bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Environmental Turbulence on Market Orientation–Business Performance Relationship in SSIs
Authors: Andotra Neetu , Gupta Richa
Published: June 2016

Market orientation–performance relationship is moderated by competitive intensity, market turbulence and technological turbulence. The primary data for the study were collected using census method from 150 owners, sales managers and marketing managers of small-scale industries (SSIs) registered in Battal Ballian Industrial Estate in Udhampur, J&K. Output from moderated regression analysis revealed insignificant impact of market turbulence but significant impact of technological turbulence and competitive intensity on market orientation–business performance relationship. Subgroup analysis showed that higher the level of technological turbulence, weaker is the market orientation– business performance relationship, and higher the level of competitive intensity, higher is the market orientation–business performance relationship. The article suggests that SSIs should be induced to create a competitive environment by extending markets of their products, adding new products to their lines and catering to the needs of new sets of customers. They must keep themselves updated with new technologies through either collaboration with large-scale units or linkages with R&D labs within or outside India. Managers are suggested to use information technology effectively to enable new value creation processes, inter-functional coordination and linkages with external stakeholders. Further, the government should take steps to meet expansion needs of SSIs by providing concessional infrastructure conducive for competitiveness and business sustainability.
Eating Habits of Malaysian Children
Authors: Chong Kar Hau , Wu Suet Kei , Noor Hafizah Yatiman , Bragt Marjolijn C. E. , Poh Bee Koon ,   on behalf of the SEANUTS Malaysia Study Group
Published: June 2016

This article aims to describe the eating habits of Malaysian children using a nationally representative data set from the South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS) in Malaysia. A total of 2797 children aged 2 to 12 years were included in this analysis. Eating habits and dietary intakes of children were assessed using questionnaires. Overall, 56.1% of children consumed 3 main meals every day. Approximately 20% of children snacked 3 times per day, whereas 9.7% ate fast food on a weekly basis. Irregular meal patterns were significantly associated with lower micronutrient intakes, and the groups with higher odds for this pattern were older children, Malays, and those living in rural areas. Considering the relatively high rate of irregular meal consumption and its potential influence on dietary nutrient intake, persistent efforts must be continued to promote and inculcate healthy eating habits among children from an early age.
Receptive Ecumenism through Asia’s triple dialogue theology
Authors: Chia Edmund
Published: June 2016

The present article has as its premise that the objectives of Receptive Ecumenism, a method of engagement recently promoted in western churches, is already well captured by the Asian Church’s method of triple dialogue. Both emphasize the Christian community’s willingness to learn from rather than to teach their partners-in-dialogue. The contextual realities which gave rise to the Asian Church’s theology of dialogue with the poor, the religions and the cultures of Asia will be discussed, especially with reference to the teachings and experiences of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.
Global Pentecostal consultations – Receptive Ecumenism in practice or, ‘any friend of Jesus is a friend of mine’
Authors: Ormerod Neil
Published: June 2016

In 2012 and 2013 the author was privileged to attend two global consultations on Pentecostalism, one in Oxford, the other in Sydney, as the official Catholic observer, together with Tamara Grdzelidze representing the World Council of Churches (WCC). These consultations brought together Pentecostal theologians from all parts of the globe to discuss the present situation of Pentecostalism. The two consultations reveal the great diversity within Pentecostalism and their struggles to find their own place within the larger Christian ecumenical movement. The presence of a Catholic and WCC observer, plus papers from Orthodox and Baptist speakers indicate the willingness of the Pentecostal movement to both listen and speak to the broader Christian churches. In light of the various presentations at the two consultations this article will examine the global situation of Pentecostalism from a Catholic perspective, considering the challenges posed to and by this movement for the whole church.
On the maturation of Receptive Ecumenism: The connection between Receptive Ecumenism and Spiritual Ecumenism
Authors: Pizzey Antonia
Published: June 2016

While Receptive Ecumenism has great potential, certain points of its methodology require further elucidation. Searching for clarity over these aspects calls for a particular focus on the connection between Receptive Ecumenism and Spiritual Ecumenism. There are significant links between Receptive and Spiritual Ecumenism, such as an emphasis on interior conversion. However, there are also tensions between them, most notably surrounding the concept of the ecumenical gift exchange. This article proposes that Receptive Ecumenism cannot be properly understood without reference to Spiritual Ecumenism, and that, in fact, Spiritual Ecumenism enriches, and may provide the necessary criteria for, Receptive Ecumenism.
Revelation and love
Authors: Glyn SJ Justin
Published: June 2016

Revelation has traditionally been understood either as a propositional phenomenon or as a matter of the creation of a relationship with God. This article argues that, while there is truth in both views, revelation's central purpose is the manifestation of divine love, and the calling forth of love (for God and other humans) in response. To make its case, the article considers ‘special’ revelation in the Old and New Testaments and, finally, briefly examines the implications of this view for fundamental theology in general.
Breaking the Mold
Authors: Riley Treavor T. , Muzny Christina A. , Swiatlo Edwin , Legendre Davey P.
Published: June 2016

Objective: To review the current literature for the pathogenesis of mucormycosis, discuss diagnostic strategies, and evaluate the efficacy of polyenes, triazoles, and echinocandins as pharmacological treatment options. Data Sources: An electronic literature search was conducted in PubMed using the MESH terms Rhizopus, zygomycetes, zygomycosis, Mucorales and mucormycosis, with search terms amphotericin B, micafungin, anidulafungin, caspofungin, extended infusion amphotericin B, liposomal amphotericin B, combination therapy, triazole, posaconazole, isavuconazole, diagnosis, and clinical manifestations.Study Selection and Data Extraction: Studies written in the English language from January 1960 to March 2016 were considered for this review article. All search results were reviewed, and the relevance of each article was determined by the authors independently. Data Synthesis: Mucormycosis is a rare invasive fungal infection with an exceedingly high mortality and few therapeutic options. It has a distinct predilection for invasion of endothelial cells in the vascular system, which is likely important in dissemination of disease from a primary focus of infection. Six distinct clinical syndromes can occur in susceptible hosts, including rhino-orbital-cerebral, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, cutaneous, widely disseminated, and miscellaneous infection. Conclusion: Diagnosis of mucormycosis is typically difficult to make based on imaging studies, sputum culture, bronchoalveolar lavage culture, or needle aspirate. Surgical debridement prior to dissemination of infection improves clinical outcomes. Surgery combined with early, high-dose systemic antifungal therapy yields greater than a 1.5-fold increase in survival rates. The Mucorales are inherently resistant to most widely used antifungal agents. Amphotericin B is appropriate for empirical therapy, whereas posaconazole and isavuconazole are best reserved for de-escalation, refractory cases, or patients intolerant to amphotericin B.
Dirofilariasis Presenting as an Infiltrative Mass in the Right Buccal Space
Authors: Vélez-Pérez Anneliese , Liang Li , Syklawer Erica , Chavez Violeta , Zhang Songlin , Wanger Audrey
Published: June 2016

Dirofilariasis is caused by filarial nematodes (roundworms) of the genus Dirofilaria. Dirofilariasis of the oral mucosa is very rare. Herein, we report a case of a 79-year-old man who had a slowly growing infiltrative mass in the right buccal space. Histopathologic examination showed an inflammatory infiltrate with eosinophilia, histiocytes, and small organisms (0.2-0.3 mm). Digital images were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which identified the parasite as a nematode in the genus Dirofilaria. It appeared to be dead and degenerating, but external, fine longitudinal cuticular ridges and the presence of tall muscle cells were diagnostic. Thus, Dirofilaria, despite its rarity, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of tumor-like lesions in the buccal mucosa.
CD138 Expression Is Observed in the Urothelial Epithelium and in Various Urothelial Carcinomas, and Cannot Be Evidence for Plasmacytoid Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Goto Keisuke
Published: June 2016

CD138 (syndecan-1) immunoexpression has been reported to be specific for the plasmacytoid variant of urothelial carcinomas (UCs). The aim of this study was to examine the utility of CD138 immunohistochemistry for diagnosing the plasmacytoid variant of UCs. The extent and intensity of CD138 immunostaining were evaluated in 22 infiltrating UCs, 2 other infiltrating carcinomas, 15 noninvasive urothelial lesions, 3 other benign lesions, and perilesional normal tissues. CD138 immunostaining of the normal urothelial epithelium was universally diffuse and strong. In addition, all 42 cases of urinary tract lesions exhibited positive CD138 immunostaining; however, 1 of 3 plasmacytoid variants exhibited focal CD138 expression. The frequency of CD138 positivity in plasmacytoid variants may be relatively low, compared with that observed in the conventional types and other variants; thus, it is not appropriate to assume that CD138 expression in UCs is specific for plasmacytoid variants.
Unusual Histological Evidence of Dysplasia in a Case of Oral Pemphigus Vulgaris
Authors: Gissi Davide Bartolomeo , Tarsitano Achille , Baldovini Chiara , Gabusi Andrea
Published: June 2016

This report describes the management of an unusual case of oral pemphigus vulgaris (PV). The patient was referred for a painful single bullous lesion together with a small proliferative area localized in the soft palate. Histology and direct immunofluorescence data were consistent for PV but disclosed unusual signs of high-grade dysplasia in the proliferative area. At surgical removal of the dysplastic area 1 week after the start of cortisone therapy there was no evidence of dysplasia. Histological signs of high-grade dysplasia in oral mucosa are often associated with concurrent or subsequent carcinoma. However, severe inflammation may induce reactive epithelial cell changes and hence mimic histologic dysplasia. Pathologic evaluation of dysplasia in an inflammatory disease like PV may be a diagnostic challenge and a careful pathological evaluation is advisable before choosing between surgical and medical approach.
Rekindling individualism, consuming emotions: Constructing “psytizens” in the age of happiness
Authors: Cabanas Edgar
Published: June 2016

Happiness has become a new moral regime in neoliberal societies that defines what is right and wrong and stresses the insource of responsibility. More importantly, happiness stands out as a new model of selfhood that aligns with the neoliberal ideology of individualism and consumerism at the same time that legitimizes and rekindles this same ideology in seemingly nonideological terms through the discourse of science. The paper claims that this model of selfhood turns citizens into psytizens, that is, into psychological clients whose full functionality as individuals is largely tied to the pursuing, consuming, and development of their own happiness. The paper analyzes this notion of psytizen and its three main features, comments upon the happiness industry that simultaneously presupposes and targets this model of selfhood, and examines the role that happiness studies, in general, and positive psychology, in particular, play in shaping this emerging notion of citizenship.
Improving students’ predisposition towards physical education by optimizing their motivational processes in an acrosport unit
Authors: Abós Ángel , Sevil Javier , Julián José Antonio , Abarca-Sos Alberto , García-González Luis
Published: June 2016

Grounded in self-determination theory and achievement goal theory, this quasi-experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of a teaching intervention programme to improve predisposition towards physical education based on developing a task-oriented motivational climate and supporting basic psychological needs. The final sample consisted of 35 secondary education students, aged 15–17 ( M age = 15.35, SD = 0.49), divided into two groups: control ( n = 15) and experimental ( n = 20). The intervention programme was applied in the experimental group to 12 acrosport unit lessons based on motivational strategies by means of TARGET areas (i.e. Task, authority, recognition, grouping, evaluation and time). Firstly, the experimental group obtained significantly higher values in perceived support of the basic psychological needs and in the perceived task-oriented motivational climate in the acrosport unit. Secondly, this intervention was effective in generating a significant increase in predisposition towards physical education in the experimental group. Noteworthy is the need to generate interventions in different content areas that may improve students’ predisposition towards physical education, which could contribute to them adopting a more active lifestyle.
The explication of the social: Algorithms, drones and (counter-)terror
Authors: Curtis Neal
Published: June 2016

While drones are celebrated as the most precise form of weaponry that target specific individuals, this article argues that drone warfare still operates through the primary targeting of the environment. However, unlike earlier uses of bombs and rockets that targeted the physical environment, the drone apparatus – UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), cameras, servers, algorithms – primarily targets the social environment of those being surveilled in order to decide who should be killed. Monitoring, profiling and projecting ‘patterns of life’ from everyday communication, association and movement is the primary function of the drone apparatus as it searches for ‘signatures’ of hostility among the mass of data it accumulates. The drone apparatus therefore functions by making explicit the background sayings and doings of the enemy’s everyday life. To understand the nature of this explication of the social and its connection to contemporary warfare the article deploys the work of Peter Sloterdijk and his theory of ‘atmoterrorism’.
Reducing Premature Mortality in the Mentally Ill Through Health Promotion Programs
Authors: Price James H. , Khubchandani Jagdish , Price Joy A. , Whaley Cathy , Bowman Sharon
Published: June 2016

Nearly half of the U.S. adult population will have a major mental illness during their lifetimes. At any point in time, almost a fifth of all American adults have a serious mental illness (SMI). Too many in our society do not understand mental illnesses, placing the blame for the illness on those with the illness, resulting in isolation, marginalization, or incarceration of individuals with SMIs. They may experience stigma, inadequate and delayed health and mental health care, and major socioeconomic disadvantages. They may struggle with activities of daily living, lose many of their resources, and spiral down into poverty. The disadvantages and decreased ability to function experienced by individuals with SMIs lead to increased unhealthy behaviors, reduced participation in wellness-related activities, and premature morbidity and mortality. The general and physical health of individuals with SMIs poses greater challenges from both practice and research standpoints. However, health educators are poised uniquely to provide health promotion programs, conduct research, and advocate for the health and well-being of individuals with SMIs. In this review, we summarize the challenges and opportunities for health promotion in individuals with SMIs.
Nuestros Hijos van a la Universidad [Our Sons and Daughters Are Going to College]: Latina Parents’ Perceptions and Experiences Related to Building College Readiness, College Knowledge, and College Access for Their Children—A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Chlup Dominique T. , Gonzalez Elsa M. , Gonzalez Jorge E. , Aldape Hector F. , Guerra Mayra , Lagunas Brenda , Yu Qiong , Manzano Harold , Zorn Daniel R.
Published: June 2016

Data from a focus group of nine Latina parents, specifically mothers from a South Texas border region known as the Rio Grande Valley, were analyzed using a qualitative methodology. Grounded in the theory of social capital, the purpose of the study was to understand the perceptions and experiences of Latina parents related to accessing information and resources to aid their students in enrolling in postsecondary institutions. The study was an exploratory, descriptive, and qualitative one that used a naturalistic paradigm. Findings showed that Latina parents perceived gaining information and resources related to increasing their understanding of college readiness, college knowledge, and college access as challenging. In addition, findings indicate that despite challenges, the mothers did receive support along the way. As parents, they want to get their students not only to the college door but through the college door, declaring that their children will go to college. They recognize there are keys to helping guarantee access to college, and it is these keys that these mothers seek. Such findings are important because the national portrait of college enrollment and attainment of college degrees shows continuing inequalities based on class, race/ethnicity, and income, especially for Latina/o first-generation students. Yet, few studies have considered the perceptions and experiences of Latina/o parents related to accessing information and resources to support their students when preparing for, applying to, and enrolling in postsecondary institutions.
High School Youth’s Reactions to Participating in Mixed-Methodological Dating Violence Research
Authors: Edwards Katie M. , Haynes Ellen E. , Rodenhizer-Stämpfli Kara Anne
Published: June 2016

The present study used a sample of high school youth ( N = 218) and a mixed-methodological research design to examine high school students’ reactions to participating in focus groups and completing surveys that inquired about dating violence (DV). Results showed that showed that 1.5% ( n = 3) of the youth regretted participating in the study and 6% ( n = 12) were upset by the study questions; being upset was attributed to personal experiences with DV and being disturbed by peers’ responses during the focus group. Furthermore, 49% ( n = 99) of the youth reported feeling that they personally benefited from participating in the study for reasons such as learning ways to help friends in situations of DV. Results have implications for conducting mixed-methodological DV research with youth.
A Transformative Mixed Methods Assessment of Educational Access and Opportunity for Undocumented College Students in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Barnhardt Cassie L. , Reyes Kimberly , Vidal Rodriguez Angela , Ramos Marisol
Published: June 2016

The Southeastern United States is home to one of the most culturally resistant arenas for undocumented immigrant students to pursue postsecondary education. Using a transformative mixed methods approach, we explore the multidimensional dynamics of contention that are present as campus administrators navigate the process of serving a group of students who are marginalized due to their unresolved immigration status. Our article contributes to the methodological literature by exemplifying how transformative mixed methods are powerful tools for understanding how the oppression of vulnerable populations is institutionalized in organizational settings.
Therapeutic progress in pediatric intracranial dural arteriovenous shunts: A review
Authors: Yu Jinlu , Lv Xianli , Li Youxiang , Wu Zhongxue
Published: June 2016

Pediatric dural arteriovenous shunts (dAVSs) are a rare form of vascular disease: Fewer than 100 cases are reported in PubMed and the understanding of pediatric dAVS is limited. For this study, we searched in PubMed, reviewed and summarized the literature related to pediatric dAVSs. Our review revealed that pediatric dAVSs have an unfavorable natural history: If left untreated, the majority of pediatric dAVSs deteriorate. In a widely accepted classification scheme developed by Lasjaunias et al., pediatric dAVSs are divided into three types: Dural sinus malformation (DMS) with dAVS, infantile dAVS (IDAVS) and adult-type dAVS (ADAVS). In general, the clinical manifestations of dAVS can be summarized as having symptoms due to high-flow arteriovenous shunts, symptoms from retrograde venous drainage, symptoms from cavernous sinus involvement and hydrocephalus, among other signs and symptoms. The pediatric dAVSs may be identified with several imaging techniques; however, the gold standard is digital subtraction angiography (DSA), which indicates unique anatomical details and hemodynamic features. Effectively treating pediatric dAVS is difficult and the prognosis is often unsatisfactory. Transarterial embolization with liquid embolic agents and coils is the treatment of choice for the safe stabilization and/or improvement of the symptoms of pediatric dAVS. In some cases, transumbilical arterial and transvenous approaches have been effective, and surgical resection is also an effective alternative in some cases. Nevertheless, pediatric dAVS can have an unsatisfactory prognosis, even when timely and appropriate treatment is administered; however, with the development of embolization materials and techniques, the potential for improved treatments and prognoses is increasing.
Direct carotid-cavernous fistula: A complication of, and treatment with, flow diversion
Authors: Amuluru Krishna , Al-Mufti Fawaz , Gandhi Chirag D , Prestigiacomo Charles J , Singh I Paul
Published: June 2016

Direct carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are rare complications of flow diversion and have typically been documented in a subacute time frame after treatment. We present the first reported case of an intraprocedural direct CCF that developed immediately after flow diversion for treatment of a symptomatic paraclinoid right internal carotid artery aneurysm with a neck involving the cavernous segment. Endovascular treatment of such direct fistulas typically involves either transarterial obliteration of the fistulous site or transvenous embolization of the cavernous sinus. Our case was successfully treated with further immediate flow diversion without additional transvenous intervention. There are few reports on the use of flow diversion for treatment of such direct CCFs, and in all but one of these cases, flow diversion was combined with concomitant transvenous embolization. Thus, the presented case is not only the first reported case of an immediate CCF after flow diversion, but it is also only the second reported case of a direct fistula to be successfully treated using solely flow diversion, without additional transvenous intervention. We review the literature of direct CCFs after flow diversion, the pathophysiology of development of CCFs after flow diversion, the literature on treatment of CCFs with flow diversion as well as all other current treatment options.
Intracranial and visceral arterial embolization of a cardiac myxoma that was treated with endovascular stent-retriever therapy
Authors: McGowan Archie R , Thibodeau Cheryl , McGowan Amelia
Published: June 2016

We report a case of a ruptured left atrial myxoma with multiple synchronous sites of embolization, including the intracranial cerebral (left middle cerebral artery (MCA) and basilar), visceral (renal, superior mesenteric artery (SMA)) and peripheral circulatory beds (aorta and lower extremities). This synchronous embolization resulted in a catastrophic neurologic and systemic event. An intracranial stent retriever was used to restore cerebral circulation in the symptomatic left MCA distribution, which resulted in resolution of the acute neurologic deficits. Endovascular and open surgical interventions were later performed to address the residual cardiac mass and other embolic sites. The patient survived the event with the loss of her right leg below the knee and a transient dialysis requirement. The purpose of this case report is to document the successful utilization of a stent-retriever device in removing an embolized myxoma from the cerebral circulation, to review the unique pathology of this source of embolic stroke and to reiterate the importance of considering embolic and non-thrombotic etiologies of acute ischemic stroke, especially in atypical patient populations and patient presentations.
Approximation of minimal toric Bézier patch
Authors: Sun Lan-Yin , Zhu Chun-Gang
Published: June 2016

Toric Bézier patches are a multi-sided generalization of classical rational Bézier patches which are widely used in free-form surface modeling. In this article, we study the problem of finding the patch with minimal area among all possible toric Bézier patches with the given boundaries, that is, the Plateau–toric Bézier problem, and obtain an approximation of minimal toric Bézier patch. Some representative examples are given to verify our results.
Functional inhibition of chemokine receptor CCR2 by dicer-substrate-siRNA prevents pain development
Authors: Bégin-Lavallée Valérie , Midavaine Élora , Dansereau Marc-André , Tétreault Pascal , Longpré Jean-Michel , Jacobi Ashley M , Rose Scott D , Behlke Mark A , Beaudet Nicolas , Sarret Philippe
Published: June 2016

Background

Accumulating evidence suggests that the C-C chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2, or monocyte chemoattractant protein 1) acts as a neuromodulator in the central nervous system through its binding to the C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2). Notably, it is well established that the CCL2/CCR2 axis plays a key role in neuron-glia communication as well as in spinal nociceptive transmission. Gene silencing through RNA interference has recently emerged as a promising avenue in research and drug development, including therapeutic management of chronic pain. In the present study, we used 27-mer Dicer-substrate small interfering RNA (DsiRNA) targeting CCR2 and assessed their ability to reverse the nociceptive behaviors induced by spinal CCL2 injection or following intraplantar injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant.

Results

To this end, we first developed high-potency DsiRNAs designed to target different sequences distributed across the rat CCR2 (rCCR2) messenger RNA. For optimization, methyl groups were added to the two most potent DsiRNA candidates (Evader and M7 2′-O-methyl modified duplexes) in order to improve in vivo duplex stability and to reduce potential immunostimulatory activity. Our results demonstrated that all modified candidates formulated with the cell-penetrating peptide reagent Transductin showed strong RNAi activity following intrathecal delivery, exhibiting >50% rCCR2 knockdown in lumbar dorsal root ganglia. Accordingly, we found that these DsiRNA duplexes were able to reduce spinal microglia activation and were effective at blocking CCL2-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Along with similar reductions of rCCR2 messenger RNA, both sequences and methylation patterns were similarly effective in inhibiting the CCL2 nociceptive action for the whole seven days testing period, compared to mismatch DsiRNA. DsiRNAs against CCR2 also reversed the hypernociceptive responses observed in the complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced inflammatory chronic pain model.

Conclusion

Altogether, these results validate CCR2 as a an appropriate molecular target for pain control and demonstrate that RNAi-based gene therapy represent an highly specific alternative to classical pharmacological approaches to treat central pathologies such as chronic pain.
Voluntary and evoked behavioral correlates in neuropathic pain states under different social housing conditions
Authors: Pitzer Claudia , Kuner Rohini , Tappe-Theodor Anke
Published: June 2016

Background

There is an urgent need to develop and incorporate novel behavioral tests in classically used preclinical pain models. Most rodent studies are based upon stimulus-evoked hindpaw measurements even though chronic pain is usually a day and night experience. Chronic pain is indeed a debilitating condition that influences the sociability and the ability for voluntary tasks, but the relevant behavioral readouts for these aspects are mostly under-represented in the literature. Moreover, we lack standardization in most behavioral paradigms to guarantee reproducibility and ensure adequate discussion between different studies. This concerns not only the combination, application, and duration of particular behavioral tasks but also the effects of different housing conditions implicating social isolation.

Results

Our aim was to thoroughly characterize the classically used spared nerve injury model for 12 weeks following surgery. We used a portfolio of classical stimulus-evoked response measurements, detailed gait analysis with two different measuring systems (Dynamic weight bearing (DWB) system and CatWalk), as well as observer-independent voluntary wheel running and home cage monitoring (Laboras system). Additionally, we analyzed the effects of social isolation in all behavioral tasks. We found that evoked hypersensitivity temporally matched changes in static gait parameters, whereas some dynamic gait parameters were changed in a time-dependent manner. Interestingly, voluntary wheel running behavior was not affected in spared nerve injury mice but by social isolation. Besides a reduced climbing activity, spared nerve injury mice did not showed tremendous alterations in the home cage activity.

Conclusion

This is the first longitudinal study providing detailed insights into various voluntary behavioral parameters related to pain and highlights the importance of social environment on spontaneous non-evoked behaviors in a mouse model of chronic neuropathy. Our results provide fundamental considerations for future experimental planning and discussion of pain-related behavioral changes.
NGF-trkA signaling modulates the analgesic effects of prostatic acid phosphatase in resiniferatoxin-induced neuropathy
Authors: Wu Chieh-Hsin , Ho Wan-Yi , Lee Yi-Chen , Lin Chih-Lung , Hsieh Yu-Lin
Published: June 2016

Background

Neuropathic pain in small-fiber neuropathy results from injury to and sensitization of nociceptors. Functional prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) acts as an analgesic effector. However, the mechanism responsible for the modulation of PAP neuropathology, which leads to loss of the analgesic effect after small-fiber neuropathy, remains unclear.

Results

We used a resiniferatoxin (RTX)-induced small-fiber neuropathy model to examine whether functional PAP(+) neurons are essential to maintain the analgesic effect. PAP(+) neurons were categorized into small to medium neurons (25th–75th percentile: 17.1–23.7 µm); these neurons were slightly reduced by RTX ( p = 0.0003). By contrast, RTX-induced activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), an injury marker, in PAP(+) neurons (29.0% ± 5.6% vs. 0.2% ± 0.2%, p = 0.0043), indicating PAP neuropathology. Moreover, the high-affinity nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor (trkA) colocalized with PAP and showed similar profiles after RTX-induced neuropathy, and the PAP/trkA ratios correlated with the degree of mechanical allodynia ( r = 0.62, p = 0.0062). The NGF inducer 4-methylcatechol (4MC) normalized the analgesic effects of PAP; specifically, it reversed the PAP and trkA profiles and relieved mechanical allodynia. Administering 2.5S NGF showed similar results to those of administering 4MC. This finding suggests that the analgesic effect of functional PAP is mediated by NGF-trkA signaling, which was confirmed by NGF neutralization.

Conclusions

This study revealed that functional PAP(+) neurons are essential for the analgesic effect, which is mediated by NGF-trkA signaling.
Using theory to design, implement and evaluate sustained nurse domestic violence screening and supportive care
Authors: Hooker Leesa , Taft Angela
Published: June 2016

Domestic violence is prevalent and harmful for abused women and children and damages women’s capacity to maintain wellbeing and parent effectively. As women’s health is likely to be poor, greater identification and support by nurses for abused women is needed. The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of theory in nursing intervention research on domestic violence and how the application of implementation theory can be used to promote programme sustainability. In particular, we discuss the use of Normalization Process Theory (NPT) in the MOVE (improving maternal and child health care for vulnerable mothers) study, a randomised controlled trial which aimed to increase nurse inquiry, safety planning and referral of abused women. NPT was used in the participatory action research and design stage of the trial, in the implementation and process evaluation phases. In conclusion, the use of implementation theory in nursing research can enhance the uptake of complex interventions, address the knowledge–practice gap and potentially improve outcomes for women experiencing domestic violence.
The potential power of robotics for upper extremity stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Dukelow Sean P
Published: June 2016

Two decades of research on robots and upper extremity rehabilitation has resulted in recommendations from systematic reviews and guidelines on their use in stroke. Robotics are often cited for their ability to encourage mass practice as a means to enhance recovery of movement. Yet, stroke recovery is a complex process occurring across many aspects of neurologic function beyond movement. As newer devices are developed and enhanced assessments are integrated into treatment protocols, the potential of robotics to advance rehabilitation will continue to grow.
Stroke recurrence among South Asians with diabetes in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Dhamoon Mandip S , Zhou Limei , Stamplecoski Melissa , Kapral Moira , Shah Baiju
Published: June 2016

Background

South Asians have more vascular risk factors, earlier cardiovascular disease onset, and higher stroke mortality than non-South Asians. However, ethnic differences in long-term outcomes post-stroke in diabetics are unclear.

Aims

We compared cardiovascular outcome risk after first ischemic stroke between South Asian and non-South Asian diabetics.

Methods

Using population-based health care databases in Ontario, Canada, we selected all patients with diabetes hospitalized with first ischemic stroke between 1 April 2002 and 31 March 2012, and assigned South Asian versus non-South Asian ethnicity using a validated surname algorithm. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis estimated survival functions, and competing risk models estimated hazards of death, stroke, and myocardial infarction. The primary predictor was ethnicity, and models were adjusted for demographics and vascular risk factors. Sensitivity analysis including adjustment for medication use was performed in those aged ≥65 years.

Results

There were 25,495 diabetics with first ischemic stroke; 840 were South Asian. South Asians were younger, more often male, had lower income, and had shorter Ontario residency compared to non-South Asians. South Asians had higher incidence and cumulative risk of recurrent stroke. In fully adjusted competing risk models, recurrent stroke rate was increased among South Asians compared to non-South Asians (HR 1.17 [95% CI 1.00–1.38]) in the whole cohort and in those aged ≥65 years, both with adjustment for medication use (HR 1.23 [1.01–1.50]) and without (1.27 [1.04–1.54]).

Conclusions

In this large population-based study, South Asian diabetic stroke patients had higher recurrent stroke rates compared to non-South Asians, despite a younger age profile. Further research is needed to reduce stroke burden in South Asians.
Perceptions, awareness and knowledge of the Female Athlete Triad amongst coaches – Are we meeting the expectations for athlete safety?
Authors: Mukherjee Swarup , Chand Vishal , Wong Xiao X , Choong Pamela P , Lau Vera SM , Wang Sandra CL , Tou Nien X , Ng Kok W
Published: June 2016

Female Athlete Triad (FATr) is a condition with the potential of long-term adverse effects on health and sports performance in female athletes. Coaches’ awareness and knowledge can play a critical role for primary prevention, early detection, and management of the triad. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the awareness, knowledge and perceptions of Singaporean coaches on Female Athlete Triad. The study was a cross-sectional survey with 106 participant coaches (81 males; 25 females) from the Singapore National Registry of Coaches. A 31-item questionnaire was developed to determine the perceptions, awareness, and knowledge on Female Athlete Triad. The coaches’ responses were obtained in the presence of the research team. Data analyzed included demographic and coaching practice information, awareness and knowledge levels, gender differences in knowledge and differences in awareness, and knowledge between participants with different levels of coaching qualification. A 100% response rate was achieved. The knowledge levels were found to be low with 85% coaches not having heard of the Female Athlete Triad, 89% coaches not able to identify at least one component of the triad, and only two coaches being able to correctly identify the three components of Female Athlete Triad. A significant proportion of coaches had misperceptions related to low body fat, leanness, menstrual irregularity, and bone health in female athletes. There was no significant difference in knowledge based on gender, level of coaching qualification, and years of coaching experience. Coaches have low levels of awareness and knowledge on Female Athlete Triad. The misperceptions and knowledge gaps need to be addressed through multifaceted coach education programs developing the awareness and knowledge on Female Athlete Triad, skills for early recognition of warning signs, early athlete referral to health professionals and attitudes and skills for regular communication with the athletes on nutrition, menstrual history, and bone health.
When is a conflict a crisis? On the aesthetics of the Syrian civil war in a social media context
Authors: Meis Mareike
Published: June 2016

This article examines mobile phone videos that have been disseminated via YouTube since the beginning of the Syrian civil war to illustrate how media aesthetics and public discourse interact in the perception and interpretation of conflicts as crises. The Syrian civil war has shown that scenes of immediate protest and military action recorded on mobile phones become instruments of war and conflict as they bear a new aesthetics that influences the perception and interpretation of the situation in Syria. The article introduces a research perspective that is informed by discourse analysis and media aesthetics and can be used for the study of the perception and interpretation of war and conflict in relation to social media in general and mobile phone videos in particular. By providing new insights from this perspective for the study of war and conflict reporting, it furthers the debate on the perceptive and interpretive impact of images.
Management of Life-Threatening Arterial Hemorrhage Following a Fragility Fracture of the Pelvis in the Anticoagulated Patient
Authors: Weber Christian David , Herren Christian , Dienstknecht Thomas , Hildebrand Frank , Keil Sebastian , Pape Hans-Christoph , Kobbe Philipp
Published: June 2016

Background:

Life-threatening arterial bleeding from fragility fractures of the pelvis are very rare but associated with significant mortality, especially in anticoagulated patients.

Case Description:

We report the successful interdisciplinary management of a 78-year-old woman under anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy who had life-threatening arterial hemorrhage from the pubic rami following a fragility fracture of the pelvis. Our management strategy included early hemorrhage control by means of selective arterial embolization followed by surgical fracture stabilization and surgical hematoma evacuation.

Literature Review:

We identified 6 cases within the English literature, all involving females older than 70 years. All patients under anticoagulation developed hemorrhagic shock, and in 2 cases selective embolization contributed to survival of the patient. However, a combined management including fracture stabilization and hematoma evacuation has not been reported, allowing an excellent clinical outcome and discharge to geriatric rehabilitation.

Clinical Relevance:

This case illustrates that elderly patients with apparently benign pelvic fragility fractures might develop severe hemorrhage due to arterial injury, especially when under dual anticoagulation, and stresses the importance of a high index of suspicion. If bleeding is suspected, detailed imaging studies are necessary to determine the source of bleeding and immediate angiographic or surgical interventions in combination with volume resuscitation and coagulation therapy should be readily available.
A Twin Study Examining Rumination as a Transdiagnostic Correlate of Psychopathology
Authors: Johnson Daniel P. , Rhee Soo Hyun , Friedman Naomi P. , Corley Robin P. , Munn-Chernoff Melissa A. , Hewitt John K. , Whisman Mark A.
Published: June 2016

This study examined the genetic and environmental influences on rumination and its associations with several forms of psychopathology in a sample of adult twins ( N = 744). Rumination was significantly associated with major depressive disorder, depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety disorder, eating pathology, and substance dependence symptoms. There were distinct patterns of etiological overlap between rumination and each form of psychopathology; rumination had considerable genetic overlap with depression, modest genetic overlap with eating pathology, and almost no genetic overlap with substance dependence. Findings further suggest considerable overlap between genetic and environmental influences on rumination and those contributing to the covariance between forms of psychopathology. Results were specific to ruminative thought and did not extend to self-reflection. These findings support the conceptualization of rumination as a transdiagnostic correlate and risk factor for psychopathology and also suggest that the biological and environmental mechanisms linking rumination to psychopathology may differ depending on the disorder.
A Nation Divided
Authors: Noy Shiri , O’Brien Timothy L.
Published: June 2016

Elites often mobilize science and religion to support opposing positions on issues ranging from abortion to families to criminal justice. However, there is little research on the extent to which public preferences for scientific and religious understandings relate to public opinion about these and other controversies. The authors analyze how perspectives on science and religion map onto public attitudes about a wide range of social, political, and economic issues. Using General Social Survey data, the authors find that individuals oriented toward either science or religion hold differing attitudes in nearly every domain investigated. However, individuals whose worldviews incorporate both science and religion stand apart in surprising ways, which suggests that this third perspective is not located on a conventional liberal-conservative spectrum. Previous research has identified religious-scientific perspectives as a basis for polarization about issues that intersect science and religion, but the authors find that the conflict is far more widespread.
A review of the structural architecture of tellurium oxycompounds
Authors: Christy A. G. , Mills S. J. , Kampf A. R.
Published: June 2016

Relative to its extremely low abundance in the Earth's crust, tellurium is the most mineralogically diverse chemical element, with over 160 mineral species known that contain essential Te, many of them with unique crystal structures. We review the crystal structures of 703 tellurium oxysalts for which good refinements exist, including 55 that are known to occur as minerals. The dataset is restricted to compounds where oxygen is the only ligand that is strongly bound to Te, but most of the Periodic Table is represented in the compounds that are reviewed. The dataset contains 375 structures that contain only Te4+cations and 302 with only Te6+, with 26 of the compounds containing Te in both valence states. Te6+was almost exclusively in rather regular octahedral coordination by oxygen ligands, with only two instances each of 4- and 5-coordination. Conversely, the lone-pair cation Te4+displayed irregular coordination, with a broad range of coordination numbers and bond distances. A threshold was applied for Te4+–O links of ∼2.45 Å or 0.3 valence units with some flexibility, as a criterion to define strongly bound Te–O polymers and larger structural units. Using this criterion, Te4+cations display one-sided 3-, 4- or 5-coordination by oxygen (with rare examples of coordination numbers 2 and 6). For both valence states of Te, examples are known of TemOncomplexes which are monomeric (m= 1; neso), noncyclic finite oligomers (soro), rings (cyclo), infinite chains (ino), layers (phyllo) and frameworks (tecto tellurates). There is a clear analogy to the polymerization classes that are known for silicate anions, but the behaviour of Te is much richer than that of Si for several reasons: (1) the existence of two cationic valence states for Te; (2) the occurrence of multiple coordination numbers; (3) the possibility of edge-sharing by TeOnpolyhedra; (4) the possibility for oxygen ligands to be 3-coordinated by Te; and (5) the occurrence of TemOnpolymers that are cationic, as well as neutral or anionic. While most compounds contain only one or two symmetrically distinct types of Te atom, Pauling's Fifth Rule is frequently violated, and stoichiometrically simple compounds such as CaTeO3can have polymorphs with up to 18 distinct Te sites. There is a tendency for local symmetry features such as the threefold axis of a TeO6octahedron or the acentric symmetry of a Te4+Onpolyhedron to be inherited by the host structure; the latter in particular can lead to useful physical properties such as nonlinear optical behaviour. We develop for the first time a hierarchical taxonomy of Te-oxysalt structures, based upon (1) valence state of Te; (2) polymerization state of TemOncomplexes; (3) polymerization state of larger strongly-bound structural units that include non-Te cations. Structures are readily located and compared within this classification.
Allele-specific DNA methylation reinforces PEAR1 enhancer activity
Authors: Izzi Benedetta , Pistoni Mariaelena , Cludts Katrien , Akkor Pinar , Lambrechts Diether , Verfaillie Catherine , Verhamme Peter , Freson Kathleen , Hoylaerts Marc F.
Published: June 2016

Key Points

Rs12041331 is the first functional CpG-SNP related to platelet function whose regulatory mechanism depends on DNA methylation. Rs12041331 marks allele-specific methylation at the CpG island encompassing the first untranslated exon during megakaryopoiesis.