bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelets, inflammation and anti-inflammatory effects of antiplatelet drugs in ACS and CAD
Authors: Müller Karin , Chatterjee Madhumita , Rath Dominik , Geisler Tobias
Published: July 2015

Platelets play a pivotal role in chronic inflammation leading to progression of atherosclerosis and acute coronary events. Recent discoveries on novel mechanisms and platelet-dependent inflammatory targets underpin the role of platelets to maintain a chronic inflammatory condition in cardiovascular disease. There is strong and clinically relevant crosslink between chronic inflammation and platelet activation. Antiplatelet therapy is a cornerstone in the prevention and treatment of acute cardiovascular events. The benefit of antiplatelet agents has mainly been attributed to their direct anti-aggregatory impact. Some anti-inflammatory off-target effects have also been described. However, it is unclear whether these effects are secondary due to inhibition of platelet activation or are caused by direct distinct mechanisms interfering with inflammatory pathways. This article will highlight novel platelet associated targets that contribute to inflammation in cardiovascular disease and elucidate mechanisms by which currently available antiplatelet agents evolve anti-inflammatory capacities, in particular by carving out the differential mechanisms directly or indirectly affecting platelet mediated inflammation. It will further illustrate the prognostic impact of antiplatelet therapies by reducing inflammatory marker release in recent cardiovascular trials.
The Situation of Practice-Led Research Around NIME, and Two Methodological Suggestions for Improved Communication
Authors: Green Owen
Published: July 2015

The author offers a pair of proposals for possible practice-led tactics for live electronic music research, both aimed at enhancing musical communication within the sub-discipline and based on activities that the author takes to be informally present in much of the conduct of musicians. By way of background, he first explains why improving musical communication is important in terms of its potential benefit to our disciplinary coherence and our collective ability to communicate fruitfully with each other and with researchers in allied disciplines.
Gestural Performance of Electronic Music—A “NIME” Practice as Research
Authors: Schacher Jan C.
Published: July 2015

The practice of gestural electronic music performance provides a valid context for artistic or practice-based investigations in the field of ’NIME.’ To this end, the material and conceptual conditions for the development of performance pieces using gestural actions need to be explored. The use of digital musical instruments and concepts for the expressive performance with digital sounds leads to questions of perception—by the musician and by the audience—of movements and actions, the body, the instruments, and of their affordances. When considering this performance mode as a topic for investigation, it becomes evident that in order to be based on practice, research in this field needs a definition and differentiation that helps to identify the specific perspectives that are only made possible through application in an actual artistic practice.
Responding to changes in HIV policy: Updating and enhancing the Families Matter! curriculum
Authors: Miller Kim S , Winskell Kate , Berrier Faith L
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

The past decade has seen changes in US HIV policy in sub-Saharan Africa in response to a new Administration and far-reaching technical, scientific and programmatic developments. These include dramatically increased access to life-saving anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and related services, the roll-out of voluntary medical male circumcision and growing sensitivity to gender-based violence, including child sexual abuse, and to its role in increasing vulnerability to HIV. The Families Matter! Program (FMP) is an intervention for parents and caregivers of 9- to 12-year-olds that promotes effective parent–child communication about sexuality and sexual risk reduction. FMP was adapted from a US evidence-based intervention in 2003–2004 and is now implemented in eight African countries. In 2012–2013, the FMP curriculum was updated and enhanced to respond to new US Government priorities.

Methods:

Enhancements to the curriculum drew on the results of Violence Against Children surveys, on a review of existing literature, on feedback from the field on the existing curriculum and on stories written by young people across Africa for scriptwriting competitions.

Results:

We updated FMP with scientific content and stronger linkages to services. We also intensified our focus on structural determinants of risk. This contextualisation of sexual risk-taking within structural constraints led us to place greater emphasis on gendered vulnerability and the diverse pressures children face and to intensify our situation-based pedagogical approach, drawing on the authentic youth-authored narratives.

Conclusion:

We describe these changes as an illustration of and source of insight into much-needed programmatic adaptation in response to evolving HIV policy.
Damage evaluation of composite materials using acoustic emission features and Hilbert transform
Authors: Nazmdar Shahri Mehrdad , Yousefi Jalal , Fotouhi Mohamad , Ahmadi Najfabadi Mehdi
Published: July 2015

Acoustic emission (AE) has good potential to characterize failure mechanisms in laminated composite materials. One of the difficult issues using this method can be to establish a good correlation between occurred failure mechanisms and resultant acoustic emission features. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to use a novel method called Hilbert transform to correlate acoustic emission signals to their corresponding failure mechanisms. The investigated acoustic emission signals were obtained from glass/epoxy laminated composites subjected to end notch flexure test which simulates mode II delamination. The phase angle of Hilbert transform was used as a feature to extract the frequency range of damage mechanisms that occurred in different stages of the loading process. The proposed method was used to analyze the extracted acoustic emission signals in three main stages during the loading, i.e. the initiation, the maximum load nearby and the stage where the crack has propagated to the middle of the specimens. A scanning electron microscope was also used to observe the cracked surfaces. The results showed good applicability of the proposed acoustic emission based method for characterization of the damage mechanisms in the laminates. There was also a good agreement between the scanning electron microscopic images and the achieved results.
Synergistic effect of carbon nanotubes and copper particles in an epoxy-based nanocomposite using electroless copper deposited carbon nanotubes: Part I – Mechanical properties
Authors: Nazem Salimi Masoumeh , Alizadeh Sahraei Abolfazl , Baniassadi Majid , Abrinia Karen , Ehsani Morteza
Published: July 2015

In this study, the mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites reinforced by different contents of copper (Cu)-coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are evaluated and discussed. Electroless deposition process is employed for Cu metallization of the MWCNTs. The functionalization step (as one of the prerequisite steps for deposition process) is carried out using hybrid approach with Triton and HNO3. The functionalized and Cu deposited MWCNTs are characterized by Fourier transform infrared, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. For comparison, functionalized MWCNT–epoxy nanocomposites are also fabricated through the same fabrication process. Our results indicate that applying functionalized MWCNTs are more effective for enhancing tensile properties. On the contrary, Cu-coated MWCNT–epoxy nanocomposites show more improvement in flexural and impact behaviors. Accordingly, compared to neat epoxy, enhancement of up to ∼51% and ∼95% respectively in flexural strength and impact resistance are achieved by the addition of 0.1 wt% Cu-coated MWCNT.
The effects of pentobarbital, ketamine–pentobarbital and ketamine–xylazine anesthesia in a rat myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury model
Authors: Shekarforoush Shahnaz , Fatahi Zahra , Safari Fatemeh
Published: July 2015

To achieve reliable experimental data, the side-effects of anesthetics should be eliminated. Since anesthetics exert a variety of effects on hemodynamic data and incidence of arrhythmias, the selection of anesthetic agents in a myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury model is very important. The present study was performed to compare hemodynamic variables, the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias, and infarct size during 30 min of ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion in rats using pentobarbital, ketamine–pentobarbital or ketamine–xylazine anaesthesia. A total of 30 rats were randomly divided into three groups. In group P, pentobarbital (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [IP]) was used solely; in group K–P, ketamine and pentobarbital (50 and 30 mg/kg, respectively, IP) were used in combination; and in group K–X, ketamine and xylazine (75 and 5 mg/kg, respectively, IP) were also used in combination. Hemodynamic data and occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias were recorded throughout the experiments. The ischemic area was measured by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The combination of ketamine–xylazine caused bradycardia and hypotension. The greatest reduction in mean arterial blood pressure during ischemia was in the P group. The most stability in hemodynamic parameters during ischemia and reperfusion was in the K–P group. The infarct size was significantly less in the K–X group. Whereas none of the rats anesthetized with ketamine–xylazine fibrillated during ischemia, ventricular fibrillation occurred in 57% of the animals anesthetized with pentobarbital or ketamine–pentobarbital. Because it offers the most stable hemodynamic parameters, it is concluded that the ketamine–pentobarbital anesthesia combination is the best anesthesia in a rat ischemia reperfusion injury model.
Making Fatty Girl Cakes
Authors: Smoyer Amy B.
Published: July 2015

This article builds on existing knowledge of inmate resistance by analyzing formerly incarcerated women’s narratives about prison food. Participants described trying to secure extra cafeteria portions, hoarding food, smuggling and stealing food, and cooking and eating in the cells—all to resist prison power and gain some control over their lives by managing what, how, when, and with whom they ate. These data shed light on prison life and suggest changes to food policy to curb inmate resistance and bolster the rehabilitative potential of correctional facilities.
The Impatient Jesus and the Fig Tree: Marcan Disguised Discourse against the Temple
Authors: Miquel Esther
Published: July 2015

In this article I propose an interpretation of the Marcan fig tree episode (Mark 11:12–14, 20–25) in its final form that draws on a vegetable metaphor widely known in Antiquity, and highlights the connection between the episode and the temple scene (Mark 11:15–19) that divides it. This interpretation addresses the problem posed by the narrator's commentary in verse 13d and makes of it a key element to understand the Marcan Jesus' attitude towards the temple. With the aid of James C. Scott's work on resistance discourse of subordinated groups, I show that this text, together with the other Marcan references to the temple's destruction, belong to one type of Scott's resistance discourse, and deduce some implications for the social setting of the Gospel of Mark.
Rescue surgery for neonate with huge rhabdomyoma and left outflow obstruction
Authors: Seki Hiroshi , Bakhtiary Farhad , Vollroth Marcel , Mohr Friedrich Wilhelm , Kostelka Martin
Published: July 2015

We describe a rescue operation in a neonate with a large left ventricular tumor obstructing the left ventricular outflow tract. Surgical resection was performed through an aortotomy and transseptal approach. We excised the main part of the tumor, which was obstructing the outflow tract, leaving a portion that was strongly attached to posterior wall of the left ventricle and mitral valve annulus, which was not feasible to remove. Histological examination showed a rhabdomyoma with benign features. The girl was doing well after 3 months, with no residual tumor growth and no signs of obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract.
Intermediate outcomes of rheumatic mitral stenosis post-balloon mitral valvotomy
Authors: Sharma Jugal , Goel Pravin K , Pandey Chandra Mani , Awasthi Ashish , Kapoor Aditya , Tewari Satyendra , Garg Naveen , Kumar Sudeep , Khanna Roopali
Published: July 2015

Background

Balloon mitral valvotomy is a standard therapeutic modality for managing rheumatic mitral stenosis. Data on intermediate outcomes of this procedure are limited. Thus we investigated the intermediate outcome after balloon mitral valvotomy performed at a large tertiary center in India.

Methods

Case records and follow-up data of 2330 patients who underwent valvotomy from June 1999 to December 2005 were retrieved from the hospital information system and analyzed.

Results

The median age of the patients was 32 ± 11 years, 1363 were female including 36 who were pregnant, and 379 were in atrial fibrillation. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 14 years (mean 4.5 years, median 4.0 years). The procedural success rate was 93%. Atrial fibrillation, higher functional class, and worse valve morphology were independent predictors of a poor procedural outcome. Patients with sinus rhythm had better event-free survival (10.43 years, 95% confidence interval: 10.1–10.7) compared to those with atrial fibrillation (8.17 years, 95% confidence interval: 7.5–8.8). Patients who achieved a valve area >1.75 cm2 had a better event-free survival (11.7 years, 95% confidence interval: 11.4–12.0) than those with a valve area of 1.5–1.74 cm2 (9.3 years, 95% confidence interval: 9.0–9.7). On multivariate analysis, higher functional class, worse valve morphology, and new significant mitral regurgitation were predictors of a poor outcome. Achieved mitral valve area >1.75 cm2 was an independent predictor of a good outcome.

Conclusion

Patients with sinus rhythm, less gross valve deformity, and a post-balloon mitral valvotomy area >1.75 cm2 had better intermediate outcomes.
Improving rice farming in Thailand using information kiosks
Authors: Sangbuapuan Norrasing , Guha Sumanta
Published: July 2015

This paper sets out a mechanism for delivering information to Community Rice Centers in Thailand using information kiosks. The planned information kiosks will serve rice farmers by providing both online and offline data to support rice production from pre-harvest to post-harvest. With the help of a pilot project we established the utility of information kiosks in enhancing the knowledge and skills of rice farmers throughout the rice production process, and also observed their satisfaction with kiosks and an improvement in their attitude toward government services in general. Finally, this study proposes a new technology for improving rice farming in Thailand, namely information kiosks, to link government agencies to rice farmers.
Introducing a model incorporating early integration of specialist palliative care: A qualitative research study of staff’s perspectives
Authors: Michael Natasha , O’Callaghan Clare , Brooker Joanne E , Walker Helen , Hiscock Richard , Phillips David
Published: July 2015

Background:

Palliative care has evolved to encompass early integration, with evaluation of patient and organisational outcomes. However, little is known of staff’s experiences and adaptations when change occurs within palliative care services.

Aim:

To explore staff experiences of a transition from a service predominantly focused on end-of-life care to a specialist service encompassing early integration.

Design:

Qualitative research incorporating interviews, focus groups and anonymous semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using a comparative approach. Service activity data were also aggregated.

Setting/participants:

A total of 32 medical, nursing, allied health and administrative staff serving a 22-bed palliative care unit and community palliative service, within a large health service.

Results:

Patients cared for within the new model were significantly more likely to be discharged home (7.9% increase, p = 0.003) and less likely to die in the inpatient unit (10.4% decrease, p < 0.001). While early symptom management was considered valuable, nurses particularly found additional skill expectations challenging, and perceived patients’ acute care needs as detracting from emotional and end-of-life care demands. Staff views varied on whether they regarded the new model’s faster-paced work-life as consistent with fundamental palliative care principles. Less certainty about care goals, needing to prioritise care tasks, reduced shared support rituals and other losses could intensify stress, leading staff to develop personalised coping strategies.

Conclusion:

Services introducing and researching innovative models of palliative care need to ensure adequate preparation, maintenance of holistic care principles in faster work-paced contexts and assist staff dealing with demands associated with caring for patients at different stages of illness trajectories.
Vestibular migraine in multicenter neurology clinics according to the appendix criteria in the third beta edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders
Authors: Cho Soo-Jin , Kim Byung-Kun , Kim Byung-Su , Kim Jae-Moon , Kim Soo-Kyoung , Moon Heui-Soo , Song Tae-Jin , Cha Myoung-Jin , Park Kwang-Yeol , Sohn Jong-Hee
Published: July 2015

Background

Vestibular migraine (VM), the common term for recurrent vestibular symptoms with migraine features, has been recognized in the appendix criteria of the third beta edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3β). We applied the criteria for VM in a prospective, multicenter headache registry study.

Methods

Nine neurologists enrolled consecutive patients visiting outpatient clinics for headache. The presenting headache disorder and additional VM diagnoses were classified according to the ICHD-3β. The rates of patients diagnosed with VM and probable VM using consensus criteria were assessed.

Results

A total of 1414 patients were enrolled. Of 631 migraineurs, 65 were classified with VM (10.3%) and 16 with probable VM (2.5%). Accompanying migraine subtypes in VM were migraine without aura (66.2%), chronic migraine (29.2%), and migraine with aura (4.6%). Probable migraine (75%) was common in those with probable VM. The most common vestibular symptom was head motion-induced dizziness with nausea in VM and spontaneous vertigo in probable VM. The clinical characteristics of VM did not differ from those of migraine without VM.

Conclusion

We diagnosed VM in 10.3% of first-visit migraineurs in neurology clinics using the ICHD-3β. Applying the diagnosis of probable VM can increase the identification of VM.
Performance Evaluations and Victim Satisfaction With State Compensation for Violent Crime: A Prospective Study
Authors: Kunst M. J. J. , Koster N. N. , Van Heugten J.
Published: July 2015

Satisfaction with a particular good or service represents an affective state in response to an individual’s evaluation of the performance of that good or service. This evaluation involves a comparison between perceived actual performance and prior expectations. The current study used this theoretical idea to study violent crime victims’ levels of satisfaction with services provided by a Dutch state compensation scheme. One hundred and seventy-seven victims of violent crime who had applied for compensation from the Dutch Violent Offences Compensation Fund (DVOCF) participated in two brief telephone interviews: one before receipt of the fund’s decision upon their request for compensation and one after receipt of that decision. Based on the theories of distributive and procedural justice, measurement of prior expectations was differentiated in expectations about receipt of compensation, treatment by fund workers, and information provision. Results suggested that satisfaction with the DVOCF depended on fulfillment of expectations about treatment by fund workers and information provision, but not on fulfillment of expectations about receipt of compensation. Other predictors of victim satisfaction were as follows: duration of the application procedure, approval upon request for compensation, and satisfaction assessed during the first interview. Results were discussed in light of theory, policy implications, study limitations, and future research.
A Case of Culture
Authors: Yamamoto Susan , Maeder Evelyn M.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of cultural evidence toward an automatism defense, and whether such evidence would be detrimental or beneficial to a male versus a female defendant. U.S. participants ( N = 208), recruited via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk, read a fictional spousal homicide case in which the defendant claimed to have blacked out during the crime. We manipulated the gender of the defendant and whether a culture-specific issue was claimed to have precipitated the defendant’s blackout. ANOVAs revealed that cultural evidence positively affected perceived credibility for the female defendant, whereas there were no differences for the male defendant. Results also demonstrated that when cultural evidence was presented, the female defendant was seen as less in control of her actions than was the male defendant. Furthermore, lower credibility and higher perceived defendant control predicted harsher verdict decisions. This investigation may aid scholars in discussing concerns regarding a clash between multicultural and feminist objectives in the courtroom.
Adhesion strength optimization of slurry sprayed mullite-based coating using Taguchi method
Authors: Verma Rajeev , Kant Suman , Suri Narendra M
Published: July 2015

Mullite-nickel-based coatings were deposited on low carbon steel by a relatively simple and low-cost surface deposition technique based on the slurry spray technique (SST) developed for environmental barrier coating applications. This paper reports the findings of an experimental investigation into the effects of SST process parameters in developing functionally graded mullite-nickel-based coating with adequate adhesion strength, analyzing the effect of TiO2 as liquid-phase sintering additive. The present study outlines the use of Taguchi’s experimental design based on L8 orthogonal array used to accommodate the factors selected as well as their interaction effects for performance optimization. Four key SST process parameters used for the study namely, sintering temperature, sintering time, percentage of additives, and stamping pressure have been optimized for the chosen response characteristic of adhesion strength. The significant effect of confounding variables in the prospective interactions has been investigated. Analytical results suggested that the factor sintering temperature has prominent effect on adhesion strength. It has also been found that the factor sintering temperature and sintering time have the most significant lower order interaction effect in the selected range of parameters. The developed coatings using SST demonstrate dense coating deposits with a satisfactory adhesion strength which is comparable with that produced from traditional techniques.
Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: onset patterns and short-term outcome in Egyptian children, a single-center experience
Authors: Abdel-Hafez M A , Abdel-Nabi H
Published: July 2015

Objective

The objective of this article is to define disease onset pattern and understand the response to therapy in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Egypt.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 41 Egyptian children diagnosed with SLE was analyzed. SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score was used to record disease activity at onset, and renal biopsy was performed to define the stage of lupus nephritis. Response to therapy over a follow-up period ranging from 10 to 50 months was evaluated.

Results

The mean age at diagnosis was 12.12 ± 3.45 years. Thirty-six (87.8%) patients were females. Most patients had multiple manifestations at onset. The most common presenting symptoms were pallor and fever (51.2% and 43.9%, respectively). Lupus nephritis was found in 27 (65.9%) children. International Society of Nephrology (ISN) classes I and III were the most common findings on renal biopsy. Neuropsychiatric manifestations were present at disease onset in 19 patients (46.3%) with a bad prognostic course. At diagnosis, high SLEDAI scores were recorded (mean: 29.95 ± 2.06). The mean renal SLEDAI score was 10.2 ± 4. At follow-up 16 (39.02%) patients were in complete remission, 10 (24.39%) were in partial remission, two (4.87%) had active disease, five (12.9%) had relapsed, four (9.75%) had died and four (9.75%) patients were lost to follow-up.

Conclusions

Egyptian children with SLE appear to have severe disease on presentation with high SLEDAI scores and high prevalence of lupus nephritis, but respond well to therapy with a favorable short-term prognosis.
Assessing and managing suicidal patients in the emergency department
Authors: Ryan Christopher James , Large Matthew , Gribble Robert , Macfarlane Matthew , Ilchef Ralf , Tietze Tad
Published: July 2015

Objective:

The objective of this article is to set out consensus guidelines for the assessment and management of “suicidal patients” in the emergency department.

Conclusions:

Clinicians should be respectful and reassuring. They should review old notes, conduct a full history and examination, and talk to friends, family and any practitioners already involved in the patient’s care. Management should be guided, where possible, by the patient’s preferences, not by notions of risk. Every negotiated management plan and its rationale should be carefully documented.
An innovative community organizing campaign to improve mental health and wellbeing among Pacific Island youth in South Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Han Hahrie , Nicholas Alexandra , Aimer Margaret , Gray Jonathon
Published: July 2015

Objective:

To examine whether being an organizer in a community organizing program improves personal agency and self-reported mental health outcomes among low-income Pacific Island youth in Auckland, New Zealand.

Method:

Counties Manukau Health initiated a community organizing campaign led and run by Pacific Island youth. We used interviews, focus groups and pre- and post-campaign surveys to examine changes among 30 youths as a result of the campaign.

Results:

Ten youths completed both pre- and post-campaign surveys. Eleven youths participated in focus groups, and four in interviews. Overall, youths reported an increased sense of agency and improvements to their mental health.

Conclusions:

Community organizing has potential as a preventive approach to improving mental health and developing agency over health among disempowered populations.
Effect of low-pressure plasma treatment on the color and oxidative stability of raw pork during refrigerated storage
Authors: Ulbin-Figlewicz Natalia , Jarmoluk Andrzej
Published: July 2015

The effect of low-pressure plasma on quality attributes of meat is an important aspect, which must be considered before application in food. The aim of this study was to determine the color, fatty acid composition, lipid oxidation expressed as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and total antioxidant capacity of raw pork samples exposed to helium low-pressure plasma treatment (20 kPa) for 0, 2, 5, and 10 min during the storage period. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentrations of all plasma-treated samples during storage were in the range from 0.26 to 0.61 mg malondialdehyde/kg. Exposure time caused significant changes only in total color difference, hue angle, and chroma after 10 min of treatment. Ferric reducing ability of plasma values of meat samples decreased from 1.93 to 1.40 mmol Trolox Eq/kg after 14 days of storage. The storage period significantly affected proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, with an increase about 3% after 14 days of refrigeration storage while the content of saturated fatty acids was at the same level. Helium low-pressure plasma does not induce oxidative processes. Application of this decontamination technique while maintaining product quality is possible in food industry.
The Role of Perceived Control in Customer Value Cocreation and Service Recovery Evaluation
Authors: Guo Lin , Lotz Sherry L. , Tang Chuanyi , Gruen Thomas W.
Published: July 2015

Treating customers as passive recipients of service recovery does not account for their naturally elevated desire for control following a service failure. Focusing on value cocreation by customers in service recovery, this study conceptualizes three types of customer perceived control in service recovery: process control, decision control, and information control. Using both a field study and a controlled experiment to test the conceptual model, this study reveals various ways service firms can engage customers in service recovery to enhance their service experience. The results show that customers are motivated to exert influence on and regain control over service recovery because they care not only about the economic gains rendered by control but also about their social self-esteem in their relationship with a service firm. An investigation of the interaction effects among the three types of control reveals either complementary or substitution effects between different pairings of the three types of control on customers’ justice evaluations of service recovery and repurchase intentions. The findings provide managers with new guidance on developing and implementing successful service recovery programs.
A Novel Aerosol Foam Formulation of Calcipotriol and Betamethasone Has No Impact on HPA Axis and Calcium Homeostasis in Patients With Extensive Psoriasis Vulgaris
Authors: Taraska Victoria , Tuppal Raj , Olesen Martin , Bang Pedersen Claus , Papp Kim
Published: July 2015

Background:

Fixed combination calcipotriol 50 µg/g (Cal; as hydrate) plus betamethasone 0.5 mg/g (as dipropionate; BD) has been formulated in an innovative aerosol foam.

Objective:

To assess systemic safety of Cal/BD aerosol foam.

Methods:

In a multicentre, single-arm, open-label, maximal-use systemic-exposure trial, adult patients with moderate to severe, extensive psoriasis (15%-30% of body surface area, including ≥30% of scalp) applied Cal/BD foam once daily. Endpoints were week 4 abnormal adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge test and change in albumin-corrected serum calcium, 24-hour urinary calcium excretion, and urinary calcium-creatinine ratio.

Results:

35 patients reaching week 4 exhibited normal ACTH responses. At week 4, changes in calcium homeostasis were minor and not clinically relevant; no patients experienced elevations above normal. Disease severity generally improved, and 49% of patients achieved treatment success according to the Physician’s Global Assessment of Disease Severity.

Conclusion:

No clinically relevant HPA axis or calcium homeostasis impact was observed with 4 weeks of once-daily Cal/BD foam in patients with extensive psoriasis vulgaris.
The Street Artist as Translator
Authors: Biedarieva Svitlana
Published: July 2015

In the article, the position of the street artist as translator is analyzed on the basis of the concept of the semiosphere developed by the Russian-Estonian semiotician Yuri Lotman. The methodological framework of the Tartu-Moscow school of semiotics is applied to the phenomenon of contemporary public art. The process of translation between texts in urban space is illustrated by examples of works of art that use modifications of the same object—a telephone booth.
Performance and social activism in Morocco: The legacy of Fatima Chebchoub
Authors: Jay Cleo
Published: July 2015

North Africa has a long and rich history of using satire as a tool of dissent, although those practices slowly died out during the colonisation period. Fatima Chebchoub, a Moroccan academic and theatre-maker, was one of the few contemporary directors to use traditional performance practices, and the only trained female hlayqia, coming from a family of storytellers. Chebchoub was a real pioneer, often performing one-woman shows on sensitive issues such as female sexuality and transgressing social boundaries to take on a variety of personas. At the centre of her large repertoire was comicality: in a country where a harsh censorship was still in place, Chebchoub was able to use humour to deflect attention and make political statements despite risks to her safety. Her performances, including enacting men on stage and challenging Morocco’s patriarchal system, were deeply subversive in a conservative environment. In the tradition of Vizenor’s trickster, Chebchoub used performance to engage with society and open dialogues. Both in her professional and private life, she refused to conform and continuously criticised the dominant paradigm, reclaiming a voice for women as well as for impoverished and marginalised parts of Moroccan society. I examine the strategies used by Chebchoub to address controversial issues while drawing from the local performance heritage, and discuss how her legacy lives on through the work of other female performers in Morocco. In particular, popular comedian Hanane Fadili and theatre companies such as the feminist troupe Théâtre Aquarium use humour and satire to challenge oppressive traditions and promote the emancipation of women. Their role in the context of democratic transition is important: they create alternative models of womanhood and identity, and they campaign against corruption and domestic violence using theatre as a tool for change.
European integration and the political economy of inequality
Authors: Busemeyer Marius R , Tober Tobias
Published: July 2015

This study examines the role of European integration as a potential source of income inequality in countries of the European Union. We distinguish between both economic and political integration and identify theoretical mechanisms that link the two to rising levels of inequality. The empirical analysis draws on time-series-cross-section data covering 14 European Union member states for the time period 1999–2010. In particular, we make use of a newly available dataset that measures individual degrees of integration across different dimensions. Our main finding is a positive association between political integration and inequality on the one hand as well as a nonassociation between economic integration and inequality on the other hand. This suggests that the recent trend toward inequality at the European Union national level is at least partly related to deepening political integration at the supranational level.
Understanding comprehensive school reforms: Insights from comparative-historical sociology and power resources theory
Authors: Sass Katharina
Published: July 2015

The historical origins and development of comprehensive schooling have seldom been analyzed systematically and comparatively. However, there is a rich comparative and historically grounded literature on the development of welfare states, which focuses on many relevant policies, but ignores the education system. In particular, the power resources approach applied by many welfare state scholars has been continuously elaborated and refined in various ways. Two major comparative-historical analyses of the development of education systems, and comprehensive schooling in particular, are therefore reviewed and discussed with a view to how their insights could be enriched with knowledge drawn from welfare state literature. The article argues that, while education does constitute a separate analytical issue, scholars of comprehensive and other educational reforms could nonetheless improve their arguments by taking into account the debates and theoretical elaborations produced in the field of welfare state analysis.
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibition with linagliptin and effects on hyperglycaemia and albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes and renal dysfunction: Rationale and design of the MARLINA–T2D™ trial
Authors: Groop Per-Henrik , Cooper Mark E , Perkovic Vlado , Sharma Kumar , Schernthaner Guntram , Haneda Masakazu , Hocher Berthold , Gordat Maud , Cescutti Jessica , Woerle Hans-Juergen , von Eynatten Maximilian
Published: July 2015

Efficacy, Safety & Modification of Albuminuria in Type 2 Diabetes Subjects with Renal Disease with LINAgliptin (MARLINA–T2D™), a multicentre, multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase 3b clinical trial, aims to further define the potential renal effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibition beyond glycaemic control. A total of 350 eligible individuals with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes and evidence of renal disease are planned to be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either linagliptin 5 mg or placebo in addition to their stable glucose-lowering background therapy for 24 weeks. Two predefined main endpoints will be tested in a hierarchical manner: (1) change from baseline in glycated haemoglobin and (2) time-weighted average of percentage change from baseline in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Both endpoints are sufficiently powered to test for superiority versus placebo after 24 weeks with α = 0.05. MARLINA–T2D™ is the first of its class to prospectively explore both the glucose- and albuminuria-lowering potential of a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor in patients with type 2 diabetes and evidence of renal disease.
When Violence Hits the Religious Home: Raising Awareness about Domestic Violence in Seminaries and amongst Religious Leaders
Authors: McMullin Steve , Nason-Clark Nancy , Fisher-Townsend Barbara , Holtmann Cathy
Published: July 2015

The focus of this article by our research team looks specifically at the teaching of domestic violence classes in a seminary or religious context, as well as the ongoing professional education of religious leaders, such as pastors. It also considers ways to introduce therapeutic staff to the unique vulnerabilities of highly religious clients who have been abused or who act abusively. Based on data that we have collected at North American theological seminaries and in congregations, we explain some of the challenges of including instruction about domestic violence in a religious context.
Rehabilitation Interventions for Improving Social Participation After Stroke
Authors: Obembe Adebimpe O. , Eng Janice J.
Published: July 2015

Background. Despite the fact that social participation is considered a pivotal outcome of a successful recovery after stroke, there has been little attention on the impact of activities and services on this important domain. Objective. To present a systematic review and meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of rehabilitation interventions on social participation after stroke. Methods. A total of 8 electronic databases were searched for relevant RCTs that evaluated the effects of an intervention on the outcome of social participation after stroke. Reference lists of selected articles were hand searched to identify further relevant studies. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using fixed- and random-effect models. Results. In all, 24 RCTs involving 2042 stroke survivors were identified and reviewed, and 21 were included in the meta-analysis. There was a small beneficial effect of interventions that utilized exercise on social participation (10 studies; SMD = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.09, 0.78; P = .01) immediately after the program ended. Exercise in combination with other interventions (13 studies; SMD = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.10, 0.58; P = .006) also resulted in beneficial effects. No significant effect was observed for interventions that involved support services over 9 studies (SMD = 0.09 [95% CI = −0.04, 0.21]; I2 = 0%; P = .16). Conclusions. The included studies provide evidence that rehabilitation interventions may be effective in improving social participation after stroke, especially if exercise is one of the components.
Finite element analysis on multi-step rolling process and controlling quality defect for steel wheel rim
Authors: Lu Ping , Zhang Yun Kai , Ma Feng
Published: July 2015

To conduct an in-depth analysis of the wheel rim forming processes and effectively control rim forming quality defects, three-dimensional elastic–plastic finite element models of flaring and three rolling processes for 22.5 × 9.0-type steel wheel rim were established using ABAQUS software. Some key techniques in establishing models were investigated, such as methods of imposing boundary condition given by side guide wheels and enforcing load curve. The accuracy of the models was verified by comparing the simulation results with the point-cloud model of the actual produced rim in terms of exterior shape and thickness. Distributions and changes in the equivalent stress and equivalent plastic strain were analysed. The results indicate that the rim misalignment defect often occurs when the unequal width of the reserved material at the two ends of the rim is in the first rolling process. An improved die design is proposed. The results of the finite element analysis indicate that the improved dies are conducive to the flow of the material between the gap of the upper roller and the lower roller, and the difference in the rim width is significantly reduced.
Aneurysm of an aberrant splenic artery: An extremely rare occurrence
Authors: Bhoil Rohit , Tomar Ashwani , Makhaik Sushma , Sood RG , Nayyar Nishant
Published: July 2015

An aberrant splenic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery, also known as the splenomesenteric trunk, is a rare anatomical variant seen in less than 1% of the population and is more common in females. Aneurysms of the splenic artery originating anomalously from the superior mesenteric artery are extremely rare; only 35 cases of aneurysm of an aberrant splenic artery have been described so far in the English medical literature. We report an extremely rare case of aneurysm of aberrant splenic artery in a 28-year-old man in whom the lesion was detected during routine abdominal scanning and confirmed on computed tomography angiography. Aneurysms of an anomalous splenic artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery are extremely rare; however, they are clinically important because possible rupture could be catastrophic. Exploring these variations is important especially if surgical intervention is contemplated. This could greatly affect the surgical planning and avoid injuries to major arteries and organs intraoperatively.
Coronary artery disease secondary to familial hypercholesterolaemia: An infrequent cause of increasingly common pregnancy co-morbidity
Authors: Varnier Nicla A , Pettit Franzisca , Rees David , Thou Steven , Brown Mark , Henry Amanda
Published: July 2015

Background

Cardiovascular disease affects 0.2–4% of pregnancies. Coupled with the physiological stress of pregnancy, cardiovascular disease may present significant management challenges including appropriate risk:benefit analysis of medical and surgical management options.

Case

A 33-year-old gravida 4 para 1 miscarriage 2 presented at 18 weeks’ gestation to the high-risk pregnancy service with a history of coronary artery disease and homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. Pre-pregnancy echocardiogram showed probable aortic xanthoma and preserved cardiac function. Prior to planned interventional cardiology assessment for her coronary artery disease she became pregnant, taking aspirin and multivitamins only. She had exertional angina responsive to metoprolol, agreed to recommencing statin therapy when serum cholesterol worsened, but declined angiography during pregnancy. At 36 weeks’ gestation, she had further angina symptoms but no acute coronary syndrome. Induction in the High Dependency Unit with elective assisted vaginal delivery of a healthy female infant (birthweight 2460 g) occurred at 37 weeks. She underwent triple-vessel coronary artery bypass postpartum, recovering well.

Conclusion

Whilst this specific condition is rare, the increase in cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risks in the obstetric population emphasises the need for clear, multidisciplinary management from the outset of pregnancy for these women.
Multisite Study of an Implanted Continuous Glucose Sensor Over 90 Days in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dehennis Andrew , Mortellaro Mark A. , Ioacara Sorin
Published: July 2015

Background:

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), which enables real-time glucose display and trend information as well as real-time alarms, can improve glycemic control and quality of life in patients with diabetes mellitus. Previous reports have described strategies to extend the useable lifetime of a single sensor from 1-2 weeks to 28 days. The present multisite study describes the characterization of a sensing platform achieving 90 days of continuous use for a single, fully implanted sensor.

Method:

The Senseonics CGM system is composed of a long-term implantable glucose sensor and a wearable smart transmitter. Study subjects underwent subcutaneous implantation of sensors in the upper arm. Eight-hour clinic sessions were performed every 14 days, during which sensor glucose values were compared against venous blood lab reference measurements collected every 15 minutes using mean absolute relative differences (MARDs).

Results:

All subjects (mean ± standard deviation age: 43.5 ± 11.0 years; with 10 sensors inserted in men and 14 in women) had type 1 diabetes mellitus. Most (22 of 24) sensors reported glucose values for the entire 90 days. The MARD value was 11.4 ± 2.7% (range, 8.1-19.5%) for reference glucose values between 40-400 mg/dl. There was no significant difference in MARD throughout the 90-day study ( P = .31). No serious adverse events were noted.

Conclusions:

The Senseonics CGM, composed of an implantable sensor, external smart transmitter, and smartphone app, is the first system that uses a single sensor for continuous display of accurate glucose values for 3 months.
Adoptive T-cell therapies for refractory/relapsed leukemia and lymphoma: current strategies and recent advances
Authors: McLaughlin Lauren , Cruz C. Russell , Bollard Catherine M.
Published: July 2015

Despite significant advancements in the treatment and outcome of hematologic malignancies, prognosis remains poor for patients who have relapsed or refractory disease. Adoptive T-cell immunotherapy offers novel therapeutics that attempt to utilize the noted graft versus leukemia effect. While CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells have thus far been the most clinically successful application of adoptive T immunotherapy, further work with antigen specific T cells and CARs that recognize other targets have helped diversify the field to treat a broad spectrum of hematologic malignancies. This article will focus primarily on therapies currently in the clinical trial phase as well as current downfalls or limitations.
The Vocative Singular in the Greek New Testament: An Exploration of Its Expression in North American English
Authors: Quinn Arthur G.
Published: July 2015

Scholarship devoted to the manner in which the vocative singular has been translated from ancient Greek texts to modern English is lacking. The address toward a man in the vocative singular, ἄνθρωπε, while rare in the New Testament, is often translated as “man” within the context of a rebuke and appears to be accurately translated. However, when a woman is addressed as γύναι, the general interpretation of its Greek usage in the New Testament is that it is an address of respect, while its frequent translation into English as “woman” does not capture this aspect. Non-biblical Greek literature contemporary to the New Testament uses this address in the same way, with the implication of respect. More research is needed to determine how the meaning of this term can be accurately expressed in English.