bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Procedural Justice Rules in Teachers’ Moral Dilemmas at Work
Authors: Santos Ana Vargas , Valentim Joaquim Pires
Published: October 2014

O presente estudo pretende contribuir para a compreensão da moralidade em contextos profissionais, ao investigar a sua relação com as percepções de justiça. 69 professores do ensino básico e secundário preencheram um questionário contendo perguntas abertas. A análise de conteúdo mostrou que a maioria dos participantes (75%) mencionou espontaneamente regras de justiça procedimental (Leventhal, 1980), sendo a regra de ética a mais frequentemente referida. Os dilemas mais referidos envolviam a reacção a transgressões (Wark & Krebs, 1996). Estes resultados são discutidos considerando a necessidade de organizações socialmente responsáveis e orientadas por princípios éticos reconhecerem as experiências morais e as percepções de justiça dos seus trabalhadores.
The Impact of Accountability on Judgments of Ethical Decisions
Authors: Silva Vítor H. , Simões Eduardo
Published: October 2014

Quando apreciam o carácter ético de uma decisão de outrem, as pessoas tendem a tomar a natureza das consequências como base para o seu julgamento. Especificamente, uma decisão eticamente dúbia tende a ser mais aceitável quando as consequências são apresentadas como positivas. O presente estudo apresenta e discute os resultados da observação do efeito da condição de responsabilização (prestação de contas a terceiros) sobre este processo, indicando que os indivíduos responsabilizados pela forma como julgam a aceitabilidade de decisões eticamente dúbias tendem a ser mais severos nas suas apreciações quando as consequências são positivas ou neutras. Este efeito não ocorre quando as consequências da decisão são apresentadas como negativas. Neste caso, as pessoas tendem a considerar a decisão eticamente inaceitável, independentemente de estarem ou não responsabilizadas perante constituintes desconhecidos. Estas tendências são independentes das diferenças individuais na propensão para fazer esforço cognitivo na análise de problemas. Finalmente, os resultados são discutidos na perspectiva da tomada de decisão em contexto organizacional, sendo salientada a sua possível relevância para o estabelecimento de mecanismos que permitam o incremento do escrutínio da natureza ética das decisões.
Outcome and Process Accountability in Negotiation: A Motivated Information-Processing Approach
Authors: Simões Eduardo
Published: October 2014

Pesquisas anteriores indicam que os negociadores responsabilizados por resultados, em comparação com os não responsabilizados, são mais propensos a um comportamento competitivo, o que conduz a acordos sub-óptimos mesmo quando existe a possibilidade de obtenção de maior ganho conjunto. Contudo, pesquisas recentes mostraram que os negociadores sob responsabilização de processo fazem estimativas mais precisas das preferências e dos interesses da outra parte e obtêm ganhos conjuntos mais elevados do que os não responsabilizados. Além disso, existem algumas evidências de que a igualdade na partilha de ganhos pode ser moderada por motivos sociais. O presente estudo com negociadores profissionais (N = 88) incide nos efeitos simultâneos da responsabilização por processo e por resultado sobre os processos de negociação num clima pró-social. Os resultados indicam que os negociadores responsabilizados simultaneamente por processo e por resultado tendem a maximizar o valor do acordo, sugerindo uma influência positiva da interacção destas duas variáveis sobre a qualidade dos acordos. Os negociadores não responsabilizados e os que estão responsabilizados apenas pelo resultado tendem a obter ganhos conjuntos mais fracos do que os obtidos pelos negociadores sob responsabilização pelo processo, embora dividam os ganhos de forma mais igualitária. São discutidas as implicações teóricas destes resultados bem como as consequências para as práticas de negociação nas organizações.
Questionário de Reconhecimento da Singularidade Contributiva: Construção e estudos psicométricos
Authors: Cabo-Leitão Carla , Santos Nuno Rebelo dos
Published: October 2014

Pelo seu carácter único e mutável, as pessoas são actualmente um factor valioso e activo que pode fazer a diferença. O conceito de reconhecimento da singularidade contributiva é definido como o reconhecimento dado, pelos vários níveis organizacionais, ao indivíduo, nomeadamente, o reconhecimento das suas contribuições únicas para a organização. Devido à importância de entender melhor de que forma existe esse reconhecimento, o objectivo do presente artigo é o de verificar as qualidades psicométricas de um questionário de reconhecimento da singularidade contributiva Questionário de Reconhecimento Organizacional da Singularidade Contributiva (QROSC), aplicado a uma amostra de trabalhadores de variados sectores e dimensões organizacionais (n=384). Numa primeira fase, o presente estudo revelou que o QROSC possui uma boa consistência interna e uma estrutura factorial assente em quatro factores: efeito da cultura de reconhecimento, reconhecimento tangível, abertura e aceitação-integração, no que se refere à aceitação e integração da singularidade dos colaboradores, e reconhecimento dos colegas. Na segunda fase, foram efectuados os primeiros estudos diferenciais onde foi possível verificar diferenças significativas entre as dimensões do questionário e factores demográficos considerados, reforçando a importância de reconhecer a singularidade contributiva como um importante contributo para o desenvolvimento organizacional e incrementação do seu valor. São apontadas sugestões para estudos futuros que venham a reforçar a robustez do instrumento, bem como dos resultados obtidos que possam contribuir para a utilidade do mesmo no contexto organizacional.
Gestão do conhecimento em equipas: Desenvolvimento de um instrumento de medida multidimensional
Authors: Cardoso Leonor , Peralta Carlos Ferreira
Published: October 2014

Este artigo descreve o processo de desenvolvimento do instrumento Gestão do Conhecimento em Equipas (GCE). Recorrendo a um método dedutivo, o GCE foi desenvolvido com base na adaptação para o contexto grupal do modelo de gestão do conhecimento de Cardoso (2003). O instrumento permite avaliar catorze dimensões da gestão do conhecimento grupal distribuídas por seis secções: criação e aquisição de conhecimento, atribuição de sentido ao conhecimento, partilha e difusão do conhecimento, memória da equipa, recuperação e utilização do conhecimento, e catalisadores de gestão do conhecimento. Considerando um conjunto de testes preliminares, as propriedades psicométricas do GCE são satisfatórias.
Emotional Labor em profissionais do ensino e da saúde: Análise de duas estruturas dimensionais
Authors: Carvalho Carla , Serra Marta , Silva Dalila Lemos da , Figueiredo Cláudia
Published: October 2014

Dando continuidade às investigações levadas a cabo pela presente equipa no domínio da gestão das emoções em contexto organizacional (Emotional Labor2) e suas consequências ao nível do bem-estar no trabalho3, o presente estudo tem por objectivo contribuir para a reflexão em torno da validação de dois instrumentos de emotional labor (ELS e EWRS), em dois contextos laborais distintos: a saúde e a educação. Admitindo e reconhecendo diferenças entre as responsabilidades dos Professores e dos Profissionais de Saúde, a possibilidade de existirem percepções diferenciadas do conteúdo dos itens dos dois instrumentos de EL mencionados pode potenciar a emergência de diferentes estruturas factoriais como as que encontrámos. Mais especificamente, as referidas diferenças podem ser decorrentes das particularidades e características das organizações a que pertencem os sujeitos inquiridos, da natureza e especificidade do trabalho de cada profissão analisada, das características dos inquiridos e da dimensão das amostras estudadas (professores n=199; profissionais da saúde n=173). Além das boas características psicométricas das estruturas factoriais avaliadas, os resultados encontrados sugerem ainda que a investigação em termos da invariância da medida e da relação estrutural entre as dimensões do EL noutras populações profissionais é um terreno interessante para futuras investigações e para uma maior inteligibilidade do comportamento do homem no trabalho, uma vez que o contexto laboral depende das pessoas e, consequentemente, dos seus comportamentos e das suas emoções.
Construção e validação do Questionário de Avaliação do Desenvolvimento Grupal, subsistemas tarefa e socioafectivo
Authors: Peralta Carlos Ferreira , Lourenço Paulo Renato
Published: October 2014

O modelo integrado de desenvolvimento grupal de Miguez e Lourenço (2001) apresenta características de modelos lineares, cíclicos, polares e de equilíbrio interrompido, predizendo que um grupo se desenvolve através de quatro fases distintas mas nterdependentes e assentes em dois subsistemas (socioafectivo e tarefa). Neste estudo criámos um questionário – QADG – para avaliar as quatro fases desenvolvimentais de cada subsistema. Numa amostra de 563 indivíduos pertencentes a 136 grupos de organizações portuguesas foram efectuadas análises factoriais confirmatórias. As soluções de itens finais apresentam adequadas propriedades psicométricas e níveis adequados de consistência interna e de validade. Concluímos que estamos perante um questionário parcimonioso, válido e eficiente para avaliar o desenvolvimento grupal considerando separadamente os subsistemas tarefa e socioafectivo. Algumas limitações relativas ao instrumento são apresentadas e as potenciais implicações práticas são discutidas.
Accountable to Whom? Accountable for What? Understanding anti-child trafficking discourse and policy in southern Benin
Authors: Howard Neil
Published: October 2014

In Benin, anti-child trafficking discourse misrepresents the nature of youth labour migration, while anti-child trafficking policy fails to protect those “beneficiaries” in whose name it is officially designed. Despite this, both have remained stable for over a decade. This paper attempts to explain why. It argues that, in contrast to claims made by many other critiques of anti-trafficking work that policy makers are either ignorant or malevolent, here discourse and policy are hampered more by the conceptual, institutional and political structures within which they are developed and articulated by individuals, thereby ensuring discursive and policy stability despite inaccuracy and failure.
“We have the right not to be ‘rescued’...”*: When Anti-Trafficking Programmes Undermine the Health and Well-Being of Sex Workers
Authors: Ahmed Aziza , Seshu Meena
Published: October 2014

This paper highlights the impact of raid, rescue, and rehabilitation schemes on HIV programmes. It uses a case study of Veshya Anyay Mukti Parishad (VAMP), a sex workers collective in Sangli, India, to explore the impact of anti-trafficking efforts on HIV prevention programmes. The paper begins with an overview of the anti-trafficking movement emerging out of the United States. This U.S. based anti- trafficking movement works in partnership with domestic Indian anti- trafficking organisations to raid brothels to “rescue and rehabilitate” sex workers. Contrary to the purported goal of assisting women, the anti-trafficking projects that employ a raid, rescue, and rehabilitate model often undermine HIV projects at the local level, in turn causing harm to women and girls. We examine the experience of one peer educator in Sangli to demonstrate and highlight some of the negative consequences of these anti-trafficking efforts on HIV prevention programmes.
A stepwise procedure to test contractility and susceptibility to injury for the rodent quadriceps muscle
Authors: J.P. Pratt Stephen , M. Lovering Richard
Published: October 2014

In patients with muscle injury or muscle disease, assessment of muscle damage is typically limited to clinical signs, such as tenderness, strength, range of motion, and more recently, imaging studies.  Biological markers can also be used in measuring muscle injury, such as increased creatine kinase levels in the blood, but these are not always correlated with loss in muscle function (i.e. loss of force production).  This is even true of histological findings from animals, which provide a “direct measure” of damage, but do not account for loss of function.  The most comprehensive measure of the overall health of the muscle is contractile force.  To date, animal models testing contractile force have been limited to the muscle groups moving the ankle.  Here we describe an in vivo animal model for the quadriceps, with abilities to measure torque, produce a reliable muscle injury, and follow muscle recovery within the same animal over time.  We also describe a second model used for direct measurement of force from an isolated quadriceps muscle in situ. 
Mountains Unseen: Developing a Relief Map of the Hawaiian Seafloor
Authors: Patterson Tom
Published: October 2014

The Seafloor Map of Hawai‘i, a medium scale relief map intended for lay audiences, posed production and design challenges typical of ocean bottom mapping in general. The biggest problem was incomplete bathymetry data marred by artifacts. Fixing these bad data—filling voids and removing background noise—involved techniques similar to those used by cartographers for terrestrial mountain mapping. Map design was another challenge. At issue: how to depict on a map a region on Earth that humans will never see. The Hawaiian map uses plan oblique relief, which reveals the seafloor features with three-dimensional offset, a technique borrowed from National Geographic maps painted by Heinrich Berann and Tibor Tóth. Selecting depth tints and relief colors based on the idea of cartographic realism is discussed. The paper also addresses the names of seafloor features, many of which are unofficial and inconsistently identified.
IPEX syndrome caused by a novel mutation in FOXP3 gene can be cured by bone marrow transplantation from an unrelated donor after myeloablative conditioning
Authors: Murguia-Favela Luis , Hong-Diep Kim Vy , Upton Julia , Thorner Paul , Reid Brenda , Atkinson Adelle , Grunebaum Eyal
Published: October 2014

Immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome is a rare primary immunodeficiency caused by inherited defects in the FOXP3 gene that impair regulatory T cells. IPEX syndrome can be cured by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from HLA-matched unrelated donors (MUD); however, the best conditioning prior to HSCT for IPEX syndrome is not known.

Here we report on a patient suffering from IPEX syndrome, including immune-mediated colitis and membranous nephropathy, without polyendocrinopathy, caused by a novel mutation in the Forkhead domain of the FOXP3 gene. The patient's symptoms resolved following MUD HSCT after myeloablative conditioning performed at 16 months of age. The patient is clinically well, 3 years after HSCT, with robust immune reconstitution and fully engrafted. The lack of extensive autoimmune damage might have contributed to the patient's favourable outcome following MUD HSCT with myeloablative conditioning.

Statement of novelty: We describe a novel mutation in the FOXP3 gene causing IPEX syndrome and the correction of IPEX syndrome with bone marrow transplant from a HLA-matched unrelated donor following myeloablative conditioning.
A plasticity principle of some generalized Gauss trees
Authors: Zachos Anastasios N.
Published: October 2014

We introduce a method of differentiation of the length of a variable linear segment with respect to three variable linear segments which generalizes the first variation formula in the three-dimensional Euclidean space. Applying this method, we derive a generalized Gauss tree for a heptagonal pyramid (closed octahedron) by placing two vertices with positive weights at the interior of the convex hull having degree five. Applying the plasticity principle of closed hexahedra, we obtain a plasticity principle of a generalized Gauss tree for a boundary heptagonal pyramid in the three-dimensional Euclidean space.
On some Zweier I-convergent double sequence spaces defined by a modulus function
Authors: Khan Vakeel A. , Khan Nazneen , Tabassum Sabiha , Ebadullah Khalid , Breaz Daniel
Published: October 2014

In this article we introduce the double sequence spaces

2

𝒵
I

(
f
)

${\,}_2\mathcal {Z}^{I}(f)$

,

2

𝒵
0
I

(
f
)

${\,}_2\mathcal {Z}^{I}_{0}(f)$

and

2

𝒵
∞
I

(
f
)

${\,}_2\mathcal {Z}^{I}_{\infty }(f)$

for a modulus function f and study some of the topological and algebraic properties of these spaces.
The R2TP chaperone complex: its involvement in snoRNP assembly and tumorigenesis
Authors: Kakihara Yoshito , Saeki Makio
Published: October 2014

R2TP was originally identified in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as Hsp90 interacting complex, and is composed of four different proteins: Rvb1, Rvb2, Tah1, and Pih1. This complex is well-conserved in eukaryotes, and is involved in many cellular processes such as snoRNP biogenesis, RNA polymerase assembly, PIKK signaling, and apoptosis. An increasing number of research related to R2TP suggests a linkage of its function with tumorigenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of several recent studies on R2TP that are related to cell proliferation and carcinogenesis, and propose a possible role of R2TP in tumorigenesis through regulating snoRNA/snoRNP biogenesis.
Split metaplectic groups and their L-groups
Authors: Weissman Martin H.
Published: October 2014

We adapt the conjectural local Langlands parameterization to split metaplectic groups over local fields. When G˜ is a central extension of a split connected reductive group over a local field (arising from the framework of Brylinski and Deligne), we construct a dual group

𝐆
˜

∨

$\tilde{\mathbf {G}}^{\vee }$

and an L-group

L

𝐆
˜

∨

${\,}^L \tilde{\mathbf {G}}^{\vee }$

as group schemes over ℤ. Such a construction leads to a definition of Weil–Deligne parameters (Langlands parameters) with values in this L-group, and to a conjectural parameterization of the irreducible genuine representations of G˜. This conjectural parameterization is compatible with what is known about metaplectic tori, Iwahori–Hecke algebra isomorphisms between metaplectic and linear groups, and classical theta correspondences between

𝑀𝑝

2
n

$\textit {Mp}_{2n}$

and special orthogonal groups.
On certain optimal diffeomorphisms between closed curves
Authors: Cerri Andrea , Di Fabio Barbara
Published: October 2014

The concept of natural pseudo-distance has proven to be a
powerful tool for measuring the dissimilarity between shape
properties of topological spaces, modeled as continuous
real-valued functions defined on the spaces themselves. Roughly
speaking, the natural pseudo-distance is defined as the infimum of
the change of the functions' values, when moving from one space to
the other through homeomorphisms, if possible. In this paper, we
prove the first available result about the existence of optimal
homeomorphisms between closed curves, i.e. inducing a change of
the function that equals the natural pseudo-distance. Moreover, we
show that, under our assumptions, this optimal homeomorphism is
actually a diffeomorphism.
On the Intersection Property of Conditional Independence and its Application to Causal Discovery
Authors: Peters Jonas
Published: October 2014

This work investigates the intersection property of conditional independence. It states that for random variables$$A,B,C$$andXwe have that$$X \bot \bot A{\kern 1pt} {\kern 1pt} |{\kern 1pt} {\kern 1pt} B,C$$and$$X\, \bot \bot\, B{\kern 1pt} {\kern 1pt} |{\kern 1pt} {\kern 1pt} A,C$$implies$$X\, \bot \bot\, (A,B){\kern 1pt} {\kern 1pt} |{\kern 1pt} {\kern 1pt} C$$. Here, “$$ \bot \bot $$” stands for statistical independence. Under the assumption that the joint distribution has a density that is continuous in$$A,B$$andC, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions under which the intersection property holds. The result has direct applications to causal inference: it leads to strictly weaker conditions under which the graphical structure becomes identifiable from the joint distribution of an additive noise model.
Martyrdom, Rhetoric, and the Politics of Procedure
Authors: Bryen Ari
Published: October 2014

This article uses the evidence of the early Christian martyr acts to argue for the existence of a broader, provincial discourse on the importance of legal procedure in criminal trials in the Roman Empire. By focusing on moments of criminal confrontations, these texts not only attempted to explain and glorify the deaths of martyrs, but also sought to make sense of a process that was designed by the Roman state to be arbitrary and terrifying. In the course of their narratives, the martyr acts articulate a distinctly provincial understanding of imperial judicial procedures. They politicize this understanding in ways consequential for current scholarly models of the relations between the imperial government and provincial society more broadly.
A New History of Libraries and Books in the Hellenistic Period
Authors: Johnstone S.
Published: October 2014

Discarding the unreliable late evidence for the Library of Alexandria in the Hellenistic period, I establish a new history of libraries and books on more secure primary sources. Beginning in the second century BCE at various places across the eastern Mediterranean, rich, powerful men began to sponsor collections of books. These new public displays of aristocratic and royal munificence (euergetism) so transcended earlier holdings of books—which had been small, vocational, and private—that in an important sense they constitute the invention of the library. As political institutions, these libraries depended on a revaluation of books, treating them as valuable irrespective of their content, and in various domains people increasingly attended to books as formal objects. Romans accelerated the pace and scope of this biblio-political revolution and extended the revaluation of books, transformations which gave a deeply anachronistic imprint to the frequently cited late stories about Hellenistic libraries.
Parkin‐independent mitophagy requires Drp1 and maintains the integrity of mammalian heart and brain
Authors: Kageyama Yusuke , Hoshijima Masahiko , Seo Kinya , Bedja Djahida , Sysa‐Shah Polina , Andrabi Shaida A , Chen Weiran , Höke Ahmet , Dawson Valina L , Dawson Ted M , Gabrielson Kathleen , Kass David A , Iijima Miho , Sesaki Hiromi
Published: October 2014

Mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy have been linked to cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we demonstrate that the mitochondrial division dynamin Drp1 and the Parkinson's disease‐associated E3 ubiquitin ligase parkin synergistically maintain the integrity of mitochondrial structure and function in mouse heart and brain. Mice lacking cardiac Drp1 exhibited lethal heart defects. In Drp1KO cardiomyocytes, mitochondria increased their connectivity, accumulated ubiquitinated proteins, and decreased their respiration. In contrast to the current views of the role of parkin in ubiquitination of mitochondrial proteins, mitochondrial ubiquitination was independent of parkin in Drp1KO hearts, and simultaneous loss of Drp1 and parkin worsened cardiac defects. Drp1 and parkin also play synergistic roles in neuronal mitochondrial homeostasis and survival. Mitochondrial degradation was further decreased by combination of Drp1 and parkin deficiency, compared with their single loss. Thus, the physiological importance of parkin in mitochondrial homeostasis is revealed in the absence of mitochondrial division in mammals.
A ‘giant’ paraganglioma in the testis
Authors: Makris Marinos C , Koumarelas Konstantinos C , Mitrousias Apostolos S , Psathas Giannos G , Mantzioros Athanasios , Sakellariou Stratigoula P , Ntailiani Panagiota , Yettimis Evripides
Published: October 2014

Until now, less than ten cases of extra-adrenal chromaffin cell tumors have been reported to be localized to the spermatic cord area. All published studies report benign tumors with a diameter <2–3 cm and no invasion of the testis. In this article, we present one case of a giant malignant paraganglioma in the testis of a patient who had initially been operated for a giant mass in the scrotum. The mass developed in approximately 4 months. This is the first study reporting the following findings: i) paraganglioma was found exclusively in the testis, invading the testicle and not the spermatic cord, ii) it was malignant with lung metastasis, and iii) its size was 17.5 cm×10 cm×9.5 cm. We present the first – giant – malignant paraganglioma. Moreover, it is the first case report of a paraganglioma in the testis.

Learning points

This is the first study reporting the following findings:

Paraganglioma found exclusively in the testis, invading the testicle and not the spermatic cord.

It is malignant with lung metastasis.

It is of the size 17.5 cm×10 cm×9.5 cm.
Identification of activated protein C as a ghrelin endopeptidase in bovine plasma
Authors: Satou Motoyasu , Nishi Yoshihiro , Hishinuma Akira , Hosoda Hiroshi , Kangawa Kenji , Sugimoto Hiroyuki
Published: October 2014

Ghrelin is a natural GH secretagogue first identified in the stomach. The ghrelin peptide is 28 amino acids long with an octanoic acid attached to Ser3near the N-terminus. This lipid modification is essential for the interaction between ghrelin and the ghrelin-specific receptor GH secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHSR1a), whereas the five or more residues of the N-terminus seem to be sufficient to activate GHSR1a to the same level as those of full-length ghrelin. In this study, we found that ghrelin was converted into smaller fragments during incubation with animal plasmain vitroand in a mouse model. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed that both acyl and desacyl ghrelin were hydrolyzed at the peptide bond between Arg15and Lys16, generating an N-terminal peptide consisting of the first 15 residues. Next, we partially purified a ghrelin endopeptidase from bovine plasma and identified the enzyme as an anticoagulant serine protease-activated protein C. Octanoyl-truncated ghrelin(1–15) activated GHSR1a-dependent signaling similar to the full-length peptide, as assayed using the cell-based early-growth factor 1 reporter system. Moreover, administration of the protein C-activating agent, ProTac, to mice enhanced the production of octanoyl ghrelin(1–15) in circulation. These results indicate that ghrelin is processed into shorter peptides in circulation under thrombotic and inflammatory conditions, although high doses of the short-form or full-length ghrelin did not have any obvious effects on thromboplastin time or platelet aggregation in human plasma. Truncation of ghrelin might be responsible for altering structural characteristics such as stability, hydrophobicity, and affinity with circulating macromolecules.
Biopsy-induced inflammatory conditions improve endometrial receptivity: the mechanism of action
Authors: Gnainsky Y , Granot I , Aldo P , Barash A , Or Y , Mor G , Dekel N
Published: October 2014

A decade ago, we first reported that endometrial biopsy significantly improves the success of pregnancy in IVF patients with recurrent implantation failure, an observation that was later confirmed by others. Recently, we have demonstrated that this treatment elevated the levels of endometrial pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased the abundance of macrophages (Mac) and dendritic cells (DCs). We therefore hypothesised that the biopsy-related successful pregnancy is secondary to an inflammatory response, and aimed at deciphering its mechanism of action. Supporting our hypothesis, we found that the pro-inflammatory TNFα stimulated primary endometrial stromal cells to express cytokines that attracted monocytes and induced their differentiation into DCs. These monocyte-derived DCs stimulated endometrial epithelial cells to express the adhesive moleculeSPP1(osteopontin (OPN)) and its receptorsITGB3andCD44, whereasMUC16, which interferes with adhesion, was downregulated. Other implantation-associated genes, such asCHST2,CCL4(MIP1B) andGROA, were upregulated by monocyte-derived Mac. These findings suggest that uterine receptivity is mediated by the expression of molecules associated with inflammation. Such an inflammatory milieu is not generated in some IVF patients with recurrent implantation failure in the absence of local injury provoked by the biopsy treatment.
Successful Management of Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndrome With Canakinumab in Infancy
Authors: Kanariou Maria , Tantou Sofia , Varela Ioanna , Raptaki Maria , Petropoulou Chrissa , Nikas Ioannis , Valari Manthoula
Published: October 2014

Neonatal onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID)/chronic infantile neurologic cutaneous and articular (CINCA) syndrome is a rare, early-onset autoinflammatory disorder and the most severe form of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome, which is associated with overproduction of interleukin (IL)-1β. This is a case report of a 70-day-old boy, who was diagnosed with NOMID/CINCA syndrome and who has been treated with anti–IL-1β monoclonal antibody (canakinumab) since then, despite his early infancy. The patient presented with fever, aseptic meningitis, and rash. The clinical manifestations combined with the elevated acute-phase reactants strengthened the suspicion of the diagnosis of NOMID/CINCA syndrome. Specific immunologic workup revealed high levels of serum amyloid A and IL-6. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by the detection of a de novo mutation of the CIAS1/NLR3 gene (p.Thr348Met), and canakinumab was started at a dose of 4 mg/kg, higher than the recommended dose for older age. White blood cell, serum amyloid A, C-reactive protein, and IL-6 levels quickly decreased and became normal within a month, and the clinical condition of the patient improved significantly. The infant remains without recurrence of disease or further complications and with satisfactory mental development with anti–IL-1β monoclonal antibody treatment for >2 years. This report indicates the importance of early diagnosis of NOMID/CINCA syndrome and medication with IL-1 blockers as soon as possible for the improvement of the prognosis of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome and of a better patient outcome.
Successful Use of Plasma Exchange for Profound Hemolysis in a Child With Loxoscelism
Authors: Said Ahmed , Hmiel Paul , Goldsmith Matthew , Dietzen Dennis , Hartman Mary E.
Published: October 2014

We describe a 6-year-old boy who presented with massive hemolysis, shock, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, and acute renal failure after loxosceles envenomation. In this patient, plasma exchange therapy (PEX) successfully cleared the plasma from an initial hemolytic index of 2000 (equivalent to 2 g/dL hemoglobin, where optimetric laboratory evaluation is impossible) to an index of <50 (no detectable hemolysis). This allowed the PICU team to correct his coagulopathy, assess his degree of organ dysfunction, and provide routine laboratory assessments during continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration. After 9 single volume PEX sessions, his hemolysis and coagulopathy had resolved and his plasma had cleared sufficiently to permit routine laboratory assessments without difficulty. Multiorgan system support with an aggressive transfusion strategy, mechanical ventilation, inotropes, and continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration resulted in complete recovery. We conclude that in the presence of overwhelming hemolysis, plasma can become so icteric that optimetric laboratory evaluation is impossible. In this setting, PEX can be used to clear the plasma, restoring the ability to perform routine laboratory assessments.
Urokinase Versus VATS for Treatment of Empyema: A Randomized Multicenter Clinical Trial
Authors: Marhuenda Claudia , Barceló Concepció , Fuentes Inmaculada , Guillén Gabriela , Cano Indalecio , López María , Hernández Francisco , Pérez-Yarza Eduardo G. , Matute José A. , García-Casillas María A. , Álvarez Víctor , Moreno-Galdó Antonio
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Parapneumonic empyema (PPE) is a frequent complication of acute bacterial pneumonia in children. There is limited evidence regarding the optimal treatment of this condition. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of drainage plus urokinase versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of PPE in childhood.

METHODS:

This prospective, randomized, multicenter clinical trial enrolled patients aged <15 years and hospitalized with septated PPE. Study patients were randomized to receive urokinase or thoracoscopy. The main outcome variable was the length of hospital stay after treatment. The secondary outcomes were total length of hospital stay, number of days with the chest drain, number of days with fever, and treatment failures. The trial was approved by the ethics committees of all the participating hospitals.

RESULTS:

A total of 103 patients were randomized to treatment and analyzed; 53 were treated with thoracoscopy and 50 with urokinase. There were no differences in demographic characteristics or in the main baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. No statistically significant differences were found between thoracoscopy and urokinase in the median postoperative stay (10 vs 9 days), median hospital stay (14 vs 13 days), or days febrile after treatment (4 vs 6 days). A second intervention was required in 15% of children in the thoracoscopy group versus 10% in the urokinase group (P = .47).

CONCLUSIONS:

Drainage plus urokinase instillation is as effective as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery as first-line treatment of septated PPE in children.
College Health Service Capacity to Support Youth With Chronic Medical Conditions
Authors: Lemly Diana C. , Lawlor Katherine , Scherer Emily A. , Kelemen Skyler , Weitzman Elissa R.
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Twenty percent of US youth have a chronic medical condition and many attend college. Guidelines for transition from pediatric to adult care do not address college health services, and little is known about their capacity to identify, support, and provide care for these youth. The objective of this study was to describe college health center policies, practices, and resources for youth with chronic medical conditions (YCMC).

METHODS:

Survey of medical directors from health centers of a representative sample of 200 4-year US colleges with ≥400 enrolled undergraduate students. Patterns of identification, management, and support for youth with a general chronic medical condition and with asthma, diabetes, and depression, were investigated; χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used to ascertain differences by institutional demographics.

RESULTS:

Directors at 153 institutions completed the survey (76.5% response rate). Overall, 42% of schools had no system to identify YCMC. However, almost a third (31%) did identify and add to a registry of incoming YCMC on review of medical history, more likely in private (P < .001) and small (<5000 students, P = .002) colleges; 24% of health centers contacted YCMC to check-in/make initial appointments. Most institutions could manage asthma and depression (83% and 69%, respectively); 51% could manage diabetes on campus.

CONCLUSIONS:

Relatively few US colleges have health systems to identify and contact YCMC, although many centers have capacity to provide primary care and management of some conditions. Guidelines for transition should address policy and practices for pediatricians and colleges to enhance comanagement of affected youth.
Clinical Practice Guideline: The Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Bronchiolitis
Authors: Ralston Shawn L. , Lieberthal Allan S. , Meissner H. Cody , Alverson Brian K. , Baley Jill E. , Gadomski Anne M. , Johnson David W. , Light Michael J. , Maraqa Nizar F. , Mendonca Eneida A. , Phelan Kieran J. , Zorc Joseph J. , Stanko-Lopp Danette , Brown Mark A. , Nathanson Ian , Rosenblum Elizabeth , Sayles Stephen , Hernandez-Cancio Sinsi , Ralston Shawn L. , Lieberthal Allan S. , Meissner H. Cody , Alverson Brian K. , Baley Jill E. , Gadomski Anne M. , Johnson David W. , Light Michael J. , Maraqa Nizar F. , Mendonca Eneida A. , Phelan Kieran J. , Zorc Joseph J. , Stanko-Lopp Danette , Brown Mark A. , Nathanson Ian , Rosenblum Elizabeth , Sayles Stephen , Hernandez-Cancio Sinsi
Published: October 2014

This guideline is a revision of the clinical practice guideline, “Diagnosis and Management of Bronchiolitis,” published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2006. The guideline applies to children from 1 through 23 months of age. Other exclusions are noted. Each key action statement indicates level of evidence, benefit-harm relationship, and level of recommendation. Key action statements are as follows:
Acute abdomen due appendicitis with atypical presentation leading to shock in an obese patient and with chronic liver disease
Authors: Todescatto Alexandra Damasio , Laranjeira Felipe Ferreira , Gasperi Júlia De , Lehmann Davyd Emaanuel Fin de , Lacerda Bruna Schmitt de , Winckler Diego Carrao , Breigeiron Ricardo
Published: October 2014

AIMS: To expose a case of acute abdomen due to appendicitis whose diagnosis was difficult and complicated because of the patient's profile and his comorbidities.

CASE DESCRIPTION: Male patient, 52 years old, superobese, smoker and with chronic liver disease, complaining of acute abdominal pain in the right hypochondrium, vomiting and low diuresis. Initially with no signs of peritoneal irritation, the patient was medically managed, but presented worsening of clinical status, progressing to shock and cardiac arrest. The investigation by laparotomy found acute appendicitis, collateral circulation and liver cirrhosis.

CONCLUSIONS: Acute abdomen has great impact on emergency care and, since it comprises several clinical situations, knowing and suspecting its main causes and its atypical presentations becomes essential, mainly in cases of difficult diagnosis.
Fish, Conewango Creek, Allegheny River Drainage, New York, USA
Authors: Daniels Robert A. , Morse Richard S. , Weatherwax Bryan R.
Published: October 2014

None
Amphibia, Scinax constrictus: distribution extension
Authors: Vaz-Silva Wilian , Poli Flávio Cardoso , Santos Fidélis Junio Marra
Published: October 2014

None
Reptilia, Colubridae, Helicops angulatus and Helicops leopardinus: Distribution extension, new country record
Authors: Cisneros-Heredia Diego F.
Published: October 2014

None
Insecta, Ephemeroptera: range extensions and new Iowa state records
Authors: McCafferty W. P. , Hubbard Todd , Webb J. M.
Published: October 2014

None
Reptilia, Iguania, Liolaemini, Liolaemus punmahuida: new geographic record
Authors: Avila Luciano Javier , Perez Daniel Roberto
Published: October 2014

None
Fish, Corumbataí and Jacaré-Pepira river basins, São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Gomiero Leandro Muller , Braga Francisco Manoel de Souza
Published: October 2014

Fish were studied in two river basins (Corumbataí and Jacaré-Pepira) subjected to strong human pressure, in the interior of the State of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. In the Corumbataí basin, four sites were sampled: Cabeça river, Lapa stream, Passa-Cinco river, and Corumbataí river; in the Jacaré-Pepira basin, three sites were sampled: Tamanduá stream, Jacaré-Pepira river, and Água Branca stream. A total of 4,050 specimens belonging to 48 species and 13 families were caught and analyzed.
Amphibia, Centrolenidae, Centrolene ilex, Centrolene litorale, Centrolene medemi, Cochranella albomaculata, Cochranella ametarsia: range extensions and new country records
Authors: Guayasamin Juan M. , Cisneros-Heredia Diego F. , Yánez-Muñoz Mario , Bustamante Martín
Published: October 2014

None
Retraction of the Soft Palate during a Modified Hynes Pharyngoplasty: A Technical Note
Authors: Colbert Serryth , Mercer Nigel
Published: October 2014

Surgical management of velopharyngeal insufficiency by construction of sphincter pharyngoplasty is well described in the medical literature. Hynes advocated splitting an intact soft palate when it would be helpful for better exposure of the posterior pharyngeal wall for flap inset. We describe a modification to the Hynes pharyngoplasty whereby the soft palate is retracted upward, giving the operator unrestricted surgical access to the salpingopharyngeus muscles and their overlying mucosa. This allows the surgeon to raise and inset the flaps, as described by Hynes, without the need to divide the soft palate. The retraction catheters avoid the need for splitting a soft palate, which has been optimized by either a Furlow or soft palate re-repair in the past, avoiding unnecessary compromise of the integrity and architecture of the soft palate.
Use of a borocarbonitride–iron pthalocyanine composite in ORR
Authors: Moses K. , Pramoda K. , Rao C. N. R.
Published: October 2014

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is an important reaction occurring at the cathode of a fuel cell. In this article, the authors demonstrate the use of a borocarbonitride (BC5N)-supported iron (II) phthalocyanine (FePc) as a superior non-noble electrocatalyst for the ORR. To assess the ORR activity of BC5N–FePc, cyclic voltammetry and rotating disk electrode measurements have been carried out. The measurements reveal that BC5N–FePc exhibits a more positive onset potential and comparable current density relative to the commercially available Pt/C catalyst. Furthermore, BC5N–FePc shows excellent selectivity toward ORR even in the presence of methanol.
Clostridium difficile
infection: current, forgotten and emerging treatment options
Authors: Drekonja Dimitri M
Published: October 2014

Clostridium difficile
infection (CDI) has increased in incidence and severity, and is now among the most common nosocomial infections. Several agents are available for the initial treatment of CDI, some of which are rarely used, and none of which is clearly superior for initial clinical cure. Fidaxomicin appears to offer a benefit in terms of preventing recurrent disease, although the cost–benefit ratio is debated. Recurrent CDI is a major challenge, occurring after 15–30% of initial episodes. The treatment of recurrent CDI is difficult, with sparse evidence available to support any particular agent. Fecal microbiota therapy, also known as ‘stool transplantation’, appears to be highly effective, although availability is currently limited, and the regulatory environment is in flux. Synthetic stool products and an orally available fecal microbiota therapy product are both under investigation, which may address the problem of availability. As with most infectious diseases, an effective vaccine would be a welcome addition to our armamentarium, but none is currently available.
Treatment patterns among elderly patients with stage IV breast cancer treated with HER-2-targeted therapy
Authors: Lang Kathleen , Hao Yanni , Huang Huan , Lin Iris , Rogerio Jaqueline Willemann , Menzin Joseph
Published: October 2014

Aim:
To evaluate treatment patterns among elderly, newly diagnosed stage IV breast cancer patients receiving HER-2-targeted therapy.
Methods:
Women aged 65+ with an incident diagnosis of stage IV breast cancer (index) and no history of other cancer were identified from 2006 to 2010 linked Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results and Medicare data. Continuous enrollment from 1 year preindex (baseline) through disenrollment, death or the end of the data (follow-up) was required. Patients were required to receive HER-2-targeted therapy (trastuzumab or lapatinib) during follow-up. Treatment therapies during follow-up were evaluated, as was the distribution of treatment combinations. Initial treatment regimens were evaluated based on the treatment(s) received after index. A 42-day gap in therapy or the addition of a biologic therapy was used as a marker for a subsequent regimen.
Results:
A total of 173 patients were identified (mean [standard deviation] age: 73.9 [6.7] years). The majority received trastuzumab (>93%) during follow-up (mean [standard deviation] duration: 24.3 [11.3] months), with 9.8% receiving lapatinib. Most received chemotherapy (83.2%), approximately half received surgery (55.5%), over 40% received hormonal therapy and a third received radiation (35.3%). Trastuzumab + chemotherapy was the most common initial treatment regimen (43.9%); less common therapies include trastuzumab alone (17.3%), and trastuzumab + chemotherapy + hormonal (13.3%). Among patients receiving chemotherapy, the majority received a taxane-based chemotherapy. The average treatment duration for any treatment regimen was just less than a year (44.9–52.5 weeks).
Conclusion:
Among this population, the majority received taxane-based combination chemotherapy, consistent with National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines.
Field testing the ENSEMBLE Minimum Dataset: performance of an instrument to address heterogeneity of treatment effects
Authors: Brenneman Susan K , Shen Wei , Brekke Lee , Paczkowski Rosirene , Bancroft Tim , Kaplan Sherrie H , Greenfield Sheldon , Berger Marc , Buesching Don P
Published: October 2014

Aim:To assess the ability of ENterprising SElective Multi-instrument BLend for hEterogeneity analysis (ENSEMBLE) Minimum Dataset instrument dimensions to discriminate among subgroups of patients expected to have differential outcomes.Materials & methods:Patients with Type 2 diabetes, knee osteoarthritis, ischemic heart disease or heart failure completed a survey designed to represent three dimensions (health, personality and behavior). Health-related outcomes and utilization were investigated using claims data. Discriminant validity and associations between the dimensions and outcomes were assessed.Results:A total of 2625 patients completed the survey. The dimensions discriminated 50–100% of the outcome levels across disease cohorts; behavior dimension scores did not differ significantly among the healthcare utilization level subgroups in any disease cohort.Conclusion:ENSEMBLE Minimum Dataset dimensions discriminated health-related outcome levels among patients with varied diseases.
New biotechnologies in Serbian forestry
Authors: Galovic Vladislava , Pilipovic Andrej , Markovic Miroslav , Vasic Verica , Pap Predrag , Pekec Sasa , Katanic Marina
Published: October 2014

This paper presents an overview of the results achieved in the laboratory for
molecular studies of the Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment,
University of Novi Sad, in the field of biotechnology, mainly in molecular
genetics, genomics and functional genomics. Researches are designed to serve
as a breeding tool. The aim was to clarify the processes of classical
genetics by applying modern methods and enable a qualitative and rapid
progress in understanding the processes that occur at the level of genes in
the genome of forest plant species and thus help the processes of
conservation of valuable taxa at the time of global climate change. The
results are presented within various research fields and by type of forest
trees that were given priority by importance in forest ecosystems. Studies
have in most cases been of applicative character with the aim of solving the
major problems in forestry, but also of fundamental nature when they were
necessary to elucidate the response of forest species to the induced stress,
which is an inevitable component of the time characterized by tolerance and
adaptation as keywords.
Index of macroeconomic performance for a subset of countries: A Kaldorian analysis from the magic square approach focusing on Brazilian economy in the period 1997-2012
Authors: Firme Vinícius , Teixeira Joanílio
Published: October 2014

This paper aims to evaluate the macroeconomic performance of some chosen
countries in the period 1997-2012 using the four variables that compose the
?magic square? diagram suggested by Nicholas Kaldor (1971). In order to avoid
problems with the variables? scale, the standardized ?Index of Economic
Welfare? created by Ren? A. Medrano-B and Joan?lio R. Teixeira (2013) was
utilized. The results showed a good performance of China and the Asian
countries. Furthermore, in spite of the impact of the crises of 1998 and 2008
into Russia, this country presented a good recuperation and achieved a high
index just after these crises. The Brazilian performance was somewhat
surprising. The country showed a low growth rate and a progressive current
account deficit, both typical of developed nations, along with a high
inflation, typical of developing countries. A positive aspect seems to be the
country?s capability of avoiding external crises, like the verified in
2008-2009.