bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Results (≤18 Years) of the Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair Without Annuloplasty in Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: De Bonis Michele , Lapenna Elisabetta , Maisano Francesco , Barili Fabio , La Canna Giovanni , Buzzatti Nicola , Pappalardo Federico , Calabrese Mariachiara , Nisi Teodora , Alfieri Ottavio
Published: September 2014

Background—

To assess the long-term results of the edge-to-edge mitral repair performed without annuloplasty in degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR).

Methods and Results—

From 1993 to 2002, 61 patients with degenerative MR were treated with an isolated edge-to-edge suture without any annuloplasty. Annuloplasty was omitted in 36 patients because of heavy annular calcification and in 25 for limited annular dilatation. A double-orifice repair was performed in 53 patients and a commissural edge-to-edge in 8. Hospital mortality was 1.6%. Follow-up was 100% complete (mean length, 9.2±4.21 years; median, 9.7; longest, 18.1). Survival at 12 years was 51.3±7.75%. At the last echocardiographic examination, MR ≥3+ was demonstrated in 33 patients (55%). At 12 years, freedom from reoperation was 57.8±7.21% and freedom from recurrence of MR ≥3+ was 43±7.6%. Residual MR >1+ at hospital discharge was identified as a risk factor for recurrence of MR ≥3+ (hazard ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–8.2;
P
=0.001). In patients with residual MR ≤1+ immediately after surgery, freedom from MR ≥3+ at 5 and 10 years was 80±6% and 64±7.58%, respectively.

Conclusions—

In degenerative MR, the overall long-term results of the surgical edge-to-edge technique without annuloplasty are not satisfactory. Early optimal competence (residual MR ≤1+) was associated with higher freedom from recurrent severe regurgitation.
Hyperglycemia Inhibits Cardiac Stem Cell–Mediated Cardiac Repair and Angiogenic Capacity
Authors: Molgat André S.D. , Tilokee Everad L. , Rafatian Ghazaleh , Vulesevic Branka , Ruel Marc , Milne Ross , Suuronen Erik J. , Davis Darryl R.
Published: September 2014

Background—

The impact of diabetes mellitus on the cardiac regenerative potential of cardiac stem cells (CSCs) is unknown yet critical, given that individuals with diabetes mellitus may well require CSC therapy in the future. Using human and murine CSCs from diabetic cardiac tissue, we tested the hypothesis that hyperglycemic conditions impair CSC function.

Methods and Results—

CSCs cultured from the cardiac biopsies of patients with diabetes mellitus (hemoglobin A1c, 10±2%) demonstrated reduced overall cell numbers compared with nondiabetic sourced biopsies (
P
=0.04). When injected into the infarct border zone of immunodeficient mice 1 week after myocardial infarction, CSCs from patients with diabetes mellitus demonstrated reduced cardiac repair compared with nondiabetic patients. Conditioned medium from CSCs of patients with diabetes mellitus displayed a reduced ability to promote in vitro blood vessel formation (
P
=0.02). Similarly, conditioned medium from CSCs cultured from the cardiac biopsies of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice displayed impaired angiogenic capacity (
P
=0.0008). Somatic gene transfer of the methylglyoxal detoxification enzyme, glyoxalase-1, restored the angiogenic capacity of diabetic CSCs (diabetic transgenic versus nondiabetic transgenic;
P
=0.8). Culture of nondiabetic murine cardiac biopsies under high (25 mmol/L) glucose conditions reduced CSC yield (
P
=0.003), impaired angiogenic (
P
=0.02) and chemotactic (
P
=0.003) response, and reduced CSC-mediated cardiac repair (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

Diabetes mellitus reduces the ability of CSCs to repair injured myocardium. Both diabetes mellitus and preconditioning CSCs in high glucose attenuated the proangiogenic capacity of CSCs. Increased expression of glyoxalase-1 restored the proangiogenic capacity of diabetic CSCs, suggesting a means of reversing diabetic CSC dysfunction by interfering with the accumulation of reactive dicarbonyls.
Clinical Outcomes After Implantation of a Centrifugal Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device and Concurrent Cardiac Valve Procedures
Authors: Milano Carmelo , Pagani Francis D. , Slaughter Mark S. , Pham Duc Thinh , Hathaway David R. , Jacoski Mary V. , Najarian Kevin B. , Aaronson Keith D.
Published: September 2014

Background—

Cardiac valve procedures are commonly performed concurrently during implantation of left ventricular assist devices, but the added procedural risk has not been studied in detail.

Methods and Results—

Data from patients receiving the HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device in the ADVANCE bridge to transplant (BTT) trial and continued access protocol were reviewed. Of 382 consecutive patients who completed follow-up between August 2008 and June 2013 (mean time on support 389 days, median 271 days), 262 (68.6%) underwent isolated HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device implantation, 75 (19.6%) a concurrent valve procedure, and 45 (11.8%) concurrent nonvalvular procedures. Of the concurrent valve procedures, 56 were tricuspid, 13 aortic, and 6 mitral. Survival was similar between groups (79% for concurrent valve procedures and 85% for HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device only at 1 year;
P
=0.33). Concurrent valve procedures were also associated with increased unadjusted early right heart failure (RHF). A multivariable analysis for death and RHF (121 total events) identified female sex (odds ratio=2.0 [95% confidence interval, 1.2–3.3;
P
=0.0053]) and preimplant tricuspid regurgitation severity (odds ratio=2.9 [95% confidence interval, 1.8–4.8,
P
<0.0001]) as independent predictors while concurrent tricuspid valve procedures (TVP) were not predictors. Furthermore, patients with significant preimplant tricuspid regurgitation who did not receive a TVP experienced an increased rate of late RHF compared with those who received TVP (0.19 versus 0.05 events per patient-year, respectively;
P
=0.024).

Conclusions—

Compared with HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device alone, survival was equivalent for the concurrent valve procedure group. Tricuspid regurgitation severity was the most important predictor of increased postoperative RHF, and concurrent TVP was not an independent predictor of RHF overall. Concurrent TVP may reduce the rate of late RHF for patients with significant preimplant tricuspid insufficiency.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00751972.
Cross Talk of Combined Gene and Cell Therapy in Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Ong Sang-Ging , Lee Won Hee , Huang Mei , Dey Devaveena , Kodo Kazuki , Sanchez-Freire Veronica , Gold Joseph D. , Wu Joseph C.
Published: September 2014

Background—

Despite the promise shown by stem cells for restoration of cardiac function after myocardial infarction, the poor survival of transplanted cells has been a major issue. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF1) is a transcription factor that mediates adaptive responses to ischemia. Here, we hypothesize that codelivery of cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) with a nonviral minicircle plasmid carrying HIF1 (MC-HIF1) into the ischemic myocardium can improve the survival of transplanted CPCs.

Methods and Results—

After myocardial infarction, CPCs were codelivered intramyocardially into adult NOD/SCID mice with saline, MC-green fluorescent protein, or MC-HIF1 versus MC-HIF1 alone (n=10 per group). Bioluminescence imaging demonstrated better survival when CPCs were codelivered with MC-HIF1. Importantly, echocardiography showed mice injected with CPCs+MC-HIF1 had the highest ejection fraction 6 weeks after myocardial infarction (57.1±2.6%;
P
=0.002) followed by MC-HIF1 alone (48.5±2.6%;
P
=0.04), with no significant protection for CPCs+MC-green fluorescent protein (44.8±3.3%;
P
=NS) when compared with saline control (38.7±3.2%). In vitro mechanistic studies confirmed that cardiac endothelial cells produced exosomes that were actively internalized by recipient CPCs. Exosomes purified from endothelial cells overexpressing HIF1 had higher contents of miR-126 and miR-210. These microRNAs activated prosurvival kinases and induced a glycolytic switch in recipient CPCs, giving them increased tolerance when subjected to in vitro hypoxic stress. Inhibiting both of these miRs blocked the protective effects of the exosomes.

Conclusions—

In summary, HIF1 can be used to modulate the host microenvironment for improving survival of transplanted cells. The exosomal transfer of miRs from host cells to transplanted cells represents a unique mechanism that can be potentially targeted for improving survival of transplanted cells.
Cardiac Tissue Slice Transplantation as a Model to Assess Tissue-Engineered Graft Thickness, Survival, and Function
Authors: Riegler Johannes , Gillich Astrid , Shen Qi , Gold Joseph D. , Wu Joseph C.
Published: September 2014

Background—

Cell therapies offer the potential to improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction. Although injection of single-cell suspensions has proven safe, cell retention and survival rates are low. Tissue-engineered grafts allow cell delivery with minimal initial cell loss and mechanical support to the heart. However, graft performance cannot be easily compared, and optimal construct thickness, vascularization, and survival kinetics are unknown.

Methods and Results—

Cardiac tissue slices (CTS) were generated by sectioning mouse hearts (n=40) expressing firefly luciferase and green fluorescent protein into slices of defined size and thickness using a vibrating blade microtome. Bioluminescence imaging of CTS transplanted onto hearts of immunodeficient mice demonstrated survival of ≤30% of transplanted cells. Cardiac slice perfusion was re-established within 3 days, likely through anastomosis of pre-existing vessels with the host vasculature and invasion of vessels from the host. Immunofluorescence showed a peak in cell death 3 days after transplantation and a gradual decline thereafter. MRI revealed preservation of contractile function and an improved ejection fraction 1 month after transplantation of CTS (28±2% CTS versus 22±2% control;
P
=0.05). Importantly, this effect was specific to CTS because transplantation of skeletal muscle tissue slices led to faster dilative remodeling and higher animal mortality.

Conclusions—

In summary, this is the first study to use CTS as a benchmark to validate and model tissue-engineered graft studies. CTS transplantation improved cell survival, established reperfusion, and enhanced cardiac function after myocardial infarction. These findings also confirm that dilative remodeling can be attenuated by topical transplantation of CTS but not skeletal muscle tissue grafts.
Contribution to the knowledge of cotylean flatworms (Turbellaria, Polycladida) from Iranian coasts: Introducing a new species, with remarks on new records
Authors: MAGHSOUDLOU ABDOLVAHAB , RAHIMIAN HASSAN
Published: September 2014

Very little information is available regarding marine free-living flatworms not only from Iran, but throughout the countries surrounding the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The present study first introduces a new euryleptid species, and then reports four pseudocerotid polyclads which inhabit Iranian shallow rocky shores of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Maritigrella makranica sp. nov. is characterized dorsally by a medial cream or white reticulated appearance containing pale orange spots in a honeycomb pattern, a distinct orange submarginal band around the entire body margin and between the marginal tentacles, black spots scattered around mid-dorsal surface, becoming more sparse on raised median region and towards body margin, surrounded by a dark-grey halo around the body midline and orange-black halo towards margin. Three of the four pseudocerotids species belonging to the genera Pseudobiceros Faubel, 1984; Pseudoceros Lang, 1884; and Thysanozoon Grube, 1840, are new records for the studied areas, while the other has been reported in the Persian Gulf previously. Comments on Iranian species are provided and associations of flatworms with ascidians and sponges were observed.
Validation of the taxon Ixodes aragaoi Fonseca (Acari: Ixodidae) based on morphological and molecular data
Authors: ONOFRIO VALERIA C. , RAMIREZ DIEGO G. , GIOVANNI DALTON N. S. , MARCILI ARLEI , MANGOLD ATILIO J. , VENZAL JOSÉ M. , MENDONÇA RONALDO Z. , LABRUNA MARCELO B. , BARROS-BATTESTI DARCI M.
Published: September 2014

The species Ixodes aragaoi Fonseca was described as Ixodes ricinus aragaoi, and later placed in synonymy with Ixodes affinis. However, this synonymy was rejected and the subspecies was elevated to species, and named as I. aragaoi. Some researchers did not consider the validity of I. aragaoi and maintained the synonymy proposed until 1998 when I. aragaoi was revalidated, and it was suggested that Ixodes pararicinus could be a synonym. The aim of this study was to confirm the taxonomic validity of I. aragaoi by means of redescription of adults and molecular analysis. Morphological studies were performed by optical and scanning electron microscopy; types of I. aragaoi were compared with those of I. pararicinus from Argentina, and also with material of I. pararicinus from Uruguay and I. affinis from the United States. Mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences were obtained for determining phylogenetic relationships based on maximum parsimony. Morphological and molecular differences between I. aragaoi, I. pararicinus from Argentina, and I. affinis confirm the validity of the first each of these species. The morphological similarities of I. pararicinus from Uruguay with I. aragaoi, and the small distance of nucleotide sequences between them, confirm that the Uruguayan ticks are in fact I. aragaoi and expand the geographical distribution of this species. Based on the specimens of Ixodes examined in the present study, from the same locality of the types of I. ricinus rochensis in Uruguay, we agree with the synonymy of this subspecies with I. aragaoi as previously reported. Finally, our analyses indicate that both I. aragaoi and Ixodes fuscipes, another South American tick species, belong to the I. ricinus complex, currently composed of 19 species.
Revision of Megascogaster (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Cheloninae), with a new species from Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: KITTEL REBECCA N.
Published: September 2014

Megascogaster wallacei sp. n. is described from Sulawesi, Indonesia. This is the first representative south of the Philippines and is only the second species of this rare genus described since the type species, M. elongata Baker, 1926. The presence of Megascogaster in Sulawesi, a part of Wallacea, points to a broader distribution of the genus in Southeast Asia. A redescription of M. elongata and a description of the new species M. wallacei are presented along with a key to separate them.
Molecular phylogeny and biogeography of the genus Acanthodactylus Fitzinger, 1834 (Reptilia: Lacertidae) in Iran, inferred from mtDNA Sequences
Authors: HEIDARI NASTARAN , RASTEGAR-POUYANI ESKANDAR , RASTEGAR-POUYANI NASRULLAH , FAIZI HIVA
Published: September 2014

Phylogenetic relationships of Iranian Acanthodactylus species were investigated using 1407 bp of mitochondrial DNA including 606 bp of cytochrome b and 801 bp of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4). Analyses done with maximum parsimony, maximum-likelihood, and Bayesian inference included 67 specimens from 27 geographically distinct localities in Iran. Our molecular results proposed three clear and geographically isolated clades by their phylogenetic positions and genetic differences. These three major clades are: (1) A. micropholis+ A. grandis+ A. khamirensis; (2) A. blanfordi+ A. schmidti+ Acanthodactylus sp1; (3) A. nilsoni+ A. boskianus + Acanthodactylus sp2. The phylogenetic analyses of the genus did not group A. grandis with the remaining species of the A. boskianus group and clustered it along with A. khamirensis within the A. micropholis group. In addition, phylogenetic results revealed a monophyletic status for A. schmidti and A. micropholis groups. Molecular clock approach indicated that the most recent divergence event splits A. micropholis from A. khamirensis about 2 MYA and results of dispersal-vicariance analyses showed that this diversification occurred by dispersal event rather than vicariance. Results of Reconstruct Ancestral State in Phylogenies (RASP) showed that Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA) of A. micropholis, A. blanfordi and A. sp1 originated in eastern Iran. The first diversification of the genus in Iran most likely occurred between 8.5–9 MYA corresponding with the hypothesis that the genus has entered Iran long after the complete uplifting of the Zagros Mts. (10–12 MYA) which limited its dispersal only to the Persian Gulf shores and western slopes of the Zagros Mts.
Expanding the geographic cytogenetic studies in the bush crickets Eneoptera surinamensis (De Geer, 1773) (Orthoptera, Gryllidae, Eneopterinae) from Brazilian Atlantic and Amazon Forest
Authors: ZEFA EDISON , CORDEIRO JULIANA , BLAUTH MONICA L. , ROCHA MARLA P. , SILVA ANELISE F. E , COSTA MARIA KÁTIA MATIOTTI DA , MARTINS LUCIANO DE PINHO
Published: September 2014

The tropical bush cricket Eneoptera surinamensis (De Geer, 1773) shows a peculiar karyotype with 2n = 9 for males, and 2n = 10 for females, with X1X2Y♂ sex mechanism systems whose origin remains unclear, probably arisen by a two-step chromosome rearrangements, including an X acrocentric and two pair of autosomal acrocentric chromosomes (Mesa & Bran 1964; Ferreira & Cella 2006). This sex system contrasts with the less derived X0♂ found in the majority of the Orthoptera species (White 1973; Hewitt 1979).
Two Modes of Change of the Distribution of Rain*
Authors: Pendergrass Angeline G. , Hartmann Dennis L.
Published: September 2014

The frequency and intensity of rainfall determine its character and may change with climate. A methodology for characterizing the frequency and amount of rainfall as functions of the rain rate is developed. Two modes of response are defined, one in which the distribution of rainfall increases in equal fraction at all rain rates and one in which the rainfall shifts to higher or lower rain rates without a change in mean rainfall.

This description of change is applied to the tropical distribution of daily rainfall over ENSO phases in models and observations. The description fits observations and most models well, although some models also have an extreme mode in which the frequency increases at extremely high rain rates. The multimodel mean from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) agrees with observations in showing a very large shift of 14%–15% K−1, indicating large increases in the heaviest rain rates associated with El Niño. Models with an extreme mode response to global warming do not agree as well with observations of the rainfall response to El Niño.
Changes in the Distribution of Rain Frequency and Intensity in Response to Global Warming*
Authors: Pendergrass Angeline G. , Hartmann Dennis L.
Published: September 2014

Changes in the frequency and intensity of rainfall are an important potential impact of climate change. Two modes of change, a shift and an increase, are applied to simulations of global warming with models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). The response to CO2 doubling in the multimodel mean of CMIP5 daily rainfall is characterized by an increase of 1% K−1 at all rain rates and a shift to higher rain rates of 3.3% K−1. In addition to these increase and shift modes of change, some models also show a substantial increase in rainfall at the highest rain rates called the extreme mode of response to warming. In some models, this extreme mode can be shown to be associated with increases in grid-scale condensation or gridpoint storms.
A New Cloud Screening Algorithm for Ground-Based Direct-Beam Solar Radiation
Authors: Chen Maosi , Davis John , Gao Wei
Published: September 2014

Cloud screening of direct-beam solar radiation is an essential step for in situ calibration and atmospheric properties retrieval. The internal cloud screening module of a Langley analysis program [Langley Analyzer (LA)] used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) UV-B Monitoring and Research Program (UVMRP) is used for screening the uncalibrated direct-beam measurements and for deriving Langley offset voltages for calibration of the UV version of the Multifilter Rotating Shadowband Radiometer (UV-MFRSR). The current LA cloud screening module utilizes data from extended clear-sky periods and tends to ignore shorter periods that typify periods of broken cloudiness, and as a result, fewer values are generated for sites with higher frequencies of cloudy days (cloudy sites). A new cloud screening algorithm is presented that calculates the total optical depth (TOD) difference between a target point and pairs of points, and identifies the target as cloudy if the mean TOD difference exceeds a certain threshold. The screening is an iterative process that finishes when no new cloudy points are found. The result at a typical clear/sunny site shows that values from partly cloudy days are consistent with those from cloud-free days, when the new method is employed. The new cloud screening algorithm picks up significantly more values at cloudy sites. The larger decrease of the annual mean value of at cloudy sites than at relatively clear sites suggests the potential for improving calibration accuracy at cloudy sites. The results also show that the new cloud screening method is capable of detecting clear points in short clear windows and in transitional regions.
Implementing Enrichment Clusters in Elementary Schools
Authors: Fiddyment Gail E.
Published: September 2014

Enrichment clusters offer a way for schools to encourage a high level of learning as students and adults work together to develop a product, service, or performance by applying advanced knowledge and authentic processes to real-world problems. This study utilized a qualitative research design to examine the perceptions and experiences of two enrichment specialists who led the implementation of enrichment clusters in their schools. The perceptions of the participants hold particular value, as the success of clusters depends heavily on the ability of the specialist to effectively plan and organize clusters so that they meet the needs of administrators, teachers, students, and parents. Findings indicated that the participants felt that clusters were worthwhile, despite the time and effort required for implementation. A number of factors were considered critical for the success of clusters, including time and money, teachers as facilitators, focusing on student interests, and planning for rules, routines, and procedures. In addition, the participants identified several ways in which clusters were adapted in order to meet the needs of the school. The study indicates implications, and limitations of these findings are also discussed.
Predictors of Attitudes to Gifted Programs/Provisions
Authors: Jung Jae Yup
Published: September 2014

This study investigated whether a number of cultural orientation, sociodemographic, academic achievement, and personal/personal experience variables predict attitudes toward the provision of special programs/provisions for gifted students. Surveys completed by 241 Australian preservice teachers were analyzed using confirmatory factor analyses and multiple regression analyses. The findings suggest that (a) low power distance orientation, contact with gifted persons, and older age predict support for special gifted programs/provisions and (b) the lack of prior experience of an advanced/extended curriculum in a regular classroom and younger age predict the perception that special gifted programs/provisions are elitist.
Sources of Variation in the Efficiency of Adopting Management Innovation: The Role of Absorptive Capacity Routines, Managerial Attention and Organizational Legitimacy
Authors: Peeters Carine , Massini Silvia , Lewin Arie Y.
Published: September 2014

Drawing on two in-depth case studies, this paper develops a conceptual model of how absorptive capacity routines and their underlying processes of evolution influence the efficiency of management innovation adaptation processes. The model highlights three important relations. First, although different configurations of absorptive capacity routines can lead to the successful implementation of the same management innovation – namely the reconfiguration of firms’ value chains through sourcing of business services from offshore countries – the sequence of developing routines, their adequacy, and the interdependencies fit between routines partly explain how rapidly and seamlessly a firm is able to implement a management innovation. Second, we identify managerial attention and organizational legitimacy as two critical and interrelated sources of variation of the efficiency in the process of adopting and adapting management innovations. Finally, attention direction by a top-level internal change agent is more effective than local problemistic search to foster managerial attention and organizational legitimacy to both the management innovation to be adopted, and the need to develop and put into practice an appropriate set of absorptive capacity routines.
Footnotes to Research on Management Innovation
Authors: Damanpour Fariborz
Published: September 2014

Management innovations, also called organizational, administrative, and managerial innovations, are nontechnological innovations that have been conceptualized in contrast to technology-based product and process innovations and pertain to new organizational structures, administrative systems, and management practices. This paper provides a perspective on the state of research on this innovation type. It asks why research on management innovation lags that of technological innovation and compiles five footnotes, each addressing an important aspect of studying innovation in organizations, and, together, they explain conceptual ambiguity and methodological challenges that have hindered research on management innovation. The footnotes also highlight the opportunities that research on management innovation could provide for a better understanding of the influence of innovation on organizational conduct and outcome.
Advancing Management Innovation: Synthesizing Processes, Levels of Analysis, and Change Agents
Authors: Volberda Henk W. , Van Den Bosch Frans A.J. , Mihalache Oli R.
Published: September 2014

Despite the mounting evidence that innovation in management can fuel competitive advantage, we still know relatively little about how firms introduce new ways of managing. The goal of this introductory essay—and the Themed Section it introduces—is to advance this knowledge. To this end, we first synthesize the main developments in the field of management innovation and show that the field has branched into four main theoretical perspectives (rational, institutional, international business, and theory development perspectives). We then address the fragmentation issue that emerges from our review by proposing a co-evolutionary framework of management innovation that takes into account the dynamic and multilevel nature of the concept; we thus integrate the generation, diffusion, adoption, and adaptation phases of the management innovation process at the organizational, inter-organizational and macro level. Our integrative framework also addresses the role of human agency (managerial intentionality of internal and external change agents) and makes a distinction between three types of management innovations (new to the world, new to the organization and adapted to its context, and new to the organization without adaptation). Furthermore, we discuss the contributions of the studies included in the Themed Section and identify several avenues for future research that we consider priorities for driving the further development of the field.
Researchers’ experiences of focus group dynamics in Singapore, Australia and the Netherlands: troubling multicultural assumptions
Authors: Drury Vicki , Chiang Peggy Pei-Chia , Esterhuizen Philip , Freshwater Dawn , Taylor Beverley
Published: September 2014

Increasingly, research is being undertaken with people from diverse cultures, with many countries revitalising the foundations of their cultural heritage. Cultural sensitivity is an essential skill for researchers, and researchers are challenged to carefully consider cultural contexts of all research and data collection methods. In this paper, we describe and reflect on our experiences of facilitating qualitative research, specifically focus groups, across three continents and using a postmodern approach, deconstruct focus group utility. We offer four strategies for conducting focus groups that provide practical guidance suggestions for qualitative researchers facilitating focus groups in these populations. Our reflections reinforce that understanding our own multicultural assumptions and biases, being reflexive and mindful and using the suggested strategies to facilitate focus groups in different cultures may prevent researchers from adopting essentialist cultural stereotypes.
‘Work in progress’: nurse educators' views on preparing pre-registration nursing students in Wales for practice in multi-ethnic environments
Authors: Merrell Joy , Olumide Gillian , Khanom Ashrafunnesa
Published: September 2014

Nurses need to be adequately prepared to practise competently in increasingly ethnically diverse communities. This study explored nurse educators' views regarding the extent and nature of pre-registration nursing education intended to prepare students for multi-ethnic practice in Wales. A qualitative approach was taken with a purposive sample of programme directors ( n = 6), branch leaders and lecturers ( n = 25) and practice mentors ( n = 35). Data were collected through focus groups, interviews, questionnaire and documentary review. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis and three themes were identified: curriculum design and content, a theory–practice gap and personnel and material resources. Findings indicated that knowledge of the most effective way to prepare pre-registration nursing students for practice in multi-ethnic communities is ‘work in progress’ in Wales. Our findings raise questions about the extent to which the curriculum prepares students to engage with the Welsh social justice agenda. Improved clarity regarding what constitutes an adequate curriculum and improved preparation of nurse educators and mentors to competently and confidently prepare students for working within ethnically diverse communities is required.
Gate leakage current induced trapping in AlGaN/GaN Schottky-gate HFETs and MISHFETs
Authors: Liao Wen-Chia , Chen Yan-Lun , Chen Zheng-Xing , Chyi Jen-Inn , Hsin Yue-Ming
Published: September 2014

This study examined the correlation between the off-state leakage current and dynamic on-resistance (RON) transients in AlGaN/GaN heterostructure field-effect transistors (HFETs) with and without a gate insulator under various stress conditions. The RON transients in a Schottky-gate HFET (SGHFET) and metal-insulator-semiconductor HFET (MISHFET) were observed after applying various amounts of drain-source bias stress. The gate insulator in the MISHFET effectively reduced the electron injection from the gate, thereby mitigating the degradation in dynamic switching performance. However, at relaxation times exceeding 10 ms, additional detrapping occurred in both the SGHFET and MISHFET when the applied stress exceeded a critical voltage level, 50 V for the SGHFET and 60 V for MISHFET, resulting in resistive leakage current build-up and the formation of hot carriers. These high-energy carriers acted as ionized traps in the channel or buffer layers, which subsequently caused additional trapping and detrapping to occur in both HFETs during the dynamic switching test conducted.
Detecting documents forged by printing and copying
Authors: Shang Shize , Memon Nasir , Kong Xiangwei
Published: September 2014

This paper describes a method to distinguish documents produced by laser printers, inkjet printers, and electrostatic copiers, three commonly used document creation devices. The proposed approach can distinguish between documents produced by these sources based on features extracted from the characters in the documents. Hence, it can also be used to detect tampered documents produced by a mixture of these sources. We analyze the characteristics associated with laser/inkjet printers and electrostatic copiers and determine the signatures created by the different physical and technical processes involved in each type of printing. Based on the analysis of these signatures, we computed the features of noise energy, contour roughness, and average gradient. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to distinguish documents produced by laser printer, inkjet printer, and copier based on features extracted from individual characters in the documents. Experimental results show that this method has an average accuracy of 90% and works with JPEG compression.
Component resolved diagnosis: when should it be used?
Authors: Luengo Olga , Cardona Victòria
Published: September 2014

The knowledge on molecular allergy diagnosis is continuously evolving. It is now time for the clinician to integrate this knowledge and use it when needed to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and thus provide more precise therapeutic and avoidance measures. This review does not intend to comprehensively analyze all the available allergen molecules, but to provide some practical clues on use and interpretation of molecular allergy diagnosis. The potential role of component resolved diagnosis in circumstances such as the indication of allergen immunotherapy, pollen polysensitization, food allergy, latex allergy or anaphylaxis, is assessed. Interpreting the information provided by molecular allergy diagnosis needs a structured approach. It is necessary to evaluate single positivities and negativities, but also to appraise “the big picture” with perspective.
Individual in vitro effects of ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone on oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase in lymphocytes of broiler chickens
Authors: Lautert Claudia , Ferreiro Laerte , Wolkmer Patrícia , Paim Francine C , da Silva Cássia B , Jaques Jeandre AS , Lopes Sônia TA , Santurio Janio M
Published: September 2014

The contamination of consumer food and animal feed with toxigenic fungi has resulted in economic losses worldwide in animal industries. Mycotoxins are highly biologically reactive secondary metabolites and can inhibit protein synthesis and cell multiplication. Considering the cytotoxicity of mycotoxins, this experiment was performed to determine the in vitro influence of ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone on lipid peroxidation in lymphocytes of broiler chickens at different concentrations. This study has also evaluated whether the presence of these mycotoxins changes the acetylcholinesterase activity in lymphocytes, which is involved in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. Blood lymphocytes of broiler chickens were isolated through density gradient centrifugation and incubated with the respective mycotoxins at concentrations of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 μg/mL. Lipid peroxidation, which was evaluated through the amount of malondialdehyde measured in a thiobarbituric acid-reactive species test, and the enzymatic activity were analyzed at 24, 48 and 72 h. Results of the lipid peroxidation evaluation showed an increasing cytotoxicity relation: ochratoxin A > deoxynivalenol > zearalenone. Conversely, cytotoxicity was valued as zearalenone > deoxynivalenol > ochratoxin A in relation to the acetylcholinesterase enzymatic activity. At a concentration of 1 μg/mL, ochratoxin A and deoxynivalenol induced the highest cellular oxidative stress levels and the highest enzymatic activity at the majority of time points. However, the same mycotoxins, except at 1 μg/mL concentration, induced a reduction of lymphocytic lipid peroxidation 72 h after incubation, suggesting the action of a compensatory mechanism in these cells.
Interleukin-like epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition inducer activity is controlled by proteolytic processing and plasminogen–urokinase plasminogen activator receptor system–regulated secretion during breast cancer progression
Authors: Csiszar Agnes , Kutay Betül , Wirth Silvia , Schmidt Ulrike , Macho-Maschler Sabine , Schreiber Martin , Alacakaptan Memetcan , Vogel Georg F , Aumayr Karin , Huber Lukas A , Beug Hartmut
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Interleukin-like epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition inducer (ILEI) is an essential cytokine in tumor progression that is upregulated in several cancers, and its altered subcellular localization is a predictor of poor survival in human breast cancer. However, the regulation of ILEI activity and the molecular meaning of its altered localization remain elusive.

Methods

The influence of serum withdrawal, broad-specificity protease inhibitors, different serine proteases and plasminogen depletion on the size and amount of the secreted ILEI protein was investigated by Western blot analysis of EpRas cells. Proteases with ILEI-processing capacity were identified by carrying out an in vitro cleavage assay. Murine mammary tumor and metastasis models of EpC40 and 4T1 cells overexpressing different mutant forms of ILEI were used—extended with in vivo aprotinin treatment for the inhibition of ILEI-processing proteases—to test the in vivo relevance of proteolytic cleavage. Stable knockdown of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) in EpRas cells was performed to investigate the involvement of uPAR in ILEI secretion. The subcellular localization of the ILEI protein in tumor cell lines was analyzed by immunofluorescence. Immunohistochemistry for ILEI localization and uPAR expression was performed on two human breast cancer arrays, and ILEI and uPAR scores were correlated with the metastasis-free survival of patients.

Results

We demonstrate that secreted ILEI requires site-specific proteolytic maturation into its short form for its tumor-promoting function, which is executed by serine proteases, most efficiently by plasmin. Noncleaved ILEI is tethered to fibronectin-containing fibers of the extracellular matrix through a propeptide-dependent interaction. In addition to ILEI processing, plasmin rapidly increases ILEI secretion by mobilizing its intracellular protein pool in a uPAR-dependent manner. Elevated ILEI secretion correlates with an altered subcellular localization of the protein, most likely representing a shift into secretory vesicles. Moreover, altered subcellular ILEI localization strongly correlates with high tumor cell–associated uPAR protein expression, as well as with poor survival, in human breast cancer.

Conclusions

Our findings point out extracellular serine proteases, in particular plasmin, and uPAR as valuable therapeutic targets against ILEI-driven tumor progression and emphasize the prognostic relevance of ILEI localization and a combined ILEI-uPAR marker analysis in human breast cancer.
Postcolonial theory and false dichotomies
Authors: Bobako Monika
Published: September 2014

The very conceptual framework that structures Chris Lorenz’s argumentation in his book Bordercrossing is based on the contraposition of the two epistemological perspectives, named as “objectivism” and “relativism”, that are both supposed to be overcome in Lorenz’s own analysis. However, this framework is responsible for a number of interpretative inadequacies in Lorenz’s book – mainly because it is unable to grasp the ways in which power relations influence knowledge production processes and to account for the situatedness of any knowledge, including the one produced in a discipline of history.
Review of O. Varon-Vassard's Η ανάδυση μιας δύσκολης μνήμης. Κείμενα για τη γενοκτονία των Εβραίων [The emergence of a difficult memory: Texts on the genocide of the Jews]
Authors: Gazi Effi
Published: September 2014

Odette Varon-Vassard, Η ανάδυση μιας δύσκολης μνήμης. Κείμενα για τη γενοκτονία των Εβραίων [The emergence of a difficult memory: Texts on the genocide of the Jews], Athens: Estia, 2013 (2nd exp. ed.), 230 pp
Review of C. Ingrao's "Believe and Destroy": Intellectuals in the SS War Machine
Authors: Droumpouki Anna Maria
Published: September 2014

Christian Ingrao, Believe and Destroy: Intellectuals in the SS War Machine, Cambridge: Polity, 2013. xiv + 399 pp
Review of Koumas's Μικρά κράτη, συλλογική ασφάλεια, Κοινωνία των Εθνών: Η Ελλάδα και το ζήτημα του αφοπλισμού 1919-1934 [Small states, collective security, League of Nations: Greece and the disarmament question, 1919-1934]
Authors: Rizas Sotiris
Published: September 2014

Manolis Koumas, Μικρά κράτη, συλλογική ασφάλεια, Κοινωνία των Εθνών: Η Ελλάδα και το ζήτημα του αφοπλισμού 1919-1934 [Small states, collective security, League of Nations: Greece and the disarmament question of Disarmament, 1919-1934] (in Greek), Nicosia: University of Cyprus Publications, 2012, 336 pp.
Review of O. V. Sokolovskaia's Grecheskaia koroleva Ol’ga Konstantinovna – Pod molotom sud’by [The Greek queen Olga Konstantinovna: under the hammer of fate]
Authors: Frary Lucien James
Published: September 2014

OV Sokolovskaia, Grecheskaia koroleva Ol’ga Konstantinovna – Pod molotom sud’by [The Greek queen Olga Konstantinovna: under the hammer of fate], Moscow: Institute of Slavic Studies, 2011. 212 pp.
Chief’s seminar: turning interns into clinicians
Authors: Dittus Christopher , Grover Vanya , Panagopoulos Georgia , Jhaveri Kenar
Published: September 2014

Background: Recent changes in healthcare delivery have necessitated residency education reform. To adapt to these changes, graduate medical education can adopt a chief resident-led clinical curriculum. Chief residents are ideal clinical instructors, as they are recent graduates who have excelled in their residency programs. To effectively use the limited time available for education, chief residents can implement active learning techniques. We present a chief resident-led, small-group, problem-based curriculum for teaching first-year internal medicine residents, and provide preliminary data supporting the efficacy of this approach.

Methods: The seminar consisted of 11 4-week modules. Week 1 was a team-based crossword competition. Weeks 2-4 were small-group, problem-based clinical reasoning sessions taught by chief residents. The program was evaluated via pre- and post-module multiple-choice tests. Resident satisfaction data were collected via self-reported, anonymous surveys.

Results: Preliminary results revealed a statistically significant increase from pre-test to post-test score for 9 of the 11 modules. The chest pain, fever, abdominal pain, shock, syncope, jaundice, dizziness, anemia, and acute kidney injury modules achieved statistical significance. Additionally, resident satisfaction surveys show that this teaching approach was an enjoyable experience for our residents.

Discussion: Our chief seminar is an evidence-based, clinical reasoning approach for graduate medical education that uses active learning techniques. This is an effective and enjoyable method for educating internal medicine residents. Because of its reproducibility, it can be applied throughout residency education.
Assessment of functional state of cardio-vascular system and free radical oxidation processes in young athletes
Authors: Юмали  , Yumali S. , Фархутдинов  , Farkhutdinov R. , Яковлева  , Yakovleva L. , Табынгулова  , Tabyngulova S.
Published: September 2014

Oxidative stress underlies the formation of the pathology of cardiovascular system in young athletes. Its potential role in the pathogenesis of myocardial remodeling in young athletes has been discussed. The paper is devoted to the study of the changes of free radical oxidation in the body by the method of chemiluminescence and antioxidant effect on the functional state of the cardiovascular system. The results of clinical studies on the antioxidant effect of polydihidroxyphenilenthiosulfonate sodium («Hypoxen») in vitro, namely the addition of a substance in a simple model systems that mimic the most common reactions of free radical oxidation in the organism, such as formation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. It has been found in this study that concentration of free radicals in the blood in athletes with physiological manifestations of athlete´s heart and signs of stress cardiomyopathy has been increased. After administration of Hypoxen in vivo the concentration of free radicals in the athlete’s blood has been found to be reduced. In assessing the functional state of the cardiovascular system administration of Hypoxen resulted in the improved physical performance in young athletes. Maintaining of free radical oxidation processes at the optimal levels contributes to timely prevention of stress cardiomyopathy.
Pathomorphological examination of hippocampus in the persons of the second period of mature age with cerebral atherosclerosis
Authors: Горелик  , Gorelik E.
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this research is to study the morphology of the hippocampus in the patients with cerebro-vascular disease with age, sex and somatic types. The study was conducted from autopsy material. The hippocampus male (n=20) and female (n=15) of the patients of the second period of mature age were taken for study. Pathological and anatomical examination showed that all dead people had pathology of brain vessels. Changes specific to the 1 and 2 stages of atherosclerosis were detected in the basilar and middle cerebral arteries. Somatotype was defined with the subsequent calculation of the index by the method of Rees-Eysenck. The morphometric research of right and left hippocampus of the brain has been conducted. The parameters of the hippocampus with the sex were determined. There are presented the results of quantitative and qualitative morphological study of the hippocampus in persons of the second period of adulthood with cerebral arteriosclerosis in various somatotypes. The comparative analysis, of morphometric parameters of the hippocampus of the right and left hemispheres of the human brain, showed, that most significant are the length of the hippocampus width of middle part and width region of legs. On microscopic examination of the hippocampus, the individuals of the second period of mature age, even at the early stages of atherosclerosis of cerebral arteries, are detected dystrophic changes of neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions, showing their ischemic damage.
Cytokine production by whole blood cells of the reconvalescents of community-acquired pneumonia under the influence of low-intensity microwave irradiation
Authors: Никифоров  , Nikiforov V. , Терехов  , Terekhov I. , Хадарцев  , Khadartsev Aleksandr , Бондарь  , Bondar S.
Published: September 2014

The study discusses the effect on the functional state of the whole blood cells of low-intensity microwave radiation. On the model of intercellular interactions in the conditions of spontaneous cell activity and by stimulating cells complex mitogen, the influence of microwave radiation 1000 MHz on production by whole blood cells interleukins: IL-1β, 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 17A, TNF-alpha, IFN-g, RAIL-1, and soluble forms of toll-like receptor 1, 2, 4, 6 types was studied. The research results show that a single 45 minutes of exposure of microwave radiation of 0.05 PPM microwatt/cm2 has the ability to enhance mitogen-stimulated production of RAIL-1 by 38,7% (p=0.03), to reduce the induced production of IL-1β by 26,3% (p=0,037), IL-8 by 56,2% (p=0.022) and to increase oppressed segment complex mitogen production of IL-10 by 27,8% (p=0,041). The microwave radiation increased spontaneous and mitogen-stimulated expression of TLR, especially TLR1 during the initial low level.