bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Randomised Crossover Trial of Clinical Algorithm for Oxygen Saturation Targeting in Preterm Infants with Frequent Desaturation Episodes
Authors: Clarke Alexandra , Yeomans Emma , Elsayed Kristy , Medhurst Alison , Berger Philip , Skuza Elizabeth , Tan Kenneth
Published: December 2014

Objectives: Strategies for oxygen therapy for preterm infants, such as the Vermont-Oxford's ‘Breathsavers' guidelines, seek to strike a balance between the potential risks of the extremes of hyperoxia and hypoxia in preterm infants. Using an algorithm based on those guidelines, we aimed to compare the proportion of time spent within the SpO2 target range during algorithm-based management of oxygen delivery compared with routine nursing care. Study Design: In a randomised crossover trial, maintenance of SpO2 over a 4-hour period during routine care was compared with algorithm-based control (administered by a dedicated research nurse). SpO2 target (88-92%) and alarm limits (86-94%) were identical in both arms. Infants <32 weeks' gestation were eligible if having >8 desaturations episodes to <85%/4 h while receiving continuous positive airway pressure/synchronised intermittent mandatory ventilation. Data was recorded via the Powerlab system from Masimo oximeters and Babylog 8000+ ventilators. Results: 16 infants with a gestation of 26.7 ± 1.3 weeks (mean ± SD) and birth weight 901 ± 193 g were studied at a postmenstrual age of 30.5 ± 2.4 weeks. The percentage of time spent within target range was 34.6 ± 28.5% during routine care versus 38.3 ± 29.3% during algorithm-based care (p = 0.23). Compliance with alarm limits was 58.4 ± 21.8% during routine versus 64.7 ± 22.1% for algorithm-based care (p = 0.091). The frequency of desaturations, episode severity or number of FiO2 adjustments did not differ between the two care strategies. Conclusions: The observation that algorithm-based control did not improve time spent within the SpO2 target and alarm limits suggests nursing care has reached an optimum in the unit studied. Our finding indicates that significant modifications to the algorithm are likely to be necessary to improve target range compliance. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Osteogenic Differentiation of Late-Outgrowth CD45-Negative Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Han Yingchun , Hsieh Fred H.
Published: December 2014

Background/Aims: Late-outgrowth CD45-negative endothelial colony-forming cells are implicated to be circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), as they express endothelial cell markers and can directly form blood vessels. As these cells share characteristics of other progenitor cell phenotypes, late-outgrowth EPCs were assayed for both multilineage differentiation capability and for markers of pluripotency. Methods: Clonal single-colony late-outgrowth EPCs were derived from human cord blood and assayed both for multilineage differentiation capability in vitro and for markers of pluripotency by qPCR. Results: Under osteogenic growth conditions, these EPCs expressed the osteogenic markers RUNX2, COL1A1, ALPL, and osteocalcin and demonstrated calcium deposition and bone mineralization. Endothelial colony-forming cells expressed markers associated with induced pluripotent stem cells, including SOX2, POU5F1, c-MYC, and KLF4. Conclusions: Late-outgrowth EPCs express markers associated with pluripotency and can directly express an osteogenic phenotype under bone differentiation conditions in vitro. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
β2-Microglobulin and TIMP1 Are Linked Together in Cardiorenal Remodeling and Failure
Authors: Vianello Annamaria , Caponi Laura , Galetta Fabio , Franzoni Ferdinando , Taddei Marco , Rossi Marco , Pietrini Pietro , Santoro Gino
Published: December 2014

Background/Aims: The cardiorenal syndrome is a complication in patients hospitalized with chronic heart failure (CHF). The β2-microglobulin (b2M) level is an index of decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR), tissue turnover and inflammation. It is an emerging new predictive marker of cardiovascular events and mortality, but its role as a biomarker of cardiorenal remodeling and failure is still unknown. TIMP1, an endogenous tissue inhibitor of activated matrix metalloproteinases, is a biomarker of heart remodeling and failure. We aimed to evaluate the circulating profile of b2M and TIMP1 in CHF patients, in sedentary controls with no tissue remodeling and in veteran athletes with physiological cardiorenal remodeling and athlete's heart (AH). Methods: We investigated the plasma levels of b2M and TIMP1 in 24 subjects with CHF without primitive renal disease, in 25 sedentary controls and in 30 veteran marathoners with AH over 50 years. Results: The b2M and TIMP1 levels were higher in CHF patients, and there was a correlation between them (r = 0.5287, p < 0.0095). The b2M level correlated with the severity of cardiorenal impairment: with proBNP (r = 0.66, p > 0.0007), percent ejection fraction (r = -0.56, p = 0.0162) and GFR (r = 0.83, p < 0.0001). b2M was also correlated with TIMP1 in AH subjects (r = 0.7548, p < 0.0001) but not in controls. This correlation was independent from GFR in both CHF patients and sedentary controls. Conclusions: In CHF patients, the plasma levels of b2M and TIMP1 were linked together and correlated with the severity of cardiorenal failure. Moreover, a strong correlation between b2M and TIMP1 characterized cardiovascular remodeling not only in CHF patients but also in AH subjects. These findings suggest that clinicians should use b2M and TIMP1 as associated biomarkers of cardiorenal remodeling and failure. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 Alpha Promotes Mesangial Cell Proliferation in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Deng Wei , Ren Yile , Feng Xuebing , Yao Genhong , Chen Weiwei , Sun Yue , Wang Hengjin , Gao Xiang , Sun Lingyun
Published: December 2014

Background: Evidence has accumulated that hypoxia plays a significant role in the pathogenesis and progression of both acute renal injury and chronic renal disease. However, little was known about the effects of hypoxia on lupus nephritis (LN). In the current study, we investigated the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) in LN. Methods: Renal biopsies from 22 LN patients and 20 patients with renal carcinoma were obtained. In situ HIF-1α expression was examined by immunohistochemical staining, and the relationship between HIF-1α and clinical/pathological features was analyzed. HIF-1α expression in kidney from both MRL/lpr and C57BL/6 mice was detected by immunohistochemical technology. Dimethyloxaloylglycine (DMOG), an inhibitor of HIF-degrading prolylhydroxylases, was utilized to prevent HIF-1α degradation in mouse mesangial cells (MCs). After DMOG treatment, the proliferation and apoptosis rates of mouse MCs were determined. Results: LN patients showed larger amounts of HIF-1α in both glomerular and tubulointerstitial areas. The levels of intraglomerular HIF-1α were closely associated with renal pathology activity index and clinical manifestations in LN patients. In MRL/lpr mice, intraglomerular HIF-1α-positive cells were also significantly increased. Interestingly, the levels of HIF-1α positively correlated with cell density in glomerulus in both LN patients and MRL/lpr mice. Upon treatment with DMOG, the proliferation of MCs was upregulated, and apoptosis was downregulated. Conclusion: HIF-1α is highly expressed in both glomerular and tubulointerstitial tissues in LN, especially in proliferative LN. HIF-1α may promote MCs growth through the induction of proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis, and hence plays an important role in the pathogenesis of LN. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Enhanced Skeletal Muscle Expression of Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase Mitigates Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Aberrant Cell Signaling
Authors: Call Jarrod A. , Chain Kristopher H. , Martin Kyle S. , Lira Vitor A. , Okutsu Mitsuharu , Zhang Mei , Yan Zhen
Published: December 2014

Background—

Exercise training enhances extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD) expression in skeletal muscle and elicits positive health outcomes in individuals with diabetes mellitus. The goal of this study was to determine if enhanced skeletal muscle expression of EcSOD is sufficient to mitigate streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—

Exercise training promotes EcSOD expression in skeletal muscle and provides protection against diabetic cardiomyopathy; however, it is not known if enhanced expression of EcSOD in skeletal muscle plays a functional role in this protection. Here, we show that skeletal muscle–specific EcSOD transgenic mice are protected from cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and dysfunction under the condition of type 1 diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin injection. We also show that both exercise training and muscle-specific transgenic expression of EcSOD result in elevated EcSOD protein in the blood and heart without increased transcription in the heart, suggesting that enhanced expression of EcSOD from skeletal muscle redistributes to the heart. Importantly, cardiac tissue in transgenic mice displayed significantly reduced oxidative stress, aberrant cell signaling, and inflammatory cytokine expression compared with wild-type mice under the same diabetic condition.

Conclusions—

Enhanced expression of EcSOD in skeletal muscle is sufficient to mitigate streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy through attenuation of oxidative stress, aberrant cell signaling, and inflammation, suggesting a cross-organ mechanism by which exercise training improves cardiac function in diabetes mellitus.
National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Item Profiles as Predictor of Patient Outcome
Authors: Abdul-Rahim Azmil H. , Fulton Rachael L. , Sucharew Heidi , Kleindorfer Dawn , Khatri Pooja , Broderick Joseph P. , Lees Kennedy R. ,   VISTA Collaborators, Alexandrov A. , Bath P.M. , Bluhmki E. , Bornstein N. , Claesson L. , Curram J. , Davis S.M. , Donnan G. , Diener H.C. , Fisher M. , Ginsberg M. , Gregson B. , Grotta J. , Hacke W. , Hennerici M.G. , Hommel M. , Kaste M. , Lyden P. , Marler J. , Muir K. , Sacco R. , Shuaib A. , Teal P. , Wahlgren N.G. , Warach S. , Weimar C.
Published: December 2014

Background and Purpose—

National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) item profiles that were recently proposed may prove useful both clinically and for research studies. We aimed to validate the NIHSS item profiles in an acute cohort.

Methods—

We conducted a retrospective analysis on pooled data from randomized clinical trials. We applied the latent class analysis probabilities of profile membership developed from the derivation study to obtain symptom grouping,
a
-NIHSS item profiles. We implemented an independent latent class analysis to derive secondary symptom grouping,
b
-NIHSS item profiles. Validation was performed by assessing the associations with outcomes and evaluating both sets of NIHSS item profiles’ discrimination and calibration to the data. The outcomes evaluated included modified Rankin Scale (mRS; using the full distribution and dichotomized, mRS, 0–1) at day 90 and mortality by 90 days.

Results—

We identified 10 271 patients. Ordinal analysis of mRS confirmed increased odds of better outcome across the profiles in a stepwise manner, adjusted for age and thrombolysis treatment, for each set of NIHSS item profiles. Similar patterns were observed for mRS 0 to 1, and inverse patterns were seen for mortality. The
c
-statistics of
a
-NIHSS and
b
-NIHSS item profiles for mRS 0 to 1 were similar at 0.71 (95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.72) and for mortality, 0.74 (0.73–0.75) and 0.75 (0.73–0.76), respectively. Calibration was good.

Conclusions—

These NIHSS item profiles identified using latent class analysis offer a reliable approach to capture the true response patterns that are associated with functional and outcome and mortality post stroke. This approach has the potential to enhance the clinical value of the overall NIHSS score.
Does Respiratory Muscle Training Improve Cough Flow in Acute Stroke? Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kulnik Stefan Tino , Birring Surinder Singh , Moxham John , Rafferty Gerrard Francis , Kalra Lalit
Published: December 2014

Background and Purpose—

Cough protects the lungs from aspiration. We investigated whether respiratory muscle training may improve respiratory muscle and cough function, and potentially reduce pneumonia risk in acute stroke.

Methods—

We conducted a single-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in 82 patients with stroke (mean age, 64±14 years; 49 men) within 2 weeks of stroke onset. Participants were masked to treatment allocation and randomized to 4 weeks of daily expiratory (n=27), inspiratory (n=26), or sham training (n=25), using threshold resistance devices. Primary outcome was the change in peak expiratory cough flow of maximal voluntary cough. Intention-to-treat analyses were conducted using ANCOVA, adjusting for baseline prognostic covariates.

Results—

There were significant improvements in the mean maximal inspiratory (14 cmH
2
O;
P
<0.0001) and expiratory (15 cmH
2
O;
P
<0.0001) mouth pressure and peak expiratory cough flow of voluntary cough (74 L/min;
P
=0.0002) between baseline and 28 days in all groups. Peak expiratory cough flow of capsaicin-induced reflex cough was unchanged. There were no between-group differences that could be attributed to respiratory muscle training. There were also no differences in the 90-day incidence of pneumonia between the groups (
P
=0.65).

Conclusions—

Respiratory muscle function and cough flow improve with time after acute stroke. Additional inspiratory or expiratory respiratory muscle training does not augment or expedite this improvement.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.controlled-trials.com
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN40298220.
Changes of pH and Energy State in Subacute Human Ischemia Assessed by Multinuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Zöllner Johann Philipp , Hattingen Elke , Singer Oliver C. , Pilatus Ulrich
Published: December 2014

Background and Purpose—

In vivo changes in tissue pH and energy metabolism are key to understanding stroke pathophysiology. Our goal was to study pH changes in subacute ischemic stroke and their relation to energy metabolism, which, unlike acidosis in acute stroke, are not yet well understood.

Methods—

We measured tissue pH and phospholipid as well as cell energy markers, including creatine, phosphocreatine, and
N
-acetyl-aspartate in subacute stroke with combined
1
H and
31
P magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We included 19 patients with first-ever ischemic stroke (mean time after stroke, 6 days). We then compared metabolite concentrations in the ischemic tissue to contralateral (healthy) tissue using multivariate ANOVA to assess significant differences in metabolite levels between both tissue compartments.

Results—

In subacute stroke, a tissue fraction with significantly increased tissue pH was observed as compared with healthy contralateral tissue (pH, 7.09 versus 7.03;
P
=0.002) concurrent with splitting of the pH signal with 1 peak being more alkalotic. Furthermore, only a moderate decrease of energy-rich metabolites (phosphocreatine reduced by 17%, ATP reduced by 19%) was present, whereas total creatine was reduced by 51%.

Conclusions—

The finding of an alkalotic pH split in subacute ischemia is unprecedented. The pH split and only incomplete energy loss in subacute stroke suggest 2 differently viable cellular moieties, best explained by active compensatory mechanisms after acute cerebral ischemia.
Predicting the June 2013 European Flooding Based on Precipitation, Soil Moisture, and Sea Level Pressure
Authors: Ionita M. , Dima M. , Lohmann G. , Scholz P. , Rimbu N.
Published: December 2014

Over recent decades Europe has experienced heavy floods, with major consequences for thousands of people and billions of euros worth of damage. In particular, the summer of 2013 flood in central Europe showed how vulnerable modern society is to hydrological extremes and emphasized once more the need for improved forecast methods of such extreme climatic events. Based on a multiple linear regression model, it is shown here that 55% of the June 2013 Elbe River extreme discharge could have been predicted using May precipitation, soil moisture, and sea level pressure. Moreover, the model was able to predict more than 75% of the total Elbe River discharge for June 2013 (in terms of magnitude) by also incorporating the amount of precipitation recorded during the days prior to the flood, but the predicted discharge for the June 2013 event was still underestimated by 25%. Given that all predictors used in the model are available at the end of each month, the forecast scheme can be used to predict extreme events and to provide early warnings for upcoming floods. The forecast methodology could be relevant for other rivers also, depending on their location and their climatic background.
A defense of the “Grand Hotel Abyss”
Authors: Gunderson Ryan
Published: December 2014

The menace of pessimism in early critical theory is often criticized for being antithetical to Marxism’s emancipatory vision and/or implicitly conservative, a position memorably illustrated in Lukács’ appraisal of Adorno as a resident of Schopenhauer’s “Grand Hotel Abyss,” where one enjoys a nihilistically detached yet aesthetically pleasurable stay without mounting any real challenges to the miseries of the real world. This stance, reworked in numerous assessments of the first-generation Frankfurt School, presupposes that radicalism and pessimism are antagonistic positions. By rethinking early critical theory in light of discussions of “nonideal” alternatives to the ideal theories of liberal egalitarian thinkers, I argue that the Frankfurt School salvaged the prospects of emancipation precisely due to their view from the “Grand Hotel Abyss.” Through their gloomy reply to Marx in nonideal conditions, the Frankfurt School’s negative views paradoxically preserved the possibility for historical alternatives and serve two functions for social theory today: (1) to help bring the causes of injustice to consciousness and (2) to preserve a messianic hope.
The Possibilities for Activity Scale (PActS): Development, validity, and reliability
Authors: Pergolotti Mackenzi , Cutchin Malcolm P.
Published: December 2014

Background.

Laliberte Rudman proposed the concept of occupational possibilities to represent what older adults feel they “should be” and “could be” doing.

Purpose.

This study aimed to develop and validate a measure of perceived occupational possibilities: the Possibilities for Activity Scale (PActS).

Method.

Two factors of the PActS, activity expectations and activity self-efficacy, were operationalized in a 14-item instrument. The instrument was then evaluated with a sample of older adults diagnosed with cancer ( n = 179).

Findings.

The PActS demonstrated promising internal consistency reliability (stratified coefficient α = .77) and construct-related ( r = .58; p < .0001), structural (chi-square = 61.57; CFI = .97; RMSEA = .05; TLI = .96; NFI = .91) and known-groups validity.

Implications.

The PActS appears to be a useful measure of internalized occupational possibilities for participation in activity for older adults with cancer. This scale can enhance the measurement of participation in activity by evaluating the perceptions of occupational possibilities.
The Changing Role of Women in Resilience, Recovery and Economic Development at the Intersection of Recurrent Disaster: A Case Study from Sirajgang, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Mir Rabiul , Ingham Valerie , Hicks John , Manock Ian
Published: December 2014

Two million people were affected in the floodplains and low-lying areas in Sirajgang in 2012. Seven hundred and fifty families were made homeless and forced to live in small temporary huts on the river protection embankments. Unemployment rose alarmingly and the jobless left their villages to find work in larger cities, leaving behind their vulnerable and insecure families. Consequently, women were increasingly required to take on totally unfamiliar roles. Our research utilised in-depth interviews with women managing without the support of their husbands. Key findings highlighted that community resilience would improve if these women were engaged at the local operational level of disaster management.
Opposing Gazes: Racism and Xenophobia in South African Schools
Authors: Vandeyar Saloshna , Vandeyar Thirusellvan
Published: December 2014

Utilising a qualitative case study approach, this research study set out to understand discrimination experienced by immigrant students in their interactions with South African students and the prejudice immigrant students expressed against Black South African students. Findings reveal that the discrimination experienced by immigrant students could be clustered into four broad themes, namely categorisations and prototypes; practised stereotypes; academic and social exclusion; and work ethic. Furthermore, statements immigrant students make about South African students seem to fall into two broad categories, namely lack of value for moral integrity and lack of value for education. Educating students to value human dignity and to view each other as cosmopolitan citizens of the world could be a way to ensure social cohesion and harmony of future generations to come.
Metabolic Syndrome Exacerbates Inflammation and Bone Loss in Periodontitis
Authors: Li Y. , Lu Z. , Zhang X. , Yu H. , Kirkwood K.L. , Lopes-Virella M.F. , Huang Y.
Published: December 2014

Clinical studies have shown that metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased risk of developing periodontitis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Since it is known that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–activated toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathways play a crucial role in periodontitis, we hypothesized that MetS enhances LPS-induced periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone loss. In this study, we induced MetS in C57BL/6 mice by feeding them high-fat diet (HFD), and we induced periodontitis by periodontal injection of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans LPS. We found that mice fed a HFD had significantly increased body weight, plasma lipids, insulin, and insulin resistance when compared with mice fed regular chow, indicating that the mice developed MetS. We also found that a HFD markedly increased LPS-induced alveolar bone loss, osteoclastogenesis, and inflammatory infiltration. Analysis of gene expression in periodontal tissue revealed that HFD and LPS injection cooperatively stimulated expression of cytokines that are known to be involved in periodontal tissue inflammation and osteoclastogenesis—such as interleukin 6, monocyte-chemotactic protein 1, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor. To further understand the potential mechanisms involved in MetS-boosted tissue inflammation, our in vitro studies showed that palmitic acid—the most abundant saturated fatty acid (SFA) and the major SFA in the HFD used in our animal study—potently enhanced LPS-induced proinflammatory gene expression in macrophages. In sum, this study demonstrated that MetS was associated with increased periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone loss in an LPS-induced periodontitis animal model. This study also suggests that SFA palmitic acid may play an important role in MetS-associated periodontitis by enhancing LPS-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines in macrophages.
Effectiveness of Implant Therapy Analyzed in a Swedish Population
Authors: Derks J. , Håkansson J. , Wennström J.L. , Tomasi C. , Larsson M. , Berglundh T.
Published: December 2014

Treatment outcomes in implant dentistry have been mainly assessed as implant survival rates in small, selected patient groups of specialist or university clinical settings. This study reports on loss of dental implants assessed in a large and randomly selected patient sample. The results were aimed at representing evaluation of effectiveness of implant dentistry. Using the national data register of the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, 4,716 patients were randomly selected. All had been provided with implant-supported restorative therapy in 2003. Patient files of 2,765 patients (11,311 implants) were collected from more than 800 clinicians. Information on patients, treatment procedures, and outcomes related to the implant-supported restorative therapy was extracted from the files. In total, 596 of the 2,765 subjects, provided with 2,367 implants, attended a clinical examination 9 y after therapy. Implant loss that occurred prior to connection of the supraconstruction was scored as an early implant loss, while later occurring loss was considered late implant loss. Early implant loss occurred in 4.4% of patients (1.4% of implants), while 4.2% of the patients who were examined 9 y after therapy presented with late implant loss (2.0% of implants). Overall, 7.6% of the patients had lost at least 1 implant. Multilevel analysis revealed higher odds ratios for early implant loss among smokers and patients with an initial diagnosis of periodontitis. Implants shorter than 10 mm and representing certain brands also showed higher odds ratios for early implant loss. Implant brand also influenced late implant loss. Implant loss is not an uncommon event, and patient and implant characteristics influence outcomes (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01825772).
Studying Teachers’ Sensemaking to Investigate Teachers’ Responses to Professional Development Focused on New Standards
Authors: Allen Carrie D. , Penuel William R.
Published: December 2014

Recent research on teacher professional development (PD) underscores the importance of the coherence of PD with standards, curriculum, and assessment. Teachers’ judgments of the coherence of PD with larger system goals influence their decisions about what ideas and resources they appropriate from PD. Little research, however, has examined how teachers formulate these judgments and why teachers’ judgments vary within the same system and for the same reform. In this article, we use organizational theory’s concept of sensemaking to examine teachers’ responses to PD related to the Next Generation Science Standards within two schools in the United States. Our study shows that teachers’ perceptions of coherence emerge from interactions within PD, associated curriculum materials, and with colleagues and leaders in their schools. Some teachers, we found, were able to manage ambiguity, uncertainty, and perceived incoherence productively, while others foreclosed deep and sustained sensemaking. Our findings suggest the need for PD to engage teachers in sustained sensemaking activity around issues of perceived incoherence to bolster teachers’ emergent understandings of standards and improve the likelihood of implementing instructional practices aligned to standards.
Visitor Management at a Buddhist Sacred Site
Authors: Wong Cora Un In , McIntosh Alison , Ryan Chris
Published: December 2014

While there exists an abundant literature on the way religious sites deal with tourists, little has been written specifically on how Buddhist monasteries visited by large numbers of believers and nonbelievers strive to preserve their physical fabric and atmosphere of sanctity. This article describes and analyzes how the resident monastic orders of Pu-Tuo-Shan, China, protect their monasteries and nunneries and maintain their lifestyle of prayer and meditation while hosting nearly six million visitors a year. The findings, based on observation and grounded research methods, reveal the use of “soft” visitor management techniques inspired by the spirit of Buddhism. It is also found that the visitors are classified by the monks and nuns into three categories, one of which—not the tourists—is more problematic, namely the Xianke, or “incense burners.” It is concluded that currently these methods are effective, although growing numbers pose an increasing challenge.
Jasmine flower extract lowers prolactin
Authors: Finny Philip , Stephen Charles , Jacob Rajesh , Tharyan Prathap , Seshadri Mandalam S
Published: December 2014

Background

Antipsychotic drugs frequently cause amenorrhoea and galactorrhoea. Jasmine flowers used topically were as effective as oral Bromocriptine in suppressing puerperal lactation. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intranasal jasmine flower extract (JFE) to reduce prolactin levels of patients on stable doses of antipsychotic drugs.

Method

This is a randomized, double blind, crossover clinical trial. An aqueous–ethanol extract of jasmine flowers was prepared and used as nasal drops. A decrease in serum prolactin of ≥25 ng/mL was considered a significant response.

Results

Ten out of 35 women had a significant drop in the serum prolactin while on the JFE. The non-responders to JFE were on higher doses of antipsychotic drugs. The main side effect was a transient and mild burning sensation in the nose. A cost analysis favoured JFE over dopamine agonists.

Conclusion

JFE contains a prolactin-lowering substance which needs further characterisation.
Splenic abscess: Plasmodium vivax with secondary Escherichia coli infection
Authors: Tomar Laxmikant Ramkumarsingh , Rajendran Ranjith , Pandey Santosh Kumar , Aggarwal Amitesh
Published: December 2014

Splenic abscess is a rare clinical entity as described in literature. The incidence is in the range of 0.14–0.7% and it has a high mortality rate. Hence, it is important to know its clinical presentation and complications, so that it can be treated early. We report a 40-year-old diabetic man who presented with fever with chills and rigor for the last 9 days and heaviness in the left hypochondrium for the last 6 days. He was initially diagnosed as having splenomegaly due to Plasmodium vivax ( P. vivax), but was later found to have a splenic abscess due to Escherichia coli ( E. coli). This was successfully managed by catheter drainage (CD) and antibiotic treatment.
Challenges in the management of chronic HBV infection in West Africa: The clinician’s perspective
Authors: Okonkwo Uchenna C , Onyekwere Charles A
Published: December 2014

Background

Hepatitis B infection has become a public health issue in recent years. Approximately 350 million of the world’s population are chronically infected reaching endemic proportions in West Africa. Guidelines for treatment are continuously improving but are becoming more complex.

Aim

To determine the challenges hepatologists experience in the management of patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among hepatologists in West Africa during a regional hepatitis conference in 2013.

Results

Forty-six hepatologists completed the questionnaire. When evaluating a patient for chronic hepatitis B, the preferred investigations were: LFT (100%); abdominal ultrasound (93.5%); HBeAg (93.5%); HBV DNA (78%); HBsAg measure (22%); HBV genotype (15.2%); and liver biopsy (34.8%). Most had their patients on nucleoside/nucleotide analogue but follow-up visits after 1 year were problematic.

Conclusion

The majority of hepatologists had good intentions regarding the evaluation of their patients, but only a small percentage of patients are properly investigated.
Missional discipleship: Discerning spiritual-formation practices and goals within the missional movement
Authors: Beard Christopher
Published: December 2014

The missional church movement has emerged as a voice calling for a return to the church’s inherent missionary nature and identity. As a part of that call, “discipleship” has been identified as the key to success of the movement as well as the success of the Western church as a whole. However, “discipleship” and related terminology are devoid of conceptual clarity due to terminological imprecision. To this point, no single work has identified a tangible concept of “missional discipleship,” and this lack of precision leaves missional leaders with no clear goal of spiritual formation. Without a clear goal, a clear and intentional spiritual-formation plan and process is ever elusive. When missional literature on spiritual formation is observed as a whole, however, and common themes are identified, a tangible concept of missional discipleship materializes. The purpose of this article is to identify spiritual-formation practices and goals as found within missional literature, and develop a tangible concept of “missional discipleship.” Therefore, the results of this study bring forth the following proposal: Missional discipleship is the experiential process of identity formation which results in a disciple who exhibits tangible evidence of mission, community, and obedience in his or her life.
The art of accompaniment
Authors: Lamberty Kim
Published: December 2014

Pope Francis’s recent document on evangelization, Evangelii Gaudium, emphasizes option for the poor and solidarity as key components of our mission outreach. He suggests that this outreach move beyond simply providing “welfare projects” and focus on real relationship and walking with those who are poor and vulnerable. He insists that all people must become the “artisans of their own destiny,” and that we must develop solutions to poverty focusing on education and employment. This theology of mission is consistent with previous Catholic Church teaching. What has been missing is a framework for putting the theology into concrete practice, and as a result mission outreach to the poor still tends to be devoted to “welfare projects.” Catholic Relief Services has developed such a framework, called Integral Human Development (IHD). This article will describe and analyze Pope Francis’s teaching on “the inclusion of the poor in society” as mission, and then show how IHD incarnates this teaching. Finally, using examples, including from my own work in Haiti, I will show how IHD can be applied to church-to-church partnerships and other mission programs.
Using a Movie as a Capstone Activity for the Introductory Course
Authors: Blessing Stephen B. , Blessing Jennifer S.
Published: December 2014

A capstone experience serves as a culminating exercise for students to assimilate the information learned in a course and to realize how to use the material and skills in different contexts. Both majors and nonmajors benefit from having the material in the introductory course consolidated in such a way, for later study in the field and to more firmly establish its main themes in their memory. For such an experience in the introductory course, we used the classic film 12 Angry Men as the basis for discussion and an assignment. The film contains many scenes that highlight various psychological phenomena from across the curriculum that can be used to integrate those phenomena. We tested the experience in a classroom setting and found that students accessed and integrated material from across the semester significantly better than those who did not have the capstone assignment.
Dynamic Managerial Capabilities
Authors: Helfat Constance E. , Martin Jeffrey A.
Published: December 2014

The dynamic managerial capabilities literature has developed over the past decade to the point where a review and synthesis of relevant literature can move the scholarly conversation forward. The concept of dynamic managerial capabilities—the capabilities with which managers create, extend, and modify the ways in which firms make a living—helps to explain the relationship between the quality of managerial decisions, strategic change, and organizational performance. We clarify theoretical constructs and their relationships, review and synthesize empirical research on the role and impact of managerial capabilities directed toward strategic change, and suggest avenues for future research. Our review begins with an overview of theoretical conceptions of dynamic managerial capabilities. Then we organize the remainder of the review around the three core underpinnings of dynamic managerial capabilities: managerial cognition, managerial social capital, and managerial human capital. In our review, we examine evidence from studies of dynamic managerial capabilities and reinterpret evidence prior to the introduction of the dynamic managerial capabilities concept through that lens. Consistent with the dynamic managerial capabilities concept, empirical research shows that managers differ in their impact on strategic change and firm performance and that differences in managerial cognition, social capital, and human capital lead to different outcomes.
Exiles in a Foreign Land
Authors: Barnes Sandra L.
Published: December 2014

Despite documentation of intergroup conflict between African Americans and Irish immigrants during the mid-nineteenth to mid-twentieth centuries, few studies have comparatively considered the beneficence of religion as an adaptive, conciliatory mechanism for the two ethnic groups. Yet, literature supports the historic centrality of the Black Church for the former group and the indelible influence of Catholicism for the latter. This research examines common religious themes and organized efforts associated with these faith traditions for the two historically oppressed groups. Informed by Cultural Theory, this study compares and contrasts religious cultural dynamics to illumine adaptive features and activism. Exilic themes based on nationality, race, and/or ethnicity tied to biblical symbolism; social programs and self-help; as well as appropriation of Liberation Theology are common group patterns. Yet, findings also illustrate the inability of religion to foster substantial intergroup cooperation in light of other prevailing systemic forces.
Brands at Work: The Search for Meaning in Mundane Work
Authors: Brannan Matthew J. , Parsons Elizabeth , Priola Vincenza
Published: December 2014

Brand scholarship traditionally resides within the marketing literature and focuses on organizations’ external relationships with customers. However, increasing critical attention in organization studies has focused on the brand in order to understand its impact on the internal dynamics of employment relations in contemporary organizations. Drawing on an ethnography of frontline service work in an IT consultancy call centre, we explore the brand as an internal organizational resource sustaining the process of employee meaning-making activities. Documenting the ‘work of the brand’, we outline what the brand offers both employees and employers and, in doing so, we theorize the brand at work as a connecting mechanism between processes of identity formation/re-formation and regulation. While employees are encouraged to internalize particular brand meanings (in this case prestige, success and quality), we found that they often willingly buy into these intended brand meanings as a palliative to ‘cope’ with mundane work. In this way brand meanings are central to producing a self-disciplining form of employee subjectivity.
“Baseball Is Whack!”
Authors: Brown Brandon , Bennett Gregg
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study is to assess the African American viewpoint on baseball consumption. Utilizing a criterion purposive sample of African Americans, the authors used a qualitative analysis to obtain viewpoints that provide a rich understanding of the motivations to consume (or not consume) baseball. Likewise, the authors investigated the facets of baseball that seemingly create social and psychological consumption barriers for African Americans. The findings suggest three broad categories best represent the deterrence from baseball consumption: attitudes toward baseball consumption, social constraints related to consuming baseball, and the role of racial identification toward sport consumption. Within these three categories, seven general dimensions evolved that, if present, would thus influence perceptions toward baseball and eventually affect consumption habits.
Probation worker cultures and relationships with offenders
Authors: Worrall Anne , Mawby Rob C.
Published: December 2014

The occupational cultures of criminal justice practitioners are an under-researched area. In this article we argue that amidst changes in training regimes and in ways of working with offenders, different probation worker cultures co-exist which share common central values, including the belief in people to change and the importance of the relationship between probation worker and probationer in facilitating that change. Using the construct of ‘ideal types’, we describe three cultural types of probation worker. Despite differences in social and employment backgrounds, training received and perspectives on the politics of probation work, we conclude that belief in the relationship is one of the ties that bind these types into an ‘honourable profession’.
Coaching desistance? Life coaching for offenders in a ‘who works’ environment
Authors: Smyth Graham
Published: December 2014

This article considers the potential contribution of life coaching to work with offenders. It draws on a qualitative evaluation of a UK-based initiative which has been coaching offenders (exclusively female at the time of the fieldwork, but now also including men) in prison and in the community. The positive impact of coaching perceived by its recipients is set out and assessed against the theory of change which underpins coaching. The contribution to this process of engagement and the relationship between coach and client is also considered.
The inflammatory response between miniaturised and conventional cardiopulmonary bypass after cardiac surgery in an Asian population
Authors: Ng RRG , Chew STH , Liu W , Ong P , Caleb MG , Ti LK
Published: December 2014

Introduction:

We compared the systemic inflammatory response of the MCPB system to the CCPB system with cell salvage and phosphorylcholine-coated tubing amongst Asian patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods:

Seventy-eight patients were randomly assigned to the MCPB or the CCPB groups equally and followed up in a prospective, single-blinded, randomised, controlled trial. Levels of TNF-α, IL-6, CRP and LDH were measured peri-operatively.

Results:

The systemic inflammatory response was similar in both groups (TNF-α: p=0.222; IL-6: p=0.991; CRP: p=0.258). Only haemolysis was significantly higher in the CCPB group (LDH: p=0.011). The MCPB system was twice more expensive, but had a near 4-fold cost saving in tranfusions. Overall, the MCPB system cost 20% more than the modified CCPB system.

Conclusion:

These results corroborate with studies that demonstrated the avoidance of cardiotomy suction rather than the MCPB system, itself, leads to an attenuated inflammatory response. The absence of obvious clinical benefit and the higher costs involved with the MCPB system would preclude its routine use.
World cities under conditions of financialized globalization
Authors: Bassens David , van Meeteren Michiel
Published: December 2014

This paper interrogates the enduring yet changing role of world cities as centers of capitalist ‘command and control’ amidst deepening uneven development. By incorporating financialization processes in Friedmann’s (1986) world city hypothesis, we hypothesize that the world city archipelago remains an obligatory passage point for the relatively assured realization of capital. The advanced producer services complex appropriates superprofits as producers of co-constitutive knowledge on operational and financial firm restructuring, the creation of new circuits of value, and capital switching. Geographically, beyond the international financial center shortlist, the wider world city archipelago inserts finance capital (logics) in contemporary economies and societies.
Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential of Rhododendron arboreum bark
Authors: Nisar Muhammad , Ali Sajid , Muhammad Naveed , Gillani Syed N , Shah Muhmmad R , Khan Haroon , Maione Francesco
Published: December 2014

Rhododendron arboreum Smith. (Ericaceae), an evergreen small tree, is one of the 1000 species that belongs to genus Rhododendron distributed worldwide. In folk medicine, as various parts of this plant exhibit medicinal properties, it is used in the treatment of different ailments.

The present study was designed to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of methanolic extract of R. arboreum bark, followed by activity-guided fractionation of n-hexane, n-butanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions.

The ethyl acetate fraction (200 mg/kg i.p.) showed the maximum analgesic effect (82%) in acetic acid-induced writhing, followed, to a less extent, by crude extract and chloroform fraction both at a dose of 200 mg/kg i.p. (65.09% and 67.89%, respectively). In carrageenan-induced mouse paw oedema, the crude extract and its related fractions displayed in a dose-dependent manner (50–200 mg/kg i.p.) an anti-inflammatory activity for all time-courses (1–5 hrs). For the active extract/fractions (200 mg/kg i.p.), the maximum effect was observed 5 h after carrageenan injection. These evidences were also supported by in vitro lipoxygenase inhibitory properties. In conclusion, R. arboreum crude methanolic extract and its fractions exhibited anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects. For these reasons, this plant could be a promising source of new compounds for the management of pain and inflammatory diseases.
In vitro effects of exogenous carbon monoxide on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism in macrophages
Authors: Petrick Lauren , Rosenblat Mira , Aviram Michael
Published: December 2014

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a major constituent of traffic-related air pollution and is also produced endogenously under conditions of oxygen-mediated stress. It has been shown to affect both oxidative stress and inflammation. However, its role in lipid metabolism has been neglected. Using short exposure times, the effect of CO on J774A.1 macrophage atherogenic functions was investigated up to 16 h after exposure. Exposure of macrophages was found to be pro-atherogenic as it significantly increased triglyceride mass, up to 60%, and decreased high-density lipoprotein-mediated cholesterol efflux, up to 27%. In contrast, paraoxonase 2 lactonase activity was increased, up to 65%, and cellular oxidative stress was attenuated by 29%, compared with the control cells. The above results on lipid metabolism may lead to arterial macrophage foam cell formation, the hallmark of early atherogenesis.
Hoping, Empowering, Strengthening
Authors: Wood Leila
Published: December 2014

Many theoretical frameworks have been suggested for practice with survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) with very little verification of application. This study uses data from qualitative interviews with 22 IPV advocates to assess what constructs guide practice. What theories and philosophies guide advocacy practice? The findings revealed that empowerment, feminism, and strengths-based perspective are dominant lenses for practice but that hope theory and emerging clinical models are beginning to be adopted by advocates. Implications are discussed.
A conceptual model to understand the correlation between topography and wetting of polypropylene- and polyethylene-based wood–plastic composites
Authors: Calvimontes Alfredo , Bellmann Cornelia , Schirp Claudia , Schirp Arne
Published: December 2014

Microscopic and physico-chemical methods were used for a comprehensive surface characterization of different extruded polypropylene- and polyethylene-based wood–plastic composite (WPC) formulations. The surfaces were analysed using stereophotogrammetry, high-resolution scandisk confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, resulting in detailed information about the topography and surface morphology. In addition, dynamic water contact angle measurements were carried out to characterize the wettability of the samples. The effects of polymer type, polymer content, additive content and processing method on the resulting topography and wetting were investigated. The correlation between topography and wetting resulted in a conceptual model of WPC surface morphology and wetting, which may be applied to optimize adhesion properties of this composite material.