bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Test-Retest Reliability of Isokinetic Knee Strength Measurements in Children Aged 8 to 10 Years
Authors: Fagher Kristina , Fritzson Annelie , Drake Anna Maria
Published: February 2016

Background:

Isokinetic dynamometry is a useful tool to objectively assess muscle strength of children and adults in athletic and rehabilitative settings. This study examined test-retest reliability of isokinetic knee strength measurements in children aged 8 to 10 years and defined limits for the minimum difference (MD) in strength that indicates a clinically important change.

Hypothesis:

Isokinetic knee strength measurements (using the Biodex System 4) in children will provide reliable results.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

In 22 healthy children, 5 maximal concentric (CON) knee extensor (KE) and knee flexor (KF) contractions at 2 angular velocities (60 deg/s and 180 deg/s) and 5 maximal eccentric (ECC) KE/KF contractions at 60 deg/s were assessed 7 days apart. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2.1) was used to examine relative reliability, and the MD was calculated on the basis of standard error of measurement.

Results:

ICCs for CON KE/KF peak torque measurements were fair to excellent (range, 0.49-0.81). The MD% values for CON KE and KF ranged from 31% to 37% at 60 deg/s and from 34% to 39% at 180 deg/s. ICCs in the ECC mode were good (range, 0.60-0.70), but associated MD% values were high (>50%). There was no systematic error for CON KE/KF and ECC KE strength measurements at 60 deg/s, but systematic error was found for all other measurements.

Conclusion:

The dynamometer provides a reliable analysis of isokinetic CON knee strength measurements at 60 deg/s in children aged 8 to 10 years. Measurements at 180 deg/s and in the ECC mode were not reliable, indicating a need for more familiarization prior to testing.

Clinical Relevance:

The MD values may help clinicians to determine whether a change in knee strength is due to error or intervention.
Self-Control in Daily Life
Authors: Wenzel Mario , Kubiak Thomas , Conner Tamlin S.
Published: February 2016

In this daily diary study, we investigated the flexibility-enhancing effects of positive affect on the self-reported success of self-control strategies followed in daily life; 297 participants completed a 13-day daily diary that included measures of positive affect, desire, and habit strength as well as three self-control strategies (i.e., monitoring, distraction, and stimulus control). We found specific effects of positive affect on self-control strategies: Individuals with higher positive affect were most successful when following a strategy of distraction (e.g., thinking about something else), particularly when faced with strong tempting desires. These results reinforce the idea that positive affect is associated with both cognitive flexibility and distractibility, which may help people distract them from tempting desires.
Transplantation of tissue‐engineered cell sheets for stricture prevention after endoscopic submucosal dissection of the oesophagus
Authors: Jonas Eduard , Sjöqvist Sebastian , Elbe Peter , Kanai Nobuo , Enger Jenny , Haas Stephan L , Mohkles‐Barakat Ammar , Okano Teruo , Takagi Ryo , Ohki Takeshi , Yamamoto Masakazu , Kondo Makoto , Markland Katrin , Lim Mei Ling , Yamato Masayuki , Nilsson Magnus , Permert Johan , Blomberg Pontus , Löhr J‐Matthias
Published: February 2016

Background and objective

Endoscopic mucosal dissection (ESD) is a treatment option for oesophagus tumours localized to the mucosa enabling en bloc removal of large lesions. The resulting larger mucosal defects have resulted in an increase in the occurrence of post‐treatment strictures. Transplantation of autologous cell sheets, cultured from oral mucosa, has been shown to prevent post‐ESD strictures. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of cell sheet transplantation after oesophageal ESD in a Western patient population where reflux‐associated pre‐malignant and malignant conditions predominate.

Methods

Patients with Barrett’s oesophagus associated high‐grade dysplasia or early adenocarcinoma where ESD entailed a resection >3 cm in length and ≥75% of the circumference were eligible for treatment under hospital exemption. Cell sheets were cultured from buccal mucosa according to Good Manufacturing Practice and were endoscopically applied to the post‐ESD defect directly after resection. Patients were followed with weekly endoscopy examinations, including confocal laser microscopy, for a total of four weeks.

Results

Five patients were treated. ESD was extensive with resections being circumferential in three patients and 9–10 cm in length in two. The number of transplanted cell sheets ranged from two to six. Three patients developed strictures requiring two to five dilatation sessions.

Conclusions

Cell sheet transplantation shows to be safe and feasible in a Western population. Results suggest that transplantation has a protective effect on the mucosal defect after ESD, decreasing both the risk for and extent of stricture formation.
The risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma in a prospectively recruited Barrett’s oesophagus cohort
Authors: Theron BT , Padmanabhan H , Aladin H , Smith P , Campbell E , Nightingale P , Cooper BT , Trudgill NJ
Published: February 2016

Background

Varying rates of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) complicating Barrett’s oesophagus (BO) have been reported. Recent studies and meta‐analyses suggest a lower incidence, questioning the value of endoscopic surveillance.

Aim

We aimed to retrospectively examine the rate of OAC, risk factors and causes of death in a prospectively recruited BO cohort.

Methods

Data from patients with BO from a cohort from 1982–2007 were studied. Patients were subdivided into surveyed, failed to attend surveillance and unfit for surveillance. Standardised mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated for common causes of death. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine which factors were associated with progression to OAC.

Results

In total, 671 BO patients (61% male) were studied; 37 (76% male) were diagnosed with OAC. OAC incidence was 0.47% per annum and stable across three decades (1982–1991 0.56%, 1992–2001 0.46%, 2002–2012 0.41% (p  = 0.8)). All‐cause mortality was increased for the whole cohort (SMR 163(95% CI 145–183)). Mortality from OAC appeared higher in patients who failed to attend surveillance (SMR 3216(95% CI 1543–5916)) compared with surveyed (SMR 1753(95% CI 933–2998)) and those unfit for surveillance due to co‐morbidity (SMR 440(95% CI 143–1025)). Multivariable analysis identified low‐grade dysplasia (HR 4.4(95% CI 1.56–12.43), p  = 0.005) and length of BO (HR 1.2(95% (1.1–1.3)), p  < 0.001)) as associated with OAC.

Conclusions

Progression to OAC appeared stable over three decades at 0.47% per annum. Patients with BO had a modest increase in all‐cause mortality and a large increase in OAC mortality, particularly if fit for surveillance. Low‐grade dysplasia and the length of the BO segment were associated with developing OAC.
Military purges and the recurrence of civil conflict
Authors: Braithwaite Jessica Maves , Sudduth Jun Koga
Published: February 2016

Literature on coup-proofing often suggests that such activities reduce military effectiveness, which could provide an environment ripe for civil conflict. However, if coup-proofing is dangerous, why do leaders engage in these strategies? We argue that a specific type of coup-proofing, military purges, deters domestic unrest by demonstrating the strength of the regime via the removal of powerful but undesirable individuals from office. We use original data on military purges in non-democracies from 1969–2003 to assess quantitatively how this type of coup-proofing activity affects the likelihood of civil conflict recurrence. We find support for our expectation that purges of high-ranking military officials do in fact help prevent further civil conflict. Purges appear to provide real benefits to dictators seeking to preserve stability, at least in post-conflict environments.
Behaviours and attitudes influencing treatment decisions for menopausal symptoms in five European countries
Authors: Constantine Ginger D , Graham Shelli , Clerinx Cathy , Bernick Brian A , Krassan Mitchell , Mirkin Sebastian , Currie Heather
Published: February 2016

Objective

To assess women’s behaviours and attitudes regarding the treatment of menopausal symptoms in five European countries.

Study design

Women aged ≥45 years in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom participated in an internet survey. Completers were those who reported menopausal symptoms and had treated their symptoms. Women were equally stratified by age (45–54 years, 55–64 years, ≥65 years).

Main outcome measures

Behaviours, attitudes, and experiences regarding treatment of menopausal symptoms.

Results

Of 3890 peri- to postmenopausal women screened, 67% experienced symptoms and 54% sought either medical input or some treatment concerning their symptoms. Hot flushes, the most common symptom, decreased with age but remained prevalent after age 64. Roughly 75% of women who sought relief consulted a physician, mostly a gynaecologist or a general practitioner (GP) as in the United Kingdom. The decision to seek treatment was influenced by age, number, and severity of symptoms. Approximately 79% visiting a physician received prescription therapy. Of the women who received non-hormone therapy (HT) treatment instead of HT: patients refused HT (20–44%), physicians did not discuss HT (32–46%), or advised against HT (24–43%). Women in the United Kingdom were most familiar with and favorable to HT. Interest in a new HT (34–50%) was higher than use (19–28%).

Conclusions

Menopausal symptoms are common, persistent, and bothersome, but many fail to seek treatment. Sources and types of treatment vary among age groups and countries. Education regarding women’s attitudes toward treatment should be provided to those physicians who treat menopausal symptoms in each country.
Delayed-release dimethyl fumarate and disability assessed by the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite: Integrated analysis of DEFINE and CONFIRM
Authors: Giovannoni Gavin , Gold Ralf , Kappos Ludwig , Arnold Douglas L , Bar-Or Amit , Marantz Jing L , Yang Minhua , Lee Andrew
Published: February 2016

The effect of delayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF; also known as gastro-resistant DMF) on the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) was assessed using integrated Phase 3 DEFINE and CONFIRM data. Patients treated with DMF ( n = 769) demonstrated significant superiority on the MSFC, and each component, compared with placebo ( n = 771) over two years: mean change for DMF vs placebo was 0.054 vs −0.053 on MSFC; −0.088 vs −0.286 on Timed 25-Foot Walk, 0.047 vs 0.003 on 9-Hole Peg Test and 0.178 vs 0.123 on Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test. DMF was an efficacious treatment for patients with MS.
How Accurate Are Patients at Diagnosing the Cause of Their Knee Pain With the Help of a Web-based Symptom Checker?
Authors: Bisson Leslie J. , Komm Jorden T. , Bernas Geoffrey A. , Fineberg Marc S. , Marzo John M. , Rauh Michael A. , Smolinski Robert J. , Wind William M.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Researching medical information is the third most popular activity online, and there are a variety of web-based symptom checker programs available.

Purpose:

This study evaluated a patient’s ability to self-diagnose their knee pain from a list of possible diagnoses supplied by an accurate symptom checker.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

All patients older than 18 years who presented to the office of 7 different fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeons over an 8-month period with a complaint of knee pain were asked to participate. A web-based symptom checker for knee pain was used; the program has a reported accuracy of 89%. The symptom checker generates a list of potential diagnoses after patients enter symptoms and links each diagnosis to informative content. After exploring the informative content, patients selected all diagnoses they felt could explain their symptoms. Each patient was later examined by a physician who was blinded to the differential generated by the program as well as the patient-selected diagnoses. A blinded third party compared the diagnoses generated by the program with those selected by the patient as well as the diagnoses determined by the physician. The level of matching between the patient-selected diagnoses and the physician’s diagnoses determined the patient’s ability to correctly diagnose their knee pain.

Results:

There were 163 male and 165 female patients, with a mean age of 48 years (range, 18-76 years). The program generated a mean 6.6 diagnoses (range, 2-15) per patient. Each patient had a mean 1.7 physician diagnoses (range, 1-4). Patients selected a mean 2 diagnoses (range, 1-9). The patient-selected diagnosis matched the physician’s diagnosis 58% of the time.

Conclusion:

With the aid of an accurate symptom checker, patients were able to correctly identify the cause of their knee pain 58% of the time.
ThPOK represses CXXC5, which induces methylation of histone H3 lysine 9 in Cd40lg promoter by association with SUV39H1: implications in repression of CD40L expression in CD8+ cytotoxic T cells
Authors: Tsuchiya Yukako , Naito Taku , Tenno Mari , Maruyama Mitsuo , Koseki Haruhiko , Taniuchi Ichiro , Naoe Yoshinori
Published: February 2016

CD40 ligand is induced in CD4+ Th cells upon TCR stimulation and provides an activating signal to B cells, making CD40 ligand an important molecule for Th cell function. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms, whereby CD40 ligand becomes expressed on the cell surface in T cells remain unclear. Here, we showed that CD40 ligand expression in CD8+ cytotoxic T cells was suppressed by combined epigenetic regulations in the promoter region of the Cd40lg gene, such as the methylation of CpG dinucleotides, histone H3 lysine 9, histone H3 lysine 27, and histone H4 lysine 20. As the transcription factor Th-inducing pox virus and zinc finger/Kruppel-like factor (encoded by the Zbtb7b gene) is critical in Th cell development, we focused on the role of Th-inducing pox virus and zinc finger/Kruppel-like factor in CD40 ligand expression. We found that CD40 ligand expression is moderately induced by retroviral Thpok transduction into CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, which was accompanied by a reduction of histone H3 lysine 9 methylation and histone H3 lysine 27 methylation in the promoter region of the Cd40lg gene. Th-inducing pox virus and zinc finger/Kruppel-like factor directly inhibited the expression of murine CXXC5, a CXXC-type zinc finger protein that induced histone H3 lysine 9 methylation, in part, through an interaction with the histone-lysine N-methyltransferase SUV39H1. In addition, to inhibit CD40 ligand induction in activated CD4+ T cells by the CXXC5 transgene, our findings indicate that CXXC5 was one of the key molecules contributing to repressing CD40 ligand expression in CD8+ cytotoxic T cells.
Comparison of the validity of Hill and Huxley muscle tendon complex models using experimental data obtained from rat m. soleus in situ
Authors: Lemaire Koen K. , Baan Guus C. , Jaspers Richard T. , van Soest A. J. Knoek
Published: February 2016

The relationship between mechanical and metabolic behaviour in the widely used Hill muscle-tendon complex (MTC) model is not straightforward, while this is an integral part of the Huxley model. In this study we assessed to what extent Huxley and Hill type MTC models yield adequate predictions of mechanical muscle behaviour during stretch-shortening cycles (SSC). In fully anaesthetized male Wistar rats (N=3), m. soleus was dissected completely free, except for the insertion. Cuff electrodes were placed over the n. ischiadicus. The distal end of the tendon was connected to a servo motor, via a force transducer. The setup allowed for full control over muscle stimulation and length, while force was measured. Quick release and isovelocity contractions (part 1), and SSC (part 2) were imposed. Simulations of part 2 were made with both a Hill and a Huxley MTC model, using parameter values determined from part 1. A modification to the classic two-state Huxley model was made to incorporate series elasticity, activation dynamics and active and passive force-length relations. Results were similar for all rats. Fitting of the free parameters to data of part 1 was near perfect (R2 > .97). During SSC, predicted peak force and force during relaxation deviated from the experimental data, for both models. Overall, both models yielded similarly adequate predictions of the experimental data. We conclude that Huxley and Hill MTC models are equally valid with respect to mechanical behaviour.
Mitochondrial physiology and reactive oxygen species production are altered by hypoxia acclimation in killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus)
Authors: Du Sherry N. N. , Mahalingam S. , Borowiec Brittney G. , Scott Graham R.
Published: February 2016

Many fish encounter hypoxia in their native environment, but the role of mitochondrial physiology in hypoxia acclimation and hypoxia tolerance is poorly understood. We investigated the effects of hypoxia acclimation on mitochondrial respiration, O2 kinetics, emission of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and antioxidant capacity in the estuarine killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus). Killifish were acclimated to normoxia, constant hypoxia (5 kPa O2), or intermittent diel cycles of nocturnal hypoxia (12 h normoxia: 12 h hypoxia) for 28-33 days and mitochondria were isolated from liver. Neither pattern of hypoxia acclimation affected the respiratory capacities for oxidative phosphorylation or electron transport, leak respiration, coupling control, or phosphorylation efficiency. Hypoxia acclimation also had no effect on mitochondrial O2 kinetics, but P50 (the O2 tension at which hypoxia inhibits respiration by 50%) was lower in the leak state than during maximal respiration, and killifish mitochondria endured anoxia-reoxygenation without any impact on mitochondrial respiration. However, both patterns of hypoxia acclimation reduced the rate of ROS emission from mitochondria when compared at a common O2 tension. Hypoxia acclimation also increased the levels of protein carbonyls and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in liver tissue (the latter only occurred in constant hypoxia). Our results suggest that hypoxia acclimation is associated with changes in mitochondrial physiology that decrease ROS production and may help improve hypoxia tolerance.
Differences in the timing of cardio-respiratory development determine whether marine gastropod embryos survive or die in hypoxia
Authors: Rudin-Bitterli T. S. , Spicer J. I. , Rundle S. D.
Published: February 2016

Physiological plasticity of early developmental stages is a key way by which organisms can survive and adapt to environmental change. We investigated developmental plasticity of aspects of the cardio-respiratory physiology of encapsulated embryos of a marine, gastropod Littorina obtusata surviving exposure to moderate hypoxia (pO2=8 kPa) and compared the development of these survivors with that of individuals that died before hatching. Individuals surviving hypoxia exhibited a slower rate of development and altered ontogeny of cardio-respiratory structure and function compared with normoxic controls (pO2>20 kPa). The onset and development of the larval and adult hearts were delayed in chronological time in hypoxia, but both organs appeared earlier in developmental time and cardiac activity rates were greater. The velum, a transient, ‘larval’ organ thought to play a role in gas exchange, was larger in hypoxia but developed more slowly (in chronological time), and velar cilia-driven, rotational activity was lower. Despite these effects of hypoxia, 38% of individuals survived to hatching. Compared with those embryos that died during development, these surviving embryos had advanced expression of adult structures, i.e. a significantly earlier occurrence and greater activity of their adult heart and larger shells. In contrast, embryos that died retained larval cardio-respiratory features (the velum and larval heart) for longer in chronological time. Surviving embryos came from eggs with significantly higher albumen provisioning than those that died, suggesting an energetic component for advanced development of adult traits.
Assessing acoustic communication active space in the Lusitanian toadfish
Authors: Daniel Alves M. , Amorim Clara P. , Fonseca Paulo J.
Published: February 2016

The active space of a signal is an important concept in acoustic communication as it has implications on the function and evolution of acoustic signals. However, it remains mostly unknown for fish since it has been measured in only a restricted number of species. We combined physiological and sound propagation approaches to estimate the communication range of the Lusitanian toadfish's (Halobatrachus didactylus) advertisement sound, the boatwhistle (BW). We recorded BWs at different distances from vocalizing fish in a natural nesting site at circa 2-3 m depth. We measured the representation of these increasingly attenuated BWs in the auditory pathway through the auditory evoked potentials technique (AEP). These measurements point to a communication range ranging between 6 to 13 m, depending on the spectral characteristics of the BW. A similar communication range (circa 8 m) was derived from comparing sound attenuation at selected frequencies with auditory sensitivity. This is one of the few studies that combines auditory measurements with sound propagation to estimate the active space of acoustic signals in fish. We emphasize the need for studies to consider that active space estimates should take informational masking into account.
High variability in stable isotope diet-tissue discrimination factors of two omnivorous freshwater fishes in controlled ex situ conditions
Authors: Busst Georgina M. A. , Britton J. Robert
Published: February 2016

Diet-tissue discrimination factors (Δ13C and Δ15N) are influenced by variables including the tissues being analysed and the taxon of the consumer and its prey. Whilst differences in Δ13C and Δ15N are apparent between herbivorous and piscivorous fishes, there is less known for omnivorous fishes that consume plant and animal material. Here, the omnivorous cyprinid fishes Barbus barbus and Squalius cephalus were held in tank aquaria and exposed to three diets that varied in their constituents (plant-based to fishmeal-based) and protein content (13 to 45%). After 100 days and isotopic replacement in fish tissues to 98%, samples of the food items, and dorsal muscle, fin tissue and scales were analysed for δ13C and δ15N. For both species and all diets, muscle was always enriched in δ15N and depleted in δ13C compared with fin tissue and scales. Across the different diets, Δ13C ranged between 2.0 and 5.6 ‰ and Δ15N ranged between 2.0 and 6.9 ‰. The diet based on plant material (20% protein), always resulted in the highest discrimination factors for each tissue, whilst the diet based on fishmeal (45% protein) consistently resulted in the lowest. The discrimination factors produced by non-fish diets were comparatively high compared with values in the literature, but were consistent with general patterns for some herbivorous fishes. These outputs suggest that the diet-tissue discrimination factors of omnivorous fishes will vary considerably between animal and plant prey, and these specific differences need consideration in predictions of their diet composition and trophic position.
Farm Education and The Effect of a Farm Visit on Children’s Conception of Agriculture
Authors: Smeds Pia , Jeronen Eila , Kurppa Sirpa
Published: February 2016

Personal connections to agriculture have decreased considerably in Finland during the last few decades due to struc-tural changes in agriculture. In this study, we will elucidate the understanding and conception of agriculture amongst urban pupils who have grown up during the 21st century. The research strategy consists of intervention in form of a farm visit, with pre- and post-assessment. The methods for collecting data were drawings for gaining a diversified un-derstanding of how pupils understand, experience and conceptualise agriculture. The drawings were analysed by visual content analysis. In addition, interviews, analysed by inductive content analysis method, were used to clarify the re-sults. Qualities of farms as authentic learning environments are defined and studied The study revealed that many pupils had irrational conceptions of agriculture before the farm visit (38 %), but decreased significantly after the visit. One of the explaining factors for these irrational conceptions was considered to be the influence of media sources. Farms as educational learning environments were able to correct pupils’ false conceptions. A realistic image of agriculture is of significant value for becoming an aware and responsible consumer as well as choosing a career in agriculture.
Secondary School Students’ Opinions About Readers’ Theatre
Authors: Karabag S. Gulin
Published: February 2016

In this article, a teaching strategy which not only blends yesterday and today in a meaningful way but also powerfully integrates literacy and history will be examined. Firstly Readers’ Theatre as a technique will be introduced. Secondly, the usage guidelines of Readers’ Theatre will be presented. Finally the opinions of secondary school students about Readers’ Theatre as an instructional component in history teaching will be discussed. The research was conducted on 72 11th grade students from Deneme Secondary School in Çankaya district in Ankara in the spring term of 2013-2014 school years. For the purpose of the study, students were taught by using Readers’ Theatre technique in history lessons for four weeks and at the end of this implementation, the semi-structured interviews were held to determine the opinions of students about Readers’ Theatre technique. The themes were formed by making content analyze to the collected data. It is concluded that the students mainly have described Readers’ Theatre as “theatre”. They have found Readers’ Theatre useful in many respects as they outline the positive effect of the technique on their reading and obtaining historical information. They like most the cooperation with their peers and acting. The vast majority of students have not mentioned any dislikes and a few of them have difficulties to follow the script. Finally, the answers of the majority of the students on the implementation of Readers’ Theatre again are “positive” and their suggestions for better implementation are “on stage”, “the same way” and “using visuals”.
What Do Teachers Do When They Say They Are Doing Learning Rounds? Scotland’s Experience of Instructional Rounds
Authors: Philpott Carey , Oates Catriona
Published: February 2016

This paper reports on research into the practice of learning rounds in Scotland. Learning rounds are a form of collaborative professional development for teachers based on the instructional rounds practice developed in the USA. In recent years learning rounds have gained high profile official support within education in Scotland. The research finds that what teachers in Scotland do when they say they are do-ing learning rounds varies widely from school to school and deviates significantly from the practice of instructional rounds. The implications of this for who is learning what in the practice of learning rounds is considered. The wider implications of the Scottish experience for the development of in-structional rounds practice in other countries is also considered as are the implications for promoting collaborative professional development practice more generally.
The Evaluation of Pre-service Preschool Teachers’ Knowledge about the Concept of Environment
Authors: Ahi Berat , Alisinanoglu Fatma
Published: February 2016

The purpose of the research is to evaluate pre-service preschool teachers' knowledge about environment by analyzing their drawings about it. 70 first grade, 99 second grade, 56 third grade and 44 fourth grade, with a total of 269 students have been evaluated in this research. This qualitative research was made with social structuralism vision. The data used in this research were gathered by draw and tell conversation technique, where pre-service teachers were asked to draw the first thing when they think about environment and explain it. When analyzing the data, both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used. After analyzing collected data, it is seen that most used object in drawings are tree, human, house and sun, respectively. 4 themes and 12 sub-categories under these themes are detected by pre-service teachers' drawings. The most drawn theme by pre-service teachers is Theme 3: a place which affected/designed by third persons, while the least drawn is Theme 4: a place where humans, animals and plants lives together. 10 categories have seen after analyzing explanations of the drawing. Most explanation seen in the places that supports human life category. Independent variables of the research (sex and grade level) and themes and explanations of the drawings are statically and meaningfully related to each other. The most significant result of this research is that pre-service preschool teachers have human-centric system of thought about environment.
A Critical Study of the Subject of Education at Graduate Level in Karachi
Authors: Shakil Anila Fatima , Faizi Waqar Un Nisa , Ahmed Syed Munir , Jabeen Farkhanda
Published: February 2016

This research is a critical study of instructional topics and their effectiveness in the subject of Education taught in colleges at graduate level vis-à-vis our current needs and the advancements in this field through research in all over the world. It also emphasizes the importance of curriculum review and revision for overcoming obstacles in curriculum development. The methodology of this study was a survey based or enquiry into the need and scope of subject of Education in our society. Secondly the existing curriculum had been analyzed form data interpretation. The target population for this study is the teachers and the students of all those government and private colleges in Karachi that offer Education as a subject at graduate level. Out of those, 24 government colleges and 7 private colleges had been selected for the survey questionnaire.607 respondents including 57 teachers and 550 students were randomly selected from the colleges. The questionnaires were used as a research tool. The collected data was interpreted and evaluated through chi-square statistical tool. In the light of results recommendations were presented to update the curriculum and adjust to the changing trends of this modern and growing world.
EFL Learners’ Use of Direct Strategies in Competitive and Cooperative Learning Contexts
Authors: Ali Abbas , Layeq Hamide
Published: February 2016

This study investigated the effects of competitive and cooperative teaching techniques on Iranian adult EFL learners’ use of direct strategies. To this end, a sample of 88 non-English major university students at Sohrevardi Nonprofit College in Qazvin were assigned to two groups, and each group received instruction under one of the treatment conditions including cooperative and competitive teaching techniques. To collect data, the Persian translation of a modified version of the subsection of Oxford’s Strategy Inventory of Language Learning pertaining to direct strategy use was administered before and after the treatment. The obtained data were analyzed using an Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) procedure. The result of data analysis showed no significant difference between the effects of competitive and cooperative teaching techniques on direct strategy use of Iranian adult EFL learners. The findings of the present study may have implications for learners, teachers, and syllabus designers.
The recovery of Tabunio Watershed through enrichment planting using ecologically and economically valuable species in South Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: KADIR SYARIFUDDIN , BADARUDDIN BADARUDDIN , NURLINA NURLINA , RIDWAN ICHSAN , RIANAWATI FONNY
Published: February 2016

Kadir S, Badaruddin, Nurlina, Ridwan I, Rianawaty F. 2016. The recovery of Tabunio Watershed through enrichmentplanting using ecologically and economically valuable species in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 17: 140-147. Watershed isa medium system where hydrological-biophysical processes as part of hydrological cycle and social, economic, and cultural events asthe results of human intervention on natural resource occur. The increasing human population results in the increasing need of water thatmay reduce the availability of water, causing environmental degradation. The objectives of this study were to study the characteristics ofTabunio watershed and to give recommendation on the enrichment planting for the watershed recovery. This study used watershedecological area approach and the data were analyzed spatially using GIS. The results showed that based on the characteristics of itscomponents, Tabunio Watershed was categorized as moderately to very highly qualified for recovery. The recovery should be donethrough:(i)Â enrichment planting based on the land capability, land suitability and the legal function of the area, (ii) conservation of soil and water using vegetative and civil engineering methods, and (iii)Â issuance of regulations to increase the watershedâ€™s carrying capacity.
Neuro-radiology: a new gold standard investigation for management of central nervous system tuberculosis
Authors: Gautam Vinod
Published: February 2016

Treatment of CNS TB is challenging due to lack of specific biochemical tests and inability to get the pathological sample from deeply located eloquent areas of CNS without causing any neurological deficit. Moreover, it is unnecessary to operate for biopsy in a patient who has presented with a very small granulomatious lesion in brain or spinal cord. In such as situations neuro-radiology helps in managing CNS TB and it may be the only source of establishing diagnosis and evaluating treatment response.Role of radiological investigation has expanded from the initial diagnosis to the therapeutic interventions. In some Muli-drug- resistant (MDR) CNS TB cases, Stereotaxy or USG or CT guided biopsy helps in obtaining pathological sample and drug sensitivity testing. A regular clinical and neuro-radiological follow-up is mandatory during the entire course of anti tuberculous therapy to take prompt decisions to change ATT and to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with CNS TB.
Dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced fibrotic rats: effect of Vernonia amygdalina on extracellular matrix and Hepatic/lysosomal integrity
Authors: Usunobun Usunomena , Okolie Ngozi
Published: February 2016

Background: Hepatic fibrosis is the accumulation of extracellular matrix protein, or scar, in response to acute or chronic liver injury. This study investigated the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina on extracellular matrix protein: hyaluronic acid (HA), liver synthetic molecules: total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TB) as well as lysosomal membrane stability: acid phosphatase (ACP) in dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced fibrotic rats.

Methods: Wistar albino male rats were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/kg DMN on first three days a week for two weeks. Ethanolic leaf extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (200 mg /kg) was administered simultaneously by oral gavage daily for two weeks. All rats were sacrificed after 24 hours of last administration by cardiac puncture, and blood collected from the ocular vein. Analysis of serum ACP and LDH activities with those of the concentrations of HA, ALB, TP and TB were carried out.

Results: Administration of DMN to rats significantly increased HA and TB concentration and the activities of ACP and LDH (p<0.05) in the serum while it significantly reduced (p<0.05) serum TP and ALB concentrations when compared with controls. However, simultaneous administration of ethanolic leaf extracts of Vernonia amygdalina with DMN significantly (p<0.05) reversed these changes.

Conclusion: This study shows that Vernonia amygdalina possesses hepatoprotective, lysosomal membrane stabilizing and anti-fibrotic properties may be due to its antioxidant and phytochemical constituents.
Upstream ORFs are prevalent translational repressors in vertebrates
Authors: Johnstone Timothy G , Bazzini Ariel A , Giraldez Antonio J
Published: February 2016

Regulation of gene expression is fundamental in establishing cellular diversity and a target of natural selection. Untranslated mRNA regions (UTRs) are key mediators of post‐transcriptional regulation. Previous studies have predicted thousands of ORFs in 5′ UTRs, the vast majority of which have unknown function. Here, we present a systematic analysis of the translation and function of upstream open reading frames (uORFs) across vertebrates. Using high‐resolution ribosome footprinting, we find that (i) uORFs are prevalent within vertebrate transcriptomes, (ii) the majority show signatures of active translation, and (iii) uORFs act as potent regulators of translation and RNA levels, with a similar magnitude to miRNAs. Reporter experiments reveal clear repression of downstream translation by uORFs/oORFs. uORF number, intercistronic distance, overlap with the CDS, and initiation context most strongly influence translation. Evolution has targeted these features to favor uORFs amenable to regulation over constitutively repressive uORFs/oORFs. Finally, we observe that the regulatory potential of uORFs on individual genes is conserved across species. These results provide insight into the regulatory code within mRNA leader sequences and their capacity to modulate translation across vertebrates.
A General and Robust Framework for Secondary Traits Analysis
Authors: Song Xiaoyu , Ionita-Laza Iuliana , Liu Mengling , Reibman Joan , Wei Ying
Published: February 2016

Case–control designs are commonly employed in genetic association studies. In addition to the case–control status, data on secondary traits are often collected. Directly regressing secondary traits on genetic variants from a case–control sample often leads to biased estimation. Several statistical methods have been proposed to address this issue. The inverse probability weighting (IPW) approach and the semiparametric maximum-likelihood (SPML) approach are the most commonly used. A new weighted estimating equation (WEE) approach is proposed to provide unbiased estimation of genetic associations with secondary traits, by combining observed and counterfactual outcomes. Compared to the existing approaches, WEE is more robust against biased sampling and disease model misspecification. We conducted simulations to evaluate the performance of the WEE under various models and sampling schemes. The WEE demonstrated robustness in all scenarios investigated, had appropriate type I error, and was as powerful or more powerful than the IPW and SPML approaches. We applied the WEE to an asthma case–control study to estimate the associations between the thymic stromal lymphopoietin gene and two secondary traits: overweight status and serum IgE level. The WEE identified two SNPs associated with overweight in logistic regression, three SNPs associated with serum IgE levels in linear regression, and an additional four SNPs that were missed in linear regression to be associated with the 75th quantile of IgE in quantile regression. The WEE approach provides a general and robust secondary analysis framework, which complements the existing approaches and should serve as a valuable tool for identifying new associations with secondary traits.
Quantitative Single-Embryo Profile ofDrosophilaGenome Activation and the Dorsal–Ventral Patterning Network
Authors: Sandler Jeremy E , Stathopoulos Angelike
Published: February 2016

During embryonic development of Drosophila melanogaster, the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) marks a significant and rapid turning point when zygotic transcription begins and control of development is transferred from maternally deposited transcripts. Characterizing the sequential activation of the genome during the MZT requires precise timing and a sensitive assay to measure changes in expression. We utilized the NanoString nCounter instrument, which directly counts messenger RNA transcripts without reverse transcription or amplification, to study >70 genes expressed along the dorsal–ventral (DV) axis of early Drosophila embryos, dividing the MZT into 10 time points. Transcripts were quantified for every gene studied at all time points, providing the first dataset of absolute numbers of transcripts during Drosophila development. We found that gene expression changes quickly during the MZT, with early nuclear cycle 14 (NC14) the most dynamic time for the embryo. twist is one of the most abundant genes in the entire embryo and we use mutants to quantitatively demonstrate how it cooperates with Dorsal to activate transcription and is responsible for some of the rapid changes in transcription observed during early NC14. We also uncovered elements within the gene regulatory network that maintain precise transcript levels for sets of genes that are spatiotemporally cotranscribed within the presumptive mesoderm or dorsal ectoderm. Using these new data, we show that a fine-scale, quantitative analysis of temporal gene expression can provide new insights into developmental biology by uncovering trends in gene networks, including coregulation of target genes and specific temporal input by transcription factors.
Essentialis thrombocythaemiás betegek kezelési eredményei osztályunkon
Authors: Iványi János László , Marton Éva , Plander Márk , Szendrei Tamás
Published: February 2016

Introduction: Essential thrombocythemia is a Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasia with a risk of bleeding and thromboembolic complications during the course of illness. Cytoreductive drugs, such as non-selective hydroxyurea or interferon as first-line and specific, megakaryocyte-thrombocyte reductive anagrelide chosen as second-line treatment in cases of adverse, intolerable effects of hydroxyurea can lower the incidence of bleeding/thrombotic episodes in patients with essential thrombocythemia. Aim: In this observational survey the effect of anagrelide was investigated in patients with essential thrombocythemia, who were first treated with hydroxyurea but failed to have clinicopathologic reponse (resistant) or were intolerant (adverse effects). Method: Between 2000 and 2014, 104 patients were diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia and treated first-line with hydroxyurea (weekly median dose of 7500 mg) in the haematologic outpatient department of the authors. Because of intolerance and/or resistance, hydroxyurea was changed to anagrelide (7.5 mg weekly median dose), the doses of hydroxyurea and anagrelide were adjusted to achieve clinicopathological response according to the updated criteria of the European LeukemiaNET. Effect of anagrelide as monotherapy (first- or second-line after hydroxyurea) or in combination with hydroxyurea was followed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Windows Statistical Package Program. Results: Of the 104 patients with essential thrombocythemia (according to the updated WHO-ET classifications 58 patients JAK2V617F mutation positive, 46 patients negative, 15 patients calreticulin mutation negative, 6 patients MPL-1 mutation negative) 87 patients received hydroxyurea in first line, 4 patients interferon, and 13 patients acetylsalycilic acid only. Seven patients who proved to be intolerant and 22 patients who were resistant to hydroxyurea received anagrelide in second line (in 18 patients monotherapy and in 11 patients in combination with hydroxyurea), while other 5 rather young patients in first line therapy (34/104, 32.6%). In the anagrelide first line group 5 patients (100%), in the second line anagrelide monotherapy group 16 patients (88,8%), and in the combined hydroxyurea plus anagrelide group 9 patients (82.1%) achieved complete remission. The 10-year overall survival was 82.1%. In 2 patients treated with anagrelide major bleeding and in one patient myocardial infarction occurred, other serious adverse events due to anagrelide treatment were not detected. Three elder patients died from non-hematologic diseases, but leukaemic transformation was not observed. Conclusions: First or second line anagrelide therapy, combined with hydroxyurea if necessary, was able to reduce the platelet-count and the rate of complications, and to control the course of essential thrombocythemia with tolerable adverse effects. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(9), 336–341.
Külföldi munkavállalás és pályaelhagyási indítékok a magyar gyógytornászok körében
Authors: Pónusz Róbert , Kovács Dalma , Raposa László Bence , Hock Márta , Decsi Tamás , Kránicz János , Endrei Dóra
Published: February 2016

Introduction: An increasing motivation can be experienced among professional workers within the Hungarian healthcare system towards foreign employment or career change. Aim: The aim of the authors was to assess Hungarian physiotherapists’ migration and career changing behaviour and to understand the underlying factors. Method: A national survey in Hungary from April to August, 2014 was performed. Only physiotherapists who practice in Hungary were included (n = 215). Results: The results suggest that age (p<0.05) and the rate of financial appreciation experienced in the workplace (p<0.01) significantly affect the appearance of migratory thoughts. Those physiotherapists who do not feel themselves financially appreciated, are 55 times more likely to search for employment outside the country’s borders [OR = 55.28 CI (95%) = 18.85 to 161.12]. The most common causes for that are unfavourable financial (p<0.01) and moral recognition (p<0.01). Conclusions: In order to prevent our already highly-qualified colleagues from leaving the country or from considering to leave the profession we should concentrate on increasing the financial and moral appreciation of the profession within the Hungarian healthcare system. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(9), 342–349.
A háziorvosok teljesítményének minőségi értékelése. Mi a probléma a háziorvosi indikátorokkal?
Authors: Kolozsvári László Róbert , Rurik Imre
Published: February 2016

The Hungarian primary care quality indicator system has been introduced in 2009, and has been continuously developed since then. The system offers extra financing for family physicians who are achieving the expected levels of indicators. There are currently 16 indicators for adult and mixed practices and 8 indicators are used in paediatric care. Authors analysed the influencing factors of the indicators other than those related to the performance of family physicians. Expectations and compliance of patients, quality of outpatient (ambulatory) care services, insufficient flow of information, inadequate primary care softwares which need to be updated could be considered as the most important factors. The level of financial motivations should also be significantly increased besides changes in the reporting system. It is recommended, that decision makers in health policy and financing have to declare clearly their expectations, and professional bodies should find the proper solution. These indicators could contribute properly to the improvement of the quality of primary care services in Hungary. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(9), 328–335.