bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain networks sub-serving self-referential processing in depression
Authors: Wagner G. , Schachtzabel C. , Peikert G. , Bär K.J.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Persistent pondering over negative self-related thoughts is a central feature of depressive psychopathology.

Objectives

In the present study, we sought to investigate the neural correlates of abnormal negative self-referential processing (SRP) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and its impact on subsequent cognitive control-related neuronal activation.

Aims

We hypothesized aberrant activation dynamics during the period of negative and neutral SRP in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) and in the amygdala in patients with MDD. We assumed abnormal activation in the fronto-cingulate network during Stroop task execution.

Methods

Nineteen depressed patients and 20 healthy controls participated in the study. Using an event-related fMRI design, negative, positive and neutral self-referential statements were displayed for 6.5s and followed by incongruent or congruent Stroop conditions.

Results

In contrast to controls, patients did not exhibit valence-dependent rACC activation differences during SRP. A novel finding was the significant activation of the amygdala and the reward-processing network during presentation of neutral self-referential stimuli relative to baseline and to affective stimuli in patients. The fMRI analysis of the Stroop task revealed a reduced BOLD activation in the right frontoparietal network of patients in the incongruent condition after negative SRP only.

Conclusions

Thus, the inflexible activation in the rACC may correspond to the inability of depressed patients to shift their attention away from negative self-related stimuli. The accompanying negative affect and task-irrelevant emotional processing may compete for neuronal resources with cognitive control processes and lead thereby to deficient cognitive performance associated with decreased frontoparietal activation.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The relationship between social anxiety, shyness and blushing
Authors: Pelissolo A. , Moukheiber A.
Published: May 2016

The diagnosis of social anxiety disorder (SAD) has seen substantial changes in the last 35 years from its first appearance in the DSM-III in 1980 up to the most recent ones in the DSM-5. Throughout all these changes, this disorder, previously called social phobia, is still considered one homogenous entity with only one specifier (“performance only”) introduced in the DSM-5 revision with specific fears or associated personality profiles not being considered relevant clinical markers to define SAD subtypes. However, our therapeutic experience suggested substantial particularities associated with the fear of blushing in patients with SAD. Some patients presenting this profile, historically called “erythrophobia”, seem to have a very specific type of social anxiety that does not include shyness and other characteristics of classical SAD. In a study conducted in a sample of 450 new consecutive outpatients seeking treatment for SAD, we compared 142 subjects with fear of blushing without other social fears, 97 subjects with fear of blushing with other associated social fears and 190 SAD subjects without fear of blushing. The group with pure fear of blushing presented a different profile when compared with the two other groups: later age of onset, less comorbidity, lower behavioral and temperamental inhibition, i.e. less shyness, and higher self-esteem. Furthermore, from a therapeutic point of view, some specific strategies such as the Task Concentration Training have shown to be particularly effective in fear of blushing. We will further argue the validity of a possible “fear of blushing” subtype of SAD.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Emotional instability and bipolar disorder
Authors: Frangou S.
Published: May 2016

Background

Affective dysregulation is a core feature of bipolar disorder (BD) and a significant predictor of clinical and functional outcome. Affective dysregulation can arise from abnormalities in multiple processes. This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding the precise nature of the processes that may be dysregulated in BD and their relationship to the clinical expression of the disorder.

Methods

Patients with BD (n = 45) who were either in remission or in a depressive or manic state and healthy individuals (n = 101) were compared in terms of the intensity, duration and physiological response (measured using inter-beat intervals and skin conductance) to affective and neutral pictures during passive viewing and during experiential suppression.

Results

Compared to healthy individuals, patients with BD evidenced increased affective reactivity to neutral pictures and reduced maintenance of subjective affective responses to all pictures. This pattern was present irrespective of clinical state but was more pronounced in symptomatic patients, regardless of polarity. Patients, regardless of symptomatic status, were comparable to healthy individuals in terms of physiological arousal and voluntary control of affective responses.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that increased affective reactivity to neutral stimuli and decreased maintenance of affective responses are key dimensions of affective dysregulation in BD.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
Value-based mental healthcare: The cost aspect
Authors: Knapp M.
Published: May 2016

Economic hardship can be a factor in the incidence and exacerbation of mental health problems, and economic constraints have always constrained availability of resources. But examining the economic case – whether treatment or longer-term preventive strategies are cost-effective – can actually provide strong support for investing more in them. This presentation will provide illustrations of how economic evidence has helped decision-makers (in government and in funding bodies) to recognise the enormous contributions often generated by prevention, treatment and care.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
Age of onset of bipolar disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: de Girolamo G. , Bani M. , Dagani J. , Ferrari C. , Pastore A. , Signorini G.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Although the onset of bipolar disorder (BD) is usually estimated in early adulthood (Burke et al., 1990; Kessler et al., 1997), it is still not clear which age-specific triggering factors may contribute to the underlying vulnerability.

Objectives/aims

The present meta-analysis attempts to clarify the number of untreated years of BD, from first symptoms appearance, to first actions carried out by health services (first diagnosis, treatment and hospitalization).

Methods

A literature search of three databases PubMed, Web of Science and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection was performed, looking for peer-reviewed publications in English, French, German and Italian language that reported the AOO of BD; the search string adopted was “bipolar and onset”. Standardized mean differences were calculated between (i) mean AOO, operationally defined as onset of first symptoms/episodes, and (ii) mean AOO, operationally defined according to four criteria: first contact with services, date of the diagnosis, first pharmacological treatment, or first hospitalization.

Results

The searches yielded 8710 articles; 2424 of these articles met the inclusion criteria. A final set of 19 studies presenting multiple definitions of AOO has been analyzed, revealing an overall effect size of 6.96 of untreated years (Cohen's d = 0.65)

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis that addresses the definition and the modulation of the AOO in bipolar disorder. Identifying the time-frame of untreated illness is very important for the best planning of timely interventions.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Anticipation of age at onset in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Favaro A. , Santonastaso P.
Published: May 2016

It is a common clinical observation that early-onset cases of anorexia nervosa (AN) are increasing. In a previous study in a large cohort, we found that age of onset in both AN and bulimia nervosa was significantly decreasing in younger generations. We now present data about cohort effects in a sample of more than 3000 patients with eating disorders.

Methods

The sample is composed of 2200 AN subjects and 900 BN subjects without previous AN consecutively referred to our outpatient Unit in the period between 1985 and 2014. Time trends have been analysed according to the year of birth of subjects. All diagnoses were reviewed according to DSM-5 criteria.

Results

Age of onset in AN showed a significant decrease according to year of birth. A regression model showed a significant independent effect of socio-economic status, age at menarche and number of siblings in predicting age of onset. A second analysis including a subsample representative of the general population confirmed the effect in AN. In BN, although the age of onset showed a decrease in new generations, the effect is not significant.

Conclusion

Age of onset of AN continues to decrease in younger generations. The implications of our findings in terms of long-term outcome remain to be understood. Biological and socio-cultural factors explaining this phenomenon need to be explored by future studies. It is important to acknowledge the clinical implications of this cohort effect.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Psychopharmacological treatments strategies in consultation-liaison psychiatry: Clinical vignette and pros and cons
Authors: Mattei G. , Colombini N. , Ferrari S. , Galeazzi G.M.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Multimorbidity and polipharmacotherapy are crucial features influencing the psychiatrist's prescription in the consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) setting.

Aims

to provide an example of computer-assisted decision-making in psychotropic prescriptions and to provide hints for developing pharmacological treatment strategies in the CLP setting.

Methods

Case report. A clinical vignette is presented, followed by a review of available online computer-assisted prescription software.

Results

A woman in her seventies was repeatedly referred for psychiatric consultation. Eleven different medications were administered daily, because of multimorbidity. A diagnosis of distymia was established, with comorbid mixed pain (partly fulfilling the criteria of somatic symptom disorder) and substance use disorder (opioids). After the first assessment, six follow-up visits were needed during hospitalization. Mirtazapine and benzodiazepines were introduced. Beside the pharmacological intervention, conflict mediation was performed in the relationship with the patient, her relatives, the ward personnel and the GP, to develop a long-term rehabilitation project. Pros and cons of online computer-assisted prescription software were discussed together with the ward personnel, as well.

Conclusions

Computer-assisted decision-making in psychotropic prescription is becoming more common and feasible. The use of available software may contribute to safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of clinical decision-making. Risks are also possible: depending for example from regional differences in prescription indications, different guidelines, pharmacogenomics, frequency with which databases are updated, sponsorships, possible conflicts of interest, and real clinical significance of highlighted interactions – all issues the clinician willing to benefit from this modern tools should pay attention to.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Proposal for a model psychopharmacology curriculum for psychiatric residents in Germany
Authors: Laux G.
Published: May 2016

All German societies of medicine have been ordered by the Federal Association of Physicians (Bundesärztekammer) to propose new revised regulations for the education of residents. The German Association for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (DGPPN) is offering a broad extension of education in psychotherapy while education in pharmacotherapy is still rather small and limited. The working group Biological Psychiatry of the German Association of Psychiatric Hospitals (Bundesdirektorenkonferenz, BDK) suggests a detailed proposal of a psychopharmacology curriculum based on a Delphi method consent of medical directors involved in the education of the majority of German psychiatric residents. Issues include general pharmacology, neurobiological principles, clinical pharmacology of different classes of psychotropics (antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, hypnotics, stimulants etc.), special aspects (e.g. pregnancy, geriatric patients) as well as ethical, legal and economic aspects. About 160 hours of theoretical education are proposed, clinical teaching should be interactive, with vignettes and supervision covering about 300 hours.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
New technologies for detecting suicidal risk of psychiatric patients
Authors: Lopez-Castroman J.
Published: May 2016

Suicide is a major health issue with considerable human and economic costs. There have been many attempts to develop techniques capable of predicting future suicidal behavior, but known risk factors are insufficiently specific. However, during the last decades, technical developments have made possible the use of new technologies to assess potential clinical markers for psychiatric patients. In many cases the technologies are affordable, wearable and interconnected, multiplying the wealth of data resulting from their use. Quite logically, psychiatrists from all over the world are investing in recently developed devices for their research projects and have consequently started to collaborate with engineering and pattern recognition groups in the study of potential clinical markers. These groups provide the expertise and computational methods required to process this wealth of data, and can improve the classification accuracy to predict a certain condition using data mining techniques. In the field of suicidal behavior, new devices that capture promising predictors such as electrodermal response activity, some facial expressions or speech properties have been developed and are being tested. In view of these facts, during the workshop we will review some of the new methodologies that can be used for the assessment of suicidal risk and how can multidisciplinary and complementary approaches be implemented.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
Self-assessment instruments: Development and validation
Authors: Dollfus S.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Negative symptoms are found in many patients with schizophrenia, but their assessment remains delicate. Standardized assessments are therefore needed to facilitate their identification. Many tools have been developed but most of them are assessments based on observer rating. Nevertheless, patient subjective evaluation can provide an additional outcome measure and allow patients to be more engaged in their treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study is to present past and recent tools assessing the subjective experience of negative symptoms; we will particularly focus on a novel tool, the Self-evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS).

Methods

Forty-nine patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders (DSMIV) were evaluated in order to demonstrate three components of the scale's validity: face and content validities and reliability.

Results

Cronbach's coefficient showed good internal consistency. Factor analysis extracted 2 factors (apathy and emotional). SNS was significantly correlated with the Scale of Assessment of Negative Symptoms and the Clinician Global Impression on severity of negative symptoms supporting good convergent validity. SNS scores were not correlated with level of insight, Parkinsonism, or with BPRS positive sub-scores in favor of good discriminant validity. Intra-subject reliability of SNS revealed excellent intraclass correlation coefficients.

Conclusion

This study shows good psychometric properties of SNS as well as quite satisfactory acceptance by patients. It also demonstrates the ability of patients with schizophrenia to accurately report their own experience. Self-assessments of negative symptoms should be used more in clinical practice since they might allow patients with schizophrenia to develop appropriate coping strategies.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
LGBT adolescents in America: Depression, discrimination and suicide
Authors: Ahuja A.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

The mental health of Adolescents in America is a major concern for the field of psychiatry. In particular, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) adolescents are at higher risk of adverse mental health outcomes. This is largely attributed to “minority stress” and from outright bullying and discrimination. In this presentation, this link between bullying and depression will be explored.

Objectives

By the end of this presentation, the audience will be able to better understand the link between anti-LGBT bullying and mental illness and identify the ways to help their patients.

Methods

This presentation is informed by a literature search from PubMed In addition, it is informed by a symposium previously done at the American Psychiatric Association (APA) annual meeting in 2014.

Results

There is clear evidence in the literature that bullying of LGBT adolescents is pervasive. In addition, LGBT people are more likely to be depressed than their heterosexual counterparts. This combination has led to 4-5 times higher rates of attempted suicide by LGBT adolescents. Having Gay-Straight Alliances in schools, supportive teachers and school administrators, and broader anti-discrimination legislation has a protective effect on this.

Conclusion

LGBT adolescents are exposed to more stress by being a minority in society and by being explicitly bullied and discriminated against. This can lead to depression in some of these adolescents, and can also lead to suicide in the most vulnerable among them. There are proven ways to reduce these risks, and psychiatrists have a role to play in advocating for these reforms.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
Cultural variations in LGBT issues
Authors: Bhugra D.
Published: May 2016

Culturally determined gender roles influence relationships between different-sex partners, and cultural values affect attitudes towards sexual variation. LGBT patients face stigma, discrimination and prejudice and have specific issues related to a number of factors, in addition to the nature of sexuality. These factors affect help-seeking and also cause delays in pathways to care. In specific instances, gay, lesbian and transgender individuals show higher than expected levels of psychopathology. The clinician's attitudes affect therapeutic adherence and therapeutic alliance. LGBT patients may also have specific issues related to “coming out” and this may influence their relationships directly and indirectly. Furthermore, they may experience a reluctance to share their sexual orientation. Matching of therapists may offer one way forward but this is not always possible, and may not work due to a number of reasons.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
The association of bullying with suicide ideation and attempt among adolescents with different dimensions of sexual orientation
Authors: Montoro R. , Igartua K. , Thombs B.D.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Sexual minority youth are at increased risk for bullying and suicide, but they are heterogeneous in their sexual orientation dimensions (attraction, behavior and identity).

Objective

To compare the association of bullying and suicide parameters between (1) heterosexually identified students without same-sex attractions or behaviors (2) heterosexually identified students with same-sex attractions or behaviors and (3) non-heterosexually identified students.

Methods

The Quebec Youth Risk Behavior Survey was a self-report questionnaire given to 1852 students 14–18 years old.

Results

The heterosexually identified students without same-sex attraction or behavior, and no bullying, was our reference group. When these students had bullying, the likelihood of suicidal ideation was double, but their likelihood of suicide attempts was the same. For non-heterosexually identified students, those with no bullying were twice as likely, and those with bullying were four times as likely to have suicidal ideation. When these students had no bullying, they were not more likely to have suicide attempts, but they were almost three times as likely when they had bullying. Heterosexually identified students with same-sex attraction or behavior were never more likely on any of the suicide measures.

Conclusion

This study was the first to show that adolescents with a non-heterosexual identity will have a disproportionately greater likelihood in their suicide parameters when subject to bullying, than heterosexually identified students with or without same-sex attraction or behavior, suggesting that these latter two dimensions were non-contributory to suicide risk. The significance of identity as a predictor of suicidal ideation and behavior will be discussed.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Risk factors for accidents among cocaine-dependent patient seeking treatment
Authors: Roncero C. , Rodriguez-Cintas L. , Daigre C. , Alvarez J. , Barral C. , Abad A. , Nina V. , Herrero-Fernandez A. , Grau-López L. , Barral C. , Pérez-Pazos J. , Ros-Cucurrull E. , Rodriguez-Martos L. , Casas M.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Accident rate have a high social cost. Cocaine consumption increases the risk of traffic crashes (Monras, 2011; Fierro, 2011). However, there is not extensively studies in addicts.

Objective

Compare and analyze the history of accidents and risk behaviors while driving in cocaine dependent patients (DC) and of other substances (OtherD).

Methods

One hundred and eighty-two patients seeking treatment since January 2014 to September 2015. Sociodemographic and accident-related variables were collected, also administered the MDBQ. Descriptive analysis and bivariate analysis using Chi-square test for categorical variables and Student t test was performed for quantitative.

Results

Of women, 30.3%, and 69.7% men, mean age 43.67 years (SD = 13). 65.6% currently driving or above. 45.2% DC vs. 54.8 DOther (35.6% alcohol, cannabis 8.3%, 5.8% opioid and 5.1% other drugs).

Comparing accident rate on the DC is a tendency to have suffered more accidents (χ2: 2.62 P=.072). Patients addicted to cocaine referred further potentially dangerous activities both under the influence of consumption (65.9% vs. 33.3%) and abstinence (41.7% vs. 12%).

As for the results of MDBQ, it has been detected that cocaine addicts show more errors and traffic violations. No differences in the lapses identified by patients of different groups.

Conclusion

Patients with cocaine dependence have more accidents, reduced risk perception and recognize more mistakes and traffic violations. Cocaine implies a high risk of road accidents and exposure to high-risk situations compared to the use of other substances.

References not available.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
On the (non) distinctiveness of Marxism-Leninism: The Portuguese and Greek communist parties compared
Authors: Keith Dan , Charalambous Giorgos
Published: May 2016

The study of parties that label themselves as Marxist-Leninist has, for the most part been subsumed in the exploration of the broader radical (or, far) left tradition in the post-1989 period. In an attempt to bridge this gap in the recent literature on radical left parties, this article attempts to uncover the (non) distinctiveness of Marxism-Leninism by studying empirically two European parties that are self-labelled as Marxist-Leninist — the Greek (KKE) and Portuguese (PCP) Communist parties. The central question we explore is whether there are significant similarities between these parties, so as to allow us to speak of Marxism-Leninism’s distinctiveness today. Overall, the two parties studied here have enough in common to testify to Marxism-Leninism’s ongoing distinctiveness with several qualifications, especially concerning ideology.
Incomparable actions of free groups
Authors: CONLEY CLINTON T. , MILLER BENJAMIN D.
Published: May 2016

Suppose that $X$ is a Polish space, $E$ is a countable Borel equivalence relation on $X$, and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$ is an $E$-invariant Borel probability measure on $X$. We consider the circumstances under which for every countable non-abelian free group $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$, there is a Borel sequence $(\cdot _{r})_{r\in \mathbb{R}}$ of free actions of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$ on $X$, generating subequivalence relations $E_{r}$ of $E$ with respect to which $\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$ is ergodic, with the further property that $(E_{r})_{r\in \mathbb{R}}$ is an increasing sequence of relations which are pairwise incomparable under $\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$-reducibility. In particular, we show that if $E$ satisfies a natural separability condition, then this is the case as long as there exists a free Borel action of a countable non-abelian free group on $X$, generating a subequivalence relation of $E$ with respect to which $\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$ is ergodic.
Dynamics of induced systems
Authors: AKIN ETHAN , AUSLANDER JOSEPH , NAGAR ANIMA
Published: May 2016

In this paper we study the dynamical properties of actions on the space of compact subsets of the phase space. More precisely, if$X$is a metric space, let$2^{X}$denote the space of non-empty compact subsets of$X$provided with the Hausdorff topology. If$f$is a continuous self-map on$X$, there is a naturally induced continuous self-map$f_{\ast }$on$2^{X}$. Our main theme is the interrelation between the dynamics of$f$and$f_{\ast }$. For such a study, it is useful to consider the space${\mathcal{C}}(K,X)$of continuous maps from a Cantor set$K$to$X$provided with the topology of uniform convergence, and$f_{\ast }$induced on${\mathcal{C}}(K,X)$by composition of maps. We mainly study the properties of transitive points of the induced system$(2^{X},f_{\ast })$both topologically and dynamically, and give some examples. We also look into some more properties of the system$(2^{X},f_{\ast })$.
A Novel Acceleration-Factor Equation for Packaging-Solder Joint Reliability Assessment at Different Thermal Cyclic Loading Rates
Authors: Lee C.-H. , Wu K.-C. , Chiang K.-N.
Published: May 2016

Acceleration-factor (AF) equations have been developed to rapidly predict product lifetime, and the most widely used equation is Norris-Landzberg (N-L) equation. In recent years, some researchers have found that the current AF equation does not accurately predict the experimental results for thermal cyclic loading at high ramp rates; indeed, it may yield the opposite results, due to the changing effect of the solder strain rate at different ramp rates. Modifying the current AF equation to better assess product reliability has thus become an important task for researchers.

In this study, a novel AF equation was developed from a wafer level chip-scale package (WLCSP) under different thermal cyclic loadings. The frequency term used in the N-L equation was replaced with a new term in the proposed AF equation to distinguish between the effects of ramp rate and dwell time under thermal cyclic loading conditions. Proposed AF equation showed a high level of correlation with the simulation and test results for various thermal cyclic loadings. In addition, the proposed AF equation was validated by confirming the consistency of its results with experimental data on a range of packages and thermal-cycling profiles reported in the literature.
Tumour assessment and staging: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines
Authors: Roland N , Porter G , Fish B , Makura Z
Published: May 2016

In general, the first decision to be made in a patient with a confirmed head and neck cancer is whether or not to treat the patient before deciding what form of management strategy is appropriate. There is no more important an aspect of head and neck cancer care than the initial evaluation of the patient and the patient's tumour. The practice requires specific expertise and judgement. The current tumour–node–metastasis system relies on morphology of the tumour (anatomical site and extent of disease) but the final decision on treatment hinges on a full assessment of the patient including physiological age and general condition. The aim of this paper is primarily to describe why and how we appraise a patient and their tumour. It addresses the general principles applicable to the topic of evaluation, classification and staging. In addition, the limitations and pitfalls of this process are described.

Recommendations

• All patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) should undergo tumour classification and staging prior to treatment. (R)

• Pre-therapeutic clinical staging of HNCs should be based on at least a C2 factor (evidence obtained by special diagnostic means, e.g. radiographic imaging (e.g. computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound scan), endoscopy, biopsy and cytology). (R)

• Imaging to evaluate the primary site should be performed prior to biopsy to avoid the effect of upstaging from the oedema caused by biopsy trauma. (G)

• Panendoscopy is only recommended for symptomatic patients or patients with primary tumours known to have a significant risk of a second (synchronous) primary tumour. (G)
Speech and swallow rehabilitation in head and neck cancer: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines
Authors: Clarke P , Radford K , Coffey M , Stewart M
Published: May 2016

This is the official guideline endorsed by the specialty associations involved in the care of head and neck cancer patients in the UK. The disease itself and the treatment can have far reaching effects on speech and swallow function, which are consistently prioritised by survivors as an area of concern. This paper provides recommendations on the assessments and interventions for speech and swallow rehabilitation in this patient group.

Recommendations

• All multidisciplinary teams should have rehabilitation patient pathways covering all stages of the patient's journey including multidisciplinary and pre-treatment clinics. (G)

• Clinicians treating head and neck cancer patients should consult the National Cancer Rehabilitation Pathway for head and neck cancers. (G)

• All head and neck cancer patients should have a pre-treatment assessment of speech and swallowing. (G)

• A programme of prophylactic exercises and the teaching of swallowing manoeuvres can reduce impairments, maintain function and enable a speedier recovery. (R)

• Continued speech and language therapist input is important in maintaining voice and safe and effective swallow function following head and neck cancer treatment. (R)

• Disease recurrence must be ruled out in the management of stricture and/or stenosis. (R)

• Continuous radial expansion balloons offer a safe, effective dilation method with advantages over gum elastic bougies. (R)

• Site, length and completeness of strictures as well as whether they are in the presence of the larynx or not, need to be assessed when establishing the likelihood of surgically improved outcome. (G)

• Primary surgical voice restoration should be offered to all patients undergoing laryngectomy. (R)

• Attention to surgical detail and long-term speech and language therapist input is required to optimise speech and swallowing after laryngectomy. (G)

• Patients should commence wearing heat and moisture exchange devices as soon as possible after laryngectomy. (R)
Articulating the Arctic: contrasting state and Inuit maps of the Canadian north
Authors: Bennett Mia M. , Greaves Wilfrid , Riedlsperger Rudolf , Botella Alberic
Published: May 2016

This paper compares four maps produced by the Canadian government and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the indigenous peoples’ organisation representing Inuit living in the four recognised Inuit regions (Inuit Nunangat) of Canada. Our analysis is based on publicly available maps, documents, and records and extends the rich existing literature examining the history of definitions of the Canadian north. Distinctly, our research aims to understand the different ways in which the Arctic has been articulated as a geographic, political, and social region during the Harper government (2006–2015) and the effects these articulations have had on northern policy and people. We find that the federal government maintained a flexible definition of the Canadian Arctic as a region when in pursuit of its own policy objectives. However, when it comes to incorporating areas outside the boundaries of Canada's three federal territories, particularly communities along their southern fringes, those boundaries are inflexible. The people who live in these areas, which the state considers to be outside the Canadian Arctic, are marginalised within Arctic public policy in terms of access to federal funds, determination of land use, and a sense of social belonging to the Canadian Arctic. Our goal in this paper is to demonstrate that national-level disputes over what constitutes ‘the Arctic’ can significantly impact the day-to-day lives of people who live within and just outside the region, however it is conceived.
Mutual Transformation of Colonial and Imperial Botanizing? The Intimate yet Remote Collaboration in Colonial Korea
Authors: Lee Jung
Published: May 2016

Argument

Mutuality in “contact zones” has been emphasized in cross-cultural knowledge interaction in re-evaluating power dynamics between centers and peripheries and in showing the hybridity of modern science. This paper proposes an analytical pause on this attempt to better invalidate centers by paying serious attention to the limits of mutuality in transcultural knowledge interaction imposed by asymmetries of power. An unusually reciprocal interaction between a Japanese forester, Ishidoya Tsutomu (1891–1958), at the colonial forestry department, and his Korean subordinate Chung Tyaihyon (1883–1971) is chosen to highlight an inescapable asymmetry induced by the imperial power structure. Ishidoya, positioning himself as a settler expert, as opposed to a scientist in Tokyo, pursued localized knowledge in growing interaction with Chung, resulting in Ishidoya's career change as a herbalist focusing on traditional medicine and Chung's leadership in Korean-only botanizing. However, their mutual transformations, limited by asymmetric constraints on their choices, did not unsettle the imperial power structure or the centrality of centers.
Non-commutative automorphisms of bounded non-commutative domains
Authors: McCarthy John E. , Timoney Richard M.
Published: May 2016

We establish rigidity (or uniqueness) theorems for non-commutative (NC) automorphisms that are natural extensions of classical results of H. Cartan and are improvements of recent results. We apply our results to NC domains consisting of unit balls of rectangular matrices.
Salivary IgA against sporozoite-specific embryogenesis-related protein (TgERP) in the study of horizontally transmitted toxoplasmosis via T. gondii oocysts in endemic settings
Authors: MANGIAVACCHI B. M. , VIEIRA F. P. , BAHIA-OLIVEIRA L. M. G. , HILL D.
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to contribute to the better understanding of the relative epidemiological importance of different modes of infection with respect to horizontal transmission of Toxoplasma gondii in endemic settings. We investigated the prevalence of salivary IgA against a sporozoite-specific embryogenesis-related protein (TgERP) in a highly endemic area for toxoplasmosis in Brazil in order to pinpoint parasite transmission via oocysts. Prevalence calculated by salivary IgA specific to TgERP was compared to the prevalence calculated by serum IgG against both TgERP and tachyzoites (in conventional serological tests). Prevalence calculated by different serological and salivary parameters varied in the studied age groups. However, for the 15–21 years age group, values for T. gondii prevalence estimated by conventional serological tests and by anti-TgERP salivary IgA were similar; i.e. 68·7% and 66·6% or 66·7%, respectively, using two different cut-off parameters for salivary IgA anti-TgERP. Furthermore, salivary IgA anti-TgERP for this age group presented the highest specificity (93·33%), sensitivity (93·94%), and likelihood (14·09) compared to all the other age groups. These data demonstrate the importance of age for salivary IgA investigation against TgERP to estimate the mode of T. gondii transmission in endemic settings.
The ecology of ‘we’ and ambient warmth: Richard Neutra's ecological architecture
Authors: Baek Jin
Published: May 2016

The article seeks to generate a more nuanced version of environmental ethics than the current positivistic approach taken towards the ecological crisis by referring to the sense of ecology as evident in the practice and writings of Richard Neutra. Despite the whiteness of his architecture, Neutra's architecture was ecological in a profound way in which the ethics of the inter-personal and related dwelling activities of inhabitants are as important as measuring energy performance. For him, more fundamental than man's relationship with nature or natural resources was the inter-personal sharing of ‘we’, in which scarcity itself is the medium of a proportionate joining. Put differently, the reciprocity between the natural and the inter-personal, in which the former reinforces the latter, was the key to an ecological setting.

In the process of underpinning Neutra's sense of the reciprocity between the natural and the inter-personal, as well as the shared inter-personal communication in an atmosphere, this article draws ideas from Japanese intellectual tradition such as Tetsuro Watsuji&s notion of fudo, or climate, and its correlate inter-personal ethics, and Kitaro Nishida's account of a trans-subjective mode of communication of the ‘we’. Referring to this Japanese tradition in which Neutra was deeply interested, the article interprets Neutra's architecture based not upon the ego-oriented mode of the ‘I’ but upon the ego-less mode of ‘ek-sistere’ that reinstates the condition of the human being as a pre-reflective corporeal being, or what I would like to call a ‘common subjectivity’ to be articulated into different, yet conjoined, ‘I’s to form a joint measure. In this fashion, the article demonstrates how one's relationship with the natural necessarily involves the dimension of the inter-personal, while illuminating the goal of Neutra's practice: securing a place for the inter-personal through the coordination of natural forces.
L. G. KOVÁCS AND LINEAR GROUPS
Authors: DETINKO A. S. , FLANNERY D. L.
Published: May 2016

We survey the legacy of L. G. Kovács in linear group theory, with a particular focus on classification questions.
Entwicklung des Akutmaßes zur Erfassung von Erholung und Beanspruchung im Sport
Authors: Hitzschke Brit , Holst Theresa , Ferrauti Alexander , Meyer Tim , Pfeiffer Mark , Kellmann Michael
Published: May 2016

Zusammenfassung. In dem vom Bundesinstitut für Sportwissenschaft geförderten Verbundprojekt REGman wird mit der Entwicklung des Akutmaßes zur Erfassung von Erholung und Beanspruchung im Sport (AEB) dem Wunsch der Sportpraxis nach einem kompakten und sensitiven psychometrischen Messinstrument zur Quantifizierung von Erholung und Beanspruchung nachgegangen. Nach einer Expertenbefragung wurde eine erste Fragebogenversion an Sportstudierenden (N = 257) getestet. Basierend auf den Ergebnissen einer exploratorischen Faktoren- und Reliabilitätsanalyse wurde jeweils ein Modell für Erholung und für Beanspruchung mit insgesamt 32 Adjektiven erstellt. Zur Überprüfung dieser Modelle durch eine konfirmatorische Faktorenanalyse wurde die überarbeitete Version zunächst an einer Gruppe leistungsorientierter Sportlerinnen und Sportler (N = 429) getestet, leicht modifiziert und anschließend an einer Gruppe von Leistungssportlerinnen und -sportlern (N = 574) konfirmatorisch validiert. Es zeigten sich gute Fit-Indizes sowie eine sehr gute Skalenhomogenität. Durch hypothesenkonforme Korrelationen mit den konvergenten Verfahren Erholungs-Belastungs-Fragebogen für Sportler (EBF-Sport) und Visuelle Analogskala zum Muskelschmerzempfinden und Muskelkater (DOMS) konnten erste Hinweise zur Konstruktvalidität gewonnen werden.
Ischemic postconditioning protects the heart against ischemia–reperfusion injury via neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria
Authors: Hu L , Wang J , Zhu H , Wu X , Zhou L , Song Y , Zhu S , Hao M , Liu C , Fan Y , Wang Y , Li Q
Published: May 2016

As a result of its spatial confinement in cardiomyocytes, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is thought to regulate mitochondrial and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) function by maintaining nitroso-redox balance and Ca2+ cycling. Thus, we hypothesize that ischemic postconditioning (IPostC) protects hearts against ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury through an nNOS-mediated pathway. Isolated mouse hearts were subjected to I/R injury in a Langendorff apparatus, H9C2 cells and primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in vitro. IPostC, compared with I/R, decreased infarct size and improved cardiac function, and the selective nNOS inhibitors abolished these effects. IPostC recovered nNOS activity and arginase expression. IPostC also increased AMP kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and alleviated oxidative stress, and nNOS and AMPK inhibition abolished these effects. IPostC increased nitrotyrosine production in the cytosol but decreased it in mitochondria. Enhanced phospholamban (PLB) phosphorylation, normalized SR function and decreased Ca2+ overload were observed following the recovery of nNOS activity, and nNOS inhibition abolished these effects. Similar effects of IPostC were demonstrated in cardiomyocytes in vitro. IPostC decreased oxidative stress partially by regulating uncoupled nNOS and the nNOS/AMPK/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha/superoxide dismutase axis, and improved SR function through increasing SR Ca2+ load. These results suggest that IPostC protected hearts against I/R injury via an nNOS-mediated pathway.
Calcium influx through TRP channels induced by short-lived reactive species in plasma-irradiated solution
Authors: Sasaki Shota , Kanzaki Makoto , Kaneko Toshiro
Published: May 2016

Non-equilibrium helium atmospheric-pressure plasma (He-APP), which allows for a strong non-equilibrium chemical reaction of O2 and N2 in ambient air, uniquely produces multiple extremely reactive products, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), in plasma-irradiated solution. We herein show that relatively short-lived unclassified reactive species (i.e., deactivated within approximately 10 min) generated by the He-APP irradiation can trigger physiologically relevant Ca2+ influx through ruthenium red- and SKF 96365-sensitive Ca2+-permeable channel(s), possibly transient receptor potential channel family member(s). Our results provide novel insight into understanding of the interactions between cells and plasmas and the mechanism by which cells detect plasma-induced chemically reactive species, in addition to facilitating development of plasma applications in medicine.
Mobilization of mercury from lean tissues during simulated migratory fasting in a model songbird
Authors: Seewagen Chad L. , Cristol Daniel A. , Gerson Alexander R.
Published: May 2016

The pollutant methylmercury accumulates within lean tissues of birds and other animals. Migrating birds catabolize substantial amounts of lean tissue during flight which may mobilize methylmercury and increase circulating levels of this neurotoxin. As a model for a migrating songbird, we fasted zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) that had been dosed with 0.0, 0.1, and 0.6 parts per million (ppm) dietary methylmercury and measured changes in blood total mercury concentrations (THg) in relation to reductions in lean mass. Birds lost 6–16% of their lean mass during the fast, and THg increased an average of 12% and 11% in the 0.1 and 0.6 ppm treatments, respectively. Trace amounts of THg in the 0.0 ppm control group also increased as a result of fasting, but remained extremely low. THg increased 0.4 ppm for each gram of lean mass catabolized in the higher dose birds. Our findings indicate that methylmercury is mobilized from lean tissues during protein catabolism and results in acute increases in circulating concentrations. This is a previously undocumented potential threat to wild migratory birds, which may experience greater surges in circulating methylmercury than demonstrated here as a result of their greater reductions in lean mass.
Signal enhancement in ligand–receptor interactions using dynamic polymers at quartz crystal microbalance sensors
Authors: Dunér Gunnar , Anderson Henrik , Pei Zhichao , Ingemarsson Björn , Aastrup Teodor , Ramström Olof
Published: May 2016

The signal enhancement properties of QCM sensors based on dynamic, biotinylated poly(acrylic acid) brushes has been studied in interaction studies with an anti-biotin Fab fragment.
Simultaneous determination of three neonicotinoid insecticide residues and their metabolite in cucumbers and soil by QuEChERS clean up and liquid chromatography with diode-array detection
Authors: Farouk Maha , Hussein Lobna Abd El Aziz , El Azab Noha Fathy
Published: May 2016

A new method was developed for the simultaneous determination of three neonicotinoid insecticides with their metabolite in cucumbers and soil based on QuEChERS as a pretreatment procedure.
Self-assembly of hydrogen-bonded supramolecular complexes of nucleic-acid-base and fatty-acid at the liquid–solid interface
Authors: Zhao Huiling , Song Xin , Aslan Hüsnü , Liu Bo , Wang Jianguo , Wang Li , Besenbacher Flemming , Dong Mingdong
Published: May 2016

The interesting sandwich-like architectures were formed at the liquid–solid interface by using a binary system consisting of guanine and stearic acid.
Three-dimensional Ag–tannic acid–graphene as an antibacterial material
Authors: Liu Ren , Ge Huiwen , Wang Xue , Luo Jing , Li Zhiquan , Liu Xiaoya
Published: May 2016

Ag nanoparticle-decorated graphene (GR/TA/Ag) hydrogels possess two-level antibacterial activity due to the release-killing capabilities of Ag nanoparticles and contact-killing capabilities of tannic acid.
Synthesis and characterization of aromatic poly(ether-imide)s based on bis(4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl)-R,R-silane anhydrides (R = Me, Ph) – spontaneous formation of surface micropores from THF solutions
Authors: Terraza Claudio A. , Tagle Luis. H. , Tundidor-Camba Alain , González-Henríquez Carmen M. , Sarabia-Vallejos Mauricio A. , Coll Deysma
Published: May 2016

Poly(ether-amide)s derived from two new silylated-dianhydrides were prepared and characterized. By FE-SEM and AFM morphological studies were developed.
Exploring coumarin potentialities: development of new enzymatic inhibitors based on the 6-methyl-3-carboxamidocoumarin scaffold
Authors: Fonseca A. , Matos M. J. , Reis J. , Duarte Y. , Gutiérrez M. , Santana L. , Uriarte E. , Borges F.
Published: May 2016

Novel 6-methyl-3-carboxamidocoumarins were synthesized by an effective three step synthetic strategy and screened towards MAO, AChE and BuChE enzymes.
A small eggshell Ni/SFC3R catalyst for C5 petroleum resin hydrogenation: preparation and characterization
Authors: Wei Caiqin , Chen Xiaopeng , Xue Jingjing , Wei Xiaojie , Liang Jiezhen , Liang Ruixue , Wang Linlin
Published: May 2016

The small eggshell catalyst exhibit excellent catalytic activity for C5 petroleum resin hydrogenation.