bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Additive relationship between serum fibroblast growth factor 21 level and coronary artery disease
Authors: Shen Yun , Ma Xiaojing , Zhou Jian , Pan Xiaoping , Hao Yaping , Zhou Mi , Lu Zhigang , Gao Meifang , Bao Yuqian , Jia Weiping
Published: August 2013

Background

Expression and activity of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 hormone-like protein are associated with development of several metabolic disorders. This study was designed to investigate whether serum FGF21 level was also associated with the metabolic syndrome-related cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and its clinical features in a Chinese cohort.

Methods

Two-hundred-and-fifty-three subjects visiting the Cardiology Department (Sixth People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai JiaoTong University) were examined by coronary arteriography (to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD)) and hepatic ultrasonography (to diagnose non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)). Serum FGF21 level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and analyzed for correlation to subject and clinical characteristics. The independent factors of CAD were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Subjects with NAFLD showed significantly higher serum FGF21 than those without NAFLD (388.0 pg/mL (253.0-655.4) vs. 273.3 pg/mL (164.9-383.7),P < 0.01). Subjects with CAD showed significantly higher serum FGF21, regardless of NAFLD diagnosis (P < 0.05). Serum FGF21 level significantly elevated with the increasing number of metabolic disorders (Pfor trend < 0.01). After adjustment of age, sex, and BMI, FGF21 was positively correlated with total cholesterol (P < 0.05) and triglyceride (P < 0.01). FGF21 was identified as an independent factor of CAD (odds ratio = 2.984, 95% confidence interval: 1.014-8.786,P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Increased level of serum FGF21 is associated with NAFLD, metabolic disorders and CAD.
Sildenafil ameliorates biomarkers of genotoxicity in an experimental model of spontaneous atherosclerosis
Authors: Rodrigues Bianca P. , Campagnaro Bianca P. , Balarini Camille M. , Pereira Thiago M. C. , Meyrelles Silvana S. , Vasquez Elisardo C.
Published: August 2013

Background

It is well known that enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to oxidative stress observed in atherosclerosis and that ROS can also cause damage in cellular macromolecules, including DNA. Considering previous report that sildenafil, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), has antioxidant effects, in the present study we evaluated the effect of this drug on genotoxicity of blood mononuclear cells (MNC) and liver cells from atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E knockout mice (apoE-/-).

Methods

ROS production in MNC was evaluated by flow cytometry with the fluorescent dye dihydroethidium (DHE), a method that has been used to quantify the production of superoxide anion, and DNA damage was evaluated in both MNC and liver cells using the alkaline comet assay. Sildenafil-administered apoE-/-mice were compared with strain-matched mice administered with vehicle and with C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice.

Results

MNC from apoE-/-vehicle exhibited a 2-fold increase in production of superoxide anion in comparison with WT. In contrast, sildenafil-administered apoE-/-mice showed superoxide anion levels similar to those observed in WT mice. Similarly, MNC and liver cells from apoE-/-vehicle mice showed a 4-fold and 2-fold augmented DNA fragmentation compared with WT, respectively, and sildenafil-administered apoE-/-mice exhibited minimal DNA damage in those cells similar to WT mice.

Conclusions

ApoE-/-mice chronically administered with sildenafil exhibited reduced levels of superoxide anion in MNC and less DNA fragmentation in MNC and liver cells, which are biomarkers of genotoxicity. Therefore, sildenafil may offer a new perspective to the use of PDE5 inhibitors to protect against DNA damage, in cells involved in the inflammatory and dyslipidemic processes that accompany atherosclerosis.
InAs/GaAs quantum dots with wide-range tunable densities by simply varying V/III ratio using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Li Senlin , Chen Qingqing , Sun Shichuang , Li Yulian , Zhu Qiangzhong , Li Juntao , Wang Xuehua , Han Junbo , Zhang Junpei , Chen Changqing , Fang Yanyan
Published: August 2013

The complicated behaviors of InAs/GaAs quantum dots with increasing V/III ratio associated with several competing mechanisms have been described. The results demonstrate that the densities of InAs quantum dots can be tuned in a wide range from 105 to 1010 cm−2 by simply manipulating V/III ratio via metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. These results are mainly ascribed to the changes of coverage and In adatom migration length due to the increasing V/III ratio.
Cocaine-associated hemoperitoneum following atraumatic splenic rupture: a case report and literature review
Authors: Azar Faris , Brownson Elisha , Dechert Tracey
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Splenic hematoma or rupture of the spleen is rare in the absence of trauma. This case report with a brief review of the literature is intended to raise awareness of splenic bleeding as an etiology of abdominal pain; it highlights the importance of a detailed social history.

Presentation of case

This report of an otherwise healthy 42-year old man details hemoperitoneum with splenic rupture as a cause for hemorrhage following cocaine use. The patient was managed non-operatively in the surgical intensive care unit. He did not require transfusion and was discharged home on hospital day four with close follow-up.

Discussion

While splenic pathology associated with cocaine use has been described, this case illustrates a novel report of cocaine-associated splenic hemorrhage. A plausible mechanism is transient vasospasm with subsequent bleeding into the infarcted area.

Conclusion

Although uncommon, atraumatic splenic rupture should be recognized early because it is potentially fatal. This case is the first to describe hemoperitoneum of splenic etiology following cocaine use.
A newly isolated Bacillus licheniformisstrain thermophilically produces 2,3-butanediol, a platform and fuel bio-chemical
Authors: Li Lixiang , Zhang Lijie , Li Kun , Wang Yu , Gao Chao , Han Binbin , Ma Cuiqing , Xu Ping
Published: August 2013

Background

2,3-Butanediol (2,3-BD), a platform and fuel bio-chemical, can be efficiently produced by Klebsiella pneumonia, K. oxytoca, and Serratia marcescens. However, these strains are opportunistic pathogens and not favorable for industrial application. Although some generally regarded as safe (GRAS) microorganisms have been isolated in recent years, there is still a demand for safe 2,3-BD producing strains with high productivity and yield under thermophilic fermentation.

Results

Bacillus licheniformis strain 10-1-A was newly isolated for 2,3-BD production. The optimum temperature and medium pH were 50°C and pH 7.0 for 2,3-BD production by strain 10-1-A. The medium composition was optimized through Plackett–Burman design and response surface methodology techniques. With a two-stage agitation speed control strategy, 115.7 g/L of 2,3-BD was obtained from glucose by fed-batch fermentation in a 5-L bioreactor with a high productivity (2.4 g/L·h) and yield (94% of its theoretical value). The 2,3-BD produced by strain 10-1-A comprises (2R,3R)-2,3-BD and meso-2,3-BD with a ratio of nearly 1:1. The bdh and gdh genes encoding meso-2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase (meso-BDH) and glycerol dehydrogenase (GDH) of strain 10-1-A were expressed in Escherichia coli and the proteins were purified. meso-2,3-BD and (2R,3R)-2,3-BD were transformed from racemic acetoin by meso-BDH and GDH with NADH, respectively.

Conclusions

Compared with the reported GRAS 2,3-BD producers, B. licheniformis 10-1-A could thermophilically produce 2,3-BD with a high concentration, productivity and yield. Thus, the newly isolated GRAS strain 10-1-A might be a promising strain for industrial production of 2,3-BD. Two key enzymes for meso-2,3-BD and (2R,3R)-2,3-BD production were purified and further studied, and this might be helpful to understand the mechanism for 2,3-BD stereoisomers forming in B. licheniformis.
Efficient production of l-lactic acid by an engineered Thermoanaerobacterium aotearoensewith broad substrate specificity
Authors: Yang Xiaofeng , Lai Zhicheng , Lai Chaofeng , Zhu Muzi , Li Shuang , Wang Jufang , Wang Xiaoning
Published: August 2013

Background

Efficient conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to optically pure lactic acid is a key challenge for the economical production of biodegradable poly-lactic acid. A recently isolated strain, Thermoanaerobacterium aotearoense SCUT27, is promising as an efficient lactic acid production bacterium from biomass due to its broad substrate specificity. Additionally, its strictly anaerobic and thermophilic characteristics suppress contamination from other microoragnisms. Herein, we report the significant improvements of concentration and yield in lactic acid production from various lignocellulosic derived sugars, achieved by the carbon flux redirection through homologous recombination in T. aotearoense SCUT27.

Results

T. aotearoense SCUT27 was engineered to block the acetic acid formation pathway to improve the lactic acid production. The genetic manipulation resulted in 1.8 and 2.1 fold increase of the lactic acid yield using 10 g/L of glucose or 10 g/L of xylose as substrate, respectively. The maximum l-lactic acid yield of 0.93 g/g glucose with an optical purity of 99.3% was obtained by the engineered strain, designated as LA1002, from 50 g/L of substrate, which is very close to the theoretical value (1.0 g/g of glucose). In particular, LA1002 produced lactic acid at an unprecedented concentration up to 3.20 g/L using 10 g/L xylan as the single substrate without any pretreatment after 48 h fermentation. The non-sterilized fermentative production of l-lactic acid was also carried out, achieving values of 44.89 g/L and 0.89 g/g mixed sugar for lactic acid concentration and yield, respectively.

Conclusions

Blocking acetic acid formation pathway in T. aotearoense SCUT27 increased l-lactic acid production and yield dramatically. To our best knowledge, this is the best performance of fermentation on lactic acid production using xylan as the sole carbon source, considering the final concentration, yield and fermentation time. In addition, it should be mentioned that the performance of non-sterilized simultaneous fermentation from glucose and xylose was very close to that of normal sterilized cultivation. All these results used the mutant strain, LA1002, indicated that it is a new promising candidate for the effective production of optically pure l-lactic acid from lignocellulosic biomass.
African schistosomiasis in mainland China: risk of transmission and countermeasures to tackle the risk
Authors: Wang Wei , Liang You-Sheng , Hong Qing-Biao , Dai Jian-Rong
Published: August 2013

Schistosomiasis is a major disease of public health importance in humans occurring in 76 countries of the tropics and sub-tropics. In China, schistosomiasis japonica is one of the highest priorities in communicable disease control defined by the central government. Since 1970s, the habitats of Biomphalaria straminea, an intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni in South America, have been identified in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Shenzhen city, Guangdong province of China. With the sharp growth in the China-aided projects in Africa and labor services export to Africa, a gradual rise in the cases infected with S. haematobium or S. mansoni is reported in those returning from Africa to China. The existence of intermediate snail hosts and import of infectious source of schistosomiasis results in concern about the transmission of African schistosomiasis in mainland China in the context of global climate change. This paper evaluates the risk of transmission of African schistosomiasis in China, and proposes countermeasures and research priorities to tackle the risk.
Antiepileptic drugs and breastfeeding
Authors: Davanzo Riccardo , Dal Bo Sara , Bua Jenny , Copertino Marco , Zanelli Elisa , Matarazzo Lorenza
Published: August 2013

Introduction

This review provides a synopsis for clinicians on the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in the breastfeeding mother.

Methods

For each AED, we collected all retrievable data from Hale’s “Medications and Mother Milk” (2012), from the LactMed database (2013) of the National Library of Medicine, and from a MedLine Search of relevant studies in the past 10 years.

Results

Older AEDs, such as carbamazepine, valproic acid, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone are considered to have a good level of safety during lactation, due to the long term clinical experience and the consequent amount of available data from the scientific literature. On the contrary, fewer data are available on the use of new AEDs. Therefore, gabapentin, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, vigabatrin, tiagabine, pregabalin, leviracetam and topiramate are compatible with breastfeeding with a less documented safety profile. Ethosuximide, zonisamide and the continue use of clonazepam and diazepam are contraindicated during breastfeeding.

Conclusions

Although the current available advice on the use of AEDs during breastfeeding, given by different accredited sources, present some contradictions, most AEDs can be considered safe according to our review.
Comparison of the clonality of urothelial carcinoma developing in the upper urinary tract and those developing in the bladder
Authors: Wang Yuding , Lang Michael R , Pin Christopher L , Izawa Jonathan I
Published: August 2013

Purpose

To identify the origin of synchronous and metachronous urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the bladder and upper urinary tract to get a better understanding of the basic mechanism behind the multifocality of UC, which may provide a sound bases for the future development of new strategies for detection, prevention and therapy.

Methods

Six patients with UC of the bladder and synchronous or metachronous UC of the upper urinary tract were studied. Genetic analysis involving the study of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) has been evaluated on their tumours using well characterised and new markers of UC (D9S171, D9S177, D9S303 and TP53).

Results

Five of the six patients demonstrated informative results. Four of five (80%) of patients had synchronous or metacharonous UC tumour and showed patterns of LOH consistent with tumorigenesis from monoclonal tumour origin. One of five (20%) patients exhibited a LOH consistent with oligoclonal tumorigenesis.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that both the monoclonal and field cancerization theory of tumorigenesis may play a role in tumors of the urothelial tract. However, more data is needed.
The genome and developmental transcriptome of the strongylid nematode Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Schwarz Erich M , Korhonen Pasi K , Campbell Bronwyn E , Young Neil D , Jex Aaron R , Jabbar Abdul , Hall Ross S , Mondal Alinda , Howe Adina C , Pell Jason , Hofmann Andreas , Boag Peter R , Zhu Xing-Quan , Gregory T Ryan , Loukas Alex , Williams Brian A , Antoshechkin Igor , Brown C Titus , Sternberg Paul W , Gasser Robin B
Published: August 2013

Background

The barber's pole worm, Haemonchus contortus, is one of the most economically important parasites of small ruminants worldwide. Although this parasite can be controlled using anthelmintic drugs, resistance against most drugs in common use has become a widespread problem. We provide a draft of the genome and the transcriptomes of all key developmental stages of H. contortus to support biological and biotechnological research areas of this and related parasites.

Results

The draft genome of H. contortus is 320 Mb in size and encodes 23,610 protein-coding genes. On a fundamental level, we elucidate transcriptional alterations taking place throughout the life cycle, characterize the parasite's gene silencing machinery, and explore molecules involved in development, reproduction, host-parasite interactions, immunity, and disease. The secretome of H. contortus is particularly rich in peptidases linked to blood-feeding activity and interactions with host tissues, and a diverse array of molecules is involved in complex immune responses. On an applied level, we predict drug targets and identify vaccine molecules.

Conclusions

The draft genome and developmental transcriptome of H. contortus provide a major resource to the scientific community for a wide range of genomic, genetic, proteomic, metabolomic, evolutionary, biological, ecological, and epidemiological investigations, and a solid foundation for biotechnological outcomes, including new anthelmintics, vaccines and diagnostic tests. This first draft genome of any strongylid nematode paves the way for a rapid acceleration in our understanding of a wide range of socioeconomically important parasites of one of the largest nematode orders.
Prostaglandin E2 imprints a long-lasting effect on dendritic cell progenitors in the bone marrow
Authors: Scott Naomi M , Ng Royce L X , Gorman Shelley , Norval Mary , Waithman Jason , Hart Prue H
Published: August 2013

Dendritic cells (DCs) that differentiate in vitro from the bone marrow (BM) of mice with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-associated inflammation of the skin, airways, or peritoneal cavity poorly initiate immune responses. To remove in vitro differentiation and allow BM-derived DCs to seed the periphery under steady-state conditions, as well as study the molecule proposed responsible, chimeric mice were engrafted for >16 wk with BM cells from mice exposed to PGE2. Serial PGE2-chimeric mice were established with BM cells from the primary chimeric mice. Immune responses in the airways and skin of the PGE2-chimeric mice and serial PGE2-chimeric mice were significantly attenuated. After inflammatory challenges by intranasal LPS, topical fluorescein isothiocyanate, and intraperitoneal alum, DCs, macrophages, and neutrophils trafficked poorly in PGE2-chimeric mice and serial PGE2-chimeric mice. Injection of BM-differentiated DCs from nonchimeric mice restored the reduced immune responses of PGE2-chimeric mice. DCs from BM of 16-wk-engrafted PGE2-chimeric and serial PGE2-chimeric mice resembled cells differentiated from BM exposed to PGE2 for only 3 d, demonstrating the long-lasting effect of PGE2 on DC progenitors. PGE2 attenuates systemic immune responses by modulating myeloid cell progenitors in the BM such that BM-derived, terminally differentiated myeloid cells have poor trafficking ability to sites of need.
Dendritic cell-derived thrombospondin-1 is critical for the generation of the ocular surface Th17 response to desiccating stress
Authors: Gandhi Niral B , Su Zhitao , Zhang Xiaobo , Volpe Eugene A , Pelegrino Flavia S A , Rahman Salman A , Li De-Quan , Pflugfelder Stephen C , de Paiva Cintia S
Published: August 2013

TSP-1 is a physiologic activator of TGF-β, a critical induction factor for Th17-mediated immunity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of TSP-1 in the induction of the Th17 ocular surface response to DS. TSP-1KO and WT mice were subjected to DS5 and DS10), and parameters of ocular surface disease, including corneal barrier function, conjunctival CD4+ T cell infiltration, and GC density, were evaluated. TSP-1KO mice subjected to DS had less corneal barrier disruption, reduced loss of PAS+ GC, and decreased CD4+ T cell infiltration in the conjunctiva. In contrast to WT, TSP-1KO mice failed to up-regulate MMP-3 and MMP-9 mRNA transcripts in the cornea and IL-17A mRNA transcripts in the conjunctiva. RAG-1KO recipients of adoptively transferred CD4+ T cells isolated from TSP-1KO mice subjected to DS5 showed milder dry-eye phenotype and less conjunctival inflammation than recipients of CD4+ T cells from DS5 WT control. Reconstitution of TSP-1KO mice with WT DCs prior to DS reversed the resistance of the TSP-1KO to DS-induced immunopathology. In conclusion, DC-derived TSP-1 is critical for generating the Th17 ocular surface response to DS.
Constraining depth to basement for mineral exploration using microtremor: A demonstration study from remote inland Australia
Authors: Smith Nicholas R. A , Reading Anya M. , Asten Michael W. , Funk Charles W.
Published: August 2013

We constrain the depth and seismic structure of stiff sediment cover overlying a prospective basement terrane using a passive seismic technique which uses surface wave energy from microtremor (also known as ambient seismic energy or seismic noise). This may be applied to mineral exploration under cover to decrease the inherent ambiguity in modeling potential field data for exploration targeting. We use data from arrays of portable broadband seismometers, processed using both the multimode spatially averaged coherency (MMSPAC) method and the horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method, to produce profiles of seismic velocity structure along a 12-km transect. We have developed field protocols to ensure consistent acquisition of high-quality data in near-mine and remote locations and a variety of ground conditions. A wavefield approaching the theoretical ideal for MMSPAC processing is created by combining the energy content of an off-road vehicle, driven around the seismometer array, and ambient sources. We found that this combination results in significantly higher-quality MMSPAC waveforms in comparison with that obtained using ambient energy alone. Under ideal conditions, a theoretical maximum depth of investigation of 600 m can be achieved with a hexagonal sensor array with 50-m radius and MMSPAC and HVSR. The modeling procedure we employ is sensitive to layer thicknesses of [Formula: see text]. A high-velocity layer in the sediment package reduces the sensitivity to deeper structure. This can limit the modeling of underlying layers but may be addressed by detailed analysis of the HVSR peaks. Microtremor recordings including off-road vehicle noise, combined with the MMSPAC and HVSR processing techniques, may therefore be used to constrain sediment structure and depth to basement in a cost-effective and efficient method that could contribute greatly to future mineral exploration under cover.
Robust processing of noisy land-based controlled-source electromagnetic data
Authors: Streich Rita , Becken Michael , Ritter Oliver
Published: August 2013

Whereas robust processing techniques are routinely used for estimating high-quality magnetotelluric (MT) transfer functions, such techniques are not commonly applied for controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) processing, although CSEM and MT data suffer from similar noise. We implemented a new CSEM processing scheme that combines CSEM-specific preprocessing with statistically robust least-squares stacking to extract interpretable ground responses from very noisy onshore CSEM data. We applied the robust processing to signals from a new CSEM transmitter that was equipped with three grounded electrodes and allowed us to generate signals at multiple source polarizations with relatively little field effort. For this transmitter setup, we formulated a bivariate relation between the source currents injected through any two of the three source electrodes and the recorded electromagnetic field components. The resulting weighted least-squares system of equations from which we determined ground responses allowed us to jointly process data from multiple polarizations. Using several polarizations resulted in more stable response estimates than can be obtained from standard configurations with two distinct source dipole orientations. Exploiting dependencies between the three basic response functions that we obtain allows consistency checking and demonstrates the stability of our robust processing scheme. From the basic responses, data at arbitrary source polarizations can be synthesized, which may be useful for optimizing target illumination. We tested the benefits of robust CSEM processing using examples of data recorded across the [Formula: see text] storage test site at Ketzin, Germany, in an area heavily affected by various sources of strong cultural noise, including impressed-current cathodic protection systems, wind power plants, and major power lines.
The Heparin-Binding Domains of IGFBP-2 Mediate Its Inhibitory Effect on Preadipocyte Differentiation and Fat Development in Male Mice
Authors: Xi Gang , Solum Melissa A. , Wai Christine , Maile Laura A. , Rosen Clifford J. , Clemmons David R.
Published: August 2013

IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-2 overexpression confers resistance to high-fat feeding and inhibits the differentiation of preadipocytes in vitro. However, whether administration of IGFBP-2 can regulate adipogenesis in vivo and the domains that mediate this response have not been defined. IGFBP-2 contains 2 heparin-binding domains (HBD), which are localized in the linker region (HBD1) and C-terminal region (HBD2) of IGFBP-2. To determine the relative importance of these domains, we used synthetic peptides as well as mutagenesis. Both HBD1 and HBD2 peptides inhibited preadipocyte differentiation, but the HBD2 peptide was more effective. Selective substitution of charged residues in the HBD1 or HBD2 regions attenuated the ability of the full-length protein to inhibit cell differentiation, but the HBD2 mutant had the greatest reduction. To determine their activities in vivo, pegylated forms of each peptide were administered to IGFBP-2−/− mice for 12 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging scanning showed that only the HBD2 peptide significantly reduced (48 ± 9%, P < .05) gain in total fat mass. Both inguinal (32 ± 7%, P < .01) and visceral fat (44 ± 7%, P < .01) were significantly decreased by HBD2 whereas HBD1 reduced only visceral fat accumulation (24 ± 5%, P < .05). The HBD2 peptide was more effective peptide in reducing triglyceride content and serum adiponectin, but only the HBD2 peptide increased serum leptin. These findings demonstrate that the HBD2 domain of IGFBP-2 is the primary region that accounts for its ability to inhibit adipogenesis and that a peptide encompassing this region has activity that is comparable with native IGFBP-2.
Creative tension? Negotiating the space between the arts and management
Authors: Beirne Martin
Published: August 2013

This article offers a critical review of cross-boundary ties and tensions between the arts and management. It considers various reactions to managerialism in this context, providing a cautionary insight into managerial art and calling attention to the dual role compromises that can arise for artists who engage with business management. It also highlights the common ground between critical art and critical management studies, arguing that complementary concerns and activities within these traditions present opportunities for collaborative engagement to reach beyond managerial orthodoxy and anticipate more progressive, empowering and accountable forms of management. This discussion sets the scene for subsequent contributions to this special edition.
Building the dream in a theatre of peace: Community arts management and the position of the practitioner in Northern Ireland
Authors: Jennings Matt
Published: August 2013

This article addresses the practice of community drama as an aspect of conflict transformation in Northern Ireland since the beginning of the peace process established by the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, particularly examining the tensions between public policy, arts management, and the experiences of practitioners and participants. The key focus will be an analysis of the ways in which organizational contexts have enhanced or restricted the potential for critically reflective practice. As has been discussed in a previous article by M. Jennings and A. Baldwin, the prioritization within cultural development organizations of adhering to ‘top-down’ funding agendas and evaluation criteria has neglected consideration of the real challenges faced and the achievements attained by facilitators and participants within the context of specific projects. The complexity of the relationships between artists, cultural development organizations, funding bodies and the state have made it difficult for community artists to establish and transmit the values and significance of their own practice. The tensions between these stakeholders have undermined both the efficacy of community arts practice and the credibility of cultural development policy within contemporary Northern Ireland. The controversies, scepticism and even bomb attacks on the offices of the UK City of Culture company in Derry/Londonderry during the last two years indicate the risks of failure in these areas.
Whose value is it anyway? A neo-institutionalist approach to articulating and evaluating artistic value
Authors: Walmsley Ben
Published: August 2013

The neo-liberal agenda that has dominated the creative industries for the past few decades has engendered a range of problems for artists, arts managers and policy-makers. This article critiques the application of commercial strategic management and marketing tools, theory and principles to arts and cultural organizations and proposes alternative approaches to assist these organizations in creating, identifying and evaluating value on their own terms and in line with their artistic missions and objectives. The solutions proposed are generated by an application of the literature on arts management and evaluation, cultural policy and sociology and through a qualitative study of audiences’ articulations of value. The article reports and analyses the responses of 34 semi-structured in-depth interviews on the value of theatre with participants drawn from audiences in the United Kingdom and Australia. It highlights the discrepancies between the instrumental methods of evaluating value imposed on arts organizations by governments and the personal, intrinsic insights provided by audiences themselves. It argues ultimately for a neo-institutionalist and creative approach to articulating artistic value, which would evaluate organizational performance in line with artistic objectives. In so doing, it makes a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about cultural value, and proposes a creative, alternative evaluation framework for artists, arts managers, arts marketers and cultural policy-makers.
A critical stage for learning? Efficiency and efficacy in workplace theatre-based leadership skills development
Authors: Feltham Richard
Published: August 2013

The use of actors and applied theatre methods for workplace management and leadership training has become increasingly common. Organizations have sought to obtain competitive advantage by drawing on theatre methods to enable staff to perform their work roles in a context of rapid and fundamental change to work practices and structures. This case study explores the impact of a specific form of theatre-based learning inside the insurance provider, Friends Provident. It presents a nuanced picture of applied theatre in this commercial context. Whilst the business use of this form of theatre may be driven by imperatives for efficiency, in practice a unique space can be generated in which participants can express and address the tensions of organizational life. I suggest this study will be of interest to researchers concerned with approaches to training in leadership and management, as well as scholars from the fields of applied theatre and acting.
Reviews
Authors: Hunter Paul , Gale Robert Softley
Published: August 2013

The Arts Management Handbook: New Directions for Students and Practitioners, Meg Brindle and Constance De Vereaux (eds) (2011) New York and London: M. E. Sharpe, 368 pp., ISBN: 978-0-7656-1742-2, p/bk, £37.53

Disability Culture and Community Performance: Find a Strange and Twisted Shape, Petra Kuppers (2011) Palgrave Macmillan, 296 pp., ISBN: 978-0230298279, Basingstoke, England / £58.00
An Interview with jesikah maria ross
Authors: Glover Laurie
Published: August 2013

An interview with jessikah maria ross about the restore/restory project.
Dancing to Rock & Roll Poetry
Authors: Balance Christine Bacareza
Published: August 2013

On October 30, 1975—a historical pivot point between 1930s film noir and 1990s gangsta rap— Bay Area poet Nashira Priester introduced to San Francisco State University’s (SFSU) Poetry Center audience the city’s latest musical outlaws: the West Coast Gangster Choir, a multi-racial ensemble of vocalists and musicians led by then-emerging poet Jessica Hagedorn. This article chronicles Hagedorn's development as a poet and performer, analyzing the cultural and political work done by the Gangster Choir as a Third World movement with an internationalist perspective on local issues.
Adsorption and Oxidation Effects in Microcrystalline Silicon
Authors: Dylla T. , Finger F. , Carius R.
Published: August 2013

Electron spin resonance and conductivity measurements were used to study adsorption and oxidation effects on microcrystalline silicon with different structure compositions ranging from porous, highly crystalline to compact, mixed phase amorphous/crystalline. We found a correlation between active surface area and the magnitude of observed meta-stable and irreversible effects.
La transformación de la doctrina de la virtud moral en el pensamiento de Juan Duns Escoto
Authors: Cuccia Emiliano Javier
Published: August 2013

En su comentario a la distinción 33 del Tercer Libro de las Sentencias, Juan Duns Escoto desarrolla su doctrina referida al sujeto de las virtudes morales, mediante la cual establece la voluntad como única sede posible de las mismas. En el presente trabajo se intentará mostrar que esta determinación, por un lado, es consecuencia de la previa postulación de la voluntad como única potencia moral del hombre y que, por otro, implica una fuerte debilitamiento del rol e importancia de la virtud para la perfección moral.
Desfechos clínicos de tratamento cirúrgico de más uniões ou não consolidadas do tálus
Authors: Chen Da-wei , Li Bing , Yang Yun-feng , Zhou Jia-qian , Li Hai-feng , Aubeeluck Ashwin , Yu Guang-rong
Published: August 2013

OBJETIVO: Apresentar nossas experiências no tratamento de más uniões ou não consolidações talares. MÉTODO: Entre janeiro de 2000 e setembro de 2009, 26 pacientes com má união ou não-união depois de fraturas do tálus foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico de acordo com os diferentes tipos de deformidade talar. Os desfechos do tratamento foram avaliados pela escala tornozelo-retropé da AOFAS, assim como por radiografias simples. RESULTADOS: 20 pacientes ficaram disponíveis para acompanhamento por 30 (24 a 60) meses. Não houve problema de cicatrização ou infecção das feridas e foram obtidas uniões sólidas em todos os pacientes. As uniões radiológicas foram atingidas em tempo médio de 14 (faixa de 12 a 18) semanas. O tempo médio para concluir o apoio de carga foi 16 (faixa de 14 a 20) semanas. O escore AOFAS médio aumentou significantemente de 36,2 (27 a 43) para 85,8 (74 a 98). CONCLUSÃO: as intervenções cirúrgicas das fraturas mal-unidas ou não consolidadas dos tálus podem produzir resultados satisfatórios e o procedimento apropriado deve ser adotado, de acordo com diferentes tipos de deformidades pós-traumáticas. Nível de Evidência: IV, Estudo retrospectivo.
Expressão imuno-histoquímica das proteínas VEGF e HER-2 em biópsias de osteossarcoma
Authors: Becker Ricardo Gehrke , Galia Carlos Roberto , Morini Sandra , Viana Cristiano Ribeiro
Published: August 2013

OBJETIVOS: Identificar a prevalência de HER-2 e do fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular (VEGF) em biópsias de osteossarcoma e correlacioná-los com possíveis fatores de prognóstico. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo realizado no Hospital de Câncer de Barretos-SP incluindo 27 biópsias de osteossarcoma imuno-histoquimicamente coradas para VEGF e HER-2. Características clínico-patológicas foram coletadas dos prontuários médicos dos pacientes para correlação com marcadores. RESULTADOS: Em 27 biópsias, quatro foram superexpressas para VEGF e três para HER-2. Dois terços dos pacientes eram não metastáticos. Quase todos pacientes com VEGF superexpresso apresentaram metástases. A superexpressão para HER-2 apresentou relação inversa à presença de metástases. Não houve associação significativa entre os marcadores e o prognóstico. CONCLUSÃO: Identificamos baixa prevalência de VEGF e HER-2 na amostra. Não houve associação significativa entre superexpressão dos marcadores e características clínico-patológicas. A ampliação da amostra e do tempo de seguimento, além do emprego de novas técnicas laboratoriais pode determinar a real expressão de VEGF e HER-2 e seu papel em osteossarcomas. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo de Caso-controle.
Adoecimento e finitude: considerações sobre a abordagem interdisciplinar no Centro de Tratamento Intensivo oncológico
Authors: Alcantara Luciana da Silva , Sant'Anna Joana Lezan , Souza Maria da Glória Nascimento de
Published: August 2013

O adoecimento por câncer, que envolve sobremaneira tratamento invasivo e mutilador, traz repercussões na vida dos sujeitos, remontando a um imaginário de associação à dor, limitações e receio da morte, o que demanda a participação do familiar ou responsável pelo paciente durante o tratamento. O atendimento aos familiares ou responsáveis pelo paciente é um importante conteúdo da avaliação do cuidado nas instituições de saúde, enquanto aspecto integrante do processo de humanização da assistência e que requer dos profissionais a capacitação para identificar e atender suas necessidades. Diante do exposto, o presente estudo tem como objetivo trazer à tona algumas considerações sobre o trabalho interdisciplinar no acolhimento à família dos pacientes do Centro de Tratamento Intensivo adulto do Hospital do Câncer I, enquanto proposta eficiente no que tange ao atendimento de tais necessidades de informação clínica, orientação e suporte social, clínico e/ou psicológico.
Corpo e finitude: a escuta do sofrimento como instrumento de trabalho em instituição oncológica
Authors: Castro-Arantes Juliana de Miranda e , Lo Bianco Anna Carolina
Published: August 2013

Partindo do cotidiano da assistência a pacientes que chegam à Clínica da Dor do Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA), o artigo procura examinar as consequências que traz, para o psíquico, o fato dele estar indissociavelmente ligado ao corpo. Quase sempre afetada profundamente pela doença, a concepção do corpo próprio traz alterações importantes quanto à identificação do sujeito, acarretando disfunções psíquicas, que não só causam sofrimento, como comprometem o tratamento oncológico. Desenvolvendo a conceituação psicanalítica do corpo, ressalta a incidência da linguagem e da fala em sua constituição, que não coincide com a do corpo biológico. Em seguida demonstra que a escuta da fala do paciente, por parte do profissional, é um instrumento de trabalho fundamental em instituição oncológica. Conclui por caracterizar duas posições possíveis a serem ocupadas por aquele que lida com a morte e com a finitude: poupar-se a si próprio do encontro com a dimensão finita e perecível da vida, sentindo pena do paciente, resignando-se e demitindo-se desse encontro; ou escutá-lo com compaixão, reconhecendo o inexorável comum a todos, de modo a que o sujeito possa sofrer isso não tão sozinho e venha a elaborar na palavra algo do horror que atravessa.
Estudio cualitativo a pacientes de cáncer con soporte paliativo en atención hospitalaria
Authors: Getino Canseco María
Published: August 2013

Este artículo se centra en el enfermo con cáncer en situación terminal. Trata de los cuidados que requiere la persona que tras haber realizado un recorrido hospitalario en búsqueda de salud es considerada incurable y dirigida a cuidados paliativos (CP) para procurarle bienestar y ayudarle a morir. En la geografía española estos enfermos son atendidos en unidades o servicios de cuidados paliativos (SCP). El objetivo principal en cuidados paliativos es cuidar. Cuidar es aliviar y acompañar al paciente, y dar soporte a los familiares durante el proceso de salud/enfermedad/atención/ muerte del paciente. En el cuidado es importante tratar el cuerpo enfermo. Por lo que prevalece aquello que acontece al afectado y que queda inscrito en su cuerpo. De la misma manera que en la enfermedad incurable el dolor y el sufrimiento marcan un itinerario y trazan unas huellas perceptibles en el mismo. Estos signos pueden resultar una señal que le alerta de la proximidad ala muerte. Aunque los avances científicos han influido, positivamente, en el control del dolor, en algunos casos existen momentos críticos en que se producen situaciones de descontrol y desesperación de quienes lo padecen.
Cuidados paliativos em pacientes com HIV/AIDS: princípios da bioética adotados por enfermeiros
Authors: Vasconcelos Monica Ferreira de , Costa Solange Fátima Geraldo da , Lopes Maria Emília Limeira , Abrão Fátima Maria da Silva , Batista Patricia Serpa de Souza , Oliveira Regina Celia
Published: August 2013

Neste estudo, objetivou-se investigar os princípios da Bioética considerados pelos enfermeiros inseridos na pesquisa ao assistir o paciente com HIV/Aids sob cuidados paliativos. Estudo exploratório, com abordagem qualitativa, realizado com doze enfermeiros em um Hospital público da cidade de João Pessoa (PB). Para a coleta dos dados, utilizou-se um formulário. O material empírico foi analisado qualitativamente, por meio da técnica de análise de conteúdo. Da análise qualitativa, emergiram as categorias: Respeito à autonomia do paciente com HIV/Aids sob cuidados paliativos; e, Valorização dos princípios da beneficência, não maleficência e justiça na prática dos cuidados paliativos ao paciente com HIV/Aids. Os resultados mostraram que os participantes da pesquisa reconhecem a importância dos princípios da Bioética na assistência ao paciente com HIV/Aids sob cuidados paliativos. O trabalho traz uma reflexão e suscita a realização de novos estudos que possam contribuir para melhorar a qualidade de vidas desses pacientes com uma prática pautada em princípios éticos.
Luto antecipatório em pacientes com indicação para o Transplante de Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas
Authors: Cardoso Érika Arantes de Oliveira , Santos Manoel Antônio dos
Published: August 2013

O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender como o processo de luto antecipatório se instala em pacientes a serem submetidos ao Transplante de Células Tronco-hematopéticas (TCTH). Foi realizado um estudo transversal, na abordagem clínico-qualitativa. Amostra de 17 pacientes, a maioria mulheres casadas, entre 20 e 42 anos de idade e diagnóstico de Leucemia Mieloide Crônica. Dados coletados por um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada, aplicado individualmente e submetidos à análise de conteúdo temática. Os resultados indicam que a perda da saúde impõe um luto em uma história de vida já permeada por privações e perdas prematuras. Constatou-se que as reações esperadas frente ao luto normal foram expressas pelos participantes e que a estratégia de enfrentamento privilegiada foi o apego à fé. Os planos futuros envolviam alcançar a cura, retorno à normalidade e reinserção profissional. Os resultados podem auxiliar as equipes multiprofissionais a compreenderem as implicações emocionais do adoecimento/tratamento para implantação de estratégias preventivas e interventivas. Como pontos críticos, a equipe deve atentar para a forma de comunicar o diagnóstico e a possibilidade de traçar um plano terapêutico que mantenha vivo o espírito de luta do paciente, reforçando o elo de confiança com os profissionais de saúde.
Notícias difíceis: sentidos atribuídos por familiares de crianças com fibrose cística
Authors: Afonso Selene Beviláqua Chaves , Mitre Rosa Maria de Araujo
Published: August 2013

Este artigo apreendeu sentidos atribuídos por familiares de crianças com fibrose cística sobre as notícias difíceis transmitidas por profissionais de saúde durante o tratamento num hospital público terciário da zona sul do Rio de Janeiro. Resulta de pesquisa qualitativa e análise de dez narrativas colhidas em dois meses de 2010. Supôs-se que esses sentidos são pouco conhecidos, interferem na vivência e enfrentamento do processo de adoecimento e cuidado dos filhos. Evidenciou-se que o conteúdo da notícia era percebido diferentemente segundo: a clareza com que ela era adequada a cada familiar, a forma direta de transmiti-la sem preparação do ouvinte, a consideração do contexto em que viviam as pessoas e as consequências que nele provocaria; a presença de um acompanhante no momento da notícia e a fragmentação das informações. Os resultados indicaram a necessidade de sensibilizar profissionais para aspectos comunicacionais nos encontros clínicos e inclusão dessa capacitação na graduação e/ou ao longo da atividade profissional. Viu-se que a notícia, embora não parecesse difícil para os profissionais podia sê-lo para familiares; que ela afeta a experiência da doença e que os familiares esperam dos profissionais equilíbrio entre eficiência técnica e competência relacional.
Significado da morte para médicos frente à situação de terminalidade de pacientes submetidos ao Transplante de Medula Óssea
Authors: Santos Manoel Antônio dos , Aoki Fernanda Cristina de Oliveira Santos , Oliveira-Cardoso Érika Arantes de
Published: August 2013

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o significado da morte para médicos que atuam com pacientes em condição crítica no contexto do Transplante de Medula Óssea (TMO). A pesquisa foi fundamentada no enfoque metodológico qualitativo e no estudo de caso coletivo, e utilizou o referencial teórico da psicodinâmica do trabalho. Participaram os cinco médicos vinculados a uma Unidade de TMO de um hospital universitário do interior paulista. Aplicou-se um roteiro semiestruturado, que abordava as vivências pessoais, acadêmicas e profissionais suscitadas pela situação de terminalidade. Os dados foram sistematizados nas categorias: "Trabalho e identidade profissional: a peleja do médico contra a morte" e "Vocação e formação médica: tudo começa em casa". Os resultados mostram que, no âmbito médico-hospitalar, a morte é quase sempre reduzida à racionalidade tecnicista e por isso deve ser combatida a qualquer custo. As significações atribuídas à morte são ancoradas nos valores da sociedade contemporânea e subjetivadas nos percursos e percalços enfrentados pelo médico ao longo de sua história de vida e na formação acadêmica, que influenciam o modo como os profissionais vivenciam o processo do morrer dos pacientes.
Conhecimento, envolvimento e sentimentos de concluintes dos cursos de medicina, enfermagem e psicologia sobre ortotanásia
Authors: Santos Luís Roberto Gonçalves dos , Menezes Mariana Pires , Gradvohl Silvia Mayumi Obana
Published: August 2013

Na ortotanásia ocorre a suspensão dos procedimentos médicos na fase terminal do paciente para que ocorra a morte natural, com o alívio dos sintomas que levam ao sofrimento. Neste processo, profissionais como médicos, enfermeiros e psicólogos, interagem com o paciente e seus familiares. Por isso, é desejável que desde a graduação estes profissionais tenham em suas formações disciplinas voltadas para esta demanda. O objetivo desta pesquisa qualitativa foi avaliar o conhecimento sobre ortotanásia dos concluintes dos cursos de medicina, enfermagem e psicologia de uma universidade. Por meio de questões disparadoras foi realizada entrevista semiestruturada com 22 alunos. As entrevistas foram gravadas e transcritas para análise de conteúdo e identificação de categorias temáticas. Foram identificadas três categorias: conhecimento sobre a ortotanásia, quem deveria se envolver com este processo e sentimentos vivenciados frente à morte. Os dados mostraram que os estudantes possuem um baixo conhecimento sobre o tema, consideram importante o envolvimento dos familiares na decisão da ortotanásia, e não se sentem preparados para o enfrentamento da morte. Conclui-se que há a necessidade de mudanças sobre o enfoque dado ao tema terminalidade nos cursos de graduação da área da saúde, visando preparar melhor os futuros profissionais.