bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three Asylum Paradigms
Authors: Durieux Jean-François
Published: June 2013

Why do refugees exist – not as an empirical, but as a normative, category? What special sense of duty connects us to those people whom we call refugees, and how does this duty translate into asylum? What does the practice of asylum tell us about who we are, as individuals as well as members of political communities? How does one morally justify the special concern we feel for, and consequently the privileged treatment we give, refugees as compared with other foreigners in need? Revisiting the main features of the ethical debate over asylum and refugeehood, this article argues that the 1951 Refugee Convention provides a coherent framework to explain the ‘refugee privilege’. This contention is based on three features of the Convention, namely: its focus on admission and assimilation; its affirmation of the refugee as a privileged alien; and its emphasis, through the key concept of persecution, on the prohibition of discrimination and the identifying value of tolerance. However, one must acknowledge that a proper understanding of the moral duty to admit and integrate refugees does not suffice to explain contemporary state practice in dealing with the ‘refugee problem’ as a matter of solidarity. This article suggests that there are two additional asylum paradigms at work in today’s world: one takes disaster as a motivation for action, and rescue as the underpinning moral and legal imperative; and the other rests upon a duty not to return individuals to specific forms of danger, absent affinity or even compassion. The article examines some of the impacts which the co-existence of these three paradigms has on the global refugee regime, and their implications for law- and policy-making on asylum, both within and among states.
The evolution of pignus in classical Roman law Ius honorarium and ‘ius novum’
Authors: Verhagen H.L.E.
Published: June 2013

The Roman pledge (pignus) developed from a possessory pledge on a single physical asset owned at the time of pledging by the debtor into a versatile security interest that could be created as a non-possessory security interest over all the debtor’s present and future tangible and intangible assets. This evolutionary process was triggered by transactional practices which were recognised by the ius honorarium. At a later stage the Severan rescript practice (‘ius novum’) took over the leading role in developing the law of pledge. While the ius honorarium generally recognised party autonomy, by upholding transactional practises, the ius novum placed limitations on it, in particular in order to protect the debtor.
The Copenhagen Principles, International Military Operations and Detentions
Authors: Oswald Bruce “Ossie”
Published: June 2013

The primary purpose of this article is to introduce the Copenhagen Process Principles and Guidelines so as to better understand how they relate to detentions in military operations. The Copenhagen Principles and Guidelines were “welcomed” by a number of states in October 2012 and concern the taking and handling of detainees in non-international armed conflicts and peace operations.
Biology, Neuroscience, and Entrepreneurship
Authors: Nicolaou Nicos , Shane Scott
Published: June 2013

Neuroscience research is a welcome and overdue addition to the field of entrepreneurship. We hope that Martin de Holan’s article and the ensuing debate in this issue of the Journal of Management Inquiry will help spur further scholarship in this area.
Evaluation on the compliance with secondary prevention and influence factors of ischemic stroke in Hainan province, China
Authors: Su Qingjie , Yuan Kunxiong , Long Faqing , Wan Zhongqin , Li Chaoyun , Cai Yi , Zeng Chaosheng , Wu Yingman , Wu Hairong , Liu Shu , Li Pengxiang , Zhou Jingxia , Chen Cong , Wang Desheng , Yan Limin , Zhang Yuhui , Dai Mingming
Published: June 2013

Survivors of ischemic stroke are still at a significant risk for recurrence. Numerous effective strategies for the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke have now been established; however, these guidelines are not widely known. In this retrospective, a multicenter study was conducted from January 2011 to February 2012 in 10 general hospitals, which included 1300 elderly patients who had previously been diagnosed with ischemic stroke and re-admitted to hospitals. Logistic regression models were fitted to determine the relationship between compliance with secondary prevention therapy and each variable of interest. The treatment rates of antihypertensive, antiplatelet and lipid-lowering therapy were only 56.3%, 48.9% and 19.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis presented that cardiovascular risk factors would motivate patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia to receive corresponding treatments. However, it is worth noting that they did not influence the use of antiplatelet therapy. In addition, high education, health education and insurance promote the use of secondary prevention in patients. In conclusion, the importance of antiplatelet therapy should not be ignored any more. Besides, health education will raise patients’ attention to ischemic stroke.
Chronic pain epidemiology – where do lifestyle factors fit in?
Authors: van Hecke Oliver , Torrance Nicola , Smith Blair H
Published: June 2013

Chronic pain is common and complex and has a large impact on individuals and society. Good epidemiological pain data provide key information on the use of resources (both in general practice and in specialist clinics), insight into factors that lead to or favour chronicity and the design of interventions aimed at reducing or preventing the effects of chronic pain. This review aims to highlight the important factors associated with chronic pain, including those factors which are amenable to lifestyle intervention.
An in vitro model of Mycobacterium lepraeinduced granuloma formation
Authors: Wang Hongsheng , Maeda Yumi , Fukutomi Yasuo , Makino Masahiko
Published: June 2013

Background

Leprosy is a contagious and chronic systemic granulomatous disease caused byMycobacterium leprae. In the pathogenesis of leprosy, granulomas play a key role, however, the mechanisms of the formation and maintenance ofM. lepraegranulomas are still not clearly understood.

Methods

To better understand the molecular physiology ofM. lepraegranulomas and the interaction between the bacilli and human host cells, we developed anin vitromodel of human granulomas, which mimicked the in vivo granulomas of leprosy. Macrophages were differentiated from human monocytes, and infected withM. leprae, and then cultured with autologous human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Results

Robust granuloma-like aggregates were obtained only when theM. lepraeinfected macrophages were co-cultured with PBMCs. Histological examination showedM. lepraewithin the cytoplasmic center of the multinucleated giant cells, and these bacilli were metabolically active. Macrophages of both M1 and M2 types co-existed in the granuloma like aggregates. There was a strong relationship between the formation of granulomas and changes in the expression levels of cell surface antigens on macrophages, cytokine production and the macrophage polarization. The viability ofM. lepraeisolated from granulomas indicated that the formation of host cell aggregates benefited the host, but the bacilli also remained metabolically active.

Conclusions

A simplein vitromodel of humanM. lepraegranulomas was established using human monocyte-derived macrophages and PBMCs. This system may be useful to unravel the mechanisms of disease progression, and subsequently develop methods to control leprosy.
Virulence-related traits of epidemic Acinetobacter baumannii strains belonging to the international clonal lineages I-III and to the emerging genotypes ST25 and ST78
Authors: Giannouli Maria , Antunes Luísa CS , Marchetti Veronica , Triassi Maria , Visca Paolo , Zarrilli Raffaele
Published: June 2013

Background

Acinetobacter baumannii is responsible for large epidemics in hospitals, where it can persist for long time on abiotic surfaces. This study investigated some virulence-related traits of epidemic A. baumannii strains assigned to distinct MLST genotypes, including those corresponding to the international clones I-III as well as emerging genotypes responsible for recent epidemics.

Methods

Genotyping of bacteria was performed by PFGE analysis and MLST according to the Pasteur’s scheme. Biofilm formation on polystyrene plates was assessed by crystal violet staining; resistance to desiccation was evaluated on glass cover-slips when kept at room-temperature and 31% relative humidity; adherence to and invasion of A549 human alveolar epithelial cells were determined by the analysis of viable bacteria associated with or internalized by A549 human alveolar epithelial cells; Galleria mellonella killing assays were used to analyze the virulence of A. baumannii in vivo.

Results

The ability to form biofilm was significantly higher for A. baumannnii strains assigned to ST2 (international clone II), ST25 and ST78 compared to other STs. All A. baumannii strains survived on dry surfaces for over 16 days, and strains assigned to ST1 (international clone I) and ST78 survived for up to 89 and 96 days, respectively. Adherence to A549 pneumocytes was higher for strains assigned to ST2, ST25 and ST78 than other genotypes; a positive correlation exists between adherence and biofilm formation. Strains assigned to ST78 also showed significantly higher ability to invade A549 cells. No significant differences in the killing of G. mellonella worms were found among strains.

Conclusions

Elevated resistance to desiccation, high biofilm-forming capacity on abiotic surfaces and adherence to A549 cells might have favoured the spread and persistence in the hospital environment of A. baumannii strains assigned to the international clones I and II and to the emerging genotypes ST25 and ST78.
Effect of Carissa opaca leaves extract on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activity and reproductive hormones in male rats
Authors: Sahreen Sumaira , Khan Muhammad Rashid , Khan Rahmat Ali , Shah Naseer Ali
Published: June 2013

Background

Carissa opacaleaves are traditionally used in the treatment of male dysfunction and hormonal disorder as well as in oxidative stress in Pakistan and Asia. The present study was designed to assess the protective effects of methanolic extract ofCarissa opacaleaves (MLC) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced reproductive stress in male rats and bioactive constituents responsible for the activity.

Methods

CCl4was induced in 42 male rats for eight weeks and checked the protective efficacy of methanolic extract ofCarissa opacaleaves at various hormonal imbalances, alteration of antioxidant enzymes, DNA fragmentation levels and lipid peroxidation caused testicular fibrosis in testis while High performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used for detection of bioactive components.

Results

HPLC characterization revealed the presence of isoquercitin , hyperoside , vitexin , myricetin and kaempherol. CCl4caused significant alteration in the secretion of reproductive hormones. Activity of antioxidant enzymes viz; catalase, superoxide dimutase and phase II metabolizing enzymes including glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and reduced glutathione was decreased while DNA fragmentation, hydrogen per oxide contents and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were increased with CCl4treatment. Co-administration of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg b.w. MLC effectively ameliorated the alterations in the biochemical markers; hormonal and molecular levels.

Conclusion

Protective effects of methanolic extract ofCarissa opacaagainst CCl4−induced antioxidant and hormonal dysfunction which might be due to bioactive compound present in extract.
Fixed point theorems under Hardy-Rogers contractive conditions on 0-complete ordered partial metric spaces
Authors: Nashine Hemant Kumar , Kadelburg Zoran , Radenović Stojan , Kim Jong Kyu
Published: June 2013

A fixed point theorem is obtained for a monotone self-map in a 0-complete ordered partial metric space under Hardy-Rogers-type contractive condition. This result improves some recently obtained ones, in the sense that weaker conditions are used. An example shows how this result can be used when the corresponding result in standard metric cannot. The second theorem is concerned with two weakly isotone increasing self-mappings in ordered partial metric spaces. A common fixed point result is obtained without any commutativity or compatibility assumptions.

MSC:47H10, 54H25.
Effectiveness of human, camel, bovine and sheep lactoferrin on the hepatitis C virus cellular infectivity: comparison study
Authors: EL-Fakharany Esmail M , Sánchez Lourdes , Al-Mehdar Hussein A , Redwan Elrashdy M
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The prevalence of HCV infection has increased during recent years and the incidence reach 3% of the world's population, and in some countries like Egypt, may around 20%. The developments of effective and preventive agents are critical to control the current public health burden imposed by HCV infection. Lactoferrin in general and camel lactoferrin specifically has been shown to have a compatitive anti-viral activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV). The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the anti-infectivity of native human, camel, bovine and sheep lactoferrin on continuous of HCV infection in HepG2 cells.

Material and methods

Used Lfs were purified by Mono S 5/50 GL column and Superdex 200 5/150 column. The purified Lfs were evaluated in two ways; 1. the pre-infected cells were treated with the Lfs to inhibit intracellular replication at different concentrations and time intervals, 2. Lfs were directly incubated with the virus molecules then used to cells infection. The antiviral activity of the Lfs were determined using three techniques; 1. RT-nested PCR, 2. Real-time PCR and 3. Flowcytometric.

Results

Human, camel, bovine and sheep lactoferrin could prevent the HCV entry into HepG2 cells by direct interaction with the virus instead of causing significant changes in the target cells. They were also able to inhibit virus amplification in HCV infected HepG2 cells. The highest anti-infectivity was demonstrated by the camel lactoferrin.

Conclusion

cLf has inhibitory effect on HCV (genotype 4a) higher than human, bovine and sheep lactoferrin.
Identification of tetrodotoxin-producing Shewanella spp. from feces of food poisoning patients and food samples
Authors: Wang Duochun , Wang Yonglu , Huang Hongnan , Lin Jie , Xiao Di , Kan Biao
Published: June 2013

Shewanella spp. is infrequently recovered from clinical specimens. Following two outbreaks of food poisoning, eight Shewanella spp. strains were obtained from the fecal specimens of patients, food and food processing-related materials. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) was identified in the culture supernatants of these strains, and the toxin’s biological activity was detected using a mouse bioassay. This study suggested that Shewanella strains can colonize and survive in human intestines. The study also raises the issues of the accumulation of TTX produced by Shewanella in food and the possible role of TTX-producing Shewanella in food poisoning.
Types and severity of medication errors in Iran; a review of the current literature
Authors: Mansouri Ava , Ahmadvand Alireza , Hadjibabaie Molouk , Kargar Mona , Javadi Mohammadreza , Gholami Kheirollah
Published: June 2013

Medication error (ME) is the most common single preventable cause of adverse drug events which negatively affects patient safety. ME prevalence is a valuable safety indicator in healthcare system. Inadequate studies on ME, shortage of high-quality studies and wide variations in estimations from developing countries including Iran, decreases the reliability of ME evaluations. In order to clarify the status of MEs, we aimed to review current available literature on this subject from Iran. We searched Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, EBSCOHOST and also Persian databases (IranMedex, and SID) up to October 2012 to find studies on adults and children about prescription, transcription, dispensing, and administration errors. Two authors independently selected and one of them reviewed and extracted data for types, definitions and severity of MEs. The results were classified based on different stages of drug delivery process. Eighteen articles (11 Persian and 7 English) were included in our review. All study designs were cross-sectional and conducted in hospital settings. Nursing staff and students were the most frequent populations under observation (12 studies; 66.7%). Most of studies did not report the overall frequency of MEs aside from ME types. Most of studies (15; 83.3%) reported prevalence of administration errors between 14.3%-70.0%. Prescribing error prevalence ranged from 29.8%-47.8%. The prevalence of dispensing and transcribing errors were from 11.3%-33.6% and 10.0%-51.8% respectively. We did not find any follow up or repeated studies. Only three studies reported findings on severity of MEs. The most reported types of and the highest percentages for any type of ME in Iran were administration errors. Studying ME in Iran is a new area considering the duration and number of publications. Wide ranges of estimations for MEs in different stages may be because of the poor quality of studies with diversity in definitions, methods, and populations. For gaining better insights into ME in Iran, we suggest studying sources, underreporting of, and preventive measures for MEs.
Cyclin D1 cooperates with p21 to regulate TGFβ-mediated breast cancer cell migration and tumor local invasion
Authors: Dai Meiou , Al-Odaini Amal A , Fils-Aimé Nadège , Villatoro Manuel A , Guo Jimin , Arakelian Ani , Rabbani Shafaat A , Ali Suhad , Lebrun Jean Jacques
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Deregulation of the cell cycle machinery is often found in human cancers. Modulations in the cell cycle regulator function and expression result not only in proliferative advantages, but also lead to tumor progression and invasiveness of the cancer. In particular, cyclin D1 and p21 are often over-expressed in human cancers, correlating with high tumor grade, poor prognosis and increased metastasis. This prompted us to investigate the role of the cyclin D1/p21 signaling axis downstream of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) in breast cancer progression.

Methods

Cyclins mRNA and protein expressions were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot in triple negative breast cancer cell lines. Co-localization and interaction between cyclin D1 and p21 were performed by immunocytochemistry and co-immunoprecipitation, respectively. Cell migration was assessed by wound healing and quantitative time-lapse imaging assays. In addition, the effects of cyclin D1 on cellular structure and actin organization were examined by staining with F-actin marker phalloidin and mesenchymal intermediate filament vimentin. Finally, a mammary fat pad xenograft mouse model was used to assess mammary tumor growth and local invasion.

Results

We found TGFβ to specifically up-regulate the expression of cyclin D1 in triple negative breast cancer cells. Induction of cyclin D1 is also required for TGFβ-mediated cell migration. Suppression of cyclin D1 expression not only resulted in a rounded and epithelial-like phenotype, but also prevented TGFβ-induced vimentin and F-actin co-localization at the cell edge as well as invadopodia formation. Furthermore, TGFβ promoted the nuclear co-localization and physical interaction between cyclin D1 and p21. The co-expression of cyclin D1 and p21 proteins are required for the initial steps of tumor development, as double knockdown of these two molecules prevented primary tumor formation in a Xenograft mouse model. Moreover, the in vivo studies indicated that locally advanced features of the invasive tumors, including skeletal muscle, mammary fat pad and lymphovascular invasion, as well as ulcerated skin, were attenuated in the absence of cyclin D1 and p21.

Conclusions

Thus, our findings highlight the cyclin D1/p21 signaling axis as a critical regulator of TGFβ-mediated tumor growth initiation and local tumor cell invasion, both in vitro and in vivo.
Post-extubation dysphagia is associated with longer hospitalization in survivors of critical illness with neurologic impairment
Authors: Macht Madison , King Christopher J , Wimbish Tim , Clark Brendan J , Benson Alexander B , Burnham Ellen L , Williams André , Moss Marc
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Critically ill patients can develop acute respiratory failure requiring endotracheal intubation. Swallowing dysfunction after liberation from mechanical ventilation, also known as post-extubation dysphagia, is common and deleterious among patients without neurologic disease. However, the risk factors associated with the development of post-extubation dysphagia and its effect on hospital lengthofstay in critically ill patients with neurologic disorders remains relatively unexplored.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study from 2008 to 2010 of patients with neurologic impairment who required mechanical ventilation and subsequently received a bedside swallow evaluation (BSE) by a speech-language pathologist.

Results

A BSE was performed after mechanical ventilation in 25% (630/2,484) of all patients. In the 184 patients with neurologic impairment, post-extubation dysphagia was present in 93% (171/184), and was classified as mild, moderate, or severe in 34% (62/184), 26% (48/184), and 33% (61/184), respectively. In univariate analyses, statistically significant risk factors for moderate/severe dysphagia included longer durations of mechanical ventilation and the presence of a tracheostomy. In multivariate analysis, adjusting for age, tracheostomy, cerebrovascular disease, and severity of illness, mechanical ventilation for >7 days remained independently associated with moderate/severe dysphagia (adjusted odds ratio = 4.48 (95%confidence interval = 2.14 to 9.81), P<0.01). The presence of moderate/severe dysphagia was also significantly associated with prolonged hospital lengthofstay, discharge status, and surgical placement of feeding tubes. When adjusting for age, severity of illness, and tracheostomy, patients with moderate/severe dysphagia stayed in the hospital 4.32 days longer after their initial BSE than patients with none/mild dysphagia (95% confidence interval = 3.04 to 5.60 days, P <0.01).

Conclusion

In a cohort of critically ill patients with neurologic impairment, longer duration of mechanical ventilation is independently associated with post-extubation dysphagia, and the development of post-extubation dysphagia is independently associated with a longer hospital length of stay after the initial BSE.
Asian Options Under One-Sided Lévy Models
Authors: Patie P.
Published: June 2013

We generalize, in terms of power series, the celebrated Geman-Yor formula for the pricing of Asian options in the framework of spectrally negative Lévy-driven assets. We illustrate our result by providing some new examples.
Coalescence in Subcritical Bellman-Harris Age-Dependent Branching Processes
Authors: Hong Jyy-I
Published: June 2013

We consider a continuous-time, single-type, age-dependent Bellman-Harris branching process. We investigate the limit distribution of the point process A(t)={at,i: 1≤ i≤ Z(t)}, where at,i is the age of the ith individual alive at time t, 1≤ i≤ Z(t), and Z(t) is the population size of individuals alive at time t. Also, if Z(t)≥ k, k≥2, is a positive integer, we pick k individuals from those who are alive at time t by simple random sampling without replacement and trace their lines of descent backward in time until they meet for the first time. Let Dk(t) be the coalescence time (the death time of the last common ancestor) of these k random chosen individuals. We study the distribution of Dk(t) and its limit distribution as t→∞.
Palladium-catalyzed Tandem Cyclodehydrogenation of o-Phenylenediyne-linked Bis(arenol)s to Produce Benzodifuran-containing Condensed Heteroaromatic Ring Systems
Authors: Furusawa Masaki , Imahori Tatsushi , Igawa Kazunobu , Tomooka Katsuhiko , Irie Ryo
Published: June 2013

o-Phenylenediyne-linked bis(arenol) derivatives underwent catalytic cyclodehydrogenation with Pd(OAc)2 and molecular oxygen in DMSO to produce benzodifuran-containing condensed heteroaromatic ring systems, via the formation of two C–O and one C–C bonds in a tandem fashion. Remarkably, the present cycloaromatization proceeded efficiently in the presence of aqueous NaOH and MS 3A to provide the desired heterocycles in moderate-to-high yields.
Ubiquitous photography
Authors: Kember Sarah
Published: June 2013

What is ubiquitous photography? The article addresses this question and argues that ubiquity signals something more than the proliferation and dispersal of photography into everyday life. Moving beyond the question of digitization and of new or digital media, the premise of the argument is that ubiquitous photography is inseparable from the claims and innovations associated with the wider field of ubiquitous computing. Here, photography and the photographic are realigned within the terms of the technoscience industries and their quest to generate ambient intelligent environments, automated systems such as face recognition technology (FRT), animated artefacts and augmented reality (AR). Employing a feminist approach to technoscience, the article offers a gendered, genealogical and interventionist critique of photography’s ‘everywhere’ status.
Laparoscopos colorectalis resectiók – 393 eset tapasztalatai
Authors: Kupcsulik Péter , Tamás Judit , Pálházy Timea , Lukovich Péter , Weltner János
Published: June 2013

Absztrakt

A laparoscopos (LAP) vastagbélműtéteket egyre szélesebb körben alkalmazzák világszerte. Nagy összehasonlító tanulmányok részletezik az előnyöket, de kevesebb az adat a hétköznapi gyakorlat tapasztalatairól. A jelen közlemény az I. sz. Sebészeti Klinika 2004–2011 közötti, szelekció nélküli colorectalis műtéti beteganyagát dolgozza fel. A 393 beteg közül malignus tumor miatt 333 került műtétre. A T3 daganatok aránya 62,7% volt. Szinkrón májáttétet észleltünk 18 esetben, közülük 3 solitaer, resecabilis, 15 multiplex inoperábilis áttét volt. Minden esetben sikeres bélresectióra került sor. A szövődmények teljes beteganyagra vonatkoztatott aránya 9,9%, a kórházi halálozás 2,0% volt. A szövődménymentes esetek átlagos ápolási ideje 6,7 nap volt. 9 esetben „single incision” műtét történt szövődménymentesen, az ápolási idő itt 4 napot vett igénybe. Rectumtumorok esetében az abdominoperinealis exstirpatiók aránya 9,3%-ot, a resectiós műtéteké 90,7%-ot tett ki. 59 betegnél (15%) került sor konverzióra. A műtéti idők a vizsgált idő alatt csökkentek, de mind a műtéti idő, mind a konverziók aránya jellemzően operatőrfüggő. A laparoscopos módszer alkalmas minden típusú elektív colorectalis sebészi kórkép kezelésére. A módszer elterjesztéséhez rendszeres, szervezett képzés szükséges.
The quasi-static and cyclic fatigue fracture behavior of an emerging titanium alloy
Authors: Manigandan Kannan , Srivatsan Tirumalai S. , Morscher Gregory N.
Published: June 2013

Sustained research and development efforts culminating in the emergence of new and improved titanium alloys have provided both the impetus and interest for studying their mechanical behavior under the extrinsic influence of loading spanning both static and dynamic. In this article, the quasi-static and cyclic fatigue fracture behavior of a titanium alloy (Ti-Al-V-Fe-O2) is highlighted. Test specimens of this titanium alloy were deformed both in quasi-static tension and cyclic stress amplitude–controlled fatigue. The quasi-static mechanical properties, cyclic fatigue response and microscopic mechanisms contributing to deformation and eventual fracture are highlighted in light of the competing and mutually interactive influences of nature of loading, intrinsic microstructural effects, deformation characteristics of the titanium alloy metal matrix and macroscopic aspects of fracture.
Defining What Matters When Preserving Web-Based Personal Digital Collections: Listening to Bloggers
Authors: Yoon Ayoung
Published: June 2013

User-generated content (UGC) has become a part of personal digital collections on the Web, as such collections often contain personal memories, activities, thoughts and even profiles. With the increase in the creation of personal materials on the Web, the needs for archiving and preserving these materials are increasing, not only for the purpose of developing personal archives but also for the purpose of capturing social memory and tracking human traces in this era. Using both survey and interview methods, this study investigated blogs, one popular type of UGC, and analyzed travel bloggersâ€™ perceptions of the value of blogs and the elements of blogs that are important for preservation. The study respondents found personal and sentimental value (e.g., a way to express themselves, a way to keep personal memories and thoughts, and a way to maintain a record for their family) to be the most important reason for preserving blogs, followed by informational value and cultural/historical value. Sharing also appeared as one of the values that respondents found in their blogs. The respondents reported that self-created blog posts (content) and information related to the blog posts (context) are more important to preserve than some other elements (behavior and appearance). Integrating what bloggers consider as most valuable and what archivists think are worth preserving may be an important step when collecting personal blogs.
Linking Data and Publications: Towards a Cross-Disciplinary Approach
Authors: Hoogerwerf Maarten , LÃ¶sch Mathias , Schirrwagen Jochen , Callaghan Sarah , Manghi Paolo , Iatropoulou Katerina , Keramida Dimitra , Rettberg Najla
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we tackle the challenge of linking scholarly information in multi-disciplinary research infrastructures. There is a trend towards linking publications with research data and other information, but, as it is still emerging, this is handled differently by various initiatives and disciplines. For OpenAIRE, a European cross-disciplinary publication infrastructure, this poses the challenge of supporting these heterogeneous practices. Hence, OpenAIRE wants to contribute to the development of a common approach for discipline-independent linking practices between publications, data, project information and researchers. To this end, we constructed two demonstrators to identify commonalities and differences. The results show the importance of stable and unique identifiers, and support a â€˜by referenceâ€™ approach of interlinking research results. This approach allows discipline-specific research information to be managed independently in distributed systems and avoids redundant maintenance. Furthermore, it allows these disciplinary systems to manage the specialized structures of their contents themselves.
Injection of platelet- and leukocyte-rich plasma at the junction of the proximal sesamoid bone and the suspensory ligament branch for treatment of yearling Thoroughbreds with proximal sesamoid bone inflammation and associated suspensory ligament branch desmitis
Authors: Garrett Katherine S. , Bramlage Lawrence R. , Spike-Pierce Deborah L. , Cohen Noah D.
Published: June 2013

Objective—To determine the effects of treatment with platelet- and leukocyte-rich plasma (PRP) on future 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old racing performance of yearling Thoroughbreds with proximal sesamoid bone inflammation and associated suspensory ligament branch (SLB) desmitis.

Design—Randomized clinical trial.

Animals—39 yearling Thoroughbreds.

Procedures—Yearling Thoroughbreds with radiographic evidence of performance-limiting proximal sesamoid bone inflammation and ultrasonographic evidence of associated SLB desmitis were identified and randomly assigned to undergo PRP (treatment group) or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control group) injection at the affected SLB-proximal sesamoid bone junction. Race records of horses for the 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old racing years were obtained. Data regarding amount of money earned and number of races started were used as outcome measures, and results for groups were compared.

Results—Horses treated with PRP were significantly more likely to start at least 1 race during the 2-year-old racing year than were horses treated with saline solution; no significant differences were detected between groups regarding that variable for the 3- and 4-year-old racing years. No significant differences between groups were detected regarding earnings for any racing year.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Although PRP-treated horses were more likely to start a race during the 2-year-old racing year versus control group horses, results for horses in each group were not significantly different for the 3- and 4-year-old racing years. Therefore, the PRP treatment protocol evaluated in this study did not seem to improve future racing performance of yearling Thoroughbreds with proximal sesamoid bone inflammation and associated SLB desmitis, compared with injection of saline solution.
Survival time and prognostic factors in cats with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus: 114 cases (2000–2009)
Authors: Callegari Carolina , Mercuriali Edy , Hafner Michaela , Coppola Luigi M. , Guazzetti Stefano , Lutz Thomas A. , Reusch Claudia E. , Zini Eric
Published: June 2013

Objective—To determine overall survival time and identify prognostic factors associated with survival time in cats with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—114 cats with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus.

Procedures—Data for analysis included history, signalment, physical examination findings, hematologic and serum biochemical data, presence of ketoacidosis, and diagnosis of concurrent diseases at initial evaluation. The effects of possible predictors on survival time were determined by calculating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results—Median survival time of diabetic cats was 516 days (range, 1 to 3,468 days); 70%, 64%, and 46% lived longer than 3, 6, and 24 months, respectively. Survival time was significantly shorter for cats with higher creatinine concentrations, with a hazard of dying approximately 5% greater for each increase of 10 μg/dL in serum creatinine concentration (adjusted HR, 1.005; 95% CI, 1.003 to 1.007). Ketoacidosis was not significantly associated with survival time (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.590 to 1.78).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Cats with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus had a fair to good prognosis. High serum creatinine concentration at diagnosis was associated with a poor outcome, likely because of the adverse effects of renal dysfunction. Ketoacidosis apparently was not associated with decreased survival time, suggesting that this complication should not necessarily be regarded as unfavorable.
Smad1 stabilization and delocalization in response to the blockade of BMP activity
Authors: Li Lili , Wang Jianhe , Chau Jenny , Liu Huijuan , Li Baojie , Hao Aijun , Li Jing
Published: June 2013

Signaling at the plasma membrane receptors is generally terminated by some form of feedback regulation, such as endocytosis and/or degradation of the receptors. BMP-Smad1 signaling can also be attenuated by BMP-induced expression of the inhibitory Smads, which are negative regulators of Smad1 transactivation activity and/or BMP antagonists. Here, we report on a novel Smad1 regulation mechanism that occurs in response to the blockade of BMP activity. Lowering the serum levels or antagonizing BMPs with noggin led to upregulation of Smad1 at the protein level in several cell lines, but not to upregulation of Smad5, Smad8 or Smad2/3. The Smad1 upregulation occurs at the level of protein stabilization. Upregulated Smad1 was relocalized to the perinuclear region. These alterations seem to affect the dynamics and amplitude of BMP2-induced Smad1 reactivation. Our findings indicate that depleting or antagonizing BMPs leads to Smad1 stabilization and relocalization, thus revealing an unexpected regulatory mechanism for BMP-Smad1 signaling.
The anti-diabetic activities of the methanol leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus in some laboratory animals
Authors: Adedapo Adeolu A , Ofuegbe Sunday O , Adeyemi Abiodun A
Published: June 2013

Background: Phyllanthus amarus is used in Nigeria and other parts of the world as a medicinal plant. Aim and objective: The plant is being evaluated for antidiabetic potential because diabetes mellitus has assumed a worldwide dimension and plant with safe potential are being deployed as they are available all year round and are cheap for use by the rural populace. Materials and Methods: The antidiabetic effect of the methanol extract (ME) of Phyllanthus amarus was evaluated in rats. Standard phytochemical methods were used to test for the presence of phytoactive compounds in the plant. Acute toxicity was carried out in mice to determine safe doses for this plant extract. The anti-diabetic activities of the ME of the plant were assessed using some standard tests as well as histological changes in liver, kidney and pancreas. Diabetes mellitus was induced in rats using alloxan while glibenclamide at 0.2mg/kg was the reference drug used in this study. Results: The ME at 200 and 400mg/kg body weight caused a significant reduction of fasting blood glucose, significant change in the oral glucose tolerance test, marked effect in the hypoglycaemic activity test and pronounced reduction on the glucose level of diabetic rats. Histopathologically, there was no visible lesion seen in the liver, kidney and pancreas of extract-treated and glibenclamide-treated groups. Conclusion: This study may have validated the traditional basis for the use of Phyllanthus amarus as an antidiabetic agent. At the doses used, ME also appeared safer than glibenclamide even though the latter is more potent. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i3.6992 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 23-34
In vitro effect of Allopurinol on sickling rate and uric acid level in sickle cell erythrocyte.
Authors: Nnodim Johnkennedy
Published: June 2013

Objective: Allopurinol is a drug used for the prevention of gout. The in vitro effect of allopurinol on human plasma and erythrocyte of sickle cell haemoglobin(HbSS) were investigated on uric acid level and sickling rate respectively. Methods: The determination was carried out on samples from 9-25years attending General Hospital Owerri. The plasma uric acid level and sickling rate were determined prior to and after incubation with 100mg standard dose of allopurinol. Results: The plasma uric acid level was significantly decreased (p<0.05) when compared with the control while sickling rate was significantly increased when compared with the control (p <0.05).The results obtained demonstrated that allopurinol could hasten sickling rate and decrease uric acid level. Conclusion: These observations suggest that allopurinol concentration in the circulation might induce marked increased in erythrocyte sickling in vivo and reduced the antioxidant ability of uric acid level in sickle cell disease. Consequently, slow recovery from a sickling crisis. This may be detrimental in the management of sickle cell disease DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i3.7992 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 5-7
Symptomatic Tarlov Cysts: an MRI evaluation of case series and literature review
Authors: Rana Netra , Ma Shao Hui , Zhang Ming , Dahal Subesh , Min Zhi-Gang
Published: June 2013

Corrections: on Page 38 in the 4th line of text, the information in brackets (Figure 1, 2, 3a and 4) was replaced on 24th June 2013 with (Figure 1. 2 3b and 4). The number of the references has also been changed. The corrected PDF is available by clicking the link below.Aim: To analyze the characteristics of symptomatic Tarlov cysts by MRI. Materials and Methods: Neuroimaging and clinical outcome data were reviewed of 48 consecutive patients treated for symptomatic Tarlov cysts. All patients were scanned under Philips Gyroscan Intera 1.5T scanner with spinal surface coils. Two widely used surgical procedures were performed, 1) incision and drainage of the cyst with imbrication of the redundant nerve root sheath, and 2) exposure of the cyst, drainage of cyst contents, identification of nerve roots, and cyst wall resection combined with duraplasty. The post-operation follow-up was obtained from return visits to the neurosurgery and orthopaedic out-patient department or by telephone questionnaires. Results: All cystic lesions showed hypointense signal intensity on T1WI and hyperintense signal intensity on T2WI, but the nerve root showed iso-intensity on T1WI and low signal intensity on T2WI. They were linear in shape on sagittal view, and hypo intense dotted spots within the cysts on traverse view. Surrounding structures of the larger cysts were compressed and had bone erosions in some cases; the spinal canal and the intervertebral foramen on the affected side were enlarged. The lesions/cyst wall showed no enhancement after gadolinium administration. Conclusion: MRI will give a definite diagnosis of Tarlov cysts if nerve root presents within the cyst cavity or in the cyst wall; eliminating the need for histological confirmation. A correct analysis of the characteristics of symptomatic Tarlov cysts by MRI, will document its usefulness in noninvasive diagnosis and aid in exploration of the simplest treatment method. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i3.8056 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 35-42
Bacteriological profile of blood stream infections among febrile patients attending a tertiary care centre of Western Nepal
Authors: Bhatta Dharm Raj , Gaur Abhishek , Supram HS
Published: June 2013

Background Blood stream infections (BSI) are significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. This study was conducted to determine the common bacterial agents associated with BSI with their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in a tertiary care centre in the Western region of Nepal. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of two years from May 2010 to May 2012. All patients with fever (temperature ≥ 38°C) were included in the study. Results A total of 4,145 patients with febrile illness were included in this study, bacterial agents were isolated in 251 (6%) cases. Common bacterial isolates were Salmonella spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas species, Acinetobacter species, Staphylococcus aureus and Coagulase negative Staphylococci. Paratyphoid fever (Caused by S. Paratyphi A) is more common than typhoid fever. The members of Enterobacteriaceae were found to be resistant to ampicillin and cefazolin. Majority of the nonfermenters were found to be sensitive to most antibiotics. Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin were sensitive to majority of gram positive bacteria. Conclusion Gram-negative bacteria were the predominant causes of BSIs. The occurrence of drug resistance among the isolated bacteria is of great concern. Imipenem showed 100% sensitivity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa indicating lack or low level of MBL activity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i3.8165 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 92-98
Acknowledgement
Authors: Board Editorial
Published: June 2013

Health Renaissance, January-April 2013; Vol. 11 No.1; 177 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i2.8231
Ordering of Polystyrene Nanoparticles on Substrates Pre-Coated with Different Polyelectrolyte Architectures
Authors: Yenice Zuleyha , Karg Matthias , Klitzing Regine
Published: June 2013

Adjusting the inter-particle distances in ordered nanoparticle arrays can create new nano-devices and is of increasing importance to a number of applications such as nanoelectronics and optical devices. The assembly of negatively charged polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles (NPs) on Poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) brushes, quaternized PDMAEMA brushes and Si/PEI/(PSS/PAH)2, was studied using dip- and spin-coating techniques. By dip-coating, two dimensional (2-D), randomly distributed non-close packed particle arrays were assembled on Si/PEI/(PSS/PAH)2 and PDMAEMA brushes. The inter-particle repulsion leads to lateral mobility of the particles on these surfaces. The 200 nm diameter PS NPs tended to an inter-particle distance of 350 to 400 nm (center to center). On quaternized PDMAEMA brushes, the strong attractive interaction between the NPs and the brush dominated, leading to clustering of the particles on the brush surface. Particle deposition using spin-coating at low spin rates resulted in hexagonal close-packed multilayer structures on Si/PEI/(PSS/PAH)2. Close-packed assemblies with more pronounced defects are also observed on PDMAEMA brushes and QPDMAEMA brushes. In contrast, randomly distributed monolayer NP arrays were achieved at higher spin rates on all polyelectrolyte architectures. The area fraction of the particles decreased with increasing spin rate.
Synthesis of Novel CuO Nanosheets and Their Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensing Applications
Authors: Ibupoto Zafar , Khun Kimleang , Beni Valerio , Liu Xianjie , Willander Magnus
Published: June 2013

In this study, we have developed a sensitive and selective glucose sensor using novel CuO nanosheets which were grown on a gold coated glass substrate by a low temperature growth method. X-ray differaction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were used for the structural characterization of CuO nanostructures. CuO nanosheets are highly dense, uniform, and exhibited good crystalline array structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique was applied for the study of chemical composition of CuO nanosheets and the obtained information demonstrated pure phase CuO nanosheets. The novel CuO nanosheets were employed for the development of a sensitive and selective non-enzymatic glucose sensor. The measured sensitivity and a correlation coefficient are in order 5.20 × 102 µA/mMcm2 and 0.998, respectively. The proposed sensor is associated with several advantages such as low cost, simplicity, high stability, reproducibility and selectivity for the quick detection of glucose.
Factors Influencing the Quality of Local Management of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: A Cohort Study
Authors: Krotneva S.P. , Reidel K.E. , Verma A. , Mayo N. , Tamblyn R. , Meguerditchian A.N.
Published: June 2013

Background: Guidelines recommend radiotherapy (RT) after breastconserving surgery (BCS) for optimal control of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The aim of the present study was to characterize the rates of RT consideration and administration, and to identify factors influencing those rates in a cohort of women diagnosed between 1998 and 2005 in Quebec. Methods: Quebec’s medical service claims and discharge abstract database were used. Using consultation for RT as an indicator for RT consideration, odds ratios (ORS) and 95% confidence intervals (CIS) were estimated using a generalized estimating equations regression model. Results: Of 4139 women analyzed (mean age: 58 years), 3435 (83%) received a consultation for RT, and 3057 of them (89%) proceeded with treatment. The rate of RT consideration increased by 7.1% over the study period, with notable differences in the various age groups. Relative to women 50–69 years of age, the ors for being considered for RT were, respectively, 0.89 (95% CI: 0.71 to 1.12), 0.71 (95% CI: 0.55 to 0.92), and 0.20 (95% CI: 0.14 to 0.31) for women younger than 50, 70–79, and 80 years of age and older. Distance to a designated breast care centre lowered the probability of RT consideration, but the presence of comorbidities did not. A surgeon’s volume of BCSS increased the probability of being considered for RT by 7% for every 10 such procedures performed (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.11). Conclusions: Consideration for RT has increased over time. However, older women (despite being in good health) and those living far from a designated breast care centre or having a low-case-volume surgeon were less likely to be considered for RT.