bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case of Isolated Celiac Artery Dissection Accompanied by Splenic Infarction Detected by Ultrasonography in the Emergency Department
Authors: Emori Kazumasa , Takeuchi Nobuhiro , Soneda Junichi
Published: April 2016

A 46-year-old male with a history of hypertension visited the emergency department (ED) by ambulance complaining of sudden pain in the left side of his back. Ultrasonography (USG) performed at ED revealed splenic infarction along with occlusion and dissection of the celiac and splenic arteries without abdominal artery dissection. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed the same result. Consequently, spontaneous isolated celiac artery dissection (SICAD) was diagnosed. Because his blood pressure was high (159/70 mmHg), antihypertensive medicine was administered (nicardipine and carvedilol). After his blood reached optimal levels (130/80 mmHg), symptoms disappeared. Follow-up USG and contrast enhanced CT performed 8 days and 4 months after onset revealed amelioration of splenic infarction and improvement of the narrowed artery. Here, we report a case of SICAD with splenic infarction presenting with severe left-sided back pain and discuss the relevance of USG in an emergency setting.
Usefulness Of Three-Dimensional Printing Models for Patients with Stoma Construction
Authors: Tominaga Tetsuro , Takagi Katsunori , Takeshita Hiroaki , Miyamoto Tomo , Matsuo Ayano , Shimoda Kozue , Matsumoto Keitaro , Hidaka Shigekazu , Yamasaki Naoya , Sawai Terumitsu , Nagayasu Takeshi
Published: April 2016

The use of patient-specific organ models in three-dimensional printing systems could be helpful for the education of patients and medical students. The aim of this study was to clarify whether the use of patient-specific stoma models is helpful for patient education. From January 2014 to September 2014, 5 patients who underwent colorectal surgery and for whom a temporary or permanent stoma had been created were involved in this study. Three-dimensional stoma models and three-dimensional face plates were created. The patients’ ages ranged from 59 to 81 years. Four patients underwent stoma construction because of rectal cancer, and 1 underwent stoma construction because of colon stenosis secondary to recurrent cancer. All patients were educated about their stoma and potential stoma-associated problems using three-dimensional stoma models, and all practiced cutting face plates using three-dimensional face plates. The models were also used during medical staff conferences to discuss current issues. All patients understood their problems and finally became self-reliant. The recent availability of three-dimensional printers has enabled the creation of many organ models, and full-scale stoma and face plate models are now available for patient education on cutting an appropriately individualized face plate. Thus, three-dimensional printers could enable fewer skin problems than are currently associated with daily stomal care.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress is Involved in DFMO Attenuating Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy in Rats
Authors: Lin Yan , Zhang Xiaojie , Xiao Wei , Li Bo , Wang Jun , Jin Li , Lian Jie , Zhou Li , Liu Jicheng
Published: April 2016

Background/Aims: Studies performed in experimental animals have shown that polyamines contribute to several physiological and pathological processes, including cardiac hypertrophy. This involves an increase in ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and intracellular polyamines associated with regulation of gene expression. Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), an irreversible inhibitor of ODC, has attracted considerable interest for its antiproliferative role, which it exerts through inhibition of the polyamine pathway and cell turnover. Whether DFMO attenuates cardiac hypertrophy through endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is unclear. Methods: Myocardial hypertrophy was simulated by isoproterenol (ISO). Polyamine depletion was achieved using DFMO. Hypertrophy was estimated using the heart/body index and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) gene expression. Cardiac fibrosis and apoptosis were measured by Masson and TUNEL staining. Expression of ODC and spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) were analyzed via real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Protein expression of ERS and apoptosis factors were analyzed using Western blot analysis. Results: DFMO treatments significantly attenuated hypertrophy and apoptosis induced by ISO in cardiomyocytes. DFMO down-regulated the expression of ODC, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), cleaved caspase-12, and Bax and up-regulated the expression of SSAT and Bcl-2. Finally, these changes were partially reversed by the addition of exogenous putrescine. Conclusion: The data presented here suggest that polyamine depletion could inhibit cardiac hypertrophy and apoptosis, which is closely related to the ERS pathway.
Trends of Stroke Incidence from 1995 to 2013 in Joinville, Brazil
Authors: Cabral Norberto L. , Cougo-Pinto Pedro T. , Magalhaes Pedro S.C. , Longo Alexandre L. , Moro Carla H.C. , Amaral Claudio H. , Costa Gerson , Reis Felipe I. , Gonçalves Anderson R.R. , Nagel Vivian , Pontes-Neto Octavio M.
Published: April 2016

Background: Temporal trends on the incidence of stroke and its subtypes could help assess on-going public health policies and point to further targets for action among middle- and low-income countries, where the stroke burden is very high. This study aimed at evaluating longitudinal trends of stroke incidence in Joinville, Brazil. Methods: We ascertained the incidence of all first-ever strokes occurred in 1995, 2005-2006 and 2012-2013, which were extracted from Joinville Stroke Registry, a prospective epidemiological data bank, launched in 1995. Results: From 1995 to 2013, the age-adjusted incidence of all strokes decreased 37% (95% CI 32-42). From 2005 to 2013, the haemorrhagic stroke (HS) incidence decreased 60% (95% CI 13-86), ischemic stroke (IS) incidence decreased 15% (95% CI 1-28), and subarachnoid haemorrhage incidence remained stable. The proportion of IS and HS patients with regularly treated hypertension increased by 60% (p = 0.01) and 33% (p = 0.01), respectively. The proportion of IS and HS patients that quit smoking increased 8% (p = 0.03) and 17% (p = 0.03), respectively. Conclusions: Stroke incidence has been decreasing in Joinville over the last 18 years, more so for HS than IS. Better control of hypertension and tobacco use might explain these findings.
Regulation of IgA Class Switch Recombination in Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy: Retinoic Acid Signaling and BATF
Authors: He Liyu , Peng Xiaofei , Chen Yinyin , Liu Guoyong , Liu Zhiwen , Zhu Jiefu , Liu Yexin , Liu Hong , Liang Yumei , Liu Fuyou , Sun Lin , Peng Youming
Published: April 2016

Background: Immunoglobulin (Ig) A nephropathy (IgAN) is the ﬁnding of immune deposits predominantly containing polymeric IgA in the glomerular mesangium on renal biopsy. Increasing evidence suggested that retinoic acid (RA) signaling selectively induces IgA isotype switching and basic leucine zipper transcription factor, ATF-like (BATF) controls the global regulators of class switch recombination (CSR) in lymphocytes. Great effort has been paid to identify whether impaired immune regulation along the ‘mucosa-bone marrow (BM) axis' play an important role in the pathogenesis of IgAN. Methods: The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of all-trans-RA (ATRA) and BATF, and to identify their impact on IgA CSR in IgAN patients and rat animal models. Blood samples and tonsillar tissue specimens were obtained from 22 patients with IgAN and 24 patients with chronic tonsillitis as control. Results: Immunohistochemical, RT-PCR and western blotting examination revealed that RA signaling and BATF productions are activated in IgAN patients compared with controls. Lipopolysaccharide and α-hemolytic streptococcus stimulation upregulated RA receptor (RAR) and BATF expression, promote IgA CSR and ATRA productions in tonsil mononuclear cells. RAR alpha (RARα) or BATF siRNA decreases IgA expression. We also built IgAN rat models and found that RARα, BATF and activation-induced cytidine deaminase were upregulated in the peripheral blood, spleen and BM. With ATRA (500 μg/kg body weight) treatment for 8 weeks, IgA deposition on glomeruli and mesangial cells proliferation increased. It also revealed that ATRA activated BATF and IgA CSR in vivo. Conclusion: These data point toward the role of RA signaling together with BATF in IgA CSR of IgAN, and the data also support the notion that mucosal immunization with neoantigen results in impaired mucosal and systemic IgA responses.
Em defesa da biblioteca escolar: a prática baseada em evidências
Authors: Santos Raquel Da Silva , Batista Carla Erler Mattos
Published: April 2016

A biblioteca escolar é muito importante para a melhoria do ensino básico no Brasil e as estratégias em defesa da sua existência, manutenção e gestão garantem a valorização tanto do espaço quanto do bibliotecário. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar a Prática Baseada em Evidências (PBE) como uma metodologia importante para melhorar a prática profissional gerando evidências locais da influência da biblioteca escolar no aprendizado do aluno. Discute como a classe bibliotecária pode provar a importância da biblioteca escolar para a sociedade. Aborda a PBE e sua relação com a Biblioteconomia e com a biblioteca escolar, o contexto brasileiro e sua importância para a argumentação em prol da valorização e defesa da biblioteca escolar no país. É um estudo de caráter descritivo que tem como procedimento metodológico a pesquisa bibliográfica desenvolvida a partir da consulta de estudos e relatos de pesquisa de âmbito nacional e internacional, disponíveis em formato eletrônico e armazenados em bases de dados e periódicos científicos. Por fim, sugere o desenvolvimento de pesquisas de impacto das bibliotecas escolares no aprendizado dos alunos, a produção de revisões sistemáticas e a criação de ferramentas que reúnam informações sobre o uso de evidências científicas na prática dos bibliotecários brasileiros.
Multielectrode Pulmonary Vein Isolation Versus Single Tip Wide Area Catheter Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Boersma Lucas V. , van der Voort Pepijn , Debruyne Pilippe , Dekker Lukas , Simmers Tim , Rossenbacker Tom , Balt Jippe , Wijffels Maurits , Degreef Yves
Published: April 2016

Background—

Single-shot ablation techniques may facilitate safe and simple pulmonary vein isolation to treat paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Multielectrode pulmonary vein isolation versus single tip wide area catheter ablation-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is the first multinational, multicenter, prospective, noninferiority randomized clinical trial comparing multielectrode-phased radiofrequency ablation (MEA) to standard focal irrigated radiofrequency ablation (STA) using 3-dimensional navigation.

Methods and Results—

Patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were randomized to MEA (61 patients) or STA (59 patients). Preprocedure transesophageal echocardiogram and computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (also 6-month postprocedure) were performed. Mean age was 57 years, 25% female sex, BMI was 28, CHA
2
DS
2
–VASc score was 0 to 1 in 82%, 8% had previous right atrial ablation, whereas all had at least 1 antiarrhythmic drug failure. The MEA group had significantly shorter mean procedure time (96±36 versus 166±46 minutes,
P
<0.001) and fluoroscopy time (23±9 versus 27±9 minutes,
P
=0.023). The total radiofrequency energy duration was 22±8 minutes for MEA versus 36±13 minutes for STA (
P
<0.001) with confirmed pulmonary vein isolation in all patients. Hospital admission was 1 day in both groups, without major adverse events either during the procedure or during 30-day follow-up. Two patients in the STA group had 1 PV with asymptomatic narrowing >50%. Freedom of atrial fibrillation for MEA and STA was 86.4% and 89.7% at 6 months, dropping to 76.3% and 81.0% at 12 months.

Conclusions—

In this multicenter, randomized clinical trial, MEA and STA had similar rates of single-procedure acute pulmonary vein isolation without serious adverse events in the first 30 days. MEA had slightly lower long-term arrhythmia freedom, but showed marked and significantly shorter procedure, fluoroscopy, and radiofrequency energy times.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01696136.
RP1-13D10.2 Is a Novel Modulator of Statin-Induced Changes in Cholesterol
Authors: Mitchel Katrina , Theusch Elizabeth , Cubitt Celia , Dosé Andréa C. , Stevens Kristen , Naidoo Devesh , Medina Marisa W.
Published: April 2016

Background—

Numerous genetic contributors to cardiovascular disease risk have been identified through genome-wide association studies; however, identifying the molecular mechanism underlying these associations is not straightforward. The Justification for the Use of Statins in Primary Prevention: An Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin (JUPITER) trial of rosuvastatin users identified a sub–genome-wide association of rs6924995, a single-nucleotide polymorphism ≈10 kb downstream of myosin regulatory light chain interacting protein (
MYLIP
, aka
IDOL
and inducible degrader of low-density lipoprotein receptor [LDLR]), with LDL cholesterol statin response. Interestingly, although this signal was initially attributed to
MYLIP
, rs6924995 lies within
RP1-13D10.2
, an uncharacterized long noncoding RNA.

Methods and Results—

Using simvastatin and sham incubated lymphoblastoid cell lines from participants of the Cholesterol and Pharmacogenetics (CAP) simvastatin clinical trial, we found that statin-induced change in
RP1-13D10.2
levels differed between cell lines from the tails of the white and black low-density lipoprotein cholesterol response distributions, whereas no difference in
MYLIP
was observed.
RP1-13D10.2
overexpression in Huh7 and HepG2 increased
LDLR
transcript levels, increased LDL uptake, and decreased media levels of apolipoprotein B. In addition, we found a trend of slight differences in the effects of
RP1-13D10.2
overexpression on
LDLR
transcript levels between hepatoma cells transfected with the rs6924995 A versus G allele and a suggestion of an association between rs6924995 and
RP1-10D13.2
expression levels in the CAP lymphoblastoid cell lines. Finally,
RP1-13D10.2
expression levels seem to be sterol regulated, consistent with its potential role as a novel lipid regulator.

Conclusions—

RP1-13D10.2
is a long noncoding RNA that regulates
LDLR
and may contribute to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol response to statin treatment. These findings highlight the potential role of noncoding RNAs as determinants of interindividual variation in drug response.
From One Stone to the Next
Authors: Perrin Nicholas
Published: April 2016

Some twenty years after the publication of N.T. Wright’s Jesus and the Victory of God, this article seeks to engage that volume’s treatment of the Temple in relationship to Jesus’ messiahship. While the present author finds Wright’s overall account to be persuasive, questions are raised regarding the link posited between Jesus’ messianic claims and the destruction of the Temple. Here, in dialogue with Jesus and the Victory of God, it is argued that Jesus asserted his messiahship not on the basis of some general authority over the Temple (involving among other things its future destruction), but on the more specific claim that he would be the one to rebuild the Temple. Such a claim is not only historically defensible in the Sitz im Leben Jesu, but also does better justice to the Second Temple Jewish and early Christian belief.
Der Einzug des Heeres Willehalms, die Furcht Giburgs und Wolframs Deutsch
Authors: Neukirchen Thomas
Published: April 2016

Beginning with the insight that the poetologic statement in the Wh 237,3–14 passage stands in clear contradiction to its own original context, this article undertakes a comparison with the corresponding parts of the presumed ‘Aliscans’ source text. The author tries to show that Wolfram here attempts a narrative harmonization, that contrasts with his ‘crooked German’. This leads to the conclusion that Wolfram’s way of making poetry hasn’t been adequately understood and described yet.

Ausgehend von der Einsicht, dass die poetologische Aussage in der Passage Wh 237,3–14 einen deutlichen Widerspruch zu ihrem ureigensten Kontext aufweist, versucht der Beitrag durch einen Vergleich mit den entsprechenden Abschnitten in der angenommenen Vorlage ‚Aliscans‘ darzulegen, dass Wolfram hier im ‚Willehalm‘ eine narrative Harmonisierung vornimmt, die seinem angeblichen „krummen Deutsch“ entgegensteht. Die Schlussfolgerung mündet in die Erkenntnis, dass Wolframs Art und Weise zu dichten noch längst nicht adäquat verstanden und beschrieben worden ist.

This article is in German Language
A new species of the genus Eurhadina Haupt (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) from Korea, with a key to Korean species
Authors: OH SUMIN , LIM JONGOK , JUNG SUNGHOON
Published: April 2016

The leafhopper genus Eurhadina Haupt, 1929 belongs to the tribe Typhlocybini of subfamily Typhlocybinae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae). Currently, genus Eurhadina includes 3 subgenera, Eurhadina Haupt 1929, Singhardina Mahmood 1967, Zhihadina Yang & Li 1991. A total of 20 valid species of subgenus Eurhadina have been described in the Nearctic and Palaearctic region and the subgenus Singhardina includes 57 species in the Oriental and Palaearctic region (Huang & Zhang 1999, Dworakowska 2002). The subgenus Zhihadina includes only 1 species from China (Yang & Lee, 1991). So far, four species of subgenus Eurhadina were recorded in the Korean Peninsula (Kwon & Huh 2001): Eurhadina (Eurhadina) betularia Anufriev, 1969, E. (E.) koreana Dworakowska, 1971, E. (E.) pulchella (Fallen, 1806), and E. (E.) wagneri Dworakowska, 1969. The majority of species belonging to the subgenus Eurhadina are difficult to distinguish by external appearance because the color patterns of the forewings are very similar among species.
Revision of the Japanese species of Trichoclinocera Collin (Diptera: Empididae: Clinocerinae)
Authors: SAIGUSA TOYOHEI , SINCLAIR BRADLEY J.
Published: April 2016

The Japanese species of Trichoclinocera are revised and include nine species, of which seven are new species (T. dasy-scutellum (Saigusa), T. fuscipennis Saigusa, T. gracilis sp. nov., T. grandis sp. nov., T. miranda sp. nov., T. setigera sp. nov., T. shinogii sp. nov., T. stigmatica sp. nov., T. takagii sp. nov.). A key to all nine species is provided, their distributions mapped and affinities discussed.
Nicola gen. nov. with redescription of Nicola tetela (Borojevic & Peixinho, 1976) (Porifera: Calcarea: Calcinea: Clathrinida)
Authors: CÓNDOR-LUJÁN B. , KLAUTAU M.
Published: April 2016

Guancha tetela was originally described as a species having a peduncle and a skeleton exclusively composed of sagittal triactines. Therefore, according to the most recent phylogeny of Clathrinida, it should be placed in the genus Clathrina. This species was collected on the Northeastern Brazilian coast in 1968 and it was not collected again until 2011 in Curaçao. In this study, we reanalyzed the type material and the new specimens from Curaçao under a morphological-molecular approach. Morphological analysis revealed the presence of tetractines in the skeleton of all the studied specimens, including a slide of the holotype. In the molecular phylogeny G. tetela grouped with genera containing tetractines, but as an independent new lineage, different from all the other genera of Clathrinida. Based on these results, we propose the erection of a new genus, Nicola gen. nov., to include species whose body is composed of tubes without anastomosis nor branches but that run in parallel and coalesce at the apical and basal regions. Moreover, the skeleton is exclusively composed of sagittal triactines and tetractines.
Two new species of the genus Hishimonus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) with a new record from India
Authors: MESHRAM NARESH M. , CHAUBEY RAHUL
Published: April 2016

Two new species of leafhoppers, Hishimonus nauniensis sp. nov. (from Himachal Pradesh: Solan) and Hishimonus pantanagarensis sp. nov. (from Uttarakhand: Pant Nagar) from India, are described and illustrated. Also, the species Hishimonus thapai Virakatamath and Mohan, previously known only from Nepal is illustrated with a new record for India.
The Multidecadal Variability of the Asymmetric Mode of the Boreal Autumn Hadley Circulation and Its Link to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation
Authors: Guo Yipeng , Li Jianping , Feng Juan , Xie Fei , Sun Cheng , Zheng Jiayu
Published: April 2016

Previous studies show that the first principal mode of the variability of the seasonal mean Hadley circulation (HC) is an equatorial asymmetric mode (AM) with long-term trend. This study demonstrates that the variability of the boreal autumn [September–November (SON)] HC is also dominated by an AM, but with multidecadal variability. The SON AM has ascending and descending branches located at approximately 20°N and 20°S, respectively, and explains about 40% of the total variance. Further analysis reveals that the AM is closely linked to the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO), which is associated with a large cross-equatorial sea surface temperature (SST) gradient and sea level pressure (SLP) gradient. The cross-equatorial thermal contrast further induces an equatorial asymmetric HC anomaly. Numerical simulations conducted on an atmospheric general circulation model also suggest that AMO-associated SST anomalies can also induce a cross-equatorial SLP gradient and anomalous vertical shear of the meridional wind at the equator, both of which indicate asymmetric HC anomaly. Therefore, the AM of the variability of the boreal autumn HC has close links to the AMO. Further analysis demonstrates that the AMO in SON has a closer relationship with AM than those in the other seasons. A possible reason is that the AMO-associated zonal mean SST anomaly in the tropics has differences among the four seasons, which leads to different atmospheric circulation responses.

The AM in SON has inversed impacts on the tropical precipitation, suggesting that the precipitation difference between the northern and southern tropics has multidecadal variability.
Sensitivity of Global Upper-Ocean Heat Content Estimates to Mapping Methods, XBT Bias Corrections, and Baseline Climatologies*
Authors: Boyer Tim , Domingues Catia M. , Good Simon A. , Johnson Gregory C. , Lyman John M. , Ishii Masayoshi , Gouretski Viktor , Willis Josh K. , Antonov John , Wijffels Susan , Church John A. , Cowley Rebecca , Bindoff Nathaniel L.
Published: April 2016

Ocean warming accounts for the majority of the earth’s recent energy imbalance. Historic ocean heat content (OHC) changes are important for understanding changing climate. Calculations of OHC anomalies (OHCA) from in situ measurements provide estimates of these changes. Uncertainties in OHCA estimates arise from calculating global fields from temporally and spatially irregular data (mapping method), instrument bias corrections, and the definitions of a baseline climatology from which anomalies are calculated. To investigate sensitivity of OHCA estimates for the upper 700 m to these different factors, the same quality-controlled dataset is used by seven groups and comparisons are made. Two time periods (1970–2008 and 1993–2008) are examined. Uncertainty due to the mapping method is 16.5 ZJ for 1970–2008 and 17.1 ZJ for 1993–2008 (1 ZJ = 1 × 1021 J). Uncertainty due to instrument bias correction varied from 8.0 to 17.9 ZJ for 1970–2008 and from 10.9 to 22.4 ZJ for 1993–2008, depending on mapping method. Uncertainty due to baseline mean varied from 3.5 to 14.5 ZJ for 1970–2008 and from 2.7 to 9.8 ZJ for 1993–2008, depending on mapping method and offsets. On average mapping method is the largest source of uncertainty. The linear trend varied from 1.3 to 5.0 ZJ yr−1 (0.08–0.31 W m−2) for 1970–2008 and from 1.5 to 9.4 ZJ yr−1 (0.09–0.58 W m−2) for 1993–2008, depending on method, instrument bias correction, and baseline mean. Despite these complications, a statistically robust upper-ocean warming was found in all cases for the full time period.
The Effects of Jail and Prison Confinement on Cohabitation and Marriage
Authors: Apel Robert
Published: April 2016

This study uses the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 to explore the relationship between incarceration and the stability of cohabiting and marital relationships. Self-report dates of relatively short confinement in jail or prison (median one month) are linked with data on cohabitation and residential partnerships, by month, from ages 18 to 32. I estimate the effects of incarceration on transitions into and out of cohabitation and marriage while controlling for other salient life events (e.g., employment, parenthood). Findings indicate that incarceration precipitates an immediate and persistent disruption in residential partnerships and is also a long-term impediment to the transition to marriage (but not the transition to cohabitation). The long-term disruption in existing residential partnerships applies equally to females and males, as well as to whites, African Americans (males only), and Hispanics.
Drinking Alone? The Effect of an Alcohol Treatment Program on Relationship Stability for Convicted Drunk Drivers in Denmark
Authors: Andersen Signe Hald
Published: April 2016

This article tests whether an alcohol treatment program for drunk drivers in Denmark increased the stability of their relationships with spouses or cohabiting partners. The treatment program, implemented in 1990, allowed a group of offenders to avoid prison and participate in a rehabilitation program. I use it here as a natural experiment, exploiting a rich administrative dataset to show that the program marginally increases offenders’ relationship stability. I also test whether increased relationship stability observed among the treated offenders results from their pardon from prison or from their participation in the rehabilitation program. Results suggest that the rehabilitation program drives the effect. These findings contribute to the literature on what alternative sanctions could be offered to offenders to improve their long-term social outcomes.
Negative interference by rheumatoid factor in alpha-fetoprotein chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay
Authors: Wang Hui , Bi Xiaohui , Xu Lei , Li Yirong
Published: April 2016

Background

Rheumatoid factor causes positive interference in multiple immunoassays. Recently, negative interference has also been found in immunoassays in the presence of rheumatoid factor. The chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay is widely used to determine serum alpha-fetoprotein. However, it is not clear whether the presence of rheumatoid factor in the serum causes interference in the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay of alpha-fetoprotein.

Methods

Serum alpha-fetoprotein was determined using the ARCHITECT alpha-fetoprotein assay. The estimation of alpha-fetoprotein recovery was carried out in samples prepared by diluting high-concentration alpha-fetoprotein serum with rheumatoid factor-positive or rheumatoid factor-negative serum. Paramagnetic microparticles coated with hepatitis B surface antigen–anti-HBs complexes were used to remove rheumatoid factor from the serum.

Results

The average recovery of alpha-fetoprotein was 88.4% and 93.8% in the rheumatoid factor-positive and rheumatoid factor-negative serum samples, respectively. The recovery of alpha-fetoprotein was significantly lower in the rheumatoid factor-positive serum samples than in the rheumatoid factor-negative serum samples. In two of five rheumatoid factor-positive samples, a large difference was found (9.8%) between the average alpha-fetoprotein recoveries in the serially diluted and initial recoveries. Fourteen rheumatoid factor-positive serum samples were pretreated with hepatitis B surface antigen-anti-HBs complex-coated paramagnetic microparticles. The alpha-fetoprotein concentrations measured in the pretreated samples increased significantly.

Conclusions

It was concluded that the alpha-fetoprotein chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay is susceptible to interference by rheumatoid factor, leading to significantly lower results. Eliminating the incidence of negative interference from rheumatoid factor should be an important goal for immunoassay providers. In the meantime, laboratorians must remain alert to the negative interference by rheumatoid factor, and in some cases, pretreat rheumatoid factor-positive samples with blocking or absorbing reagents.
Urine ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulphate using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in a routine clinical laboratory
Authors: Armer Jane M , Allcock Rebecca L
Published: April 2016

Background

Detection of alcohol consumption in clients undergoing treatment for alcohol dependence can be difficult. The ethanol metabolites ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulphate are detectable for longer in urine than either breath ethanol or urine ethanol. Our aim was to develop a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for urine ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulphate for use in a routine clinical laboratory and define clinical cut-offs in a large population who had not consumed alcohol for at least two weeks.

Methods

Urine samples were diluted in 0.05% formic acid in HPLC grade water and then directly injected onto a Waters Acquity ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a Waters TQ Detector. Eighty participants were recruited who had not consumed alcohol for at least two weeks to define cut-offs for urine ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulphate. Samples and alcohol diaries were also collected from 12 alcohol-dependent clients attending a treatment programme.

Results

The assay was validated with a lower limit of quantitation of 0.20 mg/L for ethyl glucuronide and 0.04 mg/L for ethyl sulphate. Accuracy, precision, linearity and recovery were acceptable. Cut-offs were established for ethyl glucuronide, ethyl sulphate and ethyl sulphate/creatinine ratio (≤0.26 mg/L, ≤0.22 mg/L and ≤0.033 mg/mmol, respectively) in a non-drinking population. The validated cut-offs correctly identified clients in alcohol treatment who were continuing to drink alcohol.

Conclusions

A simple liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for urine ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulphate has been validated and cut-offs defined using 80 participants who had not consumed alcohol for at least two weeks. This is the largest study to date to define cut-offs for ethyl glucuronide, ethyl sulphate and ethyl sulphate/creatinine ratio.
Home Nutrition Support
Authors: Martin Karen , McGinnis Carol
Published: April 2016

Ethical dilemmas challenge providers on both sides of the hospital and clinic doors. In addition to establishing the nutrition care plan and guiding the client into the home setting with safe and effective parenteral or enteral nutrition therapy, procuring home nutrition support involves meeting documentation requirements and verifying that clients meet reimbursement criteria for home therapy based on third‐party payer criteria. Providers have entered a realm for which training has been scarce and they face moral and ethical dilemmas involving serving as patient advocates, possibly stretching the truth to fit the clinical documentation to criteria vs maintaining professional integrity. Nutrition research and evidence‐based practice have outpaced modifications to policies including Medicare's national and local coverage determinations, the bulk of which have not seen revisions in 32 years. This review elucidates clinical dilemmas and urges a political call to action to advocate for changes in current, outdated requirements for reimbursement. Given the current healthcare environment and trend toward expedited hospital stays, patients may be better served (and nourished) with revised guidelines.
Comparison of intravenous and subcutaneous exposure supporting dose selection of subcutaneous belimumab systemic lupus erythematosus Phase 3 program
Authors: Yapa S Wickramaratne Senarath , Roth D , Gordon D , Struemper H
Published: April 2016

Background

Belimumab is a recombinant, human, IgG1λ monoclonal antibody that targets B-lymphocyte stimulator. The intravenous formulation is indicated for the treatment of active, autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Belimumab has been formulated for subcutaneous (SC) administration to improve patient convenience. This post-hoc modeling and simulation analysis characterizes the population pharmacokinetics (PK) of SC belimumab, and compares the exposure profiles of the approved belimumab IV dose—10 mg/kg every four weeks—to the 200 mg SC weekly dose in SLE patients, highlighting key pharmacological differences relevant for clinicians.

Methods

Data from two Phase 1 studies in US American and Japanese healthy subjects were analyzed with a non-linear mixed effects modeling approach. The resulting SC population PK model and a previously developed IV population PK model were used to conduct simulation trials in a Phase 3 IV belimumab SLE patient population, comparing chronic exposure profiles and exposure ranges stratified by body weight tertiles for IV vs SC dosing.

Results

The PK of belimumab following SC administration was best described by a linear two-comment model. The estimates for clearance, steady-state volume of distribution, and bioavailability were 208 mL/day, 5250 mL, and 76%, respectively. After four weeks of SC dosing, simulated belimumab concentrations exceeded the steady-state trough concentrations of the IV dosing regimen. At steady state simulated serum profiles demonstrated comparable average belimumab concentrations (Cavg,ss) after IV and SC dosing. Simulated belimumab exposures demonstrated largely overlapping concentration ranges following 200 mg SC weekly and 10 mg/kg IV every four weeks dosing.

Discussion

The predicted Cavg,ss of belimumab in SLE patients was comparable following 200 mg SC weekly and 10 mg/kg IV every four weeks dosing. The simulated belimumab accumulation following SC weekly dosing indicated that administration of a loading dose was not required. Similar Cavg,ss ranges were predicted for fixed dose SC and weight-proportional IV regimens in the simulated SLE population, albeit with a reversed body-size-to-exposure relationship for the SC regimen. These findings provide rheumatologists with a better understanding of expected differences in belimumab exposure when comparing IV and SC dosing regimens.
A method for contact analysis of revolute joints with noncircular clearance in a planar multibody system
Authors: Xu Li Xin , Han Yun Cheng
Published: April 2016

Journal bearings are generally used to comprise a revolute joint in mechanical systems. Noncircularity and clearance in journal bearing are obvious due to a long time of nonuniform wear. In this regard, a method of analyzing the contact in revolute joints with noncircular clearances in a multibody system is proposed. The revolute joint with noncircular clearance is assumed to be constituted by an elliptic bore and a pin. The method described is not representative of an elliptic bore journal bearing in a detailed manner. This method involves discretizing the geometric profile of the bushing of the revolute joint. By analyzing the relative separations between the discrete points and the geometric center of the pin, the contact area between the bushing and the pin can be judged and the maximum contact depth obtained. Compared with traditional methods, the proposed method has the advantage that it can be used to analyze noncircular contact problems in revolute joints with a clearance. A slider–crank mechanism is used as an example to compare the effects of the geometrical properties of circular and noncircular (elliptical) revolute joints with clearance on the dynamic response of the mechanisms. The results show that clearance joints with noncircular geometry predominantly affect the dynamic stability of a high-speed mechanism. Moreover, the efficiency of the contact analysis and model solving precision are strongly dependent on the number of discrete points in the geometric profile of the joint elements. The size of the joint clearance has a small effect on the solving efficiency of the model.
Data, desire and recognition: Learning to identify a ‘prostitute’ in Dakar
Authors: Poleykett Branwyn
Published: April 2016

Through an examination of an investigation of commercial sexual practices conducted by an NGO, I explore how a public health programme creates its object on the ground through painstaking fieldwork. This paper is about a particular emplaced, embodied, visual practice; NGO fieldworkers identify and follow through the city women whose bodily dispositions identify them as ‘prostitutes’, although the women themselves vehemently reject this label. A particular politics of recognition emerges around uneven visibilities of women in the city. The fieldworkers labour to make the banality of ‘prostitution’ and its practices visible to the ‘prostitutes’ themselves, while at the same time cultivating a visual expertise in the recognition and classification of a putatively culturally specific bodily repertoire. Paying close attention to the techniques fieldworkers use to read public bodies shows how ordinary practices of urban bodily cultivation, everyday Dakarois technologies of gender, become progressively weighted with risk as they tangle with the evolving categories of a public health programme. Risk emerges here via a series of unequal exchanges within the visual economy of the city. Fieldworkers may find themselves exposed to new forms of reputational risk while they labour to define the social, sexual and semantic complexities of genn (going out).
Professionals’ Attitudes Regarding Large-Scale Genetic Information Generated Through Next Generation Sequencing in Research
Authors: Miller Jane , Soulier Alexandra , Bertier Gabrielle , Cambon-Thomsen Anne
Published: April 2016

Under the auspices of a multi-national European scientific project involving whole genome sequencing, GEUVADIS, we set out to investigate the attitudes of the participating scientists of having their own genome sequenced. The views of such researchers on this subject have not been fully explored before and we utilized questionnaires and discussion groups to elicit their opinions. Many said that it was the first time that they had an opportunity to discuss ethical and social issues about sequencing. The many ongoing multi-national science projects present a good opportunity for social science research involving scientists and would benefit from rigorous research methodology, taking into account any language barriers.
Hired to be fired? Being a coach in Danish professional football
Authors: Nissen Rasmus
Published: April 2016

From a European perspective, the number of coach dismissals in professional football seems to be increasing. However, besides this apparent ‘hire and fire’ mentality in football, few studies have aimed at examining what being a football coach entails. By combining Norbert Elias’s game models and the concept of trust in organisations, this study shows how today’s coach functions in a complex figuration and is engaged in multiple interdependencies. In times of sporting failure, this figuration tends to become more complex, as the coach is typically put under pressure internally and externally. By focusing on the relationship between a coach and his director and on how this relationship changes when performance is low, this study contributes with new insights into what it involves to be a top coach and at the same time offers potential explanations for why the frequency of dismissals seems to be increasing.
Influence of experience in procedural knowledge in volleyball: Applications for training
Authors: Moreno Arroyo M Perla , Domínguez Alberto Moreno , Arias Alexander Gil , García-González Luis , Villar Álvarez Fernando Del
Published: April 2016

The aim of the study was to compare the procedural knowledge of expert and novice volleyball players, considering that the expert cognitive profile can be used as a reference in the tactical training process of players. The participants in this study included 8 experts and 11 novices. McPherson and Thomas’ verbal protocol instrument was used to access the players’ tactical knowledge. The results showed significant differences, with higher mean values in experts, in the condition and regulatory concepts, and in the hierarchies of goals related to themselves and opponents. Coaches must pay attention on increasing the amount of elements to analyse related to the environment, in order to improve players’ tactical training process in the service action. Athletes need to be taught on prioritize the most relevant elements of the environment. When training the serve, the areas of responsibility, strengths and weaknesses of each receiver must be assessed, as well as the influence of the serve on the construction of the opponent’s attack.
Developing, Implementing, and Evaluating a Latino Service Learning Project in an Accelerated MPH Community Health Course for Health Education Students
Authors: Bill Debra , Casola Allison
Published: April 2016

Service learning is a 21st-century pedagogy that can address critical health needs found in our communities, and it can provide opportunities for health education students to grow personally and professionally. Universities are increasingly offering service learning as a method to foster collaboration between campuses and partners, to meet community needs, and to prepare students to be engaged citizens capable of working in diverse communities. Health education preparation programs are recognizing the value of this beyond the classroom approach to learning and the opportunities it presents for students to develop professionalism. This article describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a Latino Service Learning Project (SLP) in an accelerated, MPH community health course for health education students. As part of a SLP during a graduate community health course, students planned and implemented a health education project for a Latino community. Students partnered with a Latino health agency for a nationally sponsored health promotion event. Lessons learned and the benefits of service learning are presented. Students’ reflection papers were analyzed and served as the primary evaluation method to determine the effects of the SLP on them. Students reported that the SLP provided benefits to include improvements in cultural competence, growth in health education professional development skills, and personal growth such as an enhanced sense of civic responsibility. Understanding how to integrate service learning into a community health education course may help faculty adopt this teaching method.
Approximation of a zero point of monotone operators with nonsummable errors
Authors: Ibaraki Takanori
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we study an iterative scheme for two different types of resolvents of a monotone operator defined on a Banach space. These resolvents are generalizations of resolvents of a monotone operator in a Hilbert space. We obtain iterative approximations of a zero point of a monotone operator generated by the shrinking projection method with errors in a Banach space. Using our result, we discuss some applications.
The use of social environment in a psychosocial clubhouse to facilitate recovery-oriented practice
Authors: Raeburn Toby , Schmied Virginia , Hungerford Catherine , Cleary Michelle
Published: April 2016

Background

Recovery-oriented language has been widely adopted in mental health policy; however, little is known about how recovery practices are implemented within individual services, such as psychosocial clubhouses.

Aims

To explore how recovery practices are implemented in a psychosocial clubhouse.

Method

Qualitative case study design informed by self-determination theory was utilised. This included 120 h of participant observation, interviews with 12 clubhouse members and 6 staff members. Field notes and interview transcripts were subject to theoretical thematic analysis.

Results

Two overarching themes were identified, each comprising three sub-themes. In this paper, the overarching theme of ‘social environment’ is discussed. It was characterised by the sub-themes, ‘community and consistency’, ‘participation and opportunity’ and ‘respect and autonomy’.

Conclusions

Social environment was used to facilitate recovery-oriented practice within the clubhouse. Whether recovery is experienced by clubhouse members in wider society, may well depend on supports and opportunities outside the clubhouse.
Maternal vitamin D deficiency and the risk of autism spectrum disorders: population-based study
Authors: Magnusson Cecilia , Kosidou Kyriaki , Dalman Christina , Lundberg Michael , Lee Brian K. , Rai Dheeraj , Karlsson Håkan , Gardner Renee , Arver Stefan
Published: April 2016

Background

Maternal vitamin D deficiency may increase risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but direct evidence is lacking.

Aims

To clarify the relationship between maternal vitamin D deficiency and offspring risk of ASD with and without intellectual disability.

Method

Using a register-based total population study (N=509 639), we calculated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIS) of ASD with and without intellectual disability in relation to lifetime diagnoses of maternal vitamin D deficiency. Although rare, such deficiency was associated with offspring risk of ASD with, but not without, intellectual disability (aORs 2.51, 95% CI 1.22–5.16 and 1.28, 0.68–2.42). Relationships were stronger in non-immigrant children.

Conclusions

If reflecting associations for prenatal hypovitaminosis, these findings imply gestational vitamin D substitution as a means of ASD prevention.
Living with Parasites in Palo Verde National Park
Authors: Kirksey Eben
Published: April 2016

Bruno Latour has tried to bring a parliamentary democracy to the domain of nature. Wading through the swamps of Palo Verde, a national park in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, and wandering onto neighbouring agricultural lands, I failed to find a central place where people were speaking for nature. Departing from a failed attempt to speak for another species (the fringe-toed foam frog), this paper considers how diverging values and obligations shape relationships in multi-species worlds. As spokespersons articulated competing visions of nature on the borderlands of Palo Verde, multiple social and ecological worlds went to war. The haunting specter of capital joined the fray—animating the movements of cattle, grasses with animal rhizomes, rice seeds, and flighty ducks across national borders and through fragmented landscapes. Amidst this warfare, the fringe-toed foam frog was just one tenacious parasite, a noisy agent eating at the table of another, which began to flourish in worlds designed with the well-being of others in mind. Cattails, charismatic birds, and a multitude of insects began interrupting human dreams and schemes. Final solutions to the problem of living with parasites failed in Palo Verde. Humans and parasites, who became para-selves of one another, maintained an abiding presence in the landscape.