bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of naloxegol in the management of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction
Authors: Leppert Wojciech , Woron Jaroslaw
Published: May 2016

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) and other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OIBD) significantly deteriorate patients’ quality of life and may lead to noncompliance with opioid schedule and undertreatment of pain. Although traditional oral laxatives are the first-line treatment of OIC, they do not address OIBD pathophysiology, and display numerous adverse effects. OIC treatment includes prokinetics (lubiprostone), opioid switch, and changing route of opioid administration. Targeted management of OIBD comprises the use of purely peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORA): naloxegol and methylnaltrexone. Naloxegol (NKTR-118) is a polymer conjugate of the opioid antagonist naloxone. The polyethylene glycol limits naloxegol capacity to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Naloxegol is substrate for the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transporter. The central nervous system penetration of naloxegol is negligible due to reduced permeability and its increased efflux across the BBB, related to P-gp transporter. Naloxegol antagonizes μ- and κ-opioid receptors and displays low affinity to δ-opioid receptors in the GI tract, thereby decreasing OIBD symptoms without reversing central analgesic effects. Naloxegol is metabolised through CYP3A4 to six metabolites, with the majority of the dose (68%) excreted with faeces and less (16%) with urine. The dose of naloxegol equals 25 mg administered orally once daily on a fasting condition. Mild or moderate hepatic impairment has no impact on naloxegol dosing; naloxegol was not studied and is not recommended in patients with hepatic failure. Dose reduction (12.5 mg once daily) and caution is recommended in patients with moderate-to-severe renal impairment. Efficacy (bowel movement in 42–49% of patients not responsive to laxatives) and safety of naloxegol were confirmed in studies conducted in patients with OIC and nonmalignant pain. Naloxegol may be useful for cancer patients with OIC, although studies in this population are lacking.
Use of proton-pump inhibitors among adults: a Danish nationwide drug utilization study
Authors: Pottegård Anton , Broe Anne , Hallas Jesper , de Muckadell Ove B. Schaffalitzky , Lassen Annmarie T. , Lødrup Anders B.
Published: May 2016

Background:

The use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) has increased over the last decade. The objective of this study was to provide detailed utilization data on PPI use over time, with special emphasis on duration of PPI use and concomitant use of ulcerogenic drugs.

Methods:

Using the nationwide Danish Prescription Registry, we identified all Danish adults filling a PPI between 2002 and 2014. Using descriptive statistics, we reported (i) the distribution of use between single PPI entities, (ii) the development in incidence and prevalence of use over time, (iii) measures of duration and intensity of treatment, and (iv) the prevalence of use of ulcerogenic drugs among users of PPIs.

Results:

We identified 1,617,614 adults using PPIs during the study period. The prevalence of PPI use increased fourfold during the study period to 7.4% of all Danish adults in 2014. PPI use showed strong age dependency, reaching more than 20% among those aged at least 80 years. The proportion of users maintaining treatment over time increased with increasing age, with less than10% of those aged 18–39 years using PPIs 2 years after their first prescription, compared with about 40% among those aged at least 80 years. The overall use of ulcerogenic drugs among PPI users increased moderately, from 35% of users of PPI in 2002 to 45% in 2014.

Conclusions:

The use of PPIs is extensive and increasing rapidly, especially among the elderly.
Fear of an HIV positive test result: an exploration of the low uptake of couples HIV counselling and testing (CHCT) in a rural setting in Mukono district, Uganda
Authors: Nannozi Victoria , Wobudeya Eric , Gahagan Jacqueline
Published: May 2016

Background:

Couples HIV counselling and testing (CHCT) is a key preventive strategy used to reduce the spread of HIV. In Uganda, HIV prevalence among married or cohabiting couples is 5.6%, compared to 2.2% among those never married. CHCT can help ease disclosure of HIV positive status, which in turn may help increase opportunities to obtain social supports and reduce new infections. The purpose of this study was aimed at exploring the possible reasons for the low uptake of CHCT in Mukono district, a rural in setting in Uganda.

Methods:

The study was conducted in two sub-counties in a rural district (Mukono district) using a descriptive qualitative research design. Specifically, we conducted four focus group discussions and 10 key informant interviews. We also interviewed 53 individuals in couple relationships. Data were collected mainly in the local language Luganda and English, all data were transcribed into English and coded for emergent themes. Ethical clearance for this study was obtained from the Mengo Hospital Research Review Board and from the Uganda National Council of Science and Technology.

Results:

Fear of a positive HIV test result emerged strongly as the most significant barrier to CHCT. To a lesser extent, perceptions and knowledge of CHCT, mistrust in marriages and culture were also noted by participants as important barriers to the uptake of CHCT among couples. Participants offered suggestions on ways to overcome these barriers, including peer couple counselling, offering incentives to couples that test together and door-to-door CHCT testing.

Conclusion:

In an effort to improve the uptake of CHCT, it is crucial to involve both females and males in the planning and implementation of CHCT, as well as to address the misconceptions about CHCT and to prioritise CHCT within health care systems management.
Diabetes Technology
Authors: Naranjo Diana , Tanenbaum Molly L. , Iturralde Esti , Hood Korey K.
Published: May 2016

Patients managing type 1 diabetes have access to new technologies to assist in management. This manuscript has two aims: 1) to briefly review the literature on diabetes technology use and how this relates to psychological factors and 2) to present an example of human factors research using our data to examine psychological factors associated with technology use. Device/technology uptake and use has increased over the years and at present day is a common clinical practice. There are mixed results in terms of health and psychosocial outcomes, with specific subgroups doing better than others with technology. Our data demonstrated that patients have moderately elevated diabetes distress across differing types of technology used, from low-tech to high-tech options, possibly meaning that technology does not add or take away distress. In addition, users on multiple daily injections compared to all other technology groups have less positive attitudes about technology. Finally, we discuss implications for clinical practice and future research.
Psychosocial Aspects of Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Authors: Kubiak Thomas , Mann Caroline G. , Barnard Katherine C. , Heinemann Lutz
Published: May 2016

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems provide people with diabetes with valuable real-time information on glucose trajectories and trends, thus offering opportunities for improving diabetes self-management. Ample evidence from clinical trials underscores CGM effectiveness for biomedical outcomes including HbA1C and hypoglycemia. However, interindividual variability in CGM uptake seems to be substantial: Neither do all individuals with diabetes adopt CGM readily in their diabetes self-management, nor do all of them benefit from CGM. In this article, we focus on CGM effects on quality of life and the potential role of psychosocial patient characteristics for determining the uptake and outcomes of CGM. After providing a brief overview on existing evidence on psychosocial factors in CGM use, gaps in existing research are identified and directions for future research are proposed that could answer key research questions and offer guidance for clinical diabetes care.
Gender Differences in Concussion Reporting Among High School Athletes
Authors: Miyashita Theresa L. , Diakogeorgiou Eleni , VanderVegt Christina
Published: May 2016

Background:

An athlete’s lack of concussion knowledge could lead to significant underreporting and injury mismanagement. To provide more effective management strategies of concussions in adolescent athletes, further examination of reporting behaviors is of critical importance.

Hypothesis:

The hypotheses for this study were as follows: (1) Girls are more likely to report concussion, (2) girls are more likely to report future concussions after an educational intervention, and (3) a difference in rationale for not reporting concussion will be found between sexes.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional, cohort design.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Survey answers were collected on 454 high school athletes (212 girls, 242 boys; mean age, 15.7 ± 1.15 years). Individual team meetings lasting approximately 30 minutes were held to collect data and provide an educational lecture. Participants were randomly provided an iClicker to submit a response to questions asked.

Results:

Girls were more likely to report a concussion (χ2 = 8.32, df = 3, N = 454, P = 0.040) and more likely to report future concussions after educational intervention (χ2 = 8.54, df = 2, N = 454, P = 0.014). There were no differences between sexes regarding rationale for not reporting a concussion (χ2 = 6.42, df = 4, N = 454, P = 0.170).

Conclusion:

There is concern these athletes still fail to understand the severity and potential sequelae of concussion injury. Both sexes cited that concussion is not a serious enough injury to warrant reporting to a medical professional.

Clinical Relevance:

High school athletes recover more slowly from concussions compared with college athletes; therefore, educating this population and promoting the importance of being knowledgeable regarding concussion recognition may increase reporting prevalence.
A Case Study in the History of Neurology
Authors: Day Gregory S. , Tang-Wai David F. , Shamy Michel C. F.
Published: May 2016

We review the case of a young man who developed a constellation of symptoms and signs—bizarre behavior, seizures, abnormal movements, and autonomic instability—that evaded diagnosis at the time of presentation. We use this case to explore the way medical knowledge changes over time. Despite the dramatic advances in our understanding of neurological diseases in recent decades, physicians tend to approach diseases and diagnoses as if they were immutable. Our case reinforces how the diagnosis and treatment of disease are determined by an ever-changing historical context driven by the rapid expansion of medical knowledge. We discuss the implications of this realization and present strategies for navigating the boundaries of knowledge, both in practice and in principle.
Effectiveness of early entrepreneurship education at the primary school level: Evidence from a field research in Morocco
Authors: Hassi Abderrahman
Published: May 2016

The present research is designed to identify the appropriate and relevant objectives that need to be pursued through entrepreneurial activities targeting elementary school children. It assesses the effectiveness of early entrepreneurship education. To do so, children aged 11 and 12 attended an entrepreneurial program and completed two versions of the same questionnaire before and after the program. We measured the development of three outcome sets of skills: non-cognitive entrepreneurial skills, cognitive entrepreneurial skills, and intentions to become an entrepreneur. The change in the dependent variable (the three sets of skills) is measured by the difference in this scale between using paired-sample t-test. Gender and parents’ occupation were controlled for. The findings of this study confirm that late childhood (11–12 years old) seems to be the adequate period in order to develop self-efficacy, a non-cognitive skill required to become an entrepreneur. Nonetheless, cognitive entrepreneurial skills and entrepreneurial intentions did not change after the program.
The Origins of Task- and People-Oriented Leadership Styles
Authors: Engelbert Bertil , Wallgren Lars Göran
Published: May 2016

An increasing number of findings indicate that there are connections between leadership and infant, child, and adolescent development. These connections are largely overlooked in the traditional leadership literature. This study discussed this development with a focus on how it influences the task-oriented part of leadership. For the empirical part of the study, which had an exploratory emphasis, data on 79 leaders were collected, including information on their childhood, collected with a self-report survey (Experiences in Close Relationships [ECR]), their adolescent family experiences, and their leadership styles (Employee-centered, Production-centered, and Change-centered) measured with a survey answered by a subordinate. The results indicated connections between task-oriented leadership style and early experiences: Insecurely attached leaders are at risk of not being considered good leaders by their subordinates. Experiences during adolescence may be influential. This study indicated reasons why it often is difficult to predict who will become a good leader. To accurately characterize a leader, early established features need to be considered. This knowledge can be used to build better models for leadership research and to improve the recruitment and development of leaders.
Video Modeling and Prompting in Practice
Authors: Kellems Ryan O. , Mourra Kjerstin , Morgan Robert L. , Riesen Tim , Glasgow Malinda , Huddleston Robin
Published: May 2016

This article discusses the creation of video modeling (VM) and video prompting (VP) interventions for teaching novel multi-step tasks to individuals with disabilities. This article reviews factors to consider when selecting skills to teach, and students for whom VM/VP may be successful, as well as the difference between VM and VP and circumstances affecting which to choose. The purpose of this article is to provide practitioners with step-by-step instruction on how to teach cooking skills using VM and VP for young adults with disabilities.
Revival or Regulation? ‘Indigenous’ Medical Practice in Independent India
Authors: Jaiswal Shivangi
Published: May 2016

This article looks at how ‘indigenous’ medical systems, particularly Ayurveda figured in the official discourse of the Government of India in the post-independence period. In doing so, it studies the recommendations of the committees set up in the first few decades after independence to prepare reports on ‘indigenous’ medicines in India. By studying these reports, we may gain some insights on the paths that were cleared in the professionalisation of Ayurvedic medicine and its institutionalisation in colleges and hospitals. The focus here is on the recommendations and analyses of five committee reports. This article analyses the similarities and near consensus in their approach to the issue of research in Ayurveda. What accounts for such a consensus despite the constitution of different committees over a period of time? How are some of the differences in the recommendations and analyses of the reports resolved in ways that maintain an overall similarity? This article engages with these questions in its analysis of the committee reports.
Ethnography of Trust and History as Circulating Commodities in Chauta Bazaar, Surat
Authors: Jha Sadan , Thakur Nishpriha
Published: May 2016

Focused on a historically evolved marketplace, Chauta Bazaar of Surat (Gujarat), this article looks at the question of trust and its contours. In the popular perception, this bazaar has a history of five centuries of continuous survival. This account of a marketplace reveals everyday practices, popular investments in terms of its historical embeddedness and the manner in which notions of trust circulate in this market. The study argues that the narratives of trust are spatial as well as transmitted through generations. The ethnography throws a number of issues pertaining to this marketplace, popularly considered as a women’s market. At a wider level, the article goes beyond exploring the historical trajectories of this marketplace and looks at the narratives in which history is mobilised as an active agency shaping the dynamics of trust in a marketplace.
HR Positioning—A Matter of National Culture? Facts from Hungary
Authors: Thill Katharina , Venegas Barbara Covarrubias , Poór József
Published: May 2016

Studies on human resource management (HRM) have mostly been conducted with a United States (US) perspective. A lack of independent and systematic analyses into the “European HRM” issues is still noticeable. As many economies of Central and Eastern Europe experienced a phase of transition after the socialist era and are now recovering from the 2008 global crisis, there is a need to examine the current state of human resources (HR) positioning. Therefore, the cultural and institutional contexts of each country must be taken into account. This article focuses on HR practices in Hungary; the underlying exploratory qualitative study examines which competencies HR managers perceive to be the most important in the Hungarian context, when it comes to strengthening the HR position.
Agrarian Situation, Land Acquisition and Insurrections of Independent India
Authors: Veeresha Nayakara
Published: May 2016

The article focuses upon the relationship between agrarian relations, mode of land acquisition by the state and insurrections that took place in India after 1947. It attempts to analyse the linkages of land relations between peasants and landlords. More specifically it looks at the nature of association with the land, changes occurred in the nature and perspective of relationship due to changes in the perspective towards development. It analyses how the changing role of state in acquiring the land for developmental outcomes has led to variety of social uprisings in the form of insurrections. Insurrections are modest attempts to alter the power relations of the society with reference to land ownership and rights. Insurrections are challenges to the outcome of good governance. There is a need to design proper governance institutional arrangements to contain the insurrections arising due to land conflicts in the process of pursuit of development.
Historical Continuum of Land Rights in Uganda
Authors: Mabikke Samuel B.
Published: May 2016

Millions of people around the world face difficulties related to the land where they live, work, grow crops, tend animals and run businesses. Even though they or their families may have lived on the land for many years, it is a serious obstacle that they have no formal relationship to it (UN-Habitat, 2012, Handling land: Innovative tools for land governance and secure tenure, Nairobi, Kenya: United Nations Human Settlements Programme). Competition for land is intensifying because of rapid population growth, unregulated urbanisation, land conflicts, climate change, food, water and energy insecurity among others. Coupled by historical injustices and unlawful evictions, many people particularly in developing countries are becoming landless. Although many countries have completely restructured their legal and regulatory framework related to land and they have tried to harmonise modern statutory law with customary ones, millions of people around the world still have insecure land tenure and property rights (UN-Habitat, 2014, Land tenure security in selected countries. Synthesis Report, Nairobi, Kenya: United Nations Human Settlements Programme). It is now well recognised that secure land and property rights for all are essential to reducing poverty, because they underpin economic development and social inclusion (UN-Habitat, 2008, Secure land rights for all, Nairobi, Kenya: United Nations Human Settlements Programme/Global Land Tool Network). Uganda like many other countries has embarked on massive reforms to improve land tenure security. The development of a computerised land information system, decentralisation of land governance and development of national land policy are included among the many efforts (Ahene, Nsamba-Gayiiya, & Satana, 2013, Land sector strategic plan, 2013–2023, Kampala, Uganda: Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development). Despite tremendous efforts, land tenure insecurity persists in the country. This article provides a review of land ownership and existing initiatives to improve tenure security in Uganda.
Unique Anatomic Feature of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament in Knees Associated With Osteochondritis Dissecans
Authors: Ishikawa Masakazu , Adachi Nobuo , Yoshikawa Masahiro , Nakamae Atsuo , Nakasa Tomoyuki , Ikuta Yasunari , Hayashi Seiju , Deie Masataka , Ochi Mitsuo
Published: May 2016

Background:

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee is a disorder in juveniles and young adults; however, its etiology still remains unclear. For OCD at the medial femoral condyle (MFC), it is sometimes observed that the lesion has a connection with fibers of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Although this could be important information related to the etiology of MFC OCD, there is no report examining an association between the MFC OCD and the PCL anatomy.

Purpose:

To investigate the anatomic features of knees associated with MFC OCD, focusing especially on the femoral attachment of the PCL, and to compare them with knees associated with lateral femoral condyle (LFC) OCD and non-OCD lesions.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 39 patients (46 knees) with OCD lesions who had undergone surgical treatment. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, the PCL attachment at the lateral wall of the MFC was measured on the coronal sections, and the knee flexion angle was also measured on the sagittal sections. As with non-OCD knees, we reviewed and analyzed 25 knees with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and 16 knees with meniscal injuries.

Results:

MRIs revealed that the femoral PCL footprint was located in a significantly more distal position in the patients with MFC OCD compared with patients with LFC OCD and ACL and meniscal injuries. There was no significant difference in knee flexion angle among the 4 groups.

Conclusion:

The PCL in patients with MFC OCD attached more distally at the lateral aspect of the MFC compared with knees with LFC OCD and ACL and meniscal injuries.
Factors Associated With Emergency Department Visits
Authors: Agarwal Parul , Bias Thomas K. , Madhavan Suresh , Sambamoorthi Nethra , Frisbee Stephanie , Sambamoorthi Usha
Published: May 2016

Objective:

The objective of this study was to examine the association of patient- and county-level factors with the emergency department (ED) visits among adult fee-for-service (FFS) Medicaid beneficiaries residing in Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional design using retrospective observational data was implemented. Patient-level data were obtained from 2010 Medicaid Analytic eXtract files. Information on county-level health-care resources was obtained from the Area Health Resource file and County Health Rankings file.

Results:

In adjusted analyses, the following patient-level factors were associated with higher number of ED visits: African Americans (incidence rate ratios [IRR] = 1.47), Hispanics (IRR = 1.63), polypharmacy (IRR = 1.89), and tobacco use (IRR = 2.23). Patients with complex chronic illness had a higher number of ED visits (IRR = 3.33). The county-level factors associated with ED visits were unemployment rate (IRR = 0.94) and number of urgent care clinics (IRR = 0.96).

Conclusion:

Patients with complex healthcare needs had a higher number of ED visits as compared to those without complex healthcare needs. The study results provide important baseline context for future policy analysis studies around Medicaid expansion options.
Clinical and Associated Immunological Manifestations of HFMD Caused by Different Viral Infections in Children
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Pu Jing , Liu Longding , Che Yanchun , Liao Yun , Wang Lichun , Guo Lei , Feng Min , Liang Yan , Fan Shengtao , Cai Lukui , Zhang Ying , Li Qihan
Published: May 2016

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), with vesiculae on the hands, feet and mouth, is an infectious disease caused by many viral pathogens. However, the differences of immune response induced by these pathogens are unclear. We compared the clinical manifestations and the levels of immunologic indicators from 60 HFMD patients caused by different viral pathogens to analyze the differences in the immune response. It was shown that Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) increased significantly in EV71-infected children; Th1 cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-γ) rose in CA16-infected children; both Th1 and Th2 cytokines elevated in non-EVG-infected children; only individual cytokines (such as IL-10) went up in EVG-infected children. Meanwhile, the antibodies induced by viral infection could not cross-interfere between the different pathogens. These differences might be due to variations in the immune response induced by the individual pathogens or to the pathogenesis of the infections by the individual pathogens.
Study of 9 Cases of Tuberculosis Pneumonia in Children at Chu of Brazzaville, Congo
Authors: Nika Evrard Romaric , Mabiala Babela Jean Robert , Missambou Mandilou Steve Vassili , Moyen Georges
Published: May 2016

In the Republic of Congo, a country where tuberculosis is endemic, there have not been many reports about tuberculosis pneumonia. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology, clinical features, and outcome of tuberculosis pneumonia in children. This was a retrospective study of 9 cases of children admitted from 2002 to 2015, that is, 0.7 cases per year. The average age was 37 months. The mean delay from the beginning of symptoms to the visit to a medical center was 36 days (range = 4-93 days). Physical examination indicated a pulmonary consolidation in 6 cases. Chest X-ray revealed a unilateral opacity in all cases. Sputum and gastric washing bacilloscopies were positive in all cases, and HIV serology was positive in 2 cases. Therapeutic observance was perfect and the evolution favorable. Tuberculosis pneumonia must be systematically proposed for children under 5 years of age, who present symptoms that are in contrast with the seriousness of chest X-ray injuries.
State-sponsored Persecution of Baha’is in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors: Zabihi-Moghaddam Siyamak
Published: May 2016

The largest non-Muslim minority in Iran, the Baha’i community, has been subjected to systematic religious persecution under the current Islamic regime. This article examines the nature of this persecution and the change in its pattern from a brutal and partly chaotic campaign in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic revolution to an institutionalized process with well-defined policies. It also discusses the historical roots of hostility toward the Baha’i community and considers the prospects for its continued presence within Iranian society. The assault on Baha’is has not led to large numbers of conversions to Islam, and, in spite of anti-Baha’i propaganda, more Iranians today than ever before condemn the persecution of their Baha’i compatriots and consider them entitled to freedom of belief.
China–Pakistan Relationship: A Game-changer for the Middle East?
Authors: Chaziza Mordechai
Published: May 2016

For decades, Pakistan has played a key role as a cornerstone of China’s strategy for Central Asia and South Asia. Its geo-strategic position is crucial as it serves as a gateway to the Middle East, where China seeks access to the energy-rich Persian Gulf region. This study tentatively attempts examine how recent promising developments between China and Pakistan may enhance Beijing’s economic and strategic regional influence and thus change the scope of Beijing’s influence from geo-economic to geo-strategic in the Middle East. The findings indicate that China–Pakistan relations may have broad geo-economic and geo-strategic implications, not only for the Middle East, but also for the broader Asia region where both the US and China compete to assert their sphere of influence.
The Calcutta Jewish Community and the Jewish Diaspora during the Inter-war Years
Authors: Chakrabarti Kaustav
Published: May 2016

The city of Calcutta (now Kolkata) is home to a tiny community, namely, Baghdadi Jews from the Middle East. The Jewish community contributed extensively toward building and consolidating the rich socio-cultural heritage through the creation of social and cultural infrastructures like schools, hospitals, baby clinics, women and youth organizations. Breaking social taboos, they were stimulated by the attractions of Western education and took up modern professions. Their contributions were keenly appreciated both in pre- and post-independent India. Apart from their domiciled status, the Jews of Calcutta were not indifferent to the events affecting their brethren in the international arena, and in the process began to take keen interest in the fate of worldwide Jewry. This article traces the connection of the Baghdadi Jewish community of Calcutta with diaspora Jewry in the following areas, namely, the inter-war period, wartime contribution and the Zionist movement, and tries to explore the concept of diaspora with regard to the Calcutta Jews and how it affected their identity during the colonial and the post-colonial era.
Gendering ISIS and Mapping the Role of Women
Authors: Chatterjee Debangana
Published: May 2016

Apart from the strategic implications of the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), women’s role in the phenomenon seeks special attention and the central questions remain as follows: How is women’s role perceived in ISIS? Are they active agents or voiceless victims? The article aims to take up four fold tasks to theoretically map the ISIS phenomenon from a gendered lens. First, it examines the existing theoretical positions on locating women vis-à-vis conflict scenarios. Second, it analyzes the conditions of women under ISIS and tries to explore how it impacts women’s lives. This throws light upon three avatars of women in the ISIS phenomenon: women as victims, resistors, and perpetrators. Third, the article shows how women are perceived under ISIS. And fourth, it looks at the feminization of militancy under the strict ISIS diktats and explains how structural violence persists under ISIS. It concludes that women can be seen as both active agents and voiceless victims and their roles cannot be judged within a monolithic frame as their roles are multilayered and situational. Rather than looking at women in any linear manner, it is plausible to look at the complex realities of their everyday life.
Digestive Endocrine Cell Numbers Contribute to Contraction/Relaxation of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter
Authors: Takashima Toru , Tsukano Miwa , Kawano Hitoshi
Published: May 2016

It is often recommended that patients at risk for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) should remain in a seated or upright position for 30 to 60 min after eating. However, there is no scientific justification for this time frame. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is important for preventing GER, and some gastrointestinal hormones are known to regulate the LES. To obtain morpho-functional evidence for the time during which one should assume such a position, we used a rat model to focus on gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK), the hormones that contract and relax the LES, respectively, and examined the changes in the number of cells immunoreactive to these hormones before and after eating. The present study is based on the deduction that vigorous secretion decreases the intracellular contents of hormones to a level lower than that detectable by immunohistochemistry. After 23 h of fasting (PC-0), rats were fed for 3 min and sacrificed 10 min (PC-10) and 60 min (PC-60) later. The number of gastrin cells was decreased in the PC-10 group; however, in the PC-60 group, the number had recovered to that of the PC-0 group. The number of CCK cells was unchanged in the PC-10 group but was decreased in the PC-60 group. Residual gastric contents were found in all groups, indicating that the LES is relaxed despite these contents and suggesting that there are some risks of gastroesophageal reflux even 60 min after eating.
Sonographic Diagnosis of Thoracic Ectopia Cordis With Acrania
Authors: Winslow Michele
Published: May 2016

Ectopia cordis is a rare congenital anomaly in which the heart is displaced outside of the thoracic cavity. This case report describes the in utero diagnosis of thoracic ectopia cordis in conjunction with fetal acrania, both of which were thought to result from an amniotic band located near the fetal head.
Variation in Galactocele Location and Sonographic Appearance
Authors: Cottrell Madlyn R. , Fisher Kelsy L.
Published: May 2016

A galactocele is a cyst that forms from the obstruction of a lactiferous duct within the breast. These cysts typically form when a woman is pregnant or lactating and are usually of periareolar location. Mammography and sonography are common imaging modalities used to detect these cysts. This case study presents the sonographic detection of a galactocele with an abnormal location and appearnace in the left axilla.
GDF-15 inhibits integrin activation and mouse neutrophil recruitment through the ALK-5/TGF-βRII heterodimer
Authors: Artz Annette , Butz Stefan , Vestweber Dietmar
Published: May 2016

Key Points

A classical TGF-β receptor pair counteracts extravasation of myeloid cells by rapidly interfering with integrin activation. GDF-15 and TGF-β1 inhibit leukocyte integrin activation by targeting the Rap-1 GTPase exchange factor CalDAG-GEF1.
Dual TORK/DNA-PK inhibition blocks critical signaling pathways in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Thijssen Rachel , ter Burg Johanna , Garrick Brett , van Bochove Gregor G. W. , Brown Jennifer R. , Fernandes Stacey M. , Rodríguez María Solé , Michot Jean-Marie , Hallek Michael , Eichhorst Barbara , Reinhardt Hans Christian , Bendell Johanna , Derks Ingrid A. M. , van Kampen Roel J. W. , Hege Kristen , Kersten Marie José , Trowe Torsten , Filvaroff Ellen H. , Eldering Eric , Kater Arnon P.
Published: May 2016

Key Points

TORK/DNA-PK inhibition induces cytotoxicity and blocks signaling pathways important for CLL survival, proliferation, and drug resistance. Preliminary clinical effects of TORK/DNA-PK inhibition show 7 of 8 CLL patients with decreased lymphadenopathy.
Impact of complete molecular response on survival in patients with Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Short Nicholas J. , Jabbour Elias , Sasaki Koji , Patel Keyur , O’Brien Susan M. , Cortes Jorge E. , Garris Rebecca , Issa Ghayas C. , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Luthra Rajyalakshmi , Thomas Deborah , Kantarjian Hagop , Ravandi Farhad
Published: May 2016

Key Points

In patients with Ph+ ALL, achievement of CMR at 3 months is independently associated with improved survival. CMR at 3 months may identify patients with Ph+ ALL who have excellent long-term outcomes without SCT in first CR.
Automatic learning of pre-miRNAs from different species
Authors: O. N. Lopes Ivani de , Schliep Alexander , de L. F. de Carvalho André P.
Published: May 2016

Background

Discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) relies on predictive models for characteristic features from miRNA precursors (pre-miRNAs). The short length of miRNA genes and the lack of pronounced sequence features complicate this task. To accommodate the peculiarities of plant and animal miRNAs systems, tools for both systems have evolved differently. However, these tools are biased towards the species for which they were primarily developed and, consequently, their predictive performance on data sets from other species of the same kingdom might be lower. While these biases are intrinsic to the species, their characterization can lead to computational approaches capable of diminishing their negative effect on the accuracy of pre-miRNAs predictive models. We investigate in this study how 45 predictive models induced for data sets from 45 species, distributed in eight subphyla/classes, perform when applied to a species different from the species used in its induction.

Results

Our computational experiments show that the separability of pre-miRNAs and pseudo pre-miRNAs instances is species-dependent and no feature set performs well for all species, even within the same subphylum/class. Mitigating this species dependency, we show that an ensemble of classifiers reduced the classification errors for all 45 species. As the ensemble members were obtained using meaningful, and yet computationally viable feature sets, the ensembles also have a lower computational cost than individual classifiers that rely on energy stability parameters, which are of prohibitive computational cost in large scale applications.

Conclusion

In this study, the combination of multiple pre-miRNAs feature sets and multiple learning biases enhanced the predictive accuracy of pre-miRNAs classifiers of 45 species. This is certainly a promising approach to be incorporated in miRNA discovery tools towards more accurate and less species-dependent tools.

The material to reproduce the results from this paper can be downloaded from http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.49754.
Single-stranded DNA binding protein Ssbp3 induces differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into trophoblast-like cells
Authors: Liu Jifeng , Luo Xinlong , Xu Yanli , Gu Junjie , Tang Fan , Jin Ying , Li Hui
Published: May 2016

Background

Intrinsic factors and extrinsic signals which control unlimited self-renewal and developmental pluripotency in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have been extensively investigated. However, a much smaller number of factors involved in extra-embryonic trophoblast differentiation from ESCs have been studied. In this study, we investigated the role of the single-stranded DNA binding protein, Ssbp3, for the induction of trophoblast-like differentiation from mouse ESCs.

Methods

Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were carried out through overexpression or knockdown of Ssbp3 in mouse ESCs under self-renewal culture conditions. Expression levels of pluripotency and lineage markers were detected by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses. The global gene expression profile in Ssbp3-overexpressing cells was determined by affymetrix microarray. Gene ontology and pathway terms were analyzed and further validated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The methylation status of the Elf5 promoter in Ssbp3-overexpressing cells was detected by bisulfite sequencing. The trophoblast-like phenotype induced by Ssbp3 was also evaluated by teratoma formation and early embryo injection assays.

Results

Forced expression of Ssbp3 in mouse ESCs upregulated expression levels of lineage-associated genes, with trophoblast cell markers being the highest. In contrast, depletion of Ssbp3 attenuated the expression of trophoblast lineage marker genes induced by downregulation of Oct4 or treatment with BMP4 and bFGF in ESCs. Interestingly, global gene expression profiling analysis indicated that Ssbp3 overexpression did not significantly alter the transcript levels of pluripotency-associated transcription factors. Instead, Ssbp3 promoted the expression of early trophectoderm transcription factors such as Cdx2 and activated MAPK/Erk1/2 and TGF-β pathways. Furthermore, overexpression of Ssbp3 reduced the methylation level of the Elf5 promoter and promoted the generation of teratomas with internal hemorrhage, indicative of the presence of trophoblast cells.

Conclusions

This study identifies Ssbp3, a single-stranded DNA binding protein, as a regulator for mouse ESCs to differentiate into trophoblast-like cells. This finding is helpful to understand the regulatory networks for ESC differentiation into extra-embryonic lineages.
Deleterious assembly of the lamin A/C mutant p.S143P causes ER stress in familial dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: West Gun , Gullmets Josef , Virtanen Laura , Li Song-Ping , Keinänen Anni , Shimi Takeshi , Mauermann Monika , Heliö Tiina , Kaartinen Maija , Ollila Laura , Kuusisto Johanna , Eriksson John E. , Goldman Robert D. , Herrmann Harald , Taimen Pekka
Published: May 2016

Mutation of the LMNA gene, encoding nuclear lamin A and lamin C (hereafter lamin A/C), is a common cause of familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Among Finnish DCM patients, the founder mutation c.427T>C (p.S143P) is the most frequently reported genetic variant. Here, we show that p.S143P lamin A/C is more nucleoplasmic and soluble than wild-type lamin A/C and accumulates into large intranuclear aggregates in a fraction of cultured patient fibroblasts as well as in cells ectopically expressing either FLAG- or GFP-tagged p.S143P lamin A. In fluorescence loss in photobleaching (FLIP) experiments, non-aggregated EGFP-tagged p.S143P lamin A was significantly more dynamic. In in vitro association studies, p.S143P lamin A failed to form appropriate filament structures but instead assembled into disorganized aggregates similar to those observed in patient cell nuclei. A whole-genome expression analysis revealed an elevated unfolded protein response (UPR) in cells expressing p.S143P lamin A/C. Additional endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by tunicamycin reduced the viability of cells expressing mutant lamin further. In summary, p.S143P lamin A/C affects normal lamina structure and influences the cellular stress response, homeostasis and viability.
Ccndbp1 is a new positive regulator of skeletal myogenesis
Authors: Huang Yan , Chen Bohong , Ye Miaoman , Liang Puping , Zhangfang Yingnan , Huang Junjiu , Liu Mingyao , Songyang Zhou , Ma Wenbin
Published: May 2016

Skeletal myogenesis is a multistep process in which basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors, such as MyoD (also known as MyoD1), bind to E-boxes and activate downstream genes. Ccndbp1 is a HLH protein that lacks a DNA-binding region, and its function in skeletal myogenesis is currently unknown. We generated Ccndbp1-null mice by using CRISPR–Cas9. Notably, in Ccndbp1-null mice, the cross sectional area of the skeletal tibialis anterior muscle was smaller, and muscle regeneration ability and grip strength were impaired, compared with those of wild type. This phenotype resembled that of myofiber hypotrophy in some human myopathies or amyoplasia. Ccndbp1 expression was upregulated during C2C12 myogenesis. Ccndbp1 overexpression promoted myogenesis, whereas knockdown of Ccndbp1 inhibited myogenic differentiation. Co-transfection of Ccndbp1 with MyoD and/or E47 (encoded by TCF3) significantly enhanced E-box-dependent transcription. Furthermore, Ccndbp1 physically associated with MyoD but not E47. These data suggest that Ccndbp1 regulates muscle differentiation by interacting with MyoD and enhancing its binding to target genes. Our study newly identifies Ccndbp1 as a positive modulator of skeletal myogenic differentiation in vivo and in vitro, providing new insights in order to decipher the complex network involved in skeletal myogenic development and related diseases.
Does Unc–GFP uncover ciliary structures in the rhabdomeric eye of Drosophila?
Authors: Gottardo Marco , Callaini Giuliano , Riparbelli Maria Giovanna
Published: May 2016

The uncoordinated (unc) gene product, a potential ortholog of mammalian orofaciodigital syndrome 1 (Ofd1), is involved in the assembly of the ciliary axoneme in Drosophila and it is, therefore, constrained to cell types that have ciliary structures, namely type 1 sensory neurons and male germ cells. Here, we show that evenly spaced Unc–GFP spots are present in the eye imaginal discs of third-instar larvae. These spots are restricted to the R8 photoreceptor cell of each ommatidium in association with mother centrioles. This finding is unexpected because the Drosophila eye is of the rhabdomeric type and would be expected to lack ciliary structures.
Development and Validation of HPLC-PDA Assay method of Frangula emodin
Authors: Duca Deborah , Farrugia Claude
Published: May 2016

Frangula emodin, (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methyl-anthraquinone), is one of the anthraquinone derivatives found abundantly in the roots and bark of a number of plant families traditionally used to treat constipation and haemorrhoids. The present study describes the development and subsequent validation of a specific Assay HPLC method for emodin. The separation was achieved on a Waters Symmetry C18, 4.6 Ã— 250 mm, 5 Î¼m particle size, column at a temperature of 35 Â°C, with UV detection at 287 and 436 nm. An isocratic elution mode consisting of 0.1% formic acid and 0.01% trifluoroacetic acid as the aqueous mobile phase, and methanol was used. The method was successfully and statistically validated for linearity, range, precision, accuracy, specificity and solution stability.
Novas Tecnologias Educacionais: explorando o tema ar, água e solo tendo o Scratch como ferramenta pedagógica no nível fundamental
Authors: Da Silva Luely Oliveira , Raiol Eduardo Paulo Marques , Alves Heitor Correa , Martins João Paulo Da Silva
Published: May 2016

Conhecendo os avanços da tecnologia dentro da sociedade e principalmente, a inserção dos recursos da informática nas modalidades de ensino, pospôs-se a utilização e a investigação quanto ao uso do programa Scratch enquanto instrumento de apoio tecnológico aos professores de ciências no desenvolvimento dos conteúdos ar, água e solo no 6º ano do nível fundamental. Buscou-se compreender quais contribuições o programa utilizado trouxe para a formação de estudantes do ensino fundamental (6º ano) e professor de uma escola do Estado do Pará que atua na área de ciências. Para coleta de dados utilizou-se questionário para o professor e roteiro de observação para os alunos e aspectos físicos da escola, seguido da aplicação de uma oficina pedagógica para o público investigado. Os resultados obtidos permitiram revelar que a introdução da tecnologia em sala de aula, especificamente programa de computador Scratch foi fundamental na aprendizagem dos alunos para o referido conteúdo. Destacando que as oficinas despertaram o interesse, participação, bem como contribuiu para uma aprendizagem mais significativa dos mesmos.  Considera-se que a tecnologia é um dos recursos que está em crescente utilização nos meios escolares e representa um desafio para os avanços das aprendizagens no ensino de ciências.  O professor revelou a necessidade de ferramentas que motivem os estudantes e apontam falta de atividades práticas. Nesse sentido, defende-se o uso de ferramentas como o Scratch que incentiva e auxilia a aprendizagem dos discentes.