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Greek colonization in local contexts : case studies in colonial interactions
Greek Colonization in Local Context' takes a fresh look at Greek colonies around Europe and Black Sea. The emphasis is on cultural interaction, transformation and the repercussions and local reactions to colonization in social, religious and cultural terms. Papers examine the archaeological evidence for cultural interaction in a series of case studies from locations around the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, at a variety of scales. Contributors consider the effects of colonization on urban life and developments in cities and smaller settlements as well as in the rural landscapes surrounding and supporting them. This collection of new papers by leading scholars reveals fascinating details of the native response to the imposition of Greek rule and the indigenous input into early state development in the Mediterranean and adjacent regions.
Book
A Randomized Trial of Vertebroplasty for Osteoporotic Spinal Fractures
In this randomized trial involving patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, patients who underwent vertebroplasty had improvements in pain and disability measures that were similar to those in patients who underwent a sham procedure.
Patients who underwent vertebroplasty had improvements in pain and disability measures that were similar to those in patients who underwent a sham procedure.
Spontaneous vertebral fractures are associated with pain, disability, and death in patients with osteoporosis. Percutaneous vertebroplasty, the injection of medical cement, or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), into the fractured vertebral body has gained widespread acceptance as an effective method of pain relief and has become routine therapy for osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Guidelines recommend vertebroplasty for fractures that have not responded to medical treatment.
1
Typically, the duration of such fractures ranges from several weeks to several months or longer for fractures that have not healed.
Numerous case series and several small, unblinded, nonrandomized, controlled studies have suggested the effectiveness of vertebroplasty in relieving . . .
Journal Article
An Evaluation of Root Phytochemicals Derived from Althea officinalis (Marshmallow) and Astragalus membranaceus as Potential Natural Components of UV Protecting Dermatological Formulations
As lifetime exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation has risen, the deleterious effects have also become more apparent. Numerous sunscreen and skincare products have therefore been developed to help reduce the occurrence of sunburn, photoageing, and skin carcinogenesis. This has stimulated research into identifying new natural sources of effective skin protecting compounds. Alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) was employed to assess aqueous extracts derived from soil or hydroponically glasshouse-grown roots of Althea officinalis (Marshmallow) and Astragalus membranaceus, compared with commercial, field-grown roots. Hydroponically grown root extracts from both plant species were found to significantly reduce UVA-induced DNA damage in cultured human lung and skin fibroblasts, although initial Astragalus experimentation detected some genotoxic effects, indicating that Althea root extracts may be better suited as potential constituents of dermatological formulations. Glasshouse-grown soil and hydroponic Althea root extracts afforded lung fibroblasts with statistically significant protection against UVA irradiation for a greater period of time than the commercial field-grown roots. No significant reduction in DNA damage was observed when total ultraviolet irradiation (including UVB) was employed (data not shown), indicating that the extracted phytochemicals predominantly protected against indirect UVA-induced oxidative stress. Althea phytochemical root extracts may therefore be useful components in dermatological formulations.
Journal Article
Greek Colonization in Local Contexts
Greek Colonization in Local Context takes a fresh look at Greek colonies around Europe and Black Sea. The emphasis is on cultural interaction, transformation and the repercussions and local reactions to colonization in social, religious and cultural terms. Papers examine the archaeological evidence for cultural interaction in a series of case studies from locations around the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, at a variety of scales. Contributors consider the effects of colonization on urban life and developments in cities and smaller settlements as well as in the rural landscapes surrounding and supporting them. This collection of new papers by leading scholars reveals fascinating details of the native response to the imposition of Greek rule and the indigenous input into early state development in the Mediterranean and adjacent regions.
eBook
Communicating cancer risk in the primary care consultation when using a cancer risk assessment tool: Qualitative study with service users and practitioners
Background Cancer risk assessment tools are designed to help detect cancer risk in symptomatic individuals presenting to primary care. An early detection of cancer risk could mean early referral for investigations, diagnosis and treatment, helping to address late diagnosis of cancer. It is not clear how best cancer risk may be communicated to patients when using a cancer risk assessment tool to assess their risk of developing cancer. Objective We aimed to explore the perspectives of service users and primary care practitioners on communicating cancer risk information to patients, when using QCancer, a cancer risk assessment tool. Design A qualitative study involving the use of individual interviews and focus groups. Setting and participants Conducted in primary care settings in Lincolnshire with a convenience sample of 36 participants (19 service users who were members of the public) and 17 primary care practitioners (general practitioners and practice nurses). Results Participants suggested ways to improve communication of cancer risk information: personalizing risk information; involving patients in use of the tool; sharing risk information openly; and providing sufficient time when using the tool during consultations. Conclusion Communication of cancer risk information is complex and difficult. We identified strategies for improving communication with patients involving cancer risk estimations in primary care consultations.
Journal Article
Molecular Modeling of the Shigella flexneri Serogroup 3 and 5 O-Antigens and Conformational Relationships for a Vaccine Containing Serotypes 2a and 3a
The pathogenic bacterium Shigella flexneri is a leading global cause of diarrheal disease. The O-antigen is the primary vaccine target and distinguishes the 30 serotypes reported. Except for serotype 6, all S. flexneri serotypes have a common backbone repeating unit (serotype Y), with variations in substitution creating the various serotypes. A quadrivalent vaccine containing serotypes 2a and 3a (as well as 6 and Shigella sonnei) is proposed to provide broad protection against non-vaccine S. flexneri serotypes through shared epitopes and conformations. Here we model the O-antigen (O-Ag) conformations of serogroups 3 and 5: a continuation of our ongoing systematic study of the S. flexneri O-antigens that began with serogroup 2. Our simulations show that S. flexneri serogroups 2, 3, and 5 all have flexible O-Ags, with substitutions of the backbone altering the chain conformations in different ways. Our analysis suggests three general heuristics for the effects of substitution on the Shigella O-Ag conformations: (1) substitution on rhamnose C reduces the extension of the O-Ag chain; (2) substitution at O-3 of rhamnose A restricts the O-Ags to predominantly helical conformations, (3) substitution at O-3 of rhamnose B has only a slight effect on conformation. The common O-Ag conformations across serotypes identified in this work support the assumption that a quadrivalent vaccine containing serotypes 2a and 3a could provide coverage against S. flexneri serotype 3b and serogroup 5.
Journal Article
Drivers of Leaf Decomposition in Two Wetland Types in the Arkansas River Valley, U.S.A
White Oak Bayou watershed in the Arkansas River Valley is losing wetlands rapidly that could alter regional carbon cycles. Leaf decomposition of ash and oak were used to assess carbon cycling in five flat and five backwater wetlands within forested (54 %), urban (30 %), and pasture (7 %) catchment. Wetlands were dry in summer and wet the remaining year. Backwaters were expected to have faster decomposition rates from longer wet periods and more nutrients that would increase microbial and macroinvertebrate consumption. Backwaters held more water than flats and decomposition of both tree species was faster in backwaters (k:0.0032 ± 0.0007 day
−1
) compared to flats (k:0.0026 ± 0.0008 d
−1
,
p
= 0.018). Ash (0.0035 ± 0.0006 day
−1
) decomposed faster than oak (0.0023 ± 0.0005 day
−1
,
p
< 0.0001). Variation in ash decomposition rates was explained by inundation time and ammonium concentration. Variation in oak decomposition rates was explained by surrounding forest and nitrite + nitrate concentrations. Minor variations in hydrology affected decomposition rates of fast-breakdown leaf species, while differences in surrounding land use and nutrient concentrations affected rates of slow-breakdown species. Environmental factors altered by changing land use have important consequences for leaf decomposition. This study helps us to understand the influence that anthropogenic changes have on wetland function as urbanization continues to encroach upon wetlands in Arkansas.
Journal Article
Greek colonization in local context: case studies in colonial interactions
This volume takes a fresh look at Greek colonies around Europe and Black Sea. The emphasis is on cultural interaction, transformation and the repercussions and local reactions to colonisation in social, religious and cultural terms. Papers examine the archaeological evidence for cultural interaction in a series of case studies from locations around the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, at a variety of scales. Contributors consider the effects of colonisation on urban life and developments in cities and smaller settlements as well as in the rural landscapes surrounding and supporting them.
eBook
A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis of Patients’ Experiences and Perceptions of Seeking and Using Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs: Towards Safer Prescribing
Background
Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs are used to treat complaints like insomnia, anxiety and pain. These drugs are recommended for short-term use only, but many studies report long-term use, particularly in older people.
Objective
The aim of this study was to identify and synthesise qualitative studies exploring patients’ experiences and perceptions of receiving benzodiazepines and Z-drugs, and through this identify factors which perpetuate use of these drugs, and strategies for achieving safer prescribing.
Methods
A systematic search of six databases for qualitative studies exploring patients’ experiences and perceptions of primary care benzodiazepine and z-drug prescribing published between January 2000 and April 2014 in a European language, and conducted in Europe, the United States, Australia or New Zealand. Reference lists of included papers were also searched. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist. Findings were synthesised using thematic synthesis.
Results
Nine papers were included and seven analytical themes were identified relating to patients’ experiences and perceptions and, within that, strategies for safer prescribing of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs: (1) patients’ negative perceptions of insomnia and its impact, (2) failed self-care strategies, (3) triggers to medical help-seeking, (4) attitudes towards treatment options and service provision, (5) varying patterns of use, (6) withdrawal, (7) reasons for initial or ongoing use.
Conclusions
Inappropriate use and prescribing of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs is perpetuated by psychological dependence, absence of support and patients’ denial/lack of knowledge of side effects. Education strategies, increased availability of alternatives, and targeted extended dialogue with patients could support safer prescribing.
Journal Article
Probation’s role in offender mental health
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how the role in offender mental health for the probation service described in policy translates into practice through exploring staff and offenders’ perceptions of this role in one probation trust. In particular, to examine barriers to staff performing their role and ways of overcoming them.Design/methodology/approachQualitative secondary analysis of data from semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 11 probation staff and nine offenders using the constant comparative method.FindingsBoth staff and offenders defined probation’s role as identifying and monitoring mental illness amongst offenders, facilitating access to and monitoring offenders’ engagement with health services, and managing risk. Barriers to fulfilling this role included limited training, a lack of formal referral procedures/pathways between probation and health agencies, difficulties in obtaining and administering mental health treatment requirements, problems with inter-agency communication, and gaps in service provision for those with dual diagnosis and personality disorder. Strategies for improvement include improved training, developing a specialist role in probation and formalising partnership arrangements.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is required to explore the transferability of these findings, particularly in the light of the recent probation reforms.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to explore how staff and offenders perceive probation’s role in offender mental health in comparison with the role set out in policy.
Journal Article