bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic Cancer–Specific Cell Death Induced In Vivo by Cytoplasmic-Delivered Polyinosine–Polycytidylic Acid
Authors: Bhoopathi Praveen , Quinn Bridget A. , Gui Qin , Shen Xue-Ning , Grossman Steven R. , Das Swadesh K. , Sarkar Devanand , Fisher Paul B. , Emdad Luni
Published: September 2014

Polyinosine–polycytidylic acid [pIC] is a synthetic dsRNA that acts as an immune agonist of TLR3 and RLR to activate dendritic and natural killer cells that can kill tumor cells. pIC can also trigger apoptosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells (PDAC) but its mechanism of action is obscure. In this study, we investigated the potential therapeutic activity of a formulation of pIC with polyethylenimine ([pIC]PEI) in PDAC and investigated its mechanism of action. [pIC]PEI stimulated apoptosis in PDAC cells without affecting normal pancreatic epithelial cells. Mechanistically, [pIC]PEI repressed XIAP and survivin expression and activated an immune response by inducing MDA-5, RIG-I, and NOXA. Phosphorylation of AKT was inhibited by [pIC]PEI in PDAC, and this event was critical for stimulating apoptosis through XIAP and survivin degradation. In vivo administration of [pIC]PEI inhibited tumor growth via AKT-mediated XIAP degradation in both subcutaneous and quasi-orthotopic models of PDAC. Taken together, these results offer a preclinical proof-of-concept for the evaluation of [pIC]PEI as an immunochemotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer. Cancer Res; 74(21); 6224–35. ©2014 AACR.
Reducing CD73 Expression by IL1β-Programmed Th17 Cells Improves Immunotherapeutic Control of Tumors
Authors: Chatterjee Shilpak , Thyagarajan Krishnamurthy , Kesarwani Pravin , Song Jin H. , Soloshchenko Myroslawa , Fu Jianing , Bailey Stefanie R. , Vasu Chenthamarkshan , Kraft Andrew S. , Paulos Chrystal M. , Yu Xue-Zhong , Mehrotra Shikhar
Published: September 2014

T cells of the T helper (Th)17 subset offer promise in adoptive T-cell therapy for cancer. However, current protocols for ex vivo programming of Th17 cells, which include TGFβ exposure, increase the expression of CD39 and CD73, two cell surface ATP ectonucleotidases that reduce T-cell effector functions and promote immunosuppression. Here, we report that ATP-mediated suppression of IFNγ production by Th17 cells can be overcome by genetic ablation of CD73 or by using IL1β instead of TGFβ to program Th17 cells ex vivo. Th17 cells cultured in IL1β were also highly polyfunctional, expressing high levels of effector molecules and exhibiting superior short-term control of melanoma in mice, despite reduced stem cell-like properties. TGFβ addition at low doses that did not upregulate CD73 expression but induced stemness properties drastically improved the antitumor effects of IL1β-cultured Th17 cells. Effector properties of IL1β-dependent Th17 cells were likely related to their high glycolytic capacity, since ex vivo programming in pyruvate impaired glycolysis and antitumor effects. Overall, we show that including TGFβ in ex vivo cultures used to program Th17 cells blunts their immunotherapeutic potential and demonstrate how this potential can be more fully realized for adoptive T-cell therapy. Cancer Res; 74(21); 6048–59. ©2014 AACR.
Cisplatin-Induced Antitumor Immunomodulation: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Evidence
Authors: de Biasi Andreas R. , Villena-Vargas Jonathan , Adusumilli Prasad S.
Published: September 2014

Contrary to the long held belief that chemotherapy is immunosuppressive, emerging evidence indicates that the anticancer activity of cisplatin is not limited to its ability to inhibit mitosis, but that cisplatin also has important immunomodulatory effects. We therefore methodically examined the relevant preclinical literature and identified four main mechanisms of cisplatin-induced antitumor immunomodulation: (i) MHC class I expression upregulation; (ii) recruitment and proliferation of effector cells; (iii) upregulation of the lytic activity of cytotoxic effectors; and (iv) downregulation of the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy's antitumor immunomodulatory effects are also beginning to be harnessed in the clinic; we therefore additionally reviewed the applicable clinical literature and discussed how monitoring various components of the immune system (and their responses to cisplatin) can add new levels of sophistication to disease monitoring and prognostication. In summation, this growing body of literature on cisplatin-induced antitumor immunomodulation ultimately highlights the therapeutic potential of synergistic strategies that combine traditional chemotherapy with immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 20(21); 5384–91. ©2014 AACR.
miR200c Attenuates P-gp–Mediated MDR and Metastasis by Targeting JNK2/c-Jun Signaling Pathway in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sui Hua , Cai Guo-Xiang , Pan Shu-Fang , Deng Wan-Li , Wang Yu-Wei , Chen Zhe-Sheng , Cai San-Jun , Zhu Hui-Rong , Li Qi
Published: September 2014

MicroRNA-200c (miR200c) recently emerged as an important regulator of tumorigenicity and cancer metastasis; however, its role in regulating multidrug resistance (MDR) remains unknown. In the current study, we found that the expression levels of miR200c in recurrent and metastatic colorectal cancers were significantly lower, whereas the JNK2 expression was higher compared with primary tumors. We showed that in MDR colorectal cancer cells, miR200c targeted the 3′ untranslated region of the JNK2 gene. Overexpression of miR200c attenuated the levels of p-JNK, p-c-Jun, P-gp, and MMP-2/-9, the downstream factors of the JNK signaling pathway, resulting in increased sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, which was accompanied by heightened apoptosis and decreased cell invasion and migration. Moreover, in an orthotopic MDR colorectal cancer mouse model, we demonstrated that overexpression of miR200c effectively inhibited the tumor growth and metastasis. At last, in the tumor samples from patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer with routine postsurgical chemotherapy, we observed an inverse correlation between the levels of mRNA expression of miR200c and JNK2, ABCB1, and MMP-9, thus predicting patient therapeutic outcomes. In summary, we found that miR200c negatively regulated the expression of JNK2 gene and increased the sensitivity of MDR colorectal cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, via inhibiting the JNK2/p-JNK/p-c-Jun/ABCB1 signaling. Restoration of miR200c expression in MDR colorectal cancer may serve as a promising therapeutic approach in MDR-induced metastasis. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(12); 3137–51. ©2014 AACR.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Tewari Priti , Franklin Anna R. , Tarek Nidale , Askins Martha A. , Mofield Scott , Kebriaei Partow
Published: September 2014

Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are a very unique subset of our population journeying through a dynamic stage of their lives. This age group often remains understudied as a separate entity because they are commonly lumped into either pediatric or adult subgroups. Methods: Here we review acute and chronic issues surrounding hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with a focus on the AYA age group. Results: HSCT is a commonly used treatment modality for patients with certain types of cancers. AYA patients undergoing HSCT present a very unique perspective, circumstances, medical, psychological and social issues requiring a diligent workup, care and follow-up. Conclusion: The medical care of these patients should be approached in a multidisciplinary method involving the patient, caregivers, physicians, psychologists and social workers.
Cardiotoxicity and Cardioprotection in Childhood Cancer
Authors: Lipshultz Steven E. , Sambatakos Peter , Maguire Michael , Karnik Ruchika , Ross Samuel W. , Franco Vivian I. , Miller Tracie L.
Published: September 2014

Children diagnosed with cancer are now living longer as a result of advances in treatment. However, some commonly used anticancer drugs, although effective in curing cancer, can also cause adverse late effects. The cardiotoxic effects of anthracycline chemotherapy, such as doxorubicin, and radiation can cause persistent and progressive cardiovascular damage, emphasizing a need for effective prevention and treatment to reduce or avoid cardiotoxicity. Examples of risk factors for cardiotoxicity in children include higher anthracycline cumulative dose, higher dose of radiation, younger age at diagnosis, female sex, trisomy 21 and black race. However, not all who are exposed to toxic treatments experience cardiotoxicity, suggesting the possibility of a genetic predisposition. Cardioprotective strategies under investigation include the use of dexrazoxane, which provides short- and long-term cardioprotection in children treated with doxorubicin without interfering with oncological efficacy, the use of less toxic anthracycline derivatives and nutritional supplements. Evidence-based monitoring and screening are needed to identify early signs of cardiotoxicity that have been validated as surrogates of subsequent clinically significant cardiovascular disease before the occurrence of cardiac damage, in patients who may be at higher risk.
Pulmonary Embolectomy in the Treatment of Submassive and Massive Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Worku Berhane , Gulkarov Iosif , Girardi Leonard N. , Salemi Arash
Published: September 2014

Objectives: Significant improvements in outcomes after pulmonary embolectomy have resulted in a broadening of indications. We reviewed our experience with pulmonary embolectomy over the past 12 years with an emphasis on preoperative comorbidities and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Methods: All patients undergoing pulmonary embolectomy over the past 12 years at our institution were analyzed via retrospective chart review. Data on preoperative characteristics, operative procedures and postoperative outcomes were collected. Results: Twenty patients underwent pulmonary embolectomy between 1999 and 2011. The average age was 56 years (range 24-81) and 10 patients (50%) were female. All patients demonstrated right ventricular dysfunction and 19 (95%) demonstrated contraindications to thrombolysis. Twelve patients (60%) demonstrated intermittent hypotension, 4 (20%) required intubation and 3 (15%) demonstrated preoperative or intraoperative cardiac arrest. Survival to discharge was 95%. Conclusions: Pulmonary embolectomy has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of massive pulmonary embolism (PE). We achieved a 95% survival rate in a cohort of patients with significant comorbid status. Pulmonary embolectomy should be considered early in the therapeutic algorithm for patients with submassive PE presenting with right ventricular dysfunction to prevent progression. It can also be performed with good outcomes in those already suffering hemodynamic compromise.
Successful Live Births after Surgical Treatments for Symptomatic Cesarean Scar Pregnancies: Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Yang Gayoung , Lee Daeun , Lee Sara , Jeong Kyungah
Published: September 2014

There is no current consensus on the best treatment modality for cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) with favorable reproductive and pregnancy outcome. We treated 3 cases of symptomatic CSP with fetal cardiac activity. The first case underwent laparoscopic repair at 6 weeks' gestational age of unruptured CSP. The second patient underwent laparoscopic repair due to massive vaginal bleeding after suction curettage. Both patients conceived naturally 6 months later and underwent repeated cesarean section at term. These were successful live births although the second patient was treated with uterine artery embolization for postpartum hemorrhage. The last patient underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy due to ruptured CSP and delivered a preterm baby. Earlier surgical treatment of CSP is indicated for a subsequent successful pregnancy and live birth. The laparoscopic approach might be advisable prior to uterine rupture.
Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure and Mortality in the Oldest Old
Authors: Leibowitz David , Gilon Dan , Jacobs Jeremy M. , Stessman-Lande Irit , Stessman Jochanan
Published: September 2014

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess pulmonary artery systolic pressure, its association with clinical and echocardiographic variables and its impact on 5-year mortality in a community-dwelling population of the oldest old. Methods: Subjects were recruited from the Jerusalem Longitudinal Cohort Study. Echocardiography was performed at home, with standard measurements being taken including tricuspid regurgitation (TR) velocity (n = 300). Survival status at 5-year follow-up was assessed via the centralized population registry. Results: The mean TR gradient in the study population as a whole was 30.5 ± 9.4 mm Hg. A significant relationship was noted between right-ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and left-atrial (LA) volume (r = 0.27, p < 0.0001), left-ventricular (LV) mass index (r = 0.26, p < 0.0001) and the ratio E/e (r = 0.19, p < 0.03). At the 5-year follow-up, 71 of the 300 subjects (23.7%) had died. TR gradient was significantly associated with mortality in both the unadjusted (HR 1.036, 95% CI 1.015-1.058; p < 0.007) and adjusted (HR 1.036, 95% CI 1.012-1.061; p < 0.0029) models. Conclusions: We demonstrate that RVSP is elevated and related to LV mass, LA volume and reduced diastolic function in the oldest old. An elevated RVSP is significantly associated with mortality in this population.
Common Carotid Artery Stiffness Is Associated with Left Ventricular Structure and Function and Predicts First Hospitalization for Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Sung Shih-Hsien , Liao Jo-Nan , Yu Wen-Chung , Cheng Hao-Min , Chen Chen-Huan
Published: September 2014

Aims: Proximal aortic stiffness may be more important than carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) in the pathogenesis of heart failure. The present study investigated the associations of common carotid artery (CCA) stiffness, which might be a surrogate for proximal aortic stiffness, with left ventricular (LV) structure and function, and the development of acute heart failure (AHF). Methods and Results: Outpatients without a history of heart failure (114 subjects aged 63.5 ± 17.5 years) were enrolled for comprehensive noninvasive cardiovascular examinations. The LV mass index, the LV ejection fraction (EF), and the ratio of the early diastolic transmitral flow velocity to the early septal mitral annular diastolic velocity (E/E') were measured by echocardiography. CCA mechanical properties, including the incremental elastic modulus (Einc), β stiffness index, CCA distensibility (CD) and circumferential strain (CS), were assessed by carotid artery ultrasonography. cf-PWV was measured by arterial tonometry. CD was significantly associated with the LV mass index, and all CCA stiffness indices were significantly associated with EF and E/E' independently of age, mean blood pressure, and cf-PWV. During a mean follow-up of 265 ± 106 days, 9 patients presented with AHF. Einc (hazard ratio 6.56, 95% confidence interval 1.64-26.26, by quartile analysis), CS (6.82, 1.70-27.35), and β stiffness index (3.91, 1.05-14.57) but not cf-PWV (1.62, 0.41-6.51) significantly predicted the events. Conclusions: In patients at risk for heart failure, CCA stiffness was significantly associated with LV structure and function independently of cf-PWV. In addition, CCA stiffness but not cf-PWV predicted first AHF. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
The Status of Neuroendocrine Tumor Imaging: From Darkness to Light?
Authors: Bodei Lisa , Sundin Anders , Kidd Mark , Prasad Vikas , Modlin Irvin M.
Published: September 2014

Diagnostic imaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis, staging, treatment selection and follow-up for neuroendocrine tumors. The available diagnostic strategies are morphologic imaging, including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound techniques, and molecular imaging, including scintigraphy with 111In-pentetreotide and positron emission tomography with 68Ga-DOTA-peptides, 18F-DOPA and 11C-5-HTP. A combination of anatomic and functional techniques is routinely performed to optimize sensitivity and specificity. The introduction of diffusion-weighted MRI and dynamic contrast-enhanced techniques represents a promising advance in radiologic imaging, whereas new receptor-binding peptides, including somatostatin agonists and antagonists, represent the recent most favorable innovation in molecular imaging. Future development includes the short-term validation of these techniques, but in extension also a more comprehensive multilevel integration of biologic information pertaining to a specific tumor and patient, possibly encompassing genomic considerations, currently evolving as a new entity denoted ‘precision medicine'. The ideal is a diagnostic sequence that captures the global status of an individual's tumor and encompasses a multidimensional characterization of tumor location, metabolic performance and target identification. To date, advances in imagery have focused on increasing resolution, discrimination and functional characterization. In the future, the fusion of imagery with the parallel analysis of biological and genomic information has the potential to considerably amplify diagnosis.
Inhibition of Mitochondrial P53 Abolishes the Detrimental Effects of Social Isolation on Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Venna Venugopal Reddy , Verma Rajkumar , O’Keefe Lena M. , Xu Yan , Crapser Joshua , Friedler Brett , McCullough Louise D.
Published: September 2014

Background and Purpose—

Social isolation (SI) increases stroke incidence and delays poststroke recovery. Women may be at greater risk from the negative consequences of SI, but few studies have examined both sexes in experimental models, and none have evaluated the effects of isolation initiated after stroke. The effects of poststroke SI in men and women were examined, and the role of mitochondrial P53 was evaluated.

Methods—

C57Bl6 mice were pair-housed (PH; male and ovariectomized female) for 2 weeks, subjected to stroke and then assigned to a housing condition (isolated or PH). The effects of housing on infarct volume and recovery were examined. Changes in Bcl-2 and mitochondrial p53 were assessed by Western blot. A mitochondrial p53 inhibitor (pifithrin-μ) was given to mice of both sexes.

Results—

Compared with pair-housed mice, poststroke SI significantly increased infarct size in both sexes; SI mice also had worse neurological deficits. The detrimental effects of SI paralleled increases in mitochondrial p53 levels. Pharmacological inhibition of mitochondrial p53 using pifithrin-μ abolished the detrimental effects of SI and reduced cell death.

Conclusions—

Poststroke SI results in increased ischemic injury in both sexes. The effect of housing on infarct was more pronounced in women. Targeting the mitochondrial P53 pathway could minimize the detrimental effects of isolation after stroke.
A New Species of Aspidistra (Asparagaceae) from Guizhou, China
Authors: Sun Qing-Wen , Xu Wen-Fen , He Shun-Zhi
Published: September 2014

An unknown species of Aspidistra Ker-Gawler (1822: 628) with freshly opened flowers and full ripe fruits was found when the writer was doing field study at Guiding country, Guizhou province in October, 2008. This species bloomed again in October, 2011 after being introduced to Guiyang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, then was identified as a new species after studying relevant literature (Fang & Yu 2002, He 2002, Li & Tang 2002, Li & Wei 2003, Li 2004, Tillich 2005, 2006, Tillich et al. 2007, Tillich & Averyanov 2008, Lin et al. 2009, 2011, 2014, Hou et al. 2009, Xu et al. 2010a, 2010b, He et al. 2011a, 2011b, 2013, Gao et al. 2011, Hu et al. 2014, Vislobokov et al. 2014a, 2014b, Meng et al. 2014).
An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cohen Jacob T. , Gil Ziv , Binenbaum Yoav , Na’ara Shorook , Amit Moran
Published: September 2014

Objective:

This study aimed to create a reliable and reproducible orthotopic mouse model of laryngeal malignancy that recapitulates its biologic behavior, local invasiveness, and spread as seen in patients.

Methods:

Via direct laryngoscopy, human squamous cell carcinoma line FaDu (ATCC HTB-43) was implanted in the larynx (supraglottis and glottis) in nu/nu mice (n = 31). Animals were monitored with direct laryngoscopy and ultrasound for tumor growth and survival. Specimens of larynxes, neck lymphatics, livers, and lungs were removed for histopathologic evaluation to assess tumor extension, thyroid cartilage invasion, and nodal spread.

Results:

Thirty-one successful direct laryngoscopies were performed. Supraglottic and glottic tumor uptake was 100% and 25%, respectively. Median survival for the animals with supraglottic tumors was 35 days. Histopathologic evaluation revealed pre-epiglottic extension, paraglottic extension, thyroid cartilage invasion, and lymph node metastasis.

Conclusion:

We describe the first orthotopic model for laryngeal cancer. Our model faithfully recapitulates the phenotype and malignant behavior that reproduces its natural biologic behavior as seen in laryngeal cancer patients. This model offers an opportunity to identify and specifically target therapy for larynx squamous cell carcinoma.
Prognosis and Patterns of Failure for the Extubation of Patients Who Remain Intubated After Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Graboyes Evan M. , Bradley Joseph P. , Kallogjeri Dorina , Cavallone Laura F. , Nussenbaum Brian
Published: September 2014

Objective:

This study aimed to analyze the rate of failure, patterns of failure, and prognostic factors for patients who remain intubated after head and neck surgery and then undergo delayed extubation.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of all otolaryngology patients who remained intubated after head and neck surgery and then underwent delayed extubation between 2006 and 2013. The incidence and patterns of extubation failure were analyzed. Univariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for postextubation failure.

Results:

Fifteen of the 129 patients (12%) who remained intubated after head and neck surgery and underwent delayed extubation subsequently failed and required either repeat intubation or an emergency surgical airway. The most common reasons for failure were hemorrhage (47%) and upper airway edema (33%). Failure typically occurred within 6 hours of extubation. Twenty-seven percent of the patients who failed extubation (4/15) required an emergency surgical airway. On univariable logistic regression analysis, ligation of a major neck vessel predicted extubation failure (odds ratio = 5.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-18.23).

Conclusion:

Postextubation failure in carefully selected patients undergoing delayed extubation after head and neck surgery is infrequent and most commonly due to postoperative bleeding. Prospective data are required to facilitate safe and quality care for these patients.
Between modern and traditional values: Informal mental health help-seeking attitudes according to Israeli Arab women, primary care patients and their providers
Authors: Ayalon Liat , Karkabi Khaled , Bleichman Igor , Fleischmann Silvia , Goldfracht Margalit
Published: September 2014

Background:

Israeli Arab women under-utilize mental health services.

Objectives:

The present study evaluated the use of alternative services for dealing with depression and anxiety among Israeli Arab women and primary care providers.

Material:

Four focus groups with primary care patients and two focus groups with primary care providers were conducted. Constant comparisons were employed in order to identify major themes related to informal help-seeking behaviors.

Discussion:

Three informal help-seeking behaviors were identified: (a) social support, divided into extended family and neighbors versus nuclear family and close friends; (b) religiosity, divided into inner, direct practices and beliefs versus externally mediated ones; and (c) self-help techniques, such as engagement in activities and distancing oneself from the situation. Both social support and religiosity were viewed with ambivalence by primary care patients and providers.

Conclusion:

The findings suggest that the Arab population in Israel might be lacking informal sources of support at times of mental health needs.
Ensuring political responsiveness: politicization mechanisms in ministerial bureaucracies
Authors: Hustedt Thurid , Salomonsen Heidi Houlberg
Published: September 2014

Although politicization is a perennial research topic in public administration to investigate relationships between ministers and civil servants, the concept still lacks clarification. This article contributes to this literature by systematically identifying different conceptualizations of politicization and suggests a typology including three politicization mechanisms to strengthen the political responsiveness of the ministerial bureaucracy: formal, functional and administrative politicization. The typology is empirically validated through a comparative case analysis of politicization mechanisms in Germany, Belgium, the UK and Denmark. The empirical analysis further refines the general idea of Western democracies becoming ‘simply’ more politicized, by illustrating how some politicization mechanisms do not continue to increase, but stabilize – at least for the time being.

Points for practitioners

The claim of increasing politicization of the interaction between ministers and civil servants is often made in research and government practice. As the completely neutral bureaucracy is a myth rather than empirical reality, all democracies have to balance demands for both neutral expertise and political responsiveness. The latter often involves the introduction of politicization mechanisms. Politicization comes in a variety of forms, and the article develops a typology covering formal, functional and administrative politicization. Further it empirically demonstrates how politicization mechanisms not only increase, but how they develop and interact, altering balances of neutrality and responsiveness in potentially conflicting ways.
Citizen participation as a contributor to sustainable democracy in South Africa
Authors: Lues Liezel
Published: September 2014

Academe has argued that democracy cannot be effective on its own, but is reliant on the government and citizens to sustain it. For the South African democracy to be sustained, the roles of the government and the citizens need to be integrated to ensure accountability, transparency, effectiveness and good quality provision of public services to the citizens. The aim of this study is to establish what students view as the role of the government, and of citizens, in strengthening South African democracy. To this effect, information was collected by means of a survey targeting students enrolled for modules in Public Administration and Management at a South African university. It emerged that the respondents deemed it important to educate themselves about democracy as well as the monitoring of politicians' behaviour. The findings further indicated that the respondents considered issues such as education, health, public order and safety, and job creation to a lesser extent, to be key roles of government. The article concludes by contemplating the importance of educating citizens in strengthening the South African democracy with special reference to the South African Medium Term Strategic Framework, and its 12 outcomes.

Points for practitioners

This article evaluates current South African democracy with reference to the different roles of both government and citizens, respectively. The study revealed the perceptions of students enrolled for modules in Public Administration and Management at a South African university regarding the role of government and citizens in the creation of a sustainable democracy. Furthermore, background information is given on the South African growth path towards democracy and equality.
Rethinking ‘cultural competence’ in international social work
Authors: Nadan Yochay
Published: September 2014

Cultural competence is today a prominent concept and aspiration in all aspects of international social work. In this article, I argue that the common understanding of ‘cultural competence’ from the so-called essentialist perspective is inadequate, and even risky, when working in an international context. Drawing on examples, I suggest that a more constructive and reflective view of cultural competence be adopted in order to meet the challenges of international social work in the contemporary world, and to better equip ourselves as ethical and anti-oppressive practitioners and educators.
Pathways into homelessness: Understanding how both individual and structural factors contribute to and sustain homelessness in Canada
Authors: Piat Myra , Polvere Lauren , Kirst Maritt , Voronka Jijian , Zabkiewicz Denise , Plante Marie-Carmen , Isaak Corinne , Nolin Danielle , Nelson Geoffrey , Goering Paula
Published: September 2014

This qualitative study examined how homeless individuals with mental illness experience pathways into homelessness. Study participants were enrolled in the At Home/Chez Soi project, a Pan-Canadian Randomized Controlled Trial comparing the Housing First approach with Treatment as Usual for homeless individuals. This inquiry is grounded in social ecological perspective, which considers interactions between individual and structural factors. Findings from consumer narrative interviews ( n = 219) revealed that individual factors, such as substance abuse, relationship conflicts and mental health issues significantly contributed to homelessness, in addition to structural transitions from foster care and institutional settings into the community. Additional structural factors entrenched participants in unsafe communities, created obstacles to exiting homelessness and amplified individual risk factors. The study findings confirm the role of individual risk factors in pathways into homelessness, but underscore the need for policies and interventions to address structural factors that worsen individual risks and create barriers to exiting homelessness.
Do rail transit stations encourage neighbourhood retail activity?
Authors: Schuetz Jenny
Published: September 2014

Over the past 20 years, California has made substantial investments in intra-metropolitan passenger rail infrastructure, expanding existing systems and building new ones. According to advocates of New Urbanism, such investment should encourage the growth of mixed-use transit-oriented development, defined as a high-density mix of residential and commercial uses within walking distance of rail stations. Little research to date has examined whether rail investment stimulates retail activity, which is a key component of mixed-use development. In this paper, I test whether the opening of new rail stations across California’s four largest metropolitan areas is associated with changes in retail employment near the stations. Results indicate that new rail stations were located in areas with previously high employment density, somewhat outside the city centres. New station openings are not significantly associated with differences in retail employment in three of the four MSAs, and negatively associated with retail in the Sacramento MSA. There is weak evidence that areas around new suburban stations serving commuter rail lines are more likely to gain retail employment, while centrally located, intra-city rail stations see decreases in retail activity.
Clinical and Radiological Long-term Outcomes After Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation
Authors: Aldrian Silke , Zak Lukas , Wondrasch Barbara , Albrecht Christian , Stelzeneder Beate , Binder Harald , Kovar Florian , Trattnig Siegfried , Marlovits Stefan
Published: September 2014

Background:

It is unclear whether matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) results in objective and subjective clinical improvements at 10 years after surgery.

Hypothesis:

Matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte transplantation will result in clinical and radiological improvements in patients with symptomatic, traumatic chondral defects of the knee joint.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 16 patients with chondral defects of the knee were treated with MACT between November 2000 and April 2002 and evaluated for up to 10 years after the intervention. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Tegner activity score, Brittberg score, Noyes sports activity rating scale, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain as well as 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score and functional evaluation by the limb symmetry index (LSI) formed the basis of this study. The Friedman test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were performed for a comparison between all time points and 2 separate time points, respectively. If significant differences were revealed, a Bonferroni adjustment to the α level was applied so that P values <.007 (<.05/7) were regarded as significant in the paired comparisons.

Results:

Significant improvements ( P < .05) from baseline to 120 months postoperatively were observed for the IKDC score (mean, 44.1 ± 26.9 to 59.0 ± 27.4), Noyes sports activity rating score (mean, 37.7 ± 30.1 to 62.1 ± 31.3), and KOOS Quality of Life and Pain subscores, whereas no statistically significant improvement was detected for the Brittberg score, Tegner activity score, or VAS score. After 5 years, a slight downward tendency of all clinical scores was evident. After 10 years, the mean MOCART score was 70.4 ± 16.1. Complete filling of the defect was observed in 73.9% of cases, and osteophytes were present in 78.3%. In 65.2% of the cases, a subchondral bone edema <1 cm was visible, whereas in 21.7% of the cases, a subchondral bone edema >1 cm was seen. The mean LSI for the single-legged hop test was 95.6% ± 16.2% and for the triple hop test for distance was 91.3% ± 12.2%. The mean VAS score for self-perceived stability was 60.2 ± 3.5 (range, 0-9.5) for the injured and 60.7 ± 3.8 (range, 0-10) for the uninjured leg. No adhesions or effusions were seen regarding the clinical and radiological outcomes.

Conclusion:

The significantly improved results on 3 outcome measures after 10 years suggest that MACT represents a suitable option in the treatment of local cartilage defects in the knee.
An Opening Door
Authors: Le Clézio JMG
Published: September 2014

The author of this paper, a Nobel Laureate in Literature (2008), develops here a plea in favour of the practice of interculturality. He takes the case of its family's historic birthplace, the Island of Mauritius, as an example of intercultural human coexistence, and analyses its achievements, challenges, and possible developments in today's world.
Ukraine in the “Gray Zone”
Authors: Wawrzonek Michał
Published: September 2014

As a result of the transformations which have taken place in the territory of the former USSR, Ukraine has entered—according to Thomas Carothers—a “gray zone.” In the Ukrainian case, it is a zone of ambivalence between evolution toward the Russian model of the political system and transformation toward a West European democracy. It appears that the latter variant is quite likely. This is evidenced by the events connected with the “Orange Revolution” and the social reaction to President Yanukovych’s decision not to sign an association agreement with the European Union. The integration of this country into the Euro-Atlantic area clearly calls into question the possibility of Moscow returning to the role of sole hegemonic leader in post-Soviet territory. Over the past several years, Moscow’s policy toward Ukraine has been legitimized by the idea of a civilizational community—the “Russkiy Mir.” This is based on the assumption that, allegedly, a cultural and spiritual unity exists among the “Orthodox nations.” Their consolidation would underwrite—among other things—a civilizational clash with the West. This article aims to answer the question of how the idea of the Russkiy Mir is perceived in Ukraine. It appears that the idea of constructing an Orthodox civilizational community clashing with the West is not compatible with the core unarticulated knowledge which shapes the rules of contemporary social and political life in Ukraine.
A new robust control method for active front steering considering the intention of the driver
Authors: Ji Xuewu , Wu Jian , Zhao Youqun , Liu Yahui , Zhao Xianchen
Published: September 2014

The influence of the active front steering system on the driver’s intention and the trade-off between the robustness and the performance of the active front steering controller have not been adequately addressed by current research studies. A new robust control method based on the normalized left coprime factorization model including uncertainty and perturbations is introduced, and the robustness of this method against high speeds and variations in the cornering stiffness without changing the intention of the driver is guaranteed by the design of the feedforward controller and the feedback controller. A single-step method is adopted to solve the feedforward robust controller and the feedback robust controller. The resulting controllers obtained by the proposed robust control method have a simple structure and do not require online optimization. Furthermore, simulations of the double-lane-change manoeuvre and of braking on a split- μ road are conducted to compare the performance and the stability of the new robust control method with those of the proportional–integral–derivative controller and the standard H∞ controller. Simulation results show that, in comparison with the other two control methods, the established new robust control method can enhance the vehicle stability and handling, and the tracking rapidity is improved by the introduction of feedforward control so that the active steering intervention does not affect the driver’s intention, regardless of the external interferences or emergency evasive manoeuvres.
Prediction of structural vibrations using a coupled vehicle-track–building model
Authors: Hou Bowen , Gao Liang , Xin Tao , Cai Xiaopei
Published: September 2014

As a result of local factors, limited amounts of land and construction demands, subway lines are sometimes designed to run in close proximity to buildings. Hence, using a real Beijing subway engineering project, we have studied the vibration induced in a building by a moving rail vehicle. A numerical model of the spatially coupled vehicle–track–building system was developed to predict the vibration levels in the structure. The modeling theory was verified by comparison with multi-body system simulations and field test results. Two common types of track, namely, ballasted track and floating slab track were studied and their vibration-mitigation effects were compared in the time and frequency domains. A comparison of the particle peak velocities with the structural vibration limits of the floating floor slab and the first floor of a building revealed a very low possibility of severe damage resulting from vehicle-induced vibration for both types of tracks. We also conducted a one-third octave analysis of the vibration of each building floor and obtained the weighted root-mean-squared acceleration and vibration levels. A comparison of the weighted accelerations with the vibration limits for vibration perception by a human for both types of tracks also revealed that train-induced vibration had no obvious effect on daily human activities on most of the floors. The main exception to this observation was the first floor, which is located close to the vibration source. It is recommended that the first floor should be used for purposes other than residential. Furthermore, a comparison of the vibration levels of each floor for both types of tracks showed that the ballasted track had a better vibration-mitigation effect than the floating slab track for this special engineering case.
The comparison of manual and LabVIEW-based fuzzy control on mechanical ventilation
Authors: Guler Hasan , Ata Fikret
Published: September 2014

The aim of this article is to develop a knowledge-based therapy for management of rats with respiratory distress. A mechanical ventilator was designed to achieve this aim. The designed ventilator is called an intelligent mechanical ventilator since fuzzy logic was used to control the pneumatic equipment according to the rat’s status. LabVIEW software was used to control all equipments in the ventilator prototype and to monitor respiratory variables in the experiment. The designed ventilator can be controlled both manually and by fuzzy logic. Eight female Wistar-Albino rats were used to test the designed ventilator and to show the effectiveness of fuzzy control over manual control on pressure control ventilation mode. The anesthetized rats were first ventilated for 20 min manually. After that time, they were ventilated for 20 min by fuzzy logic. Student’s t-test for p < 0.05 was applied to the measured minimum, maximum and mean peak inspiration pressures to analyze the obtained results. The results show that there is no statistical difference in the rat’s lung parameters before and after the experiments. It can be said that the designed ventilator and developed knowledge-based therapy support artificial respiration of living things successfully.
Possible modulating impact of glutathione disulfide mimetic on physiological changes in irradiated rats
Authors: Salama SF , Montaser SA
Published: September 2014

Glutathione disulfide mimetic (NOV-002) is a complex of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) formulated with cisplatin at approximately 1000:1 molar ratio. Cisplatin serves to stabilize GSSG but does not assert any therapeutic effect. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of NOV-002 on hematological suppression, excessive free radical damage and DNA fragmentation in splenocytes, and metabolite disorders in whole-body γ-irradiated rats. The obtained data revealed that rats treated with 25 mg kg−1 NOV-002 injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 5 days after whole-body γ-irradiation (IR) at 6.5 Gy attenuated the decrease of red blood cells, platelets, total white blood cells, absolute lymphocytes and neutrophils counts, hematocrit value, and hemoglobin content. NOV-002 treatment inhibits serum advanced oxidation protein products, malondialdehyde concentrations as well as cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, and creatinine levels, while enhances glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity and improves DNA fragmentation in splenocytes. These findings provide a better understanding of the NOV-002 modulating impact in whole-body γ-rays-induced hematological toxicities, oxidative stress, and biological disturbances in γ-irradiated rats and could enhance the tolerance to high doses of ionizing IR utilized in radiotherapy.
Effects of polyphenolic grape extract on the oxidative status of muscle and endothelial cells
Authors: Goutzourelas N , Stagos D , Demertzis N , Mavridou P , Karterolioti H , Georgadakis S , Kerasioti E , Aligiannis N , Skaltsounis L , Statiri A , Tsioutsiouliti A , Tsatsakis AM , Hayes AW , Kouretas D
Published: September 2014

A grape pomace extract enhanced antioxidant mechanisms in muscle and endothelial cells both in the absence and in the presence of oxidative stress-induced agent tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP). In particular, muscle (C2C12) and endothelial (EA.hy926) cells were treated with the extract at noncytotoxic concentrations for 24 h, and the oxidative stress markers, total reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS), and protein carbonyl levels were assessed. The results showed that the grape extract treatment reduced significantly ROS, TBARS, and protein carbonyl levels and increased GSH in C2C12 cells, while it increased GSH and decreased protein carbonyl levels in EA.hy926 cells. In the presence of tBHP, the grape extract treatment in C2C12 cells reduced significantly ROS, TBARS, and protein carbonyls and increased GSH compared with tBHP alone treatment, while, in EA.hy926 cells, the extract decreased significantly TBARS and protein carbonyls but increased GSH. The antioxidant potency of the extract was different between muscle and endothelial cells suggesting that the antioxidant activity depends on cell type. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of the grape extract, in both cell lines, exerted, at least in part, through increase in GSH levels. The present work is the first to report the effects of grape extract shown for skeletal muscle cells.
Retention in Care and Factors Affecting It Among People Living With HIV/AIDS in Changsha City, China
Authors: Yang Guoli L. , Yan Jin , Liu Yan , Huang Zhulin L. , Long Shuo
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to describe the retention in care and examine the factors affecting it among people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Changsha City, China. Data on treatment, care, and their retention of all registered 822 PLWHA in Changsha Center for Disease Control and Prevention were analyzed. The retention rate had shown 58.1% among this sample. With logistic regression analysis, retention in care was significantly related to education level (senior high school vs university: odds ratio [OR] = 0.471, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.237-0.937), CD4 count (<50cells/mm3 vs >500cells/mm3: OR = 2.659, 95% CI = 1.816-28.760), and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (No vs Yes: OR = 0.362, 95% CI = 0.180-0.550). In conclusion, the intervention to improve retention in care for PLWHA in Changsha is warranted, especially for those who have lower education level, for those who have higher baseline CD4 count, and for those who have not initiated antiretroviral therapy.
Effect of ciclosporin and methylprednisolone acetate on cats previously infected with feline herpesvirus 1
Authors: Lappin Michael R , Roycroft Linda M
Published: September 2014

Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) is a common ocular and respiratory pathogen of cats that can be associated with recurrent clinical signs of disease. Ciclosporin (cyclosporine) is commonly administered per os (PO) for the treatment of a number of inflammatory diseases in cats. A number of client-owned cats administered ciclosporin (cyclosporine) A (CsA) PO to block renal transplant rejection have developed clinical signs of upper respiratory tract disease that may have been from activated FHV-1. In this study, cats experimentally inoculated with FHV-1 several months previously were administered methylprednisolone acetate intramuscularly, CsA PO or a placebo PO. While clinical signs of activated FHV-1 occurred in some cats, disease was mild and self-limited in most cats. There was no vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence, weight loss, polydipsia, polyuria or polyphagia recognized.
Marketing a theme park: Efteling
Authors: van Assendelft de Coningh Reinoud
Published: September 2014

The Efteling theme park opened over 40 years ago, as a treasured part of the Dutch heritage. After examining the qualities of Efteling the paper goes on to consider the effects of the arrival of EuroDisney and the importance of segmentation and joint promotion in marketing theme parks.
The application of smart cards in hotels
Authors: Friel Martin
Published: September 2014

At the moment there is limited use of smart cards in hotels although the industry has begun to recognise their potential and more implementations are in the pipeline.

Certain features of the smart card are examined in the light of their relevance for, and potential impact on, hotel marketing activities. The smart card is adjudged to enhance the speed, accuracy and economy with which an array of hotel marketing activities can be carried out, in particular customer profiling, promotions, distribution and loyalty schemes with an eventual impact on quality of service.

The smart card, however, is not a panacea and indeed the swipe card already performs many of the same functions, albeit more laborioursly.