bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of type of muscle on volatile compounds throughout the manufacture of Celta dry-cured ham
Authors: Bermúdez Roberto , Franco Daniel , Carballo Javier , Lorenzo José M
Published: October 2014

The effect of muscle type on volatile compounds throughout the manufacture of Celta dry-cured ham was studied. Thirty Celta ham were taken from the fresh pieces, after the end of the salting stage, after 120 days of post-salting, after the end of drying-ripening stage, and after 165 and 330 days of “bodega” step. The volatile compounds from semimembranosus (SM) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were extracted by using headspace-solid phase microextraction (SPME) and analysed by gas chromatographic/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Fifty-five volatile compounds were identified and quantified. The number of volatile compounds increased during the different steps of the process, reaching at 550 days of process 39 and 40 volatile compounds in SM and BF muscles, respectively. Results indicated that the most abundant chemical family in flavour at the end of the manufacturing process were esters in the two muscles studied, followed by aliphatic hydrocarbons and aldehydes. During the manufacturing process, an increase in the total amount of volatile compounds was observed, being this increase more marked in samples from BF muscle (from 550.7 to 1118.9 × 106 area units) than in samples from SM muscle (from 459.3 to 760.4 × 106 area units). Finally, muscle type displayed significant ( P < 0.05) differences for four esters, two alcohols, one aldehyde, one ketone and four aliphatic hydrocarbons.
Circadian Activity Rhythms and Sleep in Nurses Working Fixed 8-hr Shifts
Authors: Kang Jiunn-Horng , Miao Nae-Fang , Tseng Ing-Jy , Sithole Trevor , Chung Min-Huey
Published: October 2014

Shift work is associated with adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of shift work on circadian activity rhythms (CARs) and objective and subjective sleep quality in nurses. Female day-shift ( n = 16), evening-shift ( n = 6), and night-shift ( n = 13) nurses wore a wrist actigraph to monitor the activity. We used cosinor analysis and time–frequency analysis to study CARs. Night-shift nurses exhibited the lowest values of circadian rhythm amplitude, acrophase, autocorrelation, and mean of the circadian relative power (CRP), whereas evening-shift workers exhibited the greatest standard deviation of the CRP among the three shift groups. That is, night-shift nurses had less robust CARs and evening-shift nurses had greater variations in CARs compared with nurses who worked other shifts. Our results highlight the importance of assessing CARs to prevent the adverse effects of shift work on nurses’ health.
A Theoretical Mathematical Model to Estimate Blood Volume in Clinical Practice
Authors: D’Angelo Matthew , Hodgen R. Kyle , Wofford Kenneth , Vacchiano Charles
Published: October 2014

Perioperative intravenous (IV) fluid management is controversial. Fluid therapy is guided by inaccurate algorithms and changes in the patient’s vital signs that are nonspecific for changes to the patient’s blood volume (BV). Anesthetic agents, patient comorbidities, and surgical techniques interact and further confound clinical assessment of volume status. Through adaptation of existing acute normovolemic hemodilution algorithms, it may be possible to predict patient’s BV by measuring hematocrit (HcT) before and after hemodilution. Our proposed mathematical model requires the following four data points to estimate a patient’s total BV: ideal BV, baseline HcT, a known fluid bolus (FB), and a second HcT following the FB. To test our method, we obtained 10 ideal and 10 actual subject BV data measures from 9 unique subjects derived from a commercially used Food and Drug Administration-approved, semi-automated, BV analyzer. With these data, we calculated the theoretical BV change following a FB. Using the four required data points, we predicted BVs (BVp) and compared our predictions with the actual BV (BVa) measures provided by the data set. The BVp calculated using our model highly correlated with the BVa provided by the BV analyzer data set ( df = 8, r = .99). Our calculations suggest that, with accurate HcT measurement, this method shows promise for the identification of abnormal BV states such as hyper- and hypovolemia and may prove to be a reliable method for titrating IV fluid.
A holistic approach to violence: Women parliamentarians’ understanding of violence against women and violence in the Kurdish issue in Turkey
Authors: Çelik Ayşe Betül
Published: October 2014

While women in Turkey and around the world are commonly engaged in civic activism for peace and violence reduction, they are seriously underrepresented in formal politics; thus, not much has been written about their potential to affect decisions made to reduce violence in their societies. This study aims to understand how women politicians view violence in general and their solutions for two specific types of violence in Turkey: (1) the increasing levels of violence against women, and (2) violence created through the Kurdish issue in Turkey. Turkish politicians have become increasingly concerned about both of these issues in recent years and have designed many policies and strategies to address them. This study argues that studying the women parliamentarians’ linkage (or its absence) between the two types of violence will help understand what accounts for the differences (if any) among women MPs in their understanding of different types of violence and their solutions to them.
The effectiveness of helplines for the treatment of alcohol and illicit substance use
Authors: Gates Peter
Published: October 2014

While tobacco helplines (quitlines) are thought to be effective, helplines which treat other substance use do not have an established evidence base. A review was conducted of the literature on illicit drug or alcohol (IDA) helplines. The literature search was conducted in five databases. Studies prior to 2014 were included if published in English, and involved the use of a telephone counselling helpline for the treatment of illicit drug or alcohol use. Review papers, opinion pieces, letters or editorials, case studies, published abstracts and posters were excluded. Initial searching identified 2178 articles and after removing duplicates and those meeting the exclusion criteria, there were 36 publications for review. A total of 29 articles provided descriptive information about 19 different IDA helplines which operated in the US (42%), Europe (21%), Australia (21%), Asia (11%) and Canada (5%). These services reported monthly call rates from 3.7 to over 23,000 calls per month. A total of nine articles provided evaluative information on eight different IDA helplines: four articles included a comparison of treatment outcomes against a control group and five articles included information on treatment satisfaction or service utilisation. Together they provide some evidence that these services are effective. Although there was little consistency in the measures used between articles which assessed helpline satisfaction, all but one reported high satisfaction. Although the evidence is mainly supportive of IDA helplines, further work is required to compare treatment outcomes in randomized groups.
Does parent’s psychological distress mediate the relationship between war trauma and psychosocial adjustment in children?
Authors: Khamis Vivian
Published: October 2014

This study investigated the impact of war trauma on behavioral and emotional disorders, and neuroticism in children by prospectively examining the potential mediator and/or moderator effects of parental psychological distress. The sample consisted of 205 parents and their children. The results indicated that parent’s psychological distress did mediate and moderate the effect of trauma exposure on emotional and behavioral disorders in children. An integrated intervention which simultaneously targets children and parental distress symptoms is needed. The integrated intervention may intend to use trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy model that integrates cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and family therapy principles with trauma interventions.
When the treatment stops: A qualitative study of life post breast cancer treatment
Authors: Powers Narelle , Gullifer Judith , Shaw Rhonda
Published: October 2014

Public attention focuses on breast cancer treatment and fundraising; however, there is limited discussion about life post-treatment. Once treatment is complete, there can be societal expectations of newfound wellness. To understand this phenomenon, the narratives of nine women post-treatment were explored. Analysis revealed the adoption of the sick role by the participants, the vulnerability experienced with the cessation of treatment, the disturbance of moving on from the security of the medical system and the patient and doctor relationship. Findings emphasised that survivorship can remain challenging and can present adverse psychosocial implications for women and those close to them.
The Chinese Mental Resilience Scale and its psychometric properties
Authors: Sun Xin-yang , Kong Ling-ming , Zhang Qi-jun , Tao Feng-yan , Ma Ai-guo , Liu Yun , Gao Yu-fang , Tu De-hua , Bai Xiang-hui , Su Wei-ji , Wang Li-jie , Lu Fang , Song Wen-dang , Zhang Xin-zhong , Meng Xin-zhen , Wang Yi-niu , Xie Hong-bo , Zhou Xiao-dong , Zhang Li-yi
Published: October 2014

This study aimed to develop a Chinese Mental Resilience Scale. A total of 2500 healthy participants, in two representative samples of the Chinese population, were administered the scale. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and correlation analysis were used to obtain the relevant coefficients and verify the reliability and validity of the scale. Five factors were extracted: willpower, family support, optimism and self-confidence, problem solving, and interpersonal interaction, plus a lying subscale, which together accounted for 54 percent of the total variance. The Chinese Mental Resilience Scale demonstrated good psychometric properties. It can be used to evaluate the mental resilience level of general Chinese population.
The safe hand: Gels, water, gloves and the materiality of tactile knowing
Authors: Pink Sarah , Morgan Jennie , Dainty Andrew
Published: October 2014

In this article, the authors demonstrate how an anthropologically informed approach that attends to the material culture of occupational safety and health (OSH) offers new insights for such applied research fields. Research into OSH typically seeks to solve its perennial problem of ‘improving’ workers’ health and safety through scholarship dominated by management disciplines, human factors and ergonomic sciences, and psychological and physiological theories. Here, they focus on the example of ‘the safe hand’ and its making through the materiality of gels, water and gloves in the work of health care workers. In doing so they show how organizational, environmental, embodied and biographical elements of OSH intersect with institutionalized and personalized constituents of the material and sensory culture of safety amongst health care workers. They argue that material culture studies have a pivotal role in revising the agendas of applied research and intervention.
Operative Results of Periprosthetic Fractures of The Distal Femur In A Single Academic Unit
Authors: Leino O. K. , Lempainen L. , Virolainen P. , Sarimo J. , Pölönen T. , Mäkelä K.T.
Published: October 2014

Background and Aims:

Periprosthetic supracondylar fractures after total knee arthroplasty are often associated with poor bone stock, fracture comminution, and loose components. Current operative methods include plating, intramedullary nailing, and re-arthroplasty, depending on the fracture type. The aim of the study was to assess the outcome of operatively treated periprosthetic supracondylar fractures at our institute with special interest on the use of strut grafts in association with plating.

Materials and Methods:

In all, 68 patients were included in the study. They had been treated operatively due to a periprosthetic supracondylar fracture at our center between 2000 and 2010. The data of these patients were retrospectively collected from the electronic patient archives. Fractures with a fixed prosthesis component were treated using internal fixation provided that there was enough bone for osteosynthesis in the distal fracture fragment (39 patients). Fractures with a loose prosthesis component were treated using re-arthroplasty (29 patients). The demographics of the two treatment groups did not differ statistically significantly. Death or any re-operation was chosen as the endpoint of follow-up. Cumulative survival percentages were estimated for each treatment group.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups regarding clinical outcome. Clinical outcome was not assessable in nine patients. A positive clinical outcome was reported in 52 cases (88.1%). The survival of both laminofixation and re-arthroplasty was 75% at 3 years, but the survival of laminofixated fractures with strut graft was 80% compared to that of 51% without strut grafts. In all, 16 patients (24%) had a post-operative surgical site complication: seven infections (10%), six non-unions (15%), and three patellar dislocations (11%).

Conclusions:

Post-operative surgical site complications were relatively common in these mainly elderly female patients. The survival percentages of the re-arthroplasty and laminofixation groups were similar. The use of strut grafts in association with plating may decrease re-operation rate.
Determinants and consequences of Facebook feature use
Authors: Lai Cheng-Yu , Yang Heng-Li
Published: October 2014

Despite explosive growth in the number of Facebook users, little research has investigated the use of different Facebook features. Thus, this study explored what motivates people to use various Facebook features as well as the social impact of using the website itself. Users with experience in both social interaction and social game features offered by Facebook were invited to participate in a survey. Our proposed research model was evaluated using the partial least-squares (PLS) method. Results show that social needs, enjoyment needs, and trend-following significantly influence the use of the social interaction features on Facebook, while immersion needs and achievement needs significantly influence the use of social games associated with the website. Interestingly, we found that different clusters of individuals have different sets of motivations. Furthermore, both social interaction features and social game features have positive correlations with social ties.
Their teacher can't be an app: Preschoolers' listening comprehension of digital storybooks
Authors: Paciga Kathleen A
Published: October 2014

This study sought to determine the relationship among student- and task-level variables at play in the digital storybook listening experiences of 130 English-speaking preschoolers at risk of reading failure. Specifically, this study investigated the relationship among the (1) features of computer-based electronic storybooks, (2) preschoolers' competency in the task environment, and (3) preschoolers' background knowledge with respect to listening comprehension outcomes following a single digital storybook listening experience. The results indicate significant and strong relationships among the three variables under investigation and their consequent understanding of the digital storybook (i.e. explicit and implicit/inferential content related to the plot). The preschoolers' topic knowledge was the best predictor of comprehension. In addition, the interaction between the features of the e-book and the preschoolers' competency in the task environment also significantly predicted the outcome.
Non-representational ethnography: new ways of animating lifeworlds
Authors: Vannini Phillip
Published: October 2014

Over the last decade and a half, socio-cultural geographies have witnessed a genuine explosion of interest in the ethnographic tradition. Such interest is due in part to the increasing acceptance of non-representational ideas across the field and the way these ideas have constructively informed the long-standing debate on the analytics, esthetics, and politics of ethnographic representation. Non-representational theoretical ideas have influenced the way ethnographers tackle important methodological and conceptual undercurrents in their work, such as vitality, performativity, corporeality, sensuality, and mobility. This article aims to capture a few of the characteristics of this constantly evolving non-representational ethnographic style. Non-representational ethnography seeks to cultivate an affinity for the analysis of events, practices, assemblages, structures of feeling, and the backgrounds of everyday life against which relations unfold in their myriad potentials. Non-representational ethnography emphasizes the fleeting, viscous, lively, embodied, material, more-than-human, precognitive, non-discursive dimensions of spatially and temporally complex lifeworlds.
Reaction time measurements under mesopic light levels: Towards estimation of the visual adaptation field
Authors: Cengiz C , Puolakka M , Halonen L
Published: October 2014

The definition of the visual adaptation field in night-time driving conditions is important to implement the CIE system for mesopic photometry. For this purpose, reaction times to an achromatic circular stimulus appearing at different horizontal and vertical eccentricities were measured on uniform and non-uniform backgrounds under mesopic light levels. A large screen illuminated by three projectors providing a visual field subtending 180° × 44° was used to show the background and stimuli. The results concerning both the uniform and non-uniform fields indicate that reaction times under mesopic light levels depend on the local luminance of the visual task. The location and the luminance of the stimulus and the corresponding background luminance at that point strongly affect the reaction times in mesopic conditions. Luminance distribution of the non-uniform backgrounds also affects visual performance.
Colour fidelity for picture gallery illumination, Part 2: Test sample selection – museum tests
Authors: Csuti P , Fáy A , Schanda J , Szabó F , Tátrai V
Published: October 2014

An earlier paper has described a new method to optimise the spectral power distribution of solid state lighting systems used in museums. This paper will discuss the question of the selection of the test samples used for the spectral power distribution optimisation for the illumination of renaissance paintings. For fine tuning the spectrum the help of museum curators was needed, who remember the appearance of the pictures under traditional light sources and who were able to advise lighting engineers to tune the spectrum to obtain a pleasing appearance. The paper will show the results obtained by testing the optimum spectrum in the museum. Part 1 of the present publication dealt with a new method to optimise the spectral power distribution of Solid State Lighting systems used in museums. Part 2 will discuss the question of test samples for the illumination of renaissance paintings and will show results obtained by testing the optimum spectrum in the museum.
Development of cotton-rich/polylactic acid fiber blend knitted fabrics for sports textiles
Authors: Guruprasad R , Vivekanandan MV , Arputharaj A , Saxena S , Chattopadhyay SK
Published: October 2014

In this study, the moisture and thermal transmission properties of cotton/polylactic acid-blended knitted fabrics were studied. Cotton and polylactic acid fibers were blended to produce yarns of 14.7 tex (40 s Ne) with two different blend proportions. The yarns were then knitted into plain jersey structures, followed by scouring and bleaching treatments. The produced fabrics were evaluated for dynamic moisture transport properties using SDL Atlas moisture management tester. The moisture vapor transmission rate of developed fabrics was measured using the dish method, and the thermal properties were measured using KES Thermolabo instrument. Results indicate that blending of polylactic acid fibers with cotton fibers improve the moisture management properties of the resultant fabric. The overall moisture management capability values were found to be better for cotton/polylactic acid fiber 65:35 blended fabric. A marginal improvement was observed only in the case of cotton/polylactic acid fiber 80:20 blended fabric. The moisture vapor transmission and air permeability of blended fabrics were also found to be higher than those of 100% cotton fabric. The thermal conductivity, insulation, and warm–cool feel values of blended fabrics range between 100% cotton and 100% polylactic acid fiber fabrics. This type of fabric is more suitable for use as sportswear and active wear.
Historical development of geometrical modelling of textiles reinforcements for polymer composites: A review
Authors: ElAgamy Naglaa , Laliberté Jeremy
Published: October 2014

Mechanical behaviour of fibre reinforced polymer composites is geared by the geometrical structure of the textile reinforcements. Consistent permeability, predictable impregnation and even distribution of resin are key factors in reaching targeted mechanical performance, whereas these parameters and others are functions of the geometrical composition. Hence numerous analytical geometrical models have been described in literature covering most of the conventional commonly used weave reinforcements. However, no current model can be broadly generalized to address, for instance, manufacturing deformation of fibres cross-section, periodic variability caused by stitching in 2.5D non-crimp stitched fabrics or arbitrary fibre orientation featuring some recently developed three-dimensional textiles reinforcements. Given that the latter structures can potentially provide more favourable mechanical behaviour in terms of bending stiffness, impact resistance and through-thickness properties, it is worthwhile attempting to adapt the available geometrical modelling concepts so as to address versatile structures. This review aims to trace the physical concepts used for modelling the geometrical structures of textile reinforcements at the mesoscale and compare applicability of various analytical and numerical models to types and geometrical dimensionality of woven textile structures.
Does kidney transplantation to iliac artery deteriorate ischemia in the ipsilateral lower extremity with peripheral arterial disease?
Authors: Northcutt Ashley , Zibari Gazi , Tan Tze-Woei , Coulter Amy H , Zhang Wayne W
Published: October 2014

Objectives

This study was conducted to investigate the progression of lower extremity ischemia following kidney transplantation to iliac artery in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of all renal transplant patients completed at a university teaching medical center from January 2006 to December of 2011 was performed. A total of 219 patients underwent successful kidney transplantation to the common, external, or internal iliac artery. Pre- and post-transplantation ischemic changes in the ipsilateral lower extremity were reviewed and analyzed.

Results

Thirty-eight of the 219 patients had ipsilateral peripheral arterial disease and seven of them were symptomatic. Six of the seven symptomatic patients remained stable and one patient’s rest pain improved, postoperatively. Eight patients developed new symptoms of ischemia 12 months later, including four with claudication, two with ischemic ulcers, and two with gangrene toes. The ulcers were healed following superficial femoral artery stenting and wound care. Toe amputation was performed in two patients with gangrene. No major amputation was required up to 48 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

Transplanted kidney to iliac artery does not significantly deteriorate ischemia in adults with ipsilateral lower extremity peripheral arterial disease. Late developed ischemic complications may be due to the progression of underlying arterial disease.
Vein graft aneurysms following popliteal aneurysm repair are more common than we think
Authors: Sharples Alistair , Kay Mark , Sykes Timothy , Fox Anthony , Houghton Andrew
Published: October 2014

True infrainguinal vein graft aneurysms are reported infrequently in the literature. We sought to identify the true incidence of these graft aneurysms after popliteal aneurysm repair and identify factors which may increase the risk of such aneurysms developing. Using a prospectively compiled database, we identified patients who underwent a popliteal aneurysm repair between January 1996 and January 2011 at a single district general hospital. Patients were routinely followed up in a graft surveillance programme. Out of 45 patients requiring repair of a popliteal aneurysm over a 15-year period, four (8.8%) patients developed aneurysmal graft disease. Of the patients who developed graft aneurysms, all had aneurysmal disease at other sites compared with 18 (45.0%) patients who did not develop graft aneurysms. Patients with graft aneurysms had a mean of 1.60 aneurysms elsewhere compared to 0.58 in patients with non-aneurysmal grafts ( P = 0.005). True vein graft aneurysms occur in a significant number of patients following popliteal aneurysm repair. Our data would suggest this to be more likely in patients who have aneurysms elsewhere and therefore a predisposition to aneurysmal disease. It may be appropriate for patients with aneurysms at other sites to undergo more prolonged post-operative graft surveillance.
Revising the negative meaning of chronic pain – A phenomenological study
Authors: Ojala Tapio , Häkkinen Arja , Karppinen Jaro , Sipilä Kirsi , Suutama Timo , Piirainen Arja
Published: October 2014

Objectives

Chronic pain may disable the body, depress the mind and ruin the quality of life. The aim of this study was to use the participants’ personal experiences to explore the meaning of the experience of chronic pain and to find successful ways to manage chronic pain.

Methods

Thirty-four participants with chronic pain were interviewed. The transcribed interviews were analysed using Giorgi’s phenomenological method consisting of four phases: (1) reading the transcriptions several times, (2) discriminating meaning units, (3) collecting meaning units into groups and (4) the synthesis.

Results

The participants stated that the key to managing chronic pain was to reconsider the individual meaning of the experience of pain. As a result of the interviews, seven subthemes were found based on the ‘Negativity of chronic pain’, namely, ‘State of reflection’, ‘Reconsidering values’, ‘Acceptance of pain’, ‘Support network’, ‘Altered self’, ‘Joys in life’ and ‘Pain dissociation’.

Conclusions

Pain is an aversive sensation, which leads to the conclusion that the meaning of the experience is also negative, but it can be reversed. In clinical practice, the focus should be on revising the subjective meaning of pain in order to manage pain and to restore positivity in personal life.
Rituximab and its therapeutic potential in catastrophic antiphospolipid syndrome
Authors: Rodríguez-Pintó Ignasi , Cervera Ricard , Espinosa Gerard
Published: October 2014

The catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is characterized by thrombosis in more than three organs or systems developing over a short period of time. Despite conventional treatment with a combination of anticoagulation plus corticosteroids plus plasma exchange, and/or intravenous immunoglobulin, mortality remains high and some patients suffer from recurrent CAPS episodes. In selected patients, new therapies such as rituximab may be a treatment option. In this review, the rationale for using rituximab in CAPS is discussed.
The “Starfield” Pattern of Cerebral Fat Embolism From Bone Marrow Necrosis in Sickle Cell Crisis
Authors: Dhakal Laxmi P. , Bourgeois Kirk , Barrett Kevin M. , Freeman William D.
Published: October 2014

Sickle cell disease may manifest with cerebrovascular and systemic complications. Sickle crisis that results in avascular necrosis of long bones with resultant cerebral fat embolism syndrome is rare and has a characteristic “starfield” pattern on MRI. This “starfield” MRI pattern should raise suspicion for sickle cell crisis in patients without a known history of the disease, which can lead to earlier sickle cell red blood cell exchange transfusion and treatment. We present a case of a male who presented emergently with acute seizure, coma with a characteristic MRI pattern, which lead to the diagnosis of avascular bone marrow necrosis and cerebral fat embolism syndrome from sickle cell crisis
Correlation between total vitamin D levels and psychotic psychopathology in patients with schizophrenia: therapeutic implications for add-on vitamin D augmentation
Authors: Yüksel Rabia Nazik , Altunsoy Neslihan , Tikir Baise , Cingi Külük Merve , Unal Kubranur , Goka Sema , Aydemir Cigdem , Goka Erol
Published: October 2014

Objectives:

Vitamin D deficiency is one of the implicated factors in ethio-pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Low serum vitamin D levels have been reported in many schizophrenia studies. However, the question is still not answered: Is there a correlation between disease activity and serum vitamin D levels? This is the first study evaluating the relationship between serum total vitamin D levels and disease activity, by comparing total vitamin D levels in two schizophrenia groups abruptly different in terms of disease activity.

Methods:

41 patients with schizophrenia in remission, 40 patients with schizophrenia those in an acute episode and 40 age- and sex -matched controls with no major psychopatology were recruited in this study. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Clinical Global Impression – Severety scale (CGI-S) were used to evaluate disease activity. A demographic data form that included entries on age, gender, ethnicity, weight, skin color, daily duration of sun exposure and nutritional assessment were used. Blood samples were taken from all patients and controls. Total vitamin D (D2+D3), calcium, phosphor, parathyroid hormone values were measured.

Results:

Patients in an acute episode had significantly lower vitamin D levels compared to patients in remission and to healthy controls (in terms of median values respectively, 7.18, 15.03, 15.02, p < 0.001). We observed negative and moderate correlations between vitamin D levels and CGI scores ( r = −0.624, p < 0.001), vitamin D levels and PANNS scores ( r = −0.508, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between groups in terms of serum P, Ca and PTH levels ( p = 0.099, p = 0.943, p = 0.762). We could not detect any significant impact of weekly duration of sun exposure, skin color, ethnicity or nutrition on total vitamin D levels.

Conclusions:

Even though important factors for vitamin D synthesis were similar, there was severe vitamin D deficiency in patients presenting with an acute episode, significantly different from those in remission. Is vitamin D deficiency the result or the cause of an acute episode? Our results contribute to the idea that vitamin D deficiency and schizophrenia may have interactions with an unknown pathway. Present data points out a possible influence at a genomic level. Future trials may investigate this association with longer follow up. We recommend that, serum vitamin D levels should be measured in patients with schizophrenia especially in long term care. Appropriate further treatment with add-on vitamin D supplements and diets that are rich in vitamin D should be considered.
I Am Men’s Health
Authors: Daughtridge Giffin W. , Conyngham S. Caitlin , Ramirez Noel , Koenig Helen C.
Published: October 2014

In 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Truvada as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for adults at risk of HIV. PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken daily, but no gold standard exists for consistently administering PrEP to populations at highest risk. The “I Am Men’s Health” program used an innovative methodology to generate adherence to PrEP in 23 mostly young men who have sex with men of color (yMSMc), during a 28-week period from February to September 2013. Adherence was measured using weekly medication pickup rates. The average age of the participants was 21 years, and the majority were black and lived below the poverty line. Time on PrEP ranged from 1 to 28 weeks (2723 person-days), and the weighted average adherence was 73%. The methodology used in this study was preliminarily effective at generating adherence to PrEP among high-risk yMSMc in a community setting and may help inform large-scale future HIV prevention interventions.
Two-Microphone Spatial Filtering Improves Speech Reception for Cochlear-Implant Users in Reverberant Conditions With Multiple Noise Sources
Authors: Goldsworthy Raymond L.
Published: October 2014

This study evaluates a spatial-filtering algorithm as a method to improve speech reception for cochlear-implant (CI) users in reverberant environments with multiple noise sources. The algorithm was designed to filter sounds using phase differences between two microphones situated 1 cm apart in a behind-the-ear hearing-aid capsule. Speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were measured using a Coordinate Response Measure for six CI users in 27 listening conditions including each combination of reverberation level ( T60 = 0, 270, and 540 ms), number of noise sources (1, 4, and 11), and signal-processing algorithm (omnidirectional response, dipole-directional response, and spatial-filtering algorithm). Noise sources were time-reversed speech segments randomly drawn from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers sentence recordings. Target speech and noise sources were processed using a room simulation method allowing precise control over reverberation times and sound-source locations. The spatial-filtering algorithm was found to provide improvements in SRTs on the order of 6.5 to 11.0 dB across listening conditions compared with the omnidirectional response. This result indicates that such phase-based spatial filtering can improve speech reception for CI users even in highly reverberant conditions with multiple noise sources.
Application of criterion for A-segregation in steel ingots
Authors: Pickering E. J. , Al-Bermani S. S. , Talamantes-Silva J.
Published: October 2014

A recently developed criterion for A-segregation in steel ingots and castings, based on a dimensionless Rayleigh number, is applied to case studies of two steel ingots. In both cases, experimentally obtained locations of A-segregation are correlated against Rayleigh numbers predicted through casting simulations. It is found that the value of 17±8 previously reported as the critical value for the Rayleigh criterion agrees well with the results of these case studies, but that 6 is an appropriate critical value if a conservative lower bound is sought. Limitations and sources of sensitivity in the application of the criterion are highlighted.
Noncovalent stabilization of the factor VIII A2 domain enhances efficacy in hemophilia A mouse vascular injury models
Authors: Leong Lilley , Sim Derek , Patel Chandra , Tran Katherine , Liu Perry , Ho Elena , Thompson Thomas , Kretschmer Peter J. , Wakabayashi Hironao , Fay Philip J. , Murphy John E.
Published: October 2014

Key Points

Increasing FVIIIa by stabilizing the A2 domain association enhances its function in vitro and in vivo in hemophilia. Stabilized FVIIIa improved efficacy in several vascular injury models, including laser injury, in which it was particularly effective.
Global transcriptome analysis and enhancer landscape of human primary T follicular helper and T effector lymphocytes
Authors: Weinstein Jason S. , Lezon-Geyda Kimberly , Maksimova Yelena , Craft Samuel , Zhang Yaoping , Su Mack , Schulz Vincent P. , Craft Joseph , Gallagher Patrick G.
Published: October 2014

Key Points

Transcriptomes and enhancers of human CD4+ Tfh and non-Tfh T effector cells reveal cell type–specific differences. These data are a significant resource for understanding mechanisms of normal and perturbed Tfh cell function.
Functional factor XIII-A is exposed on the stimulated platelet surface
Authors: Mitchell Joanne L. , Lionikiene Ausra S. , Fraser Steven R. , Whyte Claire S. , Booth Nuala A. , Mutch Nicola J.
Published: October 2014

Key Points

Factor XIII-A is exposed in protruding caps on the activated platelet surface. Platelet FXIII-A exerts antifibrinolytic function by cross-linking α2AP to fibrin.
Rituximab plus liposomal doxorubicin in HIV-infected patients with KSHV-associated multicentric Castleman disease
Authors: Uldrick Thomas S. , Polizzotto Mark N. , Aleman Karen , Wyvill Kathleen M. , Marshall Vickie , Whitby Denise , Wang Victoria , Pittaluga Stefania , O’Mahony Deirdre , Steinberg Seth M. , Little Richard F. , Yarchoan Robert
Published: October 2014

Key Points

Rituximab plus liposomal doxorubicin is active and tolerated in patients with symptomatic KSHV-associated multicentric Castleman disease. This is a safe and effective initial regimen for concurrent symptomatic KSHV-associated multicentric Castleman disease and Kaposi sarcoma.
The effect of pristine carbon-based nanomaterial on the growth of green gram sprouts and pH of water
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Zhou Zhihua , Lu Dejiong , Dong Xinwei , Xu Minghan , Wei Liangming , Zhang Yafei
Published: October 2014

We examined the toxicity of four carbon-based nanomaterials (unmodified) by using carbon quantum dots (CQDs), graphene quantum dots (GQDs), graphene oxide (GO), and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to cultivate bean sprout. Results showed that the toxicity of these four carbon nanomaterials increases with the increasing of concentration and cultivating time. In addition, pH test was applied to study the effect of carbon-based nanomaterials on water. pH of culture solution displayed unconspicuous dose-dependent, but nanomaterials indeed have a considerable impact on the pH even at low concentration.
Characterization of Actinomycetes and Trichoderma spp. for cellulase production utilizing crude substrates by response surface methodology
Authors: Pirzadah Tanveer , Garg Shashank , Singh Joginder , Vyas Ashish , Kumar Manish , Gaur Naseem , Bala Madhu , Rehman Reiaz , Varma Ajit , Kumar Vivek , Kumar Manoj
Published: October 2014

Laboratory bench scaling was done and an average of 1.85 fold increase by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) optimization was obtained. It was found that the predicted value (4.96 IU/ml) obtained by RSM is in close accordance with observed activity 5.14 IU/ml. Endoglucanases are mainly induced by CMC while Wheat bran (natural substrate) exoglucanase is more active when induced by avicel and cellulose. Addition of substrate beyond a level caused inhibition of cellulase production. The molecular weight of protein as determined by SDS-PAGE is very similar to molecular weight of cellulase ofTrichoderma viride(T. viride) cellulase andTrichoderma reesei(T. reesei) endoglucanase.T. reeseiβ-glucosidase has high enzymatic activity on CMC substrate when compared withT. virideβ-glucosidase. Secondary structure analysed by using Circular Dichroism confirmed that composition of celluase system is very similar to other analysed species. The cellulase was found to be active in pH range of 4.8-5.5; while temperature range varied from 50°C to 70°C. Although the enzymatic activity produced by mutants were lesser than the parent, but in one case mutants ofTrichodermareesei’s BGL has shown higher activity on cellulose.
An iterative approach to updating velocities beneath postsalt anomalies and its impact on presalt imaging
Authors: Langlois Jeremy , Yuan Zhuoquan , Li Hao , Kumar Ravi , Huang Yan
Published: October 2014

Complex geology and deepwater presalt targets offshore Brazil lend themselves to seismic imaging challenges. The postsalt sections of the Santos and Campos Basins also featured thin-bed, high-impedance layers of volcanic material and other shallow velocity anomalies. These features were often near the top of salt (TOS) and produced areas of poor presalt focusing. Because accurately modeling the postsalt was imperative for imaging the presalt, we developed a new workflow for velocity model updating. Where previous top-down methods have failed, our method embraced the challenges of imaging beneath the volcanics by incorporating additional presalt information into the updates. Our method is interpretation-dependent but provides a robust and reliable workflow for updating the postsalt velocity model in the presence of complex geology. Using a narrow azimuth data set acquired with variable-depth streamers, we evaluated the effectiveness of our iterative workflow. The result was improved presalt imaging.
Biomarker Analyses in CLEOPATRA: A Phase III, Placebo-Controlled Study of Pertuzumab in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Positive, First-Line Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Baselga José , Cortés Javier , Im Seock-Ah , Clark Emma , Ross Graham , Kiermaier Astrid , Swain Sandra M.
Published: October 2014

Purpose

To explore the prognostic and/or predictive value of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) pathway–related biomarkers in the phase III CLEOPATRA study of pertuzumab plus trastuzumab plus docetaxel versus placebo plus trastuzumab plus docetaxel as first-line treatment for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

Mandatory tumor and serum samples were collected (N = 808; 58% to 99.8% were assessable), and amphiregulin, betacellulin, epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor alpha, EGF receptor, HER2, HER3, insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, PTEN, phosphorylated AKT, PIK3CA, CMYC, serum HER2 extracellular domain (sHER2), and FCγR were assessed using appropriate assays. Two types of correlations were investigated using univariable Cox regression: predictive effects (qualitative association of biomarkers with pertuzumab progression-free survival [PFS] benefit) and prognostic effects independent of treatment arm (relationship of each biomarker to clinical outcome in both arms pooled).

Results

Pertuzumab consistently showed a PFS benefit, independent of biomarker subgroups (hazard ratio < 1.0), including estrogen receptor–negative and –positive subgroups. High HER2 protein, high HER2 and HER3 mRNA levels, wild-type PIK3CA, and low sHER2 showed a significantly better prognosis (P < .05). PIK3CA showed the greatest prognostic effect, with longer median PFS for patients whose tumors expressed wild-type versus mutated PIK3CA in both the control (13.8 v 8.6 months) and pertuzumab groups (21.8 v 12.5 months).

Conclusion

Through comprehensive prospective analyses, CLEOPATRA biomarker data demonstrate that HER2 is the only marker suited for patient selection for the trastuzumab plus pertuzumab–based regimen in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. HER2, HER3, and PIK3CA were relevant prognostic factors.
Tumor Marker Usage and Medical Care Costs Among Older Early-Stage Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Ramsey Scott D. , Henry N. Lynn , Gralow Julie R. , Mirick Dana K. , Barlow William , Etzioni Ruth , Mummy David , Thariani Rahber , Veenstra David L.
Published: October 2014

Purpose

Although American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines discourage the use of tumor marker assessment for routine surveillance in nonmetastatic breast cancer, their use in practice is uncertain. Our objective was to determine use of tumor marker tests such as carcinoembryonic antigen and CA 15-3/CA 27.29 and associated Medicare costs in early-stage breast cancer survivors.

Methods

By using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare records for patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer between 2001 and 2007, tumor marker usage within 2 years after diagnosis was identified by billing codes. Logistic regression models were used to identify clinical and demographic factors associated with use of tumor markers. To determine impact on costs of care, we used multivariable regression, controlling for other factors known to influence total medical costs.

Results

We identified 39,650 eligible patients. Of these, 16,653 (42%) received at least one tumor marker assessment, averaging 5.7 tests over 2 years, with rates of use per person increasing over time. Factors significantly associated with use included age at diagnosis, diagnosis year, stage at diagnosis, race/ethnicity, geographic region, and urban/rural status. Rates of advanced imaging, but not biopsies, were significantly higher in the assessment group. Medical costs for patients who received at least one test were approximately 29% greater than costs for those who did not, adjusting for other factors.

Conclusion

Breast cancer tumor markers are frequently used among women with early-stage disease and are associated with an increase in both diagnostic procedures and total cost of care. A better understanding of factors driving the use of and the potential benefits and harms of surveillance-based tumor marker testing is needed.
Functional Characterization of GH-Like Homolog in Amphioxus Reveals an Ancient Origin of GH/GH Receptor System
Authors: Li Mengyang , Gao Zhan , Ji Dongrui , Zhang Shicui
Published: October 2014

Amphioxus belongs to the subphylum cephalochordata, an extant representative of the most basal chordates. Despite many studies on the endocrine system of amphioxus, no evidence showed the presence of pituitary hormones. In this study, we clearly demonstrated the existence of a functional GH-like hormone in amphioxus, which is able to bind purified GH receptors, stimulate IGF-I expression, promote growth rate of fish, and rescue embryonic defects caused by a shortage of GH. We also showed the presence of a GH/prolactin-like-binding protein containing the entire hormone binding domain of GH/prolactin receptors in amphioxus, which is widely expressed among tissues, and interacts with the GH-like hormone. It is clear from these results that the GH/GH receptor-like system is present in amphioxus and, hence, in all classes of chordates. Notably, the GH-like hormone appears to be the only member of the vertebrate pituitary hormones family in amphioxus, suggesting that the hormone is the ancestral peptide that originated first in the molecular evolution of the pituitary hormones family in chordates. These data collectively suggest that a vertebrate-like neuroendocrine axis setting has already emerged in amphioxus, which lays a foundation for subsequent formation of hypothalamic-pituitary system in vertebrates.