bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Levomilnacipran
Authors: Palmer Emma C. , Binns Lindsey N. , Carey Heather
Published: May 2014

Objective: To provide a clinical overview of the antidepressant levomilnacipran. Data Sources: Articles were identified by searching the MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases through March 2014 using the keyword levomilnacipran. The manufacturer provided additional information from unpublished phase II and phase III trials. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Any clinical trial conducted for at least 3 weeks and published in the English language was selected for review. Additional documentation, including the product dossier, package insert, pharmacokinetic studies, and poster presentations supplied by the manufacturer, was also evaluated. Data Synthesis: Levomilnacipran is the more potent enantiomer of milnacipran. It is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), dosed from 20 to 120 mg daily for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Efficacy and tolerability were established during 3 phase III randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trials finding levomilnacipran to be significantly more efficacious than placebo in reduction of Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale scores. It is not known whether this agent is more efficacious than other antidepressants because direct comparison studies have not been conducted as of the time of this review. Conclusions: Levomilnacipran demonstrates efficacy and tolerability for short-term treatment of MDD in adults. Available evidence does not strongly indicate that there is a specific subpopulation of patients who would benefit from levomilnacipran over currently available SNRIs. Full characterization of the agent’s place in therapy alongside multiple other agents with similar mechanisms and efficacy requires trials with longer duration and active comparators.
Dornase Alfa for Non–Cystic Fibrosis Pediatric Pulmonary Atelectasis
Authors: Thornby Krisy-Ann , Johnson Ashley , Axtell Samantha
Published: May 2014

Objective: To review the literature evaluating the efficacy of dornase alfa for non–cystic fibrosis pediatric patients with pulmonary atelectasis. Data Sources: Articles were retrieved after a search of MEDLINE/PubMed (1946 to April 2014), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-April 2014) was performed using the terms dornase alfa, recombinant human deoxyribonuclease, pulmonary, persistent, and atelectasis. Other relevant articles referenced from the MEDLINE search were also utilized. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Data sources were limited to English language clinical trials and case studies including only children; 8 clinical trials and 12 case reports met the criteria. Data Synthesis: Dornase alfa is used as an off-label treatment option for pulmonary atelectasis because limited treatment modalities exist after conventional therapy has failed. We evaluated 8 clinical trials and 12 case reports involving this pediatric population with varying primary diagnoses. The majority of patients experienced improvement in atelectasis, suggesting benefit after receiving treatment with dornase alfa. However, the outcomes were possibly confounded by those receiving combination therapies, varying primary diagnoses, and varying end points evaluated. Dornase alfa was overall well tolerated, with only a few patients experiencing worsening atelectasis posttreatment. Conclusions: Dornase alfa may be considered as a therapeutic option in non–cystic fibrosis pediatric patients with pulmonary atelectasis, who require treatment intervention when conventional therapy is unsuccessful.
The La Paz Agreement 30 Years On
Authors: Mumme Stephen P. , Collins Kimberly
Published: May 2014

On August 14, 1983, the United States and Mexico signed the landmark United States–Mexico Agreement on Cooperation for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in the Border Area, better known as the La Paz Agreement, which remains the keystone agreement for bilateral cooperation on environmental protection in the border zone. This article reviews the agreement’s history and achievements, with particular emphasis on the post–North American Free Trade Agreement environmental cooperation programs and its influence on other joint agencies with environmental mandates in the border region. It then reviews more recent implementation developments and reflects on political conditions shaping La Paz implementation. It concludes noting that the La Paz Agreement affirms the importance of certain institutional design principles for successful international environmental institutions and arguing for strengthening binational commitment to the La Paz Agreement.
Optimum design of fuzzy controllers for nonlinear systems using multi-objective particle swarm optimization
Authors: Mahmoodabadi Mohammad Javad , Mottaghi Mohammad Bagher Salahshoor , Mahmodinejad Ali
Published: May 2014

In this paper, a multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to obtain the Pareto frontiers of the different commensurable and conflicting objective functions for fuzzy controller design. Also, the Lorenz dominance method is used to illustrate the equitable solutions. The nonlinear benchmarks are the inverted pendulum and ball-beam systems. The objective functions for the inverted pendulum system are the normalized angle error of the pendulum and the normalized distance error of the cart; and for the ball-beam system they are the distance error of the ball and the angle error of the beam, which must be minimized simultaneously. The comparison of the obtained results with those in the literature demonstrates the superiority of the results of this work.
Applying semi-synchronised task farming to large-scale computer vision problems
Authors: McDonagh Steven , Beyan Cigdem , Huang Phoenix X , Fisher Robert B
Published: May 2014

Distributed compute clusters allow the computing power of heterogeneous (and homogeneous) resources to be utilised to solve large-scale science and engineering problems. One class of problem that has attractive scalability properties, and is therefore often implemented using compute clusters, is task farming (or parameter sweep) applications. A typical characteristic of such applications is that no communication is needed between distributed subtasks during the overall computation. However, interesting large-scale task farming problem instances that do require global communication between subtask sets also exist. We propose a framework called semi-synchronised task farming in order to address problems requiring distributed formulations containing subtasks that alternate between independence and synchronisation. We apply this framework to several large-scale contemporary computer vision problems and present a detailed performance analysis to demonstrate framework scalability.

Semi-synchronised task farming splits a given problem into a number of stages. Each stage involves firstly distributing independent subtasks to be completed in parallel. Following subtask set completion, a set of synchronised global decisions, based on information retrieved from the distributed results, is made. The results influence the following subtask distribution stage. This subtask distribution followed by result collation process is iterated until overall problem solutions are obtained. We construct a simplified Bulk Synchronous Parallel (BSP) model to formalise this framework and with this formalisation, we develop a predictive model for overall task completion time. We present experimental benchmark results comparing the performance observed by applying our framework to solve real-world problems on compute clusters with that of solving the tasks in a serial fashion. Furthermore by assessing the predicted time savings that our framework provides in simulation and validating these predictions on a range of complex problems drawn from real-world computer vision tasks, we are able to reliably predict the performance gain obtained when using a compute cluster to tackle resource intensive computer vision tasks.
Organizational routines as embodied performatives: A communication as constitutive of organization perspective
Authors: Wright Alex
Published: May 2014

Inquiring into how routines unfold increases our understanding of organization. This article critiques current positionings of organizational routines as practices and offers an alternative framing based on routines as communicatively constituted performatives. Two central arguments are advanced. First, present constructions of routines as comprising structurationist interpretations of Latour’s ostensive and performative are challenged and an alternative is advanced that draws from an Austinian understanding of performative as constitutive of organization. Second, bodies are brought into routines research as they are conceptualized as embodied accomplishments, extending existing research that typically neglects the body. An alternative definition of organizational routines is offered that constructs them as citational patterns of embodied conversation and textual dialectics that performatively co-orient toward an object.
The influence of patient demographics, disease characteristics and treatment on brain volume loss in Trial Assessing Injectable Interferon vs FTY720 Oral in Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (TRANSFORMS), a phase 3 study of fingolimod in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Barkhof Frederik , de Jong Remko , Sfikas Nikolaos , de Vera Ana , Francis Gordon , Cohen Jeffrey ,   on behalf of the TRANSFORMS study group
Published: May 2014

Background:

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) lose brain volume (BV) faster than healthy individuals.

Objective:

Our purpose, within the 12-month phase 3 TRANSFORMS study, was to examine the effect of treatment on BV loss in patient subgroups, establish correlations between baseline normalized BV (NBV) and baseline disease parameters, to identify variables predictive of baseline NBV and on-study percentage BV change (PBVC), and to establish correlations between on-study PBVC and on-study efficacy outcomes.

Methods:

Patients received fingolimod 0.5 mg or 1.25 mg, or intramuscular (IM) interferon β-1a (IFNβ-1a) for 12 months. The effect of treatment on PBVC was examined in patient demographic, disease and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristic subgroups. Pearson’s correlation analyses and a stepwise linear regression model were used to identify variables predictive of NBV and PBVC.

Results:

Fingolimod reduced BV loss over 12 months versus IFNβ-1a IM in all patient subgroups assessed, including individuals with or without gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing lesions at baseline. Baseline T1 hypointense lesion volume had the strongest correlation with baseline NBV. Baseline Gd-enhancing T1 lesion count was most predictive of change in PBVC over 12 months.

Conclusions:

Our results improve understanding of the contributions of different baseline demographic, clinical and MRI characteristics to NBV, including factors that may be predictive of future BV loss
Online negotiations of infertility
Authors: Harrison Katherine
Published: May 2014

Although now used for a wide range of functions such as education, marketing and political commentary, blogs were originally a space for narrating personal life stories and have much in common with autobiography and diary genres. This article examines (in)fertility blogs written by women trying to conceive, arguing that blogging helps women to renegotiate their experiences of femininity when motherhood is denied or difficult. To do this, I focus on blogs as a space for knowledge production, creating a new paradigm for fertility information which challenges both the doctor/patient power dynamic and traditional discourses concerning fertility. I show how bloggers use their blogs to ‘make sense’ of their (in)fertility experiences by looking at the distinctive content, style and format of their blogs. Finally, the knowledge produced in the blogs is problematized by ‘situating’ them within a broader sociohistorical framework.
What criteria guide national entrepreneurs’ policy decisions on user fee removal for maternal health care services? Use of a best–worst scaling choice experiment in West Africa
Authors: Torbica Aleksandra , De Allegri Manuela , Belemsaga Danielle , Medina-Lara Antonieta , Ridde Valery
Published: May 2014

Objective

Several countries in sub-Saharan Africa have implemented policies to remove or reduce user fees. Our aim was to identify criteria guiding such decisions among national policy entrepreneurs, those who link up problem definition, solution development and political processes.

Methods

We administered a best–worst scaling (BWS) experiment to 89 policy entrepreneurs, asking them to identify the most and the least important criteria on a series of predefined sets. Sets were compiled using a Balance Incomplete Block Design which generated random combinations of all 11 criteria included in the experiment. In turn, those had emerged from a prior set of focus group discussions organized among policy entrepreneurs. Ordered logit models were used to investigate the value of single criteria as well as heterogeneity of preferences.

Results

Political commitment was identified as the most important criterion guiding policy decisions on user fee abolition or reduction to the overall sample, but particularly so for more experienced respondents aged over 50 years. International pressure and donor money were identified as least important while equity and institutional capacity were deemed of relatively little importance. Respondents more involved in advising on policy than on formulating policy rated economic issues such as financial sustainability and cost-effectiveness as less important.

Conclusions

It is feasible to apply BWS experiments in low-income countries, although whether the technique can be adjusted to elicit preferences among non-literate respondents in these settings is unclear.
Resilience, age, and perceived symptoms in persons with long-term physical disabilities
Authors: Terrill Alexandra L , Molton Ivan R , Ehde Dawn M , Amtmann Dagmar , Bombardier Charles H , Smith Amanda E , Jensen Mark P
Published: May 2014

Resilience may mitigate impact of secondary symptoms such as pain and fatigue on quality of life in persons aging with disability. This study examined resilience in a large sample of individuals with disabling medical conditions by validating the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, obtaining descriptive information about resilience and evaluating resilience as a mediator among key secondary symptoms and quality of life using structural equation modeling. Results indicated that the measure’s psychometric properties were adequate in this sample. Resilience was lowest among participants who were middle-aged or younger, and participants with depression. Resilience mediated associations between secondary symptoms and quality of life.
Dialogic control: Power in media evolution
Authors: Ibrus Indrek
Published: May 2014

This article discusses the phenomenon of power in the process of media evolution. It argues that Juri Lotman’s ‘semiotics of culture’ is not only useful for interpreting this complex process and the role societal power might have in this, but it might have a potential to innovate the mainstream of western media and cultural studies. The article demonstrates the way to apply Lotman’s framework to interpret the evolutionary dynamics of media and proposes how the textual dynamics of cultural change can be interpreted to contribute to the social dynamic – to the dynamics of social organisation and power relations among social agents. Lotman’s framework is put also into dialogue with the western path-breakers in de-ontologising societal power: Michel Foucault and Niklas Luhmann. The article puts a focus on Lotman’s core concepts such as auto-communication and dialogic communication, and demonstrates how these can be seen to facilitate the heterogeneity (divergence) of systems as well as their striving for homogeneity (convergence).
Assessment of health impacts of decreased smoking prevalence in Copenhagen: Application of the DYNAMO-HIA model
Authors: Holm Astrid Ledgaard , Brønnum-Hansen Henrik , Robinson Kirstine Magtengaard , Diderichsen Finn
Published: May 2014

Aims: Tobacco smoking is among the leading risk factors for chronic disease and early death in developed countries, including Denmark, where smoking causes 14% of the disease burden. In Denmark, many public health interventions, including smoking prevention, are undertaken by the municipalities, but models to estimate potential health effects of local interventions are lacking. The aim of the current study was to model the effects of decreased smoking prevalence in Copenhagen, Denmark. Methods: The DYNAMO-HIA model was applied to the population of Copenhagen, by using health survey data and data from Danish population registers. We modelled the effects of four intervention scenarios aimed at different target groups, compared to a reference scenario. The potential effects of each scenario were modelled until 2040. Results: A combined scenario affecting both initiation rates among youth, and cessation and re-initiation rates among adults, which reduced the smoking prevalence to 4% by 2025, would have large beneficial effects on incidence and prevalence of smoking-related diseases and mortality. Health benefits could also be obtained through interventions targeting only cessation or re-initiation rates, whereas an intervention targeting only initiation among youth had marginal effects on morbidity and mortality within the modelled time frame. Conclusions: By modifying the DYNAMO-HIA model, we were able to estimate the potential health effects of four interventions to reduce smoking prevalence in the population of Copenhagen. The effect of the interventions on future public health depended on population subgroup(s) targeted, duration of implementation and intervention reach.
Reduction Mammaplasty as an Outpatient Procedure: A Retrospective Analysis of Outcome and Success Rate
Authors: Carpelan A. , Kauhanen S. , Mattila K. , Jahkola T. , Tukiainen E.
Published: May 2014

Background and Aims:

Reduction mammaplasty is an increasingly common plastic surgical procedure. In the United States, majority of breast reductions are performed as outpatient surgery. In European public health care, outpatient breast reductions have still been rare. Our aim was to retrospectively determine clinical outcome and the success rate of outpatient reduction mammaplasty.

Material and Methods:

A total of 110 consecutive patients underwent bilateral reduction mammaplasty with a minimum resection of 200 g per breast in an outpatient unit between 2006 and 2009. A comparison group consisted of 28 inpatients. Demographic data and pre-, intra-, and postoperative events as well as complications were recorded.

Results:

A total of 83 outpatients (75%) were successfully discharged on the day of operation. Reasons for unexpected overnight admission were lack of adult company for the first postoperative night (13 patients, 12%), surgeon’s wish (4 patients, 4%), hematoma requiring evacuation (5 patients, 5%), nausea (3 patients, 3%), and pain (2 patients, 2%). Minor complications, especially delayed healing, were common (45 patients, 41%), but major complications were rare (18 patients, 16%). Complication rate was not increased in the outpatient group. Increased duration of operation correlated with increasing complications.

Conclusion:

Reduction mammaplasty can be successfully and safely performed as an outpatient procedure in European public health care.
Endovascular Therapy And Controversies In The Management Of Vascular Trauma
Authors: Jacks R. , Degiannis E.
Published: May 2014

Aim:

To review the advent of endovascular treatment of vascular injuries and its controversies.

Methods:

Literature review over the past 13 years using the PubMed search engine.

Results:

The management of vascular trauma has changed dramatically over the last decade. This is mainly due to the advent of advanced endovascular techniques and technologies. There are, however, a limited number of publications with a correspondingly small number of patients and lack of long-term follow-up. In this article, we discuss the injuries to different vessel groups and their respective endovascular approaches. Of the literature available, the endovascular management of aortic injuries still holds the most experience and has shown favorable results.

Conclusion:

Endovascular management of vascular injuries is a new addition to the armamentarium of the surgeon. The fact that it is minimally invasive is a major advantage and the published data are encouraging. However, in order to determine which anatomical sites and circumstances are most appropriate for this method versus open surgery, more reports are necessary.
Epidemiology of electrical injury: Differences between low- and high-voltage electrical injuries during a 7-year study period in South Korea
Authors: Kym D. , Seo D. K. , Hur G. Y. , Lee J. W.
Published: May 2014

Background and Aims:

Electrical burns are uncommon, but they result in high morbidity and mortality due to severe tissue damage. The purpose of this study is to analyze epidemiological variables of electrical injuries and identify preventable measures through them.

Material and Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of 625 patients admitted to Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital’s Department of Plastic Surgery from January 2005 to December 2011. We divided the patients into two groups: (1) low-voltage injury (under 1000 V) and (2) high-voltage injury (over 1000 V). We reviewed the following variables: age, sex, total burn surface area, injury type and mode, and surgical modalities.

Results and Conclusions:

The mean age of all patients was 33.4 ± 18.2 years. The ratio of males to females was 13.5 in the whole group. The mean total body surface are burned was 14.0% ± 13.8% in total. The majority of electrical burns in the low-tension group and high-tension group occurred in patients under 20 years and in patients aged 40–59 years, respectively. Steel chopstick insertions and high-voltage electrical work/repair were the most common injury modes in the low-tension group and the high-tension group, respectively. Groin and abdominal distant flap surgeries were commonly performed in both groups. It is recommended that these risks be prevented through education and safety measures to reduce the incidence of electrical injuries.
“All the world’s a shopping cart”: Theorizing the political economy of ubiquitous media and markets
Authors: McGuigan Lee , Manzerolle Vincent
Published: May 2014

Ubiquitous connectivity to networked information-communication technologies increasingly mediates social experiences of markets and retail environments. These conditions lead some marketing scholars to conclude that digital media are reaching their inevitable culmination: an omnipresent marketplace. They call this “ubiquitous commerce” (u-commerce). U-commerce annihilates constraints over markets; borders, cultural differences, and geography cease to impose friction on exchange. As part of a broader understanding of new media and marketing, u-commerce deserves attention from critical communication studies. In foregrounding concerns of space, time, and consciousness, u-commerce exemplifies a commercial theory of media and invites critique at the nexus of medium theory and political economy. The work of Harold Innis is uniquely suited to this task. This article contextualizes and identifies biases in the conceptual systems and infrastructures of u-commerce.
The EuroPolis deliberative poll
Authors: Isernia Pierangelo , Fishkin James S
Published: May 2014

This special issue focuses on EuroPolis, a unique experiment in ‘deliberative democracy’ at the European level convened in Brussels soon before the 2009 European Parliamentary Elections. A European wide random sample of the 27 member countries at the time was gathered to deliberate about two key issues--climate change and immigration as well as its voting intentions. The articles in the special issue focus on this Deliberative Poll, both quantitatively and qualitatively to assess what it tells us about ambitious versions of a ‘European wide public sphere.’ Can the citizens of Europe deliberate together across all the barriers of language and nationality? Can there be a credible process of European wide ‘public will formation’ about substantive policy issues and about voting?
Making an impact: New directions for arts and humanities research
Authors: Hazelkorn Ellen
Published: May 2014

The severity of the global economic crisis has put the spotlight firmly on measuring academic and research performance and productivity and assessing its contribution, value, impact and benefit. While, traditionally, research output and impact were measured by peer-publications and citations, there is increased emphasis on a ‘market-driven approach’, which favours the bio-, medical and technological sciences, and has helped reinforce a disciplinary hierarchy in which arts and humanities research has struggled for attention. This article charts the changing policy environment across Ireland, the Netherlands and Norway. It draws on evidence from the HERAVALUE project that studied how different stakeholders value arts and humanities research; almost 100 interviews were conducted with representatives from the academy, policymakers and civil society in these three countries. Although the arts and culture have played a distinctive nation-forming role, and continue to do so, each country has adopted very different policy responses towards arts and humanities research.
Our way(s) to action research: Doctoral students’ international and interdisciplinary collective memory work
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Fyn Dawn , Langelotz Lill , Lönngren Johanna , McCorquodale Lisa , Nehez Jaana
Published: May 2014

This study involved six Swedish and Canadian doctoral students who shared interests in using action research in professional education in different disciplines. We employed Noffke’s three dimensions of action research as a theoretical framework (i.e., the Professional, the Personal, and the Political). Using collective biography as a methodology, we cooperatively examined how our personal and professional agendas and macro-level structures have been shaping our intentions to conduct action research projects in our respective disciplines. The key findings of this international and interdisciplinary collective biography relate our growing awareness of the intimacy between research and life in various professional and geographic contexts. Collectively addressing our shared frustrations, we celebrated action research as a methodology that attends to the dynamic and concrete lived experiences of our participants in various spatio-temporalities. Reflecting upon the hybridity of our own researcher identities, we were also able to see the intimate relation between ourselves as active citizens and critical action researchers who are determined to take up the challenges and engage in critically oriented action research that could nurture more “caring,” “empowering,” and “transforming” public spheres.
Natya yoga therapy: Using movement and music to create meditative relief in schizophrenia (based on ashta anga yoga)
Authors: Ramaswamy Aparna
Published: May 2014

Natya yoga therapy is an integrative approach that combines yoga with movement, music, and conventional psychotherapy. The word natya refers to movement and music while yoga refers to practice of the eight guiding principles of yoga (ashta anga yoga) that lead to meditation. Individual psychotherapy includes cognitive restructuring of self-concept strengthened by behavioral discipline that builds self-competence. Concurrent group therapy offers meditative relief and intuitive reiteration of a strong self. This study is dedicated to developing a group meditation model that includes natya and yoga practices, specifically for patients with schizophrenia. Action research methodology is used to include the voices of administrators, staff, therapists, researcher, and patients as co-creators of an effective meditation model that feels comfortable and safe. Data analysis and knowledge creation reflect a reiterative cycle of practical, experiential, and presentational epistemology. Study validated that for this population, practices of natya and yoga did create inner meditative calm, free from agitation and anxiety.
Introducing New Perspectives on Virtual Human Resource Development
Authors: Bennett Elisabeth E.
Published: May 2014

The Problem

Initial explorations of virtual human resource development (VHRD) were published in the 12(6) issue of Advances, but these articles were only an initial step toward conceptualization. New perspectives on VHRD have developed over the past 4 years, particularly about human resource development’s (HRD) role in the development of new technology.

The Solution

This article provides a brief overview of existing published literature on VHRD, offers new conceptualizations of HRD’s role with technology development, and introduces the articles in this issue that advance their own new perspectives. This article argues that HRD must adopt new skills and develop explanatory models for growing organizational learning capacity in virtual work.

The Stakeholders

This article is of interest to practitioners and managers who lead technology projects and work within technology-enabled professional environments, as well as scholars interested in studying VHRD.
Hypoxia-regulated gene network in drug resistance and cancer progression
Authors: Lin Shao-Chieh , Liao Wan-Lin , Lee Jenq-Chang , Tsai Shaw-Jenq
Published: May 2014

Hypoxia is a common phenomenon of solid tumors and contributes to aggressive phenotype and treatment failure. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), a versatile transcription factor that regulates more than 5% of total human genes, not only plays important roles in controlling physiological processes, but is also a crucial mediator in hypoxia-induced tumor progression and chemoresistance. Overexpression of HIF-1α is detected in a wide spectrum of cancers via different kinds of mechanisms, including reduced oxygen concentration, loss-of-function of tumor suppressor gene, activating mutation of oncogenes, and hyperactivation of protein kinase signaling pathways. HIF-regulated genes involve in many pathological processes such as metabolic switch, drug efflux, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and anti-apoptosis, which ultimately leads to increased tumor growth and drug resistance. Due to the common failure of classic chemotherapeutic agents in treating hypoxic cancers, novel strategies have been developed to target tumors under hypoxic conditions including inhibition of HIF activity and administration of bioreductive drugs. These new strategies may provide more effective and specific methods in targeting hypoxic tumors.
MicroRNA-30a promotes invasiveness and metastasis in vitro and in vivo through epithelial–mesenchymal transition and results in poor survival of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Wang Hai-Yun , Li Yang-Yang , Fu Sha , Wang Xiao-Pai , Huang Ma-Yan , Zhang Xiao , Shao Qiong , Deng Ling , Zeng Mu-Sheng , Zeng Yi-Xin , Shao Jian-Yong
Published: May 2014

Although microRNA-30a (miR-30a) has been shown to regulate cancer metastasis, the molecular mechanism has not yet been clearly elucidated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The present study was to investigate the miR-30a expression pattern and its potential functions and further to identify its target gene and corresponding clinical applications in NPC. MiR-30a was identified to be down-regulated in NPC primary tumors compared with metastatic tumors using quantitative real-time PCR. Furthermore, over-expression of miR-30a transfected with precursor increased the ability of metastasis and invasion of NPC tumor cells in vivo and in vitro. E-cadherin was screened as a putative target gene of miR-30a by computational algorithms. Luciferase reporter assays showed that over-expression of miR-30a directly reduced the activity of a luciferase transcript combined with the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of E-cadherin. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and log-rank test were analyzed for 1077 NPC patients for overall survival, indicating that a high expression of E-cadherin was beneficial for NPC prognosis ( P = 0.001). Importantly, NPC patients with high expression of E-cadherin had much lower risk of poor prognosis (hazard ratio = 0.757, P = 0.017) using multivariate analysis. In conclusion, miR-30a could play an important role in regulating NPC metastasis and potentially provide useful guidelines for individualized therapy.
Eco-efficiency of Service Co-production
Authors: Zhang Jie J. , Joglekar Nitin , Heineke Janelle , Verma Rohit
Published: May 2014

This study investigates the relationship between eco-certifications (second or third party certified with an audit requirement) and resource efficiency in the U.S. hotel industry. Hotel properties become eco-certified by voluntarily conforming to environmental practice guidelines established by a certifying body, which assesses and recognizes the properties that meet their criteria. Eco-certifications therefore are key environmental sustainability initiatives that address both the internal operations and external customers. Based on regression analysis of 2,893 U.S. hotel properties for the year 2011, this analysis shows that eco-certified hotels maintain higher operational efficiency, as well as greater customer-driven resource efficiency, in comparison with properties with lesser or no eco-certifications. These results suggest that eco-certifications influence the resource consumption behavior of both the operators and the customers, although these effects are not consistent for all properties. The improvement from the operational effect is most pronounced in lower-tier properties, while the customer efficiency effect is most noticeable in upper-tier properties.
Worth Keeping but Not Exceeding
Authors: Gneezy Ayelet , Epley Nicholas
Published: May 2014

Promises are social contracts that can be broken, kept, or exceeded. Breaking one’s promise is evaluated more negatively than keeping one’s promise. Does expending more effort to exceed a promise lead to equivalently more positive evaluations? Although linear in their outcomes, we expected an asymmetry in evaluations of broken, kept, and exceeded promises. Whereas breaking one’s promise is obviously negative compared to keeping a promise, we predicted that exceeding one’s promise would not be evaluated more positively than merely keeping a promise. Three sets of experiments involving hypothetical, recalled, and actual promises support these predictions. A final experiment suggests this asymmetry comes from overvaluing kept promises rather than undervaluing exceeded promises. We suggest this pattern may reflect a general tendency in social systems to discourage selfishness and reward cooperation. Breaking one’s promise is costly, but exceeding it does not appear worth the effort.
Caesarean bladder and ureteric injuries in the UK
Authors: Rashid Tina G , Revicky Vladimir , Terry Tim R
Published: May 2014

Lower segment caesarean section (LSCS)-related lower urinary tract injuries are rare. The incidence is rising because of the increasing number of LCSCs being performed. In this review, we classify such injuries into three types and outline their management.
Native and Non-Native English Language Teachers
Authors: Walkinshaw Ian , Oanh Duongthi Hoang
Published: May 2014

The English language teaching industry in East and Southeast Asia subscribes to an assumption that native English-speaking teachers (NESTs) are the gold standard of spoken and written language, whereas non-native English-speaking teachers (non-NESTs) are inferior educators because they lack this innate linguistic skill. But does this premise correspond with the views of second language learners? This article reports on research carried out with university students in Vietnam and Japan exploring the advantages and disadvantages of learning English from NESTs and non-NESTs. Contrary to the above notion, our research illuminated a number of perceived advantages—and disadvantages—in both types of teachers. Students viewed NESTs as models of pronunciation and correct language use, as well as being repositories of cultural knowledge, but they also found NESTs poor at explaining grammar, and their different cultures created tension. Non-NESTs were perceived as good teachers of grammar, and had the ability to resort to the students’ first language when necessary. Students found classroom interaction with non-NESTs easier because of their shared culture. Non-NESTs’ pronunciation was often deemed inferior to that of NESTs, but also easier to comprehend. Some respondents advocated learning from both types of teachers, depending on learners’ proficiency and the skill being taught.
Unilateral hypoplastic kidney - a novel highly penetrant feature of familial juvenile hyperuricaemic nephropathy
Authors: Plumb Lucy A , Marlais Matko , Bierzynska Agnieszka , Martin Howard , Brugger Kim , Abbs Stephen , Saleem Moin A
Published: May 2014

Background

Familial juvenile hyperuricaemic nephropathy is a rare inherited nephropathy with genetic heterogeneity. Categorised by genetic defect, mutations in uromodulin (UMOD), renin (REN) and hepatocyte nuclear factor-1β (HNF-1β) genes as well as linkage to chromosome 2p22.1-21 have previously been identified. Knowledge of the genetics of this phenotype has provided important clues to developmental pathways in the kidney.

Case presentation

We report a novel phenotype, with the typical features of hyperuricemia and renal deterioration, but with the additional unexpected feature of unilateral renal hypoplasia. Mutation analyses of the existing known genes and genetic loci were negative indicating a new monogenic cause. Interestingly two cousins of the index case did not share the latter feature, suggesting a modifier gene effect.

Conclusion

Unilateral renal hypo/aplasia is usually sporadic and relatively common, with no genetic cause to date identified. This reported pedigree reveals the possibility that a new, unknown renal developmental gene may be implicated in the FJHN phenotype.
European Adrenal Insufficiency Registry (EU-AIR): a comparative observational study of glucocorticoid replacement therapy
Authors: Ekman Bertil , Fitts David , Marelli Claudio , Murray Robert D , Quinkler Marcus , Zelissen Pierre MJ
Published: May 2014

Background

Increased morbidity and mortality associated with conventional glucocorticoid replacement therapy for primary adrenal insufficiency (primary AI; estimated prevalence 93–140/million), secondary AI (estimated prevalence, 150–280/million, respectively) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (estimated prevalence, approximately 65/million) may be due to the inability of typical glucocorticoid treatment regimens to reproduce the normal circadian profile of plasma cortisol. A once-daily modified-release formulation of hydrocortisone has been developed to provide a plasma cortisol profile that better mimics the daytime endogenous profile of cortisol. Here, we describe the protocol for the European Adrenal Insufficiency Registry (EU-AIR), an observational study to assess the long-term safety of modified-release hydrocortisone compared with conventional glucocorticoid replacement therapies in routine clinical practice (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01661387).

Methods

Patients enrolled in EU-AIR have primary or secondary AI and are receiving either modified-release or conventional glucocorticoid replacement therapy. The primary endpoints of EU-AIR are the incidence of intercurrent illness, adrenal crisis and serious adverse events (SAEs), as well as the duration of SAEs and dose changes related to SAEs. Data relating to morbidity, mortality, adverse drug reactions, dosing and concomitant therapies will be collected. Patient diaries will record illness-related dose changes between visits. All decisions concerning medical care are made by the registry physician and patient. Enrolment is targeted at achieving 3600 patient-years of treatment (1800 patient-years per group) for the primary analysis, which is focused on determining the non-inferiority of once-daily modified-release replacement therapy compared with conventional glucocorticoid therapy.

Results

Recruitment began in August 2012 and, as of March 2014, 801 patients have been enrolled. Fifteen centres are participating in Germany, the UK and Sweden, with recruitment soon to be initiated in the Netherlands.

Conclusions

EU-AIR will provide a unique opportunity not only to collect long-term safety data on a modified-release preparation of glucocorticoid but also to evaluate baseline data on conventional glucocorticoid replacement. Such data should help to improve the treatment of AI.
Changes in breaststroke swimming performances in national and international athletes competing between 1994 and 2011 –a comparison with freestyle swimming performances
Authors: Wolfrum Mathias , Rüst Christoph Alexander , Rosemann Thomas , Lepers Romuald , Knechtle Beat
Published: May 2014

Background

The purpose of the present study was to analyse potential changes in performance of elite breaststroke swimmers competing at national and international level and to compare to elite freestyle swimming performance.

Methods

Temporal trends in performance of elite breaststroke swimmers were analysed from records of the Swiss Swimming Federation and the FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation) World Swimming Championships during the 1994–2011 period. Swimming speeds of elite female and male breaststroke swimmers competing in 50 m, 100 m, and 200 m were examined using linear regression, non-linear regression and analysis of variance. Results of breaststroke swimmers were compared to results of freestyle swimmers.

Results

Swimming speed in both strokes improved significantly (p < 0.0001-0.025) over time for both sexes, with the exception of 50 m breaststroke for FINA men. Sex differences in swimming speed increased significantly over time for Swiss freestyle swimmers (p < 0.0001), but not for FINA swimmers for freestyle, while the sex difference remained stable for Swiss and FINA breaststroke swimmers. The sex differences in swimming speed decreased significantly (p < 0.0001) with increasing race distance.

Conclusions

The present study showed that elite male and female swimmers competing during the 1994–2011 period at national and international level improved their swimming speed in both breaststroke and freestyle. The sex difference in freestyle swimming speed consistently increased in athletes competing at national level, whereas it remained unchanged in athletes competing at international level. Future studies should investigate temporal trends for recent time in other strokes, to determine whether this improvement is a generalized phenomenon.
Synthesis and characterization of molecularly imprinted polymers for the remediation of PCBs and dioxins in aqueous environments
Authors: Sikiti Phumile , Msagati Titus AM , Mamba Bhekie B , Mishra Ajay K
Published: May 2014

This paper, reports on the approach devised to remediate water sources contaminated with PCBs and dioxins. The approach reported is based on the synthesis of highly selective molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). The paper elaborates the materials, procedures and protocols devised and followed for the synthesis of MIPs. The characterization of the synthesized MIPs and NIPs were performed using a number of techniques, such as FTIR, SEM, etc. The FTIR results show a broad OH stretching vibration peaks associated with methacrylic acid carboxylic group (COOH). at 3710 cm-1 for NIP and 3588 cm-1 for MIP, -CH2 stretching peak at 2953 cm-1for NIP, peaks due to the presence of methylene group in both MAA and EDMA appearing at 2951 cm-1 for MIP. The carbonyl group C = O stretching peak was observed in both MIP and NIP at 1721 cm-1 and this might have originated from MAA and EDMA respectively in both MIP and NIP. Weak combination bands from 1637 cm-1 to 1249 cm-1 and sharp bands at 1143 cm-1 specifically on MIPs spectra indicated the presence of aromatic ring of the template. The surface area of MIP was found to be 74.0010 m2/g, thus larger than that for NIP which was 58.6519 m2/g due to the presence of cavities on MIPs. The fit of the Langmuir model was found to be r 2 = 0.5842 while Freundlich model were found to be r2 = 0.3241, signifying that better correlation was with Langmuir than Freundlich.
New insights into the mechanisms involved in B-type natriuretic peptide elevation and its prognostic value in septic patients
Authors: Papanikolaou John , Makris Demosthenes , Mpaka Maria , Palli Eleni , Zygoulis Paris , Zakynthinos Epaminondas
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Elevated plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with critical sepsis (severe sepsis and septic shock) may indicate septic cardiomyopathy. However, multiple heterogeneous conditions may also be involved in increased BNP level. In addition, the prognostic value of BNP in sepsis remains debatable. In this study, we sought to discover potential independent determinants of BNP elevation in critical sepsis. The prognostic value of BNP was also evaluated.

Methods

In this observational study, we enrolled mechanically ventilated, critically septic patients requiring hemodynamic monitoring through a pulmonary artery catheter. All clinical, laboratory and survival data were prospectively collected. Plasma BNP concentrations were measured daily for five consecutive days. Septic cardiomyopathy was assessed on day 1 on the basis of left and right ventricular ejection fractions (EF) derived from echocardiography and thermodilution, respectively. Mortality was recorded at day 28.

Results

A total of 42 patients with severe sepsis (N = 12) and septic shock (N = 30) were ultimately enrolled. Daily BNP levels were significantly elevated in septic shock patients compared with those with severe sepsis (P ≤0.002). Critical illness severity (assessed by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and maximum Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores), and peak noradrenaline dose on day 1 were independent determinants of BNP elevation (P <0.05). Biventricular EFs were inversely correlated with longitudinal BNP measurements (P <0.05), but not independently. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (PCWP) and volume expansion showed no correlation with BNP. In septic shock, increased central venous pressure (CVP) and CVP/PCWP ratio were independently associated with early BNP values (P <0.05).

Twenty-eight-day mortality was 47.6% (20 of 42 patients). Daily BNP values poorly predicted outcome; BNP on day 1 > 800 pg/ml (the best cutoff point) fairly predicted mortality, with a sensitivity%, specificity% and area under the curve values of 65, 64 and 0.70, respectively (95% confidence interval = 0.54 to 0.86; P = 0.03). Plasma BNP levels declined faster in survivors than in nonsurvivors in both critical sepsis and septic shock (P ≤0.002). In septic shock, a BNP/CVP ratio >126 pg/mmHg/ml on day 2 and inability to reduce BNP <500 pg/ml implied increased mortality (P ≤0.036).

Conclusions

The severity of critical illness, rather than septic cardiomyopathy, is probably the major determinant of BNP elevation in patients with critical sepsis. Daily BNP values are of limited prognostic value in predicting 28-day mortality; however, fast BNP decline over time and a decrease in BNP <500 pg/ml may imply a favorable outcome.