bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Oregano Essential Oil (Oeo) on Prevalence and Oocyst Shedding Dynamics of Naturally Acquired Eimeria Spp. Infection in Replacement Dairy Heifers
Authors: Grandi Giulio , Kramer Laura Helen , Quarantelli Afro , Righi Federico
Published: August 2015

The administration of oregano essential oil (OEO) was tested in a dairy farm (Piacenza, Italy) with a history of sporadic cases of clinical coccidiosis in order to evaluate its influence on infection prevalence and oocyst excretion pattern in calves and replacement dairy heifers. Animals were recruited at 1 month of age and allocated to two groups of 25 animals, experimental (E) and control (C). OEO was added at a concentration of 100 ppm to the feedstuff administered to group E. Prevalence of infection and the number of oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) was evaluated monthly from 30 days of life (d30) till d150, with one extra sampling at d45, for a total of 6 time points. No significant differences were observed regarding the prevalence of infection between the two groups (83% general prevalence, 93% in group E, 72% in group C) although slightly higher prevalence was seen for Eimeria bovis and Eimeria alabamensis in group C, while the opposite was seen for Eimeria zuernii. OEO addition to the diet did not have any effect on the course of coccidial infections in calves and replacement dairy heifers. Other variables, in particular data on growth and production, should likely be tested before ruling out the potential role of OEO, alone or in combination with other control measures, to reduce infection pressure and therefore to improve animal welfare and performance.
The Effect of Varying Distances from the Wind Turbine on Meat Quality of Growing-Finishing Pigs
Authors: Karwowska Małgorzata , Mikołajczak Jan , Dolatowski Zbigniew Józef , Borowski Sylwester
Published: August 2015

This study was conducted to assess the effect of rearing pigs at three different distances from a wind turbine (50, 500 and 1000 m) on the physicochemical properties and fatty acid composition of loin and neck muscles. The experiment was carried out on 30 growing-finishing pigs, derived from Polish Landrace × Polish Large White sows mated to a Duroc × Pietrain boar. The results obtained during the noise measurement showed that the highest level of noise in the audible and infrasound range was recorded 50 m from the wind turbine. Rearing pigs in close proximity to the wind turbine (50 m) resulted in decreased muscle pH, total heme pigments and heme iron as well as reduced content of C18:3n-3 fatty acid in the loin muscle. Loins of pigs reared 50 m from the wind turbine were characterized by significantly lower iron content (6.7 ppm g-1) compared to the loins of pigs reared 500 and 1000 m from the wind turbine (10.0-10.5 ppm g-1). The concentration of α-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3) in loin and neck muscles decreased as the distance from the wind turbine increased. Avoiding noise-induced stress is important not only for maintaining meat quality but also for improving animal welfare.
Maternal and fetal lipid metabolism under normal and gestational diabetic conditions
Authors: Herrera Emilio , Desoye Gernot
Published: August 2015

Maternal lipids are strong determinants of fetal fat mass. Here we review the overall lipid metabolism in normal and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pregnancies. During early pregnancy, the increase in maternal fat depots is facilitated by insulin, followed by increased adipose tissue breakdown and subsequent hypertriglyceridemia, mainly as a result of insulin resistance (IR) and estrogen effects. The response to diabetes is variable as a result of greater IR but decreased estrogen levels. The vast majority of fatty acids (FAs) in the maternal circulation are esterified and associated with lipoproteins. These are taken up by the placenta and hydrolyzed by lipases. The released FAs enter various metabolic routes and are released into fetal circulation. Although these determinants are modified in maternal GDM, the fetus does not seem to receive more FAs than in non-GDM pregnancies. Long-chain polyunsaturated FAs are essential for fetal development and are obtained from the mother. Mitochondrial FA oxidation occurs in fetal tissue and in placenta and contributes to energy production. Fetal fat accretion during the last weeks of gestation occurs very rapidly and is sustained not only by FAs crossing the placenta, but also by fetal lipogenesis. Fetal hyperinsulinemia in GDM mothers promotes excess accretion of adipose tissue, which gives rise to altered adipocytokine profiles. Fetal lipoproteins are low at birth, but the GDM effects are unclear. The increase in body fat in neonates of GDM women is a risk factor for obesity in early childhood and later life.
Jobelyn® exhibited anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and membrane-stabilizing activities in experimental models
Authors: Umukoro Solomon , Oluwole Oluwafemi Gabriel , Eduviere Anthony T. , Adrian Omogbiya Itievere , Ajayi Abayomi M.
Published: August 2015

Background: Jobelyn® (JB) is an African sorghum-based food supplement claimed to be efficacious for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although in vitro studies confirmed its anti-inflammatory property, no study had shown the effect of JB using in vivo animal models of inflammation. Thus, its effects on acute and chronic inflammation in rats were evaluated in this study. Its effect on rat red blood cell (RBC) lysis was also assessed.

Methods: Acute inflammation was induced with intraplanter injection of carrageenan and increase in rat paw volume was measured using plethysmometer. The volume of fluid exudates, number of leukocytes, concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) in the fluid were measured on day 5 after induction of chronic inflammation with carrageenan in the granuloma air pouch model. RBC lysis induced by hypotonic medium as determined by release of hemoglobin was measured spectrophotometerically.

Results: JB (50–200 mg/kg) given orally produced a significant inhibition of acute inflammation induced by carrageenan in rats. It reduced the volume and number of leukocytes in inflammatory fluid in the granuloma air pouch model of chronic inflammation. It further decreased the levels of MDA in the fluid suggesting antioxidant property. JB elevated the concentrations of GSH in inflammatory exudates indicating free radical scavenging activity. It also significantly inhibited RBC lysis caused by hypotonic medium, suggesting membrane-stabilizing property.

Conclusions: JB has in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, which may be related to its antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing properties, supporting its use for the treatment of arthritic disorder.
Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Therapy in Critically Ill Polytrauma Patients with Severe Head Injury
Authors: Luca Loredana , Rogobete Alexandru Florin , Bedreag Ovidiu Horea
Published: August 2015

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death among critically ill patients from the Intensive Care Units (ICU). After primary traumatic injuries, secondary complications occur, which are responsible for the progressive degradation of the clinical status in this type of patients. These include severe inflammation, biochemical and physiological imbalances and disruption of the cellular functionality. The redox cellular potential is determined by the oxidant/antioxidant ratio. Redox potential is disturbed in case of TBI leading to oxidative stress (OS). A series of agression factors that accumulate after primary traumatic injuries lead to secondary lesions represented by brain ischemia and hypoxia, inflammatory and metabolic factors, coagulopathy, microvascular damage, neurotransmitter accumulation, blood-brain barrier disruption, excitotoxic damage, blood-spinal cord barrier damage, and mitochondrial dysfunctions. A cascade of pathophysiological events lead to accelerated production of free radicals (FR) that further sustain the OS. To minimize the OS and restore normal oxidant/antioxidant ratio, a series of antioxidant substances is recommended to be administrated (vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, N-acetylcysteine). In this paper we present the biochemical and pathophysiological mechanism of action of FR in patients with TBI and the antioxidant therapy available.
Health Care Professional’s Attitude Towards the Effective Management of Pain in the Critically Ill Neonate
Authors: Suciu Laura Mihaela , Cucerea Manuela , Simon Marta , Avasiloaiei Andreea , Petrescu Olimpia , Andrei Suciu Bogdan
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Over the past 25 years, caregiver’s knowledge of pain in newborn infants has advanced from the beliefs that newborn infants do not feel pain, to the knowledge that preterm infants experience more pain compare to older children and adults. However, caregivers know that pain exists in this population and research has supported that pain continues to be untreated up to 65% of the time.

Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitude and knowledge of health care professionals from the area of Neonatology in Romania regarding procedural pain management in newborn infants.

Material and methods: The sample consisted of 85 physicians and nurses (110 invited) working in five Neonatal Care Centres. Data were collected using a self-completion, 17 items questionnaire designed for this study.

Results: With a response rate of 77.27% which was similar in nurses and physicians, respondents in our study were aware about the pain experience during procedural interventions, recognized the items of pain scales assessment, and are not comfortable with the parental presence during painful procedures. Twenty-five percent of nurses versus 9% of physicians reported rushed care as an important barrier of adequate non-pharmacological pain management (95% IC, 0.319-0.003)

Conclusions: The use of pain protocols for an effective management of pain during neonatal period is required.
Neutrophil Viability as a Clinical Outcome Marker in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Trauma Patients: A Case Series
Authors: Benedek Orsolya , Veres Mihaly , Dobreanu Minodora
Published: August 2015

Background: Trauma in its early stages leads to an acute inflammatory condition affecting all cellular lines. Neutrophil granulocytes make up the largest population of human white blood cells and are fundamental to the innate immune system. The objective of our pilot study was to evaluate neutrophil death and viability alterations in critically ill trauma patients in correlation with their clinical outcome.

Material and method: Critical ill trauma patients were enrolled in the study. In order to assess alterations in cellular death, blood samples were drawn using EDTA containing tubes and analyzed in the first twenty four hours after admission, then after forty eight and seventy two hours. Annexin V was used as a marker for apoptotic cells and propidium iodide for necrotic cells.

Results: The first two cases exhibited an increase in cellular viability by the second day as shown by a small increase in neutrophil apoptosis and a decrease in neutrophil necrosis. These patients progressed to a positive clinical outcome. The second two cases showed slight modifications in either physiological or pathological cellular death, and increasing levels of cellular necrosis. These patients progressed to a negative clinical outcome.

Conclusions: These cases suggest that neutrophil cell viability and death were associated with the patient’s clinical outcome.
Dyson line and modified Dyson line in the EPR measurements
Authors: Popovych Volodymyr , Bester Mariusz , Stefaniuk Ireneusz , Kuzma Marian
Published: August 2015

The difficulty in determining the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) line parameters of ferromagnetic semiconductors has been addressed. For these materials, the resonance line is very broad and lies at low resonance field, so that only a part of the line can be detected experimentally. Moreover, the line is of asymmetric (Dysonian) shape as described by the line shape parameter α. We have compared values of line parameters derived by computer fitting of the whole experimental EPR line to the Dyson function (or modified Dyson function) with the values obtained by applying this procedure to the left and the right half of the line.
The dynamics of the surface layer of lipid membranes doped by vanadium complex: computer modeling and EPR studies
Authors: Olchawa Ryszard , Man Dariusz , Pytel Barbara
Published: August 2015

Penetration of the liposome membranes doped with vanadium complex formed in the liquid-crystalline phase from egg yolk lecithin (EYL) by the TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) spin probes has been investigated. The penetration process was followed by 360 hours at 24°C, using the electron spin resonance (EPR) method. The spectroscopic parameter of the partition (F) of this probe indicated that a maximum rigidity of the membrane was at 3% concentration of the vanadium complex. Computer simulations showed that the increase in the rigidity of the membrane corresponds to the closure of gaps in the surface layer of the membrane, and indicates the essential role of the membrane surface in transport processes.
Copper-manganese-zinc spinels in zeolites: study of EMR spectra
Authors: Decyk Piotr , Więckowski Andrzej B. , Najder-Kozdrowska Lidia , Bilkova Iveta
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study is the application of electron magnetic resonance (EMR) spectroscopy to determine the interactions between NaY and HY zeolites and Cu-Mn-Zn spinels loaded onto the zeolite surfaces. The materials were characterized using XRD and IR spectroscopies. Four types of EMR lines were observed for Cu-Mn-Zn/NaY, Cu-Mn-Zn/HY samples. The difference between the EMR spectra recorded at 77 and 293 K has been shown. The spectra recorded at 77 K allowed us to distinguish between the species formed on NaY and HY zeolites. The EMR spectrum of Cu-Mn-Zn/NaY recorded at 77 K showed only one line attributed to antiferromagnetic spinels Cu1.4Mn1.6O4 and ZnMn2O4 or/and Cu0.5Zn0.5Mn2O4. The spinels appeared to be more stable (more strongly attached) on HY zeolite than on NaY one. It was proved that different strength of interactions between the zeolites and Cu-Mn-Zn spinels was caused by differences in the acidity of NaY and HY zeolites.
Effect of microwave power on EPR spectra of thermally sterilized eucerinum anhydricum
Authors: Ramos Paweł , Pepliński Piotr , Pilawa Barbara
Published: August 2015

Free radicals formed during thermal sterilization of eucerinum anhydricum – the pharmaceutical base were examined by an X-band (9.3 GHz) spectrometer. Eucerinum anhydricum was sterilized at different physical conditions according to the Polish Pharmacopeia norms. The samples were heated at temperatures: 160°C (120 min), 170°C (60 min), and 180°C (30 min). The aim of this study is to compare free radical concentration and effect of microwave power on EPR spectra of eucerinum anhydricum base thermally sterilized at different temperatures and periods of time. The effect of time storage on the free radicals in the heated samples was tested. Free radical concentrations in the sample stored 15 min strongly decreased with the increasing of sterilization temperature, probably as the result of recombination. Storage caused strong decrease of free radical concentrations in the samples, probably as the result of interactions with oxygen. It was observed to be independent of sterilization conditions from 2 days of storage and longer. Because of the lowest free radical concentration, for eucerinum anhydricum thermal sterilization at 180°C for 30 min is recommended. The sterilized samples should be stored at inert atmosphere without oxygen molecules. Fast spin-lattice relaxation processes existed in sterilized eucerinum anhydricum. The character of changes of amplitudes and linewidths of EPR lines with increasing of microwave power was the same for different storage times. The parameters of thermal sterilization and storage time influenced free radical concentration in eucerinum anhydricum, but magnetic spin-lattice interactions were unchanged. The usefulness of EPR spectroscopy in optimization of thermal sterilization process of eucerinum anhydricum was confirmed.
Changes of Winter Oilseed Rape Plant Survival During Vegetation
Authors: Balodis Oskars , Gaile Zinta
Published: August 2015

Winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) significance among field crops is unchangeable in Latvia in the last decade. Plant density of winter oilseed rape during growth period is influenced by plant development in autumn and plant wintering. The aim of four year (2008 – 2011) research in the LLU Research and Study farm “Vecauce” was to investigate the influence of agronomical factors (sowing date, sowing rate, fungicide (metkonazole)) application and meteorological factors on two type (line, hybrid) winter oilseed rape varieties plant density changes from sowing till harvesting. Plant density in autumn, spring and during harvesting was influenced also by meteorological parameters such as air temperature and precipitation. On four year average, field germination was observed from 66% to 95%. Sowing date significantly (p<0.05) impacted plant survival during winters in all trial years for both varieties – ‘Californium’ and ‘Excalibur’, except for ‘Excalibur’ in the year 2008. Plant survival during winter for ‘Excalibur’ (hybrid) was higher compared to ‘Californium’ (line). Higher plant losses during winter were noted on the latest sowing date for both varieties. Winter oilseed rape plant survival was not significantly (p>0.05) influenced by fungicide as growth regulator application in autumn in any trial year. Influence of sowing date and sowing rate on the total plant density at harvest time was significant in all trial years (p<0.05) for both varieties. At higher sowing rate the plant loss during growing period was higher than at lower rates.
Generation of a Test Reference Year for Alūksne, Latvia
Authors: Ruduks Mārtiņš , Lešinskis Arturs
Published: August 2015

Precise and reliable meteorological data are necessary for building performance analysis. Since meteorological conditions vary significantly from year to year, there is a need to create a test reference year (TRY), to represent the long-term weather conditions over a year. In this paper two different TRY data models were generated and compared: TRY and TRY-2. Both models where created by analysing every 3-hour weather data for a 30-year period (1984–2013) in Alūksne, Latvia, provided by the Latvian Environment Geology and Meteorology Centre (LEGMC). TRY model was generated according to standard LVS EN ISO 15927-4, but to create second model - TRY-2, 30 year average data were applied. The generated TRY contains typical months from a number of different years. The data gathered from TRY and TRY-2 models where compared with the climate data from the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers regulation No. 379, Regulations Regarding Latvian Building Code LBN 003-01. Average monthly temperature values in LBN 003-01 were lower than the TRY and TRY-2 values. The results of this study may be used in building energy simulations and heating-cooling load calculations for selected region. TRY selection process should include the most recent meteorological observations and should be periodically renewed to reflect the long-term climate change.
Looking at things anew
Authors: Warren Graeme
Published: August 2015

The paper by Anderson-Whymark, Garrow and Sturt raises very important questions about how we understand Later Mesolithic Britain, Ireland and continental Europe. National research traditions have, at times, obscured our understanding of contacts and connections between areas in the Mesolithic. A focus on the distribution of a small range of artefacts has created a situation where Mesolithic cultures begin to resemble nation-states (Marchand 2014: 11). Our terminology reflects and reifies these distinctions. If we wish to understand how social geographies within Britain and Ireland change over time, it is unhelpful, to say the least, that they should have such inconsistent period terminology: the British Early Mesolithic is absent from Ireland; the British Later Mesolithicisthe Irish Early Mesolithic; and the Irish Later Mesolithic does not exist in Britain. The continental terminology is different again, and linguistic barriers remain a problem to regional-level synthesis. Anderson-Whymarket al.'s engagement with the loving detail of French lithic typology is hence to be welcomed.
New Book Chronicle
Authors: Witcher Robert
Published: August 2015

Where has archaeology come from and where is it going? In this instalment of NBC, we survey ‘modern-world’ and post-colonial archaeologies, focusing on the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. We move on to consider the role of cultural heritage and its colonial baggage in the process of nation-building in Jordan and Singapore—and we conclude by taking leave of this planet altogether and heading into outer space.
Frightful neighbourhood
Authors: Thomas Julian
Published: August 2015

Hugo Anderson-Whymark, Duncan Garrow and Fraser Sturt are to be congratulated on an important find and a robust evaluation of its significance. As they point out, it was Roger Jacobi who first introduced the notion that Britain had been culturally isolated from the continent following the flooding of the English Channel; this was on the basis of stylistic differences between the microlithic assemblages found in the two areas in the later Mesolithic. Equally, although Villeneuve-Saint-Germain communities were established in Normandy early in the fifth millennium BC, and Chassey/Michelsberg groups in the Pas-de-Calais perhaps six hundred years later, the material evidence of their cross-Channel relations with British and Irish hunter-gatherers is limited. On this basis, the view has developed that indigenous people in Britain would have been unaware of the developing Neolithic in France and Belgium. Consequently, they would have had no familiarity with domesticated plants and animals, polished stone tools, ceramics, large timber buildings and mortuary monuments until such innovations were brought to these islands by migrating agriculturalists at the end of the millennium. If Mesolithic people played any part at all in the Neolithic transition, it would only have been after the arrival of settlers on these shores.
The changing face of gestational diabetes: the effect of the shift from risk factor-based to comprehensive screening
Authors: Koivunen Sanna , Kajantie Eero , Torkki Annukka , Bloigu Aini , Gissler Mika , Pouta Anneli , Vääräsmäki Marja
Published: August 2015

Objective

To evaluate the effect of the change in the gestational diabetes (GDM) screening policy from risk-factor based to comprehensive screening on the prevalence and type of GDM and characteristics of GDM pregnancies.

Design

Population-based register study in Finland. Subjects were GDM women who gave birth before (2006,n=5185) and after (2010,n=6683) the policy change. All the other women in those years without pre-pregnancy diabetes acted as controls (51 759 and 52 398 respectively).

Methods

GDM women with singleton pregnancy were identified through The Finnish Medical Birth Register by abnormal oral glucose tolerance test or initiation of insulin. Main outcome measures were prevalence of GDM (total and insulin/diet-treated), and caesarean section rate.

Results

The proportion of screened mothers increased from 27.5 to 51.3% and the total prevalence of GDM from 9.1 to 11.3%. This increase consisted mainly of diet-treated mothers, while the number and proportion of insulin-treated mothers decreased (21.8% vs13.3%,P<0.001). The proportion of primiparous women increased (34.5–39.4%,P<0.0001) and mean pre-pregnancy BMI decreased (28.6–28.2,P<0.001). The overall caesarean section rate remained the same but increased among women with GDM (20.8–22.1%) adjusted odds ratios being 1.22 (95% CI 1.14, 1.31) during comprehensive and 1.10 (95% CI 1.02, 1.19) during risk factor-based screening.

Conclusions

The shift to comprehensive screening led to a significant increase in women with GDM, who were more often primiparous and had a lower BMI. Comprehensive screening did not perform better in diagnosing women needing insulin treatment.
Risk of Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Bilirubin Exchange Transfusion Thresholds
Authors: Wickremasinghe Andrea C. , Risley Robert J. , Kuzniewicz Michael W. , Wu Yvonne W. , Walsh Eileen M. , Wi Soora , McCulloch Charles E. , Newman Thomas B.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

High bilirubin levels are associated with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). However, few large studies of relative and excess risk exist. We sought to quantify the risk of SNHL in newborns who had bilirubin levels at or above American Academy of Pediatrics exchange transfusion thresholds (ETT).

METHODS:

Infants born at ≥35 weeks gestation in 15 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals from 1995-2011 were eligible (N = 525 409). We used a nested double cohort design. The exposed cohort included subjects with ≥1 bilirubin level at or above ETT. The unexposed cohort was a 3.6% random sample of subjects with all bilirubin levels below ETT (10 unexposed per exposed). An audiologist, blinded to bilirubin levels, reviewed the charts of children in whom SNHL had been diagnosed before age 8 years to confirm the diagnosis. We calculated Cox proportional hazard ratios for time to diagnosis of SNHL.

RESULTS:

SNHL was confirmed in 11 (0.60%) of the 1834 exposed subjects and in 43 (0.23%) of the 19 004 unexposed. Only bilirubin levels ≥10 mg/dL above ETT were associated with a statistically significant increased risk of SNHL (hazard ratio: 36 [95% confidence interval (CI): 13 to 101]). Likewise, only bilirubin levels ≥35 mg/dL were associated with a statistically significant increased risk of SNHL (hazard ratio: 91 [95% CI: 32 to 255]). For subjects with total serum bilirubin levels 0 to 4.9 mg/dL above ETT, the upper limit of the 95% CI for excess risk was 0.5%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Only bilirubin levels well above ETT were associated with SNHL. At lower bilirubin levels, the excess risk of SNHL was low.
Early Cardiac Iron Overload in a Child on Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Reitman Aaron J. , Coates Thomas D. , Freyer David R.
Published: August 2015

An 11-year-old boy with Down syndrome and acute lymphoblastic leukemia developed hepatic dysfunction after only 10 months of treatment. MRI revealed severe iron deposition in the liver, pancreas, and heart. In stark contrast to what is seen in hemoglobinopathies, pancreatic and cardiac iron overload occurred with relatively low transfusion exposure and in a very short time period in this patient. Although extensive experience managing iron overload in hemoglobinopathies informs our approach in other diseases, it is clear that factors not present in hemoglobinopathies may be operative in patients with malignancy undergoing intense chemotherapy that lead to high levels of free iron and rapid loading of the heart and endocrine organs.
Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides as a Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder
Authors: Spence-Shishido Allyson , Streicher Jenna L. , George Roshan P. , Parker Sareeta R. , Lawley Leslie P.
Published: August 2015

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a known complication of solid organ transplantation. The majority are B cell in origin and related to Epstein-Barr virus infection. T-cell PTLD is much less common; most are Epstein-Barr virus negative and have a worse prognosis. Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) as a presentation of PTLD is rare. CTCL has a less favorable prognosis in transplant patients compared with that in immune-competent patients. Herein, we report a case of a 13-year-old boy who developed folliculotropic mycosis fungoides, a rare subtype of CTCL, subsequent to renal transplantation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this type of PTLD in a pediatric patient.
Disclosure of mental health problems in general practice: The gradual emergence of latent topics and resources for achieving their consideration
Authors: Tarber Christel , Frostholm Lisbeth
Published: August 2015

Common mental disorders often go undetected in primary care. Sharpening general practitioners’ (GPs’) attention to potential signs thereof is therefore crucial. This conversation-analytic study arises from the observation that the consideration of psychological problems in new-concern visits can be achieved by way of ‘gradual topic emergence’. This entails that the problem is not presented directly, but adjunct to somatic symptoms, and is hinted at by way of generic, ambiguous complaints, and furthermore by expressions of frustration and uncertainty and talk about lifeworld problems. It is argued that these materials are ‘trouble-premonitory’, alerting the GP to the presence of an underlying problem that can then be addressed through further inquiry. The patient logic behind this approach is to assure the GP's recipiency and thus ratification of the problem's medical legitimacy. It allows the patient to introduce a potentially delicate problem ‘off the record’, thus guarding the patient against the loss of face that could result from no uptake by the GP. The results of the study point to the importance of GPs being receptive to such interactional clues to psychological problems provided by patients.
Data sharing for public health research: A qualitative study of industry and academia
Authors: Saunders Pamela Anne , Wilhelm Erin E. , Lee Sinae , Merkhofer Elizabeth , Shoulson Ira
Published: August 2015

Data sharing is a key biomedical research theme for the 21st century. Biomedical data sharing is the exchange of data among (non)affiliated parties under mutually agreeable terms to promote scientific advancement and the development of safe and effective medical products. Wide sharing of research data is important for scientific discovery, medical product development, and public health. Data sharing enables improvements in development of medical products, more attention to rare diseases, and cost-efficiencies in biomedical research. We interviewed 11 participants about their attitudes and beliefs about data sharing. Using a qualitative, thematic analysis approach, our analysis revealed a number of themes including: experiences, approaches, perceived challenges, and opportunities for sharing data.
Key components of effective collaborative goal setting in the chronic care encounter
Authors: Bigi Sarah
Published: August 2015

Collaborative goal setting in patient–provider communication with chronic patients is the phase in which – after collecting the data regarding the patient's health – it is necessary to make a decision regarding the best therapy and behaviors the patient should adopt until the next encounter. Although it is considered a pivotal phase of shared decision making, there remain a few open questions regarding its components and its efficacy: What are the factors that improve or impede agreement on treatment goals and strategies?; What are the ‘success conditions’ of collaborative goal setting?; How can physicians effectively help patients make their preferences explicit and then co-construct with them informed preferences to help them reach their therapeutic goals? Using the theoretical framework of dialogue types, an approach developed in the field of Argumentation Theory, it will be possible to formulate hypotheses on the ‘success conditions’ and effects on patient commitment of collaborative goal setting.
Using SurveyMonkey® to teach safe social media strategies to medical students in their clinical years
Authors: Bramstedt Katrina A. , Ierna Ben , Woodcroft-Brown Victoria
Published: August 2015

Social media is a valuable tool in the practice of medicine, but it can also be an area of ‘treacherous waters’ for medical students. Those in their upper years of study are off-site and scattered broadly, undertaking clinical rotations; thus, in-house (university lecture) sessions are impractical. Nonetheless, during these clinical years students are generally high users of social media technology, putting them at risk of harm if they lack appropriate ethical awareness. We created a compulsory session in social media ethics (Doctoring and Social Media) offered in two online modes (narrated PowerPoint file or YouTube video) to fourth- and fifth-year undergraduate medical students. The novelty of our work was the use of SurveyMonkey® to deliver the file links, as well as to take attendance and deliver a post-session performance assessment. All 167 students completed the course and provided feedback. Overall, 73% Agreed or Strongly Agreed the course session would aid their professionalism skills and behaviours, and 95% supported delivery of the curriculum online. The most frequent areas of learning occurred in the following topics: email correspondence with patients, medical photography, and awareness of medical apps. SurveyMonkey® is a valuable and efficient tool for curriculum delivery, attendance taking, and assessment activities.
Lėtinis vaikų skausmas biopsichosocialiniu požiūriu: samprata, įvertinimo ir gydymo strategija
Authors: Ališauskaitė Ieva , Ruževičienė Danguolė , Raistenskis Juozas , Svetikienė Valdereza , Žilinskaitė Virginija
Published: August 2015

Reikšminiai žodžiai: lėtinis vaikų skausmas; biopsichosocialinis modelis; daugiadalykė gydymo komanda. Lėtinis skausmas – tai skausmas, kuris tęsiasi ar vis pasikartoja 3 mėnesius ir ilgiau. Lėtinis vaikų skausmas Lietuvoje yra mažai nagrinėjama tema, nors tokiais skausmais, kaip rodo įvairiose šalyse atliktų tyrimų duomenys, skundžiasi nuo penktadalio iki pusės 8–16 metų vaikų populiacijos. Patiriant lėtinį skausmą, reikšmingai nukenčia vaiko ir jo šeimos fizinė, psichologinė ir socialinė gerovė, o ilgas ir dažnai nesėkmingas skausmo priežasties ieškojimas ir gydymas tampa didele našta visuomenei. Straipsnio tikslas – remiantis užsienio mokslinės literatūros analize, apibendrinti Lietuvoje vangiai tyrinėjamo lėtinio vaikų skausmo aktualijas, pristatant biopsichosocialinę lėtinio skausmo sampratą ir fizinius, psichologinius bei socialinius aspektus įtraukiančias gydymo strategijas. Išanalizavus užsienio literatūroje pateiktus duomenis nustatyta, jog lėtinį skausmą svarbu suprasti ir identifikuoti, jį vertinti bei gydyti remiantis biologiniais ir psichologiniais aspektais ir atsižvelgti į socialinį lėtinį skausmą patiriančio vaiko ir jo šeimos funkcionavimą bei gyvenimo kokybę. Vaikų lėtinio skausmo gydymui reikalinga daugiadalykė komanda, įtraukianti gydytoją (anesteziologą, pediatrą ar vaikų neurologą), psichologą, fizinės medicinos ir reabilitacijos gydytoją, socialinį darbuotoją, medicinos slaugytoją. Medikamentinis gydymas lėtinį skausmą patiriantiems vaikams retai yra pakankamai veiksmingas, tad rekomenduotinas tik kai kurių skausmų atvejais. Bene svarbiausia dalis gydant lėtinį skausmą tenka psichologinėms intervencijoms – kognityvinei elgesio terapijai (angl. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, CBT), priėmimo ir įsipareigojimo terapijai (angl. Acceptance Commitment Therapy, ACT), relaksacijoms, psichoedukacijai.
Lokalios sklerodermos formos, diagnostika ir šiuolaikinis gydymas
Authors: Ševelytė Kamilė , Panavienė Violeta
Published: August 2015

Reikšminiai žodžiai: lokali skleroderma, židininė morfėja, generalizuota morfėja, linijinė skleroderma, pansklerotinė morfėja, mišri skleroderma. Lokali skleroderma – reta uždegiminė jungiamojo audinio liga, kurios metu atsiranda fibrozinių pakitimų odoje, poodyje, raumenyse ar gilesniuose audiniuose. Pagrindinės lokalios sklerodermos formos yra židininė morfėja, generalizuota morfėja, linijinė skleroderma, pansklerotinė morfėja ir mišri skleroderma. Linijinė, generalizuota ir pansklerotinė lokalios sklerodermos formos yra labiausiai žalojančios, galinčios sukelti sąnarių kontraktūras, galūnių deformacijas, veido pokyčius ar net pažeisti centrinę nervų sistemą. Todėl labai svarbu kuo anksčiau, kol dar neatsirado komplikacijų, diagnozuoti ir pradėti gydymą. Lokalios sklerodermos gydymas turėtų būti paskiriamas kiekvienam individualiai, atsižvelgiant į ligos aktyvumą, pažeidimo gylį, išplitimą bei ligos eigą. Kol kas tėra atlikta labai nedaug randomizuotų kontrolinių studijų, todėl lokalios sklerodermos gydymas šiuo metu yra labai diskutuotinas. Vis dėlto sisteminis gydymas metotreksatu bent 12 mėnesių su 2–3 mėnesių gliukokortikosteroidų terapija ar be jos literatūroje yra aprašomas kaip efektyvus lokalios sklerodermos gydymas. Šiame darbe bus plačiau pateikiama literatūrinė apžvalga apie lokalios sklerodermos formas, jų pasireiškimą, diagnostiką bei gydymo ypatumus. Taip pat bus pateikiami du klinikiniai atvejai, kurie padės iliustruoti šią ligą.
Glyphosate Resistance in Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.) is Associated with a Fitness Penalty
Authors: Yanniccari Marcos , Vila-Aiub Martín , Istilart Carolina , Acciaresi Horacio , Castro Ana M.
Published: August 2015

The net selection effect of herbicides on herbicide-resistance traits in weeds is conditioned by the fitness benefits and costs associated with resistance alleles. Fitness costs play an important evolutionary role preventing the fixation of adaptive alleles and contributing to the maintenance of genetic polymorphisms within populations. Glyphosate is widely used in world agriculture, which has led to the evolution of widespread glyphosate resistance in many weed species. The fitness of glyphosate-resistant and -susceptible perennial ryegrass plants selected from within a single population were studied in two field experiments conducted during 2011 and 2012 under different soil water availability. Glyphosate-resistant plants showed a reduction in height of 12 and 16%, leaf blade area of 16 and 33%, shoot biomass of 45 and 55%, seed number of 33 and 53%, and total seed mass of 16 and 5% compared to glyphosate-susceptible plants in 2011 and 2012, respectively. The reduction in seed number per plant resulted in a 40% fitness cost associated with the glyphosate-resistance trait in perennial ryegrass. Fitness costs of glyphosate-resistant plants were expressed under both conditions of water availability. These results could be useful for designing management strategies and exploiting the reduced glyphosate-resistant perennial ryegrass fitness in the absence of glyphosate selection.
Delivering the Moorgate shaft base slab on Crossrail, UK
Authors: Douglas Adrian , Smith Marcus , Hunter Jonathan
Published: August 2015

The Moorgate shaft at Crossrail Liverpool Street station is one of the deepest in London, UK. Construction of the base slab to the 42 m deep shaft required close collaboration between the client, designer, contractor and suppliers to give assurance that the slab was watertight. Dense reinforcement was detailed to ensure ease of fixing within the tight confines of the shaft and allow for the tolerance on the diaphragm walls. The concrete design was developed to ensure that it met the requirements for placing and structural strength while achieving good control on the temperature developed. The concrete mix was trialled for temperature development and initial set to allow relaxation of the original specification. The pour plan was developed with the co-operation of all the site teams to ensure appropriate contingency measures were in place. Temperature monitoring was carried out to ensure that mitigation measures could be applied to control placed concrete temperature against predetermined trigger levels.
Mantra to method: lessons from managing innovation on Crossrail, UK
Authors: DeBarro Tim , MacAulay Samuel , Davies Andrew , Wolstenholme Andrew , Gann David , Pelton John
Published: August 2015

This paper describes how the £14·8 billion Crossrail project in London, UK developed and implemented an innovation strategy to support the delivery of the project. The strategy was designed to encourage the supply chain to develop and apply genuinely beneficial new products, processes and services − then to ensure these were shared throughout the project. The authors identify the steps taken, the managerial process created and the lessons learnt in developing and implementing the strategy. The aim is to contribute to a wider discussion on innovation in the infrastructure community: shifting from mantras about the intrinsic benefits of innovation to evidence about the most effective methods for managing it.
Characteristics of micro-arc oxidation and laser melting modified compound film on Ti alloy surface
Authors: Wang Fengbiao , Wang Yongqing , Hou Bo , Liu Haibo , Lian Meng
Published: August 2015

In order to obtain and enhance the excellent performance of films with porous microstructure through the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) process on TC4 alloy (Ti–6Al–4V) surface, the composite technology included in MAO and laser remelting (LSM) process was introduced. Two kinds of specimens were fabricated, one was prepared only by MAO process in silicate electrolyte system; the other was treated by LSM process after MAO. Then, subsequently, MAO and MAO+LSM films were fabricated. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, ultra microhardness tester and electrochemical analyzer were used to analyze the microstructure, phase composition, surface hardness and corrosion resistance of two kinds of films. The results show that the film, after LSM from inside to outside, exhibits dense layer, middle layer and remelting layer; the former MAO loose layer is replaced by remelting layer with compact structure and low porosity, as well as the proportion of rutile phase in MAO+LSM film is improved, the hardness and corrosion resistance is also increased and the combination mode of MAO film and the substrate is still kept. Therefore, for improving the properties of MAO film on the Ti alloy surface, the LSM technology plays a promoting role.
CONFLITOS SOCIOAMBIENTAIS NA ÁREA DE PROTEÇÃO AMBIENTAL DO MORRO DO URUBU EM ARACAJU-SE
Authors: Pessoa de Melo Felippe
Published: August 2015

O Morro do Urubu é uma área de proteção ambiental criada pelo decreto nº 13.713 publicado em 15 de junho de 1993, na então gestão do governador João Alves Filho. Essa APA é o último resquício de Mata Atlântica em Aracaju-SE, estando inserida dentro dos domínios do Parque Estadual José Rollemberg Leite, conhecido localmente como Parque da Cidade. Mas devido ineficiência do poder público em gerir essa APA, o perímetro urbano está crescendo de formar irregular dentro dos limites desse patrimônio natural aracajuano, sendo também encontrados locais onde ocorrem práticas agrícolas de subsistência. É necessário compreender que o ato de criar uma APA através de um decreto não garante a seguridade dessa patrimônio ambiental, logo a população local tem correlações com esse local que devem ser compreendidas, de formar que a implantação da APA venha a contribuir com o bem estar social e não se tornar mais um elemento difusor de conflitos socioambientais.  Palavras-chave: APA. Patrimônio ambiental. Conflitos socioambientais.
AVALIAÇÃO QUALI-QUANTITATIVA DA ARBORIZAÇÃO DO BAIRRO JARDIM PRIMAVERA NA CIDADE DE PATO BRANCO – PR
Authors: Emer Aquélis Armiliato , Cadorin Danielle Acco , Mello Nilvania Aparecida de
Published: August 2015

Resumo: A arborização urbana é um importante elemento natural que confere qualidade ao ambiente e a vida do homem citadino. Apesar dos vários benefícios a presença de árvores no meio urbano não é isenta de conflitos, principalmente entre o espaço vegetal e o espaço físico disponível. Neste sentido, a realização de inventários sobre a arborização das cidades é de fundamental importância para que se possa realizar o planejamento e adequação das espécies ao ambiente. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a arborização viária presente no bairro Jardim Primavera na cidade de Pato Branco – PR. Os dados foram coletados no mês de fevereiro de 2013, sendo identificadas e avaliadas todas as árvores presentes nas ruas do bairro Jardim Primavera com DAP igual ou maior de 0,10 metros. Foram inventariados 424 espécimes, sendo constatada a predominância da espécie Ligustrum lucidum com 21,93% de frequência. Das espécies encontradas no bairro, 78% são de espécies exóticas. Foi verificado no momento do inventario que 89% dos espécimes não apresentavam poda recente e 76% das bifurcações estavam abaixo da recomendada. Foi constatado ainda que, 63% dos indivíduos estavam sob boa área livre, entretanto 7% estavam causando danos às calçadas. Foram verificadas injurias em 37% dos espécimes. Pode-se verificar que embora tenha sido encontrado um número grande de espécies, não houve um planejamento adequado da arborização do bairro, revelado pelo conflito existente com as calçadas e a falhas na composição estética da paisagem. Palavras-chaves: Espécies exóticas, Área livre, Injúrias.
BIODIFF: Diffractometer for large unit cells
Authors: Ostermann Andreas , Schrader Tobias
Published: August 2015

The single crystal diffractometer BIODIFF, which is jointly operated by the Technische Universität München and JCNS, Forschungszentrum Jülich, is designed to handle crystals with large unit cells and is dedicated to the structure determination of biological macromolecules. The main field of application is the neutron structure analysis of proteins, especially the determination of hydrogen atom positions.
HEiDi: Single crystal diffractometer at hot source
Authors: Meven Martin , Sazonov Andrew
Published: August 2015

The single crystal diffractometer HEiDi, which is operated by the Institute of Crystallography, RWTH Aachen University and JCNS, Forschungszentrum Jülich, is designed for detailed studies on structural and magnetic properties of single crystals using unpolarised neutrons and Bragg’s Law: 2dhklsinθ = λ (typically 0.55 Å <λ< 1.2 Å).
MIRA: Dual wavelength band instrument
Authors: Georgii Robert , Seemann Klaus
Published: August 2015

MIRA is a dual wavelength band instrument operated by Technische Universität München TUM, which provides neutrons over a wide range of wavelengths 3.5 Å < λ < 20 Å combining the two beam ports of MIRA-1 and MIRA-2. The instrument´s setup is modular and allows for various different cold neutron experiments such as diffraction, spectroscopy or reflectometry.
REFSANS: Reflectometer and evanescent wave small angle neutron spectrometer
Authors: Moulin Jean-François , Haese Martin
Published: August 2015

The horizontal reflectometer REFSANS, operated by GEMS, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, was designed to enable specular reflectometry as well as grazing incidence neutron scattering studies of both solid samples and liquid-air interfaces.
Investigating Effectiveness of In-Service Training Courses: Applications for In-Service Training of Tehran Municipality
Authors: Ghavidel Ali , Safari Mohammad
Published: August 2015

SMaking a responsive, favorable and efficient official system can be realized thorough training courses based on its current and future needs. The main aim of organizational trainings is facilitating organizations staff improvement in all aspects. On the other hand, what makes planning and administering organizational trainings legal, is their efficiency degrees. Since, the constant improvement of training system is a vital necessity in advancing organizational goals, this study tries to examine components affecting efficiency and effectiveness of in-service training in organizations. The results can be applied by authorities of short-term training courses of Tehran Municipality Organization. Outcomes of the present study revealed that some components like training need assessment and adjusting education system with organization strategies have key roles in improving efficiency and effectiveness of in-service training courses in organizations.