bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic explanations, discrimination and chronic illness: A qualitative study on hereditary haemochromatosis in Germany
Authors: Manz Ulrike
Published: May 2016

Objective

The objective of this study is to explore the discriminatory impacts of genetic diagnosis for people living with the chronic illness of hereditary haemochromatosis in Germany.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with 15 patients; all had tested positive for a genetic mutation associated with haemochromatosis and already displayed symptoms of the disease. Inductive approach, with interviews collaboratively interpreted by the research group in a vertical and horizontal analysis informed by a multi-person perspective.

Results

First, as the genetic diagnosis of the disease holds the promise of therapeutic intervention, the interviewees perceived it as leading to relief. Second, the interviewees felt stigmatized by their family members, they complained of social isolation and a lack of acknowledgement of their health problems. Third, they feared disadvantages for themselves or their children at their place of work, when buying insurance coverage, and when attempting to donate blood.

Discussion

The findings point to the need for an expanded view on genetic discrimination. Besides institutional discrimination, it appears necessary to systematically address interactional stigmatization and take anxieties and fears into account. Here we see starting points for providing essential support through specialist and self-help groups to those faced with the genetic diagnosis of haemochromatosis in addition to and beyond the legal protection against genetic discrimination that already exists.
Distributed leadership in health care: The role of formal leadership styles and organizational efficacy
Authors: Günzel-Jensen Franziska , Jain Ajay K , Kjeldsen Anne Mette
Published: May 2016

Management and health care literature is increasingly preoccupied with leadership as a collective social process, and related leadership concepts such as distributed leadership have therefore recently gained momentum. This paper investigates how formal, i.e. transformational, transactional and empowering, leadership styles affect employees’ perceived agency in distributed leadership, and whether these associations are mediated by employees’ perceived organizational efficacy. Based on large-scale survey data from a study at one of Scandinavia’s largest public hospitals (N = 1,147), our results show that all leadership styles had a significant positive impact on employees’ perceived agency in distributed leadership. Further, organizational efficacy related negatively to employees’ perceived agency in distributed leadership; however, a mediatory impact of this on the formal leadership styles-distributed leadership relationship was not detected. These results emphasize the importance of formal leaders to enhance employee involvement in various leadership functions; still, employees might prefer to participate in leadership functions when they perceive that the organization is struggling to achieve its goals.
Is critical leadership studies ‘critical’?
Authors: Learmonth Mark , Morrell Kevin
Published: May 2016

‘Leader’ and ‘follower’ are increasingly replacing ‘manager’ and ‘worker’ to become the routine way to frame hierarchy within organizations; a practice that obfuscates, even denies, structural antagonisms. Furthermore, given that many workers are indifferent to (and others despise) their bosses, assuming workers are ‘followers’ of organizational elites seems not only managerialist, but blind to other forms of cultural identity. We feel that critical leadership studies should embrace and include a plurality of perspectives on the relationship between workers and their bosses. However, its impact as a critical project may be limited by the way it has generally adopted this mainstream rhetoric of leader/follower. By not being ‘critical’ enough about its own discursive practices, critical leadership studies risk reproducing the very kind of leaderism it seeks to condemn.
Pre-LTP requires extracellular signal-regulated kinase in the ACC
Authors: Yamanaka Manabu , Tian Zhen , Darvish-Ghane Soroush , Zhuo Min
Published: May 2016

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase is an important protein kinase for cortical plasticity. Long-term potentiation in the anterior cingulate cortex is believed to play important roles in chronic pain, fear, and anxiety. Previous studies of extracellular signal-regulated kinase are mainly focused on postsynaptic form of long-term potentiation (post-long-term potentiation). Little is known about the relationship between extracellular signal-regulated kinase and presynaptic long-term potentiation (pre-long-term potentiation) in cortical synapses. In this study, we examined whether pre-long-term potentiation in the anterior cingulate cortex requires the activation of presynaptic extracellular signal-regulated kinase. We found that p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors, PD98059 and U0126, suppressed the induction of pre-long-term potentiation. By contrast, these inhibitors did not affect the maintenance of pre-long-term potentiation. Using pharmacological inhibitors, we found that pre-long-term potentiation recorded for 1 h did not require transcriptional or translational processes. Our results strongly indicate that the activation of presynaptic extracellular signal-regulated kinase is required for the induction of pre-long-term potentiation, and this involvement may explain the contribution of extracellular signal-regulated kinase to mood disorders.
A pro-nociceptive phenotype unmasked in mice lacking fatty-acid amide hydrolase
Authors: Carey Lawrence M , Slivicki Richard A , Leishman Emma , Cornett Ben , Mackie Ken , Bradshaw Heather , Hohmann Andrea G
Published: May 2016

Fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is the major enzyme responsible for degradation of anandamide, an endocannabinoid. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic deletion of FAAH (FAAH KO) produces antinociception in preclinical pain models that is largely attributed to anandamide-induced activation of cannabinoid receptors. However, FAAH metabolizes a wide range of structurally related, biologically active lipid signaling molecules whose functions remain largely unknown. Some of these endogenous lipids, including anandamide itself, may exert pro-nociceptive effects under certain conditions. In our study, FAAH KO mice exhibited a characteristic analgesic phenotype in the tail flick test and in both formalin and carrageenan models of inflammatory nociception. Nonetheless, intradermal injection of the transient receptor potential channel V1 (TRPV1) agonist capsaicin increased nocifensive behavior as well as mechanical and heat hypersensitivity in FAAH KO relative to wild-type mice. This pro-nociceptive phenotype was accompanied by increases in capsaicin-evoked Fos-like immunoreactive (FLI) cells in spinal dorsal horn regions implicated in nociceptive processing and was attenuated by CB1 (AM251) and TRPV1 (AMG9810) antagonists. When central sensitization was established, FAAH KO mice displayed elevated levels of anandamide, other fatty-acid amides, and endogenous TRPV1 agonists in both paw skin and lumbar spinal cord relative to wild-type mice. Capsaicin decreased spinal cord 2-AG levels and increased arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2 levels in both spinal cord and paw skin irrespective of genotype. Our studies identify a previously unrecognized pro-nociceptive phenotype in FAAH KO mice that was unmasked by capsaicin challenge. The heightened nociceptive response was mediated by CB1 and TRPV1 receptors and accompanied by enhanced spinal neuronal activation. Moreover, genetic deletion of FAAH has a profound impact on the peripheral and central lipidome. Thus, genetic deletion of FAAH may predispose animals to increased sensitivity to certain types of pain. More work is necessary to determine whether such changes could explain the lack of efficacy of FAAH inhibitors in clinical trials.
Ethical considerations in sensitive suicide research reliant on non-clinical researchers
Authors: Mckenzie Sarah K , Li Cissy , Jenkin Gabrielle , Collings Sunny
Published: May 2016

The impact on researchers of working with sensitive data is often not considered by ethics committees when approving research proposals. We conducted interviews with eight research assistants processing clinical notes on emergency department presentations for deliberate self-harm and suicide attempts during a suicide prevention trial. Common experiences of working with the data included feeling unprepared for the level of detail in the records, being drawn deeply into individual stories, emotional exhaustion from the cumulative exposure to the data over long periods of time while working alone, and experiencing a heightened awareness of the fragility of life and the need for safety. The research assistants also reported on some of the strategies they had developed to cope with the sensitive nature of the data and the demands of the work. The ethical implications for suicide research reliant on non-clinically trained researchers exploring sensitive data are considered. These include the need for research leaders and ethics committees to be aware of the potential adverse mental health impacts for these researchers examining sensitive data and to make appropriate arrangements to minimize the mental health impacts of such work.
Clinical results of releasing the entire A2 pulley after flexor tendon repair in zone 2C
Authors: Moriya K. , Yoshizu T. , Tsubokawa N. , Narisawa H. , Hara K. , Maki Y.
Published: May 2016

We report the results of complete release of the entire A2 pulley after zone 2C flexor tendon repair followed by early postoperative active mobilization in seven fingers and their comparisons with 33 fingers with partial A2 pulley release. In seven fingers, release of the entire A2 pulley was necessary to allow free gliding of the repairs in five fingers and complete release of both the A2 and C1 pulleys was necessary in two. No bowstringing was clinically evident in any finger. Two fingers required tenolysis. Using Tang’s criteria, the function of two digits was ranked as excellent, four good and one fair; there was no failure. The functional return in these seven fingers was similar with that in 33 fingers with partial A2 pulley release; in these patients only one finger required tenolysis. Our results support the suggestion that release of the entire A2 pulley together with the adjacent C1 pulley does not clinically affect finger motion or cause tendon bowstringing, provided that the other pulleys are left intact.

Level of evidence: IV
The use of retrievable inferior vena cava filters in pregnancy: Another successful case report, but are we actually making a difference?
Authors: Du Plessis Lodewyk E , Mol Ben W , Svigos John M
Published: May 2016

Background

Pregnant women with venous thromboembolism are traditionally managed with anticoagulation, but inferior vena cava filters are an alternative. We balanced risks and benefits of an inferior vena cava filter in a decision analysis.

Methods

We constructed a decision model to compare in pregnant women with VTE the outcome of (1) inferior vena cava filter and anticoagulant treatment versus (2) anticoagulant treatment only.

Results

Assuming a 63% risk reduction from an inferior vena cava filter (baseline mortality rate of venous thromboembolism of 0.5%), 318 women would need to be treated with inferior vena cava filters to prevent one venous thromboembolism related maternal death. Sensitivity analyses indicated that at a mortality rate of 0.5% the risk reduction from inferior vena cava filters needed to be 80%, while at a mortality rate of 2% a risk reduction of 20% would justify inferior vena cava filters.

Conclusions

In view of their potential morbidity, inferior vena cava filters should be restricted to pregnant woman at strongly increased risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism.
Surgical management of a large peritoneal pseudocyst causing acute kidney injury secondary to abdominal compartment syndrome in a rare case of congenital absence of omentum during pregnancy
Authors: Jones Benjamin P , Hunjan Tia , Terry Jayne
Published: May 2016

Complete congenital absence of the omentum is very rare with only one previously reported case. We present a unique case of the management of a pregnant woman with a large pelvic pseudocyst caused by complications related to congenital absence of omentum, resulting in acute kidney injury, likely secondary to acute compartment syndrome. This case highlights the importance of considering acute compartment syndrome in critically unwell pregnant women and reiterates the need to measure intra-abdominal pressure when clinically indicated. Given that pregnancy is in itself a state of intra-abdominal hypertension, obstetricians should maintain a high index of suspicion in the context of additional risk factors.
Reporting and case management of occupational exposures to blood-borne pathogens among healthcare workers in three healthcare facilities in Tanzania
Authors: Lahuerta Maria , Selenic Dejana , Kassa Getachew , Mwakitosha Goodluck , Hokororo Joseph , Ngonyani Henock , Basavaraju Sridhar V , Courtenay-Quirk Cari , Liu Yang , Kazaura Koku , Simbeye Daimon , Bock Naomi ,   for the Pathways to PEP Study Team
Published: May 2016

Background:

In sub-Saharan Africa, blood-borne pathogens exposure (BPE) is a serious risk to healthcare workers (HCW).

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study assessing BPE among HCW at three public hospitals in Tanzania. From August to November 2012, HCW were surveyed using Audio-Computer Assisted Self-Interview. All HCW at risk for BPE were invited to participate. Factors associated with reporting BPE were identified using logistic regression.

Findings:

Of the 1102 eligible HCW, 973 (88%) completed the survey. Of these, 690 (71%) were women and 499 (52%) were nurses and nurse assistants. Of the 357 HCW who had a BPE (32%) in the previous 6 months, 120 (34%) reported it. Among these 120 reported exposures, 93 (78%) HCWs reported within 2 h of exposure, 98 (82%) received pre- and post-HIV test counselling, and 70 (58%) were offered post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Independent factors associated with reporting BPE were being female (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–3.5), having ever-received BPE training (AOR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2–3.5), knowledge that HCW receive PEP at another facility (AOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.5–4.4), low/no perceived risk related to BPE (AOR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.9–9.4) and HIV testing within the past year (AOR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2–4.4).

Conclusion:

These results highlight the importance of appropriate training on the prevention and reporting of occupational exposure to increase acceptance of HIV testing and improve access to PEP after BPE.
Initialising landslide-generated tsunamis for probabilistic tsunami hazard assessment in Cook Strait
Authors: Lane Emily M , Mountjoy Joshu J , Power William L , Popinet Stephane
Published: May 2016

The Cook Strait Canyon is a submarine canyon which lies within 10 km of Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. The canyon flanks are scarred with the evidence of past landslides that may have caused large local tsunamis. City planning and civil defence management require information on the magnitude and frequency of these tsunamis to adequately plan for them. Submarine-landslide-generated tsunamis are by nature local features. While they may be catastrophic in the near field, they are generally far smaller scales than co-seismic tsunamis and their energy does not travel very far. Including them within a comprehensive tsunami hazard assessment requires accounting for a large number of potential landslide sources. Unless we only use simple rules of thumb to approximate tsunami height, this requires considerable computing power. This article describes a technique for expanding two-dimensional vertical-slice tsunami generation by landslide modelling into a two-dimensional horizontal surface which can be used for tsunami propagation and inundation modelling. As such, it spans the gap between full three-dimensional modelling of the landslide and simple initialisation.
Real-time earthquake monitoring at the Indian Tsunami Early Warning System for tsunami advisories in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Devi E Uma , Sunanda MV , Kumar B Ajay , Kumar Ch Patanjali , Kumar T Srinivasa
Published: May 2016

The Indian Tsunami Early Warning System situated at Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services, Hyderabad, India, monitors real-time earthquake activity throughout the Indian Ocean to evaluate potential tsunamigenic earthquakes. The functions of the Indian Tsunami Early Warning System earthquake monitoring system include detection, location and determination of the magnitude of potentially tsunamigenic earthquakes occurring in the Indian Ocean. The real-time seismic monitoring network comprises 17 broadband Indian seismic stations transmitting real-time earthquake data through VSAT communication to the central receiving stations located at the Indian Meteorological Department, New Delhi, and the Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services, Hyderabad, simultaneously for processing and interpretation. In addition to this, earthquake data from around 300 global seismic stations are also received at the Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services in near-real-time. Most of these data are provided by IRIS Global Seismographic Network and GEOFON Extended Virtual Network through Internet. The Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services uses SeisComP3 software for auto-location of earthquake parameters (location, magnitude, focal depth and origin time). All earthquakes of Mw >5.0 are auto-located within 5–10 minutes of the occurrence of the earthquake. Since its inception in October 2007 to date, the warning centre has monitored and reported 55 tsunamigenic earthquakes (under-sea and near coast earthquakes of magnitude ⩾6.5) in the Indian Ocean region. Comparison of the earthquake parameters (elapsed time, magnitude, focal depth and location) estimated by the Indian Tsunami Early Warning System with the US Geological Survey suggests that the Indian Tsunami Early Warning System is performing well and has achieved the target set up by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.
Documentation of instrumental vaginal deliveries
Authors: Shamsa Aiat , Jang Agnes JY , McGee Therese M
Published: May 2016

Background:

Instrumental vaginal deliveries (IVDs) account for approximately 11% of births in Australia. Complications resulting from IVD can occasionally be the subject of litigation. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists suggests a standardised pro forma in their guidelines as an aid to accurate and complete IVD documentation. Many units, including ours, use less structured reporting, which is probably also less adequate.

Aim:

To assess whether the introduction of a dedicated IVD form improves the quality of IVD documentation.

Method:

Analysis of the quality of IVD documentation before and after the implementation of a new dedicated IVD form. A survey to evaluate clinicians’ opinion on the new standardised form.

Results:

Significant improvement was found in documentation of key information including the documentation of caput ( p < 0.05), type of instrument, number of ventouse cup detachments, moulding of specific sutures, abdominal palpation (number of fifths of foetal head palpable), liquor colour and total time of instrument application ( p < 0.001). A majority of clinicians believed the form to be beneficial in terms of completeness and that it reduced the amount of time required for documentation.

Conclusions:

IVD documentation is enhanced by the use of a dedicated form. Clinical judgement may also be enhanced by the discipline involved in the formal assessment required by the form.
Diabetes Educators’ Intended and Reported Use of Common Diabetes-Related Technologies
Authors: James Steven , Perry Lin , Gallagher Robyn , Lowe Julia
Published: May 2016

Background:

Technology provides adjuvant and/or alternative approaches to care and may promote self-care, communication, and engagement with health care services. Common recent technologies for diabetes include continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions (insulin pumps), continuous glucose monitoring systems, smartphone and tablet applications, and telehealth (video conferencing). This study reports Australian diabetes educators’ intentions and reported professional use of these technologies for people with type 1 diabetes, and factors predictive of this.

Methods:

An anonymous, web-based questionnaire based on the technology acceptance model was distributed to members of the Australian Diabetes Educators Association through their electronic newsletter. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 5-factor solution comprising confidence and competence, improving clinical practice, preparation (intentions and training), ease of use, and subjective norms. Logistic regression analyses identified factors predicting intention and use of technology.

Results:

Respondents (n = 228) had high intentions to use technology. The majority reported using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions, continuous glucose monitoring systems, and applications with patients, but usage was occasional. Confidence and competence independently predicted both intentions and use of all 4 technologies. Preparation (intentions and training) independently predicted use of each technology also.

Conclusions:

Discrepancies and dissonance appear between diabetes educators’ intentions and behavior (intentions to use and reported technology use). Intentions were higher than current use, which was relatively low and not likely to provide significant support to people with type 1 diabetes for disease management, communication, and engagement with health care services. Continuing education and experiential learning may be key in supporting diabetes educators to align their intentions with their practice.
The logic of Myanmar’s China policy
Authors: Myoe Maung Aung
Published: May 2016

The successive Myanmar governments have been dealing with a question of how to manage their relations with China in order to preserve the country’s independence, political autonomy, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity while asymmetry of power between the two countries is a reality. In the mid-1950s, the Myanmar government coined and popularized the term “Pauk-Phaw” (kinfolk) to guide and manage its relations with China. It is in the name of “Pauk-Phaw” that the Myanmar government has not only handled and resolved outstanding issues between the two countries but also stabilized the bilateral relationship whenever there is a problem. In order to understand Myanmar’s approach towards China, this paper, therefore, raises the following question: what is the logic behind Myanmar’s China policy? In other words, the paper tries to shed light on the substance of Myanmar’s “Pauk-Phaw” concept. It is hereby argued that the logic of Myanmar’s China policy, since the establish of diplomatic relations between the two countries, has been firmly based on Myanmar’s historical legacies, internal security challenges, geopolitical realities, and regional security context. While its foreign policy behaviors toward China have been adjusted occasionally, these fundamental elements remain relatively unaltered in the logic of Myanmar’s China policy.
Examining the Sources of Racial Bias in Potentially Capital Cases
Authors: Petersen Nick
Published: May 2016

While prior research has uncovered racial disparities in the administration of death sentences, little attention has been devoted to earlier stages in the capital punishment processes. To understand the locus of racial bias within death penalty institutions, this study examines the entry of homicide cases into Los Angeles County’s criminal justice system during a 5-year period. This two-part analysis seeks to answer the following research questions: (1) Does victim/defendant race influence homicide clearance and death penalty charging decisions? and (2) if so, does the likelihood of clearance mediate the effect of victim race on death penalty charges? Logistic regressions indicate that cases involving Latino victims are less likely to be cleared. Moreover, cases with Black and Latino victims are less likely to be prosecuted with a death penalty–eligible charge. Racial disparities accumulate across these stages, with clearance patterns influencing subsequent death penalty charging decisions. Results underscore the cumulative nature of racial within criminal justice institutions. By linking police and prosecution outcomes, these findings also highlight the interrelationship between criminal justice agencies.
An Intact Dissecting Baker’s Cyst Mimicking Recurrent Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Jamshed Sarah , Snyder L. Michael
Published: May 2016

We report a case of a 75-year-old female with a history of acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) 6 years ago who presented with unilateral calf swelling and pain. D-dimer was normal, and compression ultrasound revealed findings typical of DVT, including an incompressible dilated and hypoechoic peroneal vein. Despite 4 months of anticoagulation for supposed recurrent DVT, pain symptoms persisted and repeat D-dimer and compression ultrasound were unchanged. A magnetic resonance imaging scan to investigate the leg demonstrated a 6-cm dissecting Baker’s cyst extending posterolaterally resulting in venous compression and distal dilation, which appeared to have been confused with a DVT. Ultrasound-guided aspiration of the cyst provided immediate and sustained relief. Herein we provide a review of the literature for the management of this rare scenario.
Selections From the ABC 2015 Annual Conference, Seattle, Washington
Authors: Whalen D. Joel
Published: May 2016

This article, the second of a two-part series, presents 10 teaching innovations from the 2015 Association for Business Communication’s annual conference. Innovations include fresh approaches to teaching cross-cultural communication consulting, creating promotional material with graphical software, a Pecha Kucha approach to oral presentations, email skills, creating digital résumés and LinkedIn profiles, promoting flash-mob events via social media, rapid message packaging, and writing 140-character mission statements. Additional teaching materials—instructions to students, stimulus materials, slides, grading rubrics, frequently asked questions, and sample student projects—are posted on these websites: http://www.businesscommunication.org/page/assignments and http://www.salesleadershipcenter.com/research.html#mfa16 .
Should Health Care Aides Assist With Medications in Long-Term Care?
Authors: Arain Mubashir , Deutschlander Siegrid , Rostami Mahnoush , Suter Esther
Published: May 2016

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether health care aides (HCAs) could safely assist in medication administration in long-term care (LTC). Method: We obtained medication error reports from LTC facilities that involve HCAs in oral medication assistance and we analyzed Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) data from these facilities. Standard ratings of error severity were “no apparent harm,” “minimum harm,” and “moderate harm.” Results: We retrieved error reports from two LTC facilities with 220 errors reported by all health care providers including HCAs. HCAs were involved in 137 (63%) errors, licensed practical nurses (LPNs)/registered nurses (RNs) in 77 (35%), and pharmacy in four (2%). The analysis of error severity showed that HCAs were significantly less likely to cause errors of moderate severity than other nursing staff (2% vs. 7%, chi-square = 5.1, p value = .04). Conclusion: HCAs’ assistance in oral medications in LTC facilities appears to be safe when provided under the medication assistance guidelines.
Are American Cultural Examples Losing the International Students in U.S. Classrooms?
Authors: Priya Kanu , Tapis Gregory P.
Published: May 2016

This article illustrates techniques that can help instructors overcome the challenges of a much overlooked teaching element—that of using examples while teaching management in a multicultural classroom filled with both domestic and international students. We provide suggestions for steps that instructors can take to improve their content delivery for an international classroom without compromising their current use of pedagogical tools such as examples, storytelling, and active learning exercises.
Analysis of process parameters related to the single-screw extrusion of recycled polypropylene blends by using design of experiments
Authors: Fu Tingrui , Haworth Barry , Mascia Leno
Published: May 2016

The process dynamics of single-screw extrusion on mixtures of polypropylene (PP) and recycled PP were studied using a statistical, design of experiments (DoE) approach. For a conventional screw design, the barrel temperature, screw speed and two vastly different melt viscosity polypropylene mixtures were selected as the independent factors, whilst melt pressure, mass output, screw torque and temperature rise at the die due to shear heating were the dependent responses. A central composite design (CCD) in the framework of response surface methodology (RSM) was constructed, and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to determine the significance of the response surface models. The resulting statistical and response surface predictions have demonstrated that the low viscosity component concentration in the blend is a dominating factor on melt pressure and screw torque, apart from the expected effect of screw speed on output. Viscous heating is affected only by screw speed and recycled polypropylene concentration. Furthermore, the predictions have identified a wider process operating window with increased low-viscosity component concentration. The data confirm that statistical tools make quantitative predictions for the effects of experimental process variables, in accordance with the expected qualitative trends towards process optimisation, providing scope towards its application in scaled-up industrial processes.
Primary Venous Aneurysm of the Basilic Vein at the Distal Forearm
Authors: Li Tony Y.
Published: May 2016

Venous aneurysm (VA) is an uncommon solitary focal dilation of a vein. Primary superficial VA, which may be associated with congenital weakness of the vein wall, is rare. In this case study, an extremely rare primary superficial VA from the basilic vein in the distal forearm is reported. The patient presented with a painless soft mass in the ulnar aspect of the distal forearm without any history of trauma, inflammation, or systematic disease. The mass was prominent with the arm in dependence and diminished with the arm elevated. Ultrasound scanning revealed a saccular dilation of the vein coursed along the path of the basilic vein. Pulsed-wave Doppler confirmed the venous origin. No thrombus was found inside the VA. The patient was recommended to observe the change with no need for surgery at the time by the vascular surgeon.
Sonographic Appearance of Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformations
Authors: Jordan Kelly A.
Published: May 2016

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation, also known as congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, is the most common congenital lung malformation of the lower respiratory tract. Congenital pulmonary airway malformation lesions fall into five classifications based on respiratory tract origin and cystic characteristics. Sonographic appearance varies from echolucent cysts to an echogenic, solid-appearing mass within the lungs. Fetal mediastinal shift, pulmonary hypoplasia, and hydrops can occur, depending on the size of the lesion. A case is presented with sonography to characterize the lesion.
Impairment of dendritic cell functions in patients with adaptor protein-3 complex deficiency
Authors: Prandini Alberto , Salvi Valentina , Colombo Francesca , Moratto Daniele , Lorenzi Luisa , Vermi William , De Francesco Maria Antonia , Notarangelo Lucia Dora , Porta Fulvio , Plebani Alessandro , Facchetti Fabio , Sozzani Silvano , Badolato Raffaele
Published: May 2016

Key Points

Function and maturation of myeloid DCs is abnormal in AP-3 complex-deficient patients. IFN-α secretion in response to HSV-1 is reduced in AP-3–deficient patients.
A note on ‘Some fixed point theorems for generalized contractive mappings in complete metric spaces’
Authors: Jiang Shujun , Li Zhilong , Damjanović Boško
Published: May 2016

Very recently, Hussain et al. (Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2015:185, 2015) introduced the concept of JS-contraction and established some fixed point theorems for such contractions. In this paper, we introduce a new method of proofs that allows us to prove fixed point theorems for JS-contraction in complete metric spaces by removing two conditions in theorems of Hussain et al. Thus, we prove that fixed point Theorems 2.3-2.8 and Corollary 2.9 of Hussain et al. actually are consequences, and not generalizations, of the corresponding theorems of Ćirić, Chatterjea, Kannan, and Reich.
Buddhism and the Postmodern Novel: Severo Sarduy’sCobra
Authors: Alpert Avram
Published: May 2016

This essay considers the postmodern engagement with Buddhism as a philosophy and a practice through the lens of Severo Sarduy’s Cobra (1972). It argues that a closer alignment of contemporary Buddhist studies with literary criticism can help us to better understand both contemporary writing in general and particular works of fiction. Sarduy’s Cobra and the criticism around it manifest the potential benefits of such a cross-disciplinary engagement. Although most critics have taken the novel to embody “Buddhist” themes, few have critically engaged the literature on Buddhism to see what this might actually mean. By placing Cobra alongside some contemporary work in Buddhist studies, I argue that the novel both understands and laments its own Orientalism. Cobra thus closes with a call for a future philosophy of global engagement—a call, I argue, that is still relevant for literary criticism today.
Implementing Intellectual Property of Pharmaceuticals in Middle-Income Countries: A Case Study of Patent Regulation in Brazil
Authors: da Fonseca Elize Massard , Bastos Francisco Inácio
Published: May 2016

The protection of pharmaceutical intellectual property (IP) rights is one of the most controversial debates in contemporary public health as countries have to balance incentives for drug development with the necessity of providing life-saving drugs. Compliance with IP protections is mandatory for members of the World Trade Organization (WTO). However, because of the costs associated with IP implementation we should expect late and/or poor implementation in middle-income countries. Surprisingly, this was not the case in Brazil. The country not only just fully implemented the WTO's requirement but declined the grace period granted for countries to adapt and included extra IP protections, going against a coalition of local industrialists and activists. Notwithstanding, as the consequences of IP regulations unfolds, Brazil also promoted new alliances that tailored and adjusted the regulations toward public health. We demonstrate that arguments of foreign pressure and lobbying are exaggerated and call attention to domestic shifts, long-term processes of regulatory decision, and political dynamics happening at the local level. By analyzing the case of Brazil, we provide a nuanced contribution to the discussion of IP implementation in middle-income countries and call attention to new models of government-society interactions in regulatory policy.
The membrane attack complex, perforin and cholesterol-dependent cytolysin superfamily of pore-forming proteins
Authors: Lukoyanova Natalya , Hoogenboom Bart W. , Saibil Helen R.
Published: May 2016

The membrane attack complex and perforin proteins (MACPFs) and bacterial cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) are two branches of a large and diverse superfamily of pore-forming proteins that function in immunity and pathogenesis. During pore formation, soluble monomers assemble into large transmembrane pores through conformational transitions that involve extrusion and refolding of two α-helical regions into transmembrane β-hairpins. These transitions entail a dramatic refolding of the protein structure, and the resulting assemblies create large holes in cellular membranes, but they do not use any external source of energy. Structures of the membrane-bound assemblies are required to mechanistically understand and modulate these processes. In this Commentary, we discuss recent advances in the understanding of assembly mechanisms and molecular details of the conformational changes that occur during MACPF and CDC pore formation.
From meiosis to mitosis – the sperm centrosome defines the kinetics of spindle assembly after fertilization in Xenopus
Authors: Cavazza Tommaso , Peset Isabel , Vernos Isabelle
Published: May 2016

Bipolar spindle assembly in the vertebrate oocyte relies on a self-organization chromosome-dependent pathway. Upon fertilization, the male gamete provides a centrosome, and the first and subsequent embryonic divisions occur in the presence of duplicated centrosomes that act as dominant microtubule organizing centres (MTOCs). The transition from meiosis to embryonic mitosis involves a necessary adaptation to integrate the dominant chromosome-dependent pathway with the centrosomes to form the bipolar spindle. Here, we took advantage of the Xenopus laevis egg extract system to mimic in vitro the assembly of the first embryonic spindle and investigate the respective contributions of the centrosome and the chromosome-dependent pathway to the kinetics of the spindle bipolarization. We found that centrosomes control the transition from the meiotic to the mitotic spindle assembly mechanism. By defining the kinetics of spindle bipolarization, the centrosomes ensure their own positioning to each spindle pole and thereby their essential correct inheritance to the two first daughter cells of the embryo for the development of a healthy organism.
Cortactin is a scaffolding platform for the E-cadherin adhesion complex and is regulated by protein kinase D1 phosphorylation
Authors: Sroka Robert , Van Lint Johan , Katz Sarah-Fee , Schneider Marlon R. , Kleger Alexander , Paschke Stephan , Seufferlein Thomas , Eiseler Tim
Published: May 2016

Dynamic regulation of cell–cell adhesion by the coordinated formation and dissolution of E-cadherin-based adherens junctions is crucial for tissue homeostasis. The actin-binding protein cortactin interacts with E-cadherin and enables F-actin accumulation at adherens junctions. Here, we were interested to study the broader functional interactions of cortactin in adhesion complexes. In line with literature, we demonstrate that cortactin binds to E-cadherin, and that a posttranslational modification of cortactin, RhoA-induced phosphorylation by protein kinase D1 (PKD1; also known as PRKD1) at S298, impairs adherens junction assembly and supports their dissolution. Two new S298-phosphorylation-dependent interactions were also identified, namely, that phosphorylation of cortactin decreases its interaction with β-catenin and the actin-binding protein vinculin. In addition, binding of vinculin to β-catenin, as well as linkage of vinculin to F-actin, are also significantly compromised upon phosphorylation of cortactin. Accordingly, we found that regulation of cell–cell adhesion by phosphorylation of cortactin downstream of RhoA and PKD1 is vitally dependent on vinculin-mediated protein interactions. Thus, cortactin, unexpectedly, is an important integration node for the dynamic regulation of protein complexes during breakdown and formation of adherens junctions.
Aggregation dynamics and identification of aggregation-prone mutants of the von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor protein
Authors: Le Goff Xavier , Chesnel Franck , Delalande Olivier , Couturier Anne , Dréano Stéphane , Le Goff Cathy , Vigneau Cécile , Arlot-Bonnemains Yannick
Published: May 2016

Quality control mechanisms promote aggregation and degradation of misfolded proteins. In budding yeast, the human von Hippel–Lindau protein (pVHL, officially known as VHL) is misfolded and forms aggregates. Here, we investigated the aggregation of three pVHL isoforms (pVHL213, pVHL160, pVHL172) in fission yeast. The full-length pVHL213 isoform aggregates in highly dynamic small puncta and in large spherical inclusions, either close to the nucleus or to the cell ends. The large inclusions contain the yeast Hsp104 chaperone. Aggregate clearance is regulated by proteasomal degradation. The pVHL160 isoform forms dense foci and large irregularly shaped aggregates. In silico, prediction of pVHL aggregation propensity identified a key aggregation-promoting region within exon 2. Consistently, the pVHL172 isoform, which lacks exon 2, formed rare reduced inclusions. We studied the aggregation propensity of pVHL variants harbouring missense mutations found in kidney carcinomas. We show that the P86L mutation stimulated small aggregate formation, the P146A mutation increased large inclusion formation, whereas the I151S mutant destabilized pVHL. The prefoldin subunit Pac10 (the human homolog VBP-1 binds to pVHL) is required for pVHL stability. Reduction of soluble functional pVHL might be crucial in VHL-related diseases.
Inhibition of the oxidative stress response by heat stress inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Crombie Timothy A. , Tang Lanlan , Choe Keith P. , Julian David
Published: May 2016

It has long been recognized that simultaneous exposure to heat stress and oxidative stress shows a synergistic interaction that reduces organismal fitness, but relatively little is known about the mechanisms underlying this interaction. We investigated the role of molecular stress responses in driving this synergistic interaction using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. To induce oxidative stress, we used the pro-oxidant compounds acrylamide, paraquat, and juglone. As expected, we found that heat stress and oxidative stress interact synergistically to reduce survival. Compared to exposure to each stressor alone, during simultaneous, sub-lethal exposure to heat stress and oxidative stress the normal induction of key oxidative stress response (OxSR) genes was generally inhibited while the induction of key heat shock response (HSR) genes was not. Genetically activating the SKN-1 dependent OxSR increased a marker for protein aggregation and decreased whole-worm survival during heat stress alone, with the latter being independent of HSF-1. In contrast, inactivating the HSR by HSF-1 knockdown, which would be expected to decrease basal heat shock protein expression, increased survival during oxidative stress alone compared to wild- type worms. Taken together, these data suggest that in C. elegans the HSR and OxSR cannot be simultaneously activated to the same extent that each can be activated during a single stressor exposure. We conclude that the observed synergistic reduction in survival during combined exposure to heat stress and oxidative stress is due, at least in part, to inhibition of the OxSR during activation of the HSR.
Desiccation tolerance in Anopheles coluzzii: the effects of spiracle size and cuticular hydrocarbons
Authors: Arcaz Arthur C. , Huestis Diana L. , Dao Adama , Yaro Alpha S. , Diallo Moussa , Andersen John , Blomquist Gary J. , Lehmann Tovi
Published: May 2016

The African malaria mosquitoes Anopheles gambiae and A. coluzzii range over forests and arid areas, where they withstand dry spells and months-long dry seasons, suggesting variation in their desiccation tolerance. We subjected a laboratory colony (G3) and wild Sahelian mosquitoes during the rainy and dry seasons to desiccation assays. The thoracic spiracles and amount and composition of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) of individual mosquitoes were measured to determine the effects of these traits on desiccation tolerance. The assay's relative humidity, body water available, rate of water loss, and water content at death accounted for 88% of the variation in desiccation tolerance. Spiracle size did not affect the rate of water loss or desiccation tolerance of the colony mosquitoes, as was the case for the total CHCs. However, six CHCs accounted for 71% of the variation in desiccation tolerance and three accounted for 72% of the variation in the rate of water loss. Wild A. coluzzii exhibited elevated desiccation tolerance during the dry season. During that time, relative thorax and spiracle sizes were smaller than during the rainy season. A smaller spiracle size appeared to increase A. coluzzii's desiccation tolerance, but was not statistically significant. Seasonal change in CHC composition was detected in Sahelian A. coluzzii. Stepwise regression models suggested the effect of particular CHCs on desiccation tolerance. In conclusion, the combination of particular CHCs along with total amount of CHCs is a primary mechanism conferring desiccation tolerance in A. coluzzii, while variation in spiracle size might be a secondary mechanism.
In situcardiac perfusion reveals interspecific variation of intraventricular flow separation in reptiles
Authors: Joyce William , Axelsson Michael , Altimiras Jordi , Wang Tobias
Published: May 2016

The ventricles of non-crocodilian reptiles are incompletely divided and provide an opportunity for mixing of oxygen-poor blood and oxygen-rich blood (intracardiac shunting). However, both cardiac morphology and in vivo shunting patterns exhibit considerable interspecific variation within reptiles. In the present study, we develop an in situ double-perfused heart approach to characterise the propensity and capacity for shunting in five reptile species (turtle: Trachemys scripta, rock python: Python sebae, yellow anaconda: Eunectes notaeus, varanid lizard: Varanus exanthematicus, and bearded dragon: Pogona vitticeps). To simulate changes in vascular bed resistance, pulmonary and systemic afterloads were independently manipulated and changes in blood flow distribution amongst the central outflow tracts were monitored. As previously demonstrated in Burmese pythons, rock pythons and varanid lizards exhibited pronounced intraventricular flow separation. As pulmonary or systemic afterload was raised, flow in the respective circulation decreased. However, flow in the other circulation, where afterload was constant, remained stable. This correlates with the convergent evolution of intraventricular pressure separation and the large intraventricular muscular ridge, which compartmentalises the ventricle, in these species. Conversely, in the three other species, the pulmonary and systemic flows were strongly mutually dependent, such that the decrease in pulmonary flow in response to elevated pulmonary afterload resulted in redistribution of perfusate to the systemic circuit (and vice versa). Thus, in these species, the muscular ridge appeared labile and blood could readily transverse the intraventricular cava. We conclude that relatively minor structural differences between non-crocodilian reptiles result in the fundamental changes in cardiac function. Further, our study emphasises that functionally similar intracardiac flow separation evolved independently in lizards (varanids) and snakes (pythons) from an ancestor endowed with the capacity for large intracardiac shunts.