bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of PTEN suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced lung fibroblast proliferation, differentiation and collagen secretion through inhibition of the PI3-K-Akt-GSK3beta pathway
Authors: He Zhengyu , Deng Yuxiao , Li Wen , Chen Yongming , Xing Shunpeng , Zhao Xianyuan , Ding Jia , Gao Yuan , Wang Xiangrui
Published: January 2014

Background

Abnormal and uncontrolled proliferation of lung fibroblasts may contribute to pulmonary fibrosis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can induce fibroblast proliferation and differentiation through activation of phosphoinositide3-Kinase (PI3-K) pathway. However, the detail mechanism by which LPS contributes to the development of lung fibrosis is not clearly understood. To investigate the role of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a PI3-K pathway suppressor, on LPS-induced lung fibroblast proliferation, differentiation, collagen secretion and activation of PI3-K, we transfected PTEN overexpression lentivirus into cultured mouse lung fibroblasts with or without LPS treatment to evaluate proliferation by MTT and Flow cytometry assays. Expression of PTEN, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3beta) and phosphorylation of Akt were determined by Western-blot or real-time RT-PCR assays. The PTEN phosphorylation activity was measured by a malachite green-based assay. The content of C-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) in cell culture supernatants was examined by ELISA.

Results

We found that overexpression of PTEN effectively increased expression and phosphatase activity of PTEN, and concomitantly inhibited LPS-induced fibroblast proliferation, differentiation and collagen secretion. Phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3beta protein expression levels in the LPS-induced PTEN overexpression transfected cells were significantly lower than those in the LPS-induced non-transfected cells, which can be reversed by the PTEN inhibitor, bpV(phen).

Conclusions

Collectively, our results show that overexpression and induced phosphatase activity of PTEN inhibits LPS-induced lung fibroblast proliferation, differentiation and collagen secretion through inactivation of PI3-K-Akt-GSK3beta signaling pathways, which can be abrogated by a selective PTEN inhibitor. Thus, expression and phosphatase activity of PTEN could be a potential therapeutic target for LPS-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Compared with PTEN expression level, phosphatase activity of PTEN is more crucial in affecting lung fibroblast proliferation, differentiation and collagen secretion.
Comparison of two oral probiotic preparations in a randomized crossover trial highlights a potentially beneficial effect of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC2461 in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Perrin Yannick , Nutten Sophie , Audran Régine , Berger Bernard , Bibiloni Rodrigo , Wassenberg Jacqueline , Barbier Nathalie , Aubert Vincent , Moulin Julie , Singh Anurag , Magliola Corinne , Mercenier Annick , Spertini François
Published: January 2014

Background

There is promising but conflicting evidence to recommend the addition of probiotics to foods for prevention and treatment of allergy. Based on previous studies with fermented milk containing Lactobacillus paracasei NCC2461, we aimed to compare the effect of a powder form of the latter probiotic with the effect of a blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC SD5221 and Bifidobacterium lactis ATCC SD5219 in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Methods

A double‐blind, randomized, cross‐over study, involving 31 adults with allergic rhinitis to grass pollen, was performed outside the grass pollen season (registration number: NCT01233154). Subjects received each product for 4‐weeks in two phases separated by a wash‐out period of 6 to 8 weeks. A nasal provocation test was performed before and after each 4‐week product intake period, and outcome parameters (objective and subjective clinical symptoms; immune parameters) were measured during and/or 24 hours after the test.

Results

Out of the 31 subject enrolled, 28 completed the study. While no effect was observed on nasal congestion (primary outcome), treatment with NCC2461 significantly decreased nasal pruritus (determined by VAS), and leukocytes in nasal fluid samples, enhanced IL‐5, IL‐13 and IL‐10 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in an allergen specific manner and tended to decrease IL‐5 secretion in nasal fluid, in contrast to treatment with the blend of L. acidophilus and B. lactis.

Conclusions

Despite short‐term consumption, NCC2461 was able to reduce subjective nasal pruritus while not affecting nasal congestion in adults suffering from grass pollen allergic rhinitis. The associated decrease in nasal fluid leukocytes and IL‐5 secretion, and the enhanced IL‐10 secretion in an allergen specific manner may partly explain the decrease in nasal pruritus. However, somewhat unexpected systemic immune changes were also noted. These data support the study of NCC2461 consumption in a seasonal clinical trial to further demonstrate its potentially beneficial effect.
Response surface analysis of photocatalytic degradation of methyl tert-butyl ether by core/shell Fe3O4/ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Safari Mojtaba , Rostami Mohammad Hossein , Alizadeh Mehriana , Alizadehbirjandi Atefeh , Nakhli Seyyed Ali Akbar , Aminzadeh Reza
Published: January 2014

The degradation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) was investigated in the aqueous solution of coated ZnO onto magnetite nanoparticale based on an advanced photocatalytic oxidation process. The photocatalysts were synthesized by coating of ZnO onto magnetite using precipitation method. The sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibration sample magnetometer (VSM). Besides, specific surface area was also determined by BET method. The four effective factors including pH of the reaction mixture, Fe3O4/ZnO magnetic nanoparticles concentration, initial MTBE concentration and molar ratio of [H2O2]/ [MTBE] were optimized using response surface modeling (RSM). Using the four-factor-three-level Box–Behnken design, 29 runs were designed considering the effective ranges of the influential factors. The optimized values for the operational parameters under the respective constraints were obtained at PH of 7.2, Fe3O4/ZnO concentration of 1.78 g/L, initial MTBE concentration of 89.14 mg/L and [H2O2]/ [MTBE] molar ratio of 2.33. Moreover, kinetics of MTBE degradation was determined under optimum condition. The study about core/shell magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) recycling were also carried out and after about four times, the percentage of the photocatalytic degradation was about 70%.
Effect of omega-3 supplementation versus placebo on acylation stimulating protein receptor gene expression in type 2 diabetics
Authors: Farahbakhsh-Farsi Payam , Djalali Mahmoud , Koohdani Fariba , Saboor-Yaraghi Ali Akbar , Eshraghian Mohammad Reza , Javanbakht Mohammad Hassan , Chamari Maryam , Djazayery Abolghassem
Published: January 2014

Background

This randomized controlled trial investigated the role of omega-3 supplementation on C5L2 gene expression in type 2 diabetics.

Methods

Subjects in the omega-3 group received 4 g omega-3 per day and subjects in the placebo group took four capsules of placebo per day for 10 weeks. Gene expression was measured by RT- PCR at the beginning and end of the study.

Results

The results of this study show depletion in the omega-3 group, but the mean difference between two groups was not significant.

Conclusions

Understanding the effect of the omega-3 pathway could contribute to targeting treatment of diabetes and its comorbidities.
Correlation between biopterin levels and intimal-media thickness in type-2 diabetic hypertensive patients
Authors: Rubio-Guerra Alberto Francisco , Vargas-Robles Hilda , Del Valle-Mondragon Leonardo , Maceda-Serrano Alberto , Huerta-Ramirez Saul , Duran-Salgado Montserrat Berenice , Escalante-Acosta Bruno Alfonso
Published: January 2014

Background

Biopterins have a crucial role in the function of nitric oxide synthase, uncoupling of the enzyme leads to endothelial dysfunction and vascular damage, The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the levels of biopterins with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients.

Methods

We studied 30 hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients and 30 normotensive non-diabetic age-matched subjects, in whom biopterins levels were measured by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Additionally, the CIMT of both the common and internal carotid arteries was measured. The levels of biopterins and CIMT were correlated using the Pearson correlation coefficient test.

Results

We did not find a significantly correlation between biopterins levels and CIMT. However, we found a significantly inverse correlation between the BH4/BH2 ratio and the CIMT in patients (r = -0.54, p < 0.01). A multiple regression analysis revealed that the CIMT correlated significantly and independently with the BH4/BH2 ratio.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the BH4/BH2 ratio seems to be a better marker of vascular disease than biopterin levels.
President's Page
Authors: Stewart Robert R.
Published: January 2014

“Passion to explore + love of physics = exploration geophysics” was one of the responses that I received recently when asking graduate students in a multicomponent seismic exploration class “Why are you in geophysics?” Other enlightening responses included: “My father and uncle are geophysicists and live happy lives”; “I've been fascinated by natural science since I was a kid”; “My parents chose for me when I played too many video games”; “I'm back at school, starting a family soon, and wanted a better career. Friends said ‘geophysics.'” Themes shared through most of the answers included the advice of family and friends; curiosity about the earth; love of science; the blending of math, physics, and geology; and, for many, the opportunity for a good salary and interesting life. All great reasons to develop a career in geophysics!
Outstanding reviewers
Authors: Nemeth Tamas
Published: January 2014

The Geophysics editors named Peter Cary, chief geophysicist at Arcis Seismic Solutions, as the 2013 Geophysics Reviewer of the Year.

Editors annually honor a dedicated, constructive, and prolific reviewer of Geophysics with the Reviewer of the Year Award. The award winner is selected by the editor and assistant editors in recognition of his or her work providing high-quality, proficient reviews. The award is presented at the Editor's Dinner during the SEG Annual Meeting.
Selective vulnerability to neurodegenerative disease: the curious case of Prion Protein
Authors: Jackson Walker S.
Published: January 2014

The mechanisms underlying the selective targeting of specific brain regions by different neurodegenerative diseases is one of the most intriguing mysteries in medicine. For example, it is known that Alzheimer’s disease primarily affects parts of the brain that play a role in memory, whereas Parkinson’s disease predominantly affects parts of the brain that are involved in body movement. However, the reasons that other brain regions remain unaffected in these diseases are unknown. A better understanding of the phenomenon of selective vulnerability is required for the development of targeted therapeutic approaches that specifically protect affected neurons, thereby altering the disease course and preventing its progression. Prion diseases are a fascinating group of neurodegenerative diseases because they exhibit a wide phenotypic spectrum caused by different sequence perturbations in a single protein. The possible ways that mutations affecting this protein can cause several distinct neurodegenerative diseases are explored in this Review to highlight the complexity underlying selective vulnerability. The premise of this article is that selective vulnerability is determined by the interaction of specific protein conformers and region-specific microenvironments harboring unique combinations of subcellular components such as metals, chaperones and protein translation machinery. Given the abundance of potential contributory factors in the neurodegenerative process, a better understanding of how these factors interact will provide invaluable insight into disease mechanisms to guide therapeutic discovery.
The threads that tie protein-folding diseases
Authors: Brodsky Jeffrey L.
Published: January 2014

From unicellular organisms to humans, cells have evolved elegant systems to facilitate careful folding of proteins and the maintenance of protein homeostasis. Key modulators of protein homeostasis include a large, conserved family of proteins known as molecular chaperones, which augment the folding of nascent polypeptides and temper adverse consequences of cellular stress. However, errors in protein folding can still occur, resulting in the accumulation of misfolded proteins that strain cellular quality-control systems. In some cases, misfolded proteins can be targeted for degradation by the proteasome or via autophagy. Nevertheless, protein misfolding is a feature of many complex, genetically and clinically pleiotropic diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in unraveling the complexity of protein folding using model systems, and we are now closer to being able to diagnose and treat the growing number of protein-folding diseases. To showcase some of these important recent advances, and also to inspire discussion on approaches to tackle unanswered questions, Disease Models & Mechanisms (DMM) presents a special collection of reviews from researchers at the cutting-edge of the field.
Testicular artery pseudoaneurysm: a case report
Authors: Parker William P , Nangia Ajay K
Published: January 2014

This is a case of an unusual cause of a testicular mass and the clinical features associated with its presentation and management.  The patient presented with testicular pain and was found to have a testicular mass on ultrasound with a central 1cm anechoic region with arterial wave-form concerning for a pseudoaneurysm. The patient underwent orchiectomy with resolution of his symptoms. This case highlights the presentation of testicular artery pseudoaneurysm and outcome following orchiectomy.
Common sense ideas to increase the percentage of filled seats in nephrology fellowships
Authors: Desai Tejas
Published: January 2014

Interest in nephrology has been decreasing for the last decade. In this opinion piece, the author provides four unconventional, outside-the-box strategies to increase the percentage of filled nephrology training positions.
Two fatal cases of melioidosis on the Thai-Myanmar border
Authors: Chu Cindy S. , Winearls Stuart , Ling Clare , Phyo Aung Phae , Haohankunnathum Warat , Turner Paul , Wuthiekanun Vanaporn , Nosten François
Published: January 2014

Melioidosis is endemic in areas of Southeast Asia, however, there are no published reports from the Thai-Myanmar border.  We report the first two cases of fatal melioidosis in this region. This is of great public health importance and highlights the need to increase clinical awareness of melioidosis on the Thai-Myanmar border and to assess the true burden of disease in the area through improved case detection and Burkholderia pseudomallei prevalence studies.
Triceps insufficiency after the treatment of deep infection following total elbow replacement
Authors: Duquin T. R. , Jacobson J. A. , Schleck C. D. , Larson D. R. , Sanchez-Sotelo J. , Morrey B. F.
Published: January 2014

Treatment of an infected total elbow replacement (TER) is often successful in eradicating or suppressing the infection. However, the extensor mechanism may be compromised by both the infection and the surgery. The goal of this study was to assess triceps function in patients treated for deep infection complicating a TER. Between 1976 and 2007 a total of 217 TERs in 207 patients were treated for infection of a TER at our institution. Superficial infections and those that underwent resection arthroplasty were excluded, leaving 93 TERs. Triceps function was assessed by examination and a questionnaire. Outcome was measured using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS).

Triceps weakness was identified in 51 TERs (49 patients, 55%). At a mean follow-up of five years (0.8 to 34), the extensor mechanism was intact in 13 patients, with the remaining 38 having bone or soft-tissue loss. The mean MEPS was 70 points (5 to 100), with a mean functional score of 18 (0 to 25) of a possible 25 points.

Infection following TER can often be eradicated; however, triceps weakness occurs in more than half of the patients and may represent a major functional problem.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:82–7.
An extended posterior approach to the hip and pelvis for complex acetabular reconstruction that preserves the gluteal muscles and their neurovascular supply
Authors: Solomon L. B. , Hofstaetter J. G. , Bolt M. J. , Howie D. W.
Published: January 2014

We investigated the detailed anatomy of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus and their neurovascular supply in 22 hips in 11 embalmed adult Caucasian human cadavers. This led to the development of a surgical technique for an extended posterior approach to the hip and pelvis that exposes the supra-acetabular ilium and preserves the glutei during revision hip surgery. Proximal to distal mobilisation of the gluteus medius from the posterior gluteal line permits exposure and mobilisation of the superior gluteal neurovascular bundle between the sciatic notch and the entrance to the gluteus medius, enabling a wider exposure of the supra-acetabular ilium. This technique was subsequently used in nine patients undergoing revision total hip replacement involving the reconstruction of nine Paprosky 3B acetabular defects, five of which had pelvic discontinuity. Intra-operative electromyography showed that the innervation of the gluteal muscles was not affected by surgery. Clinical follow-up demonstrated good hip abduction function in all patients. These results were compared with those of a matched cohort treated through a Kocher–Langenbeck approach. Our modified approach maximises the exposure of the ilium above the sciatic notch while protecting the gluteal muscles and their neurovascular bundle.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:48–53.
Debridementversusre-attachment of acetabular labral tears
Authors: Haddad B. , Konan S. , Haddad F. S.
Published: January 2014

We have reviewed the current literature to compare the results of surgery aimed to repair or debride a damaged acetabular labrum. We identified 28 studies to be included in the review containing a total of 1631 hips in 1609 patients. Of these studies 12 reported a mean rate of good results of 82% (from 67% to 100%) for labral debridement. Of the 16 studies that reported a combination of debridement and re-attachment, five reported a comparative outcome for the two methods, four reported better results with re-attachment and one study did not find any significant difference in outcomes. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis or draw accurate conclusions. Confounding factors in the studies include selection bias, use of historical controls and high rates of loss of follow-up.

It seems logical to repair an unstable tear in a good quality labrum with good potential to heal in order potentially to preserve its physiological function. A degenerative labrum on the other hand may be the source of discomfort and its preservation may result in persistent pain and the added risk of failure of re-attachment. The results of the present study do not support routine refixation for all labral tears.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:24–30.
Temporal trends and geographical variation in the use of subacromial decompression and rotator cuff repair of the shoulder in England
Authors: Judge A. , Murphy R. J. , Maxwell R. , Arden N. K. , Carr A. J.
Published: January 2014

We explored the trends over time and the geographical variation in the use of subacromial decompression and rotator cuff repair in 152 local health areas (Primary Care Trusts) across England. The diagnostic and procedure codes of patients undergoing certain elective shoulder operations between 2000/2001 and 2009/2010 were extracted from the Hospital Episode Statistics database. They were grouped as 1) subacromial decompression only, 2) subacromial decompression with rotator cuff repair, and 3) rotator cuff repair only.

The number of patients undergoing subacromial decompression alone rose by 746.4% from 2523 in 2000/2001 (5.2/100 000 (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.0 to 5.4) to 21 355 in 2009/2010 (40.2/100 000 (95% CI 39.7 to 40.8)). Operations for rotator cuff repair alone peaked in 2008/2009 (4.7/100 000 (95% CI 4.5 to 4.8)) and declined considerably in 2009/2010 (2.6/100 000 (95% CI 2.5 to 2.7)).

Given the lack of evidence for the effectiveness of these operations and the significant increase in the number of procedures being performed in England and elsewhere, there is an urgent need for well-designed clinical trials to determine evidence of clinical effectiveness.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:70–4.
Quality assessment of guidelines on thromboprophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Sabharwal S. , Gauher S. , Kyriacou S. , Patel V. , Holloway I. , Athanasiou T.
Published: January 2014

We evaluated the quality of guidelines on thromboprophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery by examining how they adhere to validated methodological standards in their development. A structured review was performed for guidelines that were published between January 2005 and April 2013 in medical journals or on the Internet. A pre-defined computerised search was used in MEDLINE, Scopus and Google to identify the guidelines. The AGREE II assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the guidelines in the study.

Seven international and national guidelines were identified. The overall methodological quality of the individual guidelines was good. ‘Scope and Purpose’ (median score 98% interquartile range (IQR)) 86% to 98%) and ‘Clarity of Presentation’ (median score 90%, IQR 90% to 95%) were the two domains that received the highest scores. ‘Applicability’ (median score 68%, IQR 45% to 75%) and ‘Editorial Independence’ (median score 71%, IQR 68% to 75%) had the lowest scores.

These findings reveal that although the overall methodological quality of guidelines on thromboprophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery is good, domains within their development, such as ‘Applicability’ and ‘Editorial Independence’, need to be improved. Application of the AGREE II instrument by the authors of guidelines may improve the quality of future guidelines and provide increased focus on aspects of methodology used in their development that are not robust.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:19–23.
A 10-year retrospective analysis of hospitalisation for oral cellulitis in Australia: the poor suffer at 30 times the rate of the wealthy
Authors: Anjrini Abed Aktam , Kruger Estie , Tennant Marc
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the trends of hospitalisation for cellulitis in Western Australia. There was a strong association between socioeconomic status and rate of cellulitis, with the most disadvantaged quintile of the population (1.7% of residents) accounting for 34% of cellulites cases. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were almost seven times over-represented, compared with non-Indigenous Western Australians.
Health-promoting hospitals: a dream or reality?
Authors: Hutchison Lynn , Gallagher Jennifer E
Published: January 2014

There were 17.8 million finished consultant episodes in the year 2011–2012 in UK hospitals. 1 As well as the patients themselves, there are also relatives and friends that will visit hospitals and of course the hospital staff. Are we promoting health to this significant population? Or are we giving mixed messages, particularly in selling unhealthy food and drinks in our canteens, kiosks and vending machines? Are there healthy choices available? As recently as 1983, cigarettes were sold in a quarter of Wessex acute and maternity hospitals. 2 Nowadays this seems unthinkable. Is this different to selling sweets and sugary drinks in a dental hospital?
A facile approach towards the synthesis of functionalized indenol derivatives identified as potent anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial agents
Authors: Taktouk Sonia , Ben Kraiem Jihene , Chaabane Hedia , Lebreton Jacques , Amri Hassen
Published: January 2014

Â Â An elegant one-pot synthesis of new indenols 2 was successfully carried out, starting from 1-hydroxy-1H-indene-2-carboxylic acid 1. Thus, esterification of acid 1 with aliphatic alcohols in toluene at reflux and a catalytic amount of para-toluenesulfonic acid afforded the corresponding alkyl esters 2 in moderate to good yields. This classical esterification process enables an efficient entry to a variety of new indenol-based molecular models 2, which could be adapted to a range of drug candidates. All the synthesized compounds 2a-e were subjected to the preliminary evaluation for their potential anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial activities. The assessment of radical scavenging capacity of the compounds 2a-e towards the stable free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was measured and these compounds were found to scavenge DPPH free radical efficiently. Moreover, the in vitro antibacterial activity of derivatives 2a-e has been tested against a panel of pathogenic agents to show potent activity against all sensitive and resistant ones.
The Analysis of Multi-Cultural Education Program in Elementary School of Gyeongnam - From the View of Inter-Culture Education -
Authors: Choi Moon-seong , Kim Soon-ja
Published: January 2014

Since the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development recommended “reflection of multi-cultural education elements” in education curriculum and textbooks through「multi-cultural family support plan for children's education」in 2006, it made the revised education curriculum included concept of multi-cultural in the subject of general curriculum in 2007. In addition, the Ministry of Education Science and Technology in 2008 implemented various multi-cultural education through “multi-cultural education infrastructure”, “multi-cultural education base expansion including teacher training. Although the implemented multi-cultural education has brought positive results so far, in fact it faces many problems now. Therefore, in such a situation, it is necessary that we not only analyze Korea multi-cultural education conducted well but also suggest an alternative. The purpose of this study makes a diagnosis multi-cultural education being conducted at elementary school in Gyeongnam as the model of inter-cultural education and suggests the desirable model of the multi-cultural education. To achieve this objective, in the second chapter this study set standard of analysis based on intercultural education in order to analyze whether the multi-cultural education carried out well in the elementary schools in Gyeongnam. According to the analysis presented in chapter 2, in chapter 3, diagnosed a multi-cultural education currently being implemented in the elementary schools, Gyeongnam, and in chapter 4 this study suggested the desirable direction of currently being implemented multi-cultural education. The result of this study show the general direction of a multi-cultural education in elementary schools in Gyeongnam, education curriculum composition and teaching methodology from the view of intercultural education.
Instituto de Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales del Sur
Authors: Formichella María Marta
Published: January 2014

El objetivo de este trabajo es proponer un indicador para cuantificar la equidad educativa interna. Se busca que el mismo sirva como herramienta para evaluar la evolución del fenómeno en el tiempo y para realizar comparaciones entre diferentes países o regiones.Para ello, se define el concepto de equidad educativa, se estudian las diferentes formas que se han utilizado para medirla y, finalmente, se propone el nuevo indicador. Éste es denominado “Índice de Inequidad Educativa Básica” y resume información acerca de la educación que poseen los individuos al finalizar el nivel básico. Luego, se utiliza este indicador para describir y comparar la equidad entre algunos países de América Latina (aquellos que participaron del Programa PISA en los años 2000 y/o 2009)
An investigation of English language instructors' attitudes towards reflective teaching
Authors: Korumaz Mithat , Karakaş Ali
Published: January 2014

This study is predicated on a descriptive survey of quantitative research designs, which attempts to identify the attitudes of instructors of English towards reflective teaching in Turkey. For the collection of data, Reflective Teaching Attitude Scale, developed by Akbari, Bahzaadpoor and Dadvand, was distributed to 56 instructors of English who comprised the sampling of the study. The instructors were sampled more than ten universities across Turkey. The questionnaire was administered via using the online questionnaire feature of Google documents. The results demonstrate that all instructors tend to hold positive attitudes towards reflective teaching. In addition, when some variables such as gender, types of institutions worked at, faculties graduated from, and finally the last degree they hold are concerned, no statistically significant difference is observed among the participants in relation to their attitudes towards reflective teaching.
Daily Dose
Authors: Millman Heather
Published: January 2014

This article explores the custom of drinking traditional maté teas in Asunción, Paraguay. My discussion is founded in fieldwork completed throughout Paraguay’s winter months from June to September 2011. Maté is a tea-like infusion of the yerba maté plant, which is indigenous to Paraguay and the surrounding region. This article takes an anthropological approach to maté drinking, and includes the perspectives of the market vendors who sell plant infusions for this tea, and with whom I conducted interviews during my fieldwork. In doing so, I position maté drinking in the contexts of both custom and as a method of taking traditional medicines within the social, cultural, and economic realities of Asunción.
Border Meals
Authors: Carney Megan A.
Published: January 2014

This article examines how state practices around food contribute to the militarization of the migration experience. Specifically, I argue for more attention to the feeding practices of detention centers in particular, as the topic of food has been relatively absent from critical analyses of surveillance, detention, and deportation of unauthorized migrants. In the case of detention centers, depriving detainees of food is a primary mode of constructing detainee subjectivity. I present evidence of how detention systems both reinforce the logic of contemporary biopolitics by exacting discipline on migrant bodies through the provision of “border meals,” and extract value from detainees’ bodies in the form of profits for private industry. In looking to identify possible pathways toward change in this system, I suggest that there are problems with attempting to dismantle current detention practices by relying on a discourse that foregrounds detainees’ “trauma.” Instead, I argue that we may find migrants’ enacting resistance to the larger structures in which a system of detention in embedded through re-interpreting everyday expressions of affect.
HDL, or non-HDL: that is the question. Possibilities of pharmacological treatment in residual dyslipidaemia
Authors: Bajnok László
Published: January 2014

Instead of LDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol is proposed as a secondary lipid target when triglyceride level is above 2.3 mmol/L. Non-HDL-cholesterol target values are 0.8 mmol/L higher than those for LDL-cholesterol in the same cardiovascular risk category. Currently, the main issue of lipidology is the degree by which the cardiovascular risk can be reduced with the treatment of residual dyslipidemia that exists under statin therapy. In such a role the examined agents have essentially failed despite their more or less profound effect on HDL-cholesterol and/or non-HDL-cholesterol. The largest loser has been the nicotinic acid. The results of cardiovascular, otherwise controversial fish oil studies cannot be considered convincing because of the administered low doses. In a combination with statin (i) ezetimibe may have role if the LDL-cholesterol target cannot be reached with statin monotherapy, or (ii) fibrates, in case of large increase of triglyceride level, or in less severe hypertriglyceridemia if it is associated with considerable decrease in HDL-cholesterol level. Potential further possibilities are: (i) cholesterol ester transfer protein inhibitors that dramatically raise HDL-cholesterol, while reduce LDL-cholesterol, or (ii) proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 inhibitors that markedly decrease LDL-cholesterol even on the top of statin. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(2), 62–68.
Diagnosis and treatment of primary testicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Romics Miklós , Demeter Judit , Romics Imre , Nyirády Péter
Published: January 2014

The primary testicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which has been first described in 1866, is a very uncommon type of urological neoplasia occuring mostly in the elderly ages. It only gives 5% of the testicular tumors, 2% of extranodal lymphomas, and barely 1% of all non-Hodgkin diseases. Patients with testicular non-Hodgkin lymphomas need prompt multidisciplinary aid because without treatment the outcome can be unfavorable. The authors discuss the attributes, diagnostic modalities and treatment options of the primary testicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma and present a case of a 68-year-old patient who underwent orchiectomy, chemo- and radiotherapy after having been diagnosed with the tumor. The follow-up PET-CT and cerebrospinal fluid analysis found no further sign of the disease, and complete remission has been achieved. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(2), 69–71.
Situação da malária na tríplice fronteira entre Brasil, Colômbia e Peru
Authors: Peiter Paulo César , Franco Vivian da Cruz , Gracie Renata , Xavier Diego Ricardo , Suárez-Mutis Martha Cecilia
Published: January 2014

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a situação da vigilância da malária na tríplice fronteira entre Brasil, Colômbia e Peru. É um estudo qualitativo com aplicação de questionários em cidades da fronteira realizado em 2011. Os resultados foram analisados pela metodologia DOFA e apontaram diferenças significativas entre os sistemas de vigilância da malária na fronteira. Observou-se como debilidades a desarticulação entre atores responsáveis, a insuficiência de pessoal treinado, a alta rotatividade das equipes e a falta de médicos especialistas em malária nos hospitais locais. Verificou-se ainda o desconhecimento sobre a malária e suas formas de prevenção na população entrevistada. As fortalezas são a inserção de novos atores institucionais, a melhora da qualificação profissional, a distribuição de mosquiteiros impregnados e possibilidades de complementaridade entre os sistemas de vigilância a serem aproveitadas pela cooperação entre as equipes de saúde da fronteira, pois o controle da malária só pode ter sucesso tomando-se esta região em seu conjunto.
Estudo compreensivo sobre suicídio de mulheres idosas de sete cidades brasileiras
Authors: Minayo Maria Cecília de Souza , Cavalcante Fatima Gonçalves
Published: January 2014

Parte-se de uma pesquisa multicêntrica realizada no Brasil, em que se analisam 51 casos de suicídio de idosos (de 40 homens e 11 mulheres) mediante autópsias psicossociais. Aprofunda-se o estudo dos 11 casos relativos às mulheres. A interpretação dos dados empíricos se fundamenta em autores clássicos e em recente literatura nacional e internacional sobre o fenômeno. Motivos que levam as mulheres ao suicídio são, em parte, diferentes dos homens. Como eles, as mulheres morrem preferencialmente por enforcamento e frequentemente seu suicídio associa-se a doenças degenerativas e comorbidades. As diferenças principais se devem a questões culturais de gênero. Os resultados convergem em grande parte com a literatura e revelam que, no Brasil, os fatores principais associados ao suicídio feminino são: violência de gênero e intrafamiliar, sofrimento por perdas de pessoas referenciais e da função tradicional como esposa e mãe, e depressão. Recomenda-se maior atenção ao efeito cumulativo de agravos no envelhecimento das mulheres, sobretudo os vinculados às especificidades de gênero.
Abordagem profissional da violência familiar contra o idoso em uma unidade básica de saúde
Authors: Wanderbroocke Ana Claudia Nunes de Souza , Moré Carmen Leontina Ojeda Ocampo
Published: January 2014

O presente artigo tem como objetivo descrever a abordagem profissional da violência familiar contra idosos em uma unidade básica de saúde (UBS). Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa, com dados coletados por meio de observação participante com registro em diário de campo e entrevistas semiestruturadas. Participaram das entrevistas dez profissionais da UBS. Os dados foram analisados segundo o referencial da Grounded Theory e duas categorias foram discutidas: manejo profissional de situações de violência familiar contra o idoso e condições da UBS para atender a situações de violência familiar contra o idoso. Os dados apontam para dificuldades dos profissionais de identificar situações de violência e crenças relacionadas à impossibilidade de enfrentá-la. Em termos institucionais, os dados indicam fatores que desfavorecem a detecção e acompanhamento dos casos como a menor ênfase no trabalho interdisciplinar e rotinas voltadas para a saúde física. O estudo sugere a necessidade de oferecer aos profissionais oportunidade para a reflexão sobre violência e possibilidades de intervenção.
Clinical profile, common thrombophilia markers and risk factors in 85 young Indian patients with arterial thrombosis
Authors: Mishra Mahendra Narain , Kalra Ravi , Rohatgi Shalesh
Published: January 2014

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Arterial thrombosis may occur consequent to hereditary thrombophilia and increased lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and fibrinogen. Our aim was to study the prevalence of common thrombophilia markers in 85 consecutive cases of arterial thrombosis. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective study was conducted from 85 consecutive young patients treated as outpatients or admitted due to stroke or myocardial infarction at a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Eighty-five Indian patients (age < 45 years) presenting ischemic stroke (n = 48) or myocardial infarction (n = 37) and 50 controls were studied for seven thrombophilia markers including antithrombin (AT), factor V, protein C, protein S, activated protein C resistance (APC-R), fibrinogen and Lp(a). Functional assays for protein C, protein S, factor V and APC-R were performed using clotting-based methods. Semi-quantitative estimation of fibrinogen was done using Clauss's method and Lp(a) using immunoturbidimetry. Statistical analysis was done using the Epi Info 6 software. RESULTS: Thirty-three samples (38.8%) tested positive for one or more thrombophilia markers. The three commonest abnormalities were elevated Lp(a) (20%), fibrinogen (17.6%) and low APC-R (14.2%). Low levels of protein C, protein S and AT were present in 4.7, 9.4 and 7% of the patients, respectively. Overall, the risk factor profile was: smoking (33%), positive family history (15.3%), hyperlipidemia (7%), hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity (2.3% each). CONCLUSIONS: An association was found between low levels of protein C, protein S and AT and arterial thrombosis, but only elevated fibrinogen levels, smoking, positive family history and hyperlipidemia showed statistical significance.
Rhabdomyolysis as a manifestation of clomipramine poisoning
Authors: Santana Nathalie Oliveira de , Góis Aécio Flávio Teixeira de
Published: January 2014

CONTEXT: Tricyclic antidepressive agents are widely used in suicide attempts and present a variety of deleterious effects. Rhabdomyolysis is a rare complication of such poisoning. CASE REPORT: A 55-year-old woman ingested 120 pills of 25 mg clomipramine in a suicide attempt two days before admission. After gastric lavage in another emergency department on the day of intake, 80 pills were removed. On admission to our department, she was disoriented, complaining of a dry mouth and tremors at the extremities. An electrocardiogram showed a sinus rhythm with narrow QRS complexes. Laboratory results showed high creatine phosphokinase (CK = 15,094 U/l on admission; normal range = 26 to 140 U/l), hypocalcemia, slightly increased serum transaminases and mild metabolic acidosis. The patient's medical history included depression with previous suicide attempts, obsessive-compulsive disorder, hypothyroidism and osteoporosis. She presented cardiac arrest with pulseless electric activity for seven minutes and afterwards, without sedation, showed continuous side-to-side eye movement. She developed refractory hypotension, with need for vasopressors. Ceftriaxone and clindamycin administration was started because of a hypothesis of bronchoaspiration. The patient remained unresponsive even without sedation, with continuous side-to-side eye movement and a decerebrate posture. She died two months later. Rhabdomyolysis is a very rare complication of poisoning due to tricyclic drugs. It had only previously been described after an overdose of cyclobenzaprine, which has a toxicity profile similar to tricyclic drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Although arrhythmia is the most important complication, rhabdomyolysis should be investigated in cases of clomipramine poisoning.
Bird–building collisions in the United States: Estimates of annual mortality and species vulnerability
Authors: Loss Scott R. , Will Tom , Loss Sara S. , Marra Peter P.
Published: January 2014

Building collisions, and particularly collisions with windows, are a major anthropogenic threat to birds, with rough estimates of between 100 million and 1 billion birds killed annually in the United States. However, no current U.S. estimates are based on systematic analysis of multiple data sources. We reviewed the published literature and acquired unpublished datasets to systematically quantify bird–building collision mortality and species-specific vulnerability. Based on 23 studies, we estimate that between 365 and 988 million birds (median = 599 million) are killed annually by building collisions in the U.S., with roughly 56% of mortality at low-rises, 44% at residences, and <1% at high-rises. Based on >92,000 fatality records, and after controlling for population abundance and range overlap with study sites, we identified several species that are disproportionately vulnerable to collisions at all building types. In addition, several species listed as national Birds of Conservation Concern due to their declining populations were identified to be highly vulnerable to building collisions, including Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera), Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris), Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis), Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), Kentucky Warbler (Geothlypis formosa), and Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum). The identification of these five migratory species with geographic ranges limited to eastern and central North America reflects seasonal and regional biases in the currently available building-collision data. Most sampling has occurred during migration and in the eastern U.S. Further research across seasons and in underrepresented regions is needed to reduce this bias. Nonetheless, we provide quantitative evidence to support the conclusion that building collisions are second only to feral and free-ranging pet cats, which are estimated to kill roughly four times as many birds each year, as the largest source of direct human-caused mortality for U.S. birds.
Rethinking the Experience of HIV-Positive Refugee Women in the Context of Pregnancy: Using an Intersectional Approach in Nursing
Authors: Chulach Teresa , Gagnon Marilou
Published: January 2014

When providing care to HIV-positive refugee women in the context of pregnancy, nurses must be able to move beyond the individual experiences of health and illness and acquire a more meaningful understanding of the historical, social, cultural, political, and structural influences that shape women’s health and women’s lives. Intersectionality is a framework that focuses on various dimensions of a refugee woman’s social identity such as race, class, gender, as well as education, citizenships, and geographic location and how these dimensions intersect to influence the experiences of health and illness. In this article, we present a brief overview of the origins and evolution of intersectionality. From there we describe three distinct levels of analysis: (a) micro-level analysis to examine the influences that impact the social identity and social location of women; (b) meso-level analysis to explore informal and formal support systems; and (c) macro-level analysis to interrogate historical, social, cultural, political, and structural influences that shape health outcomes. Finally, we will examine how this framework may be useful for nursing practice, research, and knowledge development. We hope to illustrate how intersectionality is a useful framework to understand the experiences of HIV-positive refugee women in the context of pregnancy.
Ethical Conduct of Laboratory Experimental Research on Fear and Anxiety: Review and Recommendations
Authors: Lawyer Steven R. , Baergen Ralph , Kuruvilla Bena
Published: January 2014

Experimental research concerning fear and anxiety often involves exposing human subjects to fear-cue stimuli. Several aspects of fear-cue exposure may generate ethical concerns on the part of institutional review boards (IRBs) charged with protecting human research participants from harm. The goal of this article is to provide researchers with a framework for effectively addressing ethical concerns raised by some fear and anxiety research. We highlight the ethical considerations raised by fear-cue exposure procedures, review the extant research literature relevant to these concerns, make recommendations on how to address IRB ethical concerns, and recommend various research strategies that might clarify the impact (positive or negative) of fear-cue exposures on human subjects participating in anxiety research. IRBs may raise a variety of important concerns about fear-cue exposure research. Some of these concerns can be addressed by adequate justification within the IRB protocol using existing research findings. Further research is needed to address a variety of potential ethical concerns. Such research may help address concerns regarding research involving fear-cue exposure.
On the Prewellorderings Associated with the Directed Systems of Mice
Authors: Sargsyan Grigor
Published: January 2014

Working under AD, we investigate the length of prewellorderings given by the iterates of ℳ2k+1, which is the minimal proper class mouse with 2k + 1 many Woodin cardinals. In particular, we answer some questions from [4] (the discussion of the questions appears in the last section of [2]).
Namba Forcing and No Good Scale
Authors: Krueger John
Published: January 2014

We develop a version of Namba forcing which is useful for constructing models with no good scale on ℵω. A model is produced in whichholds for all finiten≥ 1, but there is no good scale on ℵω; this strengthens a theorem of Cummings, Foreman, and Magidor [3] on the non-compactness of square.
Rainbow Ramsey Theorem for Triples is Strictly Weaker than the Arithmetical Comprehension Axiom
Authors: Wang Wei
Published: January 2014

We prove that RCA0 + RRT ⊬ ACA0 where RRT is the Rainbow Ramsey Theorem for 2-bounded colorings of triples. This reverse mathematical result is based on a cone avoidance theorem, that every 2-bounded coloring of pairs admits a cone-avoiding infinite rainbow, regardless of the complexity of the given coloring. We also apply the proof of the cone avoidance theorem to the question whether RCA0 + RRT ⊦ ACA0 and obtain some partial answer.