bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystallographic texture engineering through novel melt strategies via electron beam melting: Inconel 718
Authors: Dehoff R. R. , Kirka M. M. , List F. A. , Unocic K. A. , Sames W. J.
Published: October 2014

Preliminary research has demonstrated the ability to utilise novel scan strategies in the electron beam melting (EBM) process to establish control of crystallographic texture within Inconel 718 deposits. Conventional EBM scan strategies and process parameters yield coarse columnar grains aligned parallel to the build direction. Through varying process parameters such as beam power, beam velocity, beam focus and scan strategy, the behaviour of the electron beam can be manipulated from a line source to a point source. The net effect of these variations is that the resulting crystallographic texture is controlled in a manner to produce either epitaxial deposits or fully equiaxed deposits. This research demonstrates the ability to change the crystallographic texture on the macroscale indicating that EBM technology can be used to create complex geometric components with both site-specific microstructures and material properties.
Vascular endothelial growth factor C promotes breast cancer progression via a novel antioxidant mechanism that involves regulation of superoxide dismutase 3
Authors: Wang Chu-An , Harrell J Chuck , Iwanaga Ritsuko , Jedlicka Paul , Ford Heide L
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Triple-negative breast cancers, particularly the claudin-low subtype, are highly aggressive and exhibit increased tumor-initiating cell (TIC) characteristics. In this study, we demonstrate that vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is highly expressed in the claudin-low breast cancer subtype and also that it mediates tumor progression, not only through its role in lymphangiogenesis but also through regulating TIC characteristics and the response to reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Methods

VEGF C expression was examined in breast cancer subtypes, and a VEGF C expression signature was derived. VEGF C expression and/or its associated signature was correlated with TIC and chemoresistance signatures. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to determine whether VEGF-C expression alters TIC characteristics and the response of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy and oxidative stress. Array analysis was used to identify a downstream effector of VEGF-C, superoxide dismutase 3 (Sod3), which was tested for its involvement in VEGF-C-mediated resistance to oxidative stress and enhancement of in vivo metastasis. The VEGF-C-associated receptor neuropilin 2 (Nrp2) was knocked down to determine whether it is required for the observed effects of VEGF-C. Expression of VEGF C and Sod3 was assessed in human breast cancers.

Results

VEGF C is highly expressed in claudin-low breast cancers, and VEGF C and the VEGF C signature are associated with TIC-related gene signatures. VEGF-C-knockdown in mammary carcinoma cells decreases TIC properties in vitro and in vivo, sensitizing cells to oxidative stress and chemotherapy. We identified Sod3 as a target of VEGF-C in breast cancer cells by demonstrating that it is required for VEGF-C-mediated cell survival in response to oxidative stress and for VEGF-C-mediated metastasis. We demonstrate that Nrp2 is the VEGF-C-associated receptor that mediates alterations in Sod3 expression and the response of tumor cells to oxidative stress. We show that VEGF C and Sod3 are positively associated in human breast cancer.

Conclusions

We describe a novel mechanism by which VEGF-C contributes to metastasis via its ability to enhance TIC-associated characteristics, particularly the response to ROS. We identified Sod3 as a critical mediator of VEGF-C-induced metastasis, and we provide evidence that the VEGF-C-Sod3 axis plays a role in human breast cancers.
Soluble OX40L is associated with presence of autoantibodies in early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Laustsen Julie K , Rasmussen Tue K , Stengaard-Pedersen Kristian , Hørslev-Petersen Kim , Hetland Merete L , Østergaard Mikkel , Junker Peter , Hvid Malene , Deleuran Bent
Published: October 2014

Introduction

OX40 and its ligand OX40L are key components in the generation of adaptive memory response and provide necessary co-stimulatory signals for activated effector T cells. Here we investigate the dual roles of the membrane and soluble (s) forms of OX40 and OX40L in plasma and synovial fluid and their association with autoantibodies and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Soluble OX40 and sOX40L plasma levels were measured in treatment-naïve early RA patients (eRA) at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment with methotrexate and adalimumab (n = 39) and with methotrexate alone (n = 37). Adalimumab was discontinued after the first year, and patients were followed for additional 12 months. For comparison, sOX40 and sOX40L were measured in patients with chronic RA (cRA, n = 15) and healthy volunteers (HV, n = 34). Membrane-bound OX40 and OX40L expression on T cells, B cells and monocytes were quantified.

Results

Soluble OX40 plasma levels of eRA patients were not different at the time of treatment initiation, but were significantly higher after 12 months of treatment, compared with HV or cRA patients. Soluble OX40L was significantly elevated throughout the first 12 months of treatment compared with HVs and patients with cRA. Adalimumab treatment did not influence sOX40 or sOX40L plasma levels. At baseline, sOX40L levels were strongly associated with the presence of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) (P <0.001) and IgM-RF (P <0.0001). The sOX40/sOX40L ratio was decreased in eRA, and a low ratio at the time of adalimumab discontinuation was associated with increased DAS28CRP and risk of flare the following year. T cells in the synovial fluid had the highest expression of OX40, while monocytes and B cells were the main expressers of OX40L in the joint.

Conclusions

Plasma levels of sOX40 and sOX40L were increased in eRA and sOX40L was correlated with ACPA and IgM-RF. Further, expression of membrane-bound OX40 and OX40L was increased in eRA and cRA. Combined, these findings could reflect that increased activity in the OX40 systems facilitate to drive disease activity and autoantibody production in RA.

Trial registration

Clincaltrials.gov NCT00660647, 10 April 2008.
Debate: Strategically Working in Parallel to Traffickers
Authors: Tournecuillert Vincent
Published: October 2014

Let’s be realistic, counter-trafficking teams will never be as effective as the proactive and flexible networks of outlaws that violate the rights of millions of people each year. The ‘bad guys’ operate without the same financial limitations such as bureaucratic red tape and donor criteria, and take advantage of patchy and often uncoordinated border surveillance that is chronically untrained in detecting trafficking in persons.  Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in the fight against human trafficking—and in direct contact with presumed victims (their status is not assessed until at a stage later than this initial contact)—are in a diametrically opposite situation. They must carefully abide by the national and international legal frameworks that their criminal antagonists ignore. Donors and national authorities operate within the constraints of geographic target areas and funding cycles. Since counter-trafficking actors neither create the markets nor devise the routes for trafficking, their strategic cross-border (or long distance) partnerships are always a few steps behind the traffickers, if not many steps behind, and rarely efficient.
Debate: Money, Money, Money
Authors: Ellinger Nina Ilona , Sharma Seeta
Published: October 2014

The question: ‘What would be the best way to use ten million dollars?’ leads to many other questions when related to anti-trafficking work.What should the money be spent on? Who should be appointed to spend the money? And, perhaps most importantly, who should be the beneficiaries? In other words, are the ten million dollars to prevent trafficking of people meant for activities to stop smuggling of people, to stop unwanted migrants, or to protect and uphold people’s rights when they move across borders and need to be protected from trafficking? Would the money be best spent on anti-trafficking work, or would it be better spent on strengthening the rights of all migrants to minimise the risk of trafficking?
Who Funds Re/integration? Ensuring sustainable services for trafficking victims
Authors: Surtees Rebecca , De Kerchove Fabrice
Published: October 2014

This article discusses the critical importance of re/integration services in the lives of trafficked persons and as central to an effective anti-trafficking response. It outlines how support and resources for re/integration services have so far not been widely available and the impact of this on trafficked persons. The article also discusses different strategies used within one re/integration initiative—the Trafficking Victims Re/integration Programme (TVRP)—to promote sustainable re/integration services given the limited (and now declining) funding for re/integration in the Balkans. These strategies, which have met varying degrees of success, include: (1) advocating for government funding; (2) leveraging private-sector funding and contributions; and (3) establishing social enterprises to fund re/integration services. The article concludes by advocating greater attention to re/integration services for trafficked persons, including working creatively and collaboratively with civil society, government, the private sector and donors, to ensure that re/integration services are conceptualised, implemented and funded in ways that are sustainable and, thus, offer critical support to trafficked persons.¿Quién financia la re/integración? Asegurando servicios sostenibles para las víctimas de trataResumenEste artículo estudia la importancia de los servicios de re/integración en las vidas de las personas objeto de la trata como un aspecto central en la respuesta efectiva a este fenómeno. Se parte de la idea de que los recursos y la asistencia en los servicios de re/integración no han estado abiertamente disponibles y cómo este hecho ha afectado a las víctimas. El texto también expone diferentes estrategias que se han utilizado en una iniciativa de re/integración -el Programa de Re/integración de Víctimas de Trata (TVRP por sus siglas en inglés)- para promover la sostenibilidad de los servicios de re/integración, teniendo en cuenta la limitada (y ahora en descenso) financiación para la re/integración en los Balcanes. Estas estrategias, que han incluido diversos niveles de éxito, incluyen: 1) abogar por la financiación gubernamental; 2) potenciar la contribución y financiación por parte del sector privado; y 3) establecer empresas sociales para financiar los servicios de re/integración. El artículo concluye defendiendo una mayor atención a los servicios de re/integración para las personas objeto de la trata, incluyendo propuestas de trabajo creativas y en colaboración con la sociedad civil, gobiernos, sector privado y donantes, para asegurar que los servicios de re/integración sean conceptualizados, implementados y financiados de forma sostenible y, por tanto, sean capaces de ofrecer una asistencia imprescindible a las personas objeto de la trata.
The impact of wheat production on the occurrence of mycotoxins DON (deoxynivalenol) and ZEA (zearalenone) on wheat grains (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: TAJNŠEK Lena , SIMČIČ Marjan , TAJNŠEK Anton
Published: October 2014

The current study has been conceived to draw attention to the factors that should be avoided in the production of cereal grains (such as high doses of nitrogen) by analysing differences in cereal grain contamination with mycotoxins DON (deoxynivalenol) and ZEA (zearalenone), depending on methods of wheat production. We studied the occurrence of DON and ZEA at very different production intensities in the ‘Reska’ and ‘Savinja’ wheat cultivars which were grown in a long-term field experiment (designed in 1992) at Jable near Ljubljana in the years 2006 and 2008. The cultivars ‘Reska’ and ‘Savinja’ have been considered in crop rotation of wheat-maize-oats in 5 methods of production with variants ranging organic up to intensely conventional. The results obtained have shown that adequately chosen agri-technical measures significantly reduced the risk of contamination of wheat flour by the mycotoxins DON and ZEA. Too abundant N (nitrogen) fertilization of either inorganic or organic origin is to be avoided. The extensive wheat growing reduces considerably the risk of DON and ZEA occurrence in comparison to the intensive one. Cultivar plays an important role in this process. The comparison of both cultivars has shown that the cultivar ‘Savinja’ was more resistant to the contamination with DON and ZEA than the cultivar ‘Reska’.
Gonadotropin regulation and role of ovarian osteopontin in the periovulatory period
Authors: Kuwabara Yoshimitsu , Katayama Akira , Tomiyama Ryoko , Piao Hu , Kurihara Sachiko , Ono Shuichi , Mine Katsuya , Akira Shigeo , Orimo Hideo , Takeshita Toshiyuki
Published: October 2014

Osteopontin (OPN), a secreted glycoprotein, has multiple physiological functions. This study investigated the regulation and roles of OPN in the mouse ovary during the periovulatory stages. Immature female mice were treated with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to simulate follicle maturation and ovulation.In situhybridization and real-time RT-PCR were performed to assess expression ofOpnin the periovulatory ovary. Granulosa cells (GCs) from PMSG-primed immature mice were cultured with or without hCG in the presence or absence of OPN, and effects on expression ofOpn, progesterone synthesis, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling were assessed by real-time RT-PCR, ELISA, and western blotting analysis.Opntranscripts were significantly upregulated 3 h after hCG treatment, followed by a peak at 16 h, and the transcripts localized to GCs. Incubation with hCG significantly increased quantities ofOpntranscripts in GCs and OPN levels in the culture medium at 12 and 24 h. Furthermore, OPN treatment caused a significant increase in the levels ofStarprotein, P 450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (p450scc), 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Hsd3b), and progesterone in the culture medium. OPN treatment promotedVegfexpression in GCs, which was significantly suppressed by a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. In addition, OPN treatment stimulated phosphorylation of AKT, a downstream PI3K signaling molecule. In conclusion, expression ofOpnwas upregulated in mouse ovarian GCs in response to a gonadotropin surge through epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, which enhances progesterone synthesis andVegfexpression during the early-luteal phase.
Avaliação da frutosamina como parâmetro de controle glicêmico na gestante diabética
Authors: Feitosa Alina Coutinho Rodrigues , Andrade Flávio Silva
Published: October 2014

Objetivo Avaliar parâmetros alternativos para monitorar a glicemia em portadoras de diabetes na gestação estudando a relação entre a frutosamina e a automonitoração em gestantes portadoras de diabetes. Materiais e métodos: A frutosamina sérica e os parâmetros da automonitoração nos 14 dias que antecederam a coleta da frutosamina foram avaliados em 47 gestantes portadoras de diabetes. Resultados Setenta e uma determinações de frutosamina e 2.238 glicemias capilares (GCs) foram analisadas. A frutosamina correlacionou-se com o índice de excursões hiperglicêmicas (HBGI) e o desvio-padrão das glicemias (r = 0,28; p = 0,021 e r = 0,26; p = 0,03, respectivamente). A comparação entre as mães dos neonatos com peso adequado ou grandes ao nascer com as genitoras que tiveram neonatos pequenos para a idade gestacional (PIG) revelou que estas tiveram menor média glicêmica (105 vs. 114 e 119 mg/dL), maior índice de excursões hipoglicêmicas (5,8 vs. 1,3 e 0,7) e maior percentual de hipoglicemias (11 vs. 0 e 0%) mesmo com frutosamina dentro dos valores de referência (242 vs. 218 e 213 μmol/l). Conclusão A frutosamina pode ser utilizada como parâmetro auxiliar à automonitoração para avaliação de hiperglicemias e variabilidade glicêmica, entretanto pode subestimar hipoglicemias em gestantes com fetos PIG.
Um saquarema no Itamaraty: por uma abordagem renovada do pensamento político do Barão do Rio Branco
Authors: Lynch Christian Edward Cyril
Published: October 2014

Embora o Barão do Rio Branco seja a figura mais incontroversa do panteão brasileiro, as abordagens de seu pensamento político, no âmbito das ciências sociais, continuam marcadas pela escassez ou incompletude. Este artigo sugere a possibilidade de uma abordagem renovada do seu pensamento, capaz de integrar suas dimensões de historiador, de político e diplomata. O pensamento político do barão só pode ser adequadamente compreendida à luz de sua formação intelectual durante o Império, que fez dele um verdadeiro guardião da tradição intelectual saquarema. Por esse ângulo, sugere-se que a política de Rio Branco pode deixar de parecer a inauguração da moderna diplomacia brasileira para afigurar-se, ao contrário, o último avatar da política externa monárquica.
Água envasada: qualidade microbiológica e percepção dos consumidores no município de Viçosa (MG)
Authors: Reis Ludimila Rodrigues , Bevilacqua Paula Dias , Carmo Rose Ferraz
Published: October 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a qualidade microbiológica e física de águas envasadas comercializadas em Viçosa (MG) e compreender as percepções dos usuários relacionadas a essa fonte de abastecimento para consumo humano. O diagnóstico da qualidade da água envasada foi realizado por meio de avaliação microbiológica e física de amostras de quatro marcas de água mineral envasada em galão de 20 L. A qualidade dessas águas foi verificada por meio de análises bacteriológicas para Escherichia coli, coliformes totais, enterococos, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, valores de cor e turbidez. O perfil dos consumidores de água envasada, a percepção sobre a qualidade da água e os motivos para escolha dessa água foram obtidos por intermédio de entrevistas, empregando a estratégia da análise de conteúdo. A partir dos resultados encontrados foi constatado que as águas envasadas comercializadas no município de Viçosa (MG) apresentaram, em algum momento, contagem de microrganismos em valores superiores aos recomendados pela legislação. Já no estudo qualitativo sobre a percepção dos consumidores de água envasada foi possível perceber que a escolha para o consumo de água envasada está relacionada menos ao sentido de proteção da saúde e mais à disseminação de uma prática social, consolidada e legitimada no cotidiano.
Validação da causa básica de óbito por neoplasias selecionadas na microrregião Serrana, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Authors: Miranda Filho Adalberto Luiz , Meyer Armando , Monteiro Gina Torres Rego
Published: October 2014

Objetivo: Validar a causa básica (CB) de óbito por neoplasias de encéfalo, esôfago, estômago, leucemias e linfomas de maiores de 19 anos residentes nos municípios de Petrópolis e Teresópolis (RJ) em 2007. Métodos: O processo de validação se deu pela comparação da causa de morte informada na declaração de óbito (DO) com as informações do prontuário médico do indivíduo tomadas como referência. Foram revisados os prontuários médicos referentes a 130 DOs. Resultados: O valor preditivo positivo (VPP) foi de 88,9% para as neoplasias de esôfago, 94,1% para as de estômago, 90% para as de encéfalo e 100% para leucemias e linfomas. Não se observou diferença na magnitude das taxas de mortalidade obtidas a partir dos dados originais e aquelas calculadas após a revisão. Conclusão: As informações da CB de morte por essas neoplasias nos municípios de Petrópolis e Teresópolis são suficientemente válidas para o uso em estudos epidemiológicos.
Avaliação do quadril de amputados transfemoral durante contração isométrica em dinamômetro isocinético
Authors: Marães Vera Regina Fernandes da Silva , Cruz Bruna Oliveira de Almeida Marques da , Moreira Juliana Aparecida , Sampaio Tainara Ferreira de , Almeida Camila Cadena , Garcia Patrícia Azevedo
Published: October 2014

INTRODUÇÃO: A amputação transfemoral leva a uma série de alterações funcionais na biomecânica corporal que podem interferir no cotidiano do amputado, podendo gerar, ainda, padrões de postura e de marcha para compensar a perda do membro.OBJETIVO: Avaliar e comparar as respostas musculares do quadril de amputados transfemorais durante contrações isométricas, utilizando-se um dinamômetro isocinético.MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo quatro voluntários, sendo dois amputados e dois não amputados. Foi realizada avaliação isométrica no dinamômetro isocinético nas angulações de 30 e 60 graus com duração de 10 segundos. Cada série tinha um total de seis repetições, contabilizando três flexões e três extensões e um intervalo de 20 segundos para cada repetição.RESULTADOS: O membro amputado apresenta menor pico de torque em relação ao não amputado, tanto na flexão como extensão do quadril a 30 e a 60 graus.CONCLUSÃO: Devido à amputação, os indivíduos apresentam menor força muscular de quadril, fato que pode prejudicar as atividades diárias como caminhar, sentar e levantar, e subir e descer escadas.
Efeito do intervalo entre sessões de exercício de força sobre o desempenho neuromuscular
Authors: Lopes Charles Ricardo , Crisp Alex Harley , Sindorf Marcio Antonio Gonsalves , Germano Moises Diego , Lutgens Luís Guilherme , Nardin Camila Amorim , Mota Gustavo Ribeiro da , Aoki Marcelo Saldanha , Verlengia Rozangela
Published: October 2014

INTRODUÇÃO: O intervalo de recuperação entre sessões é uma variável do treinamento de força fundamental para garantir a recuperação da capacidade neuromuscular.OBJETIVO: Comparar o efeito do tempo de recuperação entre sessões consecutivas de exercício de força sobre o desempenho neuromuscular de homens treinados.MÉTODOS: Oito homens treinados em força (21,6 ± 3,3 anos; 75,1 ± 11,3 kg; 178,2 ± 6,8 cm) realizaram duas sessões de exercício de força randomizadas e cruzadas, repetidas com intervalo de recuperação de 24h ou 48h. As sessões consistiram dos exercícios supinos reto, inclinado e declinado executadas em cinco séries de 10 repetições com intensidade de 70% de uma repetição máxima (1RM) para cada exercício. O desempenho neuromuscular pós-sessão de exercício (força, potência e velocidade), foi avaliado por meio de acelerômetro (Myotest(r)), com carga de 50% de 1RM, no exercício supino reto.RESULTADOS: Ambas as sessões (24 e 48h) apresentaram redução significante (P<0,05) na capacidade neuromuscular (força, potência e velocidade) pós-sessão de treinamento, apresentando retorno ao valor pré no intervalo de 24h (P>0,05).CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que o intervalo de recuperação de 24h é suficiente para a recuperação do desempenho neuromuscular de membros superiores em homens treinados.
Model for the evaluation of drug-dispensing services in primary health care
Authors: Sartor Vanessa de Bona , Freitas Sergio Fernando Torres de
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVE To develop a model for evaluating the efficacy of drug-dispensing service in primary health care. METHODS An efficacy criterion was adopted to determine the level of achievement of the service objectives. The evaluation model was developed on the basis of a literature search and discussions with experts. The applicability test of the model was conducted in 15 primary health care units in the city of Florianópolis, state of Santa Catarina, in 2010, and data were recorded in structured and pretested questionnaires. RESULTS The model developed was evaluated using five dimensions of analysis for analysis. The model was suitable for evaluating service efficacy and helped to identify the critical points of each service dimension. CONCLUSIONS Adaptations to the data collection technique may be required to adjust for the reality and needs of each situation. The evaluation of the drug-dispensing service should promote adequate access to medications supplied through the public health system.
Toward Food Security in 2050
Authors: Schwartz Judith D.
Published: October 2014

This month, ASA, CSSA, and SSSA have teamed up with the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) to produce a joint issue under the theme “Feeding the World in 2050.” More than 20 articles were written on various topics addressing the challenges we face in feeding the world, a handful of which appear in this issue of CSA News magazine (for the full presentation, please see ASABE's Resource magazine here: www.asabe.org/publications/resource‐magazine.aspx). In addition to the joint articles, we also are including a profile this issue of the 2014 World Food Prize winner, Sanjaya Rajaram, a Fellow of ASA and CSSA.
Photosynthesis: The Final Frontier
Authors: Long Stephen , Zhu Xin-Guang
Published: October 2014

This month, ASA, CSSA, and SSSA have teamed up with the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) to produce a joint issue under the theme “Feeding the World in 2050.” More than 20 articles were written on various topics addressing the challenges we face in feeding the world, a handful of which appear in this issue of CSA News magazine (for the full presentation, please see ASABE's Resource magazine here: www.asabe.org/publications/resource‐magazine.aspx). In addition to the joint articles, we also are including a profile this issue of the 2014 World Food Prize winner, Sanjaya Rajaram, a Fellow of ASA and CSSA.
Effect of algal recycling rate on the performance of Pediastrum boryanum dominated wastewater treatment high rate algal pond
Authors: Park J. B. K. , Craggs R. J.
Published: October 2014

Recycling a portion of gravity harvested algae promoted the dominance of a rapidly settling colonial alga, Pediastrum boryanum (P. boryanum) and improved both biomass productivity and settleability in High Rate Algal Pond (HRAP) treating domestic wastewater. The effect of algal recycling rate on HRAP performance was investigated using 12 replicate mesocosms (18 L) that were operated semi-continuously under ambient conditions. Three experiments were conducted during different seasons with each experiment lasting up to 36 days. Recycling 10%, 25%, and 50% of the ‘mass’ of daily algal production all increased total biomass concentration in the mesocosms. However, recycling >10% reduced the organic content (volatile suspended solids (VSS)) of the mesocosm biomass from 83% to 68% and did not further increase biomass productivity (based on VSS). This indicates that if a HRAP is operated with a low algal concentration and does not utilise all the available sunlight, algal recycling increases the algal concentration up to an optimum level, resulting in higher algal biomass productivity. Recycling 10% of the daily algal production not only increased biomass productivity by ∼40%, but increased biomass settleability by ∼25%, which was probably a consequence of the ∼30% increase in P. boryanum dominance in the mesocosms compared with controls without recycling.
Incidence, predictors and prognostic implications of bleeding complicating primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Matic Dragan , Asanin Milika , Stankovic Sanja , Mrdovic Igor , Marinkovic Jelena , Kocev Nikola , Antonijevic Nebojsa , Marjanovic Marija , Nesic Zorica , Prostran Milica , Stankovic Goran
Published: October 2014

Background/Aim. Data about bleeding complicating primary percutaneous
coronary intervention (PCI) are more frequently obtained from randomized
clinical trials on patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), but less
frequently from surveys or registries on patients with STelevation myocardial
infarction (STEMI). The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence,
predictors and prognostic impact of in-hospital major bleeding in the
population of unselected real-world patients with acute STEMI undergoing
primary PCI. Methods. All consecutive patients presenting with STEMI who
underwent primary PCI at a single large tertiary healthcare center between
January 2005 and July 2009, were studied. Major bleeding was defined
according to the Global Use of Strategies to Open Occluded Coronary Arteries
(GUSTO) study criteria. We examined the association between in-hospital major
bleeding and death or major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients treated
with PCI. The primary outcomes were in-hospital and 6-month mortality and
MACE. Results. Of the 770 STEMI patients treated with primary PCI,
in-hospital major bleeding occurred in 32 (4.2%) patients. Independent
predictors of major bleeding were advanced age (? 65 years), female gender,
baseline anemia and elevated white blood cell (WBC) count and signs of
congestive heart failure at admission (Killip class II-IV). In-hospital and
6-month mortality and MACE rates were more than 2.5-fold-higher in patients
who developed major bleeding compared with those who did not. Major bleeding
was a predictor of 6- month MACE, independent of a few risk factors (previous
MI, previous PCI, diabetes mellitus and hypertension); (OR = 3.02; 95% CI for
OR 1.20-7.61; p = 0.019), but was not a true independent predictor of MACE
and mortality in the fully adjusted models. Conclusion: Patients of advanced
age, female gender, with baseline anemia and elevated WBC count and those
with Killip class II-IV at presentation are at particularly high risk of
bleeding after primary PCI. Bleeding is associated with adverse outcome and
may be an important marker of patient frailty, but it is not a true
independent predictor of mortality/MACE.
A novel microscopic method for analyzing gram-stained vaginal smears in the diagnosis of disorders of vaginal microflora
Authors: Nenadic Dane , Pavlovic Milos , Motrenko Tatjana
Published: October 2014

Background/Aim. The Nugent?s score is still the gold standard in the great
majority of studies dealing with the assessment of vaginal flora and the
diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV). The aim of this study was to show
that the analysis of Gram-stained vaginal samples under microscope at the
magnification of ?200 (a novel microscopic method - NMM), as a fast and
simple tool, easily applicable in everyday practice, better reflects
complexity of vaginal microflora than the Nugent?s methodology (?1000).
Methods. Gramstained vaginal smears from 394 asymptomatic pregnant women
(24-28 week of pregnancy) were classified according to the Nugent?s
microscopic criteria (immersion, magnification ?1000). The smears were then
reexamined under immersion but at magnification ?200. All samples were
classified into 6 groups according to semiquanititative assessment of
numbers (cellularity) and the ratio of rod (length < 1.5 ?m) and small
bacterial (< 1.5 ?m) forms: hypercellular (normal full - NF), moderately
cellular (normal mid - NM), hypocellular (normal empty - NE), bacterial
vaginosis full (BVF), bacterial vaginosis mid (BVM), and bacterial vaginosis
empty (BVE). Also yeasts, coccae, bifido and lepto bacterial forms as well
polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes were identified. Results. According to
the Nugent?s scoring, BV was found in 78, intermediate findings in 63, and
yeasts in 48 patients. By our criteria BV was confirmed in 88 patients (37
BVF, 24 BVM, and 27 BVN). Generally, both tools proved to be highly
concordant for the diagnosis of BV (Lin?s concordance correlation
coefficient = 0.9852). In 40% of the women mixed flora was found: yeasts in
126 (32%), coccae in 145 (37%), bifido forms in 32 (8%) and lepto forms in
20 (5%). Almost a half of BV patients had also yeasts (39/88). Elevated PMN
numbers were found in 102 (33%) patients with normal and in 36 (41%) women
with BV. Conclusion. The newly described methodology is simpler to apply and
much better reflects diversity of vaginal microflora. In this way it may be
more valuable to molecular biologists and their attempts based on
quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to define formulas for
molecular diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis.
Predictors of Nonsevere and Severe Hypoglycemia During Glucose-Lowering Treatment With Insulin Glargine or Standard Drugs in the ORIGIN Trial
Authors:   The ORIGIN Trial Investigators
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVE

Hypoglycemia is a leading risk of glucose-lowering therapy. Treatment with insulin glargine compared with standard care early in the course of dysglycemia in the Outcome Reduction with an Initial Glargine Intervention (ORIGIN) trial provides information on the frequency and predictors of hypoglycemia in this setting.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 12,537 people with high cardiovascular risk and dysglycemia treated with one or no oral glucose-lowering agents were randomized to add glargine titrated to a fasting glucose level of ≤5.3 mmol/L (≤95 mg/dL) or to use standard therapies. Independent associations of both nonsevere hypoglycemia (symptomatic and confirmed with a glucose level of ≤3 mmol/L [≤54 mg/dL]) and severe hypoglycemia with characteristics at baseline, treatment allocation, and average HbA1c were assessed by Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up period of 6.2 years, 28% of participants reported nonsevere hypoglycemia, and 3.8% reported severe hypoglycemia. Prior use of a sulfonylurea and allocation to glargine independently predicted a higher risk for both categories of participants. Nonsevere events were independently associated with younger age, lower BMI, the presence of diabetes, and higher baseline HbA1c level. Severe events were associated with older age, hypertension, higher serum creatinine level, and lower cognitive function, but not baseline glycemic status. Progressively higher on-treatment HbA1c level was associated with a lower risk of nonsevere events in both treatment groups; a lower risk of severe events in the glargine group, and a higher risk of severe events with standard care.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoglycemia was relatively uncommon in the ORIGIN trial, but was more frequent with sulfonylurea use at baseline and allocation to glargine. Nonsevere and severe events were associated with different clinical characteristics, awareness of which may guide individualized therapy.
Food Control in Switzerland: An Overview
Authors: Deflorin Otmar
Published: October 2014

Switzerland is a confederation consisting of 26 states, the so-called 'cantons'. In the field of food control, the Swiss federal state is in charge of issuing the regulations (Food law and associated texts), whereas enforcement is assigned to the cantons. The offices in charge of food
control are the cantonal laboratories headed by a 'Cantonal chemist'. These offices pursue three main goals: to protect consumer health, to protect the consumer against frauds and to ensure food handling under good hygiene conditions. To that purpose, the Cantonal chemist heads both a laboratory
and a staff of inspectors, who are responsible for the control of food products (including meat and drinking water), the control of hygiene and production at factories, stores, restaurants, etc. as well as the control of common goods and household items such as toys, clothing, make-up, dishes,
cookware, jewelry and so on. All laboratories and inspection bodies are accredited according to ISO norms EN 17'020 and EN 17'025. The offices headed by the cantonal chemists analyze annually about 110'000 samples on sale or from factories, whereas the inspection bodies perform roughly 45'000
inspections (without primary producers and occasional importers).
Surveillance of invasive Neisseria meningitidis with a serogroup Y update, Sweden 2010 to 2012
Authors: Törös B , Thulin Hedberg S , Jacobsson S , Fredlund H , Olcén P , Mölling P
Published: October 2014

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Macro-Econometric Modeling of Social Insecurity, Foreign Direct Investments and Economic Growth Association
Authors: Ikpe Marius , Nteegah Alwell
Published: October 2014

Social insecurity has in recent time constituted a major hurdle to the Nigeria authorities.  Theoretically, it is believed to have a strong negative link with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and levels of economic growth. This in Nigeria’s context ranges from Niger Delta crises, to the un-going Boko-Haram Islamists Militants insurgency. Given paucity of empirical literature on this line of investigation into this form of socioeconomic problem, this study empirically examines the link amongst social insecurity, FDI and growth of the Nigerian economy. The study adopted the Augmented Cob-Douglas production function in its analysis, introducing the variable (social insecurity) into the FDI model and subsequently traces its impact on economic growth. Result indicates that social insecurity stimulates the inflow of foreign technology, rather than inhibit it. The paper attributes this to merging of these distinct forms of social insecurity in the study and consequently recommend an explicit examination of these forms of social insecurity-FDI association Nigeria.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v1i4.10944 Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol-1, issue-4: 129-138
Psychiatric co-morbidity in chronic migraine Patients: A hospital based study
Authors: Gupta U , Aich TK , Verma AK
Published: October 2014

Aim and Objectives: To study the socio-demographic and clinical profile of patients with chronic migraine headache, and to study the frequency and pattern of co-morbid psychiatric illnesses amongst these patients. Methodology: The study was done at the headache clinic in the Department of Psychiatry at Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal. All out-patients attending our clinic over a period of three months and aged between 15 to 55 years with a diagnosis of chronic migraine headache were included in the present study. Demographic and clinical profiles of these patients were noted in a specially designed socio-demographic and clinical data sheets prepared for the present study. Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) was used as diagnostic instrument; Hamilton Rating Scales for Anxiety & Depression (HAM-A, HAM-D) were used to rate the severity of Anxiety and Depressive symptoms. Simple statistical procedures like frequency, percentages, ‘t’-tests and chi-square tests were used for analysis of data thus obtained. Results: A total no of 48 cases of chronic migraine were included in the present study. Forty one cases (85.4%) were female and rest 7 patients were male. Comorbid psychiatric illness was present in thirty one (64.6%) cases among which Anxiety was the most common diagnosis (35.4%) followed by depressive disorders (29.2%). Conclusion: chronic migraine headache has high rate of co-morbid mood and anxiety disorder. Effective treatment of chronic migraine headache requires screening and accurately diagnosing specific psychiatric disorders when present. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v3i1.11345 J Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal Vol .3, No.1, 2014: 3-9
Medical Student’s Perception About The Integrating Methods Of learning Medical Subjects And Importance Of Psychiatry In Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical And Clinical Learning
Authors: Pandey AK , Sapkota N , Nivedita Dr
Published: October 2014

Background: Now a day’s important elements being planned and used in the curriculum is vertical integration, i.e. integration between the clinical and basic science sections of the curriculum, and horizontal integration i.e. between different subject areas. Integration throughout the whole curriculum is time-consuming for both teachers and students and hard work is required for planning, organization and execution. Psychiatry is an important subject in medical sciences and knowledge of this subject is helpful in understanding function of body, mind and related issues which are modified by disease processes. Aim of the study is to assess the importance of horizontal and vertical integration in an undergraduate medical curriculum and importance of Psychiatry in pre-clinical, para-clinical and clinical learning, according to opinion among fourth year MBBS students. Methods and materials: A self administered questionnaire was used among all the consenting 4th Year MBBS Students of BPKIHS, Dharan, Nepal (324 of 400 responded) of four consecutive years to know about the importance of psychiatry as a subject and different components of the undergraduate medical curriculum including vertical and horizontal integration. They were asked to assign between three options to each question (from agree, neutral and disagree). Results: The result showed that majority of the students were in favor of vertical integration of the various subjects and admitted the importance of psychiatry as a subject and its knowledge helps them in better understanding of the other subjects included in medical curriculum. Conclusions: Vertical integration of medical subjects may be better than horizontal Integration for teaching and learning as this help students to understand the medical subject’s in a superior way. This study also reveals that as of its importance in the medical curriculum, subject of Psychiatry should be given more emphasis during the undergraduate training period.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v3i1.11346 J Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal Vol .3, No.1, 2014: 10-15
Cycle de carrière objectif et cycle de carrière subjectif : essai de structuration - cas Worldwide express
Authors: Mahmoudi Ramin
Published: October 2014

Les histoires de vie entrainant les individus à changer de carrière nous ont motivés à mener une recherche en adoptant une approche fondée sur la possibilité pour les individus de réenclencher une « seconde carrière » au cours de leurs vies professionnelles. Cette recherche consiste à comprendre comment certains individus peuvent vivre plusieurs « carrières ». Autrement dit, nous souhaitons déterminer la structuration de ces « parties » de carrière. La littérature sur les carrières propose deux approches sur le sujet : objective et subjective, et introduit le concept de « cycle de carrière ». Une étude de cas unique en occupant une position de « participant observateur » a été réalisée dans une organisation de plus de 8 000 salariés en 2009. L’étude réalisée à partir du cas Worldwide Express a montré l’existence de carrière objective et subjective monocyclique et multi-cycliques. Cette recherche a permis de décrire les étapes des cycles de carrière objectifs et subjectifs et d’identifier des caractéristiques communes et propres à la structuration des cycles de carrière objectifs et subjectifs. Ce travail met en évidence la diversité des parcours de carrière dans un contexte français.
L' impact du multi-canal sur le rôle et le management des forces de vente. Le cas du secteur de la beauté professionnelle
Authors: Colla Enrico , Lapoule Paul
Published: October 2014

Le principal objectif de cette recherche qualitative est de comprendre l’impact du multi-canal sur le rôle et le management des forces de vente. Les auteurs confrontent les résultats d’une revue de la littérature avec l’analyse des stratégies commerciales déployées par une grande marque de produits de beauté professionnels. Ils formulent des implications managériales relatives aux méthodes de formation et de rémunération qui aideront les commerciaux à accompagner la migration inter-canal de leurs clients.
La religion saisie par l'État. Christianisme et politique d'après Hegel
Authors: Vioulac Jean
Published: October 2014

Le projet philosophique est indissociable d’une ontologie politique, qui fut formulée par Platon dans La République , et dont Hegel a pensé l’accomplissement dans l’État moderne. Le christianisme est pour Hegel la médiation, à la fois logique et historique, de cet accomplissement : sa philosophie de la religion montre alors les étapes progressives par lesquelles la religion chrétienne s’est d’abord aliénée dans l’Église catholique, avant de surmonter cette aliénation par la Réforme protestante, puis l’État constitutionnel. Tout autant qu’accomplissement de l’ontologie grecque, la modernité germanique est dès lors accomplissement de la théologie chrétienne. Il est néanmoins possible de critiquer cette thèse hégélienne, en reconnaissant dans la révélation eschatologique de la transcendance un principe de subversion de l’ordre politique.
The Play Theory and Computer Games Using in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Gerkushenko Svetlana , Gerkushenko Georgy
Published: October 2014

The article describes the role of play in child's development and identifies the characteristics of mature play in preschool age. The paper gives an overview of the computer games for preschool children used in Russian kindergartens. The research conducted with 50 Russian kindergarten teachers provides the analysis of the most important factors of computer programs selection made by teachers for their classroom activities. It is analyzed whether the factors concern the theory of children's play and whether the kindergarten teachers need the scaffolding program for choosing computer games appropriate for children's development. It is described the essence of the scaffolding program. They are formulated the criteria for evaluating computer games to make classroom activities developmentally appropriate.
A Security Risk Management Metric for Cloud Computing Systems
Authors: Jouini Mouna , Rabai Latifa Ben Arfa
Published: October 2014

Cloud computing is a growing technology used by several organizations because it presents a cost effective policy to manage and control Information Technology (IT). It delivers computing services as a public utility rather than a personal one. However, despite these benefits, it presents many challenges including access control and security problems. In order to assess security risks, the paper gives an overview of security risk management metrics. Then, it illustrates the use of a cyber security measure to describe an economic security model for cloud computing system. Moreover, it proposes a cloud provider business model for security issues. Finally, the paper shows a solution related to the vulnerabilities in cloud systems using a new quantitative metric to reduce the probability that an architectural components fails. The main aim of this article is to quantify security threats in cloud computing environments due to security breaches using a new security metric.
DEGRADATION OF AROMATIC PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS (BTEX) BY A SOLVENT TOLERANT BACTERIAL CONSORTIUM
Authors: Sarkar Payel , Rai Andrew Roysten , Ghosh Shilpi
Published: October 2014

Petroleum aromatic hydrocarbons like benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene, together known as BTEX, has almost the same chemical structure. These aromatic hydrocarbons are released as pollutants in the environment. This work was taken up to develop a solvent tolerant bacterial consortium that could degrade BTEX compounds as they all share a common chemical structure. We have isolated almost 60 different types of bacterial strains from different petroleum contaminated sites. Of these 60 bacterial strains almost 20 microorganisms were screened on the basis of capability to tolerate high concentration of BTEX. Ten different consortia were prepared and the compatibility of the bacterial strains within the consortia was checked by gram staining and BTEX tolerance level. Four successful microbial consortia were selected in which all the bacterial strains concomitantly grew in presence of high concentration of BTEX (10% of toluene, 10% of benzene 5% ethyl benzene and 1 % xylene). Consortium no 2 showed the highest growth rate in presence of BTEX. Degradation of BTEX by consortium no 2 was monitored for 5 days by gradual decrease in the volume of the solvents. The maximum reduction observed was 85% in 5 days. Gas chromatography results also reveal that could completely degrade benzene and ethyl benzene within 48 hours. Almost 90% degradation of toluene and xylene in 48 hours was exhibited by consortium no 2. It could also tolerate and degrade many industrial solvents such as chloroform, DMSO, acetonitrile having a wide range of log P values (0.03 - 3.1). Degradation of aromatic hydrocarbon like BTEX by a solvent tolerant bacterial consortium is greatly significant as it could degrade high concentration of pollutants compared to a bacterium and also reduces the time span of degradation.