63 research outputs found

    The Relationship Between Sensory Processing and Academic Readiness in Preschool-Age Children of High-Need Families

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    Abstract Date Presented 3/30/2017 This session reviews study results describing the relationships among sensory processing, child behavior, academic readiness, and caregiver characteristics in preschool children from high-risk families. Results of the study and implications for occupational therapy practice are presented. Primary Author and Speaker: Jeanne Zobel-Lachiusa Contributing Authors: Kathryn Wiezbicki-Stevens, Dawn DiStefano</jats:p

    Pulmonary embolism in a stroke patient after systemic thrombolysis: clinical decisions and literature review

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    Pulmonary embolism can be a catastrophic event that can result in early death or serious hemodynamic dysfunction. The dehydration, immobility, and infections occurring in acute stroke patients puts these patients at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is the established therapy for acute ischemic stroke, and its prompt administration results in a better outcome in stroke patients. We describe a 73-year-old man who arrived at the emergency room within 2 hours of acute onset of left hemiparesis who was treated with rt-PA and suffered a pulmonary embolism 3 days after acute stroke therapy. rt-PA is also a current therapy for pulmonary embolism, but an ischemic stroke in the previous 3 months is an absolute contraindication to thrombolysis because of the high risk of intracranial hemorrhage. We discuss clinical and therapeutic decisions and review the current literature

    Spectrum of skeletal abnormalities in a complex malformation syndrome with "cutis tricolor" (Ruggieri-Happle syndrome)

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    Background: The term cutis tricolor describes the combination of congenital hyper- and hypopigmented skin lesions in close proximity to each other in a background of normal complexion. This phenomenon has been reported: (i) as a purely cutaneous trait; (ii) as a part of a complex malformation syndrome (Ruggieri-Happle syndrome - RHS); (iii) as a distinct type [cutis tricolor parvimaculata]; (iv) in association with other (e.g. vascular) skin disturbances. Objectives: To delineate the spectrum of skeletal defects in cutis tricolor. Methods: Retrospective and prospective analysis of skeletal surveys in 14 subjects (eight men; six women; aged 2-28 years) with cutis tricolor [4 purely cutaneous trait; 10 syndromic (RHS)]. Results: Bone abnormalities were recorded in 71.4% (10/14) of patients [100% (10/10) of cases with (other-than-skeletal) extra-cutaneous manifestations vs. null (0/4) in cases with purely cutaneous traits] and included overall small skull (n = 6); prognathism (n = 6); 'J'-shaped pituitary fossa (n = 1); absence of atlas posterior arch (n = 3); frontal bossing (n = 6); scoliosis (n = 9) with kyphosis (n = 6) and/or lordosis (n = 6); vertebral (n = 9) and ribs (n = 4) defects. Negative ZFHX1B gene analyses excluded overlaps with Mowat-Wilson syndrome. Conclusions: Cutis tricolor may be a marker of underlying skeletal involvement particularly in subjects with a complex syndromic (RHS) phenotype. © 2010 The Author(s)/Acta Pædiatrica © 2010 Foundation Acta Pædiatrica

    HIV in Japan: Epidemiologic puzzles and ethnographic explanations

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    AbstractJapan is widely perceived to have a low level of HIV occurrence; however, its HIV epidemics also have been the subject of considerable misunderstanding globally. I used a ground truthing conceptual framework to meet two aims: first, to determine how accurately official surveillance data represented Japan's two largest epidemics (urban Kansai and Tokyo) as understood and experienced on the ground; and second, to identify explanations for why the HIV epidemics were unfolding as officially reported. I used primarily ethnographic methods while drawing upon epidemiology, and compared government surveillance data to observations at community and institutional sites (459 pages of field notes; 175 persons observed), qualitative interviews with stakeholders in local HIV epidemics (n = 32), and document research (n = 116). This revealed seven epidemiologic puzzles involving officially reported trends and conspicuously missing information. Ethnographically grounded explanations are presented for each. These included factors driving the epidemics, which ranged from waning government and public attention to HIV, to gaps in sex education and disruptive leadership changes in public institutions approximately every two years. Factors constraining the epidemics also contributed to explanations. These ranged from subsidized medical treatment for most people living with HIV, to strong partnerships between government and a well-developed, non-governmental sector of HIV interventionists, and protective norms and built environments in the sex industry. Local and regional HIV epidemics were experienced and understood as worse than government reports indicated, and ground-level data often contradicted official knowledge. Results thus call into question epidemiologic trends, including recent stabilization of the national epidemic, and suggest the need for revisions to the surveillance system and strategies that address factors driving and constraining the epidemics. Based upon its utility in the current study, ground truthing has value as a conceptual framework for research and shows promise for future theoretical development

    The Lebanese crisis of summer 2006 In terms of jus contra bellum

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    As the title denotes, the present article focusses on the application of ius contra bellum rules ; in other word, the author will examine States\u27 and non-State actors\u27 conducts during summer 2006 events through the sole spectrum of rules relating to the right to the use of force in intern national relations, formerly known as the right to wage war. Thus, this article will not deal with the body of rules pertaining to the conduct of belligerents during armed conflict, i.e. the ius in bellum. Therefore, special, yet not exclusive emphasis will be put on Israel\u27s title to resort to armed force in order to guarantee its allegedly infringed rights. To this effect, the author will review different legal rules (and set of rules) which could validate Israel\u27s conduct. On the other side, Lebanon\u27s conduct in relation to Israel\u27s claims and especially with regard to Hezbollah\u27s activities will carefully be scrutinized in the light of public international law rules. In this framework, the question of States’ lawful reactions to non-State actors’ use of force will be thoroughly examined. Hence, in this respect, the article will assess not only ius contra bellum rules but also international law of State responsibility as well as the right to resort to forcible countermeasures and UN law (notably Security Council prerogatives under United Nations Charter Chapter VII). In conclusion, the author aims to determine Israel, Lebanon (and Hezbollah\u27s) responsibility in the context of this chapter of the Middle East Question

    Trim17, novel E3 ubiquitin-ligase, initiates neuronal apoptosis

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    Accumulating data indicate that the ubiquitin-proteasome system controls apoptosis by regulating the level and the function of key regulatory proteins. In this study, we identified Trim17, a member of the TRIM/RBCC protein family, as one of the critical E3 ubiquitin ligases involved in the control of neuronal apoptosis upstream of mitochondria. We show that expression of Trim17 is increased both at the mRNA and protein level in several in vitro models of transcription-dependent neuronal apoptosis. Expression of Trim17 is controlled by the PI3K/Akt/GSK3 pathway in cerebellar granule neurons (CGN). Moreover, the Trim17 protein is expressed in vivo, in apoptotic neurons that naturally die during post-natal cerebellar development. Overexpression of active Trim17 in primary CGN was sufficient to induce the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in survival conditions. This pro-apoptotic effect was abolished in Bax(-/-) neurons and depended on the E3 activity of Trim17 conferred by its RING domain. Furthermore, knock-down of endogenous Trim17 and overexpression of dominant-negative mutants of Trim17 blocked trophic factor withdrawal-induced apoptosis both in CGN and in sympathetic neurons. Collectively, our data are the first to assign a cellular function to Trim17 by showing that its E3 activity is both necessary and sufficient for the initiation of neuronal apoptosis. Cell Death and Differentiation (2010) 17, 1928-1941; doi: 10.1038/cdd.2010.73; published online 18 June 201

    Las funciones ejecutivas y su relación con el rendimiento en matemática en alumnos de 1° año de nivel secundario

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    Resumen: El objetivo de la siguiente investigación es indagar en qué medida las funciones ejecutivas influyen en el rendimiento en matemática en alumnos de 1° año de nivel secundario de la provincia de Mendoza. Respecto al concepto de Funciones Ejecutivas, se toma de referencia a la autora Adele Diamond en su artículo denominado Executive Functions (2013), la cual manifiesta que las funciones ejecutivas posibilitan la manipulación mental de diversas ideas; tomarse el tiempo de pensar antes de actuar; enfrentar cambios novedosos e inesperados; resistirse a las tentaciones; y mantenerse enfocado. Las principales Funciones Ejecutivas son la Inhibición, Memoria de trabajo y Flexibilidad Cognitiva (incluyendo el pensamiento creativo, mirar cosas desde diferentes perspectivas y adaptarse rápida y flexiblemente a circunstancias cambiantes). En cuanto al método de investigación, siguiendo lo propuesto por los autores Hernández, Fernández y Baptista (2010) en su obra Metodología de la Investigación, se utilizó un enfoque mixto, debido a que se sustenta en dos enfoques principales: el enfoque cuantitativo y el enfoque cualitativo. El diseño utilizado fue de tipo experimental. El instrumento empleado fue la escala “EFECO” y la muestra estuvo conformada por 136 alumnos pertenecientes a los colegios “Martín Miguel de Güemes” (institución de carácter pública) (74) y “Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Pompeya” (62) (institución de carácter privada), situados en la provincia de Mendoza, Argentina. Los resultados correspondientes a los alumnos de 1° año de nivel secundario pertenecientes a dichas escuelas del gran Mendoza, coinciden con la hipótesis positiva en la cual se plantea que Existe una correlación entre las funciones ejecutivas y el rendimiento en matemática en alumnos de 1° año de nivel secundario. Sin embargo, es crucial aclarar que los estudios arrojaron una correlación débil estadísticamente, no obstante, se afirma la existencia de la misma. Esto significa que los alumnos que tuvieron mayor nota obtuvieron menores resultados en la Escala EFECO. Por último, esto hace referencia a que, a menor puntaje en la Escala, mayor desarrollo de las Funciones Ejecutivas. Esta investigación busca brindar información clave para el desarrollo de estrategias con el fin de estimular las funciones ejecutivas ya que se consideran de vital importancia para promover un adecuado aprendizaje en matemática.Abstract: The objective of the following research is to investigate to what extent executive functions influence mathematic performance in 1st year high school students in the province of Mendoza. I provide a reference to the author Adele Diamond in her article called Executive Functions (2013) about the concept of Executive Functions, which states that executive functions make it possible to mentally play with ideas; have the time to think before acting; face new and unexpected changes; resist temptations; and stay focused. The main Executive Functions are Inhibition, Working Memory, and Cognitive Flexibility (including creative thinking, looking at things from different perspectives, and adapting quickly and easily to changing circumstances). Regarding the research method, following what it is proposed by the authors Hernández, Fernández and Baptista (2010) in their work Research Methodology, a mixed approach was used, because it is based on two main approaches: the quantitative approach and the qualitative approach. The design used was experimental. The instruments used were the "EFECO" scale and the sample of 136 students from the schools "Martín Miguel de Güemes" (public institution) (74) and "Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Pompeya" (private institution) (62), located in the province of Mendoza, Argentina. The results corresponding to the 1st year high school students belonging to these schools in Greater Mendoza, coincide with the positive hypothesis in which it is stated that there is a correlation between executive functions and performance in mathematics in 1st year students secondary level. However, it is crucial to clarify that the studies showed a statistically weak correlation, however, the existence of it is affirmed. This means that the students who scored higher obtained lower results on the EFECO Scale. Lastly, this refers to the fact that the lower the score on the Scale, the greater the development of the Executive Functions

    THYROSIM App for Education and Research Predicts Potential Health Risks of Over-the-Counter Thyroid Supplements

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    Background: Computer simulation tools for education and research are making increasingly effective use of the Internet and personal devices. To facilitate these activities in endocrinology and metabolism, a mechanistically based simulator of human thyroid hormone and thyrotropin (TSH) regulation dynamics was developed and further validated, and it was implemented as a facile and freely accessible web-based and personal device application: the THYROSIM app. This study elucidates and demonstrates its utility in a research context by exploring key physiological effects of over-the-counter thyroid supplements. Methods: THYROSIM has a simple and intuitive user interface for teaching and conducting simulated ?what-if? experiments. User-selectable ?experimental? test-input dosages (oral, intravenous pulses, intravenous infusions) are represented by animated graphical icons integrated with a cartoon of the hypothalamic?pituitary?thyroid axis. Simulations of familiar triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and TSH temporal dynamic responses to these exogenous stimuli are reported graphically, along with normal ranges on the same single interface page; and multiple sets of simulated experimental results are superimposable to facilitate comparative analyses. Results and Conclusions: This study shows that THYROSIM accurately reproduces a wide range of published clinical study data reporting hormonal kinetic responses to large and small oral hormone challenges. Simulation examples of partial thyroidectomies and malabsorption illustrate typical usage by optionally changing thyroid gland secretion and/or gut absorption rates?expressed as percentages of normal?as well as additions of oral hormone dosing, all directly on the interface, and visualizing the kinetic responses to these challenges. Classroom and patient education usage?with public health implications?is illustrated by predictive simulated responses to nonprescription thyroid health supplements analyzed previously for T3 and T4 content. Notably, it was found that T3 in supplements has potentially more serious pathophysiological effects than does T4?concomitant with low-normal TSH levels. Some preparations contain enough T3 to generate thyrotoxic conditions, with supernormal serum T3-spiking and subnormal serum T4 and TSH levels and, in some cases, with normal or low-normal range TSH levels due to thyroidal axis negative feedback. These results suggest that appropriate regulation of these products is needed.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/140268/1/thy.2015.0373.pd
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