bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in HIF-1α Gene and Residual Ridge Resorption (RRR) of Mandible in Korean Population
Authors: Paek J. , Oh Y. , Kim J. , Lee J.-H.
Published: February 2015

Tooth extraction is a routine surgical procedure in dental treatment. As a wound healing process after tooth extraction, a saddle-shaped residual ridge forms due to bone formation in the extraction socket and localized bone resorption on the external surface of the jawbone. The residual
ridge is subjected to continuous bone resorption with substantial differences among individuals. In some cases, it results in excessive bone atrophy, which complicates dental restorative treatment. This unique oral wound healing process may be influenced by factors that are specific to oral
tissue. HIF expression is different in oral wound healing compared to that of skin wounds. The objective of this study was to examine a genetic association between SNP of the HIF-1α gene, which is known to have high genetic diversity, and the residual ridge resorption (RRR). Two hundred
and two Korean subjects (70.80 ± 9.40 years) with partially or completely edentulous mandible were recruited, and edentulous mandibular bone height was measured following the protocol of the American College of Prosthodontists. The HIF-1α allele was directly sequenced
in 24 subjects resulting in the variants over 5% frequency in 95% likelihood, whereas tag-SNPs were selected to perform analysis for the remaining population. Student’s t-test and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis to examine the association between the SNPs and the RRR.
Four novel variants were discovered, and a minor allele of rs11549467 was associated with the RRR of the subjects (p = 0.028). rs11549467 increases HIF-1α transactivity, enhancing angiogenesis and increasing new vessel formation. Thus, rs11549467 may play an important
role in the disturbed bone remodeling balance resulting in RRR. Results of this study may be useful in developing novel genetic diagnostic tests and identifying Koreans susceptible to developing excessive jawbone atrophy after dental extraction. Most importantly, early screening using genetic
information will rescue susceptible patients from the vulnerable situation of excessive jawbone atrophy where no effective prosthetic treatment is available.
Synergic combination of the sol–gel method with dip coating for plasmonic devices
Authors: Figus Cristiana , Patrini Maddalena , Floris Francesco , Fornasari Lucia , Pellacani Paola , Marchesini Gerardo , Valsesia Andrea , Artizzu Flavia , Marongiu Daniela , Saba Michele , Marabelli Franco , Mura Andrea , Bongiovanni Giovanni , Quochi Francesco
Published: February 2015

Biosensing technologies based on plasmonic nanostructures have recently attracted significant attention due to their small dimensions, low-cost and high sensitivity but are often limited in terms of affinity, selectivity and stability. Consequently, several methods have been employed to functionalize plasmonic surfaces used for detection in order to increase their stability. Herein, a plasmonic surface was modified through a controlled, silica platform, which enables the improvement of the plasmonic-based sensor functionality. The key processing parameters that allow for the fine-tuning of the silica layer thickness on the plasmonic structure were studied. Control of the silica coating thickness was achieved through a combined approach involving sol–gel and dip-coating techniques. The silica films were characterized using spectroscopic ellipsometry, contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy and dispersive spectroscopy. The effect of the use of silica layers on the optical properties of the plasmonic structures was evaluated. The obtained results show that the silica coating enables surface protection of the plasmonic structures, preserving their stability for an extended time and inducing a suitable reduction of the regeneration time of the chip.
Changing molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an Algerian hospital
Authors: Basset Patrick , Amhis Wahiba , Blanc Dominique S.
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of both hospital- and community-acquired infections worldwide. However, data about the molecular epidemiology of MRSA in North Africa are still scarce. Methodology: All MRSA isolates recovered between January 2006 and July 2011 from one Algerian hospital were genetically and phenotypically characterized. Results: The predominance of a European community-associated-MRSA (CA-MRSA) clone (ST80-SCCmec IV-PVL positive) was revealed by this analysis. Conclusion: Our data suggest that a CA-MRSA clone recently invaded the hospital setting in Algiers and replaced a typical hospital-associated pandemic clone such as the Brazilian clone (ST239-SCCmec IIImercury-PVL negative).
Cytokine levels are associated with the severity of varicella infections
Authors: Hao Meijun , Wang Xiaojun , Du Jingpei , Liu Lifeng , Jiao Yanmei , Wu Hao , Zheng Jiasheng , Li Wei
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Varicella is a highly contagious disease. Epidemics of varicella are seen every year globally and present a threat to public health, especially in China and other developing countries. Methodology: Clinical and laboratory findings of 865 varicella patients admitted to Beijing You’an Hospital, China, between January 2011 and December 2013 were collected and analyzed. Patients with isolated complication were grouped as SI (skin infection, n = 132) and LD (liver damage, n = 89). Two hundred and one patients without complications were grouped as control (mild group). Levels of T-cell subtypes and eight serum cytokines and were also tested. Levels of IFNg and IL-6 were monitored prospectively in another 12 grouped patients. Results: SI was complicated in 21.7% (188/865) of varicella cases, and LD was complicated in 16.8% (145/865). The rates of SI and LD in varicella patients increased rapidly in the past three years. No laboratory findings were associated with SI or LD (all p > 0.05). IL-6 and IFNg levels were correlated with amniotic membrane extract (AME) (p = 0.044 and p = 0.038). Their levels peaked at day 1 of admission, and then started to decline. Conclusions: The incidence of serious complications has become more common in recent years. IL-6 and IFNg may possibly be used as early serum markers for identifying patients at risk of developing complications such as skin infections in varicella.
Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli pathotypes isolated from children with diarrhea in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Ifeanyi Casmir Ifeanyichukwu Cajetan , Ikeneche Nkiruka Florence , Bassey Bassey Enya , Al-Gallas Nazek , Ben Aissa Ridha , Boudabous Abdellatif
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Escherichia coli are frequently isolated from diarrheic children in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria, but their virulent properties are not routinely evaluated. Therefore, the etiology of childhood diarrheal disease attributable to diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) in Abuja, Nigeria remains unknown. Methodology: Stool specimens from 400 acute diarrheic children between 0 and 60 months of age were studied.E. coli strains isolated were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for nine virulence genes and HEp-2 cell adherence to detect and identify five distinct diarrheagenic E. coli categories. Results: Diarrheagenic E.coli was detected in 51 (12.8%) of the diarrheic children. The observed DEC pathotypes were enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) in 18 (4.5%) children, enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) in 16 (4.0%), enteroaggrative E. coli (EAEC) in 8 (2.0%), enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) in 6 (1.5%), and enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) in 3 (0.8%). Four (1.0 %) EPEC strains with only the eae+ gene that adhered diffusely to HEp-2 cell were identified as atypical EPEC. All the DEC categories except atypical EPEC were identified in children between 6 and 12 months of age. Conclusions: This study underscores the need for routine evaluation of diarrheic children for virulence properties of infectious DEC. Atypical EPEC are emerging among the DEC pathotypes isolated from childhood acute gastroenteritis in Abuja, Nigeria.
Immunogenicity to the bivalent HPV-16/18 vaccine among adolescent African students exposed to helminths and malaria
Authors: Nakalembe Miriam , Banura Cecily , Namujju Proscovia Bazanye , Mirembe Florence Maureen
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Efficacious vaccines that prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the recognized cause of cervical cancer, are now available. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, immune-modulating infections such as helminths and malaria may affect immunogenicity to the HPV vaccine. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of helminth infections and exposure to malaria on the immune response to the bivalent HPV-16/18 vaccine. Methodology:AS04-adjuvanted HPV-16/18 vaccinated students between 10 and 16 years of age from western Uganda, at 18 months-post vaccination were followed up for six months. After consent was obtained, demographic data, blood, and stool samples were collected. Multiplex HPV serology technology was used to determine HPV-16/18 antibody levels expressed as median fluorescent intensity (MFI). The malaria antibody immunoassay test was used to detect antibodies to malaria parasites. The Kato-Katz method was used to detect the presence of helminths. HPV-16/18 antibody levels among students exposed to malaria or helminths were compared with those who were not exposed using the Student’s t-test. Results: A total of 211 students participated in the study. There was no difference between MFI levels to HPV-16/18 antibodies at 18- and 24-month follow-ups among students who were positive and negative to malaria or helminth exposure. There was an increase in HPV-18 MFI antibody levels at month 24 among the students who were positive for malaria at enrolment (p = 0.05). Conclusions:Immune-modulating parasites (malaria/helminths) were not associated with reduced immune response to the bivalent HPV-16/18 vaccine. The data may support the use of this vaccine in sub-Saharan Africa.
La (les) trajectoire(s) du changement
Authors: Fortané Nicolas
Published: February 2015

Cet article propose de mener une analyse socio-historique de la naissance de l’addictologie via la trajectoire de ses deux principaux fondateurs. En décryptant les configurations sociales dans lesquels ces individus ont évolué et se sont déplacés pendant près de trente ans, on parvient à restituer le travail de construction et de légitimation du territoire cognitif et institutionnel de l’addictologie. Le succès de cette discipline médicale à la fin des années 1990 engendre un profond bouleversement en matière de lutte contre l’alcoolisme et la toxicomanie. Le changement qui s’opère est en grande partie dû à la multipositionnalité de ces deux acteurs qui parviennent à mettre en relation certains sous-espaces du champ médical et de l’administration sanitaire. À travers la (les) trajectoire(s) des entrepreneurs de la cause addictologique, on met ainsi en lumière des transformations au long cours de la médecine comme de l’action publique (avènement des neurosciences et du cognitivo-comportementalisme, développement de la santé publique, etc.).
Langue et constructions identitaires au Pays basque
Authors: Tourbeaux Jérôme , Valdes Béatrice
Published: February 2015

Le Pays basque forme un ensemble culturel relativement homogène dont la proximité symbolique est notamment incarnée par la langue basque. L’abandon de la pratique du basque et sa moindre transmission ont pendant longtemps été synonymes de modernité. Depuis la fin du franquisme et la création de la Communauté autonome du Pays basque, en Espagne, la politique de revitalisation et d’aménagement de la langue basque qui y est menée permet l’augmentation de la proportion de bascophones. Au contraire, le Pays basque français, qui n’a aucune existence officielle, ne peut mener une telle politique et le nombre de bascophones continue de se réduire au fil du temps. Or, la connaissance du basque semble avoir une incidence sur la construction identitaire de la population en favorisant le sentiment d’appartenance basque. Cette appartenance serait renforcée en Euskadi par son statut d’autonomie qui lui confère une certaine légitimité dans l’attribution de l’identité basque. En Iparralde , l’absence de reconnaissance officielle de la culture basque conduit au déclin de la langue ce qui pourrait nourrir les frustrations et les constructions, en retour, d’identités réactives.
Qui se ressemble s'assemble ?
Authors: Eloire Fabien
Published: February 2015

Considéré par Pierre Bourdieu comme l’une des trois principales formes de capital, avec le capital culturel et le capital économique, le capital social occupe pourtant peu de place dans son œuvre. Il ne lui a réellement consacré que des notes provisoires , deux pages qui s’avèrent néanmoins incontournables car elles jettent les bases d’un programme de recherche qui n’a jamais été réellement mis en œuvre empiriquement. La contribution de cet article est double. La première consiste à proposer une relecture théorico-méthodologique des notes provisoires , qui invite à mêler dans l’analyse du capital social, les modes de pensée relationnel et interactionniste. La seconde vise à proposer une application empirique du modèle d’analyse contenu dans les notes provisoires , en soumettant à l’analyse empirique deux hypothèses, posées par Bourdieu, concernant le fonctionnement du capital social : l’ homogamie sociale et l’ effet multiplicateur . Les données mobilisées sont issues d’une enquête de terrain concernant le sous-champ économique local de la gastronomie commerciale dans la métropole lilloise, milieu professionnel soumis à deux nomos contradictoires : d’un côté la valorisation de l’intérêt économique, de l’autre celle de l’activité culinaire proprement dite.
Les plans sociaux successifs comme vecteur de démotivation sociale des salariés survivants : la perception des efforts mutuels peut-elle éviter l'émergence d'un coût caché « ancré » ?
Authors: Scilien Jean-Christophe , Rozin Philippe
Published: February 2015

L’article s’interroge sur les logiques et les résultats obtenus par les entreprises dans les processus de négociation avec les institutions représentatives du personnel (IRP) et les salariés dans les changements organisationnels post PSE. Nous présentons une analyse des processus de négociation en matière de changement organisationnel post PSE, avant d’examiner le processus de rejet des salariés survivants lors des consultations, allant jusqu’à une démotivation sociale. Nous montrerons pourquoi ces deux processus sont parfois contraires et témoignent d’une démotivation sociale des salariés survivants. Deux études de cas serviront de fil rouge à l’illustration de ces dysfonctionnements.
Capital social du dirigeant et performance des entreprises : une étude quantitative auprès des PME du Cameroun
Authors: Mayegle François-Xavier , Ngo Omam Françoise Delphine
Published: February 2015

Les études sur la performance des entreprises occupent une place importante dans les travaux fondateurs de bien de chercheurs en Sciences de Gestion. Les avis et les résultats sur les impulsions sociales de la performance des entreprises restent divergents cependant. Ainsi, par exemple, les développements menés par Nkakleu (2003) révèlent que les entreprises dont les dirigeants ont des liens sociaux plus nombreux fonctionnent mieux, sont plus performantes que celles dont les liens sociaux des dirigeants le sont moins. Les travaux menés par Baillette (2001) auprès du groupement des chefs d’entreprises du Québec révèlent que le capital social développé par ces dirigeants leur a permis d’accéder à des sources informationnelles très riches et à d’autres ressources variées. Dans la même lancée, Plociniczak (2004) affirme que «  l’analyse de la création d’entreprise, et plus généralement, de l’action économique ne peut se passer d’une intégration pleine et effective des cadres relationnels et des structures institutionnelles sans lesquels elle ne pourrait se déployer  ». Le présent article se propose de montrer l’impact de la prise en compte du capital social sur le processus de construction de la performance au sein des PME au Cameroun, afin de donner une impulsion de reconsidération de la place des rapports humains et sociaux aux dirigeants dans la construction de leurs performances. Une enquête réalisée auprès de 200 entreprises dans ce pays et à partir d’une approche quantitative aboutit aux résultats suivants : hormis la taille du capital social, la performance des PME camerounaises est influencée par la nature des liens sociaux et le statut social des membres du capital social. Elle permet également de ressortir l’impact de l’investissement dans le capital social sur l’accroissement de leurs performances.
Effets des dimensions de l'entreprise apprenante sur la performance des innovations des produits : le cas des entreprises de biotechnologie en France
Authors: Hannachi Yacine
Published: February 2015

Ce papier étudie comment les dimensions de l’entreprise apprenante (EA) affectent la performance des innovations des produits (PIP). Nous utilisons la méthode des équations structurelles pour tester nos hypothèses sur un échantillon d’entreprises de biotechnologie en France. Les résultats confirment notre modèle conceptuel et soulignent l’importance du fonctionnement en EA pour la PIP.
Le partage de vision des acteurs : un enjeu majeur du management de projet
Authors: Phanuel Dominique , Renault Sophie
Published: February 2015

En 2009 naissait l’ambition d’une quinzaine d’organisations de proposer aux usagers du parc d’activités Pôle 45 un bouquet de services. Or, chacun des acteurs du projet en avait une vision singulière. Grâce à la méthode des « S.P.I.N.S », nous avons pu identifier la vision des principales parties prenantes au projet. Nous en avons souligné les principales convergences et divergences. Les convergences furent considérées comme des points de coalescence devant être consolidés, les divergences révélant l’existence de quelques incertitudes sur les trajectoires du projet. Faire émerger une vision partagée des acteurs apparaît alors comme un enjeu majeur du management de projet.
L'avenir du métier de caissière d'hypermarché : les mutations organisationnelles et relationnelles
Authors: Ba Amadou
Published: February 2015

La grande distribution est un acteur essentiel de l’économie française et un gros pourvoyeur d’emploi. Après une longue période de croissance expansive, le secteur connaît aujourd’hui une forte concurrence qui l’oblige à recourir aux nouvelles technologies pour augmenter la productivité. Ces innovations ont des conséquences sur le travail des caissières. Cet article analyse le changement du métier d’encaissement, ses implications en matière de pratiques de ressources humaines dans le cadre d’une approche contextualiste. À travers l’automatisation massive des caisses, l’article met l’accent sur l’émergence des nouvelles compétences et des nouvelles façons de travailler en caisse. La recherche repose sur une longue immersion dans un hypermarché de province. L’auteur y a travaillé en qualité de manager de proximité. L’analyse des évolutions du métier de caissière montre un processus de complexification des rôles, un renforcement des interactions et, paradoxalement, une intensification du travail en caisse.
Approaches to Reduce Physical Comorbidity in Individuals Diagnosed With Mental Illness
Authors: Welsh Emily R. , McEnany Geoffry Phillips
Published: February 2015

It is essential to recognize the relationship between mind and body when providing holistic, client-centered care. The need for an improved care delivery system is highlighted by the health inequity experienced by those with severe mental illness (SMI). Clinical guidelines on physical health monitoring for those with SMI are condition-specific and do not focus on prevention. Health status data on clients with SMI suggest that barriers exist to the delivery of holistic care. Clients with SMI may benefit from a collaborative care model, holistic approaches, and preventive health monitoring. The mental health advanced practice nurse is pivotal in providing quality care to limit the burden of disease and promote health. The following literature review describes models of care aimed at reducing the comorbidity of physical and mental illness in outpatient care settings. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 53
(2), 32–37.]
A Need for New Methodological Communication in Comparative Higher Education Research Projects?
Authors: Hope Kristin Lofthus
Published: February 2015

Higher education is a versatile field where researchers from many different professions take part within a common interest. Usually higher education is seen as an interdisciplinary field, but is it rather a disciplinary field where different researchers discuss higher education development within an interdisciplinary context? What makes the field interdisciplinary? This chapter studies if and how interdisciplinarity is established and played out in international comparative higher education projects. A good way to study if and how interdisciplinarity is established in HE projects is to study their methodological approaches because researchers from different backgrounds who are trained in a range of methodological approaches work together to complete a specific project aim. The methodological approach in one single case is studied to look into how interdisciplinarity can develop within a higher education international research project.
Higher Education and Globalization
Authors: Lorenzo Neus , Gallon Ray
Published: February 2015

In this chapter, the authors examine the forces influencing higher education in a digitally globalized, plurilingual, and intercultural world, and how they have already begun to change some traditional notions of what higher education is for, and how it should be adapted to fit new emergent social needs, which are currently under debate in the educational field (Mehaffy, 2012). They go on to propose a connectivist vision for the future of globalized higher education and provide three case studies that illustrate ways of achieving that vision. Each case study has a different orientation: resource orientation, process orientation, transformation orientation. All three of them have the same objective: innovation and adaptation to the new globalized paradigms that have placed higher education in an increasingly complex context.
Contributing to an Evidence Base for the Enhancement of the Experiences and Outcomes of Mature Students at an Irish University
Authors: Murphy Emma , Politis Yurgos , Slowey Maria
Published: February 2015

This chapter explores current patterns of participation and progression by mature students in undergraduate (Bachelors) programmes in an Irish university. The study was conducted by HERC (Higher Education Research Centre) in collaboration with an Institutional Analysis and Research Office with input from an expert Advisory Group. Based on the suggestions and experiences of students and staff, and informed by good practice examples from literature, a series of recommendations are proposed, aimed at enhancing experiences and successful outcomes of mature students in the future.
Does Accredited Professional Development for Academics Improve Teaching and Learning in Higher Education?
Authors: McAvinia Claire , Donnelly Roisin , Hanratty Orla , Harvey Jen
Published: February 2015

The authors are part of a team delivering accredited programmes in teaching at tertiary level, and have collaborated to examine the impact of their work and that of the team over more than ten years in this area: whether accredited professional development programmes for academics have improved teaching—and students' learning—in higher education. A review of the literature is presented, along with new research undertaken in their home institution. The authors' findings from both the literature and their most recent research indicates a range of benefits for higher education in providing and supporting accredited programmes for educators. However, they have also identified methodological issues in measuring these benefits and impact overall. The chapter discusses this work and connects it with the broader themes of this book. The authors emphasise the importance of effective teaching in the midst of the many complex changes influencing higher education at this time.
Contemporary Challenges and Preschool Teachers' Education in Croatia
Authors: Vorkapić Sanja Tatalović , Vujičić Lidija , Boneta Željko
Published: February 2015

The evaluation of the new graduate study program Early and Preschool Care and Education (EPCE) was conducted recently in Croatia. Preschool teachers and graduate students were asked about their motivation for enrolling, the level of competencies developed during their study, and the predictive power of three significantly connected motives in relation to those competencies. Statistical analysis revealed highly positive perception of relevant competences gained. This finding confirmed the hypothesis that continuing professional development through formal higher education contributes significantly to improved preschool teachers' performance while coping with changing and growing job demands. Moreover, subjects demonstrated highly intrinsic motivation for enrolling. Extrinsic motives were indicative of a more negative, while intrinsic motivation led to more positive, perception of learning outcomes and gained competencies. Overall, the evaluation was highly positive and the findings confirmed the importance of satisfying the professional needs of preschool teachers.
Ethics in Business and Human Flourishing
Authors: Lanzerath Dirk
Published: February 2015

This chapter demonstrates the relation between business ethics and human flourishing. It argues that a business's contribution to human flourishing needs to be understood in terms of its viable options and what it makes of them as a core part of a modern civil society. Against this general background, the chapter explains the theoretical aspects of the intrinsically entwined relationship between business practice and business ethics. Successful entrepreneurship and business activities are those that can effectively recognize and cultivate this relationship. This emphasizes not only individual and entrepreneurial moral sense and reliability in economic affairs, but also incorporates an approach to business ethics that encompasses a total concept of a “good life” and its striving towards a just, civil society based on mutual responsibility.
The Ethics Portfolio
Authors: Manroop Laxmikant , Harrison Jennifer
Published: February 2015

This chapter examines ways in which organizations can build and promote an ethical culture. This chapter is divided in four sections. Firstly, the authors provide a historical overview of “ethics” in the U.S. and mainly from an organizational perspective, noting specifically how ethics is built into the structures of corporations. Secondly, they discuss the imputed responsibilities for ethics, arguing whether the ethics portfolio in an organization should reside within the Human Resource (HR) department or some other departments. Thirdly, the authors offer examples of various approaches that firms have traditionally used to promote ethical behaviors. Finally, they conclude with a discussion on ways that firms can enhance their ethical culture, with guidance on how to manage resistance of such a change that accompany such enhancement closing with an examination of various methods that might assist in determining if an organization is ethical.
The Moral Limitations of the Rational-Monistic Model
Authors: Berenstok Galit , Saporta Ishak
Published: February 2015

This chapter proposes a rational-pluralistic model for decision making in organizations. The authors developed this model as a potential solution to the negative moral implications (such as alienation from the workplace) that the formal rational decision making model has on organization employees. The negative moral implications are due to the fact that the formal rational model is monistic, limited by the considerations of the organization's utility, and neglects moral values and non-utility values that are related to the employee. The rational-pluralistic model is based on a revision of the concept of rationality and rational action. The basic assumption of this model is that there is a range of values other than the utility value that are involved in rational decision making. The more extended definition of rationality makes it possible to avoid a situation in which employees are only the means for organization goals, rather than ends in themselves.
Business Ethics Competencies
Authors: Cramm David , Erwee Ronel
Published: February 2015

This chapter aims to discuss the divergent views of 102 practitioners and academics about business ethics competencies and potential implications for business ethics training. It presents, first, an introduction to the nature of the misalignment between academia and industry and, second, business ethics training issues and controversies. Next, the two phases of the research, including document analysis and a survey in Canada and the US, are noted. When considering practitioner needs, potentially over- or under-emphasized competencies are identified by means of a survey to shed light on the extent of this misalignment, so that future instructional efforts can focus on increasing content considered by practitioners to be under-emphasized, while reducing the content considered to be over-emphasized. Finally, a proposed business ethics competency model is provided, as well as a comprehensive content selection model for business ethics development, designed and recommended for business ethics practitioners and academics.
In Case You Didn't Know
Authors: Bagdasarov Zhanna , MacDougall Alexandra E. , Johnson James F. , Mumford Michael D.
Published: February 2015

The case-based approach to learning and instruction has been employed across multiple disciplines, including ethics education, and advocated for its effectiveness. Despite the widespread use of cases, there remain questions regarding optimal methods for case construction and presentation in order to facilitate knowledge acquisition, ethical decision making (EDM), and the transfer of learned material. Several empirical studies were conducted over the course of three years (2010-2013) in an attempt to shed some light on these topics. This chapter's purpose is three-fold. First, it provides a brief overview of the literature regarding case development. Second, it describes the new studies in this arena with respect to ethics case construction. Third, the chapter culminates in specific recommendations for case-based ethics training for young scholars and professionals in light of the new evidence.
IκBNS Regulates Murine Th17 Differentiation during Gut Inflammation and Infection
Authors: Annemann Michaela , Wang Zuobai , Plaza-Sirvent Carlos , Glauben Rainer , Schuster Marc , Ewald Sander Frida , Mamareli Panagiota , Kühl Anja A. , Siegmund Britta , Lochner Matthias , Schmitz Ingo
Published: February 2015

IL-17–producing Th17 cells mediate immune responses against a variety of fungal and bacterial infections. Signaling via NF-κB has been linked to the development and maintenance of Th17 cells. We analyzed the role of the unusual inhibitor of NF-κB, IκBNS, in the proliferation and effector cytokine production of murine Th17 cells. Our study demonstrates that nuclear IκBNS is crucial for murine Th17 cell generation. IκBNS is highly expressed in Th17 cells; in the absence of IκBNS, the frequencies of IL-17A–producing cells are drastically reduced. This was measured in vitro under Th17-polarizing conditions and confirmed in two colitis models. Mechanistically, murine IκBNS−/− Th17 cells were less proliferative and expressed markedly reduced levels of IL-2, IL-10, MIP-1α, and GM-CSF. Citrobacter rodentium was used as a Th17-inducing infection model, in which IκBNS−/− mice displayed an increased bacterial burden and diminished tissue damage. These results demonstrate the important function of Th17 cells in pathogen clearance, as well as in inflammation-associated pathology. We identified IκBNS to be crucial for the generation and function of murine Th17 cells upon inflammation and infection. Our findings may have implications for the therapy of autoimmune conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, and for the treatment of gut-tropic infections.
Immunoprevention of Chemical Carcinogenesis through Early Recognition of Oncogene Mutations
Authors: Nasti Tahseen H. , Rudemiller Kyle J. , Cochran J. Barry , Kim Hee Kyung , Tsuruta Yuko , Fineberg Naomi S. , Athar Mohammad , Elmets Craig A. , Timares Laura
Published: February 2015

Prevention of tumors induced by environmental carcinogens has not been achieved. Skin tumors produced by polyaromatic hydrocarbons, such as 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA), often harbor an H-ras point mutation, suggesting that it is a poor target for early immunosurveillance. The application of pyrosequencing and allele-specific PCR techniques established that mutations in the genome and expression of the Mut H-ras gene could be detected as early as 1 d after DMBA application. Further, DMBA sensitization raised Mut H-ras epitope–specific CTLs capable of eliminating Mut H-ras+ preneoplastic skin cells, demonstrating that immunosurveillance is normally induced but may be ineffective owing to insufficient effector pool size and/or immunosuppression. To test whether selective pre-expansion of CD8 T cells with specificity for the single Mut H-ras epitope was sufficient for tumor prevention, MHC class I epitope–focused lentivector-infected dendritic cell– and DNA-based vaccines were designed to bias toward CTL rather than regulatory T cell induction. Mut H-ras, but not wild-type H-ras, epitope-focused vaccination generated specific CTLs and inhibited DMBA-induced tumor initiation, growth, and progression in preventative and therapeutic settings. Transferred Mut H-ras–specific effectors induced rapid tumor regression, overcoming established tumor suppression in tumor-bearing mice. These studies support further evaluation of oncogenic mutations for their potential to act as early tumor-specific, immunogenic epitopes in expanding relevant immunosurveillance effectors to block tumor formation, rather than treating established tumors.
FOXO1 Mediates RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Formation and Activity
Authors: Wang Yu , Dong Guangyu , Jeon Hyeran Helen , Elazizi Mohamad , La Lan B. , Hameedaldeen Alhassan , Xiao E , Tian Chen , Alsadun Sarah , Choi Yongwon , Graves Dana T.
Published: February 2015

We have previously shown that the transcription factor FOXO1 is elevated in conditions with high levels of bone resorption. To investigate the role of FOXO1 in the formation of osteoclasts, we examined mice with lineage-specific deletion of FOXO1 in osteoclast precursors and by knockdown of FOXO1 with small interfering RNA. The receptor activator for NF-κB ligand (RANKL), a principal bone-resorbing factor, induced FOXO1 expression and nuclear localization 2 d after stimulation in bone marrow macrophages and RAW264.7 osteoclast precursors. RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and osteoclast activity was reduced in half in vivo and in vitro with lineage-specific FOXO1 deletion (LyzM.Cre+FOXO1L/L) compared with matched controls (LyzM.Cre−FOXO1L/L). Similar results were obtained by knockdown of FOXO1 in RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, FOXO1-mediated osteoclast formation was linked to regulation of NFATc1 nuclear localization and expression as well as a number of downstream factors, including dendritic cell–specific transmembrane protein, ATP6vod2, cathepsin K, and integrin αv. Lastly, FOXO1 deletion reduced M-CSF–induced RANK expression and migration of osteoclast precursors. In the present study, we provide evidence that FOXO1 plays a direct role in osteoclast formation by mediating the effect of RANKL on NFATc1 and several downstream effectors. This is likely to be significant because FOXO1 and RANKL are elevated in osteolytic conditions.
Placental Growth Factor-1 and -2 Induce Hyperplasia and Invasiveness of Primary Rheumatoid Synoviocytes
Authors: Yoo Seung-Ah , Park Ji-Hwan , Hwang Seong-Hye , Oh Sang-Min , Lee Saseong , Cicatiello Valeria , Rho Sangchul , De Falco Sandro , Hwang Daehee , Cho Chul-Soo , Kim Wan-Uk
Published: February 2015

Inflammation-mediated oncogenesis has been implicated in a variety of cancer types. Rheumatoid synovial tissues can be viewed as a tumor-like mass, consisting of hyperplastic fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs). FLSs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have promigratory and invasive characteristics, which may be caused by chronic exposure to genotoxic stimuli, including hypoxia and growth factors. We tested whether a transformed phenotype of RA-FLSs is associated with placental growth factor (PlGF), a representative angiogenic growth factor induced by hypoxia. In this study, we identified PlGF-1 and PlGF-2 as the major PlGF isoforms in RA-FLSs. Global gene expression profiling revealed that cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and cell migration were mainly represented by differentially expressed genes in RA-FLSs transfected with small interfering RNA for PlGF. Indeed, PlGF-deficient RA-FLSs showed a decrease in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, but an increase in apoptotic death in vitro. PlGF gene overexpression resulted in the opposite effects. Moreover, exogeneous PlGF-1 and PlGF-2 increased survival, migration, and invasiveness of RA-FLSs by binding their receptors, Flt-1 and neuropilin-1, and upregulating the expression of antiapoptotic molecules, pErk and Bcl2. Knockdown of PlGF transcripts reduced RA-FLS proliferation in a xenotransplantation model. Collectively, in addition to their role for neovascularization, PlGF-1 and -2 promote proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion of RA-FLSs in an autocrine and paracrine manner. These results demonstrated how primary cells of mesenchymal origin acquired an aggressive and transformed phenotype. PlGF and its receptors thus offer new targets for anti-FLS therapy.
Plantar-Plate Disruptions: “The Severe Turf-Toe Injury.” Three Cases in Contact Athletes
Authors: Drakos Mark C. , Fiore Russell , Murphy Conor , DiGiovanni Christopher W.
Published: February 2015

Objective

To present 3 cases of plantar-plate rupture and turf-toe injury in contact athletes at 1 university and to discuss appropriate diagnosis and treatment algorithms for each case.

Background

Turf toe is a common injury in athletes participating in outdoor cutting sports. However, it has been used as an umbrella term to describe many different injuries of the great toe. In some cases, the injury can be so severe that the plantar plate and sesamoid apparatus may be ruptured. These patients may be better managed with surgery than with traditional nonoperative interventions.

Differential Diagnosis

Turf toe, plantar-plate disruption, sesamoid fracture.

Treatment

For stable injuries in which the plantar plate is not completely disrupted, nonoperative treatment with casting or a stiff-soled shoe, gradual weight bearing, and rehabilitation is the best practice. Unstable injuries require surgical intervention and plantar-plate repair.

Uniqueness

Turf toe and injury to the first metatarsophalangeal joint are relatively common injuries in athletes, but few researchers have detailed the operative and nonoperative treatments of plantar-plate disruption in these patients. We examine 3 cases that occurred over 4 seasons on a collegiate football team.

Conclusions

Turf toe represents a wide array of pathologic conditions involving the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Stress and instability testing are key components to assess in determining whether surgical intervention is warranted to restore optimal function. Stiffer-soled shoes or shoes with steel-plate insertions may help to prevent these injuries and are useful tools for protection during the rehabilitation period.
Myeloproliferative neoplasms working group consensus recommendations for diagnosis and management of primary myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, and essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Agarwal M. B. , Malhotra Hemant , Chakrabarti Prantar , Varma Neelam , Mathews Vikram , Bhattacharyya Jina , Seth Tulika , Gayathri K. , Menon Hari , Subramanian P. G. , Sharma Ajay , Bhattacharyya Maitreyee , Mehta Jay , Vaid A. K. , Shah Sandeep , Aggarwal Shyam , Gogoi P. K. , Nair Reena , Agarwal Usha , Varma Subhash , Prasad S. V. S. S. , Manipadam Marie Therese
Published: February 2015

E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

According to the 2008 revision of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of myeloid malignancies, philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) include clonal, hematologic disorders such as polycythemia vera, primary myelofibrosis, and essential thrombocythemia. Recent years have witnessed major advances in the understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of these rare subgroups of chronic, myeloproliferative disorders. Identification of somatic mutations in genes associated with pathogenesis and evolution of these myeloproliferative conditions (Janus Kinase 2; myeloproliferative leukemia virus gene; calreticulin) led to substantial changes in the international guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of Ph-negative MPN during the last few years. The MPN-Working Group (MPN-WG), a panel of hematologists with expertise in MPN diagnosis and treatment from various parts of India, examined applicability of this latest clinical and scientific evidence in the context of hematology practice in India. This manuscript summarizes the consensus recommendations formulated by the MPN-WG that can be followed as a guideline for management of patients with Ph-negative MPN in the context of clinical practice in India.
Impacts of a biobank: Bridging the gap in translational cancer medicine
Authors: Vora Tushar , Thacker Nirav
Published: February 2015

The prevalence of people affected by cancer has been steadily increasing. More and more people are being offered the chance of increased longevity. This has been possible due to advances not only in medicines and techniques but also because of the gain in understanding of cancer biology through Translational Cancer Medicine. A significant step towards obtaining this success was the establishment of successful biobanking practise. In this review we discuss about the importance of a Biobank and the various impacts that a biobank can have not only in the field of cancer but also on many other aspects. Later we discuss a method of quantitative evaluation of these impacts of a biobank.
Immunomodulated anterior chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced tongue cancer: An Institutional experience
Authors: Chhatui Bappaditya , Roy Sanjoy , Maji Tapas , Lahiri Debarshi , Biswas Jaydip ,   Devleena
Published: February 2015

Context: Sequential induction chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (PF) along with interferon-alpha2b and concurrent chemoradiation offers superior loco-regional control for locally advanced carcinoma of oral tongue. Aims: The study was designed to evaluate the beneficial role of induction PF chemotherapy and interferon-alpha2b followed by chemoradiation over definitive chemoradiation only for patients with locally advanced carcinoma of oral tongue. Settings and Design: Phase II randomized, prospective, open-labeled, single-institutional study. Methods and Material: Fifty patients were randomized into 2 arms. Arm A patients were treated with induction chemotherapy with PF regimen for 3 cycles and interferon alpha 2b, 3MU biweekly for 6 such followed by chemoradiation with cisplatin 30 mg/ m 2 / week and external radiotherapy. Arm B patients received chemoradiation only, in the same dose schedule as in Arm A. Statistical analysis used: Chi-square test was done to find out the statistical correlation between the two arms. For plotting the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) for the two arms, Kaplan-Meier method was used. Results: The loco-regional response rate of patients treated with interferon containing induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation was superior to concurrent chemoradiation only. However the toxicities and treatment interruption were more in patients treated with induction chemotherapy. Conclusions: In locally advanced carcinoma of oral tongue, induction chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (PF) along with interferon alpha 2b followed by concurrent chemoradiation may produce superior loco-regional control with manageable toxicities that needs to be validated by more randomized trials with adequate number of patients.
A Partial-differential Approximation for Spatial Stochastic Process Algebra
Authors: Tschaikowski Max , Tribastone Mirco
Published: February 2015

We study a spatial framework for process algebra with ordinary differential equation (ODE) semantics. We consider an explicit mobility model over a 2D lattice where processes may walk to neighbouring regions independently, and interact with each other when they are in same region. The ODE system size will grow linearly with the number of regions, hindering the analysis in practice. Assuming an unbiased random walk, we introduce an approximation in terms of a system of reaction-diffusion partial differential equations, of size independent of the lattice granularity. Numerical tests on a spatial version of the generalised Lotka-Volterra model show high accuracy and very competitive runtimes against ODE solutions for fine-grained lattices.
Analysis of fibre-loop optical buffers with a void-avoiding schedule
Authors: Rogiest Wouter , Dorsman Jan-Pieter , Fiems Dieter
Published: February 2015

In optical packet/burst switching, fibre-loop optical buffers provide a compact and effective means of contention resolution. In case of fixed packet length, the involved loop length is typically chosen matched (equal to the packet length), and the loops are arranged in parallel, constituting a single-stage buffer. In this contribution, we investigate the performance of such a buffer in an asynchronous network setting, assuming batch-Poisson arrivals and assuming a so-called void-avoiding schedule. We show that by time-discretisation, the fibre-loop dynamics can be captured by a particular type of exhaustive polling model. We obtain performance measures such as the moments of the optical queue content and packet delay for the discretised model as well as for the asynchronous optical buffer. We illustrate our approach by various numerical examples.
Assessing the Quality of Persian Translation of Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-four Based on House's Model: Overt-covert Translation Distinction
Authors: TABRIZI Hossein Heidani , CHALAK Azizeh , TAHERIOUN Amir Hossein
Published: February 2015

This study aimed to assess the quality of Persian translation of Orwell's (1949) Nineteen Eighty-Four by Balooch (2004) based on House's (1997) model of translation quality assessment. To do so, about 10 percent of the source text was randomly selected. The profile of the source text register was produced and the genre was realized. The source text profile was compared to the translation text profile. The result of this comparison was dimensional mismatches and overt errors. The dimensional mismatches were categorized based on different dimensions of register. The overt errors which were based on denotative mismatches and target system errors were categorized into omissions, additions, substitutions, and breaches of the target language system. Then, the frequencies of occurrences of subcategories of overt errors along with their percentages were calculated. The dimensional mismatches and a large number of major overt errors including omissions and substitutions indicated that the translation was not in accordance with the House's view stating that literary works needed to be translated overtly. Mismatches on different levels of register showed that the cultural filter was applied in translation and the second-level functional equivalence required for overt translation was not reached. Therefore, the Persian translation of Nineteen Eighty-Four did not fulfill the criteria to be an overt translation.