Sponges are well known for hosting dense and diverse microbial communities, but how these associations vary with biogeography and environment is less clear. Here we compared the microbiome of an ecologically important sponge species, Carteriospongia foliascens, over a large geographic area and identified environmental factors likely responsible for driving microbial community differences between inshore and offshore locations using co-occurrence networks (NWs). The microbiome of C. foliascens exhibited exceptionally high microbial richness, with more than 9,000 OTUs identified at 97% sequence similarity. A large biogeographic signal was evident at the OTU level despite similar phyla level diversity being observed across all geographic locations. The C. foliascens bacterial community was primarily comprised of Gammaproteobacteria (34.2% ± 3.4%) and Cyanobacteria (32.2% ± 3.5%), with lower abundances of Alphaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, unidentified Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria. Co-occurrence NWs revealed a consistent increase in the proportion of Cyanobacteria over Bacteroidetes between turbid inshore and oligotrophic offshore locations, suggesting that the specialist microbiome of C. foliascens is driven by environmental factors.
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Medicine by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos,Crete 72100,Greece,tel :00302841026182 & 00306932607174
Πέμπτη 17 Δεκεμβρίου 2015
Biogeographic variation in the microbiome of the ecologically important sponge, Carteriospongia foliascens
Feasibility of progressive sit-to-stand training among older hospitalized patients
Background. In older patients, hospitalization is associated with a decline in functional performance and loss of muscle strength. Loss of muscle strength and functional performance can be prevented by systematic strength training, but details are lacking regarding the optimal exercise program and dose for older patients. Therefore, our aim was to test the feasibility of a progression model for loaded sit-to-stand training among older hospitalized patients.Methods. This is a prospective cohort study conducted as a feasibility study prior to a full-scale trial. We included twenty-four older patients (≥65 yrs) acutely admitted from their own home to the medical services of the hospital. We developed an 8-level progression model for loaded sit-to-stands, which we named STAND. We used STAND as a model to describe how to perform the sit-to-stand exercise as a strength training exercise aimed at reaching a relative load of 8–12 repetitions maximum (RM) for 8–12 repetitions. Weight could be added by the use of a weight vest when needed. The ability of the patients to reach the intended relative load (8–12 RM), while performing sit-to-stands following the STAND model, was tested once during hospitalization and once following discharge in their own homes. A structured interview including assessment of possible modifiers (cognitive status by the Short Orientation Memory test and mobility by the De Morton Mobility Index) was administered both on admission to the hospital and in the home setting. The STAND model was considered feasible if: (1) 75% of the assessed patients could perform the exercise at a given level of the model reaching 8–12 repetitions at a relative load of 8–12 RM for one set of exercise in the hospital and two sets of exercise at home; (2) no ceiling or floor effect was seen; (3) no indication of adverse events were observed. The outcomes assessed were: level of STAND attained, the number of sets performed, perceived exertion (the Borg scale), and pain (the Verbal Ranking Scale).Results. Twenty-four patients consented to participate. Twenty-three of the patients were tested in the hospital and 19 patients were also tested in their home. All three criteria for feasibility were met: (1) in the hospital, 83% could perform the exercise at a given level of STAND, reaching 8–12 repetitions at 8–12 RM for one set, and 79% could do so for two sets in the home setting; (2) for all assessed patients, a possibility of progression or regression was possible—no ceiling or floor effect was observed; (3) no indication of adverse events (pain) was observed. Also, those that scored higher on the De Morton Mobility Index performed the exercise at higher levels of STAND, whereas performance was independent of cognitive status.Conclusions. We found a simple progression model for loaded sit-to-stands (STAND) feasible in acutely admitted older medical patients (≥65 yrs), based on our pre-specified criteria for feasibility.
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Differential scanning calorimetry of whole Escherichia coli treated with the antimicrobial peptide MSI-78 indicate a multi-hit mechanism with ribosomes as a novel target
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) of intact Escherichia coli (E. coli) was used to identify non-lipidic targets of the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) MSI-78. The DSC thermograms revealed that, in addition to its known lytic properties, MSI-78 also has a striking effect on ribosomes. MSI-78's effect on DSC scans of bacteria was similar to that of kanamycin, an antibiotic drug known to target the 30S small ribosomal subunit. An in vitro transcription/translation assay helped confirm MSI-78's targeting of ribosomes. The scrambled version of MSI-78 also affected the ribosome peak of the DSC scans, but required greater amounts of peptide to cause a similar effect to the unscrambled peptide. Furthermore, the effect of the scrambled peptide was not specific to the ribosomes; other regions of the DSC thermogram were also affected. These results suggest that MSI-78's effects on E. coli are at least somewhat dependent on its particular structural features, rather than a sole function of its overall charge and hydrophobicity. When considered along with earlier work detailing MSI-78's membrane lytic properties, it appears that MSI-78 operates via a multi-hit mechanism with multiple targets.
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2015 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) nosocomial outbreak in South Korea: insights from modeling
Background. Since the emergence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012, more than 1,300 laboratory confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infections have been reported in Asia, North Africa, and Europe by July 2015. The recent MERS-CoV nosocomial outbreak in South Korea quickly became the second largest such outbreak with 186 total cases and 36 deaths in a little more than one month, second only to Saudi Arabia in country-specific number of reported cases.Methods. We use a simple mathematical model, the Richards model, to trace the temporal course of the South Korea MERS-CoV outbreak. We pinpoint its outbreak turning point and its transmissibility via basic reproduction number R0 in order to ascertain the occurrence of this nosocomial outbreak and how it was quickly brought under control.Results. The estimated outbreak turning point of ti = 23.3 days (95% CI [22.6–24.0]), or 23–24 days after the onset date of the index case on May 11, pinpoints June 3–4 as the time of the turning point or the peak incidence for this outbreak by onset date. R0 is estimated to range between 7.0 and 19.3.Discussion and Conclusion. The turning point of the South Korea MERS-CoV outbreak occurred around May 27–29, when control measures were quickly implemented after laboratory confirmation of the first cluster of nosocomial infections by the index patient. Furthermore, transmissibility of MERS-CoV in the South Korea outbreak was significantly higher than those reported from past MERS-CoV outbreaks in the Middle East, which is attributable to the nosocomial nature of this outbreak. Our estimate of R0 for the South Korea MERS-CoV nosocomial outbreak further highlights the importance and the risk involved in cluster infections and superspreading events in crowded settings such as hospitals. Similar to the 2003 SARS epidemic, outbreaks of infectious diseases with low community transmissibility like MERS-CoV could still occur initially with large clusters of nosocomial infections, but can be quickly and effectively controlled with timely intervention measures.
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Establishing the role of honest broker: bridging the gap between protecting personal health data and clinical research efficiency
Background. The objective of this study is to propose the four conditions for the roles of honest brokers through a review of literature published by ten institutions that are successfully utilizing honest brokers. Furthermore, the study aims to examine whether the Asan Medical Center's (AMC) honest brokers satisfy the four conditions, and examine the need to enhance their roles.Methods. We analyzed the roles, tasks, and types of honest brokers at 10 organizations by reviewing the literature. We also established a Task Force (TF) in our institution for setting the roles and processes of the honest broker system and the honest brokers. The findings of the literature search were compared with the existing systems at AMC—which introduced the honest broker system for the first time in Korea.Results. Only one organization employed an honest broker for validating anonymized clinical data and monitoring the anonymity verifications of the honest broker system. Six organizations complied with HIPAA privacy regulations, while four organizations did not disclose compliance. By comparing functions with those of the AMC, the following four main characteristics of honest brokers were determined: (1) de-identification of clinical data; (2) independence; (3) checking that the data are used only for purposes approved by the IRB; and (4) provision of de-identified data to researchers. These roles were then compared with those of honest brokers at the AMC.Discussion. First, guidelines that regulate the definitions, purposes, roles, and requirements for honest brokers are needed, since there are no currently existing regulations. Second, Korean clinical research institutions and national regulatory departments need to reach a consensus on a Korean version of Limited Data Sets (LDS), since there are no lists that describe the use of personal identification information. Lastly, satisfaction surveys on honest brokers by researchers are necessary to improve the quality of honest brokers.
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Evidence of macrophagous teleosaurid crocodylomorphs in the Corallian Group (Oxfordian, Late Jurassic) of the UK
Teleosaurids were a group of semi-aquatic crocodylomorphs with a fossil record that spanned the Jurassic Period. In the UK, abundant specimens are known from the Oxford Clay Formation (OCF, Callovian to lower Oxfordian), but are very rare in the Kimmeridge Clay Formation (KCF, Kimmeridgian to lower Tithonian), despite their abundance in some contemporaneous deposits in continental Europe. Unfortunately, due to the paucity of material from the intermediate 'Corallian Gap' (middle to upper Oxfordian), we lack an understanding of how and why teleosaurid taxic abundance and diversity declined from the OCF to the KCF. The recognition of an incomplete teleosaurid lower jaw from the Corallian of Weymouth (Dorset, UK) begins to rectify this. The vertically oriented dentition, blunt tooth apices, intense enamel ornamentation that shifts to an anastomosed pattern apically, and deep reception pits on the dentary unambiguously demonstrates the affinity of this specimen with an unnamed sub-clade of macrophagous/durophagous teleosaurids ('Steneosaurus' obtusidens + Machimosaurus). The high symphyseal tooth count allows us to exclude the specimen from M. hugii and M. mosae, but in absence of more diagnostic material we cannot unambiguously assign DORCM G.3939 to a more specific level. Nevertheless, this specimen represents the first mandibular material referable to Teleosauridae from the poorly sampled middle-upper Oxfordian time-span in the UK.
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Are attractive male crickets better able to pay the costs of an immune challenge?
Reproduction and immunity are fitness-related traits that trade-off with each other. Parasite-mediated theories of sexual selection suggest, however, that higher-quality males should suffer smaller costs to reproduction-related traits and behaviours (e.g., sexual display) from an immune challenge because these males possess more resources with which to deal with the challenge. We used Gryllus texensis field crickets to test the prediction that attractive males should better maintain the performance of fitness-related traits (e.g., calling effort) in the face of an immune challenge compared with unattractive males. We found no support for our original predictions. However, that immune activation causes attractive males to significantly increase their calling effort compared with unattractive males suggests that these males might terminally invest in order to compensate for decreased future reproduction.
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Proliferative Activity of Myoepithelial Cells in Irradiated Rabbit Parotid and Submandibular Salivary Glands.
Proliferative Activity of Myoepithelial Cells in Irradiated Rabbit Parotid and Submandibular Salivary Glands.
J Int Oral Health. 2015;7(Suppl 2):1-5
Authors: Kujan O, Othman R, Alshehri M, Iqbal F, Kochaji N
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The behavior of salivary myoepithelial cells (MEC) during chronic irradiation exposure is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the response of MEC to prolonged radiation exposure.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: 16 rabbits and four controls were irradiated with either 10 Gy, 20 Gy, 30 Gy or 40 Gy (Gray units) of direct axial beam radiation. Parotid and submandibular glands were removed and examined using immunohistochemical double staining. Proliferating MEC were semi-quantified using alpha smooth muscle actin antibodies and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibodies.
RESULTS: MEC proliferative activity increased after radiation in both submandibular (P = 0.037) and parotid groups (P = 0.006) compared to controls. Hyper-proliferation was seen only in parotid glands which was almost dose-dependent. Mean percentage MEC proliferation did not correlate with the clinical grading or recovery from oral mucositis (P = 0.47).
CONCLUSIONS: Parotid glands are more sensitive to radiation compared to submandibular glands. Further research is needed to determine the role of MEC proliferative activity in response to radiation.
PMID: 26668472 [PubMed]
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Determinants of Obesity in Italian Adults: The Role of Taste Sensitivity, Food Liking, and Food Neophobia.
Determinants of Obesity in Italian Adults: The Role of Taste Sensitivity, Food Liking, and Food Neophobia.
Chem Senses. 2015 Dec 15;
Authors: Proserpio C, Laureati M, Bertoli S, Battezzati A, Pagliarini E
Abstract
Recent evidence has suggested that factors related to sensory perception may explain excess weight. The objective of this study was to consider multiple aspects while investigating the phenomenon of obesity. One goal was to compare taste acuity (taste threshold and density of fungiform papillae) in both normal weight and obese subjects. Thresholds for 4 basic tastes and the fat stimulus were investigated. A second research goal was to study the relationship between food neophobia and food liking according to the body mass index and taste sensitivity. The results showed that obese subjects seem to have higher threshold values and a reduced number of fungiform papillae than do normal weight subjects. Food neophobia did not vary with nutritional status, whereas differences were found for food liking, with obese subjects showing significantly higher liking ratings for high energy dense products compared with normal weight subjects.
PMID: 26671250 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Resolving the Magnetic Asymmetry of the Inner Space in Self-assembled Dimeric Capsules Based on Tetraurea-calix[4]pyrrole Components.
Resolving the Magnetic Asymmetry of the Inner Space in Self-assembled Dimeric Capsules Based on Tetraurea-calix[4]pyrrole Components.
Chimia (Aarau). 2015 Nov;69(11):652-658
Authors: Espelt M, Aragay G, Ballester P
Abstract
The encapsulation of N,N, N',N'-tetramethyl-1,5-pentanediamine-N,N'-dioxide 2 in a non-chiral capsular assembly formed by dimerization of tetraurea-calix[4]pyrrole 1a produced the observation of the N-methyl groups of the encapsulated guest as two separated singlets resonating highly upfield in the (1)H NMR spectrum. In order to clarify the origin of the observed signal splitting we assembled and studied a series of structurally related dimeric capsules. We used the tetraurea-calix[4]pyrrole 1a , the enantiomerically pure tetraurea-calix[4] pyrrole R-1b and the tetraurea-bisloop calix[4]pyrrole 1c as components of the produced assemblies. The (1)H NMR spectra of the assembled encapsulation complexes with bis-N-oxide 2 evidenced diverse splitting patterns of the N-methyl groups. In addition, 2D EXSY/ROESY NMR experiments revealed the existence of chemical exchange processes involving the separated methyl signals of the encapsulated guest. The capsular assemblies were mainly stabilized by a belt of eight head-to-tail hydrogen-bonded urea groups. The interconversion between the two senses of rotation of the unidirectionally oriented urea groups was slow on the (1)H NMR timescale. These characteristics determined the appearance of a new asymmetry element (supramolecular conformational chirality) in the assemblies that accounted for some of the magnetic asymmetries featured by the capsule's inner space. The racemization of the supramolecular chirality element was fast on the EXSY timescale and produced the chemical exchange processes detected for the encapsulation complexes.
PMID: 26671048 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Soy Isoflavones and Osteoporotic Bone Loss: A Review with an Emphasis on Modulation of Bone Remodeling.
Soy Isoflavones and Osteoporotic Bone Loss: A Review with an Emphasis on Modulation of Bone Remodeling.
J Med Food. 2015 Dec 15;
Authors: Zheng X, Lee SK, Chun OK
Abstract
Osteoporosis is an age-related disorder that affects both women and men, although estrogen deficiency induced by menopause accelerates bone loss in older women. As the demographic shifts to a more aged population, a growing number of men and women will be afflicted with osteoporosis. Since the current drug therapies available have multiple side effects, including increased risk of developing certain types of cancer or complications, a search for potential nonpharmacologic alternative therapies for osteoporosis is of prime interest. Soy isoflavones (SI) have demonstrated potential bone-specific effects in a number of studies. This article provides a systematic review of studies on osteoporotic bone loss in relation to SI intake from diet or supplements to comprehensively explain how SI affect the modulation of bone remodeling. Evidence from epidemiologic studies supports that dietary SI attenuate menopause-induced osteoporotic bone loss by decreasing bone resorption and stimulating bone formation. Other studies have also illustrated that bone site-specific trophic and synergistic effects combined with exercise intervention might contribute to improve the bioavailability of SI or strengthen the bone-specific effects. To date, however, the effects of dietary SI on osteoporotic bone loss remain inconclusive, and study results vary from study to study. The current review will discuss the potential factors that result in the conflicting outcomes of these studies, including dosages, intervention materials, study duration, race, and genetic differences. Further well-designed studies are needed to fully understand the underlying mechanism and evaluate the effects of SI on osteoporosis in humans.
PMID: 26670451 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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THE MEASUREMENT OF ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY AND POLYPHENOL CONTENT IN SELECTED FOOD SUPPLEMENTS.
THE MEASUREMENT OF ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY AND POLYPHENOL CONTENT IN SELECTED FOOD SUPPLEMENTS.
Acta Pol Pharm. 2015 Sep-Oct;72(5):877-87
Authors: Wasek M, Giebułtowicz J, Sochacka M, Zawada K, Modzelewska W, Krześniak LM, Wroczyński P
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS), defined as a disturbance in the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses, can result in the development of many serious diseases like diabetes or cancer. Moreover, the role of oxidative stress in the acceleration of the aging process is also confirmed. ROS are constantly produced in the natural biochemical processes, mainly during cellular respiration. Their enhanced production may be the result of e.g., an inappropriate diet high in saturated fats, low in fiber, fruits and vegetables, insufficient physical activity or smoking. To prevent oxidative stress, besides changes in life style, the additional supplementation of antioxidants is proposed. On the Polish market, the number of food supplements with declared antioxidant activity is still increasing. However, their antioxidant properties are rarely confirmed experimentally. The aim of our study was to determine the antioxidant potential of selected dietary supplements available on the market and recommended in chronic fatigue syndrome. The antioxidant potential was measured using four methods: FRAP, ORAC, HORAC, EPR/DPPH. Moreover, the content of polyphenols in the dietary supplements was also determined.
PMID: 26665393 [PubMed - in process]
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The social gradient in preventive health care use: what can we learn from socially mobile individuals?
Little is known about the origins of the stratified nature of preventive health behaviour. In this paper, we introduce theory and methodology from the field of social mobility research. Intergenerational, socially mobile individuals can provide insights into the central discussion about how health lifestyles or cultural health capital develop over the life course, during which different contexts of socialisation are encountered, each with its own characteristic health-related practices. We study the use of regular mammography screening by Belgian women using data from the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement and we operationalise social mobility as occupational mobility using the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-88). By means of diagonal reference models, we are able to discern the effects of the social position of origin, the social position of destination and social mobility itself, contrary to the less rigorous linear regression approach that prevails in health behaviour research. As expected, the take up of mammography screening is strongly influenced by social position. It seems that both upwardly and downwardly mobile women adapt to the mammography screening practices in their position of destination. This study shows the potential for social mobility research to enrich the debate on health lifestyles.
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Defensive stakeholder management in European universities: an institutional logics perspective
Earlier studies on stakeholder management in European universities focused on proactive strategies, i.e. substantive organizational practices to establish and maintain mutually beneficial exchanges between universities and their stakeholders. We argue that the literature on stakeholder management has to be extended by theorizing defensive strategies (i.e. verbal or symbolic accounts in response to stakeholder criticism). Drawing on the institutional logics perspective, we investigate how and why a highly reputed, research-intensive European university deploys defensive strategies in the mass media. Our single-case study demonstrates that defensive strategies vary depending on the type of stakeholder criticism. Our study indicates that the relations between universities and their critical stakeholders can be consensual, but only if stakeholders criticize organizational values belonging to the institutional logic(s) from which universities operate.
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How tracking structures attitudes towards ethnic out-groups and interethnic interactions in the classroom: an ethnographic study in Belgium
The influence of the ethnic composition of schools on interethnic relations and attitudes has been studied extensively and has received ample interest from policy makers. However, less attention has been paid to the structures and processes inside schools that organize interethnic relations and attitudes. In Flanders (Belgium), secondary education is organized by grouping students in different tracks, which are hierarchically ordered and prepare students for different futures. Tracking in Flanders is intended to group students according to their abilities but together with this, students are grouped according to their ethnic and socioeconomic background. In the present study, the interethnic relations and attitudes in each track will be explored, based on ethnographic observations and semi-structured interviews in three multi-ethnic secondary schools in one city. Our findings suggest that different patterns occur across three groups of tracks: the most appreciated fields of study in academic, the intermediary (less appreciated fields of study in academic and technical tracks) and vocational tracks. According to the relative sizes of ethnic groups and track specific characteristics, interethnic relations were characterized respectively by ethnic segregation, positive experiences of interethnic contact or ethnic conflict/tensions. The ethnic composition of classrooms seemed to matter for students' ethnic in-group identifications and evaluations and perceived out-group threats.
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Are girls more resilient to gender-conformity pressure? The association between gender-conformity pressure and academic self-efficacy
Since the 1990s, it has become clear that Belgian girls tend to outperform boys on educational parameters. Similar educational gender gaps are encountered in other western industrialized countries and are often attributed to cultural conventions concerning typical masculinity and femininity, which would inform gendered study cultures. This paper investigates the influence of gendered peer cultures in Flanders on an individual level by employing the concept of pressure for gender conformity. More specifically, the gender-differentiated impact of gender-conformity pressure is investigated in relation to academic self-efficacy. We examine these inter- and intragender differences in a sample of 6380 seventh-grade students in Flanders (the northern, Dutch-speaking part of Belgium), clustered in 59 schools. The data were collected at the start and the end of the 2012-13 school year. Results from multilevel regression analysis at two waves show that boys' academic self-efficacy is lower when experiencing more pressure for gender conformity. Girls' academic self-efficacy, however, does not decline when experiencing similar levels of pressure. In addition, when taking into account the negative toll that pressure for gender conformity has on girls' well-being, their academic self-efficacy is higher when experiencing more pressure. This gender-differentiated impact of pressure for gender conformity is not apparent at the start of the school year, but emerges in the course of seventh grade. The results are discussed in light of gendered expectations for boys and girls in the Belgian context.
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Oligonucleotide-stabilized fluorescent silver nanoclusters for specific and sensitive detection of biotin
DOI: 10.1039/C5AN02307F, Paper
A novel biotin fluorescent probe based on oligonucleotide-stabilized silver nanoclusters (DNA-AgNCs) was synthesized by employing biotinylated cytosine-rich sequence as synthesized template. The fluorescence property of the DNA-AgNCs is related to...
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2,4-Toluene Diisocyanate Detection in Liquid and Gas Environments Through Electrochemical Oxidation in an Ionic Liquid
DOI: 10.1039/C5AN02220G, Paper
The electrochemical oxidation of 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (2,4-TDI) in an ionic liquid (IL) has been systematically characterized in order to determine the plausible electrochemical and chemical reaction mechanism and to define...
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Highly-sensitive organophosphorous pesticide biosensors based on CdTe quantum dots and bi-enzyme immobilized eggshell membranes
DOI: 10.1039/C5AN02163D, Paper
An optical biosensing method using CdTe quantum dots (QDs) and bi-enzyme-immobilized eggshell membranes for the determination of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) has been developed. Increasing amounts of OPs led to a...
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To the Editor.
To the Editor.
Isr Med Assoc J. 2015 Oct;17(10):660
Authors: Zeller L, Abu-Shakra M
PMID: 26665330 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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HELMINTHS AND AUTOIMMUNITY: THE PECULIAR CASE OF TAENIA SOLIUM.
HELMINTHS AND AUTOIMMUNITY: THE PECULIAR CASE OF TAENIA SOLIUM.
Isr Med Assoc J. 2015 Oct;17(10):660
Authors: Galán-Puchades MT
PMID: 26665329 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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Progressive Brain Atrophy due to Chronic Alcohol Abuse.
Progressive Brain Atrophy due to Chronic Alcohol Abuse.
Isr Med Assoc J. 2015 Oct;17(10):659
Authors: Slobodin G, Odeh M
PMID: 26665328 [PubMed - in process]
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Diagnosing Hyperperfusion Syndrome: CT Perfusion or Transcranial Doppler?
Diagnosing Hyperperfusion Syndrome: CT Perfusion or Transcranial Doppler?
Isr Med Assoc J. 2015 Oct;17(10):656-8
Authors: Orion D, Yavne Y, Peretz S, Givaty G
PMID: 26665327 [PubMed - in process]
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Bone Marrow-Related Syncope.
Bone Marrow-Related Syncope.
Isr Med Assoc J. 2015 Oct;17(10):653-5
Authors: Shmilovich H, Trestman S, Bak S, Aviram G, Banai S, Steinvil A, Keren G
PMID: 26665326 [PubMed - in process]
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Pulmonary Granulomatous Inflammation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Pulmonary Granulomatous Inflammation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Isr Med Assoc J. 2015 Oct;17(10):650-2
Authors: Avnon LS, Smoliakov A, Sinelko I, Abu-Shakra M
PMID: 26665325 [PubMed - in process]
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Diagnosis of Relapsed Burkitt's Lymphoma in a Urine Sample: an Unusual "FISHing" Expedition.
Diagnosis of Relapsed Burkitt's Lymphoma in a Urine Sample: an Unusual "FISHing" Expedition.
Isr Med Assoc J. 2015 Oct;17(10):648-9
Authors: Sarid N, Kay S, Angel A, Trakhtenbrot L, Amit O, Herishanu Y, Perry C
PMID: 26665324 [PubMed - in process]
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Ileo-Ileal Intussusception caused by an Inverted Meckel's Diverticulum Eliciting a Systemic Vasculitis-Like Response.
Ileo-Ileal Intussusception caused by an Inverted Meckel's Diverticulum Eliciting a Systemic Vasculitis-Like Response.
Isr Med Assoc J. 2015 Oct;17(10):646-7
Authors: Nevler A, Shpitzer SA, Shinhar D, Bilik R
PMID: 26665323 [PubMed - in process]
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Desulfination as an Emerging Strategy in Palladium-Catalyzed C–C Coupling Reactions
Abstract
As carbon–carbon bonds are an essential bond type in Nature, reactions that form C–C bonds are of great interest in organic chemistry. Among the most popular C–C bond formation methods with aromatic systems are palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions, such as the Heck, Suzuki, Negishi and Stille reactions. Even though these methods are efficient, they produce stoichiometric amounts of high molecular weight byproducts, placing them in conflict with the increasingly important ideas of sustainable reactions and green chemistry. In contrast, palladium-catalyzed desulfinative coupling reactions produce minimal waste; in general, only hydrogen halides or alkali halides are formed as byproducts in addition to SO2 gas, which can potentially be recycled. This microreview provides a brief historic overview on palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions with organosulfur compounds, with the main focus on the use of sulfinate salts as nucleophilic or electrophilic reaction partners. Various methods to access the sulfinate salts, and the coupling reactions of sulfonyl precursors that proceed through sulfinic acid/salt intermediates generated in situ are also discussed.
Organosulfur compounds have gained increasing attention as coupling partners for palladium-catalyzed C–C bond formation. This microreview provides a critical analysis of desulfinative reactions for these couplings, from their origins to the current state-of-the-art to their future prospects for sustainable chemistry.
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Tuning of the HOMO–LUMO Gap of Symmetrical and Unsymmetrical Ferrocenyl-Substituted Diketopyrrolopyrroles
Abstract
Ferrocenyl-substituted diketopyrrolopyrroles (DPPs) with the symmetrical -bridged donor–acceptor (D––A) frameworks D′––D–A–D––D′ and D′–A′–D–A–D–A′–D′ as well as unsymmetrical D–A–D––D′ and D–A–D–A′–D′ frameworks were designed and synthesized by a Pd-catalyzed Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction followed by a [2+2] cycloaddition–retroelectrocyclization reaction. The tetracyanobutadiene (TCBD) DPPs 7 and 8 have redshifted absorption bands and lower HOMO–LUMO gap values relative to those of ferrocenyl-DPPs 5 and 6. The electronic absorption spectra show a systematic redshift in the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) band from the ferrocene to the diketopyrrolopyrrole core. The photophysical, computational, and electrochemical properties were also investigated and show substantial donor–acceptor interactions between the ferrocene and DPP moieties. The symmetrical ferrocenyl-DPPs have more thermal stability than the unsymmetrical derivatives.
Symmetrical and unsymmetrical -bridged donor–acceptor (D––A) ferrocenyl-diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPPs) frameworks were synthesized by a Pd-catalyzed Sonogashira cross-coupling and [2+2] cycloaddition–retroelectrocyclization reactions. The tetracyanobutadiene (TCBD) DPPs 7 and 8 have lower HOMO–LUMO gap values relative to those of ethyne-bridged ferrocenyl-DPPs 5 and 6.
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Medicalization of the Uncertainty? An Empirical Study of the Relationships between Unemployment or Job Insecurity, Professional Care Seeking, and the Consumption of Antidepressants
In addition to concerns about the treatment gap in mental health (MH) care, an increasing number of researchers are paying attention to the medicalization of daily life. Framed in a context characterized by a growth in the use of antidepressants and at the same time economic instability, the aim of this study is to unravel the relations between employment status/job insecurity, seeking professional care for MH problems, and antidepressant use. Data from the Eurobarometer 345 (2010) are used to perform gender-differentiated, multilevel logistic regression analyses. Our results show that, in accordance with the need hypothesis, part of the professional care use for emotional problems and part of the antidepressant use among the unemployed and those in insecure jobs are associated with their comparatively worse MH status. In addition, medicalization processes contribute to more frequent care and antidepressant use, irrespective of MH status, among the unemployed: increased antidepressant consumption among women in insecure jobs and more general practitioner consultations for emotional health problems among their male counterparts. In conclusion, evidence is found for both the need hypothesis as well as the medicalization hypothesis. In addition, we cannot conclude that women are more vulnerable to medicalization than men are.
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The responsibility to protect doctrine: coherent after all
In a recent International Politics article, Henrik Friberg-Fernros and Douglas Brommesson argue that the responsibility to protect (R2P) doctrine, as it was originally introduced in the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty (ICISS) report, is incoherent. More specifically, they contend that there is a fundamental conflict between the implications of R2P and the six criteria the ICISS sets out to evaluate whether an intervention is justified. This article argues that these assertions are based on a misconception of how the criteria for justified intervention are interpreted in the ICISS report. Building on recent arguments from just war theory, I argue that three of these criteria do not stipulate when it is permitted to intervene, but rather what is permitted in an intervention. Subsequently, I demonstrate that in such an application, these criteria are not incompatible with the R2P.
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The transatlantic trade and investment partnership and the role of computable general equilibrium modelling: an exercise in 'Managing fictional expectations'
Negotiations between the world's two largest trading partners, the European Union (EU) and the USA, on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) have been ongoing since July 2013. Anticipating the controversy the agreement has sparked, EU trade policy-makers in the European Commission have put considerable effort into discursively framing the agreement on their terms. Drawing on computable general equilibrium (CGE) models of the agreement's likely impact, the central claim has been that the TTIP promises to deliver much-needed 'growth and jobs' without stretching the public purse at a time of austerity. Our main argument in this article, drawing on the insights of the economic sociologist Jens Beckert, is that these CGE models – and the figures they have produced – represent an important exercise in 'managing of fictional expectations'. The models make overly optimistic predictions about the ability of the EU and the USA to eliminate regulatory barriers to trade – which are unlikely to be realised in the face of considerable political opposition – and also downplay the potential deregulatory impact of an agreement. Rather than act as a reliable guide to future outcomes, we thus show that these models serve the pro-liberalisation agenda of the European Commission and other advocates of the TTIP.
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Higher reasoning with level-2 fuzzy regions
Spatial data is quite often is prone to uncertainty and imprecision. For this purpose, fuzzy regions have been developed: they basically consist of a fuzzy set over a two dimensional domain, allowing for both fuzzy regions and fuzzy points to be modelled. The model is extended to a level-2 fuzzy region to overcome some limitations, but this has an impact on operations. In this contribution, we will look into the construction of and combination of existing data to yield level-2 fuzzy regions.
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Harmonic and monogenic functions in superspace
The aim of this work is to further extend the analytic theory of monogenic functions in superspace and to construct a set of operators that allow to construct an explicit basis for the spaces of symplectic spherical harmonics.
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Basic techniques for the damage assessment of concrete members after fire
Generally, concrete structures behave very well during a fire. After a fire, it could be of economical interest to reuse the structure after appropriate repair based on reliable assessment of the strength properties. This paper demonstrates how the strength may be assessed from drilled cores by measuring the weight increase of the concrete after water immersion. Furthermore, the effect on the remaining strength of a change of heating rate, duration at target temperature, water cooling and post-cooling storage is studied. Considering the effect of the storage period, a stress/strain model is developed for both traditional and self-compacting concrete.
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Subsumption architecture for enabling strategic coordination of robot swarms in a gaming scenario
The field of swarm robotics breaks away from traditional research by maximizing the performance of a group - swarm - of limited robots instead of optimizing the intelligence of a single robot. Similar to current-generation strategy video games, the player controls groups of units - squads - instead of the individual participants. These individuals are rather unintelligent robots, capable of little more than navigating and using their weapons. However, clever control of the squads of autonomous robots by the game players can make for intense, strategic matches. The gaming framework presented in this article provides players with strategic coordination of robot squads. The developed swarm intelligence techniques break up complex squad commands into several commands for each robot using robot formations and path finding while avoiding obstacles. These algorithms are validated through a 'Capture the Flag' gaming scenario where a complex squad command is split up into several robot commands in a matter of milliseconds.
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10 Food Safety and Quality Videos: Which Ones Will You Watch During Holiday Break?
Were you planning on catching up on some videos during the holiday break? Here are the top ten videos related to food safety and quality that we have published on our blog and in our Food & Beverage Community that may interest you. To start, here are some short informational videos: Ensuring Good Control of What Read the rest of this article
The post 10 Food Safety and Quality Videos: Which Ones Will You Watch During Holiday Break? appeared first on Accelerating Science.
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The Potential Malignancy of a Solitary Fibrous Tumour of the Lung
Solitary fibrous tumours (SFTs) are rare neoplasms that in the majority of cases are benign. We present the case of a 52-year-old male, with a 23-year history of a slow growing pleural mass, presenting to our department with worsening dyspnoea and localised chest discomfort. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the potential malignancy of a solitary fibrous tumour of the lung along with the key features in diagnosis and management.
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Ephrin-A5 is required for optimal fertility and a complete ovulatory response to gonadotropins in the female mouse
Endocrinology, Early Release.
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Ghrelin Promotes Functional Angiogenesis in a Mouse Model of Critical Limb Ischemia Through Activation of Proangiogenic MicroRNAs
Endocrinology, Early Release.
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Moderate exercise prevents functional remodeling of the anterior pituitary gland in diet-induced insulin resistance in rats: role of oxidative stress and autophagy
Endocrinology, Early Release.
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Relationships between neurocognitive functioning, mood, and quality of life in patients with temporal lobe glioma
Abstract
Objective
While neurocognitive functioning (NCF) and mood disturbance share a relationship with health-related quality of life (HRQOL), few studies have examined relationships between these constructs in glioma patients prior to treatment.
Methods
Newly diagnosed patients with glioma in the left (N = 73; 49% glioblastoma) or right (N = 30; 57% glioblastoma) temporal lobe completed neuropsychological testing and self-report measures of HRQOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)-General and Brain module) and mood (Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory).
Results
Verbal learning and memory, executive function, and language abilities were associated with various HRQOL scales. Stepwise linear regression showed that verbal learning predicted scores on the general well-being scale and brain module, processing speed predicted social well-being scores, and executive functioning predicted functional well-being scores on the FACT. Upper extremity strength also predicted scores on the functional well-being subscale and brain module. Mood was more strongly associated with HRQOL domains than NCF, with depressive symptoms accounting for a large proportion of variance across most subscales.
Conclusions
In patients with temporal lobe glioma, depressive symptoms are strongly related to most aspects of HRQOL but not with NCF. NCF, specifically verbal learning and memory, executive functioning, and processing speed, also show direct relationships with numerous aspects of HRQOL. These findings underscore the importance of multimodal assessment of NCF and mood in this population. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Psychometric properties of the Parenting Concerns Questionnaire in cancer survivors with minor and young adult children
Abstract
Objective
Although cancer patients with minor children have become more of a focus of psycho-oncological research, little is known about specific parenting concerns. Instruments to assess the concerns and worries of parents with cancer are rare. The Parenting Concerns Questionnaire (PCQ) addresses this issue. We analyzed parenting concerns in cancer survivors and evaluated the German version of the PCQ.
Methods
A total of 1416 cancer survivors with minor and young adult children (≤21 years) were recruited in a register-based study. Descriptive analyses as well as reliability and validity analyses were conducted. We performed a confirmatory factorial analysis of the factor structure proposed by the authors of the original version on the PCQ.
Results
Seventy-three percent of the cancer survivors were women, average age was 47.5 years (SD 5.9). Mean time since diagnosis was 44 months (SD 23.4). Between 18 and 31% of survivors reported that they were concerned about their children. The PCQ proved to be a reliable and valid instrument showing medium correlations with standardized measures in expected directions and discriminating between survivors with and without use of psychosocial support services. The factor structure was supported by the confirmatory factorial analysis.
Conclusions
Assessing parenting concerns gives an additional insight into the situation of parents with cancer. In our sample of cancer survivors, we identified one out of three survivors being concerned regarding the impact of their illness on their children. The PCQ can be considered as a valid and reliable instrument with regard to identifying concerned parents with cancer. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Participation in pediatric oncology: views of child and adolescent patients
Abstract
Objective
The aim of the present study is to explore patient's perspectives in pediatric oncology on participation in discussions and decision-making surrounding their cancer diagnosis.
Methods
Seventeen patients between 9 and 17 years of age receiving treatment at centers of the Swiss Pediatric Oncology Group were interviewed for this study. Their interview data was analyzed qualitatively to identify themes with regard to participation in medical communication and/or decision-making.
Results
Participants highlighted how their roles in health care discussions varied from direct participation to indirect involvement. Overall, there were fewer accounts of involvement in decision-making than in overall health care discussions. Challenges with regard to completely understanding the information provided and making decisions were identified. Participants also discussed situations when they were not involved in medical communication or decision-making. While they generally valued their participation, the preferred level of involvement oscillated between participants as well as within one and the same child across time.
Conclusions
The complex pattern of participation found in this study calls for a flexible model of involving children and adolescents in health care that accounts for the varying roles and preferences that they manifest. A patient may appreciate active involvement in some decisions while choosing to remain in the background for others. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Standardized data collection to build prediction models in oncology: a prototype for rectal cancer
Future Oncology Ahead of Print.
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Scrub Typhus
Figure 1.
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