bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systolic function evaluated with cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in HIV-infected patients
Authors: Scholtz Leonie , Du Plessis André , Andronikou Savvas , Swart Anelia , Stoltz Anton , Khan Aneesah , Moosa Aqeela
Published: November 2016

Background: Of all areas worldwide, sub-Saharan Africa is worst affected by the HIV and/or AIDS epidemic. Cardiovascular manifestations are very common and are a powerful contributor to mortality, but often go undetected. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is the most reliable method of assessing cardiac function and morphology and, with this in mind, we initiated a cross-sectional study comparing CMR-determined morphological and functional parameters in asymptomatic HIV-infected patients who were not yet on treatment and early in the disease, with HIV-uninfected control patients.Objectives: To ascertain whether there were any morphological abnormalities or systolic functional impairments on CMR in untreated asymptomatic HIV-infected patients, compared with HIV-uninfected control individuals.Methods: The CMR studies were performed using a 1.5-T whole-body clinical magnetic resonance 16-channel scanner (Achieva, Philips Medical Systems, Best, The Netherlands), using a cardiac five-element phased-array receiver coil (SENSE coil). Functional assessment was performed on 36 HIV-infected patients and the findings compared with 35 HIV-uninfected control patients who were matched for age and sex.Results: There was no significant difference in systolic function between the HIV-uninfected and the HIV-infected patients. The left ventricular end diastolic mass (LVEDM) was slightly higher in the HIV-infected group, but this was statistically insignificant.Conclusion: No significant differences were found regarding the CMR systolic functional analysis and morphological parameters between the HIV-infected and the healthy volunteers.
Imaging of patients with implanted devices and arrhythmia
Authors: Lee Nam Ju , Litt Harold I.
Published: November 2016

Expanding implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) indications and significant morbidity and mortality reduction benefits have resulted in a large number of routine ICD implants with appropriate ICD shocks for ventricular arrhythmias. The side-effects and lack of long-term efficacy of antiarrhythmics have made ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation an increasingly attractive treatment option. Although cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is considered the gold standard technique for imaging of myocardial fibrosis to diagnose and guide VT ablation targets in patients with cardiac arrhythmia, safety concerns and significant artifacts from the devices significantly limit the application of CMR. We discuss how to decrease artifact from cardiac devices and the role of a modified inversion pulse late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) CMR sequence as a useful tool in this setting, and we review techniques, safety protocols and limitations from the perspective of our institution’s experience.
Admission experiences of psychiatric patients in tertiary care: An implication toward Mental Health Care Bill, 2013
Authors: Poreddi Vijayalakshmi , Ramu Rajalakshmi , Selvi Sugavana , Gandhi Sailaxmi , Krishnasamy Lalitha , Suresh B. M. ,   Ramachandra
Published: November 2016

Background: Coercion is not uncommon phenomenon among mental health service users during their admission into psychiatric hospital. Research on perceived coercion of psychiatric patients is limited from India. Aim: To investigate perceived coercion of psychiatric patients during admission into a tertiary care psychiatric hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey carried out among randomly selected psychiatric patients (n = 205) at a tertiary care center. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaire. Results: Our findings revealed that participants experienced low levels of coercion during their admission process. However, a majority of the participants were threatened with commitment (71.7%) as well as they were sad (67.8%), unpleased (69.7%), confused (73.2%), and frightened (71.2%) with regard to hospitalization into a psychiatric hospital. In addition, the participants expressed higher levels of negative pressures (mean ± standard deviation, 3.76 ± 2.12). Participants those were admitted involuntarily (P > 0.001), diagnosed to be having psychotic disorders (P > 0.003), and unmarried (P > 0.04) perceived higher levels of coercion. Conclusion: The present study showed that more formal coercion was experienced by the patients those got admitted involuntarily. On the contrary, participants with voluntary admission encountered informal coercion (negative pressures). There is an urgent need to modify the Mental Health Care (MHC) Bill so that treatment of persons with mental illness is facilitated. Family member plays an important role in providing MHC; hence, they need to be empowered.
Epidural tramadol via intraoperatively placed catheter as a standalone analgesic after spinal fusion procedure: An analysis of efficacy and cost
Authors: Ilangovan Vijaysundar , Vivakaran Thanga Tirupathi Rajan , Gunasekaran D. , Devikala D.
Published: November 2016

Objective: This was a prospective analysis of epidural tramadol as a single analgesic agent delivered through intraoperatively placed epidural catheter for postoperative pain relief after spinal fusion procedures in terms of efficacy and cost. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients who underwent spinal fusion procedures were included in the study. After completion of the procedure, an epidural catheter was placed at the highest level of exposed dura and brought out through a separate tract. Postoperatively, tramadol was infused into the epidural space via the catheter at a dose of 1 mg/kg diluted in 10 ml of saline. The dosage frequency was arbitrarily fixed at every 6 h during the first 2 days and thereafter reduced to every 8 h after the first 2 days till day 5. Conventional intravenous analgesics were used only if additional analgesia was required as assessed by visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Patients’ VAS score was assessed every 4 h from the day of surgery. Patients with a VAS score of 6 or more were given additional analgesia in the form of intravenous paracetamol. Of the twenty patients, eight patients needed additional analgesia during the first 24 h and none required additional analgesia after the first 24 h. The median VAS score was 7 within the first 24 h and progressively declined thereafter. Epidural tramadol was noted to be many times cheaper than conventional parenteral analgesics. Conclusion: Epidural tramadol infusion is safe and effective as a standalone analgesic after open spinal fusion surgery, especially after the 1st postoperative day. Intraoperative placement of the epidural catheter is a simple way of delivering tramadol to the epidural space. The cost of analgesia after spinal fusion surgery can be reduced significantly using epidural tramadol alone.
Clinical predictors of abnormal head computed tomography scan in patients who are conscious after head injury
Authors: Mishra Rakesh Kumar , Munivenkatappa Ashok , Prathyusha Vasuki , Shukla Dhaval P. , Devi Bhagavatula Indira
Published: November 2016

Background: Indication of a head computed tomography (CT) scan in a patient who remains conscious after head injury is controversial. We aimed to determine the clinical features that are most likely to be associated with abnormal CT scan in patients with a history of head injury, and who are conscious at the time of presentation to casualty. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observation study of patients presented to casualty with history of head injury, and who were conscious, i.e., Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 15 at the time of evaluation. All patients underwent head CT scan. The CT scan was reported as abnormal if it showed any pathology ascribed to trauma. The following variables were used: age, gender, mode of injury (road traffic accident, fall, assault, and others), duration since injury, and history of transient loss of consciousness, headache, vomiting, ear/nose bleeding, and seizures. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the clinical features that predicted an abnormal CT scan. Results: During the observation period, a total of 1629 patients with head injury were evaluated, out of which 453 were in GCS 15. Abnormal CT scan was present in 195 (43%) patients. Among all the variables, the following were found significantly associated with abnormal CT scan: duration since injury (>12 h) P < 0.001; vomiting odds, ratio (OR) 1.89 (1.23, 2.80), P < 0.001; and presence of any symptom, OR 2.36 (1.52, 3.71), P < 0.001. Conclusion: A patient with GCS 15 presenting after 12 hours of injury with vomiting or combination of symptoms has a significant risk of abnormal head CT scan.
Lipomatous meningioma: A rare subtype of benign metaplastic meningiomas
Authors: Yüksel Mehmet Onur , Gürbüz Mehmet Sabri , Tanrıverdi Osman , Özmen Sevilay Akalp
Published: November 2016

Lipomatous meningiomas are extremely rare subtypes of benign meningiomas and are classified as metaplastic meningioma in the World Health Organization classification. We present a 77-year-old man presented with the history of a gradually intensifying headache for the last 3 months. A right frontoparietal mass was detected on his cranial magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was operated on via a right frontoparietal craniotomy, and histopathological diagnosis was lipomatous meningioma. Distinctive characteristics of lipomatous meningiomas were discussed with special emphasis to importance of immunohistochemical examinations, particularly for its differentiation from the tumors showing similar histology though having more aggressive character.
The Self-Stigma of Depression Scale: Translation and Validation of the Arabic Version
Authors: Darraj Hussain Ahmed , Mahfouz Mohamed Salih , Al Sanosi Rashad Mohamed , Badedi Mohammed , Sabai Abdullah
Published: November 2016

Background: Self-stigma may feature strongly and be detrimental for people with depression, but the understanding of its nature and prevalence is limited by the lack of psychometrically validated measures. This study is aimed to validate the Arabic version self-stigma of depression scale (SSDS) among adolescents. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involved 100 adolescents randomly selected. The analyses include face validation, factor analysis, and reliability testing. A test–retest was conducted within a 2-week interval. Results: The mean score for self-stigma of depression among study participants was 68.9 (Standard deviation = 8.76) median equal to 71 and range was 47. Descriptive analysis showed that the percentage of those who scored below the mean score (41.7%) is shown less than those who scored above the mean score (58.3%). Preliminary construct validation analysis confirmed that factor analysis was appropriate for the Arabic-translated version of the SSDS. Furthermore, the factor analysis showed similar factor loadings to the original English version. The total internal consistency of the translated version, which was measured by Cronbach's alphas ranged from 0.70 to 0.77 for the four subscales and 0.84 for the total scale. Test–retest reliability was assessed in 65 respondents after 2 weeks. Cronbach's alphas ranged from 0.70 to 0.77 for the four subscales and 0.84 for the total scale. Conclusions: Face validity, construct validity, and reliability analysis were found satisfactory for the Arabic-translated version of the SSDS. The Arabic-translated version of the SSDS was found valid and reliable to be used in future studies, with comparable properties to the original version and to previous studies.
Development of a PCR Assay for Diagnosing Trematode (Opisthorchis and Haplorchis) Infections in Human Stools
Authors: Lamaningao Pheophet , Kanda Seiji , Laimanivong Sakhone , Shimono Takaki , Darcy Andrew Waleluma , Phyaluanglath Amphay , Mishima Nobuyuki , Nishiyama Toshimasa
Published: November 2016

We developed a combined conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR)-based assay for detecting and discriminating between Opisthorchis viverrini and Haplorchis taichui parasite infections. The first PCR amplifies the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes of parasites, and differential diagnosis is achieved by performing qPCR with specific primers and SYBR Green I. The detection limit of the assay was found to be 2.0 × 102 plasmid copies in a test in which a stool sample was spiked with a single egg, which is equivalent to 5 eggs per gram (EPG). The testing of 34 clinical stool samples that had been demonstrated to contain “Opisthorchis-like” eggs by microscopy showed that the novel assay exhibited a sensitivity of 100% for “Opisthorchis-like” parasitic infections, and 71% and 91% of these samples were found to be infected with O. viverrini and H. taichui, respectively. A further four parasitic infections were diagnosed in the 16 negative samples, and the microscopic findings of these samples were confirmed to be false negatives by sequencing analysis. The assay also displayed high specificity during the testing of 10 samples containing other common parasites. The fact that our qPCR SYBR Green I–based assay detected submicroscopic traces of parasitic DNA and was able to differentiate between parasites that produce eggs with similar morphologies indicates that it has a good potential for development of diagnostic application to use in areas where multiple parasites coexist.
Epidemiological Features of Japanese Encephalitis in Taiwan from 2000 to 2014
Authors: Chang Yu-Kang , Chang Hsiao-Ling , Wu Ho-Sheng , Chen Kow-Tong
Published: November 2016

The incidence of Japanese encephalitis (JE) decreased sharply after the national vaccination program was implemented in Taiwan in 1968. However, cases of JE still occur. The purpose of this study was to assess the epidemiology and vaccination policy for JE in Taiwan. We analyzed the data on JE cases reported to the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) between 2000 and 2014. During the 15-year study period, a total of 4,474 cases were reported to the Taiwan CDC. Of these, 379 (8.5%) were classified as confirmed cases, and 4,095 (91.5%) were classified as suspected cases. The incidence of JE ranged from 0.59 to 1.61 per 1,000,000 people and peaked in 2007. Men had a higher incidence of JE than women (1.37 versus 0.84 per 1,000,000; P = 0.03). Patients who were 40–59 years of age had a higher incidence than did patients younger than 20 years (1.82 versus 0.23; P < 0.001). Patients who lived in the eastern region of Taiwan had the highest incidence rate of JE (P < 0.001). Compared with those who were not vaccinated with the JE vaccine, patients who received four doses of JE vaccine had a lower risk of suffering from death and/or hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio: 0.26; 95% confidence interval: 0.08–0.90; P = 0.04). JE is still a public health problem in Taiwan, and monitoring JE via diagnostic testing to determine the best vaccination program along with enforcing JE vaccine boosters for adults is necessary to eliminate JE in Taiwan.
Molecular Evidence of Malaria and Zoonotic Diseases Among Rapid Diagnostic Test–Negative Febrile Patients in Low-Transmission Season, Mali
Authors: Touré Mahamoudou , Petersen Pelle T. , Bathily Sidy N'D. , Sanogo Daouda , Wang Christian W. , Schiøler Karin L. , Konradsen Flemming , Doumbia Seydou , Alifrangis Michael
Published: November 2016

From November to December 2012 in Sélingué-Mali, blood samples from 88 febrile patients who tested negative by malaria Paracheck® rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) were used to assess the presence of sub-RDT Plasmodium falciparum as well as Borrelia, Coxiella burnetii, and Babesia applying molecular tools. Plasmodium sp. was present among 57 (60.2%) of the 88 malaria RDT–negative patients, whereas the prevalence of Borrelia, C. burnetii, and Babesia were 3.4% (N = 3), 1.1% (N = 1), and 0.0%, respectively. The additional diagnostic use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identified a high proportion of Plasmodium sp.-positive samples and although this may be a concern for malaria control, the respective PCR-identified malaria infections were less likely responsible for the observed fevers given the low parasite density. Also, the low infection levels of Borrelia and C. burnetii and lack of Babesia among the febrile patients call for further studies to assess the causes of fever among malaria RDT–negative patients in Sélingué.
A new device to mount portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometers (p-ED-XRF) for semi-continuous analyses of split (sediment) cores and solid samples
Authors: Hoelzmann Philipp , Klein Torsten , Kutz Frank , Schütt Brigitta
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometers (p-ED-XRF) have become increasingly popular in sedimentary laboratories to quantify the chemical composition of a range of materials such as sediments, soils, solid samples, and artefacts. Here, we introduce a low-cost, clearly arranged unit that functions as a sample chamber (German industrial property right no. 20 2014 106 048.0) for p-ED-XRF devices to facilitate economic, non-destructive, fast, and semi-continuous analysis of (sediment) cores or other solid samples. The spatial resolution of the measurements is limited to the specifications of the applied p-ED-XRF device – in our case a Thermo Scientific NITON XL3t p-ED-XRF spectrometer with a maximum spatial resolution of 0.3 cm and equipped with a charge-coupled device (CCD)-camera to document the measurement spot. We demonstrate the strength of combining p-ED-XRF analyses with this new sample chamber to identify Holocene facies changes (e.g. marine vs terrestrial sedimentary facies) using a sediment core from an estuarine environment in the context of a geoarchaeological investigation at the Mediterranean coast of southern Spain.
Constraining frequency–magnitude–area relationships for rainfall and flood discharges using radar-derived precipitation estimates: example applications in the Upper and Lower Colorado River basins, USA
Authors: Orem Caitlin A. , Pelletier Jon D.
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Flood-envelope curves (FECs) are useful for constraining the upper limit of possible flood discharges within drainage basins in a particular hydroclimatic region. Their usefulness, however, is limited by their lack of a well-defined recurrence interval. In this study we use radar-derived precipitation estimates to develop an alternative to the FEC method, i.e., the frequency–magnitude–area-curve (FMAC) method that incorporates recurrence intervals. The FMAC method is demonstrated in two well-studied US drainage basins, i.e., the Upper and Lower Colorado River basins (UCRB and LCRB, respectively), using Stage III Next-Generation-Radar (NEXRAD) gridded products and the diffusion-wave flow-routing algorithm. The FMAC method can be applied worldwide using any radar-derived precipitation estimates. In the FMAC method, idealized basins of similar contributing area are grouped together for frequency–magnitude analysis of precipitation intensity. These data are then routed through the idealized drainage basins of different contributing areas, using contributing-area-specific estimates for channel slope and channel width. Our results show that FMACs of precipitation discharge are power-law functions of contributing area with an average exponent of 0.82 ± 0.06 for recurrence intervals from 10 to 500 years. We compare our FMACs to published FECs and find that for wet antecedent-moisture conditions, the 500-year FMAC of flood discharge in the UCRB is on par with the US FEC for contributing areas of  ∼ 102 to 103 km2. FMACs of flood discharge for the LCRB exceed the published FEC for the LCRB for contributing areas in the range of  ∼ 103 to 104 km2. The FMAC method retains the power of the FEC method for constraining flood hazards in basins that are ungauged or have short flood records, yet it has the added advantage that it includes recurrence-interval information necessary for estimating event probabilities.
More emojis, less :) The competition for paralinguistic function in microblog writing
Authors: Pavalanathan Umashanthi , Eisenstein Jacob
Published: November 2016

Many non-standard elements of ‘netspeak’ writing can be viewed as efforts to replicate the linguistic role played by nonverbal modalities in speech, conveying contextual information such as affect and interpersonal stance. Recently, a new non-standard communicative tool has emerged in online writing: emojis. These unicode characters contain a standardized set of pictographs, some of which are visually similar to well-known emoticons. Do emojis play the same linguistic role as emoticons and other ASCII-based writing innovations? If so, might the introduction of emojis eventually displace the earlier, user-created forms of contextual expression? Using a matching approach to causal statistical inference, we show that as social media users adopt emojis, they dramatically reduce their use of emoticons, suggesting that these linguistic resources compete for the same communicative function. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the adoption of emojis leads to a corresponding increase in the use of standard spellings, suggesting that all forms of non-standard writing are losing out in a competition with emojis. Finally, we identify specific textual features that make some emoticons especially likely to be replaced by emojis.
Tweeting for peace? Twitter and the Ardoyne parade dispute in Belfast, July 2014
Authors: Reilly Paul
Published: November 2016

This paper explores how social media can facilitate peace building by focusing on how citizens used Twitter during a contentious march in the Ardoyne district of North Belfast in July 2014. Fears of a repeat of sectarian clashes seen a year earlier were not realized, and the study was designed to empirically investigate whether critics and supporters of the Orange Order used the microblogging site to help reduce the sectarian tensions that surrounded the contentious parade. In particular, it focused on how users responded to rumors and disinformation spread on the micro-blogging site, which had the potential to incite violence in the contested interface area. The nature of the debate amongst those ‘tweeters’ who commented on the contentious Ardoyne parade was also investigated, with a focus on how they framed the attitudes and behavior of the ‘other’ community during these events. Results indicate that the majority of tweeters praised both sides for keeping the parade and related protests peaceful. However, Twitter did not appear to be a shared space capable of fostering cross-community consensus on how to resolve the parade dispute. The study suggests that Twitter’s most significant contribution to peace building in Northern Ireland might lie in its empowerment of citizens to correct rumors and disinformation, which have the potential to exacerbate sectarian tensions and generate intercommunal violence.
Total and Bioavailable Pb Content in Urban Paddy Rice Soils in Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: A. Iyaka Yahaya , Umar Abubakar
Published: November 2016

The total and plant available Pb content of forty composite soil samples from eight cultivated rice paddy soils from Niger State were investigated using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique, after their digestion with aqua regia and extraction with EDTA respectively. Varying Pb contents were obtained; the overall total Pb mean value was 12.6 ± 13.1 mg/kg, while the plant available Pb had mean concentration of 5.0 ± 3.1 mg/kg. Although the studied soil samples in this research were not polluted, they indicated a considerable Pb contamination that could serve as baseline data for lead level in paddy soils in Niger State. Hence, the need for constant monitoring of paddy soils to safe guide the possible risks that could arise due to bio - accumulation of Pb above the safety level and its consequence transfer through the food chain.
Understanding Workplace Adaptation as an Acculturation Process: A Qualitative Examination of South Korean Highly Skilled Workers in Japan
Authors: Lee Geonsil , Park Joonha , Ban Lauren
Published: November 2016

Although study on job stress and coping among Highly Skilled Migrants (HSMs) has been increasing around Anglo European countries, little is known about Asian migrants working in Asian countries. The present study examined stress factors among South Korean HSMs in Japan and explored their coping strategies in relation to acculturation processes. Semi-structured interviews with eight participants found three main domains affecting work adaptation-related stress: acculturation and adjustment, life events, and job stress. Job demand, relationship formation, and company climate were identified as major job stress factors. HSMs tended to perceive job stress factors as being related to a cultural difference or unique characteristics of Japanese organizations. This qualitative study addresses an initial step towards researching Asian migrant workers in Japan society, suggesting importance of incorporating culture-specific issues in acculturation processes with their job adjustment issues. It is necessary for immigration policy makers to encourage reciprocal understandings between migrants and local colleagues for improving mental health and well-being of both groups in organizations.
Romantic Priming Effects on the Social Desirability and Hireability of Self-Promoting Women
Authors: Douglas Samantha B. , Cole Juanita
Published: November 2016

The present study examined the effects of romantic and intelligence priming on the social-desirability and hireability of self-promoting and communal female job applicants. Participants were first primed with either romantic or intelligence related images and then asked to evaluate the social-desirability and hireability of three female job applicants. These job applicants were self-promoting and competent, communal and competent, or communal and not competent. After rating the job applicants, participants were reprimed and asked to complete a scale measuring career aspiration. Results revealed that participants rated the self-promoting applicant as more hirable than the communal applicants. In contrast, the communal and competent applicant was rated more socially desirable than the self-promoting applicant. No effect of priming on participants’ career aspiration or applicants’ social-desirability or hireability was found. However, there was a marginally significant relationship between participant gender and first choice to hire.
Improvement of In Vitro Three-Dimensional Cartilage Regeneration by a Novel Hydrostatic Pressure Bioreactor
Authors: Chen Jie , Yuan Zhaoyuan , Liu Yu , Zheng Rui , Dai Yao , Tao Ran , Xia Huitang , Liu Hairong , Zhang Zhiyong , Zhang Wenjie , Liu Wei , Cao Yilin , Zhou Guangdong
Published: November 2016

In vitro three-dimensional (3D) cartilage regeneration is a promising strategy for repair of cartilage defects. However, inferior mechanical strength and tissue homogeneity greatly restricted its clinical translation. Simulation of mechanical stress through a bioreactor is an important approach for improving in vitro cartilage regeneration. The current study developed a hydrostatic pressure (HP) bioreactor based on a novel pressure-transmitting mode achieved by slight deformation of a flexible membrane in a completely sealed stainless steel device. The newly developed bioreactor efficiently avoided the potential risks of previously reported pressure-transmitting modes and simultaneously addressed a series of important issues, such as pressure scopes, culture chamber sizes, sealability, contamination control, and CO2 balance. The whole bioreactor system realized stable long-term (8 weeks) culture under high HP (5–10 MPa) without the problems of medium leakage and contamination. Furthermore, the results of in vitro 3D tissue culture based on a cartilage regeneration model revealed that HP provided by the newly developed bioreactor efficiently promoted in vitro 3D cartilage formation by improving its mechanical strength, thickness, and homogeneity. Detailed analysis in cell proliferation, cartilage matrix production, and cross-linking level of collagen macromolecules, as well as density and alignment of collagen fibers, further revealed the possible mechanisms that HP regulated in vitro cartilage regeneration. The current study provided a highly efficient and stable bioreactor system for improving in vitro 3D cartilage regeneration and thus will help to accelerate its clinical translation.
Número 12 completo
Authors: Autores Varios
Published: November 2016

Número completo 12 en PDF.
Editorial. El compromiso con la cultura visual digital y con el estudio de la comunicación
Authors: Marzal Felici Javier , Casero Ripollés Andreu
Published: November 2016

Editorial y presentación de los contenidos del número 12.
Los temas de campaña en Twitter de @PPopular y @ahorapodemos para las elecciones europeas de 2014
Authors: Zugasti Azagra Ricardo , Pérez González Javier
Published: November 2016

En los últimos años, Internet y, en concreto, las redes sociales se han convertido en instrumentos de comunicación política cada vez más utilizados por los partidos políticos para conectar con el electorado, sobre todo en épocas de campaña electoral. Esto permite a los políticos trazar una campaña electoral más cercana al ciudadano y más alejada de la tradicional comunicación institucional sustentada en los medios clásicos: la televisión, la radio y la prensa escrita. El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer qué temas trataron en  la red social Twitter durante la campaña electoral a las elecciones europeas de 2014 el Partido Popular y Podemos. Para ello, hemos trabajado con una metodología cuantitativa basada en un análisis de contenido sobre los 2.273 tweets publicados por @PPopular y @ahorapodemos entre el 9 de mayo y el 23 del mismo mes del año 2014. Fueron estas las primeras elecciones a las que se presentó Podemos, una formación entonces en pleno proceso de nacimiento y que en la actualidad cuenta con 69 representantes en el Congreso de los Diputados.
Política y series de televisión: transitando por un terreno híbrido
Authors: Casero Ripollés Andreu
Published: November 2016

Reseña, para sección Tribuna de adComunica, del libro: Tous, Anna (ed.) (2015). La política en las series de televisión. Entre el cinismo y la utopía. Barcelona: Editorial UOC.
El «storytelling» en la literatura científica española: hacia un estado de la cuestión
Authors: Vázquez Sande Pablo
Published: November 2016

La incorporación del «storytelling» como técnica comunicativa que emplea el relato como base ha sido una constante en los últimos años en la práctica profesional de diversas áreas relacionadas con la disciplina de la comunicación. Pese a ello, la novedad de este fenómeno emergente no ha suscitado un entusiasmo de paralela intensidad en el campo científico- académico. Así se desprende de este estudio bibliométrico que, partiendo de las bases de datos de «Teseo» y «Dialnet» para tesis doctorales y revistas científicas respectivamente, analiza la evolución de las investigaciones indexadas con el «storytelling», de acuerdo a los resultados que ofrecen sus motores de búsqueda. De este modo, solo se constatan 62 registros en esta revisión longitudinal, con una distribución desigual en la que tienen mayor peso los artículos de revistas que suponen un 91,9% del total de publicaciones científicas, frente al 8,1% que representan las tesis doctorales. Sin embargo, la elevada concentración de publicaciones en el último bienio 2014-2015, así como la presencia cada vez mayor de la técnica en dinámicas profesionales del periodismo y la comunicación, nos sitúan en un escenario de previsible crecimiento y especialización. Con todo, la situación actual del «storytelling» en el ámbito académico español solo puede ser calificada de incipiente, si bien la existencia de todo este material sienta las bases para una prolífica producción científica.
Incidencia de las aplicaciones móviles en la toma de decisiones del potencial turista: Caso Huelva capital
Authors: Romero-Rodríguez Luis M. , Torres-Toukoumidis Ángel , Aguaded Ignacio
Published: November 2016

El presente trabajo presenta un análisis sobre los hábitos de consumo y del proceso de compra/reservas de productos o servicios turísticos a través de aplicaciones móviles en Huelva capital. Entre los resultados más significativos se pudo encontrar que 52,04% de los potenciales turistas utilizan las aplicaciones móviles, siendo totalmente determinante en su decisión de compra los comentarios y opiniones de otros turistas en dichas plataformas, así como las fotografías del destino a escoger, aun entendiendo que dichas informaciones suelen ser falsas o manipuladas.
Youtube como herramienta de marketing estratégico para la moda: Análisis del canal oficial What the chic en el 2015
Authors: Lavalle Amaya Graciela , Atarama Rojas Tomás
Published: November 2016

El surgimiento en los últimos años de nuevos medios de comunicación como YouTube ha propiciado la aparición de una interacción diferente con el público. A menudo, se habla de que los medios tradicionales ya no producen el mismo efecto en la audiencia y eso se debe a que actualmente el público busca formas más fáciles e interactivas de acceder a la información. El objetivo de este artículo es estudiar cuáles son las potencialidades de Youtube como una herramienta al servicio del marketing de moda en el Perú. Por esta razón se ha planteado un análisis de contenido que ha tomado como caso de estudio al canal de Youtube What the chic. Para proceder a la observación en la construcción de los contenidos de dicho canal, se emplearon variables como temas de publicación, branding y marcas.
De lo artesanal a lo industrial. La consolidación de la industria de medicamentos en Cali (Colombia, 1876-1944)
Authors: Erazo Obando María Fernanda
Published: November 2016

The objective of this article is to analyze the transformation of a local pharmacy into the beginnings of a pharmaceutical industry. For this reason, it considers the process of the constitution and functioning of Laboratorio J.G.B., the property of Jorge Garcés Borrero, from its origins in Cali (Colombia) as an artesan establishment (1876); passing through its conversion into an industrial laboratory (1931); and culminating in its commercial development (1944). The hypothesis underlying this study stems from the idea that the local entrepreneurs in Colombia were capable of adapting to the conjunctures of capitalist development during the first half of the 20th century, and above all, in order to succeed they managed to conjugate a variety of factors ranging from innovation, accumulation of capital, diversification of products, purchase of industrial machinery, and retail sale.
“Una esperanzada visión de la democracia”. A propósito de Jorge Graciarena
Authors: Morales Martín Juan Jesús
Published: November 2016

The main objective of this article is to recover the democratic and utopian thinking of Argentine sociologist Jorge Graciarena (Buenos Aires 1922-2014). Given a Latin American and international context dominated by the importance of economic development and growth, as well as the weakening of politics, it is relevant to reclaim, in the face of these unfortunate circumstances, the critical ideas of the classics of Latin American sociology. A precise valuation of the democratic, political and sociological discourse of said author will help us to redirect the contemporary theoretical debate of sociology in Latin America around fundamental questions such as ethical knowledge, historical reason, and the sense of intellectual responsibility.
Marked sex differences in all‐cause mortality on antiretroviral therapy in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Beckham Sam W , Beyrer Chris , Luckow Peter , Doherty Meg , Negussie Eyerusalem K , Baral Stefan D
Published: November 2016

Introduction

While women and girls are disproportionately at risk of HIV acquisition, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), globally men and women comprise similar proportions of people living with HIV who are eligible for antiretroviral therapy. However, men represent only approximately 41% of those receiving antiretroviral therapy globally. There has been limited study of men’s outcomes in treatment programmes, despite data suggesting that men living with HIV and engaged in treatment programmes have higher mortality rates. This systematic review (SR) and meta‐analysis (MA) aims to assess differential all‐cause mortality between men and women living with HIV and on antiretroviral therapy in LMIC.

Methods

A SR was conducted through searching PubMed, Ovid Global Health and EMBASE for peer‐reviewed, published observational studies reporting differential outcomes by sex of adults (≥15 years) living with HIV, in treatment programmes and on antiretroviral medications in LMIC. For studies reporting hazard ratios (HRs) of mortality by sex, quality assessment using Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (cohort studies) and an MA using a random‐effects model (Stata 14.0) were conducted.

Results

A total of 11,889 records were screened, and 6726 full‐text articles were assessed for eligibility. There were 31 included studies in the final MA reporting 42 HRs, with a total sample size of 86,233 men and 117,719 women, and total time on antiretroviral therapy of 1555 months. The pooled hazard ratio (pHR) showed a 46% increased hazard of death for men while on antiretroviral treatment (1.35–1.59). Increased hazard was significant across geographic regions (sub‐Saharan Africa: pHR 1.41 (1.28–1.56); Asia: 1.77 (1.42–2.21)) and persisted over time on treatment (≤12 months: 1.42 (1.21–1.67); 13–35 months: 1.48 (1.23–1.78); 36–59 months: 1.50 (1.18–1.91); 61 to 108 months: 1.49 (1.29–1.71)).

Conclusions

Men living with HIV have consistently and significantly greater hazards of all‐cause mortality compared with women while on antiretroviral therapy in LMIC. This effect persists over time on treatment. The clinical and population‐level prevention benefits of antiretroviral therapy will only be realized if programmes can improve male engagement, diagnosis, earlier initiation of therapy, clinical outcomes and can support long‐term adherence and retention.
Preliminary Evaluation of a Cycling Cleat Designed for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Crews Ryan T. , Smith Steven R. , Ghazizadeh Ramin , Yalla Sai V. , Wu Stephanie C.
Published: November 2016

Background:

Offloading devices for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) generally restrict exercise. In addition to traditional health benefits, exercise could benefit DFU by increasing blood flow and acting as thermotherapy. This study functionally evaluated a cycling cleat designed for forefoot DFU.

Methods:

Fifteen individuals at risk of developing a DFU used a recumbent stationary bicycle to complete one 5-minute cycling bout with the DFU cleat on their study foot and one 5-minute bout without it. Foot stress was evaluated by plantar pressure insoles during cycling. Laser Doppler perfusion monitored blood flow to the hallux. Infrared photographs measured foot temperature before and after each cycling bout.

Results:

The specialized cleat significantly reduced forefoot plantar pressure (9.9 kPa versus 62.6 kPa, P < .05) and pressure time integral (15.4 versus 76.4 kPa*sec, P < .05). Irrespective of footwear condition, perfusion to the hallux increased (3.97 ± 1.2 versus 6.9 ± 1.4 tissue perfusion units, P < .05) after exercise. Infrared images revealed no changes in foot temperature.

Conclusions:

The specialized cleat allowed participants to exercise with minimal forefoot stress. The observed increase in perfusion suggests that healing might improve if patients with active DFU were to use the cleat. Potential thermotherapy for DFU was not supported by this study. Evaluation of the device among individuals with active DFU is now warranted.
Norrin/Frizzled4 signalling in the preneoplastic niche blocks medulloblastoma initiation
Authors: Bassett Erin A , Tokarew Nicholas , Allemano Ema A , Mazerolle Chantal , Morin Katy , Mears Alan J , McNeill Brian , Ringuette Randy , Campbell Charles , Smiley Sheila , Pokrajac Neno T , Dubuc Adrian M , Ramaswamy Vijay , Northcott Paul A , Remke Marc , Monnier Philippe P , Potter David , Paes Kim , Kirkpatrick Laura L , Coker Kenneth J , Rice Dennis S , Perez-Iratxeta Carol , Taylor Michael D , Wallace Valerie A
Published: November 2016

The tumor microenvironment is a critical modulator of carcinogenesis; however, in many tumor types, the influence of the stroma during preneoplastic stages is unknown. Here we explored the relationship between pre-tumor cells and their surrounding stroma in malignant progression of the cerebellar tumor medulloblastoma (MB). We show that activation of the vascular regulatory signalling axis mediated by Norrin (an atypical Wnt)/Frizzled4 (Fzd4) inhibits MB initiation in the Ptch+/− mouse model. Loss of Norrin/Fzd4-mediated signalling in endothelial cells, either genetically or by short-term blockade, increases the frequency of pre-tumor lesions and creates a tumor-permissive microenvironment at the earliest, preneoplastic stages of MB. This pro-tumor stroma, characterized by angiogenic remodelling, is associated with an accelerated transition from preneoplasia to malignancy. These data expose a stromal component that regulates the earliest stages of tumorigenesis in the cerebellum, and a novel role for the Norrin/Fzd4 axis as an endogenous anti-tumor signal in the preneoplastic niche.
High reflectance with steep reflection phase spectrum by guided-mode resonance
Authors: Yamada Katsuaki , Asai Kosuke , Ko Yeong Hwan , Kintaka Kenji , Lee Kyu Jin , Inoue Junichi , Ura Shogo , Magnusson Robert
Published: November 2016

A guided-mode resonance mirror (GMRM) consisting of a subwavelength grating integrated in an optical waveguide on a highly reflective substrate was predicted to give interesting characteristics of high reflectance with a steep reflection-phase spectrum. This time, the characteristics were experimentally demonstrated for the first time. A GMRM of 1535 nm resonance wavelength was designed and fabricated for a vertically injected wave from the air with TE polarization. The reflectance was measured to be higher than −1 dB over the wavelength from 1520 to 1560 nm. The reflection phase varied by π for a wavelength change of 10 nm.
High-resolution monochromator for iron nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy of biological samples
Authors: Yoda Yoshitaka , Okada Kyoko , Wang Hongxin , Cramer Stephen P. , Seto Makoto
Published: November 2016

A new high-resolution monochromator for 14.4-keV X-rays has been designed and developed for the Fe nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy of biological samples. In addition to high resolution, higher flux and stability are especially important for measuring biological samples, because of the very weak signals produced due to the low concentrations of Fe-57. A 24% increase in flux while maintaining a high resolution better than 0.9 meV is achieved in the calculation by adopting an asymmetric reflection of Ge, which is used as the first crystal of the three-bounce high-resolution monochromator. A 20% increase of the exit beam size is acceptable to our biological applications. The higher throughput of the new design has been experimentally verified. A fine rotation mechanics that combines a weak-link hinge with a piezoelectric actuator was used for controlling the photon energy of the monochromatic beam. The resulting stability is sufficient to preserve the intrinsic resolution.
Effects of remote hydrogen plasma on chemical bonding features and electronic states of 4H-SiC(0001) surface
Authors: Truyen Nguyen Xuan , Ohta Akio , Makihara Katsunori , Ikeda Mitsuhisa , Miyazaki Seiichi
Published: November 2016

We have demonstrated a novel dry cleaning process for the 4H-SiC surface using remote hydrogen plasma (H2-RP). The effects of H2-RP exposure on the chemical structures and electronic states of the wet-cleaned 4H-SiC surface have been evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and total photoelectron yield spectroscopy (PYS). XPS shows that H2-RP exposure is effective in removing contaminants from the 4H-SiC surface. PYS indicates that the defect states at the surface are generated after the H2-RP exposure and such generated defect states are drastically decreased by annealing at 850 °C. The combination of H2-RP exposure with the subsequent annealing is found to be effective in 4H-SiC surface cleaning.
Energy-efficient and low-voltage design methodology for a supply-sensing CMOS biosensor using biofuel cells for energy-autonomous healthcare applications
Authors: Kobayashi Atsuki , Ikeda Kei , Nakazato Kazuo , Niitsu Kiichi
Published: November 2016

The power sources of wearable sensors play a key role in sensing-system architecture. As potential power sources for sensors monitoring physiological signals near the human body, biofuel cells, which generate energy from the biological environment through chemical methods, have attracted much attention. However, the insufficient open-circuit voltage of biofuel cells owing to thermodynamic limitation is a basic issue. Thus, the use of biofuel cells as a power supply for a sensor imposes a strict limitation upon the power budget. In this report, we propose a design methodology for a low-voltage supply-sensing CMOS biosensor using biofuel cells. To explore the design methodology for performance optimization, a SPICE simulation was conducted. The simulated results reveal an optimum energy-efficient point in the biosensor design parameters. A fabricated 250 nm CMOS test chip was used to verify the validity of the design methodology and the measurement results matched the simulated results.
Cloning, expression and characterization of a cold-adapted endo-1, 4-β-glucanase from Citrobacter farmeri A1, a symbiotic bacterium of Reticulitermes labralis
Authors: Bai Xi , Yuan Xianjun , Wen Aiyou , Li Junfeng , Bai Yunfeng , Shao Tao
Published: November 2016

Background

Many biotechnological and industrial applications can benefit from cold-adapted EglCs through increased efficiency of catalytic processes at low temperature. In our previous study, Citrobacter farmeri A1 which was isolated from a wood-inhabiting termite Reticulitermes labralis could secrete a cold-adapted EglC. However, its EglC was difficult to purify for enzymatic properties detection because of its low activity (0.8 U/ml). The objective of the present study was to clone and express the C. farmeri EglC gene in Escherichia coli to improve production level and determine the enzymatic properties of the recombinant enzyme.

Methods

The EglC gene was cloned from C. farmeri A1 by thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR. EglC was transformed into vector pET22b and functionally expressed in E. coli. The recombination protein EglC22b was purified for properties detection.

Results

SDS-PAGE revealed that the molecular mass of the recombinant endoglucanase was approximately 42 kDa. The activity of the E. coli pET22b-EglC crude extract was 9.5 U/ml. Additionally, it was active at pH 6.5–8.0 with an optimum pH of 7.0. The recombinant enzyme had an optimal temperature of 30–40 °C and exhibited >50% relative activity even at 5 °C, whereas it lost approximately 90% of its activity after incubation at 60 °C for 30 min. Its activity was enhanced by Co2+ and Fe3+, but inhibited by Cd2+, Zn2+, Li+, Triton X-100, DMSO, acetonitrile, Tween 80, SDS, and EDTA.

Conclusion

These biochemical properties indicate that the recombinant enzyme is a cold-adapted endoglucanase that can be used for various industrial applications.