bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cranberry Products for the Prophylaxis of Urinary Tract Infections in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Durham Spencer H. , Stamm Pamela L. , Eiland Lea S.
Published: September 2015

Objective: To evaluate the existing data regarding the use of cranberry products for the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pediatric patients. Data Sources: A literature search of Medline databases from 1966 to June 2015 was conducted. Study Selection and Data Extraction: The databases were searched using the terms “pediatrics,” “children,” “cranberry,” “cranberry juice,” and “urinary tract infections.” The identified trials were then searched for additional references applicable to this topic. Data Synthesis: A total of 8 clinical trials were identified that examined the use of cranberry products, mostly juice, for the prevention of UTIs in children. Three trials examined the use in otherwise healthy children. Five trials examined the use in pediatric patients with underlying urogenital abnormalities of which 2 compared cranberry to antibiotics. In healthy pediatric patients, cranberry use was associated with a reduction in the overall number of UTIs and a decrease in the number of antibiotic days per year for UTI treatment. In patients with urogenital abnormalities, results were conflicting, with some studies showing no reduction in UTIs compared with placebo, but others demonstrating a significant reduction. However, cranberry products had similar efficacy when compared with both cefaclor and trimethoprim. All studies used a wide variety of doses and frequencies of cranberry, making specific product recommendations difficult. Conclusions: Cranberry appears effective for the prevention of UTIs in otherwise healthy children and is at least as effective as antibiotics in children with underlying urogenital abnormalities. However, recommendations for cranberry dosing and frequency cannot be confidently made at this time. Larger, well-designed trials are recommended.
Joint Mobilization and Stretching Exercise vs Steroid Injection in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Celik Derya , Kuş Gamze , Sırma Serkan Önder
Published: September 2015

Background:

This study compared the effectiveness of joint mobilization combined with stretching exercises (JM&Str) vs steroid injection (SI) in the treatment of plantar fasciitis (PF).

Methods:

A total of 43 patients (mean age, 45.5 ± 8.5 years; range, 30-60 years; 23 females) with PF were randomly assigned to receive either JM&Str (n = 22) or SIs (n = 21). JM&Str was applied 3 times per week for 3 weeks for a total of 9 visits. The SI group received 1 injection at baseline. The patients’ functional scores were assessed using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Outcomes of interest were captured at baseline and at 3-week, 6-week, 12-week, and 1-year follow-ups. The primary aim was examined using a mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA). Pairwise comparisons were performed to examine differences between the baseline and follow-up periods using Bonferroni equality at an alpha level of 0.05.

Results:

Age, sex, body mass index, and dorsiflexion range of motion did not significantly impact pain relief or functional outcome ( P > .05) at the 3-, 6- or 12-week follow-ups compared to baseline. Planned pairwise comparisons demonstrated significant improvements in pain relief and functional outcomes in both groups ( P < .05) at the 3-, 6-, and 12-week follow-ups compared to baseline. However, at the 12-week and 1-year follow-ups, pain and functional outcomes were significantly improved in only the JM&Str group ( P = .002). The overall group-by-time interaction was statistically significant for both FAAM ( P = .001; F = 7.0) and VAS ( P = .001; F = 8.3) scores. Between-group differences favored the SI group at the 3-week ( P = .001, P = .001), 6-week ( P = .002, P = .001), and 12-week ( P = .008, P = .001) follow-ups for pain relief and functional outcomes. However, no significant differences ( P = .62, P = .57) were detected in the measured outcomes at the 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated that while both groups achieved significant improvements at the 3-, 6-, and 12-week follow-ups, the SI group exhibited better outcomes at all 3 time points. The noted improvements continued in only the JM&Str group for a period of time ranging from 12 weeks to 1 year.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, comparative study.
Revisiting Hartert’s 1962 Calculation of the Physical Constants of Thrombelastography
Authors: Hochleitner Gerald , Sutor Ken , Levett Caroline , Leyser Harald , Schlimp Christoph J. , Solomon Cristina
Published: September 2015

Thrombelastography (TEG)/thromboelastometry (ROTEM) devices measure viscoelastic clot strength as clot amplitude (A). Transformation of clot amplitude into clot elasticity (E with TEG; CE with ROTEM) is sometimes necessary (eg, when calculating platelet component of the clot). With TEG, clot amplitude is commonly transformed into shear modulus (G; expressed in Pa or dyn/cm2) as follows: G = (5000 × A)/(100 – A). Use of the constant “5000” stems from Hartert's 50-year-old calculation of G for a normal blood clot. We question the value of calculating G as follows: (1) It may be questioned whether TEG/ROTEM analysis enable measurement of elasticity because viscosity may also contribute to clot amplitude. (2) It has been suggested that absolute properties of a blood clot cannot be measured with TEG/ROTEM analysis because the strain amplitude applied by the device is uncontrolled and changes during the course of coagulation. (3) A review of the calculation of G using Hartert's methods and some updated assumptions suggests that the value of 5000 is unreliable. (4) Recalculation of G for the ROTEM device yields a different value from that with Hartert TEG, indicating a degree of inaccuracy with the calculations. (5) Shear modulus is simply a multiple of E/CE and, because of the unreliability of G in absolute terms, it provides no additional value versus E/CE. The TEG and ROTEM are valuable coagulation assessment tools that provide an evaluation of the viscoelastic properties of a clot, not through measuring absolute viscoelastic forces but through continuous reading of the clot amplitude relative to an arbitrary, preset scale.
Veiling and Unveiling
Authors: Scotti Victoria , Aicher Angela Libby
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this study was to engage in a collaborative, artistic inquiry to examine the self–other processes of transference and counter transference. Over the course of 10 weeks, the two researcher-participants co-constructed several self-portraits using sheets of acetate transparencies positioned in-between them. They gathered and analyzed data using collaborative paintings, photography, journal entries, letter writing, dialogue, and an art installation. Findings were synthesized and represented in the form of an audiovisual compilation.
What Predicts a Good Adolescent to Adult Transition in ADHD? The Role of Self-Reported Resilience
Authors: Schei Jorun , Nøvik Torunn Stene , Thomsen Per Hove , Lydersen Stian , Indredavik Marit S. , Jozefiak Thomas
Published: September 2015

Objective: ADHD is a disorder associated with impairment and comorbid psychiatric problems in young adulthood; therefore, factors that may imply a more favorable outcome among adolescents with ADHD are of interest. Method: This study used a longitudinal design to assess whether adolescent personal resilience characteristics during adolescence protected against psychosocial impairment, depression, and anxiety 3 years later. Self-reported protective factors were used as baseline measures in the assessment of 190 clinically referred adolescents with ADHD. A semi-structured diagnostic interview was performed at the follow-up. Results: In a group of youth with ADHD, personal resilience characteristics were associated with better psychosocial functioning in young adulthood, and less depression and anxiety. Conclusion: Although further research is needed, these results indicate that personal resilience characteristics may be protective factors in the transitional period from adolescence to early adulthood.
Protecting the Environment
Authors: De Martino Samantha , Kondylis Florence , Zwager Astrid
Published: September 2015

The role of extrinsic versus intrinsic motivation in environmental decisions remain unresolved. We exploit data from a lab-in-the-field experiment to analyze the role of extrinsic and intrinsic incentives in shaping individual demand for a payment for environmental services (PES) program in São Paulo, Brazil. The lab-in-the-field experiment is a theoretical incentive program that offers annual payments to landholders in vulnerable watersheds for either conserving and/or restoring trees surrounding springs on their land to preserve and improve local water quality. Our findings suggest that, in contrast with predictions from rational choice theory, individuals’ responses to incentives are not monotonic. Landholders who took part in our lab-in-the-field experiment were randomly assigned to four offer levels and asked a double-bounded contingent valuation question to elicit a willingness to accept value. Landholders were less likely to accept the higher offers compared to the lowest offers. Given that the rational choice model fails to fully account for the role of incentives in shaping demand for PES, we then look at the interaction of the randomized incentive offers and individuals’ initial intrinsic motivations. We find that, while high monetary incentives crowd in demand of progovernment landholders, they crowd out demand of proenvironment and prosocial landholders. Overall, we find much evidence of heterogeneous responses.
New Evidence on the Price Effects of Cigarette Tax Competition
Authors: Carpenter Christopher S. , Mathes Michael T.
Published: September 2015

Multiple studies have shown that cigarette taxes are more than fully passed through to cigarette prices and that access to a nearby state with a lower cigarette tax also reduces local cigarette prices. We study two other sources of tax competition: nearby Native American reservations and online sales. Using quarterly data on local cigarette prices from 1976 to 2003, we show that the opening of a Native American casino within 25 miles of a city center is associated with a US$0.016–US$0.027 lower per-pack price, while a 50 percentage point increase in Internet penetration is associated with a US$0.22–US$0.25 per-pack price reduction. These effects are not observed for other local prices for which there is no potential tax savings. Our results further our understanding of how tax competition affects local cigarette prices and provide context to studies linking Native American reservations and Internet penetration to cigarette smuggling.
Right ventricular marginal branch occlusion after blunt force trauma to the chest
Authors: Jadhav Nikhil , Gupta Pritha , Press Marcella Calfon
Published: September 2015

Coronary artery occlusion following a blunt trauma is a rare complication. We report a case of a 56-year-old man who experienced an intermediate code trauma following a motor vehicle accident. The patient had a visible ‘seat-belt sign’ and complained of chest pain. Initial electrocardiogram showed mild ST segment elevation accompanied by elevation of cardiac enzymes. Echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were consistent with right ventricular systolic dysfunction. Coronary angiogram revealed 100% occlusion of proximal right ventricular marginal branch. The patient was managed medically. This case presents a rare case of right ventricular marginal occlusion following blunt chest trauma.
Capturing the consumption of distance? A practice-theoretical investigation of everyday travel
Authors: Heisserer Barbara , Rau Henrike
Published: September 2015

This article contributes to current debates on (un)sustainable mobility by re-conceptualising everyday travel as a set of consumption practices. Treating physical mobility as ‘consumption of distance’ with considerable social, ecological and economic consequences, the article’s theoretical focus moves beyond conventional approaches that have hitherto dominated transport research and policy in Europe and beyond. In addition, it demonstrates how a carefully operationalised practice-theoretical approach can shed new light on the social and material contingency of human (travel) behaviour. By transforming qualitative evidence from Ireland into an innovative typology of commuting practices, this article captures the importance of intermeshing social and material contexts for people’s everyday consumption of distance. Overall, we seek to add to the already significant body of literature that evaluates the suitability of practice-theoretical core concepts to the empirical study of everyday life.
Mammillary Bodies in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Baloyannis Stavros J. , Mavroudis Ioannis , Baloyannis Ioannis S. , Costa Vassiliki G.
Published: September 2015

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by irreversible memory decline, concerning no rarely spatial memory and orientation, alterations of the mood and personality, gradual loss of motor skills, and substantial loss of capacities obtained by previous long education. We attempted to describe the morphological findings of the mammillary bodies in early cases of AD. Samples were processed for electron microscopy and silver impregnation techniques. The nuclei of the mammillary bodies demonstrated a substantial decrease in the neuronal population and marked abbreviation of dendritic arbors. Decrease in spine density and morphological abnormalities of dendritic spines was also seen. Synaptic alterations were prominent. Alzheimer’s pathology, such as deposits of amyloid-β peptide and neurofibrillary degeneration, was minimal. Electron microscopy revealed mitochondrial alterations and fragmentation of Golgi apparatus, associated frequently with synaptic pathology.
An architecture to facilitate interoperability of Discrete Event System Specification and Coalition Battle Management Language simulation models
Authors: Hosang Elizabeth , Wainer Gabriel A
Published: September 2015

The Joint Command, Control and Communications Information Exchange Data Model, Coalition Battle Management Language and Military Scenario Definition Language define formatted schemas that have been developed for use in military simulations. The Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) is used to create models whose behavior is defined in response to events in the simulated environment. The RESTful Interoperability Simulation Environment (RISE) provides a web-based interface for executing DEVS models. DEVS models can be used to simulate systems as diverse as natural disasters and traffic patterns. We present an application that uses formatted messaging to interact with a DEVS model running on the RISE server. The purpose of this is to demonstrate that a DEVS model can be executed as part of a larger, web-enabled synthetic environment, such as a military planning exercise.
Young Black Gay/Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Review and Content Analysis of Health-Focused Research Between 1988 and 2013
Authors: Wade Ryan M. , Harper Gary W.
Published: September 2015

Black young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (YGBMSM) are at high risk for negative health outcomes, though this population is underrepresented in the health literature. An extensive literature review and content analysis of health-related peer-reviewed articles (1988-2013) was conducted that targeted Black YGBMSM, examining five content areas: sexual health, health care, substance use, psychosocial functioning, and sociostructural factors. A coding sheet was created to collect information on all content areas and related subtopics and computed descriptive statistics. Out of 54 articles, most were published after 2004 ( N = 49; 90.7%) and addressed some aspect of sexual health ( N = 50; 92.6%). Few articles included content on psychosocial functioning, including bullying/harassment, suicide, and racial/ethnic identity. Data on health care delivery/receipt and health insurance were underrepresented; tobacco use and substance abuse were seldom addressed. Important sociostructural factors, including sexual networks and race-based discrimination, were poorly represented. Last, there was a noteworthy deficit of qualitative studies and research exploring intersectional identity and health. This review concludes that studies on Black YGBMSM health places sex at the forefront to the neglect of other critical health domains. More research is needed on the diverse health issues of a vulnerable and underexamined population.
Towards a pain free hospital: an in-depth qualitative analysis of the pain experiences of head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy
Authors: Pattison Natalie , Brown Matthew RD , Gubbay Anthony , Peacock Janet , Ross Joy R , Chapman Suzanne , Sauzet Odile , Williams John
Published: September 2015

Background:

Treatment for head and neck cancer can frequently be a painful experience with implications for patients in terms of quality of life, nutrition and ultimately treatment outcomes. Pain may arise for a number of reasons in this patient group including the influence of localised tissue damage from radiotherapy, the effects of chemotherapeutic agents as well as the disease process itself. Early identification of cancer pain, through screening and early analgesic and pain management are thought to be the most appropriate approaches to the problem.

Aim:

To explore in-depth, patients’ views of the experience of pain related to radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, within the context of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of pain screening and intervention.

Sample:

A purposive sample of head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy who were participating in a separate RCT of a proactive pain screening intervention.

Methods:

A qualitative design using one-off, face-to-face, in-depth interviews. Data were inductively analysed for themes using thematic analysis. Data were collected from September 2012 to January 2013.

Findings:

Eight participants were interviewed. Several issues around pain management arose and the influence of various factors became apparent. Four dominant themes emerged: facets of radiotherapy pain in head and neck cancer, facilitators and barriers to pain management, pain services and finally interdisciplinary working.

Conclusion:

The specific issues faced by head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy highlight the need for pain relieving interventions delivered by pain specialists, in tandem with the development of robust self-management strategies. An integrated approach to care is optimal, comprising pain screening at each outpatient encounter, and review by specialists as necessary.
Benchmarking facilities providing care: An international overview of initiatives
Authors: Thonon Frédérique , Watson Jonathan , Saghatchian Mahasti
Published: September 2015

We performed a literature review of existing benchmarking projects of health facilities to explore (1) the rationales for those projects, (2) the motivation for health facilities to participate, (3) the indicators used and (4) the success and threat factors linked to those projects. We studied both peer-reviewed and grey literature. We examined 23 benchmarking projects of different medical specialities. The majority of projects used a mix of structure, process and outcome indicators. For some projects, participants had a direct or indirect financial incentive to participate (such as reimbursement by Medicaid/Medicare or litigation costs related to quality of care). A positive impact was reported for most projects, mainly in terms of improvement of practice and adoption of guidelines and, to a lesser extent, improvement in communication. Only 1 project reported positive impact in terms of clinical outcomes. Success factors and threats are linked to both the benchmarking process (such as organisation of meetings, link with existing projects) and indicators used (such as adjustment for diagnostic-related groups). The results of this review will help coordinators of a benchmarking project to set it up successfully.
Testing Dyadic Mechanisms the Right Way
Authors: Chow Chong Man , Claxton Shannon E. , van Dulmen Manfred H. M.
Published: September 2015

Successfully managing and navigating romantic relationships is a key developmental task of emerging adulthood. While researchers increasingly use statistical analyses to accommodate the interdependent nature of romantic relationship data, there are very few applications and primers for comprehensively investigating moderation effects, especially in the structural equation modeling framework. The current article illustrates the application and extension of a dyadic analytical technique, the actor–partner interdependence model, to the study of romantic relationships in emerging adulthood, with a particular emphasis on testing different types of moderators (between-dyads, within-dyads, and mixed) and specifying latent variable interactions. We draw on concrete examples of various moderation hypotheses by examining the association between internalizing problems and threatening behaviors in dating couples. Finally, we conclude the article with suggestions for future directions.
Financial work incentives for disability benefit recipients: lessons from a randomised field experiment
Authors: Bütler Monika , Deuchert Eva , Lechner Michael , Staubli Stefan , Thiemann Petra
Published: September 2015

Disability insurance (DI) beneficiaries lose part or all of their benefits if earnings exceed certain thresholds (“cash-cliffs”). This implicit taxation is considered the prime reason for the low number of beneficiaries who expand work and reduce benefit receipt. We analyse a conditional cash programme that incentivises work related reductions of disability benefits in Switzerland. Four thousand DI beneficiaries received an offer to claim up to CHF 72,000 (USD 77,000) if they expand work and reduce benefits. Initial reactions to the programme announcement, measured by call-back rates, are modest. By the end of the field phase, the take-up rate is only 0.5 %.
Identification of the Functions of Liver X Receptor-β in Sertoli Cells Using a Targeted Expression-Rescue Model
Authors: Maqdasy Salwan , El Hajjaji Fatim-Zohra , Baptissart Marine , Viennois Emilie , Oumeddour Abdelkader , Brugnon Florence , Trousson Amalia , Tauveron Igor , Volle David , Lobaccaro Jean-Marc A. , Baron Silvère
Published: September 2015

Liver X receptors (LXRs) are key regulators of lipid homeostasis and are involved in multiple testicular functions. The Lxrα−/−;Lxrβ−/− mice have illuminated the roles of both isoforms in maintenance of the epithelium in the seminiferous tubules, spermatogenesis, and T production. The requirement for LXRβ in Sertoli cells have been emphasized by early abnormal cholesteryl ester accumulation in the Lxrβ−/− and Lxrα−/−;Lxrβ−/− mice. Other phenotypes, such as germ cell loss and hypogonadism, occur later in life in the Lxrα−/−;Lxrβ−/− mice. Thus, LXRβ expression in Sertoli cells seems to be essential for normal testicular physiology. To decipher the roles of LXRβ within the Sertoli cells, we generated Lxrα−/−;Lxrβ−/−:AMH-Lxrβ transgenic mice, which reexpress Lxrβ in Sertoli cells in the context of Lxrα−/−;Lxrβ−/− mice. In addition to lipid homeostasis, LXRβ is necessary for maintaining the blood-testis barrier and the integrity of the germ cell epithelium. LXRβ is also implicated in the paracrine action of Sertoli cells on Leydig cells to modulate T synthesis. The Lxrα−/−;Lxrβ−/− and Lxrα−/−;Lxrβ−/−:AMH-Lxrβ mice exhibit lipid accumulation in germ cells after the Abcg8 down-regulation, suggesting an intricate LXRβ-dependent cooperation between the Sertoli cells and germ cells to ensure spermiogenesis. Further analysis revealed also peritubular smooth muscle defects (abnormal lipid accumulation and disorganized smooth muscle actin) and spermatozoa stagnation in the seminiferous tubules. Together the present work elucidates specific roles of LXRβ in Sertoli cell physiology in vivo beyond lipid homeostasis.
Proportionate Dwarfism in Mice Lacking Heterochromatin Protein 1 Binding Protein 3 (HP1BP3) Is Associated With Alterations in the Endocrine IGF-1 Pathway
Authors: Garfinkel Benjamin P. , Arad Shiri , Le Phuong T. , Bustin Michael , Rosen Clifford J. , Gabet Yankel , Orly Joseph
Published: September 2015

Heterochromatin protein 1 binding protein 3 (HP1BP3) is a recently described histone H1-related protein with roles in chromatin structure and transcriptional regulation. To explore the potential physiological role of HP1BP3, we have previously described an Hp1bp3−/− mouse model with reduced postnatal viability and growth. We now find that these mice are proportionate dwarfs, with reduction in body weight, body length, and organ weight. In addition to their small size, microcomputed tomography analysis showed that Hp1bp3−/− mice present a dramatic impairment of their bone development and structure. By 3 weeks of age, mice of both sexes have severely impaired cortical and trabecular bone, and these defects persist into adulthood and beyond. Primary cultures of both osteoblasts and osteoclasts from Hp1bp3−/− bone marrow and splenocytes, respectively, showed normal differentiation and function, strongly suggesting that the impaired bone accrual is due to noncell autonomous systemic cues in vivo. One major endocrine pathway regulating both body growth and bone acquisition is the IGF regulatory system, composed of IGF-1, the IGF receptors, and the IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). At 3 weeks of age, Hp1bp3−/− mice exhibited a 60% reduction in circulating IGF-1 and a 4-fold increase in the levels of IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2. These alterations were reflected in similar changes in the hepatic transcripts of the Igf1, Igfbp1, and Igfbp2 genes. Collectively, these results suggest that HP1BP3 plays a key role in normal growth and bone development by regulating transcription of endocrine IGF-1 components.
Diversity of Reporter Expression Patterns in Transgenic Mouse Lines Targeting Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone-Expressing Neurons
Authors: Chen Yuncai , Molet Jenny , Gunn Benjamin G. , Ressler Kerry , Baram Tallie Z.
Published: September 2015

Transgenic mice, including lines targeting corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF or CRH), have been extensively employed to study stress neurobiology. These powerful tools are poised to revolutionize our understanding of the localization and connectivity of CRH-expressing neurons, and the crucial roles of CRH in normal and pathological conditions. Accurate interpretation of studies using cell type-specific transgenic mice vitally depends on congruence between expression of the endogenous peptide and reporter. If reporter expression does not faithfully reproduce native gene expression, then effects of manipulating unintentionally targeted cells may be misattributed. Here, we studied CRH and reporter expression patterns in 3 adult transgenic mice: Crh-IRES-Cre;Ai14 (tdTomato mouse), Crfp3.0CreGFP, and Crh-GFP BAC. We employed the CRH antiserum generated by Vale after validating its specificity using CRH-null mice. We focused the analyses on stress-salient regions, including hypothalamus, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and hippocampus. Expression patterns of endogenous CRH were consistent among wild-type and transgenic mice. In tdTomato mice, most CRH-expressing neurons coexpressed the reporter, yet the reporter identified a few non-CRH-expressing pyramidal-like cells in hippocampal CA1 and CA3. In Crfp3.0CreGFP mice, coexpression of CRH and the reporter was found in central amygdala and, less commonly, in other evaluated regions. In Crh-GFP BAC mice, the large majority of neurons expressed either CRH or reporter, with little overlap. These data highlight significant diversity in concordant expression of reporter and endogenous CRH among 3 available transgenic mice. These findings should be instrumental in interpreting important scientific findings emerging from the use of these potent neurobiological tools.
Tracking and transforming neocortical progenitors by CRISPR/Cas9 gene targeting and PiggyBac transposase lineage labeling
Authors: Chen Fuyi , Rosiene Joel , Che Alicia , Becker Albert , LoTurco Joseph
Published: September 2015

The ability to induce targeted mutations in somatic cells in developing organisms and then track the fates of those cells is a powerful approach both for studying neural development and for modeling human disease. The CRISPR/Cas9 system allows for such targeted mutagenesis, and we therefore tested it in combination with a piggyBac transposase lineage labeling system to track the development of neocortical neural progenitors with targeted mutations in genes linked to neurodevelopmental disruptions and tumor formation. We show that sgRNAs designed to target PTEN successfully decreased PTEN expression, and led to neuronal hypertrophy and altered neuronal excitability. Targeting NF1, in contrast, caused increased astrocytogenesis at the expense of neurogenesis, and combined targeting of three tumor suppressors (PTEN, NF1 and P53) resulted in formation of glioblastoma tumors. Our results demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9 combined with piggyBac transposase lineage labeling can produce unique models of neurodevelopmental disruption and tumors caused by somatic mutation in neural progenitors.
microRNA-31 modulates skeletal patterning in the sea urchin embryos
Authors: Stepicheva Nadezda A. , Song Jia L.
Published: September 2015

The microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that repress the translation and reduce the stability of target mRNAs in animal cells. microRNA-31 (miR-31) has been found to play a role in cancer, bone formation, and lymphatic development. However, limited studies have been conducted to understand function of miR-31 in embryogenesis. We examined the regulatory role of miR-31 in early development, using the sea urchin as a model. miR-31 is expressed in all stages of development and its knockdown (KD) disrupts the patterning and function of the primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs), which form the embryonic skeleton spicules. We identified miR-31 to repress directly Pmar1, Alx1, Snail and VegfR7 within the PMC gene regulatory network (GRN) using reporter constructs. Further, blocking the miR-31-mediated repression of Alx1 and/or VegfR7 genes in the developing embryo resulted in defects in PMC patterning and skeletogenesis. The majority of the mislocalized PMCs in miR-31 KD embryos did not express VegfR10, indicating that miR-31 regulated VegfRs within the PMCs. In addition, miR-31 indirectly suppresses Vegf3 expression in the ectoderm. These results indicate that miR-31 coordinately suppresses genes within the PMCs and in the ectoderm to impact PMC patterning and skeletogenesis. This study identifies the novel function and molecular mechanism of miR-31-mediated regulation in the developing embryo.
Amicon-adapted enhanced FASP: an in-solution digestion-based alternative sample preparation method to FASP
Authors: Pellerin David , Gagnon Hugo , Dubé Jean , Corbin Francois
Published: September 2015

Sample preparation is a crucial step for liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based proteomics. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is a powerful denaturing detergent that allows for long-term preservation of protein integrity. However, as it inhibits trypsin and interferes with LC-MS/MS analyses, it must be removed from samples prior to these experiments. The Filter-Aided Sample Preparation (FASP) method is actually one of the preferred and simplest methods for such purpose. Nonetheless, there exist great disparities in the quality of outcomes when comparing FASP to other protocols depending on the authors, and recent reports have pointed to concerns regarding its depth of proteome coverage. To address these issues, we propose an Amicon-adapted in-solution-based enhanced FASP (eFASP) approach that relies on current best practices in comprehensive proteomics sample preparation. Human megakaryoblastic leukaemia cancer cells’ protein extracts were treated in parallel with both Amicon-adapted eFASP and FASP, quantified for remaining SDS and then analyzed with a 1-hr gradient LC-MS/MS run. The Amicon-adapted eFASP utilizes a passivated low molecular weight cut-off Amicon filter, and incorporates a cleaning step with a high-content deoxycholate buffer and a ‘one-step-two-enzymes’ trypsin/Lys-C in-solution digestion. Amicon-adapted eFASP was found more reproducible and deepened proteome coverage, especially for membrane proteins. As compared to FASP, Amicon-adapted eFASP removed much of SDS from high-protein samples and reached a notable depth of proteome coverage with nearly 1,700 proteins identified in a 1 hr LC-MS/MS single-run analysis without prior fractionation. Amicon-adapted eFASP can therefore be regarded as a simple and reliable sample preparation approach for comprehensive proteomics.
A call to arms to help heal medicine’s greatest ailment - Publication bias and inadequate research transparency
Authors: Mayer Martin
Published: September 2015

The paradigm of evidence-based medicine has made impressive advancements since its conception and implementation, but publication bias and issues with inadequate research transparency have remained persistent and pestilent problems. These closely-related issues have markedly detrimental effects on the evidence base from which researchers operate and medical providers make health care decisions, and this can result in involuntary violation of professional and ethical duties and supererogatory motives to serve the public; likewise, it puts patients at risk of receiving medical interventions or advice based on incomplete or ill-understood evidence. By informing readers about the scope of these issues, the failed attempts to correct these issues, and current efforts underway (including a measure in which the lay population can participate), this article serves as a call to arms to help eradicate these incredibly important problems.
Impact of a structured review session on medical student psychiatry subject examination performance
Authors: Siddiqi Shan H. , Black Kevin J. , Womer Fay Y.
Published: September 2015

Introduction:

The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) subject examinations are used as a standardized metric for performance in required clerkships for third-year medical students. While several medical schools have implemented a review session to help consolidate knowledge acquired during the clerkship, the effects of such an intervention are not yet well-established. One prior study reported an improvement in NBME psychiatry examination scores with a 1.5-hour review session, but this study was limited by a small sample size and the fact that attendance at the review session was optional, leading to likely selection bias.

Methods:

A 1.5-hour structured review session was conducted for medical students in the last week of each 4-week psychiatry clerkship between September 2014 and July 2015. Students were required to attend unless excused due to scheduling conflicts. Scores on the NBME psychiatry subject exam were compared with those of students taking the examination in the corresponding time period in each of the previous two academic years.

Results:

83 students took the exam during the experimental period, while 176 took the exam during the control period. Statistically significant improvements were found in mean score (p=0.03), mean for the two lowest scores in each group (p<0.0007), and percentage of students scoring 70 or less (p=0.03). Percentage of students achieving the maximum possible score (99) was higher in the experimental group, but did not reach significance (p=0.06).

Conclusions:

An end-of-clerkship review session led to increased mean scores on the NBME psychiatry subject examination, particularly for students at the lower end of the score range. Future research should investigate the impact of such an intervention in other specialties and other institutions.
Constitutional-legal and political regime in modern Russia: the ratio and practice of realization
Authors: Мамычев Алексей , Mamychev Aleksey , Овчинников Алексей , Ovchinnikov Alyeksyey , Баранов Павел , Baranov Pavel
Published: September 2015

The article provides a conceptual-legal interpretation of the related concepts such as “the constitutional-legal regime”, “political regime”, “legal regime” and other. Defines their relationship and argues that is a constitutional-legal regime of a state. It is proved that the latter specifies the fundamental values of the legal regimes through various sectoral mechanisms, institutions, regulatory and institutional structures. The characteristic, specific properties and the boundaries of constitutional-legal regulation of the political system of modern Russia.
The method of measuring the mental state and the national legal reality in the Russian jurisprudence XXI century
Authors: Мордовцев Андрей , Mordovtsev Andrey , Мордовцева Татьяна , Mordovtseva Tatyana
Published: September 2015

The article presents an analysis of several aspects of the method of measurement of the mental national legal system. Exploring them, the authors argue for the importance of its heuristic for identifying the specifics of the Russian state and legal world, especially the key stages of its formation, the development of the most important political and legal institutions, and others.
Interactive complexity and comorbidity splits in Health Resource Group 4+
Authors: Barker James
Published: September 2015

The development of Health Resource Group 4+ (HRG4+) marks a significant enhancement to its Health Resource Group 4 (HRG4) predecessor, reflecting a large number of changes, including greater granularity; procedure and diagnosis hierarchy changes; intervention splits; and most notably, the introduction of interactive complexity and comorbidity (CC) splits. This article concentrates on the interactive CC splits, initially by explaining the underlying logic on which they are constructed, prior to a series of high-level analytical investigations into both their structure and activity volumes and provider case-mix distributions. Comparisons are made between both HRG versions, outlining the impact of HRGs that exhibit CC splits. In addition, the range of CC splits are presented and specific examples used to further highlight the switch from HRG4 to HRG4+. By using reference cost spell activity data for 2013/14, providers case-mix are analysed and activity profiles produced, that highlight significant and noticeable differences across providers.
Managing acute otitis media
Authors: Kochhar Suneeta
Published: September 2015

It is important to know how to treat problematic cases of this common infection, says Suneeta Kochhar
Mobile devices: research and inspiration
Authors: Sullivan Karen
Published: September 2015

The debate about mobile devices in the classroom has sparked up again. Karen Sullivan looks at the research and offers some ideas
Zielerreichung im Coaching und die Rolle von Kontextfaktoren
Authors: Hentrich Stephan , Müller Andreas , Zimber Andreas , Künzli Hansjörg
Published: September 2015

Der betriebliche Kontext, in dem ein Coachee arbeitet, könnte Einfluss auf den Erfolg eines Coachings ausüben. Der potenzielle Einfluss von Kontextfaktoren auf Ergebniskriterien im Coaching wurde bisher allerdings empirisch nicht untersucht. Es wurde angenommen, dass spezifische Arbeitsbedingungen, wie u. a. das soziale Klima, die Zielerreichung im Coaching erhöhen können. Die Ergebnisse der über drei Messzeitpunkte durchgeführten Verlaufsstudie mit N = 21 Coachees belegen positive Wirkungen von Coaching in Bezug auf die Zielerreichung. Darüber hinaus kann die Zielerreichung durch spezifische Kontextfaktoren vorhergesagt werden. Implikationen dieser Ergebnisse für die Praxis werden abschließend diskutiert.
Bioshock’s paranoid states: The gamer within a history of white male victimization
Authors: Ante-Contreras Daniel
Published: September 2015

This article looks at Bioshock and Bioshock 2 as games through which to explore the construction of the ‘gamer’ as a particular subjectivity within political discourse. In thinking about the historical moment when an understanding of gaming as an act performed by male adolescents emerged, the 1980s and its ‘myth of individualism’, it is possible to use and go beyond previous studies of Bioshock, which look primarily at dystopia and Objectivism, to offer a critique of the gamer as an ambivalent category in conversation with but divergent from libertarian politics. Discussing Bioshock and Bioshock 2 at the same time exposes the complex space beyond revolutionary and left/right politics offered to gamers. Broadening these concerns out into the larger history of gaming and to the formation of paranoid political styles, this article is invested in critically engaging with the myths and tropes of white male victimization that circulate through video games.
‘She’s a soldier, not a model’: Feminism, FemShep and the Mass Effect 3 vote
Authors: Lavigne Carlen
Published: September 2015

In the summer of 2011, Bioware held a Facebook vote to determine the ‘official’ face of Mass Effect 3’s female Commander Shepard, who was then to be featured in a game trailer and on the box art. It was presumably a feminist step forward for the Mass Effect franchise, which, although it allows gamers to play as either male or female, had always showcased a male Shepard in its advertisements and other marketing materials. The resulting ‘FemShep’ vote, however, created controversy in the gamer community. This article considers how FemShep’s distaff status affects her gender positioning, and further incorporates online articles and fan comments in arguing that Bioware’s vote positioned Shepard primarily (and predictably) as a sexual object for the pleasure of a straight male audience, thus corrupting Shepard’s already fragile status as a feminist lead.
Swipe To Unlock
Authors: Werning Stefan
Published: September 2015

Since the release of iconic devices like the Nintendo DS (2004) and particularly the first iPhone (2007), touchscreen interfaces have become almost omnipresent and arguably shaped a “touchscreen generation”. But how do touchscreen experiences operate as complex assemblages of material contingencies, electronics, algorithms and user interaction? And how do they function in actual software applications? In order to address these questions, the paper outlines a comparative software studies perspective, which comprises four consecutive steps. The introduction draws on cultural studies research on touchscreen interfaces to establish a theoretical framework for understanding the shifting epistemic status of the screen and the complex relationship between technical affordances and cognitive processes. Second, the paper explores aesthetic implications of the materiality of touchscreens, including the shift from vertical to horizontal navigational logic and the focus on physical contiguity in user experience design. Third, a series of short, interconnected case studies serves to illustrate the more specific implications on practices of media use and cultural production in a variety of applications. For example, apps like Vine evoke the ‘tangibility’ of digital material by allowing users to start and stop recording video by touching and releasing the screen respectively. Other, even more iconic examples include the swipe mechanic employed in Tinder and particularly the ‘swipe to unlock’ gesture used in the Android operating system. Finally, the previous findings are contextualised by briefly investigating the cultural imaginary of the touchscreen, which manifests itself in the form of haptic feedback as well as curved and even wearable touch-sensitive surfaces.
Eurosieroctwo jako problem społeczno-moralny.
Authors: Królczyk Małgorzata
Published: September 2015

Sieroctwo niezależnie od przyczyny jego powstania jest zawsze dla dziecka stanem niezwykle trudnym pod względem psychologicznym i społecznym zagrażającym prawidłowemu rozwojowi i kształtowaniu się tożsamości. Eurosieroctwo stanowi problem w wymiarze społecznym ze względu na jego zakres, różnorodne formy występowania, trudności zapobiegania i rozpoznawania sytuacji, które je powodują oraz możliwości kompensacji.Nieobecność choćby jednego z rodziców utrudnia proces wychowawczy. Rozłąka może być przyczyną depresji, braku poczucia bezpieczeństwa, zaburzeń zachowania, które z czasem się pogłębiają. Bliskość fizyczna to niezbędny element budowania więzi z dzieckiem. Rodzice choćby jak bardzo się starali, to rozmowy telefoniczne czy video rozmowy przez Internet nie zastąpią kontaktu z dzieckiem na żywo. Czułość, rozmowy, dotyk, przytulanie to czynności niezwykle ważne dla prawidłowego rozwoju dziecka. Warto przypomnieć, że żadne pieniądze nie są w stanie zrekompensować dziecku braku rodzica wtedy, gdy jest mu najbardziej potrzebny, gdy kształtuje się jego osobowość i psychika. Dlatego ważne jest uczulanie rodziców na zło, jakie mogą wyrządzić swoim dzieciom, wyjeżdżając za granicę. Trzeba podkreślić, iż dziecko ma prawo do wychowania. Prawo to może być najlepiej urzeczywistniane wtedy, gdy matka nie podejmuje pracy poza domem, lecz zajmuje się wychowaniem. Dzieci, by mogły rozwijać się jako osoby odpowiedzialne, dojrzałe moralnie i religijnie, by mogły być zrównoważone psychicznie, potrzebują miłości oraz uczucia matczynego i ojcowskiego. Ważnym zadaniem Szkoły i Kościoła jest trwać przy rodzinie, wspomagać ją i umacniać w hierarchii wartości młodych ludzi.Dobra szkoła - to przede wszystkim mądra szkoła, której zadaniem jest ukazanie młodym ludziom jak być człowiekiem naprawdę. Szkoła wymaga inwestycji i poświęcenia dla młodego człowieka. Dlatego właśnie w dzisiejszym świecie, w którym człowieczeństwo ulega destrukcji, Jezus potrzebuje swoich ludzi. Każdy  z nas winien przemyśleć czy ważniejszy jest pieniądz czy człowiek. Kiedyś Pedagog z Nazaretu zapyta: Co zrobiłeś aby oni byli wartościowymi ludźmi?
Profetyczny wymiar sprzeciwu sumienia
Authors: Wanat Zbigniew
Published: September 2015

Możliwość sprzeciwu sumienia przez ludzi różnych zawodów, w szczególności lekarzy i farmaceutów, jest zagadnieniem żywo dyskutowanym, zarówno w aspekcie prawnym, jak i etycznym. Autor artykułu proponuje dopełnić tę refleksję o perspektywę biblijną, która pozwala skojarzyć kategorię sumienia z nauczaniem i życiem proroków, i ukazać profetyczny wymiar sprzeciwu sumienia. W tym celu szkicuje biblijny aspekt sumienia i szerokiego zjawiska profetyzmu ukazując proroka jako sumienie narodu. Na tym tle przedstawia biblijne przykłady sprzeciwu sumienia w Starym Testamencie, sprzeciw sumienia w świetle słów i czynów Jezusa jako Proroka i wskazuje na cechy charakterystyczne owego sprzeciwu oraz na jego znaczenie dla współczesnego człowieka.