Search

African American women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have worse disease outcomes compared to their White counterparts. Stressors associated with race may contribute to poorer health in this population through maladaptive behavioral pathways. This study investigated relationships between stress associated with anticipating racism, smoking, and SLE disease activity. Data were from 432 African American women with SLE in the Black Women’s Experiences Living with Lupus (BeWELL) Study. Controlling for sociodemographic and health-related covariates, multivariable regression analyses revealed a significant association between anticipatory racism stress (ARS) and disease activity (p = 0.00, b = 1.13, 95% CI [0.43, 1.82]). A significant interaction between ARS and smoking also indicated that smoking exacerbated the effect of ARS on disease activity (p = 0.04, b = 1.95, CI = 0.04, 3.96). Test for evidence of smoking mediating the effect of ARS on disease activity were not statistically significant (z = 1.77, p = 0.08). Findings have implications for future SLE disparities research among African American women with SLE.

Cognitive model [CM] is the description of individual’s problem-solving method on selected tasks at a precise level to make meaningful inference on his/her strengths and weaknesses. CM serves as a foundation in developing a cognitive diagnostic assessment [CDA] that links the interpretation of test score to the attributes. This study employed the CDA involving “Time” which was developed under the framework of assessment triangle and Attribute Hierarchy Method [AHM]. In this study, the expert-based cognitive model was generated by 7 experienced primary mathematics teachers while the student-based cognitive model was generated based on 259 Year 6 pupils’ responses in the CDA. The consistency between these cognitive models was calculated by using Hierarchical Consistency Index [HCI] and triangulated by pupils’ interview transcript. Hence, this paper aims to discuss the consistency of structure between the expert-based cognitive models and the student-based cognitive models. The extent of match between the expert-based and the student-based cognitive models is important as it determines the validity of the expert-based cognitive model from students’ perspective. In general, all the 3 expert-based cognitive models were excellently fit with the student-based cognitive models. However, the result shows that the cognitive models of those pupils who scored 50% and below exhibited poor fit to the expert-based cognitive models. Results of the study implied that the proposed CMs are able to predict pupils’ responses and there is a need to construct CM which is suitable for low ability pupils in order to help them in studying the topic of “Time.”

Transdermal drug delivery has advantages of topical drug administration compared to the other conventional administration methods. However, the skin penetration of drugs is limited by the barrier properties of stratum corneum. The combinational strategy has been investigated to improve the skin permeability of the drug. For this study, we devised an improved device that can perform not only the single application of sonophoresis or iontophoresis but also the simultaneous application. The enhancement effect of sonophoresis was evaluated for various cosmeceutical drugs using a Franz diffusion cell. The enhancement ratio of niacinamide and retinol with sonophoresis was increased to 402% and 292%, respectively. The relationship was found between the enhancement effect of sonophoresis and the physicochemical properties of drugs. In particular, the simultaneous treatment of sonophoresis and iontophoresis enhanced skin penetration of glutamic acid to 240% using the fabricated device. The simultaneous application showed significantly higher enhancement ratio than application of sonophoresis or iontophoresis alone. Moreover, the improved device achieved skin penetration enhancement of various cosmeceutical drugs with lower intensity and a short application time. This combined strategy of transdermal physical enhancement methods is advantageous in terms of decline in energy density, thereby reducing the skin irritation. The miniaturized device with sonophoresis and iontophoresis is a promising approach due to enhanced transdermal drug delivery and feasibility of self-administration in cosmetic and therapeutic fields.

This paper discusses how implementation of Lesson Study (LS) has brought about evolving changes in the quality of mathematics classroom teaching in one Chinese primary school. The Japanese model of LS was adapted as a teacher professional development to improve mathematics teachers’ teaching practices. The LS group consisted of five mathematics teachers. Data were collected through video recording of lesson observations, reflection and interviews with the teachers and selected pupils. Altogether five lessons were recorded: one each before and after commencing the Lesson Study; as well as one research lesson for each of the three Lesson Study cycles. In this study, the well-known Interconnected Model of Teacher Growth was used as the analytical framework to observe teacher change in the iterative processes of enactment and reflection between the four domains: external domain, teachers’ personal domain, the domain of practice and the domain of consequence. Analysis of the results show five observed changes in teaching practices: (a) innovative use of teaching materials; (b) choice and sequencing of learning tasks; (c) empowering pupils to create questions; (d) resizing the group; and (e) better teacher engagement. These results showed that there were connections among the four domains; and the dynamic enactment and reflection shared by the most to the least experienced teachers was evident of teacher growth.

Background Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy may be more common than previously recognized; recent ophthalmology guidelines have revised recommendations from ideal body weight (IBW)-based dosing to actual body weight (ABW)-based dosing. However, contemporary HCQ prescribing trends in the UK remain unknown. Methods We examined a UK general population database to investigate HCQ dosing between 2007 and 2016. We studied trends of excess HCQ dosing per ophthalmology guidelines (defined by exceeding 6.5 mg/kg of IBW and 5.0 mg/kg of ABW) and determined their independent predictors using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results Among 20,933 new HCQ users (78% female), the proportions of initial HCQ excess dosing declined from 40% to 36% using IBW and 38% to 30% using ABW, between 2007 and 2016. Among these, 47% of women were excess-dosed (multivariable OR 12.52; 95% CI 10.99–14.26) using IBW and 38% (multivariable OR 1.98; 95% CI,1.81–2.15) using ABW. Applying IBW, 37% of normal and 44% of obese patients were excess-dosed; however, applying ABW, 53% of normal and 10% of obese patients were excess-dosed (multivariable ORs = 1.61 and 0.1 (reference = normal); both p

The porcine MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex), encoding the SLA (Swine Leukocyte Antigen) genes, is one of the most significant regions associated with immune rejection in relation to transplantation. In this study, three SLA class I ( SLA-1, SLA-3, SLA-2 ) loci and three SLA class II ( DRB1, DQB1, DQA ) loci were investigated in the previously unidentified Korean native pig (KNP) population that was closely inbred in the Livestock Technology Research Station in Cheongyang, Korea. Total thirteen KNPs from four generations were genotyped for the SLA alleles and haplotypes were investigated using PCR-SSP (Sequence- Specific Primer) method. The results showed that all of these KNPs had Lr-56.30/56.30 homozygous haplotype, indicating high level of inbreeding in the SLA genes. The inbreeding status of these animals was also investigated using microsatellite (MS) markers. From the 50 MS markers investigated, 17 MS markers were fixed in all generations and the fixed alleles are increased as 26 loci for the fourth generation. Two MS markers, S0069 and SW173, were heterozygous for all the animals tested. Observed and expected heterozygosities were calculated and the average inbreeding coefficients for each generation were also calculated. In the fourth generation, the average inbreeding coefficients was 0.732 and this may increase with further inbreeding process. Analysis of the SLA haplotypes and MS alleles can give important information for breeding the pigs for xenotransplantation studies.(

This paper discusses a teaching dilemma faced by mathematics teachers in the Malaysian Chinese primary schools in coping with the latest changes in language policy. In 2003, Malaysia launched a new language policy of teaching mathematics using English as the language of instruction in all schools. However, due to the complex sociocultural demands of the Malaysian Chinese community, mathematics is taught in both Mandarin and English in the Malaysian Chinese primary schools. Teachers faced the dilemma of code-switching between English and Mandarin particularly in low-performing classes. A substantial amount of class time was spent in translating, especially the mathematical terminologies. Findings of this study imply that further research studies are needed to examine the effectiveness of teaching mathematics bilingually versus monolingually in a Malaysian context.

Japanese Lesson Study is a model for teacher professional learning that has recently attracted world attention particularly within the mathematics education community. It is a highly structured process of teacher collaboration, observation, reflection and practice. The world focus has been mainly due to the work of American researchers such as Stigler and Hiebert (Am Educ Winter:1–10, 1998; The teaching gap: Best ideas from the world’s teachers for improving education in the classroom. Free Press, New York 1999), Lewis and Tsuchida (Am Educ Winter:14–17; 50–52, 1998) and Fernandez [J Teach Educ 53(5):395–405, 2002]. These researchers have documented Lesson Study from the perspective of their social, cultural and educational contexts. In order to develop a deeper understanding of Lesson Study in a post-modern global world, there is a need to seek views beyond those presented from an American perspective. This paper will provide further additional perspectives from an Australian state view and a Malaysian state district view and a university view. The aim is to develop an understanding of how the different contexts have influenced the structure and implementation of the Japanese Lesson Study model.

As interest in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) research has increased, it has become apparent that knowledge about SLE epidemiology has lagged behind. The most fundamental aspect of epidemiology of any disease is determining the disease's incidence and prevalence rates. The reported rates for SLE vary greatly. This is due partly to the inherent disparities of the disease; however, great variation also exists in study methodology. Understanding these differences and defining ideal approaches will advance our current understanding of the literature and future efforts. Well-designed epidemiologic studies of SLE also can help further our understanding in several related research areas.

Two experiments were conducted to investigate effects of molasses addition to silage materials in ensiling Socheongryongtang meal on the nutritive quality of silage, palatability and various ruminal parameters in Korean native goats. In Experiment 1, Socheongryongtang meal silage was produced by the addition of 0, 0.5, or 1.0% molasses and stored for 40 days at room temperature. There were three replicates per treatment. Lactic acid contents of Socheongryongtang meal silage containing molasses (0.5 and 1.0%) were significantly (p

The mathematical performance of Chinese students, from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, is widely acclaimed in international comparisons of mathematics achievement. However, in the eyes of the Western educators, the environments established in Chinese schools are deemed relatively unfavourable for mathematics learning. This paper reports on a study that investigates the characteristics of effective mathematics teaching in five Shanghai schools. Findings reveal that those characteristics include (a) teaching with variation; (b) emphasis of precise and elegant mathematical language; (c) emphasis of logical reasoning, mathematical thinking and proofing during teaching; (d) order and serious classroom discipline; (e) strong and coherence teacher-student rapport, and (f) strong collaborative culture amongst mathematics teachers.

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a clinical syndrome encompassing a group of chronic, progressive, and debilitating respiratory conditions, that are characterized by incompletely reversible airflow limitation. Within the Asia-Pacific region, prevalence estimates have been derived using various protocols and study methods, and there is little data on the impact of COPD exacerbations. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive picture of the current prevalence and burden of COPD in this region. Methods A population-based survey was conducted in nine Asia-Pacific territories between 01 February 2012 and 16 May 2012. Overall, 112,330 households were screened to identify eligible subjects (aged ≥40 years, with a physician diagnosis of COPD, chronic bronchitis or emphysema, or with identifiable symptoms of chronic bronchitis). Out of a sample of 69,279 individuals aged ≥40 years, 4,289 subjects with COPD were identified. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews or by fixed-line telephone, using a structured questionnaire. A total of 1,841 completed questionnaires were analyzed. Results The overall estimated COPD prevalence was 6.2%, with 19.1% of subjects having severe COPD. In the 12 months prior to the survey, nearly half of all subjects (46%) had experienced exacerbations, and 19% had been hospitalized as a result of their condition. When subjects were asked about the impact of their condition on employment, 23% said their condition kept them from working, and 42% felt that their condition limited their ability to work or their activities. Of those who reported taking prescription drugs, 20% did not know the name of the drugs they were taking. Prescription of oral corticosteroids was common, with 44% of subjects having used these during the previous year to manage their respiratory symptoms; in contrast, inhaler use was low (25%). Only 37% of subjects had taken a lung function test, and the majority (89%) of those tested did not know their test results. Conclusions Across the Asia-Pacific territories surveyed, the prevalence of COPD is high, indicating a substantial socioeconomic burden. Our findings suggest that there is considerable room for improvement in the management of COPD, and highlight a need to enhance patient and physician education in the region. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12930-015-0020-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to lupus nephritis (LN-ESRD) may be followed by multiple providers (nephrologists and rheumatologists) and have greater opportunities to receive recommended ESRD-related care. We aimed to examine whether LN-ESRD patients have better quality of ESRD care compared to other ESRD patients. Methods Among incident patients (7/05–9/11) with ESRD due to LN (n = 6,594) vs. other causes (n = 617,758), identified using a national surveillance cohort (United States Renal Data System), we determined the association between attributed cause of ESRD and quality-of-care measures (pre-ESRD nephrology care, placement on the deceased donor kidney transplant waitlist, and placement of permanent vascular access). Multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs). Results LN-ESRD patients were more likely than other ESRD patients to receive pre-ESRD care (71% vs. 66%; OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.57-1.78) and be placed on the transplant waitlist in the first year (206 vs. 86 per 1000 patient-years; HR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.34–1.52). However, only 24% had a permanent vascular access (fistula or graft) in place at dialysis start (vs. 36%; OR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.59–0.67). Conclusions LN-ESRD patients are more likely to receive pre-ESRD care and have better access to transplant, but are less likely to have a permanent vascular access for dialysis, than other ESRD patients. Further studies are warranted to examine barriers to permanent vascular access placement, as well as morbidity and mortality associated with temporary access, in patients with LN-ESRD.

GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) is used in electric power system to insure non conductivity, breaking capacity and operating reliability. In the present study, dynamic analysis on the closing resistors of the GIS has bees carried out by the commercial dynamic analysis code COSMOS MOTION and 3-D modeling program SOLID WORKS. In order to find the minimum value of chatter vibration of closing resistors, the motion of moving and fixed resistor parts of closing resistors were simulated by varying the spring constant, the damping coefficient and the mass of moving and fixed resistor parts. The simulated results were compared with experimental results. The application of the results could reduce chatter vibration of closing resistors of the GIS. These data are also useful on the development of future model GIS with minimum chatter vibration for the determinations of the spring constant, the damping coefficient and mass of a moving part.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a multicomponent, chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs with systemic complications. The majority of the inflammation occurs in the peripheral airways and lung parenchyma. It is a progressive disease, leading to disability and eventual death, despite conventional therapy. Inflammatory activity can be reduced by increasing intracellular cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) through inhibition of phosphodiesterase (PDE) IV, the principal PDE isoenzyme within pro-inflammatory cells, including eosinophils, mast cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils and epithelial cells. PDE IV inhibition also has other effects, including relaxation of airway smooth muscle, suppression of smooth muscle mitogenesis and modulation of excitatory activity in pulmonary nerves. Cilomilast is a systemically available, second-generation, selective PDE IV inhibitor. It retains the therapeutic activity of the first-generation PDE IV inhibitors but lacks their profound emetic effect. Cilomilast is the first drug to demonstrate a reduction of tissue cells considered central to the ongoing inflammatory process (macrophages and CD8+ lymphocytes) in patients with stable COPD. Cilomilast is completely absorbed following oral administration and has negligible first-pass metabolism. It exhibits linear pharmacokinetics, with low between-subject variability. Cilomilast is highly protein bound (99.4%), but this binding is concentration-independent at clinically relevant doses, and it has a small volume of distribution at steady state (17L). Plasma clearance (approximately 2 L/h) is almost entirely metabolic, through multiple parallel pathways. Its terminal elimination half-life is approximately 6.5 hours and steady state is rapidly achieved with twice-daily administration. The most abundant metabolite, formed by the action of cytochrome P450 2C8, has

High producers or blocked mutants of aminoglycoside antibiotic-producingStreptomyces spp. were selected by application of an agar plug method and by culturing individual colonies in broth. The productivities of aminoglycoside antibiotic producing organisms were increased by selection of a high producer from colonies obtained by spreading spores of wild strain, or survived from treatment of a mutagen or from the colonies regenerated from protoplast-formation and cell-wall regeneration. Some mutagen treated colonies lost the ability to produce antibiotics (5–8%). Some A-factor negative and deostreptamine or streptidine negative mutants were obtained by N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosomethylguanidine (MNNG) treatment. Many of the survivors from the MNNG treatment lost the ability to produce antibiotics. Major colonies produced less amount of antibiotics; only few survived colonies produced more antibiotics than the parent. Resistance ofStreptomyces spp. against the antibiotics produced by itself was also markedly affected by mutagen treatment.