bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA target Fc receptors to regulate Ab-dependent Ag uptake in primary macrophages and dendritic cells
Authors: Naqvi Afsar Raza , Fordham Jezrom B , Nares Salvador
Published: July 2016

Phagocytosis commences with particle internalization and culminates with the activation of innate and adaptive immune responses. However, the role of miRNAs in phagocytosis remains largely unknown. In this study, we examined the role of miR-24, miR-30b and miR-142-3p in Ab Fc receptor (FcR)-mediated phagocytosis by macrophages (MΦ) and dendritic cells (DC). The expression of these miRNAs was reduced following phagocytosis of both IgG-opsonized beads and Escherichia coli, indicating their regulatory role in the process. Further, overexpression of these miRNAs impaired the uptake of IgG-coated latex beads, which corroborated the reduced secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-8 and down-regulation of PKC-α, as well as superoxide-generating enzyme NADPH oxidase 2 expression level. Mechanistically, MΦ and DC transfected with miRNA mimics show marked reduction in expression of FcRs including FCGR2A, FcɛR1G and FCER2. We show that FcɛR1G expression is not affected at the transcription level, rather it is post-transcriptionally regulated by miR-30b. Finally, we demonstrate that siRNA-mediated knockdown of FcɛR1G leads to reduced uptake of IgG-opsonized beads, indicating its involvement on Ab-mediated phagocytosis. These results uncover miR-24, miR-30b and miR-142-3p as an essential component of FcR-mediated phagocytosis and associated innate immune responses.
Antagonizing programmed death-1 and programmed death ligand-1 as a therapeutic approach for gastric cancer
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Yang Zhongxia , Latchoumanin Olivier , Qiao Liang
Published: July 2016

Malignant tumor cells are equipped with mechanisms that can help them escape the surveillance by host immune system. Immune checkpoint molecules can transduce coinhibitory signals to immunocompetent cells and exert immunosuppressive roles in antitumor immunity. Programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) are the two important checkpoint molecules with great potential in targeted cancer therapy. Several antibodies targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 have been approved for clinical use. In this review, we focus on the recent development of targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 in gastric cancer (GC) therapy.
We are all Keynesians again… and always?
Authors: Peck Jamie
Published: July 2016

Geoff Mann’s provocative paper presents an exacting critique of Keynes’ economic philosophy, coupled with a meditation on the implications of the present ‘triple crisis’, especially for the Left. He has compelling things to say on both topics but is at his most provocative where he links them together. This takes the form of an intriguing (if somewhat quirky) proposition that all liberal responses to the recurrent crises and regulatory dilemmas of capitalism, at least since the early 19th century, have been in some fashion (but also essentially) ‘Keynesian’. The basis for this bold claim – the identification of what I will call a ‘meta-Keynesian’ mind-set – mostly comes from a deep reading of Keynes’ philosophy and not from historical analysis per se. Mann is persuasive on the provenance of Keynes’ philosophy, but I question his claims about the reach and (continuing) grip of Keynesian reason and about the inevitability of the economist’s ‘eternal return’. Keynes may have been a Hegelian, but I am not convinced that he is ‘our Hegel’; I am not even sure he is ‘our’ Keynes.
Gendered violences and rule of/by law in Cambodia
Authors: Brickell Katherine
Published: July 2016

This intervention is based on research in Cambodia on domestic violence and forced eviction. It draws on the distinction between rule of/by law to examine women’s experiences of rights claiming. While ‘rule of law’ is a value to be respected and a mechanism via which to guarantee justice and human rights to all citizens, ‘rule by law’ is a distortion that is more easily conceived of as an instrument of power and oppression. The intervention’s emphasis on the blurring between these distinctions highlights the stark absence of feminist geography work in the growing field of legal geographies.
Gendered violences
Authors: Brickell Katherine , Maddrell Avril
Published: July 2016

In this short piece we identify some developments in recent scohlarship on gendered violence, as well as key issues highlighted in this collection of interventions. Rather than being the silent ‘elelphant in the room’, the spatial and power relations underlying myriad gendered violences need to become a mainstream concern within a wide range of geographical research and thinking e.g. social, economic, political, migration and cultural geogrpahies. Likewise, other scholars and practitioners need to be attentive to the geogrpahical underpinnings and dimensions of gendered.
Is medical perspective on clinical governance practices associated with clinical units’ performance and mortality? A cross-sectional study through a record-linkage procedure
Authors: Sarchielli Guido , De Plato Giovanni , Cavalli Mario , Albertini Stefano , Nonni Ilaria , Bencivenni Lucia , Montali Arianna , Ventura Antonio , Montali Francesca
Published: July 2016

Objective:

Assessment of the knowledge and application as well as perceived utility by doctors of clinical governance tools in order to explore their impact on clinical units’ performance measured through mortality rates and efficiency indicators.

Methods:

This research is a cross-sectional study with a deterministic record-linkage procedure. The sample includes n = 1250 doctors (n = 249 chiefs of clinical units; n = 1001 physicians) working in six public hospitals located in the Emilia-Romagna Region in Italy. Survey instruments include a checklist and a research-made questionnaire which were used for data collection about doctors’ knowledge and application as well as perceived utility of clinical governance tools. The analysis was based on clinical units’ performance indicators which include patients’ mortality, extra-region active mobility rate, average hospital stay, bed occupancy, rotation and turnover rates, and the comparative performance index as efficiency indicators.

Results:

The clinical governance tools are known and applied differently in all the considered clinical units. Significant differences emerged between roles and organizational levels at which the medical leadership is carried out. The levels of knowledge and application of clinical governance practices are correlated with the clinical units’ efficiency indicators (bed occupancy rate, bed turnover interval, and extra-region mobility). These multiple linear regression analyses highlighted that the clinical governance knowledge and application is correlated with clinical units’ mortality rates (odds ratio, −8.677; 95% confidence interval, −16.654, −0.700).

Conclusion:

The knowledge and application, as well as perceived utility by medical professionals of clinical governance tools, are associated with the mortality rates of their units and with some efficiency indicators. However, the medical frontline staff seems to not consider homogeneously useful the clinical governance tools application on its own clinical practice.
Effects of electrical stimulation therapy on the blood flow in chronic critical limb ischemia patients following regenerative therapy
Authors: Yamabata Shiho , Shiraishi Hirokazu , Munechika Mai , Fukushima Hideki , Fukuoka Yoshiyuki , Hojo Tatsuya , Shirayama Takeshi , Horii Motoyuki , Matoba Satoaki , Kubo Toshikazu
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

We investigated the effects of electrical stimulation therapy on cutaneous and muscle blood flow in critical limb ischemia patients following regenerative therapy.

Methods:

Three groups were studied: 10 healthy young subjects, 10 elderly subjects, and 7 critical limb ischemia patients after regenerative therapy. After 5 min rest, electrical stimulation was applied at 5 Hz on the tibialis anterior muscle for 10 min. We estimated the relative changes in oxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin compared to the basal values at rest (Δ[HbO2], Δ[Hbtot]), which reflected the blood flow in the skin and muscle layer, and we simultaneously measured the tissue O2 saturation (StO2) throughout the electrical stimulation and recovery phase by near-infrared spectroscopy.

Results:

The Δ[HbO2] and Δ[Hbtot] values of the muscle layer in critical limb ischemia patients increased gradually and remained significantly higher at the 5-min and 10-min recovery periods after the electrical stimulation without reducing the StO2, but there is no significant change in the other two groups. Skin blood flow was not influenced by electrical stimulation in three groups.

Conclusion:

This improvement of the peripheral circulation by electrical stimulation would be beneficial as the adjunctive therapy after regenerative cell therapy.
Comparison of the pull and introducer percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy techniques in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Retes Felipe A , Kawaguti Fabio S , de Lima Marcelo S , da Costa Martins Bruno , Uemura Ricardo S , de Paulo Gustavo A , Pennacchi Caterina MP , Gusmon Carla , Ribeiro Adriana VS , Baba Elisa R , Geiger Sebastian N , Sorbello Mauricio P , Kulcsar Marco A , Ribeiro Ulysses , Maluf‐Filho Fauze
Published: July 2016

Background and study aims

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients is associated with higher complication and mortality rates when compared to a general patient population. The pull technique is still the preferred technique worldwide but it has some limitations. The aim of this study is to compare the pull and introducer PEG techniques in patients with HNC.

Patients and methods

This study is based on a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of 309 patients with HNC who underwent PEG in the Cancer Institute of São Paulo.

Results

The procedure was performed with the standard endoscope in 205 patients and the introducer technique was used in 137 patients. There was one procedure‐related mortality. Age, sex and albumin level were similar in both groups. However in the introducer technique group, patients had a higher tumor stage, a lower Karnofsky status, and presented more frequently with tracheostomy and trismus. Overall, major, minor, immediate and late complications and 30‐day mortality rates were similar but the introducer technique group presented more minor bleeding and tube dysfunctions.

Conclusion

The push and introducer PEG techniques seem to be both safe and effective but present different complication profiles. The choice of PEG technique in patients with HNC should be made individually.
Market offers and the construction of a stigmatised identity: Insights from the case of motor-disabled persons
Authors: Nau Jean-Philippe , Derbaix Christian , Thevenot Géraldine
Published: July 2016

This research aims at understanding the role of market offers constructing a stigmatised identity for consumers with disabilities; it further underlines the conditions under which these consumers may manage this stigma effectively. After a literature review focused on stigmatised identity construction through a symbolic interactionist perspective, the authors describe a qualitative study carried out with motor-disabled consumers. The results illustrate how both standard offers and those specially designed for the motor disabled lead to a dead end that contributes to stigmata construction. They also point out how these consumers manage to develop other identities.
Who wrote the rules for the Trans-Pacific Partnership?
Authors: Allee Todd , Lugg Andrew
Published: July 2016

Twelve governments recently signed the much-anticipated Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), sparking heated debate about its merits. As a primary motivation for this first “mega-regional” agreement, US President Barack Obama argues that the TPP is a way for the USA, and not China or someone else, to write the global trade rules of the future. This begs some important questions, namely which country or countries really did write most of the TPP and thus whose agenda for 21st century trade might it advance? To answer these questions, we compare the recently-released text of the TPP to the language in the 74 previous trade agreements that TPP members signed since 1995. Our text-as-data analyses reveal that the contents of the TPP are taken disproportionately from earlier US trade agreements. The ten preferential trade agreements (PTAs) that most closely match the TPP are all US PTAs. Moreover, the contents of controversial chapters, such as the one on investment, are drawn even more heavily from past US treaty language. Our study and findings apply power-based accounts of international institutions to a landmark new agreement, and portray a more active, template-based process of international diffusion.
Sources and expressions of inner strength among old people who have experienced a crisis in life associated with a disease
Authors: Viglund Kerstin , Jonsén Elisabeth , Lundman Berit , Nygren Björn , Strandberg Gunilla
Published: July 2016

Inner strength is reported as an important resource associated with aging, health, and disease management. The aim was to explore inner strength in people ( n = 12) aged 65 years and older, who had experienced a crisis in life associated with a disease. The participants had self-rated their inner strength as high. We found that sources of inner strength were mutual love and support, and the fact that tough times have been managed before. Expressions of inner strength comprised focusing on possibilities instead of brooding, facing and take an active part in care and treatment, and being able to confront reality and pick yourself up again. Inner strength is a complex phenomenon. Increased knowledge of inner strength can serve as an aid in efforts to identify the need to promote inner strength.
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test
Authors: Kear Breelan M. , Guck Thomas P. , McGaha Amy L.
Published: July 2016

Purpose: The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a reliable, cost-effective, safe, and time-efficient way to evaluate overall functional mobility. However, the TUG does not have normative reference values (NRV) for individuals younger than 60 years. The purpose of this study was to establish NRV for the TUG for individuals aged between 20 and 59 years and to examine the relationship between the TUG and demographic, physical, and mental health risk factors. Methods: Two hundred participants, 50 per decade (ages 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 years) were selected at their primary care visit, and timed as they performed the TUG by standing up out of a chair, walking 3 m, turning around, walking back to the chair, and sitting down. Information regarding the risk factors socioeconomic status, body mass index, an index of multimorbidities, perceptions of overall physical and mental health was obtained and used as predictors of TUG time independent of age. Results: TUG times were significantly different among the decades ( F = 6.579, P = .001) with slower times occurring with the 50-year-old decade compared with the 20s ( P = .001), 30s ( P = .001), and 40s ( P = .020). Slower TUG times were associated with lower SES, higher body mass index, more medical comorbidities, and worse perceived physical and mental health. Regression results indicated that perceived physical and mental health accounted for unique variance in the prediction of TUG time beyond age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Conclusions: This study provided TUG NRV for adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. The TUG may have utility for primary care providers as they assess and monitor physical activity in younger adults, especially those with physical and mental health risk factors.
The Foreign Relations Powers of the Nigerian National Assembly
Authors: Arowosegbe J. O. , Akomolafe R. J.
Published: July 2016

The articulation and execution of foreign relations policies are no doubt responsibilities that fall squarely within the legal and constitutional competence of the executive in most democratic societies. Nevertheless, the place of the legislature in ensuring success can never be glossed over. This article examines the nature and means of legislative powers on the foreign plane. It focuses on an articulation of these powers using the Nigerian National Assembly as a case study. It is discovered that the powers exercisable are derived from the basic legislative powers granted by the Constitution and that they are quite extensive. Nonetheless, the Nigerian National Assembly is yet to attain the “transformative” status as envisaged by the Nigerian presidential Constitution.
The Relationship Between Personality and Parental Confidence in Mothers of School-Aged Children
Authors: Henney Susan M.
Published: July 2016

This study explores the relationship between personality and parental confidence among mothers of school-aged children. The relationships between personality and parenting competence and also between parental confidence and parenting competence are established in the literature, but the relationship between personality and parental confidence is little explored. One hundred twenty-one mothers of school-aged children were surveyed regarding their demographics and parenting confidence, and they also completed the 16PF personality measure. Hierarchical regression analysis found that higher Dominance, Self-Control, and Independence predicted higher maternal confidence, whereas higher Apprehension and Anxiety predicted lower maternal confidence. Black mothers had higher levels of parental confidence overall than mothers of other ethnicities. These results are discussed in the context of understanding parenting behaviors and designing parenting interventions.
Contesting Institutional Engineering for Decentralized Natural Resource Governance in Malawi
Authors: Zuka Sane Pashane
Published: July 2016

In line with 1993/1994 political change from autocratic to democratic rule in Malawi, centralized natural resources management has been replaced by decentralized approaches. Decentralized natural resource governance, however, requires transfer of responsibility and control over resources to locally elected actors. Using Domasi and Njala irrigation schemes, this study explores the processes and outcomes of institutional engineering that was considered prerequisite for the establishment of local governance in Malawi. The study findings reveal that decentralization is predominantly a political activity; hence, the transition to decentralization cannot be a matter of just passing democratic legislation. Consequently, mere institution of democratic structures does not automatically lead to achievement of democratic governance as was theorized.
Building Bridges Between Physicians And Pharmacists
Authors: Kerestecioglu Damla , Burns Catherine M. , Grindrod Kelly
Published: July 2016

Previous studies have indicated that there is a lack of communication between healthcare providers such as pharmacists and physicians. Our study was an initial attempt to understand the relationship patterns between family doctors and pharmacists and to try to identify the reasons leading to this lack of communication. Using semi-formal interviews and observational field studies, we explored the information flow between physicians and pharmacists as well as within physicians. Suggestions to improve pharmacist-physician communication are provided. This was the first step of a multi-year project trying to understand and improve communication between healthcare providers, through a better electronic healthcare records system.
Building and Exchanging Competence Interdisciplinarily
Authors: Rasche Peter , Theis Sabine , Bröhl Christina , Wille Matthias , Schlick Christopher M. , Mertens Alexander
Published: July 2016

Design pattern languages are already used extensively in architecture and computer science. In 2009 we first proposed the idea of a design pattern language for the health sector and in particular the Ambient Assisted Living sector. Based on the first language, we now present a new design pattern language focusing on “mobile information and communication technology for elderly”. Addressing the increasing importance of healthcare ICT, especially for older users, the next logical step was to build upon the experience from the development of a language for “ambient assisted living”. The pattern language is proposed as a mediator to build and exchange competence interdisciplinary. Therefore, this paper introduces the idea of design pattern languages as well as the newly developed language. Furthermore, best practices in developing and applying design pattern languages are presented to enable the reader to use this as a method to exchange research results and ideas between disciplines and in laymen’s terms, even with novices of the research topic.
Pediatric Dosing Device Contextual Inquiry Research
Authors: Blowers Paul , Hansbro Katie , Cavanaugh Matthew
Published: July 2016

AbbVie retained Design Science to gain an in-depth understanding of current in home pediatric drug-delivery practices by lay caregivers and to find opportunities for improvement. The central goal of the research was to provide a body of new information about users, use environments, and processes associated with pediatric drug dosing and delivery—information that can be used to help set requirements and to identify new opportunities.
Out-of-the-Box Medical Device Safety
Authors: Clark Shannon , Natesan Divya , Walker Morgan , Forkey Denise
Published: July 2016

Out-of-the-box experience is an important consideration in medical device design that not only impacts the user’s impression of the product, but can also have critical safety implications. This article discusses the basic safety questions to contemplate in a use-related risk analysis pertaining to the out-of-the-box experience, and focuses on how the most critical safety risks can be reduced or eliminated by conducting a usability study related to the out-of-the-box experience.
Power and Value of Consumer Product Development Techniques when Applied to Medical Devices
Authors: Karn Keith S. , Golaszewski Andrew
Published: July 2016

Insurance companies, healthcare providers, and patients are realizing we can treat many medical issues at home and avoid expensive and often inconvenient visits to the doctor’s office or hospital. As a result, many medical devices are now in the hands of untrained patients and caregivers, creating a growing market of consumer medical (or “medsumer”) products. This medsumer product market is exploding, along with the increased spending on home healthcare. This paper explores the benefits and value of looking at medical product development through the lens of this medsumer trend by applying typically consumer-oriented tools and techniques to the development of medical devices. We recommend specific consumer-driven techniques and tools we have used recently in developing medical products. The techniques include a greater emphasis on up-front user research, technological augmentation to ethnography, interdisciplinary design approach, integrated physical & digital prototyping, and more iterative user feedback.
The Current State of Handovers
Authors: Abraham Joanna , Patterson Emily , Riesenberg Lee Ann , Wears Robert
Published: July 2016

The paper presents the varying perspectives on the current state of handoff research and practice. Informed by their research studies, the interdisciplinary expert panel discussed in-situ experiences with respect to the good, the bad and the ugly of handoffs in hospitals. Furthermore, the panelists highlighted the need for: (a) collaborative and interdisciplinary research on handoffs with researchers and practitioners from computer sciences, communication, linguistics, human factors etc., and (2) extra-mural funding to conduct large-scale handoff evaluation studies.
A Method for Identifying and Evaluating Potential Patient Safety Risks in a Patient-Facing Healthcare Portal
Authors: Kahler Hannah , Flanagan Trisha , Keogh Caroline
Published: July 2016

Patient portals help facilitate communication between healthcare providers and patients, and provide a secure method for patients to engage with and manage their healthcare information. However, the potential patient safety risks associated with this relatively new functionality have not been extensively researched. athenahealth’s User Experience and Patient Safety teams collaborated to explore their Patient Portal to identify potential patient safety risks, actionable insights, and opportunities for improvement using data from the athenahealth network. The research method created for this purpose was designed to proactively identify, evaluate, and analyze patient safety risks and to provide insights into how patients use portal information. The results of the evaluation were delivered to the product development team in the form of actionable next steps for mitigating the identified risks.
Acute Postviral Encephalopathy
Authors: Achiriloaie Adina , Michelson David , Lei Li , Denham Laura , Oberg Kerby , Raghavan Ravi
Published: July 2016

The authors report a case of fatal acute encephalopathy following influenza infection, with slightly atypical pathological and imaging findings. A healthy 8-year-old boy with probable recent influenza A/B infection admitted for refractory seizures was placed on phenobarbital coma and later developed hemodynamic instability. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral cerebral and cerebellar white matter lesions and microhemorrhages. Following his demise, the autopsy revealed a large area of necrosis in the right centrum semiovale with similar lesions in the temporal and cerebellar regions. Microscopically, there was extensive coagulative necrosis, compatible with necrotizing white matter encephalopathy, and neuronal loss suggesting superimposed hypoxic–ischemia. The acute progressive neurologic deterioration was partly reminiscent on acute necrotizing encephalopathy, a condition recently associated with influenza A. In acute necrotizing encephalopathy, typical brain findings are characterized by bilateral thalamic necrosis/petechiae with variable white matter edema. The somewhat atypical findings in our case can relate to superadded cardiovascular collapse and hypoxic–ischemic effects.
Toward a New Vision of Equality: Perspectives of Male Teachers in the Elementary Music Classroom
Authors: Lesser Andrew
Published: July 2016

Research concerning men working in predominantly female environments has suggested that stereotyping can occur when gender norms are violated, such as men teaching at the elementary school level. The present study investigated the presence and perspectives of male elementary school music teachers in specific geographical regions of the Northeastern United States. A qualitative analysis of six public school districts representing multiple states in the Northeastern United States revealed that women still hold a majority among elementary music teachers. Interviews were then conducted with three selected male elementary music teachers to determine if any of them felt discriminated or marginalized among their female colleagues. While these men did claim that their masculinity indeed caused various issues relating to male discrimination, all three felt content with their positions regardless of their gender identification.
Silencing of hepatic fate-conversion factors induce tumorigenesis in reprogrammed hepatic progenitor-like cells
Authors: Serrano Felipe , García-Bravo Maria , Blazquez Marina , Torres Josema , Castell Jose V. , Segovia Jose C. , Bort Roque
Published: July 2016

Background

Several studies have reported the direct conversion of mouse fibroblasts to hepatocyte-like cells with different degrees of maturation by expression of hepatic fate-conversion factors.

Methods

We have used a combination of lentiviral vectors expressing hepatic fate-conversion factors with Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and Myc to convert mouse embryonic fibroblasts into hepatic cells.

Results

We have generated hepatic cells with progenitor-like features (iHepL cells). iHepL cells displayed basic hepatocyte functions but failed to perform functions characteristic of mature hepatocytes such as significant Cyp450 or urea cycle activities. iHepL cells expressed multiple hepatic-specific transcription factors and functional genes characteristic of immature hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, as well as high levels of Foxl1, Cd24a, and Lgr5, specific markers of hepatic progenitor cells. When transplanted into partial hepatectomized and hepatic irradiated mice, they differentiated into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. However, iHepL cells formed malignant non-teratoma cell aggregations in one out of five engrafted livers and five out of five xenografts assays. All the cells in these tumors had silenced key hepatic fate-conversion factors, and lost hepatic features.

Conclusions

This study highlights the dangers of using pluripotency factors in reprogramming strategies when fate-conversion factors are silenced in vivo, and urges us to perform extensive tumorigenic tests in reprogrammed cells.
Bromodomain 4: a cellular Swiss army knife
Authors: Devaiah Ballachanda N , Gegonne Anne , Singer Dinah S
Published: July 2016

Bromodomain protein 4 (BRD4) is a transcriptional and epigenetic regulator that plays a pivotal role in cancer and inflammatory diseases. BRD4 binds and stays associated with chromatin during mitosis, bookmarking early G1 genes and reactivating transcription after mitotic silencing. BRD4 plays an important role in transcription, both as a passive scaffold via its recruitment of vital transcription factors and as an active kinase that phosphorylates RNA polymerase II, directly and indirectly regulating transcription. Through its HAT activity, BRD4 contributes to the maintenance of chromatin structure and nucleosome clearance. This review summarizes the known functions of BRD4 and proposes a model in which BRD4 actively coordinates chromatin structure and transcription.
Caspase-1 as a multifunctional inflammatory mediator: noncytokine maturation roles
Authors: Sun Qian , Scott Melanie J
Published: July 2016

Caspase-1 is an inflammatory caspase that is activated through formation of inflammasome complexes in response to both pathogen-derived and endogenous mediators. The most well-known function of active caspase-1 is to cleave the proforms of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and -18 into their active forms in response to inflammatory stimuli in immune cells. However, recent evidence suggests that caspase-1 has multiple functions in addition to this cytokine maturation role and that it is at the center of many cell responses to stress and inflammation. The current review focuses on roles for caspase-1, and the closely related caspase-11, in inflammatory forms of cell death and protein cleavage and also in protein secretion. These alternative caspase-1 functions can influence inflammatory responses, not just in immune cells but in other cell types, such as epithelia, where inflammatory cytokine production may not be a primary cell function.
Change in Pattern of HER2 Fluorescent in Situ Hybridization (FISH) Results in Breast Cancers Submitted for FISH Testing: Experience of a Reference Laboratory Using US Food and Drug Administration Criteria and American Society of Clinical Oncology and College of American Pathologists Guidelines
Authors: Shah Mithun Vinod , Wiktor Anne E. , Meyer Reid G. , Tenner Kathleen S. , Ballman Karla V. , Green Stefan J. , Sukov William R. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Perez Edith A. , Jenkins Robert B.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

In 1998, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing guidelines to determine eligibility for HER2-directed therapy (HDT) in breast cancer. ASCO and the College of American Pathologists published immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) HER2 testing guidelines in 2007 (AC2007) and updated these guidelines in 2013 (AC2013). We compared the HER2 FISH amplification frequency using these three guidelines.

Methods

Patient samples that were sent to the Mayo Clinic cytogenetics laboratory for FISH testing (n = 2,851; from November 2013 to October 2014) were analyzed. Frequency of HER2 FISH amplification was examined and impact of AC2013 assessed.

Results

IHC results were available for 1,922 patient samples (67.4%), 137 of which were from Mayo Clinic. Distribution was 2.4% IHC 0, 7.9% IHC 1+, 84.8% IHC 2+, and 2.5% IHC 3+. Among IHC 2+ patients, HER2 FISH positivity was 11.8% (FDA), 9.4% (AC2007), and 24.1% (AC2013). Overall, 11.8% (n = 339) were positive with a FISH ratio ≥ 2.0, 1.3% (n = 35) with a FISH ratio ≥ 2.0 despite a HER2 signal < 4.0, and 3.0% (n = 86) with HER2 signal ≥ 6.0 despite FISH ratio < 2.0. Among 405 patients (14.2%) who were initially considered FISH-equivocal (ratio < 2.0 with HER2 signal ≥ 4.0, but < 6.0; AC2013), use of an alternative chromosome 17 probe reassigned 212 (7.4% overall) patients to FISH-positive and 36 (1.3% overall) patients to FISH-negative, whereas 157 (5.5% overall) patients remained equivocal. Final HER2 positivity with AC2013 (23.6%) was increased (P < .001) compared with FDA (13.1%) and AC2007 (11%) guidelines.

Conclusion

In a reference laboratory cohort that was highly enriched for IHC 2+ patient samples, AC2013 guidelines led to a larger number of FISH-equivocal patients. Approximately one half of these FISH-equivocal patients (7.4% overall) became HER2-positive upon alternative FISH probe testing. However, these patients would not have participated in the pivotal HDT trials. Clinical utility data on HDT benefit in these patients and other special subsets are needed.
Optimizing Prone Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Identifying the Vertebral Level Correlating With the Largest Left Ventricle Cross-Sectional Area via Computed Tomography Scan
Authors: Kwon Min-Ji , Kim Eun-Hee , Song In-Kyung , Lee Ji-Hyun , Kim Hee-Soo , Kim Jin-Tae
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND:

Placing the patient in the prone position frequently is required for some surgical procedures. If cardiac arrest occurs and the patient cannot be safely turned supine, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may need to be performed with the patient in the prone position. Although clear landmarks have been defined for supine CPR, the optimal hand position for CPR in the prone position has not been clearly determined. The purpose of this study was to determine anatomically the optimal hand position for CPR in the prone position.

METHODS:

We reviewed retrospectively the chest computed tomography images of 100 patients taken in the prone position. The vertebral body levels crossing the medial angle of the scapula, the inferior angle of the scapula, and the spinous process of the vertebral body connected to the most inferior rib were identified, and we selected the image level at which the left ventricular (LV) cross-sectional area was the largest. This level was defined as the optimal compression level and correlated to surface anatomical landmarks. We calculated the ratio of the distance from the C7 spinous process to the level of the largest LV cross-sectional area divided by the distance from the C7 spinous process to the spinous process of the vertebral body connected with the most inferior rib.

RESULTS:

The level of the largest LV cross-sectional area in the prone position was 1 vertebral segment below the inferior angle of the scapula in 45% (99% confidence interval [CI], 33–58) of patients and 0 to 2 vertebral segments below that in 95% (99% CI, 86–98) of patients. The mean (SD) ratio of the distance from the C7 spinous process to the level of the largest LV cross-sectional area divided by the distance from the C7 spinous process to T12 spinous process was 67% ± 7% (99% CI, 65–69).

CONCLUSIONS:

When the patient is positioned prone, the largest LV cross-sectional area is 0 to 2 vertebral segments below the inferior angle of the scapula in at least 86% of patients. Further studies are needed to determine whether this position is optimal for chest compressions in the prone position.
Heterogeneity in the Structure of the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract: A 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiographic Study
Authors: Montealegre-Gallegos Mario , Matyal Robina , Khabbaz Kamal R. , Owais Khurram , Maslow Andrew , Hess Philip , Mahmood Feroze
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND:

The left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) is a composite of adjoining structures; therefore, a circular or elliptical shape at one point may not represent its entire structure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of heterogeneity in the LVOT.

METHODS:

Patients with normal valvular and ventricular function undergoing elective coronary revascularization surgery were included in the study. Intraoperative R-wave gated 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiographic imaging of the LVOT was performed at end-systole, with the midesophageal long axis as the reference view. Acquired data were analyzed with the Philips Q-Lab software with multiplanar reformatting in the sagittal (minor axis), transverse (major axis), and coronal (cross-sectional area by planimetry) views of the LVOT. These measurements were made on the left ventricular side or proximal LVOT, aortic side, or distal LVOT and mid-LVOT.

RESULTS:

Fifty patients were included in the study. The LVOT minor (sagittal) axis dimension did not differ across the mid-LVOT, proximal LVOT, and distal LVOT (P = .11). The major axis diameter of LVOT differed among the 3 regions of the LVOT (P < .001). A difference in major axis diameter was observed between the proximal and the distal LVOT (median difference of 0.39 cm; Bonferroni-adjusted 95% confidence interval [CI] of the difference = 0.31–0.48 cm; Bonferroni-adjusted P < .001). Planimetry of the LVOT area differed significantly (P < .001) between the regions analyzed, and we found a difference between the distal and the proximal LVOT (median difference = 0.65 cm2, Bonferroni-adjusted 95% CI of the difference = 0.44–0.88 cm2, Bonferroni-adjusted P < .001). The LVOT area calculated from minor axis diameter differed significantly from the area obtained by planimetry (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

There was heterogeneity in the major axis diameter and cross-sectional area for the different regions of the LVOT. The distal LVOT (aortic side) was more circular, whereas the proximal LVOT (left ventricular side) was more elliptical in shape. This change in shape from circular to elliptical was accounted for by a difference in the major axis diameter from proximal to distal LVOT and a relatively similar minor axis diameter. Although the clinical significance of this finding is unknown, the assumption of a uniform structure of LVOT is incorrect. Three-dimensional imaging may be useful for assessing the LVOT shape and size at a specific region of interest.
Interfascial Spread of Injectate After Adductor Canal Injection in Fresh Human Cadavers
Authors: Goffin Pierre , Lecoq Jean-Pierre , Ninane Vincent , Brichant Jean Francois , Sala-Blanch Xavi , Gautier Philippe E. , Bonnet Pierre , Carlier Alain , Hadzic Admir
Published: July 2016

The adductor canal block has become a common analgesic technique in patients undergoing knee arthroplasty. Dispersion of local anesthetic outside the adductor canal through interfascial layers and blockade of smaller nerves that confer innervation to the knee could contribute to the analgesic efficacy of the adductor canal block. We studied the diffusion of local anesthetic mixed with dye after injection into the adductor canal in fresh human cadavers. In all 8 legs, injectate was found in the popliteal fossa in contact with the sciatic nerve and/or popliteal blood vessels. Interfascial spread patterns were identified.
Features of formation of regional parliaments in the subjects of the Russian Federation
Authors: Рыбакова  , Rybakova Svetlana
Published: July 2016

The process of formation of representative bodies in the regions of the Russian Federation, provided by the Russian legislation, is considered. The analysis of the influence of the federal authorities on the formation of regional parliaments is presented.

The restrictions of the real possibilities of regional parliaments to influence the political process in the space of their regions are analyzed, as well as their great dependence on the executive branch. The practices of regional parliaments of the Russian Federation are studied. The change in the structure of regional government legislation, including regional parliaments, based on the author´s analysis of changes, amendments to the Federal Law «On general principles of organization of legislative (representative) and executive bodies of state power of the subjects of the Russian Federation» is examined.

It is proved that the regional parliaments have greater possibilities to structure and intensify the political space of the subjects of the Russian Federation, in the organization of social life, increasing the responsibility of the entire system of public administration. Some recommendations for improving the formation of regional parliaments in Russia are given.
Forms of state-civil interaction in modern Russia: problems of development and practical implementation
Authors: Малик  , Malik Elena , Меркулов  , Merkulov Sergey
Published: July 2016

The article is devoted to topical issues of development of state-civil interaction in modern Russia. The scientific approaches to the essence of relationships between public authorities, citizens and public associations are analyzed. The authors describe the main forms of interaction between state and civil society institutions, and basic approaches to understanding of their content. The typology of forms and methods of partnership between the civil society and public authorities in modern Russia is presented. In the article the authors show to the role of information, determine the value of Internet technologies and online communications to improve the cooperation of public associations with public authorities. The content of the problems arising in the process of interaction between public associations and state government is revealed. Some recommendations to improve state support of civil society institutions in the Russian Federation are made.
Problems of administrative responsibility for violation of the law on banks and banking
Authors: Гончарук  , Goncharuk Natalya , Кулаженкова  , Kulazhenkova Nataliya
Published: July 2016

In the article the phenomenon of discussion in legal science and practice, of administrative responsibility for violation of the law on banks and banking activities is discussed. The relevance of the research topic is determined by the fact that the litigation of violations in this sphere causes difficulties in judicial practice, because the rules of banks and banking activities are also contained in other federal laws, causing significant controversy in determining proper measures of responsibility. The article provides a comparative analysis of the legal liability for violation of the law on banks and banking activities, provided by the rules of the Administrative Code and the Federal Law «On the Central Bank of the Russian Federation (Bank of Russia)»; types of interventions provided for banking offenses are discussed and the ways of solving the problem are indicated.
Development of integration processes in the modern economy based on the creation of clusters
Authors: Проняева  , Pronyaeva Lyudmila , Павлова  , Pavlova Anna
Published: July 2016

Integration processes are the most important areas of economic development. The article presents the motives and factors that contribute to the development of integration processes in the economy; the evolution of forms of integration in Russia is considered, the reasons for choice of kinds of integration interaction are presented, the existing forms of integration are reflected. The idea that the cluster association of organizations is the most promising form of integration is substantiated. The authors highlighted features of clusters, assessed the current state of the cluster structure, focusing on the existing problems of the establishment and operation of cluster associations in Russia.
The current social and economical problems of the development in the Orel region
Authors: Грядунова  , Gryadunova Alina
Published: July 2016

The article deals with the most actual problems of the Orel region, also the ways to solve them or to minimize the effects of various kinds of negative factors on the basis of project management system implementation are suggested. Among the negative factors there is imperfection of the legal framework and hierarchical management structure. The second factor is the lack of funds for the implementation of various, often perspective regional development programs - here we are talking primarily about cultural development, having the main requirement as the availability of infrastructure. The author proposes to develop mechanisms to involve small and medium-sized businesses in the development of socio-cultural sphere.
Strategic professions as a basis of long-term competitiveness in innovative economy
Authors: Авдеева  , Avdeeva Ekaterina , Резник  , Reznik Evgeniy , Резник  , Reznik Aleksey
Published: July 2016

In the article methodical provisions on identification of strategic professions and an assessment of competences of the personnel on each of them are offered. It will allow the enterprises to provide effective approach to development of the perspective directions of development and competitiveness in strategic aspect.

The concept of strategic competitiveness of the enterprise is considered. The results of the analysis are presented obtained by the authors of service activities in existing plants producing aircraft components. The calculation for each of the strategic enterprise professions according to professional competency coefficients is done.
Ethical component of the communicative efficiency of business communication
Authors: Кашаева  , Kashaeva Elena , Павлова  , Pavlova Lyudmila
Published: July 2016

The article deals with issues related to the ethical foundations of the effectiveness of oral and written forms of business communication. It is emphasized that in business interaction speech etiquette plays an important role, in particular address as the most frequent communicative unit. Particular attention is given to form You address in the system «Chief – Employee». The efficiency factors of using speech etiquette cliche in business correspondence are identified.
Regulatory and legal support of risk management
Authors: Вохминцев  , Vokhmintsev Vladislav
Published: July 2016

The article reviews the main sources of regulatory and legal enforcement of risk management in commercial enterprises: international standards, codes of practice and manual, as well as laws of the Russian Federation, rules and requirements of regulating authorities. The evaluation of the completeness and role of international documents and legal acts in support of the development of risk-management is given; the problem of their use in home business is examined. As a result of comparison of different approaches used in the international standardization of risk management, the main advantages and disadvantages of use of international standards as a guide to risk management and infrastructure management are identified. The ways of improving the regulatory framework of the national risk management are suggested.
Can Başkent (ed.), Perspectives on Interrogative Models of Inquiry, Springer, 2016
Authors: Poggiolesi Francesca
Published: July 2016

Book Reviews: Can Başkent (ed.), Perspectives on Interrogative Models of Inquiry, Logic, Argumentation & Reasoning, Volume 8, Springer, 2016, vii + 197 pages, ISBN: 978-3-319-20761-2 (Print), 978-3-319-20762-9 (Online). DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-20762-9