ferrigno Giancarlo , Baldassini Davide , Molteni Franco , Guanziroli Eleonora , Cotti Cottini Michele , Seneci Carlo , Pedrocchi Alessandra
Published: September 2016

Objective

To design and implement an electromyography (EMG)-based controller for a hand robotic assistive device, which is able to classify the user's motion intention before the effective kinematic movement execution.

Methods

Multiple degrees-of-freedom hand grasp movements (i.e. pinching, grasp an object, grasping) were predicted by means of surface EMG signals, recorded from 10 bipolar EMG electrodes arranged in a circular configuration around the forearm 2–3 cm from the elbow. Two cascaded artificial neural networks were then exploited to detect the patient's motion intention from the EMG signal window starting from the electrical activity onset to movement onset (i.e. electromechanical delay).

Results

The proposed approach was tested on eight healthy control subjects (4 females; age range 25–26 years) and it demonstrated a mean ± SD testing performance of 76% ± 14% for correctly predicting healthy users' motion intention. Two post-stroke patients tested the controller and obtained 79% and 100% of correctly classified movements under testing conditions.

Conclusion

A task-selection controller was developed to estimate the intended movement from the EMG measured during the electromechanical delay.
Zinc, lead, and cadmium levels in serum and milk of lactating women in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Edem Victory Fabian , Akintunde Kikelomo , Adelaja Yewande Adeola , Nwozo Sarah O , Charles-Davies Mabel
Published: September 2016

Zinc (Zn) is known to interact with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) reversing their toxicity and reducing their concentrations. However, lactating women are at high risk of developing Zn deficiency, which may result in Pb and Cd intoxication or increased exposure of breast-fed infants to Pb and Cd from breast milk. The aim of this study was to determine Zn, Pb, and Cd concentrations and examine their relationship in serum and breast milk of lactating women in Ibadan, Nigeria. Ninety-two lactating women were recruited into this study. Anthropometric measurements were assessed by standard methods while serum and breast milk concentrations of Zn, Pb, and Cd were assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data analyzed statistically by Student’s t test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and a multiple regression model were significant at p < 0.05. Zn deficiency was observed in 12 (17.1%) of lactating women. Breast milk levels of Zn, Pb, and Cd were significantly higher than their levels in serum, whereas the ratios Zn:Pb and Zn:Cd in milk were significantly less than serum ratios. Significant negative correlation was observed between milk Pb and serum Zn:Pb while milk Cd correlated positively with milk Zn. Significant positive correlations were observed between serum Zn and serum Zn:Pb, serum Zn and serum Zn:Cd, as well as serum Zn:Cd and serum Zn:Pb. Serum Cd and serum Zn were significantly negatively related. Significant negative correlations between serum Pb and serum Zn:Pb as well as milk Zn:Pb. Serum Cd and serum Zn:Pb as well as serum Zn:Cd correlated negatively. Milk Cd and Zn/Cd positively related with milk Pb while milk Zn was a negatively related with milk Pb in a multiple regression model ( R2 = 0.333; p = 0.023). Breast milk may be contaminated by toxic metals. However, Zn supplementation in deficient mothers may protect maternal and infant health.
Desire, indefinite lifespan, and transgenerational brains in literature and film
Authors: Vidal Fernando
Published: September 2016

Even before the brain’s deterioration became a health problem of pandemic proportions, literature and film rehearsed the fiction of brain transplantations that would allow an aging person to inhabit a younger body, so that successive surgeries may result in that person’s immortality. Such fiction makes the brain operate like an immaterial soul that does not undergo physical decline. This article examines that fiction as elaborated in Hanif Kureishi’s The Body and several films in connection with older fantasies that articulate desire, eternal youth, and personal immortality, with philosophical discussions about brain and personhood, and with people’s assimilation of neuroscientific idioms into their views and practices of personal identity. In conclusion it discusses how, in contrast to philosophical approaches that tend to focus on self-consciousness, first-person perspectives, and individual autonomy, fiction may contribute to direct attention to relationality as constitutive of personhood.
Historicizing affordance theory: A rendezvous between ecological psychology and cultural-historical activity theory
Authors: Pedersen Sofie , Bang Jytte
Published: September 2016

The aim of this article is to discuss how mutually enriching points from both affordance theory and cultural-historical activity theory can promote theoretical ideas which may prove useful as analytical tools for the study of human life and human development. There are two issues that need to be overcome in order to explore the potentials of James Gibson’s affordance theory: it does not sufficiently theorize (a) development and (b) society. We claim that Gibson’s affordance theory still needs to be brought beyond “the axiom of immediacy.” Ambivalences in Gibson’s affordance theory will be discussed, and we will argue for certain revisions. The strong ideas of direct perceiving and of perception–action mutuality remain intact while synthesized with ideas of societal human life. We propose the concept of the affording of societal standards to be a meaningful term in order to grasp the specific societal character of affordance theory.
Ethical climate and missed nursing care in cancer care units
Authors: Vryonides Stavros , Papastavrou Evridiki , Charalambous Andreas , Andreou Panayiota , Eleftheriou Christos , Merkouris Anastasios
Published: September 2016

Background:

Previous research has linked missed nursing care to nurses’ work environment. Ethical climate is a part of work environment, but the relationship of missed care to different types of ethical climate is unknown.

Research objectives:

To describe the types of ethical climate in adult in-patient cancer care settings, and their relationship to missed nursing care.

Research design:

A descriptive correlation design was used. Data were collected using the Ethical Climate Questionnaire and the MISSCARE survey tool, and analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and analysis of variance.

Participants and research context:

All nurses from relevant units in the Republic of Cyprus were invited to participate.

Ethical considerations:

The research protocol has been approved according to national legislation, all licenses have been obtained, and respondents participated voluntarily after they have received all necessary information.

Findings:

Response rate was 91.8%. Five types identified were as follows: caring (M = 3.18, standard deviation = 1.39); law and code (M = 3.18, standard deviation = 0.96); rules (M = 3.17, standard deviation = 0.73); instrumental (M = 2.88, standard deviation = 1.34); and independence (M = 2.74, standard deviation = 0.94). Reported overall missed care (range: 1–5) was M = 2.51 (standard deviation = 0.90), and this was positively (p < 0.05) related to instrumental (r = 0.612) and independence (r = 0.461) types and negatively (p < 0.05) related to caring (r = −0.695), rules (r = −0.367), and law and code (r = −0.487).

Discussion:

The reported levels of missed care and the types of ethical climates present similarities and differences with the relevant literature. All types of ethical climate were related to the reported missed care.

Conclusion:

Efforts to reduce the influence of instrumental and independence types and fostering caring, law and code, and rules types might decrease missed nursing care. However, more robust evidence is needed.
Violence and self-harm in severe mental illness: inpatient study of associations with ethnicity, cannabis and alcohol
Authors: Dharmawardene Vajira , Menkes David B
Published: September 2016

Objective:

We examined the extent to which ethnicity, cannabis and alcohol use could predict prevalence of violence and self-harm in an inpatient psychiatric sample.

Method:

We collected demographic and clinical data in a series of 141 adult psychiatric inpatients in Hamilton, New Zealand. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test, Revised (CUDIT-R) were used to measure substance use. Clinical assessment and file review were used to verify histories of self-harm and violence.

Results:

It was found that 66% had a history of violence, 54% of self-harm, and 40% of both; only 20% had neither. Cannabis use was found to significantly predict lifetime history of violence ( p = 0.02); other independent variables (gender, age, ethnicity, alcohol use, psychiatric diagnosis) did not. Self-harm was strikingly predicted by female gender ( p < 0.001), as well as by measures both of cannabis ( p = 0.025) and alcohol use ( p = 0.036); age, ethnicity and diagnosis did not reach significance. Less than 10% of patients were engaged with drug or alcohol services.

Conclusions:

Cannabis use is a significant predictor of lifetime violence among the severely mentally ill, while both alcohol and cannabis use predict self-harm. Few affected patients receive specific treatment for substance use comorbidity.
The misleading concept of initial severity in depression clinical trials: development and results from a mathematical model
Authors: Fountoulakis Konstantinos N
Published: September 2016

Objective:

Recently, meta-analytic studies have suggested a positive relationship between initial severity and magnitude of treatment efficacy. The aim of the current study was to develop a mathematical model to test the assumption concerning the role of initial severity in treatment response.

Methods:

A number of experimental artificial datasets were developed on the basis of three different scenarios which reflect a pre-determined effect of initial severity. They were used to test for correlations at the patient level as well as at the meta-analysis level (trial level).

Results:

The results suggested that in all scenarios and analyses the correlations were so high that a ceiling effect was obvious. The testing concerned changes from baseline, but not differences between arms.

Conclusions:

Overall the data suggest that the question concerning the role of initial severity cannot be answered. Any allegations on such a role are based on flawed methodology and do not take into consideration the true nature of data.
The infant observation task as a tool in psychiatric practice
Authors: Ng Lillian , Bampton Chris , Stevens Seonaigh , Woods Penny
Published: September 2016

Objective:

The objective of this study was to describe the method and relevance of infant observation as a unique and powerful learning tool for psychiatrists.

Conclusion:

Infant observation provides a privileged entry into an infant’s internal world to observe its earliest mental life. Weekly consecutive observations of the mother–baby dyad, combined with the process of supervision, enable identification of emergent and changing patterns in the relationship. The discipline of observation encourages attunement to the nuances of relationships, which provides a potent tool for application in other clinical settings.
Establishment and implementation of a psychiatry enrichment programme for medical students
Authors: Lyons Zaza
Published: September 2016

Objective:

There has been a growing interest in psychiatry enrichment programmes such as summer schools and institutes for medical students in the last 10 years. Evaluation of enrichment programmes shows that they can be an effective method of increasing students’ interest in psychiatry as a career. However, despite initial enthusiasm and motivation within an academic department, establishing a programme can be a daunting task. The aim of this paper is to provide a background of how to establish and implement a psychiatry summer school or institute. The steps that can be taken to establish and implement a psychiatry enrichment programme such as a summer school or institute are described and discussed. This includes how to structure a programme, content to include, costs and budget, programme promotion, selection of students and programme evaluation.

Conclusion:

Establishing an enrichment programme can provide academic departments of psychiatry with the opportunity to demonstrate excellence and innovation in teaching and positively promote psychiatry to students and other non-medical academics involved in medical education. For students interested in psychiatry, enrichment programmes have the potential to extend interest and knowledge beyond the curriculum and encourage serious consideration of psychiatry as a career.
Associations of Acculturation With Self-Report and Objective Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors Among Latinas
Authors: Perez Lilian G. , Chavez Adrian , Marquez David X. , Soto Sandra C. , Haughton Jessica , Arredondo Elva M.
Published: September 2016

Background. Less than 50% of Latinas meet physical activity (PA) recommendations. Acculturation is a complex cultural phenomenon that may influence health behaviors, but associations between acculturation and Latinas’ activity and sedentary levels are unclear. Aim. To examine associations of acculturation with Latinas’ domain-specific and total PA as well as sedentary time. Method. We analyzed baseline data collected between 2011 and 2013 among 410 Latinas (18-65 years) from a PA promotion intervention in San Diego, CA ( Fe en Acción/ Faith in Action). Participants wore an accelerometer to assess moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and sedentary time and completed a survey assessing domain-specific PA, sociodemographics, and acculturation as measured by length of residence in the United States and the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale (BAS) for Hispanics. Higher acculturation was defined as longer residence in the United States or being either assimilated or bicultural as per scores on the Hispanic and Anglo domains of the BAS. Results. Based on weekly averages from the accelerometer, Latinas spent 103 minutes in MVPA and 76% of total activity in sedentary time. Only 32% met MVPA recommendations via self-reported leisure-time and transportation PA. Longer residence in the United States was inversely associated with reporting any transportation or occupational PA and meeting MVPA recommendations. Assimilated/bicultural Latinas had significantly less accelerometer-based total MVPA and higher sedentary time than their lower acculturated counterparts. Conclusions. Overall, higher acculturation, based on either measure, was related to less activity. Our findings suggest interventions tailored to the acculturation levels of Latinas are needed to help reduce disparities in Latinas’ PA and sedentary behaviors.
A decade of natalizumab and PML: Has there been a tacit transfer of risk acceptance?
Authors: Clifford David B , Yousry Tarek A , Major Eugene O
Published: September 2016

The interplay between each of the stakeholder’s responsibilities and desires clearly has resulted in continued widespread use of natalizumab with substantial risks and an ongoing quest for better risk mitigation. In the United States, regulatory actions codified the process of risk acceptance—and risk transfer—by escalating monitoring and information transfer to physicians and patients. Management of medication-related risks is a core function of regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the medical community. The interaction among stakeholders in medicine, pharma, regulatory bodies, physicians, and patients, sometimes has changed without overt review and discussion. Such is the case for natalizumab, an important and widely used disease-modifying therapy for multiple sclerosis. A rather silent but very considerable shift, effectively transferring increased risk for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) to the physicians and patients, has occurred in the past decade. We believe this changed risk should be clearly recognized and considered by all the stakeholders.
Music Therapists marching, running and playing with the beat: BAMT Conference Plenary Session – April 2016
Authors: Sandford Stephen
Published: September 2016

This essay is an adapted version of a plenary presentation given at the British Association for Music Therapy Conference in April 2016 ‘Revisioning our voice: Resourcing music therapy for contemporary needs’ (Aravinth et al., 2016). Health and Care Profession Council Statistics give an up-to-date view of the music, drama and art therapy professions within the United Kingdom. In turn, consideration of these statistics links with how music and arts therapies practice within a large National Health Service arts therapies service is revisioning its voice and adapting to increase innovation opportunities and workforce development.
Evaluating Recall and Recognition Memory Using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment
Authors: Van Liew Charles , Santoro Maya S. , Goldstein Jody , Gluhm Shea , Gilbert Paul E. , Corey-Bloom Jody
Published: September 2016

We sought to investigate whether the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) could provide a brief assessment of recall and recognition using Huntington disease (HD) and Alzheimer disease (AD) as disorders characterized by different memory deficits. This study included 80 participants with HD, 64 participants with AD, and 183 community-dwelling control participants. Random-effects hierarchical logistic regressions were performed to assess the relative performance of the normal control (NC), participants with HD, and participants with AD on verbal free recall, cued recall, and multiple-choice recognition on the MoCA. The NC participants performed significantly better than participants with AD at all the 3 levels of assessment. No difference existed between participants with HD and NC for cued recall, but NC participants performed significantly better than participants with HD on free recall and recognition. The participants with HD performed significantly better than participants with AD at all the 3 levels of assessment. The MoCA appears to be a valuable, brief cognitive assessment capable of identifying specific memory deficits consistent with known differences in memory profiles.
The Abdominal Reapproximation Anchor Device
Authors: Okullo Alfin , Siriwardhane Mehan , Pang Tony C. Y. , Sinclair Jane-Louise , Lam Vincent W. T. , Richardson Arthur James , Pleass Henry , Johnston Emma
Published: September 2016

Introduction. Achieving primary fascial closure after damage control laparostomy can be challenging. A number of devices are in use, with none having yet emerged as best practice. In July 2013, at Westmead Hospital, we started using the abdominal reapproximation anchor (ABRA; Canica Design, Almonte, Ontario, Canada) device. We report on our experience. Methods. A retrospective review of medical records for patients who had open abdomens managed with the ABRA device between July to December 2013 was done. Data extracted included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), reason for the open abdomen, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, number of laparostomies prior to ABRA placement, duration of placement, device complications, length of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and outcomes. Results. Four cases of open abdomens managed using the ABRA device were identified, with 3 a consequence of intra-abdominal sepsis and 1 a consequence of penetrating trauma. Mean BMI was 33.5 kg/m2, APACHE II score was 14.5, duration with open abdomen prior to ABRA placement was 11.75 days, duration with ABRA in situ was 9 days, duration of hospital stay was 64.25 days, and ICU stay was 37.75 days. Three patients (75%) achieved fascial closure, and 1 achieved skin closure. No incidences of enterocutaneous fistulae occurred. Conclusion. The ABRA is a unique emerging alternative to aid in achieving fascial closure in patients managed with open abdomens. Our case series demonstrates that it can be used effectively in selected patients. Studies are needed to compare its efficacy with more traditional methods.
Experimental study of an instantaneous-heating air source heat pump water heater with a temperature stratified water tank
Authors: Lei Mingjing , Zhang Hua , Wang Fang , You Xiaokuan
Published: September 2016

An instantaneous-heating air source heat pump water heater with a temperature stratified water tank was put forward. The instantaneous-heating air source heat pump water heater was designed to produce hot water instantly by three modes, namely condenser heating, water tank heating and condenser-water tank joint heating. The heating mode is chosen as condenser heating when the ambient temperature is above 20°C (including 20°C) and is chosen as condenser-water tank joint heating below 20°C. A 3HP instantaneous-heating air source heat pump water heater was built and tested in an Enthalpy Lab. Influences of refrigerant charge, throttle step, compressor frequency on heat capacity, and heat coefficient of performance were analyzed, and the effect of thermal stratification of the buffer tank and the operation performances in various conditions (according to China’s National Standard GB-23137) were tested. The results showed that the instantaneous-heating air source heat pump water heater can generate 42°C and 6 L/min hot water at ambient temperatures of 20°C and 43°C with heat coefficients of performance (of the instantaneous-heating air-source heat pump water heater) of 4.5 and 12.7 respectively, and at ambient temperature −7°C with a heat coefficient of performance (of the heat pump module) of 2.76. It also showed that the advantage of the system is the compressor’s suction and exhaust pressures in certain working conditions are steady and the effect of the temperature stratification of the buffer tank is significant. In conclusion, the instantaneous-heating air source heat pump water heater has great application value for household.
Laboratory dilatometry and field test to assess durability of masonry
Authors: Williams Blair , Richman Russell
Published: September 2016

This article analyses the use of dilatometry to assess the durability of load-bearing clay brick masonry in a century home in Toronto (Canada). The building had recently undergone the addition of medium density closed-cell polyurethane spray-applied foam insulation on all interior sides of the exterior clay brick load-bearing walls, increasing the insulating value in areas to RSI 7.9 m2K/W, on average, from the original RSI 0.5 m2K/W, on average. The critical moisture content (saturation degree) of representative samples from the building were compared with values obtained from frost dilatometry testing. The later indicate critical moisture content for freeze–thaw. The frost dilatometry method was furthered by studying three-dimensional testing, rather than the traditional two-dimensional approach. The results showed the brick masonry in the study building are at a relatively low risk of freeze–thaw damage thanks to good resistance of freeze–thaw of the subject brick masonry and low wetting potential of the brick masonry on site. This further strengthens the need for good water shedding characteristics.
Generation of stochastic weather data for uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of a low-energy building
Authors: Goffart Jeanne , Mara Thierry , Wurtz Etienne
Published: September 2016

Uncertainty and risk analyses are important tools for building designs and performance assessment of renewable energy systems. This task requires to account for the variability of the weather data. In this work, we develop a methodology to characterize and simulate stochastic weather data. The stochastic features of each weather input, such as auto-correlation and hourly cumulative distribution functions, are extracted from the dataset at hand. Then, the procedure of Iman and Conover is used to generate stochastic weather inputs. The approach is applied to a sequence of 1 month extracted from the typical meteorological year of the city of Lyon, France. The simulated stochastic weather data are employed to perform the uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of a real passive, low-energy house. The results show that the uncertainty on the predicted energy needs is roughly 20% and is essential due to the stochastic variability of the outdoor air temperature.
Postmenopausal bleeding and endometrial cancer
Authors: Ashworth Paul , Whelan Eilbhe
Published: September 2016

Postmenopausal bleeding is a common presentation in primary care. There is great emphasis placed on rapid referral for investigation to exclude endometrial malignancy, and it is the most common symptom for which women are referred to gynaecological rapid access clinics. However, it is widely accepted that only approximately 10% of patients at a postmenopausal bleed clinic will have cancer. Endometrial cancer is now often easily treatable with laparoscopic surgery, and certain pre-malignant changes can be managed with an intrauterine system, so it is important to deal with this common presentation effectively, while also knowing about the frequent causes.
Turning the World Upside Down to Understand Perceived Transparency
Authors: Kim Juno , Marlow Phillip J.
Published: September 2016

Specular surfaces and refractive media are difficult to distinguish from each other because they both generate distorted images of the surrounding lighting environment. Whereas convex refractive objects invert the orientation of the horizon so the sky appears beneath the ground plane, convex specular surfaces preserve the orientation of the horizon so the sky appears above the ground. Here, we show that a refractive transparent object can be made to appear specular and opaque simply by rotating the image by 180°. This result suggests that the visual system relies on information tied to the orientation of the horizon to distinguish between refractive and specular objects.
“The River Is Not the Same Anymore”: Environmental Risk and Uncertainty in the Aftermath of the High River, Alberta, Flood
Authors: Haney Timothy J. , McDonald-Harker Caroline
Published: September 2016

Even when individuals are aware of and well educated about environmental issues such as climate change, they often take little action to mitigate these problems. Yet, catastrophic events, such as disasters, have the potential to rupture or disrupt complacency toward environmental problems, forcing people to consider the potential effects of human activity on the environment as they expose how environmentally harmful practices put people at risk. This article is based on focus group interviews with 46 residents of High River, Alberta, a rural community hardest hit by the 2013 Southern Alberta flood. It examines whether and how experiencing the flood prompted residents to think about the environment or interact with it in new ways. Findings suggest that residents voice a contradiction—while they believe that preflood human activity such as deforestation, river diversion, and home building altered the environment and placed communities like their own at risk, they also argue that natural forces such as disasters are immune to human efforts to control them. Residents feel their environment is less stable and predicable since the flood, and they worry more about toxicity and associated environmental health risks. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of these findings for environmental sociology and public policy.
Randomized Clinical Trial on Preventing Root Caries among Community-Dwelling Elders
Authors: Li R. , Lo E.C.M. , Liu B.Y. , Wong M.C.M. , Chu C.H.
Published: September 2016

Dental root caries is a common disease among elders. More efforts on preventing this disease are needed. Silver diammine fluoride (SDF) is known to prevent dental caries in primary teeth. However, clinical evidence of its efficacy in preventing root surface caries is limited. This clinical trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of SDF in preventing root caries among elders in a water fluoridated area. A total of 323 elders who had at least 5 teeth with exposed root surfaces and who had self-care ability were randomly allocated into 3 intervention groups: group 1 (placebo control), annual application of tonic water; group 2, annual application of SDF solution; group 3, annual application of SDF solution, immediately followed by potassium iodide (KI) solution. Oral hygiene instructions and fluoride toothpaste were provided to all subjects. Status of dental root surface was assessed every 6 mo by the same independent examiner. After 30 mo, 257 (79.6%) elders were reviewed. The mean numbers of root surface with new caries experience in the control, SDF, and SDF/KI groups were 1.1, 0.4, and 0.5, respectively (analysis of variance, P < 0.001). Scheffe’s multiple comparison showed that elders who received placebo developed more new root caries lesions ( P < 0.05), while the difference between the SDF and SDF/KI groups was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). Moreover, elders who had higher visible plaque index scores at 30-mo examination (analysis of covariance, P < 0.001) and those who had higher baseline DMFT scores (analysis of covariance, P = 0.005) developed more new root caries. It is concluded that annual application of SDF or SDF/KI solution is effective in preventing root caries among community-dwelling elders in a fluoridated area ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02360124).

Knowledge Transfer Statement: Annual topical application of silver diammine fluoride or silver diammine fluoride / potassium iodide solution is effective in preventing dental root surface caries among community-dwelling elders in a fluoridated area.
The EMT transcription factor Zeb2 controls adult murine hematopoietic differentiation by regulating cytokine signaling
Authors: Li Jin , Riedt Tamara , Goossens Steven , Carrillo García Carmen , Szczepanski Sabrina , Brandes Maria , Pieters Tim , Dobrosch Linne , Gütgemann Ines , Farla Natalie , Radaelli Enrico , Hulpiau Paco , Mallela Nikhil , Fröhlich Holger , La Starza Roberta , Matteucci Caterina , Chen Tong , Brossart Peter , Mecucci Cristina , Huylebroeck Danny , Haigh Jody J. , Janzen Viktor
Published: September 2016

Key Points

Zeb2 controls stem cell pool size and lineage fidelity. Zeb2 deletion promotes a myeloproliferative phenotype resembling the early stage of primary myelofibrosis.
Frontline Science: Human bone cells as a source of IL-27 under inflammatory conditions: role of TLRs and cytokines
Authors: Larousserie Frédérique , Bsiri Laura , Dumaine Valérie , Dietrich Céline , Audebourg Anne , Radenen-Bussière Brigitte , Anract Philippe , Vacher-Lavenu Marie-Cécile , Devergne Odile
Published: September 2016

IL-27 regulates immune responses as well as hematopoiesis and bone remodeling, but its cellular sources in the bone remain unknown. In this study, we investigated whether osteoclasts and osteoblasts—the 2 cell types orchestrating bone homeostasis—could be a source of IL-27 and identified stimuli that induce its expression in vitro. We observed that human monocyte-derived osteoclasts expressed a broader range of TLRs than did human primary osteoblasts and that both cell types exhibited a differential induction of IL-27 expression in response to TLR or cytokine stimulation. Whereas several TLR agonists, notably TLR4 and TLR7/8 agonists, induced substantial expression of IL-27 by osteoclasts, stimulation of osteoblasts with agonists of TLR3 and/or TLR4—the 2 TLRs selectively expressed by these cells—resulted in no or low IL-27 expression. In addition, IL-27 increased TLR3 expression in osteoclasts and enhanced poly(I:C)-mediated induction of IL-27 in these cells. IFN-γ, when combined with either IL-1β plus TNF-α, IL-11, or CNTF, induced significant levels of IL-27 in osteoclasts but not in osteoblasts. In the latter cells, the addition of type I IFN, together with proinflammatory cytokines, was necessary to induce substantial levels of IL-27. Immunohistochemical studies of inflamed and remodeling bone tissue, including cases of infectious osteomyelitis and bone metastases, provided evidence that osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and occasionally osteocytes or chondrocytes, could express IL-27 in situ. This autocrine production of IL-27 by TLR- or cytokine-activated bone cells might constitute a negative-feedback mechanism to limit bone erosion and to dampen T cell–mediated immune pathology during bone inflammation.
Autoimmune Diseases in Children and Adults With Type 1 Diabetes From the T1D Exchange Clinic Registry
Authors: Hughes Jing W. , Riddlesworth Tonya D. , DiMeglio Linda A. , Miller Kellee M. , Rickels Michael R. , McGill Janet B. ,   for the T1D Exchange Clinic Network
Published: September 2016

Background and Aims:

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with other autoimmune diseases (AIDs), but the prevalence and associated predictive factors for these comorbidities of T1D across all age groups have not been fully characterized.

Materials and Methods:

Data obtained from 25 759 participants with T1D enrolled in the T1D Exchange Registry were used to analyze the types and frequency of AIDs as well as their relationships to gender, age, and race/ethnicity. Diagnoses of autoimmune diseases, represented as ordinal categories (0, 1, 2, 3, or more AIDs) were obtained from medical records of Exchange Registry participants.

Results:

Among the 25 759 T1D Exchange participants, 50% were female, 82% non-Hispanic white, mean age was 23.0 ± 16.9 years and mean duration of diabetes was 11 years. Of these participants, 6876 (27%) were diagnosed with at least one AID. Frequency of two or more AIDs increased from 4.3% in participants aged younger than 13 years to 10.4% in those aged 50 years or older. The most common AIDs were thyroid (6097, 24%), gastrointestinal (1530, 6%), and collagen vascular diseases (432, 2%). Addison’s disease was rare (75, 0.3%). The prevalence of one or more AIDs was increased in females and non-Hispanic whites and with older age.

Conclusions:

In the T1D Exchange Clinic Registry, a diagnosis of one or more AIDs in addition to T1D is common, particularly in women, non-Hispanic whites, and older individuals. Results of this study have implications for both primary care and endocrine practice and will allow clinicians to better anticipate and manage the additional AIDs that develop in patients with T1D.
Fatores associados com a soroprevalência de anticorpos IgG e IgM anti-toxoplasma em pessoas com HIV/AIDS atendidas em um serviço de assistência especializada
Factors associated with soroprevalence of antibodies IgG and IgM anti-toxoplasma in HIV/AIDS patients assisted in an expert assistance service
doi:10.12662/2317-3076jhbs.v4i3.733.p145-151.2016
Authors: Alves Joice Silva , Belo Vinícius Silva , Castro Renata Coelho de , Silva Eduardo Sérgio da
Published: September 2016

Introdução: A AIDS é um dos principais problemas mundiais em nível de Saúde Pública. O indivíduo infectado pelo HIV torna-se mais suscetível a diversas infecções oportunistas, como a toxoplasmose e suas complicações potenciais, como a neurotoxoplasmose e a retinocoroidite. O entendimento do perfil sorológico Anti-toxoplasma e das características clínicas e laboratoriais de pessoas que vivem com HIV/AIDS é essencial para a elaboração de melhores alternativas de prevenção e de tratamento. Métodos: Foram analisados os dados de 547 pessoas com HIV/AIDS atendidas no Serviço de Assistência Especializada do município de Divinópolis–MG, de março de 2012 a janeiro de 2014. Por meio de modelos de regressão logística, foram pesquisados diferentes fatores associados com o perfil sorológico Anti-toxoplasma IgG e IgM dos participantes. Analisou-se, ainda, se as contagens de células T-CD4+ e se os valores de carga viral (CV) diferiram de acordo com o resultado das sorologias. Resultados: As soroprevalências encontradas foram de 69% para IgG e de 6% para IgM. Observou-se que indivíduos solteiros e que não trabalhavam tiveram uma maior soropositividade para IgM. O não uso de TARV e uma menor escolaridade, por sua vez, foram associados com maiores prevalências de reatividade para IgG. Observou-se uma maior contagem de células T-CD4+ em indivíduos IgM positivos. Conclusão: O presente estudo identificou uma prevalência elevada de sorologias reagentes para a toxoplasmose em indivíduos com HIV/AIDS e apresentou variáveis a serem consideradas como prioritárias em ações de promoção e de prevenção.
Building pathway graphs from BioPAX data in R
Authors: Benis Nirupama , Schokker Dirkjan , Kramer Frank , Smits Mari A. , Suarez-Diez Maria
Published: September 2016

Biological pathways are increasingly available in the BioPAX format which uses an RDF model for data storage. We can retrieve the information in this data model in the scripting language R using the package rBiopaxParser, which converts the BioPAX format to one readable in R. It also has a function to build a regulatory network from the pathway information, here we describe an extension of this function. The new function will also include non-regulatory interactions in the pathway and thus allow extraction of maximum information. This function will be available as part of the rBiopaxParser distribution from Bioconductor.
Ties That Bind: Academic Advisors as Agents of Student Relationship Management
Authors: Vianden Jörg
Published: September 2016

To affect college retention, academic advisors should act as agents of student relationship management by strengthening the connection between students and their institutions. Satisfaction and dissatisfaction with academic advising as perceived by 29 college students at 3 midwestern comprehensive institutions are described. Discussion is framed in the context of student relationship management theory and the critical incident technique. Recommendations for academic advising practice are offered.
Antibacterial properties and reduction of MRSA biofilm with a dressing combining polyabsorbent fibres and a silver matrix
Authors: Desroche N. , Dropet C. , Janod P. , Guzzo J.
Published: September 2016

Objective:

This study was designed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of a wound dressing which combines polyacrylate fibres and a silver lipido-colloid matrix (UrgoClean Ag, silver polyabsorbent dressing), against biofilm of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Method:

Samples of silver polyabsorbent dressing and the neutral form of this dressing (UrgoClean) were applied to biofilms of MRSA formed on a collagen I-coated surface, cultured for 24 hours. Different exposure times were tested (1, 2, 4 and 7 days) without dressing change. The biofilm reduction was quantified by using culture methods and by confocal laser scanning microscopy experiments.

Results:

The application of the silver polyabsorbent dressing resulted in a significant decrease of the biofilm population by a log reduction of 4.6, after 24 hours of exposure. Moreover, the antibiofilm activity was maintained for 7 days with reduction values up to 4 log (reduction of biofilm superior to 99.99%). The application of the neutral dressing also induced a significant reduction of the concentration of sessile cells after 1 day (about 0.90 log). The results obtained with this neutral form of the dressing showed that the polyacrylate fibres were able to exert a mechanical disruption of the biofilm architecture.

Conclusion:

These in vitro experiments demonstrated that silver polyabsorbent dressing was able to strongly reduce the biofilm of MRSA. The antibiofilm mechanism of this dressing can be explained by a dual action of the polyabsorbent fibres (based on ammonium polyacrylate polymer around an acrylic core) which induced a mechanical disruption of the biofilm matrix and/or a sequestration of sessile cells, and the diffusion of silver ions which produced bactericidal activity.

Declaration of interest:

This study was supported by Laboratoires Urgo (Dijon). P. Janod is an employee of Laboratoires Urgo. The company had no influence on the experimental design and the interpretation of the results.
Strontium-Modified Bacterial Cellulose and a Polyvinylidene Fluoride Composite as an Electroactive Material
Authors: Ummartyotin S. , Thiangtham S. , Manuspiya H.
Published: September 2016

Sr2+ was chemically grafted onto the hydroxyl position of bacterial cellulose. Fourier transform infrared and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to evaluate the chemical bonding of the modified bacterial cellulose structure. Then a chemical bond between Sr-O was formed. The presence of strontium was confirmed using X-ray fluorescence. A significant enhancement in the dielectric properties was observed. Next, a small amount of modified bacterial cellulose was prepared as a binary blend composite. The ratio between polyvinylidene fluoride and the modified bacterial cellulose was investigated. They had superior thermal stability and mechanical properties compared with the neat modified bacterial cellulose. The degradation temperature was higher than 300°C. The outstanding property of the composite was its flexibility. The excellent properties of the composite of modified bacterial cellulose and polyvinylidene fluoride make it a good electroactive biocomposite candidate.
Ketepatan Parameter Klinis dalam Memprediksi Mortalitas Perdarahan Intrakranial Spontan pada Anak Usia Kurang dari Satu Tahun
Authors: Sugono Liveana , Dewi Msy Rita , Bahar Erial
Published: September 2016

Latar belakang. Pada anak usia di bawah satu tahun, perdarahan intrakranial memiliki tingkat mortalitas yang tinggi. Diperlukan parameter untuk memprediksi mortalitas guna menentukan tata laksana segera yang tepat sehingga diperoleh hasil akhir yang lebih baik.Tujuan. Mendapatkan tingkat akurasi parameter klinis dalam memprediksi mortalitas perdarahan intrakranial spontan pada anak dengan usia kurang dari satu tahun.Metode. Dilakukan uji prognostik dengan data retrospektif dan prospektif dari rekam medik Januari 2009 -Desember 2014 terhadap anak usia di bawah satu tahun yang dirawat di rumah sakit Moh. Hoesin dengan perdarahan intrakranial tanpa riwayat trauma kepala. Parameter klinis yang diamati, yaitu gejala klinis dan neurologis, pemeriksaan laboratorium termasuk pT dan apTT. Dilakukan analisis untuk menentukan hubungan parameter dengan mortalitas.Hasil. Didapatkan 136 anak yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi, 103 bertahan hidup, 33 meninggal dunia. Dari analisis multivariat ditemukan penurunan reflek cahaya, GCS<8, Hb<7g/dL dan pemanjangan apTT memengaruhi mortalitas dengan probabilitas tertinggi 75,75%. Kemudian disusun sistem skoring dengan alokasi skor berdasarkan Odds ratio. Didapatkan beberapa sistem skoring dengan sensitivitas antara 72,7%-93,94%, spesifisitas antara 42,72%-77,67% dan akurasi antara 55,15%-76,47%.Kesimpulan. Berbagai parameter klinis ditemukan dapat memengaruhi mortalitas perdarahan intrakranial spontan pada anak usia di bawah satu tahun. Beberapa sistem skoring kemudian disusun dari temuan penelitian, meski belum memiliki nilai prediksi mortalitas yang ideal
Mendengkur pada Anak: kapan waktu yang tepat untuk dilakukan tonsiloadenoidektomi?
Authors: Supriyatno Bambang
Published: September 2016

Mendengkur atau mengorok adalah suara nyaring yang keluar dari saluran respiratori atas sebagai hasil getaran palatum molle dan uvula. Mendengkur bukanlah suatu diagnosis, melainkan gejala yang harus dicari diagnosisnya. Mendengkur perlu diwaspadai karena dapat menimbulkan masalah respiratori di kemudian hari, dan terbagi dalam dua kelompok besar, yaitu occasional snoring dan habitual snoring. Spektrum mendengkur terdiri dari ringan hingga berat, yaitu primary snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome, obstructive hypoventilation, dan obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Pemeriksaan baku emas untuk membedakan spektrum mendengkur tersebut adalah polisomnografi (PSG), namun pemeriksaan ini belum merata di seluruh daerah. Sebagai alternatif, pemeriksaan lain yang dapat dilakukan adalah poligrafi, pulse-oximetri, rekaman video, dan tape recorder. Faktor risiko utama OSAS pada anak adalah hipertrofi tonsil dan/atau adenoid, dengan demikian kecenderungan tata laksana saat ini adalah tonsiloadenoidektomi (TA). Sebelum tindakan TA, kortikosteroid intranasal, selama 4-8 minggu, dapat diberikan untuk menurunkan ukuran tonsil dan/atau adenoid. Indikasi TA adalah OSAS sedang dan berat pada anak, tonsilitis akut yang berulang, abses peritonsil, dan tersangka keganasan. Pada daerah dengan fasilitas terbatas, TA dapat dipertimbangkan pada habitual snoring yang tidak respons dengan pemberian kortikosteroid intranasal selama 8 minggu. Setelah dilakukan TA, pemantauan lebih lanjut perlu dilakukan untuk melihat proses catch up terhadap pertumbuhan dan perkembangan anak
Sustainable Development Goals: Kompass und Innovationstreiber für die deutsche Wirtschaft
Authors: Große Entrup Wolfgang
Published: September 2016

Die Sustainable Development Goals prägen die Nachhaltigkeitsdebatte auf nationaler und internationaler Ebene. Dabei treibt der Diskurs auch die globale Modernisierungsagenda voran. Welche Rolle kann die deutsche Wirtschaft in der Umsetzung der Sustainable Development Goals spielen?
Landkarte Suffizienzpolitik: Sehen, gehen, teilen
Authors: Zahrnt Dominik , Zahrnt Angelika
Published: September 2016

Die Landkarte ist ein webbasiertes Instrument, mit dem politische Akteure den Ansatz der Suffizienzpolitik in konkrete politische Strategien übersetzen können. Die Landkarte ermöglicht es, die Komplexität des Themas sichtbar und handhabbar zu machen, den eigenen inhaltlichen Fokus zu schärfen, einprägsam zu kommunizieren und die Erfahrungen zu teilen.
Öffentliche Förderung gemeinschaftsbasierter Innovationen: Hebel für nachhaltige Forschung und Entwicklung?
Authors: Ferdinand Jan-Peter , Bovenschulte Marc
Published: September 2016

Im Rahmen der Kollaborativen Ökonomie kann eine zunehmende Öffnung des Innovationssystems beobachtet werden. Welche gemeinschaftsbasierten Muster innovativen Handelns spielen dabei eine Rolle? Und welche förderpolitischen Implikationen bringen die neuen Innovationsmuster mit sich?
Maker: zwischen Selbstverwirklichung und Selbstvermarktung
Authors: Dickel Sascha
Published: September 2016

Die Digitalisierung der Wirtschaft bringt eine neue Sozialfigur mit sich: den Maker. Sie steht im Spannungsfeld zwischen romantischer Selbstverwirklichung und innovativem Selbstunternehmertum.
Innovation in der Gemeinschaft
Authors: Peuckert Jan
Published: September 2016

Die Zusammenarbeit von zivilgesellschaftlichen Akteuren kann neue Innovationen hervorbringen. Die Kollaborative Ökonomie kann daher eine Schlüsselrolle bei der Umsetzung einer sozialökologische Transformation übernehmen.
Staatliche Instrumente zur Verlängerung der Produktnutzung auf dem Prüfstand
Authors: Gawel Erik , Bretschneider Wolfgang
Published: September 2016

Die Lebens- und Nutzungsdauer von Produkten steht im Zentrum einer Diskussion um nachhaltigen Konsum. Ließe sich die Nutzungsdauer von Produkten auch durch staatliche Eingriffe verlängern und wäre dies tatsächlich ein Gewinn für die Nachhaltigkeit? Aus institutionen- und rechtsökonomischer Sicht ergeben sich Möglichkeiten und Grenzen unterschiedlicher Rechtsinstrumente.
Nachhaltige Entwicklung und Globalisierung
Authors: Bartmann Hermann , Schwaab Jan
Published: September 2016

Nachhaltigkeit und Beschäftigung werden in der Literatur und Politik vorwiegend als Spannungsfeld diskutiert. Diese Sicht ist unseres Erachtens vordergründig und beruht auf einer verkürzten Wahrnehmung der Beziehungen zwischen Ökologie und Ökonomie. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird herausgearbeitet, dass sich die Kontroverse primär auf paradigmatische Gründe zurückführen lässt. Vor dem Hintergrund einer ökologisch-ökonomischen Auseinandersetzung mit dem neoklassischen Wachstumsparadigma werden dann die Grundlinien einer sozial-ökologischen Beschäftigungsstrategie erarbeitet. Diese umfasst – außer einer Beachtung von Ressourcen- und Tragfähigkeitsgrenzen – auch Effizienz- und Suffizienzansätze in Richtung technischer, sozialer und institutioneller Innovationsstrategien. Dabei wird auch auf die im Globalisierungszeitalter zu beachtenden internationalen Interdependenzen eingegangen.