bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surveillance, Snowden, and Big Data: Capacities, consequences, critique
Authors: Lyon David
Published: July 2014

The Snowden revelations about National Security Agency surveillance, starting in 2013, along with the ambiguous complicity of internet companies and the international controversies that followed provide a perfect segue into contemporary conundrums of surveillance and Big Data. Attention has shifted from late C20th information technologies and networks to a C21st focus on data, currently crystallized in “Big Data.” Big Data intensifies certain surveillance trends associated with information technology and networks, and is thus implicated in fresh but fluid configurations. This is considered in three main ways: One, the capacities of Big Data (including metadata) intensify surveillance by expanding interconnected datasets and analytical tools. Existing dynamics of influence, risk-management, and control increase their speed and scope through new techniques, especially predictive analytics. Two, while Big Data appears to be about size, qualitative change in surveillance practices is also perceptible, accenting consequences. Important trends persist – the control motif, faith in technology, public-private synergies, and user-involvement – but the future-orientation increasingly severs surveillance from history and memory and the quest for pattern-discovery is used to justify unprecedented access to data. Three, the ethical turn becomes more urgent as a mode of critique. Modernity's predilection for certain definitions of privacy betrays the subjects of surveillance who, so far from conforming to the abstract, disembodied image of both computing and legal practices, are engaged and embodied users-in-relation whose activities both fuel and foreclose surveillance.
Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics associated with biofilm formation in clinical isolates of atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (aEPEC) strains
Authors: Nascimento Heloisa H , Silva Lucas EP , Souza Renata T , Silva Neusa P , Scaletsky Isabel CA
Published: July 2014

Background

Biofilm formation by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) have been recently described in the prototype typical EPEC E2348/69 strain and in an atypical EPEC O55:H7 strain. In this study, we sought to evaluate biofilm formation in a collection of 126 atypical EPEC strains isolated from 92 diarrheic and 34 nondiarrheic children, belonging to different serotypes. The association of biofilm formation and adhesin-related genes were also investigated.

Results

Biofilm formation occurred in 37 (29%) strains of different serotypes, when the assays were performed at 26°C and 37°C for 24 h. Among these, four strains (A79, A87, A88, and A111) formed a stronger biofilm than did the others. The frequency of biofilm producers was higher among isolates from patients compared with isolates from controls (34.8% vs 14.7%; P = 0.029). An association was found between biofilm formation and expression of type 1 fimbriae and curli (P < 0.05). Unlike the previously described aEPEC O55:H7, one aEPEC O119:HND strain (A111) formed a strong biofilm and pellicle at the air-liquid interface, but did not express curli. Transposon mutagenesis was used to identify biofilm-deficient mutants. Transposon insertion sequences of six mutants revealed similarity with type 1 fimbriae (fimC, fimD, and fimH), diguanylate cyclase, ATP synthase F1, beta subunit (atpD), and the uncharacterized YjiC protein. All these mutants were deficient in biofilm formation ability.

Conclusion

This study showed that the ability to adhere to abiotic surfaces and form biofilm is present in an array of aEPEC strains. Moreover, it seems that the ability to form biofilms is associated with the presence of type 1 fimbriae and diguanylate cyclase. Characterization of additional biofilm formation mutants may reveal other mechanisms involved in biofilm formation and bring new insights into aEPEC adhesion and pathogenesis.
Design of training sequences and channel estimation for amplify-and-forward two-path relaying networks
Authors: Choi Jeong-Min , Han Jae-Shin , Jeon Sungho , Seo Jong-Soo
Published: July 2014

This paper proposes a new channel estimation scheme for two-path relaying networks where two amplify-and-forward (AF) half-duplex relay nodes alternatively transmit the signals received from a source node. The channel estimation and interference cancellation would be mutually conditional in two-path relaying networks. To overcome such a difficulty, we design new training sequences and propose precoding matrices for use at the source and relays. Deriving the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB), it is shown that the proposed estimator is efficient, i.e., the proposed channel estimation scheme achieves the CRLB. The performance of the proposed channel estimation is evaluated through the computer simulations where the validity of the theoretical analysis is also demonstrated.
Safety of repeated transplantations of neurotrophic factors‐secreting human mesenchymal stromal stem cells
Authors: Gothelf Yael , Abramov Natalie , Harel Adrian , Offen Daniel
Published: July 2014

Background

Therapies based on mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been shown to have potential benefit in several clinical studies. We have shown that, using a medium‐based approach, MSC can be induced to secrete elevated levels of neurotropic factors, which have been shown to have protective effects in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases.

These cells, designated MSC‐NTF cells (Neurotrophic factor‐secreting MSC, also known as NurOwn™) derived from the patient's own bone marrow, have been recently used for Phase I/II and Phase IIa clinical studies in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In these studies, ALS patients were subjected to a single administration of autologous MSC‐NTF cells. The data from these studies indicate that the single administration of MSC‐NTF cells is safe and well tolerated.

In a recently published case report, it was shown that repeated MSC‐NTF injections in an ALS patient treated on a compassionate basis were safe and well tolerated [Muscle Nerve 49:455‐457, 2014].

Methods

In the current study we studied the toxicity and tolerability of three consecutive intramuscular injections (IM) of cryopreserved human MSC‐NTF cells in C57BL/B6 mice to investigate the effect of repeated administration of these cells.

Results

Monitoring of clinical signs and immune reactions showed that repeated injections of the cells did not lead to any serious adverse events. Pathology, histology and blood biochemistry parameters tested were found to be within normal ranges with no sign of tumor formation.

Conclusions

Based on these results we conclude that repeated injections of human MSC‐NTF are well tolerated in mice. The results of this study suggest that if the outcomes of additional clinical studies point to the need for repeated treatments, such option can be considered safe.
Raloxifene adjunctive therapy for postmenopausal women suffering from chronic schizophrenia: a randomized double-blind and placebo controlled trial
Authors: Kianimehr Gilda , Fatehi Farzad , Hashempoor Sara , Khodaei-Ardakani Mohammad-Reza , Rezaei Farzin , Nazari Ali , Kashani Ladan , Akhondzadeh Shahin
Published: July 2014

Background

Cumulative evidence from epidemiological, preclinical and clinical studies suggests estrogens may have psychoprotective effects in schizophrenic patients. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators could have therapeutic benefits in schizophrenia for both sexes without being hazardous to gynecological tissues or having feminizing effects. Few studies have been conducted regarding the effects of raloxifene on postmenopausal women suffering from schizophrenia. We conducted this placebo-controlled trial to compare the add-on effect of raloxifene to risperidone versus risperidone with placebo.

Methods

This was an 8-week, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial undertaken at two universities affiliated psychiatric Hospitals in Iran. Forty-six postmenopausal women with the definite diagnosis of schizophrenia were enrolled in the study. Patients received risperidone (6 mg/day in 3 divided doses) combined with either placebo (N = 23) or 120 mg/day of raloxifene (N = 23) for 8 weeks. Patients were assessed by a psychiatrist at baseline and at 2 and 8 weeks after the start of medical therapy. Efficacy was defined as the change from baseline to endpoint in score on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

Results

For PANSS scores, the main effect comparing two types of intervention was not significant [F (1, 48) = 1.77, p = 0.18]. For positive subscale scores, there was marginal significant interaction between intervention type and time [F (2, 47) = 2.93, p = 0.06] and there was substantial main effect for time [F (2, 47) = 24.39, p = 0.001] within both groups showing reduction in positive subscale scores across the three time periods. In addition, the main effect comparing two types of intervention was significant [F (1, 48) = 3.78, p = 0.02]. On the other hand, for negative subscale scores, the main effect comparing two types of intervention was not significant [F (1, 48) = 1.43, p = 0.23]. For general subscale scores, the main effect comparing two types of intervention was not significant [F (1, 48) = 0.03, p = 0.86].

Conclusions

According to our findings, raloxifene as an adjunctive treatment to risperidone was only superior in improvement of positive symptoms and it was not effective in treating negative and general psychopathology symptoms.

Trial registration

The trial was registered at the Iranian registry of clinical trials: IRCT201205131556N42
Neuroblastoma presenting like a Wilms’ tumor with thrombus in inferior vena cava and pulmonary metastases: a case series
Authors: Gaetan Genevieve , Ouimet Alain , Lapierre Chantale , Teira Pierre , Sartelet Herve
Published: July 2014

Neuroblastomas and Wilms’ tumors are frequent pediatric solid tumors. The first is frequently detected in the adrenal gland and the second develops in the kidneys. The extension through the vena cava and the lung metastases are frequent in Wilms’ tumors and are rarely seen in neuroblastoma. We present the cases of three children with abdominal tumors with thrombus in the inferior vena cava and pulmonary metastases demonstrating a stage 4 neuroblastoma. The three male patients were between 23 to 48 months old. They presented an abdominal mass, near the superior pole of the kidney. Thrombus of the vena cava was showed on imaging studies in all cases and pulmonary metastases were always found. Catecholamine metabolites were present in the first case and negative in the two others. Two out of three patients had a radical nephrectomy. The pathological analysis always found a poorly differentiated or undifferentiated neuroblastoma without MYCN amplification and confirmed the vein tumoral thrombus in the second case. The evolution of the first two patients was unfavorable and the third is alive. Invasion of the inferior vena cava and pulmonary metastases in children with neuroblastoma is uncommon and can modify the surgical management.
Peroxiredoxin-1 protects estrogen receptor α from oxidative stress-induced suppression and is a protein biomarker of favorable prognosis in breast cancer
Authors: O’Leary Patrick C , Terrile Marta , Bajor Malgorzata , Gaj Pawel , Hennessy Bryan T , Mills Gordon B , Zagozdzon Agnieszka , O’Connor Darran P , Brennan Donal J , Connor Kate , Li Jane , Gonzalez-Angulo Ana Maria , Sun Han-Dong , Pu Jian-Xin , Pontén Fredrik , Uhlén Mathias , Jirström Karin , Nowis Dominika A , Crown John P , Zagozdzon Radoslaw , Gallagher William M
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Peroxiredoxin-1 (PRDX1) is a multifunctional protein, acting as a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenger, molecular chaperone and immune modulator. Although differential PRDX1 expression has been described in many tumors, the potential role of PRDX1 in breast cancer remains highly ambiguous. Using a comprehensive antibody-based proteomics approach, we interrogated PRDX1 protein as a putative biomarker in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer.

Methods

An anti-PRDX1 antibody was validated in breast cancer cell lines using immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry and reverse phase protein array (RPPA) technology. PRDX1 protein expression was evaluated in two independent breast cancer cohorts, represented on a screening RPPA (n = 712) and a validation tissue microarray (n = 498). In vitro assays were performed exploring the functional contribution of PRDX1, with oxidative stress conditions mimicked via treatment with H2O2, peroxynitrite, or adenanthin, a PRDX1/2 inhibitor.

Results

In ER-positive cases, high PRDX1 protein expression is a biomarker of improved prognosis across both cohorts. In the validation cohort, high PRDX1 expression was an independent predictor of improved relapse-free survival (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.40 to 0.96, P = 0.032), breast cancer-specific survival (HR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.79, P = 0.006) and overall survival (HR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.44 to 0.85, P = 0.004). RPPA screening of cancer signaling proteins showed that ERα protein was upregulated in PRDX1 high tumors. Exogenous H2O2 treatment decreased ERα protein levels in ER-positive cells. PRDX1 knockdown further sensitized cells to H2O2- and peroxynitrite-mediated effects, whilst PRDX1 overexpression protected against this response. Inhibition of PRDX1/2 antioxidant activity with adenanthin dramatically reduced ERα levels in breast cancer cells.

Conclusions

PRDX1 is shown to be an independent predictor of improved outcomes in ER-positive breast cancer. Through its antioxidant function, PRDX1 may prevent oxidative stress-mediated ERα loss, thereby potentially contributing to maintenance of an ER-positive phenotype in mammary tumors. These results for the first time imply a close connection between biological activity of PRDX1 and regulation of estrogen-mediated signaling in breast cancer.
Starting lithium prophylaxis earlyv.late in bipolar disorder
Authors: Kessing Lars Vedel , Vradi Eleni , Andersen Per Kragh
Published: July 2014

Background

No study has investigated when preventive treatment with lithium should be initiated in bipolar disorder.

Aims

To compare response rates among patients with bipolar disorder starting treatment with lithium earlyv.late.

Method

Nationwide registers were used to identify all patients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in psychiatric hospital settings who were prescribed lithium during the period 1995–2012 in Denmark (n= 4714). Lithium responders were defined as patients who, following a stabilisation lithium start-up period of 6 months, continued lithium monotherapy without being admitted to hospital. Earlyv.late intervention was defined in two ways: (a) start of lithium following first contact; and (b) start of lithium following a diagnosis of a single manic/mixed episode.

Results

Regardless of the definition used, patients who started lithium early had significantly decreased rates of nonresponse to lithium compared with the rate for patients starting lithium later (adjusted analyses: firstv.later contact:P<0.0001; hazard ratio (HR) = 0.87, 95% CI 0.76–0.91; single manic/mixed episodev.bipolar disorder:P<0.0001; HR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.67–0.84).

Conclusions

Starting lithium treatment early following first psychiatric contact or a single manic/mixed episode is associated with increased probability of lithium response.
Sponsored Search Marketing: Dynamic Pricing and Advertising for an Online Retailer
Authors: Ye Shengqi , Aydin Goker , Hu Shanshan
Published: July 2014

Consider a retailer using sponsored search marketing together with dynamic pricing. The retailer's bid on a search keyword affects the retailer's rank among the search results. The higher the rank, the higher the customer traffic and the customers' willingness to pay will be. Thus, the question arises: When a retailer bids higher to attract more customers, should the accompanying price also decrease (to strengthen the bid's effect on demand) or increase (to take advantage of higher willingness to pay)? We find that the answer depends on how fast the retailer increases its bid. In particular, as the end of the season approaches, the optimal bid exhibits smooth increases followed by big jumps. The optimal price increases only when the optimal bid increases sharply, including the instances where the bid jumps up. Such big jumps arise, for example, when the customer traffic is an S-shaped function of the retailer's bid.

This paper was accepted by Serguei Netessine, operations management.
Prescribing emollients for dry skin conditions
Authors: Penzer Rebecca
Published: July 2014

Emollients are a key therapeutic product for the treatment of dry skin conditions. This article examines how emollients can be effectively prescribed to enhance patient outcomes and improve quality of life.
Ensuring patient safety during the development of ambulatory emergency care
Authors: Roopra Jaspal S , Bartlett James D , Mistry Paresh D , Pasha Kamran
Published: July 2014

The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust runs an ambulatory emergency care (AEC) service from the Emergency Assessment Unit. The AEC clinic is staffed by one nurse and one senior doctor. However, what was initially a ‘swollen leg’ clinic has now become the basis from which AEC is provided. This change in the service has developed over a six-month period from June to December, and will continue to expand beyond 2014. AEC improves upon existing patient pathways and clinical care through the use of investigations and treatments that are accessible from home. However, at the core of this pathway lies the inherent risk of patients being lost to follow-up and, consequently, deteriorating in the community. The creation of a thorough referral form designed by clinical and administrative staff allowed the capture of granular data, which was used to build a database of patients who were being ambulated to improve patient safety. Improved clinical governance through the creation of a ‘virtual ward’ using the information captured by the referral forms and database has enabled growth of the AEC service to allow more complex cases to be safely managed by this pathway.
A critical analysis of the school nursing vision and call to action
Authors: Fong Jenny
Published: July 2014

In 2012, the UK Government published its new vision and call to action for the school nursing service. Jenny Fong discusses some of the implications and potential issues, and makes recommendations for practice. She also highlights the importance for school nurses of analysing relevant government policy.
Managing ADHD in children and young people: New insights
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: July 2014

Despite intensive research, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains controversial in terms of both its diagnosis and mamagement. This review briefly explores some trends in research that may help answer some of these controversies and aid the optimisation of care for children with ADHD.
The failures of Youth Justice and the vital role of schools
Authors: Emery Hilary
Published: July 2014

A major inquiry into the Youth Justice System has unearthed key problems, including a lack of support for some very vulnerable children. Dr Hilary Emery discusses the role schools can play, as part of the team around the child, to lessen the likelihood of offending and to support vulnerable children.
How work influences health
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: July 2014

HEALTH & EMPLOYMENT

Men still have poorer health outcomes than women. Ian Peate discusses how employment status can have a lasting negative impact
At the heart of it all: Personalised care and population health
Authors: Newland Rita
Published: July 2014

Public Health England hosted a conference earlier this month to emphasise the importance of public health for health visitors and all health professionals. Rita Newland discusses some of the valuable lessons delegates took home from the event.
Family law: Appearing as a professional witness in court
Authors: Irving Jill
Published: July 2014

For many health visitors, the prospect of attending court as a professional witness can be daunting. This article examines how the new Public Law Outline of the Children and Families Act 2014, which came into effect on 22 April 2014, may have an impact on the health visitor. A brief view of the health visitor's role in safeguarding is discussed while outlining some of the current changes in family law that give the health visitor an insight into what happens once a local authority instigates care proceedings. The article offers practical guidelines on how to write a focused and succinct court report, illustrating what happens when a health visitor is called to be a witness in court.
Does dummy use reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome?
Authors: Trevor Laura
Published: July 2014

Since the introduction of current safe sleeping guidance by the Department of Health (1991) , sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) rates in the UK have fallen dramatically. However, statistics suggest that the incidence of SIDS over the past 5 years has seen little change ( Office for National Statistics (ONS), 2011 ). SIDS is the most common cause of post-neonatal mortality in the first year of life ( Côté, 2010 ). In comparison to some developed countries, the UK has a high SIDS and infant mortality rate ( ONS, 2011 ). A growing body of evidence suggests that the use of dummies may be associated with a reduction in SIDS ( Hauck et al, 2005 ). However, dummy use is not currently recommended in the UK due to the suggested negative impact that dummies may have on breastfeeding, otitis media (middle ear infection) and dental malocclusion. This paper details a literature search that was undertaken in relation to SIDS and dummy use in order to understand whether there is an association between dummy use and a reduction in SIDS rates, and whether dummy use has a negative impact on breastfeeding and infant health and wellbeing.
Challenging negative perceptions
Authors: Taylor Tracey
Published: July 2014

A brief search of online parenting forums reveals various derogatory comments about the health visiting service. Tracey Taylor considers how it might be possible to confound negative preconceptions and help to promote health visitors’ good work.
Impossible family portraits: Users, new media technologies and the writing of amateur media history
Authors: Aasman Susan
Published: July 2014

With the shift from analog to digital the field of amateur media widened as the technologies of image production, distribution and screening altered considerably. The many transformations of home moviemaking chart it as something that used to need a film camera and film, a detailed development process, a projector and a darkened room, into something that today can be done with a mobile phone. New terms have come along to describe these diverse amateur practices like home video, video diaries or user-generated content. It is time to re-evaluate these practices that so far have been marginal to media history. This article aims to open the space for new perspectives on the history of amateur media by tracing the changing relations between new technologies and different uses of amateur film and video. Charting why and how people choose to use specific technologies at particular moments and how economic, social and cultural factors influence these choices could help us to understand how some technologies became embedded in our lives and others not. The suggestion put forward in this article is that we can only gain more insight if we are less medium specific on the one hand and more case specific on the other.
Of national ‘Significance’: Politicizing the home movies of the US National Film Registry
Authors: Mauro Daniel
Published: July 2014

Amongst archived collections of motion picture materials, home movies occupy an enigmatic position. The National Film Registry of the United States is a high-profile collection that includes home movies and, in the act of collecting, radically reframes the perceived cultural value and politics of the films. Established by the National Film Preservation Act of 1988, the National Film Registry aims to collect films that are ‘culturally, historically or aesthetically significant’ and preserve them in service of maintaining a US film heritage. Yet do the home movies selected represent a ‘significantly’ national symbol? This article examines the private and public trajectories of the home movies selected for the Registry, arguing that the films are selected with the primary goal of mobilizing particular political narratives according to the ideologies and biases of the National Film Preservation Board and Librarian of Congress. Furthermore, this article examines the ramifications of such political selections on the shaping of a US national film heritage. These issues are discussed through three key analyses: (1) an examination of the politics of collecting and canonization with respect to the goals and operations of the Registry as evidenced through publications and accounts of key figures involved in the selection of the home movies; (2) tracings of the trajectories of the individual home movies as they developed from private films into pieces of public history; and (3) a consideration of how the selection of these home movies more broadly affects the construction and consumption of a US national film heritage.
Ayisha Abraham’s Straight 8
Authors: Gopalan Lalitha
Published: July 2014

At stake in this article is the very act of writing on expanded cinema. Provoked by Gene Youngblood’s canonical offering of fluid state of media as it moved out of the exclusive domain of celluloid to a range of practices that include video, computer and so on, I look at practices in India that exhibit a similar movement out of the movie theatre. It is one matter to identify the practice of expanded cinema but it is quite a different matter, perhaps more challenging, to translate those practices intro a form that is attentive to the works. This article draws on Ayisha Abraham’s Straight 8 (2005). How to approach a film, when to leave a video, and how to meander through a gallery space are some of the pathways adopted in this article, modes of exploration that return to the act of writing.
Employee-Based Brand Equity: Why Firms with Strong Brands Pay Their Executives Less
Authors: Tavassoli Nader T. , Sorescu Alina , Chandy Rajesh
Published: July 2014

This article examines the concept of employee-based brand equity—the value that a brand provides to a firm through its effects on the attitudes and behaviors of its employees—and empirically demonstrates its significance on executive pay. Executives value being associated with strong brands and, therefore, accept substantially lower pay at firms that own strong brands. Consistent with identity theory, this effect is stronger for chief executive officers and younger executives than for other executives. Data from a large, cross-industry sample of executives suggest that academics and practitioners should take a broader view of the contributions of brand-related investments to firm value and make use of strong brands in pay negotiations that are typically viewed as being outside the realm of marketing.
Let's be Honest about the Attraction Effect
Authors: Huber Joel , Payne John W. , Puto Christopher P.
Published: July 2014

Frederick, Lee, and Baskin (2014) and Yang and Lynn (2014) argue that the conditions for obtaining the attraction effect are so restrictive that the practical validity of the attraction effect should be questioned. In this commentary, the authors first ground the attraction (asymmetric dominance) effect in its historical context as a test of an important theoretical assumption from rational choice theory. Drawing on the research reported by scholars from many fields of study, the authors argue that the finding of an asymmetric dominance effect remains robust because it holds when the conditions of the study are essentially replicated. Next, the authors identify some of the factors that mitigate (and amplify) the attraction effect and then position the effect into a larger theoretical debate involving the extent to which preferences are constructed versus merely revealed. The authors conclude by arguing that researchers who try to measure values as well as choice architects who attempt to shape values must be sensitive to the context-dependent properties of choice behavior, as illustrated by the attraction effect.
Mentoring Experiences of Latina Graduate Students
Authors: García Irán O. , Henderson Sheila J.
Published: July 2014

In order to contribute to knowledge on the Latina graduate students’ experiences and the role of mentoring relationships in their pursuit of higher education, the purpose of this qualitative study was to interview Latina doctoral students about their lived experience. Four Latina graduate students at a graduate university in San Francisco, California were recruited by way of student email lists, flyers, and social networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Hi5, and word of mouth. Participants took part in a face-to-face interview guided by semi-structured questions. Within the same cultural and cross-cultural mentoring relationship experiences described, a sequential analysis of the interview transcripts revealed the following themes consistent with the Kram model of mentoring: (a) conceptualizations of a “good mentor,” (b) how mentoring influenced their pursuit of graduate studies, and (c) the impact of mentoring on their self-confidence and self-esteem. While many studies exist on mentoring students, there is relatively little research on the mentoring experiences of Latina graduate students. It is hoped that this small study will motivate much needed further research in the mentoring needs of the Latina/o community. One possible issue revealed in this study was the absence of within culture or cross-cultural mentoring for Latina graduate students.
Deciphering an interplay of proteins associated with amyloid β 1-42 peptide and molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Hernández-Zimbrón Luis Fernando , Rivas-Arancibia Selva
Published: July 2014

Extracellular and intracellular accumulation of amyloid beta 1-42 peptide in different states of aggregation has been involved in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. However, the precise mechanisms involved in amyloid beta peptide neurotoxicity have not been fully understood. There exists a wide variety of studies demonstrating the binding of amyloid beta peptide to a great variety of macromolecules and that such associations affect the cellular functions. This type of association involves proteins and receptors anchored to the plasma membrane of neurons or immune cells of the central nervous system as well as intracellular proteins that can alter intracellular transport, activate signaling pathways or affect proper mitochondrial function. In this review, we present some examples of such associations and the role played by these interactions, which are generally involved in the pathological progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Treatment of Complex Intracranial Aneurysms Using Flow-Diverting Silk® Stents An Analysis of 32 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Buyukkaya Ramazan , Kocaeli Hasan , Yildirim Nalan , Cebeci Hakan , Erdogan Cüneyt , Hakyemez Bahattin
Published: July 2014

This study describes the peri-procedural and late complications and angiographic follow-up results of 32 patients with 34 complex aneurysms treated with flow diverter Silk stents in a single centre. In this retrospective study, 40 Silk stents (SS) were implanted in 34 complex intracranial aneurysms in 32 patients.

In our series, 20 (58.8%) carotid-ophthalmic internal carotid artery (ICA), six (17.6%) cavernous ICA, two (5.9%) supraclinoid ICA, two (5.9%) petrosal ICA (the same patient- bilateral) and four (11.8%) posterior circulation aneurysms were treated. One of the posterior circulation lesions was a fenestrated-type aneurysm. Twenty wide-necked, saccular; eight neck remnant; four fusiform and two blister-like aneurysms were included in our series. SS were successfully implanted in all patients (100%). Misdeployment occurred in 17.6% of patients. In two of these patients adequate stent openness was achieved via Hyperglide balloon dilatation. Coil embolization in addition to SS placement was utilized in four aneurysms. One patient (3%) experienced transient morbidity due to a thromboembolic event and there was one mortality (3%) due to remote intraparenchymal haemorrhage. Complete occlusion of 27/33 (81.8%) and 29/33 (87.9%) aneurysms was achieved six and 12 months after the procedure, respectively. In-stent intimal hyperplasia was detected in 6.1% patients. Flow-diverter Silk stent implantation is an effective method of treating complex aneurysms with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates. Complete occlusion is achieved in most of the complex aneurysms.
Genetic Basis for Saccharomyces cerevisiae Biofilm in Liquid Medium
Authors: Andersen Kaj Scherz , Bojsen Rasmus , Sørensen Laura Gro Rejkjær , Nielsen Martin Weiss , Lisby Michael , Folkesson Anders , Regenberg Birgitte
Published: July 2014

Biofilm-forming microorganisms switch between two forms: free-living planktonic and sessile multicellular. Sessile communities of yeast biofilms in liquid medium provide a primitive example of multicellularity and are clinically important because biofilms tend to have other growth characteristics than free-living cells. We investigated the genetic basis for yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, biofilm on solid surfaces in liquid medium by screening a comprehensive deletion mutant collection in the Σ1278b background and found 71 genes that were essential for biofilm development. Quantitative northern blots further revealed that AIM1, ASG1, AVT1, DRN1, ELP4, FLO8, FMP10, HMT1, KAR5, MIT1, MRPL32, MSS11, NCP1, NPR1, PEP5, PEX25, RIM8, RIM101, RGT1, SNF8, SPC2, STB6, STP22, TEC1, VID24, VPS20, VTC3, YBL029W, YBL029C-A, YFL054C, YGR161W-C, YIL014C-A, YIR024C, YKL151C, YNL200C, YOR034C-A, and YOR223W controlled biofilm through FLO11 induction. Almost all deletion mutants that were unable to form biofilms in liquid medium also lost the ability to form surface-spreading biofilm colonies (mats) on agar and 69% also lost the ability to grow invasively. The protein kinase A isoform Tpk3p functioned specifically in biofilm and mat formation. In a tpk3 mutant, transcription of FLO11 was induced three-fold compared with wild-type, but biofilm development and cell–cell adhesion was absent, suggesting that Tpk3p regulates FLO11 positive posttranscriptionally and negative transcriptionally.

The study provides a resource of biofilm-influencing genes for additional research on biofilm development and suggests that the regulation of FLO11 is more complex than previously anticipated.
Phytochemical profile and antimicrobial properties of Lotus spp. (Fabaceae)
Authors: GIRARDI FELIPE A. , TONIAL FABIANA , CHINI SILVIA O. , SOBOTTKA ANDRÉA M. , SCHEFFER-BASSO SIMONE M. , BERTOL CHARISE D.
Published: July 2014

The phytochemical profile and antimicrobial activity of cultivar (cv.) extracts of Lotus uliginosus (cvs. Trojan and Serrano), L. tenuis (cv. Larrañaga) and L. corniculatus (cv. São Gabriel) were investigated. The phytochemical analysis revealed tannins, coumarins and flavonoids in all extracts, with variations among cultivars, showing genotypic variability. By High Performance Liquid Chromatographic method, the cvs. Larrañaga and São Gabriel showed the highest percentage of catechin and epicatechin, respectively, and presented rutin, which was not detected in the other ones. These genotypes showed antifungal activity but not antibacterial one. The cv. Larrañaga inhibited the mycelia growth of Alternaria sp. and Fusarium graminearum while the cv. São Gabriel was active only against Alternaria sp. The cultivars showed the greatest amounts of secondary metabolites and demonstrated significant activity against filamentous fungi. The results provide a direction for further research about pharmacological use of Lotus spp.
O SUS na medicina nuclear do Brasil: avaliação e comparação dos dados fornecidos pelo Datasus e CNEN
Authors: Pozzo Lorena , Coura Filho George , Osso Júnior João Alberto , Squair Peterson Lima
Published: July 2014

Objetivo: Investigar o acesso a procedimentos ambulatoriais de medicina nuclear por intermédio do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) do Brasil e analisar a correspondência dos dados fornecidos por este sistema com os da Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN). Materiais e Métodos: Foram obtidos e avaliados os dados disponíveis no Datasus quanto a quantidade de câmaras de cintilação, procedimentos ambulatoriais de 2008 a 2012, esfera administrativa responsável por estes procedimentos, tipo de prestador de serviços e terceirização de serviços. Também foi feita comparação com os dados de estabelecimentos autorizados pela CNEN. Resultados: O estudo mostrou que ainda falta amadurecimento do sistema quanto à sua completa alimentação, especialmente no campo de equipamentos disponíveis. Foi possível elencar os procedimentos mais realizados e verificar o crescimento da especialidade no período estudado. Estabelecimentos privados são responsáveis pela maior parte dos procedimentos cobertos pelo SUS. Entretanto, muitos estabelecimentos de saúde não são autorizados pela CNEN. Conclusão: O Datasus oferece dados importantes para uma análise como a feita neste estudo, embora alguns pontos ainda demandem atenção. O trabalho mostrou, quantitativamente, a realidade brasileira quanto ao acesso a procedimentos de medicina nuclear oferecidos pelo/para o SUS.
Desigualdades no pré-natal em cidade do Sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Fonseca Sandra Costa , Monteiro Daniela da Silva Alves , Pereira Camila Moraes de Souza Camacho , Scoralick Ana Carolina Daflon , Jorge Mariana Gomes , Rozario Suelem do
Published: July 2014

O artigo tem por objetivo avaliar a associação de variáveis demográficas e sociais com o pré-natal adequado na cidade de Niterói, RJ. Estudo transversal, realizado de 2000 a 2009. Foram estudados 62.449 nascidos vivos, por meio do Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC). A análise multivariada por regressão logística considerou como variável dependente o pré-natal quantitativamente adequado - sete ou mais consultas - e como variáveis independentes: idade, escolaridade materna, cor da pele. Também foi analisada a tendência temporal de idade e escolaridade maternas, número de consultas de pré-natal. O nível de significância foi 5%. Houve aumento da escolaridade, redução de gravidez na adolescência e aumento de mães com mais de 35 anos em Niterói. O percentual de mulheres com sete ou mais consultas se manteve acima de 80%, com diferenças de acordo com idade, escolaridade e cor da pele. Tiveram mais chances de pré-natal adequado: adultas (OR=1,4; IC95% 1,39-1,56); com oito anos ou mais de estudo (OR=2,5; IC95% 2,45-2,70); e brancas (OR=2,4; IC95% 2,30-2,53). Identificamos desigualdades na atenção à saúde materna oferecida em Niterói, apesar da melhora temporal dos indicadores sociais e demográficos na cidade.
A experiência de uma instituição pública na formação do profissional de saúde para atuação em atenção primária
Authors: Carácio Flávia Cristina Castilho , Conterno Lucieni de Oliveira , Oliveira Maria Amélia de Campos , Oliveira Ana Claudia Heiras de , Marin Maria José Sanches , Braccialli Luzmarina Aparecida Doretto
Published: July 2014

Este estudo analisa a formação de enfermeiros e médicos de uma instituição pública do município de Marília para a atuação em Atenção Primária, identificando as concepções dos docentes, coordenadores e egressos em relação à formação profissional. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, exploratório, realizado por meio de entrevistas com 21 sujeitos. Os resultados revelaram que segundo os entrevistados ambos os cursos preparam os profissionais para atuar em Atenção Primária, entretanto, com limitações em relação às ações de gestão e cuidado coletivo. Os entrevistados acreditam que o uso das metodologias ativas tem sido importante para o processo de ensino e aprendizagem e que o fato dos estudantes participarem desde o primeiro ano da graduação junto a Atenção Primária amplia o conhecimento sobre esta realidade. O estudo aponta para a necessidade do fortalecimento da parceria ensino serviço e de estratégias que melhorem a formação do médico para atuação na Atenção Primária.
Princípios de universalidade, integralidade e equidade em um serviço de atenção à saúde auditiva
Authors: Vianna Nubia Garcia , Cavalcanti Maria de Lourdes Tavares , Acioli Moab Duarte
Published: July 2014

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar se as práticas de atenção à saúde auditiva estavam coerentes com os princípios da universalidade, da integralidade e da equidade sob a perspectiva dos profissionais. Pesquisa qualitativa, realizada em um Serviço de Atenção à Saúde Auditiva de Média Complexidade. Constituíram sujeitos: uma assistente social, três fonoaudiólogas, uma médica e uma psicóloga. Foram realizadas entrevistas, bem como observação com registro em diário de campo. Na análise do material foi utilizada a técnica de análise temática. A análise das entrevistas resultou na construção dos seguintes temas: A Universalidade e o Acesso à Saúde Auditiva, Atenção Integral à Saúde Auditiva e Saúde Auditiva e Equidade. O trabalho apontou questões que comprometem a qualidade do serviço e que ferem os princípios do SUS. Conclui-se que investimentos relativamente simples em capacitação e qualificação profissional podem trazer mudanças significativas no sentido de propiciar a prestação de um serviço mais universal, integral e equânime.
O Programa Saúde da Família no bairro do Bom Retiro, SP, Brasil: a comunicação entre bolivianos e trabalhadores de saúde
Authors: Aguiar Marcia Ernani de , Mota André
Published: July 2014

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar a interação entre o Programa de Saúde da Família (PSF) e os imigrantes bolivianos localizados no bairro do Bom Retiro na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, redundando em uma experiência particular. Para tanto, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com bolivianos e trabalhadores da saúde da Unidade de Saúde da Família do Bom Retiro, com a intenção de flagrar, particularmente, dimensões do mundo do trabalho, de moradia e da grande mobilidade espacial imigratória, exigindo a flexibilização da lógica cartográfica do PSF, com a ampliação do conceito de família e estratégias comunicativas – contratação de agente de saúde boliviano, produção de material educativo em língua espanhola e utilização das “rádios bolivianas” –, capazes de traduzir-se na melhoria do serviço em saúde.
Staircase showcase for ultra-high-strength fibre-reinforced concrete
Authors: Marcinkiewicz Krzysztof , Wells Matthew
Published: July 2014

A stunning new concrete, stainless steel and glass spiral staircase has recently been installed in the historic Somerset House in central London, UK. The elegant modular design – inspired by the structural system of the traditional spiral cantilever stairs in the grade 1 listed public building – has been made possible by the use of proprietary ultra-high-strength fibre-reinforced concrete for the 104 stair treads and intermediate landings. This paper describes the design, analysis and construction of the new staircase and in particular the engineering properties – and possibilities – afforded by using super-strong, ductile concrete.
A pore size distribution-based chloride transport model in concrete
Authors: Li Long-yuan
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a pore size distribution-based chloride transport model in saturated concrete, in which the diffusion coefficient is linked to the pore radius. By using a pore size distribution function identified in cement pastes, the chloride concentration at a macroscopic level can be calculated based on the chlorides obtained from the microscopic model. The present model is applied to both diffusion and migration of chlorides in cement and concrete materials. The model is also used to simulate the rapid chloride migration tests. Good agreement between predictions and test data is demonstrated. More importantly, the model explains some important phenomena that were observed in rapid chloride migration tests but are difficult to explain using existing models.
Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Periodontal Disease: The 2008 to 2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Park Jun‐Beom , Han Kyungdo , Park Yong‐Gyu , Ko Youngkyung
Published: July 2014

Background: A positive association has been reported between alcohol and periodontal disease. Therefore, this study is conducted to assess the relationship between alcohol intake and severity of periodontal disease in a large probability sample of the Korean population using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).

Methods: Data from KNHANES, conducted between 2008 and 2010 by the Division of Chronic Disease Surveillance under the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare, were used for this study. The presence of periodontal treatment needs according to demographic variables and anthropometric and hematologic characteristics of the participants are presented as means with their standard errors. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associations of periodontal treatment needs with the amount of alcohol intake and other variables including smoking and the number of times of toothbrushing per day.

Results: An association between drinking alcohol and periodontal treatment needs could be seen in men after adjustment for variables. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in males were 1.271 (1.030 to 1.568) for heavy drinkers after controlling for age, smoking, body mass index, exercise, education, income, white blood cell count, diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and number of toothbrushing episodes per day (model 3). Adjusted ORs and their 95% CIs in males were 1.569 (1.284 to 1.916) for alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) level ≥20 in model 3. ORs increased with the increase in alcohol consumption levels and AUDIT levels. Statistically significant correlations between drinking and periodontal treatment needs could not be seen in female heavy drinkers or female drinkers with AUDIT levels ≥20.

Conclusions: Men with higher alcohol intake were more likely to have a higher prevalence of treatment needs regardless of their age, socioeconomic factors, systemic conditions (including diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome), and number of times of toothbrushing per day in multivariable adjusted models. By contrast, in women, alcohol intake was not independently associated with periodontal treatment needs. Alcohol consumption was discovered to be a potential risk indicator for periodontal treatment needs in men in this study.
Realizing Engel's Biopsychosocial Vision: Resilience, Compassion, and Quality of Care
Authors: Epstein Ronald M.
Published: July 2014

George Engel's biopsychosocial vision was simultaneously scientific and humanistic. He passionately presented an approach to clinical care to correct the progressive distancing of clinical care and research from the lived experience of the patient. Yet, while science provides ever greater evidence for the linkages between subjectively-reported experience and health outcomes, trainees and practicing clinicians struggle to realize a biopsychosocial vision in a pragmatic way. These challenges are magnified by the mandate for greater patient autonomy and participation in care, increased access to information, and overlaps and omissions as multiple professionals try to address the whole person. Importantly, trainees and clinicians get stuck implementing the biopsychosocial model partly because they have not developed the capacity for resilience, self-awareness, and self-monitoring. These capacities must accompany efforts to help clinicians engage more deeply with their patients; otherwise, they risk emotional distress, empathic failure, premature closure, and withdrawal from effective connections with patients. This article will explore ways in which Engel's biopsychosocial vision can be realized through building the capacities of clinicians to become more self-aware and resilient, and engage in compassionate action.