bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity and reliability of a global positioning system to assess 20 m sprint performance in soccer players
Authors: Yanci Javier , Calleja-Gonzalez Julio , Cámara Jesús , Mejuto Gaizka , San Román Jaime , Los Arcos Asier
Published: January 2016

The aims of the present study were (1) to analyze the association between the time score obtained by a global positioning system device at a frequency of 10 Hz and by timing gates and (2) to assess intrarater reliability and agreement of these two methods in a 20 m straight sprint test. Twelve amateur soccer players (age: 21.08 ± 1.57 years) gave their voluntary consent to take part in this study. Each player performed five repetitions of a 20 m sprint test in each of the two test sessions. The start of the sprint for the global positioning system device was determined by a continuous increase in speed from below (0–0.1 km/h). No significant relationship (r = 0.118, p > 0.05) between 20 m straight sprint times measured by the timing gates and the global positioning system was found. The test–retest intra-class correlation coefficient obtained from the measurement of sprint times with the global positioning system device was small (r = 0.118, p > 0.05). The continuous increase in speed from below (0–0.1 km/h) seems not to be a precise way to evaluate the sprint time by a global positioning system device in a 20 m straight sprint test.
Fludarabine add-on therapy in interferon-beta-treated patients with multiple sclerosis experiencing breakthrough disease
Authors: Greenberg Steven J. , Zivadinov Robert , Lee-Kwen Peterkin , Sharma Jitendra , Planter Margaret , Umhauer Margaret , Glenister Norman , Bakshi Rohit
Published: January 2016

Background:

Patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) may experience breakthrough disease despite effective interferon beta (IFNβ) therapy. Fludarabine (FLU) is a chemotherapeutic agent used in lymphoproliferative disorders that may be synergistic when combined with immunomodulatory therapy to control active multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

The objective of this study was to explore the safety and tolerability of FLU versus monthly methylprednisolone (MP) in IFNβ-treated RRMS patients with breakthrough disease. Clinical and MRI effects of IFNβ-1a plus FLU were evaluated.

Methods:

Eighteen patients with breakthrough disease [⩾2 relapses over the prior year and ⩾1.0-point increase in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score sustained for ⩾3 months] after >1 year of IFNβ therapy were enrolled in this prospective, open-label, randomized, proof-of-concept, pilot study. Patients received intravenous (IV) MP 1 g daily for 3 days and then were randomized to receive 3 monthly IV infusions of FLU 25 mg/m2 daily for 5 consecutive days ( n = 10) or MP 1 g ( n = 8). All patients maintained their intramuscular IFNβ-1a treatment throughout the study. Analyses explored safety signals and directional trends; this preliminary study was not powered to detect clinically meaningful differences.

Results:

Both combination treatments were safe and well tolerated, with all adverse events mild. Patients treated with IFNβ-1a plus FLU had similar relapse rates, EDSS scores, and MS Functional Composite scores, but significantly less acute corticosteroid use for on-study relapses and better responses on some MRI outcomes, versus patients treated with IFNβ-1a plus MP.

Conclusions:

Further study of FLU for breakthrough disease in patients with RRMS is warranted.
Poor but Happy? Income, Happiness, and Experienced and Expected Meaning in Life
Authors: Ward Sarah J. , King Laura A.
Published: January 2016

Three studies demonstrate that income is positively associated with meaning in life (MIL) and that this relationship is moderated by positive affect (PA). Moreover, people’s forecasts about these associations resemble the actual data. Study 1 (N = 1,666) used a nationally representative sample to demonstrate that PA moderates the effect of income on MIL. At high levels of PA, income was unrelated to MIL, but at low PA, income was positively associated with MIL. Study 2 (N = 203) provided experimental support for the interaction between income and PA interaction using a PA induction. Although income predicted MIL in the control condition, it was unrelated to MIL following a PA induction. Study 3 (N = 277) demonstrated that people forecast their future lives will be more meaningful if they are wealthy versus poor, which was especially true among people who expect to be unhappy.
Drug-induced falls in older persons: is there a role for therapeutic drug monitoring?
Authors: Hartholt Klaas A. , Becker Matthijs L. , van der Cammen Tischa J. M.
Published: January 2016

Background:

Falls are the leading cause of injuries among older persons. Because of ageing societies worldwide, falls are expected to become a prominent public health problem. The usage of several types of drugs has been associated with an increased fall and fracture risk. In order to reduce future falls, preventative measures are needed. Therapeutic drug monitoring may help to identify persons who are at risk for falls due to drug use. The aim was to demonstrate how drugs can contribute to falls and the role of therapeutic drug monitoring.

Methods:

We present a descriptive case series of four patients.

Results:

All patients were referred to the geriatric outpatient clinic of a university medical center. The presented cases contained different underlying mechanisms contributing to an increased fall risk in older adults, including renal failure, genetic variation, overdose and ageing.

Conclusion/discussion:

Older adults are more prone to the side effects of drug use, including falls. Therapeutic drug monitoring may be useful to identify the patients who have an increased drug-related fall risk and to prevent future falls by individualizing the drug regime.
Unusual Outcome of a Right Ventricular Rhabdomyoma in an Infant
Authors: Lefort Bruno , Lothion Julie , Arid Jean-Marc El , Tabareau-Delalande Flore , Nassimi Alaeddin , Neville Paul , Chantepie Alain
Published: January 2016

Rhabdomyomas are the most common benign cardiac tumors. They may often be associated with tuberous sclerosis. In many cases, cardiac rhabdomyomas undergo spontaneous regression. Here, we report the unusual case of an infant with a large nonobstructive right ventricular rhabdomyoma at birth and at four months of age, which subsequently caused severe right ventricle outflow tract obstruction at six months of age, prompting surgery to remove the tumor. Close monitoring should be done in infants with large nonobstructive cardiac rhabdomyomas.
Surgical Correction of Truncus Arteriosus With Unusual Origin of the Right Coronary Artery
Authors: Rodríguez Humberto , Montero Hernán , Fernández Antonio , Guzman Armando , Sessa Thomas Di
Published: January 2016

An 11-year-old male with a diagnosis of truncus arteriosus (common arterial trunk) with origin of the right coronary artery anteriorly from the pulmonary segment of the common trunk underwent reparative surgery. The pulmonary trunk was long, and it had a kink with stenosis that protected the distal pulmonary vascular bed from elevated pressure. Adequate flow allowed well-developed distal branch pulmonary arteries. An oval incision was made in the pulmonary trunk, which created a flap. At its center was the right coronary artery. This flap, which remained attached to the aorta proximally, was then used to close the aortic defect. The segment of the pulmonary trunk with stenosis was resected. The patient’s pericardium was used to fashion a valved conduit that was interposed between the right ventricle and the confluence of the pulmonary artery branches.
Is Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole a Valid Alternative in the Management of Infections in Children in the Era of Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus? A Comprehensive Systematic Review
Authors: Rosanova María Teresa , Cuellar Pompa Leticia , Perez Guadalupe , Sberna Norma , Serrano-Aguilar Pedro , Lede Roberto
Published: January 2016

Objective. To evaluate the use of TMP-SMX compared with other options available for the treatment of children with community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections. Data Sources. The following databases were searched: Medline and PreMedline (OivdSP interface); Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE; Elsevier interface); Cumulative Index to the Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL; EbscoHost interface); Sciences Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED; Web of Science interface); Cochrane Library (Wiley interface); Scopus (Elsevier interface), and DARE, HTA (CRD interface). The search strategy was the one developed by SIGN to identify randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews. Also, we conducted a hand review of all reference lists of included studies. No language or data limits were added. The last search was done on October 1, 2015. Main key words were trimethoprim or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole combination and Staphylococcus aureus. Study Selection. Only randomized controlled trials comparing TMP-SMX versus any other antibiotic as the first-line treatment in CA-MRSA infections in children were included. Articles were reviewed by 2 reviewers, and in case of discrepancy, the final decision was made by the study coordinator. Data Extraction. Only 27 out of 364 articles identified were randomized controlled trials and only 4 fulfilled the eligibility criteria (Jadad score >3). Data Synthesis. Evidence found only referred to use of TMP-SMX in soft tissue infections. Heterogeneity among studies precluded meta-analysis. Conclusions. Available evidence is not conclusive to promote or refuse TMP-SMX as first-line treatment in CA-MRSA infections in children. Additional well-designed studies are required to fsurther elucidate this issue.
Use of exercise testing in the evaluation of interventional efficacy: an official ERS statement
Authors: Puente-Maestu Luis , Palange Paolo , Casaburi Richard , Laveneziana Pierantonio , Maltais François , Neder J. Alberto , O'Donnell Denis E. , Onorati Paolo , Porszasz Janos , Rabinovich Roberto , Rossiter Harry B. , Singh Sally , Troosters Thierry , Ward Susan
Published: January 2016

This document reviews 1) the measurement properties of commonly used exercise tests in patients with chronic respiratory diseases and 2) published studies on their utilty and/or evaluation obtained from MEDLINE and Cochrane Library searches between 1990 and March 2015.

Exercise tests are reliable and consistently responsive to rehabilitative and pharmacological interventions. Thresholds for clinically important changes in performance are available for several tests. In pulmonary arterial hypertension, the 6-min walk test (6MWT), peak oxygen uptake and ventilation/carbon dioxide output indices appear to be the variables most responsive to vasodilators. While bronchodilators do not always show clinically relevant effects in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, high-intensity constant work-rate (endurance) tests (CWRET) are considerably more responsive than incremental exercise tests and 6MWTs. High-intensity CWRETs need to be standardised to reduce interindividual variability. Additional physiological information and responsiveness can be obtained from isotime measurements, particularly of inspiratory capacity and dyspnoea. Less evidence is available for the endurance shuttle walk test. Although the incremental shuttle walk test and 6MWT are reliable and less expensive than cardiopulmonary exercise testing, two repetitions are needed at baseline. All exercise tests are safe when recommended precautions are followed, with evidence suggesting that no test is safer than others.
Outcome of patients with right heart thrombi: the Right Heart Thrombi European Registry
Authors: Koć Marcin , Kostrubiec Maciej , Elikowski Waldemar , Meneveau Nicolas , Lankeit Mareike , Grifoni Stefano , Kuch-Wocial Agnieszka , Petris Antoniu , Zaborska Beata , Stefanović Branislav S. , Hugues Thomas , Torbicki Adam , Konstantinides Stavros , Pruszczyk Piotr
Published: January 2016

Our aim was the assessment of the prognostic significance of right heart thrombi (RiHT) and their characteristics in pulmonary embolism in relation to established prognostic factors.

138 patients (69 females) aged (mean±sd) 62±19 years with RiHT were included into a multicenter registry. A control group of 276 patients without RiHT was created by propensity scoring from a cohort of 963 contemporary patients. The primary end-point was 30-day pulmonary embolism-related mortality; the secondary end-point included 30-day all-cause mortality. In RiHT patients, pulmonary embolism mortality was higher in 31 patients with systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg than in 107 normotensives (42%versus12%, p=0.0002) and was higher in the 83 normotensives with right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) than in the 24 normotensives without RVD (16%versus0%, p=0.038). In multivariable analysis the simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index predicted mortality (hazard ratio 2.43, 95% CI 1.58–3.73; p<0.0001), while RiHT characteristics did not. Patients with RiHT had higher pulmonary embolism mortality than controls (19%versus8%, p=0.003), especially normotensive patients with RVD (16%versus7%, p=0.02).

30-day mortality in patients with RiHT is related to haemodynamic consequences of pulmonary embolism and not to RiHT characteristics. However, patients with RiHT and pulmonary embolism resulting in RVD seem to have worse prognosis than propensity score-matched controls.
Interaction between theDNAH9gene and early smoke exposure in bronchial hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Dizier Marie-Hélène , Nadif Rachel , Margaritte-Jeannin Patricia , Barton Sheila J. , Sarnowski Chloé , Gagné-Ouellet Valérie , Brossard Myriam , Lavielle Nolwenn , Just Jocelyne , Lathrop Mark , Holloway John W. , Laprise Catherine , Bouzigon Emmanuelle , Demenais Florence
Published: January 2016

A previous genome-wide linkage scan of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in the French Epidemiological study on the Genetics and Environment of Asthma (EGEA) families, performed in the presence of a gene×early-life environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure interaction, showed the strongest interaction in the 17p11 region where linkage was detected only among unexposed siblings. Our goal was to conduct fine-scale mapping of 17p11 to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) interacting with ETS that influence BHR.

Analyses were performed in 388 French EGEA asthmatic families, using a two-step strategy: 1) selection of SNPs displaying family-based association test (FBAT) association signals (p≤0.01) with BHR in unexposed siblings, and 2) a FBAT homogeneity test between exposed and unexposed siblings plus a robust log-linear interaction test.

A single SNP reached the threshold (p≤3×10−3) for significant interaction with ETS using both interaction tests, after accounting for multiple testing. Results were replicated in 253 French-Canadian families, but not in 341 UK families, probably due in part to differences in phenotypic features between datasets.

The SNP showing significant interaction with ETS belongs toDNAH9(dynein, axonemal, heavy chain 9), a promising candidate gene involved in respiratory cilia mobility and associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia, a disease associated with abnormalities of pulmonary function.
A review of national guidelines for management of COPD in Europe
Authors: Miravitlles Marc , Vogelmeier Claus , Roche Nicolas , Halpin David , Cardoso João , Chuchalin Alexander G. , Kankaanranta Hannu , Sandström Thomas , Śliwiński Paweł , Zatloukal Jaromir , Blasi Francesco
Published: January 2016

The quality of care can be improved by the development and implementation of evidence-based treatment guidelines. Different national guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exist in Europe and relevant differences may exist among them.

This was an evaluation of COPD treatment guidelines published in Europe and Russia in the past 7 years. Each guideline was reviewed in detail and information about the most important aspects of patient diagnosis, risk stratification and pharmacotherapy was extracted following a standardised process. Guidelines were available from the Czech Republic, England and Wales, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain and Sweden. The treatment goals, criteria for COPD diagnosis, consideration of comorbidities in treatment selection and support for use of long-acting bronchodilators, were similar across treatment guidelines. There were differences in measures used for stratification of disease severity, consideration of patient phenotypes, criteria for the use of inhaled corticosteroids and recommendations for other medications (e.g.theophylline and mucolytics) in addition to bronchodilators.

There is generally good agreement on treatment goals, criteria for diagnosis of COPD and use of long-acting bronchodilators as the cornerstone of treatment among guidelines for COPD management in Europe and Russia. However, there are differences in the definitions of patient subgroups and other recommended treatments.
Effects of PCV7 and PCV13 on invasive pneumococcal disease and carriage in Stockholm, Sweden
Authors: Galanis Ilias , Lindstrand Ann , Darenberg Jessica , Browall Sarah , Nannapaneni Priyanka , Sjöström Karin , Morfeldt Eva , Naucler Pontus , Blennow Margareta , Örtqvist Åke , Henriques-Normark Birgitta
Published: January 2016

The effects of pneumococcal conjugated vaccines (PCVs) need to be investigated. In Stockholm County, Sweden, PCV7 was introduced in the childhood immunisation programme in 2007 and changed to PCV13 in 2010.

Over 90% of all invasive isolates during 2005–2014 (n=2336) and carriage isolates, 260 before and 647 after vaccine introduction, were characterised by serotyping, molecular typing and antibiotic susceptibility, and serotype diversity was calculated. Clinical information was collected for children and adults with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD).

The IPD incidence decreased post-PCV7, but not post-PCV13, in vaccinated children. Beneficial herd effects were seen in older children and adults, but not in the elderly. The herd protection was more pronounced post-PCV7 than post-PCV13. PCV7 serotypes decreased. IPD caused by PCV13 serotypes 3 and 19A increased post-PCV7. Post-PCV13, serotypes 6A and 19A, but not serotype 3, decreased. The serotype distribution changed in carriage and IPD to nonvaccine types, also in nonvaccinated populations. Expansion of non-PCV13 serotypes was largest following PCV13 introduction. Serotype diversity increased and nonvaccine clones emerged, such as CC433 (serotype 22F) in IPD and CC62 (serotype 11A) in carriage. In young children, meningitis, septicaemia and severe rhinosinusitis, but not bacteraemic pneumonia, decreased.

Pneumococcal vaccination leads to expansion of new or minor serotypes/clones, also in nonvaccinated populations.
Pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma revisited
Authors: Borie Raphael , Wislez Marie , Antoine Martine , Copie-Bergman Christiane , Thieblemont Catherine , Cadranel Jacques
Published: January 2016

This general review sought to clarify the pathophysiological, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic features of pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma.

MALT lymphoma is the most common pulmonary B-cell lymphoma, which usually occurs in the context of acquired MALT. The disease is slow-growing with an asymptomatic chronic alveolar opacity visible on radiography. Diagnosis requires tissue samples that should be retrieved using minimally invasive techniques, such as bronchoscopy or computed tomography-guided biopsies. The pathophysiology includes cytogenetic abnormalities and autoimmune diseases, whereas an association with a chronic pulmonary infection is still suspected but not yet demonstrated. Disease prognosis is typically excellent and the current available treatments are discussed in this review, including the decision not to treat, surgery, and single- or double-agent chemotherapy.
Acute kidney stress—a useful term based on evolution in the understanding of acute kidney injury
Authors: Katz Nevin , Ronco Claudio
Published: January 2016

Critical care physicians have debated an appropriate term for the clinical phase preceding acute kidney injury (AKI). The recent development of cell cycle arrest biomarkers that signal the potential development of AKI is part of an evolution in the molecular diagnosis and understanding of AKI. It is proposed that the pre-injury phase that leads to AKI can be described as “acute kidney stress”. This term has the potential to expand horizons in regard to the early detection of situations that will lead to AKI and the early implementation of corrective measures.
RETRACTED ARTICLE:Exercise-induced mitochondrial p53
repairs mtDNA mutations in mutator mice
Authors: Safdar Adeel , Khrapko Konstantin , Flynn James M. , Saleem Ayesha , De Lisio Michael , Johnston Adam P. W. , Kratysberg Yevgenya , Samjoo Imtiaz A. , Kitaoka Yu , Ogborn Daniel I. , Little Jonathan P. , Raha Sandeep , Parise Gianni , Akhtar Mahmood , Hettinga Bart P. , Rowe Glenn C. , Arany Zoltan , Prolla Tomas A. , Tarnopolsky Mark A.
Published: January 2016

Background

Human genetic disorders and transgenic mouse models have shown that
mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and telomere dysfunction instigate the aging
process. Epidemiologically, exercise is associated with greater life expectancy
and reduced risk of chronic diseases. While the beneficial effects of exercise are
well established, the molecular mechanisms instigating these observations remain
unclear.

Results

Endurance exercise reduces mtDNA mutation burden, alleviates
multisystem pathology, and increases lifespan of the mutator mice, with
proofreading deficient mitochondrial polymerase gamma (POLG1). We report evidence
for a POLG1-independent mtDNA repair pathway mediated by exercise, a surprising
notion as POLG1 is canonically considered to be the sole mtDNA repair enzyme.
Here, we show that the tumor suppressor protein p53 translocates to mitochondria
and facilitates mtDNA mutation repair and mitochondrial biogenesis in response to
endurance exercise. Indeed, in mutator mice with muscle-specific deletion of p53,
exercise failed to prevent mtDNA mutations, induce mitochondrial biogenesis,
preserve mitochondrial morphology, reverse sarcopenia, or mitigate premature
mortality.

Conclusions

Our data establish a new role for p53 in exercise-mediated
maintenance of the mtDNA genome and present mitochondrially targeted p53 as a
novel therapeutic modality for diseases of mitochondrial etiology.
Post-buckled equilibrium state of axially compressed polymeric rod in glass and rubbery transitions
Authors: Tikhomirova Ksenia Alekseevna , Trufanov Nikolay Aleksandrovich
Published: January 2016

Background

Glass and rubbery transitions under cooling and heating of polymeric materials underlie a shape memory effect, that is a material ability to save temporarily the deformed shape and restore the original one under the external influence. The present work aims to model the shape memory effect for an axially compressed polymeric rod in its post-buckled equilibrium state, which is the generalization of Euler’s elastica for a glassy material case.

Methods

For modeling, we use a new type of constitutive relations describing the thermomechanical behavior of amorphous polymers over a wide temperature range. To define the model parameters for lightly-linked epoxy resin a series of experiments was conducted using the Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer.

Results

Post-buckled states of an epoxy rod equilibrium during the temperature change have been found from numerical simulation. The obtained results illustrate the shape memory effect in case of axially compressed rod buckling.

Conclusion

The thermomechanical shape-memory cycle includes the stages of deformation development and preservation and the subsequent recovery of the initial shape. According to the obtained results, maximum deflection corresponds to the first loading step at the rubbery material state, because the elastic modulus is very low. During cooling under a constant load the deformation remains constant. After unloading in glassy state the deflection decreases by a small value, because the glassy elastic modulus significantly exceeds the rubbery one. During subsequent heating the rod recovers its initial undeformed shape.
Practice nurse-led proactive care for chronic depression in primary care: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Buszewicz Marta , Griffin Mark , McMahon Elaine M. , Walters Kate , King Michael
Published: January 2016

Background

Management of long-term depression is a significant problem in primary care populations with considerable on-going morbidity, but few studies have focused on this group.

Aims

To evaluate whether structured, nurse-led proactive care of patients with chronic depression in primary care improves outcomes.

Method

Participants with chronic/recurrent major depression or dysthymia were recruited from 42 UK general practices and randomised to general practitioner (GP) treatment as usual or nurse intervention over 2 years (the ProCEED trial, trial registration: ISRCTN36610074).

Results

In total 282 people received the intervention and there were 276 controls. At 24 months there was no significant improvement in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) score or quality of life (Euroquol-EQ-VAS), but a significant improvement in functional impairment (Work and Social Activity Schedule, WSAS) of 2.5 (95% CI 0.6–4.3, P = 0.010) in the intervention group. The impact per practice-nurse intervention session was –0.37 (95% CI –0.68 to –0.07, P = 0.017) on the BDI-II score and –0.33 (95% CI –0.55 to –0.10, P = 0.004) on the WSAS score, indicating that attending all 10 intervention sessions could lead to a BDI-II score reduction of 3.7 points compared with controls.

Conclusions

The intervention improved functioning in these patients, the majority of whom had complex long-term difficulties, but only had a significant impact on depressive symptoms in those engaging with the full intervention.
Cardiometabolic disease and features of depression and bipolar disorder: Population-based, cross-sectional study
Authors: Martin Daniel J. , Ul-Haq Zia , Nicholl Barbara I. , Cullen Breda , Evans Jonathan , Gill Jason M. R. , Roberts Beverly , Gallacher John , Mackay Daniel , McIntosh Andrew , Hotopf Matthew , Craddock Nick , Deary Ian J. , Pell Jill P. , Smith Daniel J.
Published: January 2016

Background

The relative contribution of demographic, lifestyle and medication factors to the association between affective disorders and cardiometabolic diseases is poorly understood.

Aims

To assess the relationship between cardiometabolic disease and features of depresion and bipolar disorder within a large population sample.

Method

Cross-sectional study of 145 991 UK Biobank participants: multivariate analyses of associations between features of depression or bipolar disorder and five cardiometabolic outcomes, adjusting for confounding factors.

Results

There were significant associations between mood disorder features and ‘any cardiovascular disease’ (depression odds ratio (OR) = 1.15, 95% CI 1.12–1.19; bipolar OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.14–1.43) and with hypertension (depression OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.13–1.18; bipolar OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.12–1.42). Individuals with features of mood disorder taking psychotropic medication were significantly more likely than controls not on psychotropics to report myocardial infarction (depression OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.24–1.73; bipolar OR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.53–3.57) and stroke (depression OR = 2.46, 95% CI 2.10–2.80; bipolar OR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.39–3.85).

Conclusions

Associations between features of depression or bipolar disorder and cardiovascular disease outcomes were statistically independent of demographic, lifestyle and medication confounders. Psychotropic medication may also be a risk factor for cardiometabolic disease in individuals without a clear history of mood disorder.
Affective instability and the course of bipolar depression: Results from the STEP-BD randomised controlled trial of psychosocial treatment
Authors: Stange Jonathan P. , Sylvia Louisa G. , da Silva Magalhães Pedro Vieira , Miklowitz David J. , Otto Michael W. , Frank Ellen , Yim Christine , Berk Michael , Dougherty Darin D. , Nierenberg Andrew A. , Deckersbach Thilo
Published: January 2016

Background

Little is known about predictors of recovery from bipolar depression.

Aims

We investigated affective instability (a pattern of frequent and large mood shifts over time) as a predictor of recovery from episodes of bipolar depression and as a moderator of response to psychosocial treatment for acute depression.

Method

A total of 252 out-patients with DSM-IV bipolar I or II disorder and who were depressed enrolled in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD) and were randomised to one of three types of intensive psychotherapy for depression (n= 141) or a brief psychoeducational intervention (n= 111). All analyses were by intention-to-treat.

Results

Degree of instability of symptoms of depression and mania predicted a lower likelihood of recovery and longer time until recovery, independent of the concurrent effects of symptom severity. Affective instability did not moderate the effects of psychosocial treatment on recovery from depression.

Conclusions

Affective instability may be a clinically relevant characteristic that influences the course of bipolar depression.
The effects of laboratory housing and spatial enrichment on brain size and metabolic rate in the eastern mosquitofish,Gambusia holbrooki
Authors: Turschwell Mischa P. , White Craig R.
Published: January 2016

It has long been hypothesised that there is a functional correlation between brain size and metabolic rate in vertebrates. The present study tested this hypothesis in wild-caught adult mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki by testing for an intra-specific association between resting metabolic rate (RMR) and brain size while controlling for variation in body size, and through the examination of the effects of spatial enrichment and laboratory housing on body mass-independent measures of brain size and RMR. Controlling for body mass, there was no relationship between brain size and RMR in wild-caught fish. Contrary to predictions, spatial enrichment caused a decrease in mass-independent brain size, highlighting phenotypic plasticity in the adult brain. As expected, after controlling for differences in body size, wild-caught fish had relatively larger brains than fish that had been maintained in the laboratory for a minimum of six weeks, but wild-caught fish also had significantly lower mass-independent RMR. This study demonstrates that an organisms' housing environment can cause significant plastic changes to fitness related traits including brain size and RMR. We therefore conclude that current standard laboratory housing conditions may cause captive animals to be non-representative of their wild counterparts, potentially undermining the transferability of previous laboratory-based studies of aquatic ectothermic vertebrates to wild populations.
Aging influences steroid hormone release by mink ovaries and their response to leptin and IGF-I
Authors: Sirotkin Alexander V. , Mertin Dušan , Süvegová Karin , Harrath Abdel Halim , Kotwica Jan
Published: January 2016

The aim of our study was to understand whether ovarian steroid hormones, and their response to the metabolic hormones leptin and IGF-I leptin, could be involved in the control of mink reproductive aging via changes in basal release of ovarian progesterone and estradiol. For this purpose, we compared the release of progesterone and estradiol by ovarian fragments isolated from young (yearlings) and old (3-5 years of age) minks cultured with and without leptin and IGF-I (0, 1, 10 or 100 ng/ml). We observed that isolated ovaries of older animals produced less progesterone but not less estradiol than the ovaries of young animals. Leptin addition stimulated estradiol release by the ovarian tissue of young animals but inhibited it in older females. Leptin did not influence progesterone output by the ovaries of either young or older animals. IGF-I inhibited estradiol output in young but not old animals, whereas progesterone release was inhibited by IGF-I irrespective of the animal age. Our observations demonstrate the involvement of both leptin and IGF-I in the control of mink ovarian steroid hormones release. Furthermore, our findings suggest that reproductive aging in minks can be due to (a) reduction in basal progesterone release and (b) alterations in the response of estradiol but not of progesterone to leptin and IGF-I.
Phenotypic chemical screening using zebrafish neural crest reporters identifies retinoid acid as an inhibitor of epithelial morphogenesis
Authors: Jimenez Laura , Wang Jindong , Morrison Monique A. , Whatcott Clifford , Soh Katherine K. , Warner Steven , Bearss David , Jette Cicely A. , Stewart Rodney A.
Published: January 2016

The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a highly conserved morphogenetic program essential for embryogenesis, regeneration and cancer metastasis. In cancer cells, EMT also triggers cellular reprogramming and chemoresistance, which underlie disease relapse and decreased survival. Hence, identifying compounds that block EMT is essential to prevent or eradicate disseminated tumor cells. Here, we establish a whole animal-based EMT reporter in zebrafish for rapid drug screening called Tg(snai1b:GFP), which labels epithelial cells undergoing EMT to produce sox10-positive neural crest (NC) cells. Time-lapse and lineage analysis of Tg(snai1b:GFP) embryos reveal that cranial NC cells delaminate from two regions; an early population delaminates adjacent to the neural plate while a later population delaminates from within the dorsal neural tube. Treating Tg(snai1b:GFP) embryos with candidate small molecule EMT compounds identified TP-0903, a multi-kinase inhibitor that blocked cranial NC delamination in both the lateral and medial populations. RNA-Seq analysis and chemical rescue experiments show TP-0903 acts through stimulating retinoic acid (RA) biosynthesis and RA-dependent transcription. These studies identify TP-0903 as a new therapeutic for activating RA in vivo and raise the possibility that RA-dependent inhibition of EMT may contribute to its prior success in eliminating disseminated cancer cells.
Romanian Village Halls in the Early 1950s: Between Cultural and Political Propaganda
Authors: Radu Sorin
Published: January 2016

Village halls [Romanian: cămine culturale] appeared in many European
countries and elsewhere as early as the nineteenth century and multiplied in the twentieth.
The presence of these institutions in the rural world, despite obvious differences in their
goals and activities, demonstrates a general interest in the cultural development of
villages, as well as the emergence and growth of leisure practices amongst peasants. This
essay is not a study of the history of village halls; rather, it focuses on the changes that this
institution underwent in the early years of the communist regime in Romania. It analyses
how communists transformed the village hall into a place of propaganda under the
guise of “cultural work”. The study starts from the premise that communist propaganda
deliberately did not distinguish between “political work” and “cultural work”. At the end
of the 1940s and the beginning of the 1950s, the village hall became the communist regime’s
central venue for disseminating political and cultural propaganda.
Codificando/Decodificando a Comunicação Organizacional: Uma contribuição dos Estudos Culturais
Authors: Franco Suélen Matozo , Leão André Luiz Maranhão de Souza
Published: January 2016

A Administração é um campo transdisciplinar. Dentre as áreas que se interseccionam com ele, está a Comunicação. A despeito dessa intersecção, predomina na pesquisa em Administração um modelo comunicacional cujas limitações já são reconhecidas há décadas na área de Comunicação. O presente ensaio examina como o modelo Codificação/Decodificação, oriundo dos Estudos Culturais e amplamente utilizado no presente em pesquisas de Comunicação, pode ser bastante profícuo para a investigação dos fenômenos comunicativos no campo da Administração. Para isso, discutimos orientações epistemológicas tanto da Administração quanto dos Estudos Culturais e apontamos possibilidades de utilização em algumas das áreas temáticas da Administração.
Empreendedorismo inovador gerado pelas universidades: mapeamento da produção científica
Authors: Giarola Pollyanna Gerola , Fiates Gabriela Gonçalves Silveira , Dutra Ademar , Martins Cristina , Leite André
Published: January 2016

Este artigo tem como objetivo investigar a produção científica realizada até o ano de 2011 sobre o empreendedorismo inovador gerado pelas universidades. Trata-se de um estudo bibliométrico, de natureza descritiva, com abordagem quantitativa a partir de uma pesquisa documental. Foram analisados como amostra final 160 trabalhos, originários da base de periódicos Ebsco, Scielo, anais dos eventos Anpad e Anprotec, além de teses e dissertações do banco da Capes e Domínio Público. Como resultados destacam-se; (i) o número máximo de publicações por autor sobre o tema empreendedorismo inovador, foi de quatro trabalhos; (ii) o melhor capital social nas redes de colaboração apresentou 8 conexões, (iii) somente 4 orientadores acompanharam o desenvolvimento de mais do que um trabalho; (iv) o ano de 2010 é visto como o principal ano para as publicações acerca do tema, com um total de 24 trabalhos; (v) observa-se que Santa Catarina (UFSC, FURB e Fundação CERTI) concentra a maioria dos trabalhos, totalizando 13 publicações; (vi) o nível de ensino com maior número de publicações é o de mestrado acadêmico, englobando uma parte de 80% do total de trabalhos encontrados; (vii) apesar de no ano de 2010 a Anpad - Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Administração - ter se sobressaído, no geral a Anprotec aparece com mais publicações; (viii) apesar do número expressivo final de trabalhos, após a leitura final percebeu-se uma lacuna pois o tema de interesse não foi abordado de maneira específica, apenas de forma tangencial. O intuito desta pesquisa infere que a representatividade da temática no contexto acadêmico contribui para o avanço e para a expansão do conhecimento na área do empreendedorismo e inovação, além de dar maior visibilidade do que vem sendo produzido acerca do processo de empreendedorismo inovador ao longo dos anos.
Mudança organizacional: um estudo multicasos
Authors: Ceribeli Harrison Bachion , Merlo Edgard Monforte
Published: January 2016

A maioria das organizações na atualidade atua em um ambiente altamente competitivo e dinâmico, exigindo delas a capacidade de mudar constantemente. No entanto, estas organizações encontram muita dificuldade durante o processo de implementação das mudanças propostas. Por isso, este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar o processo de implementação de mudanças organizacionais, comparando um caso de sucesso e outro de fracasso, com o intuito de identificar aspectos-chave a serem gerenciados, para que os resultados esperados consigam ser alcançados. Foram desenvolvidos dois estudos de casos, e, posteriormente, foi feita uma análise comparativa. Como conclusões, destaca-se a importância de respeitar a cultura organizacional durante o processo de mudança. Além disso, verificou-se a necessidade do desenvolvimento de uma visão de futuro que inclua os colaboradores envolvidos e de uma abordagem sistêmica que direcione a implementação de mudanças, de modo a minimizar possíveis resistências.
Perfil dos Empreendedores Individuais e Características dos Negócios Participantes do Programa EI em Aracaju, Sergipe
Authors: Vianna Marco Otávio Dos Santos , Teixeira Rivanda Meira , Franca Veruschka Vieira
Published: January 2016

A partir de uma ação unificada em todo o país, passou-se a oferecer condições especiais para os empreendedores individuais para que seus negócios fossem formalizados. Este estudo tem como objetivo delinear o perfil dos empreendedores individuais e definir as características dos empreendimentos formalizados através do Programa Empreendedor Individual EI em Aracaju, Estado de Sergipe. Foi realizado survey com amostra de trezentos Empreendedores Individuais que aderiram ao programa desde a sua criação em Sergipe em junho de 2009. As informações foram coletadas por meio de questionários estruturados aplicados pessoalmente com os empreendedores.  Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e os resultados foram comparados ao de outras pesquisas realizadas no Brasil relacionadas ao programa EI. Pode-se destacar a participação feminina entre os empreendedores individuais de Aracaju, a escolaridade se mostrou bem distribuída e tem baixa renda mensal. Em relação aos empreendimentos, são predominantes no setor do comércio, contam com ajuda de uma ou mais pessoas, foram poucos os empreendimentos que surgiram recentemente e o negócio, mais do que uma fonte de renda individual, é sustento dos familiares
Gestão ambiental: um estudo em empresas do setor sucroalcooleiro em Goiás
Authors: Ferreira Marta Cleia
Published: January 2016

O setor empresarial vem promovendo uma mudança em seu modelo de gestão, desde o início dos anos 90, quando assumiu uma atitude positiva para com o meio ambiente. Assim, as questões ambientais têm se tornado parte do planejamento estratégico das organizações devido às regulamentações mais rigorosas e às demandas da sociedade por maior responsabilidade ambiental. Para tanto, este estudo tem como objetivo identificar e analisar as práticas ambientais adotadas pelas empresas do setor sucroalcooleiro em Goiás. Este artigo pretende, também, procurar respostas para questões relacionadas aos fatores que possam contribuir para a criação de vantagens competitivas dentro destas organizações. As organizações enfocadas no estudo são denominadas de A, B, C e D. Esta pesquisa utiliza os fundamentos da abordagem qualitativa e exploratória e pode ser caracterizada como uma pesquisa de campo. Na cultura e processamento da cana-de-açúcar, certamente ainda se fazem presentes, impactos negativos para o meio ambiente. Mas, a adoção de ações aqui mencionadas, como a busca pela conservação do solo e vegetação, a troca da queimada por colheitadeiras, a racionalização no uso de produtos químicos, o reaproveitamento de resíduos do processo produtivo (como a geração de energia através do bagaço da cana), dentre outras, apontam benefícios para as empresas do setor e para o meio ambiente.
Editorial
Authors: Moraes Joysi
Published: January 2016

Nesta edição da Revista Pensamento Contemporâneo em Administração (PCA) publicamos um conjunto de artigos que versam sobre diferentes perspectivas organizacionais, desde os hábitos de consumo ou boicotes a este, quanto os aspectos que influenciam a vida das empresas, universidades e dos próprios estudantes.
Influência do poder coercivo em redes de empresas
Authors: Teixeira Carlos Alberto Chagas , Gaspar Marcos Antonio , Farina Milton Carlos
Published: January 2016

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e caracterizar a existência do poder coercivo nas relações desenvolvidas por grandes bancos junto à rede de empresas e organizações constituída em função de estratégias de ecoeficiência, considerando-se as variáveis presentes no modelo proposto por Hermans (2003). Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa de campo com entrevistas a partir de roteiros semi-estruturados aplicados aos gestores das áreas administrativas dos três maiores bancos privados atuantes no país, bem como aos gestores de empresas e organizações parceiras constituintes da rede. Os resultados da pesquisa de campo indicam que há utilização do poder coercivo exercido pelos bancos junto aos seus parceiros de rede. Porém, o poder coercivo exercido pelo banco é considerado pelos gestores dos bancos como orientações ou diretrizes estipuladas pelo braço forte da relação, ou seja, o banco. Já na visão dos parceiros analisados, o poder coercivo é evidente, porém bem recebido, uma vez que não se verificaram rejeições das empresas e organizações analisadas. Em relação ao impacto do poder coercivo no comprometimento com a relação e na confiança, na visão dos gestores dos bancos e das empresas e organizações parceiras, a utilização do poder coercivo não diminui o comprometimento e nem a confiança existentes entre os envolvidos. Consequentemente, também não se verificou influência significativa na cooperação desenvolvida entre os integrantes das redes de empresas e organizações.
Additional Technology of Pre-Profile Training
Authors: Бычков  , Bychkov Anatoliy
Published: January 2016

Presented is the methodology for pre-profi le training the general school students in the context of technological education and supplementary

education interaction. To support the teachers, the essential pedagogical terms are defi ned. Recommendations are provided on how to use assignments

on educational and research activities and also on project activities in order to facilitate the professional self-determination of school students.
Learning on the Job? Employee Mobility in the Asset Management Industry
Authors: Chatterji Aaron K. , de Figueiredo Rui J. P. , Rawley Evan
Published: January 2016

We present a new mechanism by which prior employment can influence transitions to other firms. We propose that some employees divert effort toward unproductive activities to learn about their own fitness for alternative employment. Based on the results of this costly learning experience, or “experiment,” some employees will transition into other firms or launch their own ventures, whereas others will remain at the incumbent firm. We develop a theoretical model to explicate these propositions and test them using four data sets from the mutual fund and hedge fund industries. We find evidence that managers who engage in excessive risk taking at mutual funds are subsequently more likely to join or start hedge funds, although there is little evidence that this risk taking is intended to signal quality to outside observers. Taken together, our findings suggest that learning about one’s own fitness for alternative employment, through experimentation on the job, is an important mechanism for enabling employee mobility.

This paper was accepted by Lee Fleming, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Unified Algorithms for Online Learning and Competitive Analysis
Authors: Buchbinder Niv , Chen Shahar , Naor Joseph (Seffi) , Shamir Ohad
Published: January 2016

Online learning and competitive analysis are two widely studied frameworks for online decision-making settings. Despite the frequent similarity of the problems they study, there are significant differences in their assumptions, goals, and techniques, hindering a unified analysis and richer interplay between the two. In this paper, we provide several contributions in this direction. We provide a single unified algorithm, which, by parameter tuning, interpolates between optimal regret for learning from experts (in online learning) and optimal competitive ratio for the metrical task systems problem (MTS) (in competitive analysis), improving upon previous results. The algorithm also allows us to obtain new regret bounds against “drifting” experts, which might be of independent interest. Moreover, our approach allows us to go beyond experts/MTS, obtaining similar unifying results for structured action sets and “combinatorial experts,” whenever the setting has a certain matroid structure.
Serving up a feast before Lent
Authors: Neville Sarah
Published: January 2016

The government has asked early years settings to promote British values; these lend themselves to various activities based on Shrove Tuesday, also known as pancake day!
Fruit & Veg: X is for eXtra goodness…
Authors: Hammond Paula , Lillie Stephen
Published: January 2016

This month, we continue our extended adventure around the alphabetical vegetables and fruits of the world by taking a look at all the wonderful goodness we have seen so far.
Reassuring parents about gastro-oesophageal reflux in infancy
Authors: Cremonesini Louise
Published: January 2016

How to manage this common malady and spot when it becomes more serious. By Louise Cremonesini