bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety Strategy Use Among Women Seeking Temporary Protective Orders: The Relationship Between Violence Experienced, Strategy Effectiveness, and Risk Perception
Authors: Parker Elizabeth M. , Gielen Andrea C. , Castillo Renan , Webster Daniel
Published: August 2015

This study examined safety strategy use in relation to intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization, perceived effectiveness of the strategies, and perception of danger from IPV among 197 abused women. More than 90% of the women used 1 or more strategies in the 6 months prior to their interview. Severe physical and sexual violence were significantly associated with an increased use of placating strategies. Perceived effectiveness of the strategies was high yet not associated with strategy use. Increased perception of danger from IPV was significantly associated with increased use of safety planning strategies. The findings suggest that safety planning should be tailored to fit women’s specific contexts. Safety planning discussions should focus on strategies that reduce women’s risk of continued violence and build on women’s strengths.
Prevalence and Correlates of School Bullying Victimization in Xi’an, China
Authors: Zhu Yuhong , Chan Ko Ling
Published: August 2015

This study used the data from a representative sample to estimate the prevalence of child bullying victimization in Xi’an, China. Data on social demographic information and the experiences of different types of bullying victimization were collected from a randomly selected sample with 3,175 middle school students aged 15–17 years by self-administrated questionnaires. t Test, χ2 test, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to test group differences and examine the correlates of bullying victimization. Results show that 54.9% and 44.6% of Chinese children have been bullied in a lifetime and in the preceding year, respectively. Correlates for direct and relational bullying victimization includes male participants, father’s lower education level, father’s unemployment, having one or more siblings, smoking, depression, borderline personality trait, posttraumatic stress disorder, and from rural schools. Overall, the prevalence of child bullying victimization in China is substantial. The multiple correlates suggest prevention and intervention of bullying victimization in a holistic and comprehensive way.
Psychophysiological Correlates of Attention to Emotional Information in Youth
Authors: Vahlsing Stephanie A. , Hilt Lori M. , Jacobson Andrew R.
Published: August 2015

Attention to emotional stimuli has been associated with psychological health among adults and youth. In this study, we examined 2 putative functional psychophysiological correlates of attention to emotional information in a community sample of 135 youth (Mage=12 years, 7 months;SDage=1 year, 1 month; 50% girls). After measuring resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), participants completed a 1,500 ms emotional faces dot probe task with eye tracking. We examined pupil dilation during angry, sad, and happy trials and predicted that lower resting RSA and greater pupil dilation would be associated with relatively greater attention to negative stimuli. Results partially confirmed our hypothesis. Lower resting RSA was associated with relatively greater attention to sad faces. Lower resting RSA was also associated with relatively greater attention to angry faces when pupil dilation was lower. RSA may be an important functional correlate of attention that should be explored further in future research.
Interprofessional Intervention to Support Mature Women: A Case Study
Authors: Pechacek Judith M. , Drake Diana , Terrell Carrie Ann , Torkelson Carolyn
Published: August 2015

Understanding the impact interprofessional teamwork has on patient outcomes is of great interest to health care providers, educators, and administrators. This article describes one clinical team, Women's Health Specialists, and their implementation of an interprofessional health intervention course: “Mindfulness and Well-being: The Mature Woman” (MW: MW) to support mature women's health needs in midlife (age 40–70 years) and empower patient involvement in self-care. The provider team works to understand how their interprofessional education and collaborative practice (IPECP) interventions focused on supporting midlife women are associated with improved quality and clinical outcomes. This case study describes the work of the Women's Health Specialists clinic in partnership with the National Center for Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice to study the impact an interprofessional team has on the health needs of women in midlife. This article summarizes the project structure, processes, outputs, and outcomes. Data collection, analysis, strategy, and next steps for future midlife women's projects are also discussed.
Enriching the Student Experience through a Collaborative Cultural Learning Model
Authors: McInally Wendy , Metcalfe Sharon , Garner Bonnie
Published: August 2015

This article provides a knowledge and understanding of an international, collaborative, cultural learning model for students from the United States and Scotland. Internationalizing the student experience has been instrumental for student learning for the past eight years. Both countries have developed programs that have enriched and enhanced the overall student learning experience, mainly through the sharing of evidence-based care in both hospital and community settings. Student learning is at the heart of this international model, and through practice learning, leadership, and reflective practice, student immersion in global health care and practice is immense. Moving forward, we are seeking new opportunities to explore learning partnerships to provide this collaborative cultural learning experience.
Creeping Bentgrass Putting Green Response to Combined Mowing, Rolling, and Foot Traffic Under Environmental Stress
Authors: Young Joseph , Richardson Mike , Karcher Doug
Published: August 2015

Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) putting greens in the transition zone experience high levels of environmental stress during summer months. The interaction of common management practices combined with foot traffic can exacerbate environmental stress. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of management practices combined with foot traffic during high environmental stress in the transition zone. Creeping bentgrass cultivars, SR 1020 and Penn G2, were managed with various mowing heights (2.5, 3.2, or 4.0 mm), rolling frequencies (0, 3, or 6 d per week), and foot traffic. As environmental stress became prominent during summer months, bentgrass maintained at the lowest mowing heights exhibited poorer turf quality, coverage, and wear tolerance compared to the highest mowing height. SR 1020 quality was reduced below acceptable levels in July when mowed at the lowest mowing height in 2011 and 2012. Penn G2 maintained acceptable quality at all mowing heights in 2011, but severe heat and drought stress reduced turf quality regardless of mowing height in 2012. Daily rolling significantly increased wear on both cultivars during high environmental stress that resulted in decreased turf quality and coverage compared to the non‐rolled treatments. The combination of wear from mechanical stress and foot traffic increased wear injury on both cultivars. Under reduced daylengths and optimal air temperatures in September of each year, all response variables improved to similar levels.
An Overview of CERES–Sorghum as Implemented in the Cropping System Model Version 4.5
Authors: White J. W. , Alagarswamy G. , Ottman M. J. , Porter C. H. , Singh U. , Hoogenboom G.
Published: August 2015

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is the fifth most important grain crop globally. It stands out for its diversity of plant types, end‐uses, and roles in cropping systems. This diversity presents opportunities but also complicates evaluation of production options, especially under climate uncertainty. Ecophysiological models can dissect interacting effects of plant genotypes, crop management, and environment. We describe the sorghum module of the Cropping System Model (CSM) as implemented in the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) to illustrate potential applications and suggest areas for model improvement. Crop growth is simulated based on radiation use efficiency. Development responds to temperature and photoperiod. Partitioning rules vary with growth stages, respecting mass balance and maintaining functional equilibrium between roots and shoots. Routines for climate, soil, crop management, and model controls are shared with other crops in CSM. Modeled responses for eight real‐world and hypothetical cases are presented. These include growth under well‐managed conditions, responses to row‐spacing, population, sowing date, irrigation, defoliation, and increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]), and a long‐term sorghum and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation. Among traits and experiments considered, model accuracy was high for phenology (r2 = 0.96, P < 0.01 for anthesis and r2 = 0.91, P < 0.01 for maturity), moderate for grain yields (r2 values from 0.30 to 0.52, P < 0.01), depending on the simulated experiments, and low for unit grain weight (r2 = 0.02, not significant, NS) and leaf area index for forage sorghum (r2 = 0.18, NS).
The impact of water resource planning on water issues in Beijing, China
Authors: Fu Wei , Li Dihua
Published: August 2015

Water has become a critically important resource in Beijing. In this study, a systematic analysis of changes in conditions related to water resources in Beijing since 1949 was performed. These include changes in water quantity and quality, water disasters, as well as an analysis of the evolution of water resource planning in Beijing over this period of time. Also, past approaches to urbanization have been looked at to see whether they exacerbated Beijing's water issues. The aggravating water issues were found to be associated with water resource planning in five ways. Water supply and flood protection projects have failed to control the complex water system and have exacerbated water shortages. Excessive project-oriented water diversion efforts and a lack of resource-oriented water conservation have allowed aquatic environments to deteriorate. Water supply planning has been based on demand that has intensified a lowering of the groundwater table. Improper measures that allowed wastewater to be used for irrigation of agricultural soils have aggravated water pollution. In general, water resource planning has not necessarily been conducive to solving water problems; it has even exacerbated Beijing's water crisis. The results and recommendations of this study may serve as a reference for future water resource planning in Beijing.
Administration of water resources in Beijing: problems and countermeasures
Authors: Fan Linlin , Wang Hongrui , Lai Wenli , Wang Cheng
Published: August 2015

It is well recognized that climatic variability and human activities are resulting in severe water scarcity in China, especially in the mega city Beijing; one important issue is how to manage water resources in order to tackle this situation. This paper assesses the implementation of the Strictest Administration of Water Resources in Beijing, which was issued by the State Council of China in 2012. The assessment is threefold: (a) analysis of water consumption conditions in Beijing, (b) analysis of water resources management systems in Beijing, and (c) existing problems in the current water management system. Our study suggests that Beijing needs to focus more on improving the building of water resources management agencies, taking effective economic measures, strengthening law construction, developing advanced techniques for water-saving, and strengthening the building of a water-saving culture.
Factors affecting adoption of agricultural water-saving technologies in Heilongjiang Province, China
Authors: Dai Xiaoping , Chen Jing , Chen Dan , Han Yuping
Published: August 2015

This study aimed to find key factors influencing the decisions of farmers regarding the adoption of water-saving practices including the rice-controlling irrigation technique, drip irrigation under plastic film, and sprinkling irrigation in Heilongjiang Province, China. It was found that reliability of the water source and government promotion had very significant and positive associations with the probability of adoption. The number of household adults was a slightly significant factor that was positively associated with the probability of adoption. Risks of agricultural water-saving technologies, educational level of the respondents, soil texture, oil price, access to electric power, and access to labor were potential factors affecting the choice of agricultural water-saving technologies. Technical complexity, investment, water source, soil texture, oil price, and lack of electric power also impacted the adoption of these three agricultural water-saving technologies. These conclusions were obtained from a binary logistic model estimated from the results of a survey of 97 smallholder farmers from two typical cities in Heilongjiang Province. Finally, some recommendations are made to promoters of agricultural water-saving technologies.
Resolving water conflicts in the American West
Authors: McKinney Matthew , Thorson John E.
Published: August 2015

The American West is defined first and foremost by aridity, scarcity, and variability of water resources. In response to this geographic imperative, the region has evolved a robust menu of legal, institutional, and community-based approaches to managing water and conflicts at local, state, and national levels. While far from perfect, this framework may offer lessons to other regions throughout the world that are increasingly faced with water conflicts due to scarcity and variability of water resources. The resulting menu of approaches reflects an adaptive, collaborative, and nested system of governing water resources.
Energy performance indicators of wastewater treatment: a field study with 17 Portuguese plants
Authors: Silva Catarina , Rosa Maria João
Published: August 2015

The energy costs usually represent the second largest part of the running costs of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). It is therefore crucial to increase the energy efficiency of these infrastructures and to implement energy management systems, where quantitative performance metrics, such as performance indicators (PIs), play a key role. This paper presents energy PIs which cover the unit energy consumption, production, net use from external sources and costs, and the results used to validate them and derive their reference values. The results of a field study with 17 Portuguese WWTPs (5-year period) were consistent with the results obtained through an international literature survey on the two key parcels of the energy balance – consumption and production. The unit energy consumption showed an overall inverse relation with the volume treated, and the reference values reflect this relation for trickling filters and for activated sludge systems (conventional, with coagulation/filtration (C/F) and with nitrification and C/F). The reference values of electrical energy production were derived from the methane generation potential (converted to electrical energy) and literature data, whereas those of energy net use were obtained by the difference between the energy consumption and production.
Role of pathophysiology in modern medicine
Authors: Vucevic Danijela , Pesic Branislav , Markovic Ljiljana , Radosavljevic Tatjana , Milovanovic Ivan , Zunic-Bozinovski Snezana , Stojanovic Jasna , Mladenovic Dusan
Published: August 2015

Pathophysiology, a special field of medicine, integrates knowledge from
various biomedical sciences. It is a dynamic study that provides the basic
link between the fundamental and clinical medical sciences and their
application to clinical practice. Pathophysiology deals with disordered or
altered functions. The emphasis is on understanding aetiology and
pathogenesis of disorder. Consequently, the study of pathophysiology is
essential to understand the rationale for appropriate diagnosis and
therapeutic intervention in disease conditions, as well as preventive
measures and procedures. Physiology is the study of normal, healthy bodily
functions, as opposed to pathophysiology, which is the study of dysfunctions
in living organisms. Namely, when something disrupts physiological processes,
it enters the realm of pathophysiology. As opposed to pathoanatomy, which
examines morphologic alterations resulting from disease in the body,
pathophysiology looks at the detailed dysfunctions of cells, tissues, organs
or organ systems, that come from or, alternately, cause disease.
Pathophysiology draws attention, not only to an access to the organ affected
with pathological process, but also the whole access to the patient. Thereby,
there are two approaches to pathophysiology, experimental and clinical. An
experiment is the fundamental pathophysiological method that enables the
students to actively participate in the learning process of the nature and
cause of various diseases. Throughout time the conceptual framework of
pathophysiology, both as a medical discipline and a university course is
designed to present the students physiological disturbances in the clearest
and most enjoyable way. In spite of a constantly growing body of biomedical
knowledge and techniques, pathophysiologists are still far from a complete
understanding of molecular system dysfunctions and their relevance in a wide
range of diseases.
Complications in laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Cvijanovic Radovan , Ivanov Dejan
Published: August 2015

The development of technology and improvement of laparoscopic equipment
enhanced expansion laparoscopic surgeries. Various operations performed using
classical operative approach are nowadays done laparoscopic technique. The
expansion of the repertoire, the performance of most complicated surgical
procedures and increase in the number of laparoscopic interventions result in
the increased number of intraoperative and postoperative complications. They
occur due to the basic disease that is the cause of surgery and surgical
procedure, but also due to other factors. We cannot influence the very
disease - it is the reason for surgical treatment. However, we can make some
changes in approach concerning the laparoscopic technique, which can
considerably influence possible development of complications. This involves a
different approach to the operative field, but also to very surgery. In
laparoscopic surgery such approach causes specific intraoperative and
postoperative complications. These complications are mainly caused by
technical factors, such as the quality of the equipment, instruments and
human factors, such as inexperience, insufficient education and excessive
self-assurance. To decrease the frequency of intraoperative and postoperative
complications in laparoscopic operations we require perfect equipment and
instruments, education in a referent institution, but also everyday training
with laparascopic equipment and experimental animals.
T lymphocytes are necessary for the peripheral phase of B lymphocyte maturation
Authors: Milicevic Novica
Published: August 2015

Until recently, B lymphocyte maturation was considered to be independent of
the thymus and T lymphocytes. However, using nude animals, which lack the
functional thymus, we have shown that T lymphocytes are required for the
peripheral phase of B lymphocyte maturation. We showed that the proportion of
immature B lymphocyte subsets (CD90highIgMhigh and CD90highIgMlow) was
significantly increased, whereas that of mature B lymphocyte subsets
(CD90?IgMlow and CD90?IgMhigh) was decreased in the peripheral blood and
lymph nodes of nude rats. In addition, the expression of functionally
important surface molecules MHC class II, ICAM-1, CD44 and L-selectin was
significantly down-regulated both on immature and mature B lymphocyte
subsets. The implantation of thymic tissue under the kidney capsule of nude
rats alleviated the block in B lymphocyte maturation and normalized of the
defective expression of surface molecules. Comparable effects were seen after
the adoptive transfer of T lymphocytes. This shows that in nude rats B
lymphocytes do not mature properly due to the lack of T cell help and that T
lymphocytes are required for the peripheral phase of B lymphocyte maturation,
as well as for the appropriate expression of surface molecules. This should
be considered when treating patients with T lymphocyte deficiencies.
Rehabilitation in haemophilic children with inhibitors using recombinant activated factor VII
Authors: Janic Dragana , Petronic Ivana , Dokmanovic Lidija , Krstovski Nada , Lazic Jelena , Rodic Predrag
Published: August 2015

INTRODUCTION. During invasive and orthopaedic procedure of the joints,
physical therapy is a necessary modality for successful recovery, especially
in patients with haemophilia. These patients require concurrent substitution
therapy. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) has been successfully used
in treating haemophilia with inhibitor, especially during preoperative
preparation. Nevertheless, optimal substitution therapy during perioperative
physical therapy has been poorly defined. CASE OUTLINE. In our paper, we
review the literature and the course of perioperative rehabilitation after
synovectomy in a 16-year-old haemophilic patient with high-titre inhibitor,
treated with rFVIIa. Rehabilitation was started on day 3 after surgery, with
rFVIIa substitution lasting ten days and followed by intermittent dosages
during episodes of pain. After concluding physical treatment, a significantly
better function of the operated joint was recorded, which led to the recovery
of walking without orthopaedic aid. CONCLUSION. Patients with inhibitors
require individualized approach of a multidisciplinary team in order to
achieve optimal results in elective orthopaedic procedures.
The use of recombinant activated factor VII in the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding following acetylsalicylic acid therapy in a surgical patient
Authors: Vucelic Dragica , Sabljak Predrag , Pesko Predrag , Stojakov Dejan , Ebrahimi Keramatollah , Nenadic Brankica , Pejovic Dragan , Velickovic Dejan , Bjelovic Milos
Published: August 2015

INTRODUCTION. Gastrointestinal bleeding is the most important complication
associated with acetylsalicylic acid therapy. Patients with preexisting
haemostatic disorders are at the higher risk and may experience
life-threatening hemorrhagic syndrome. Platelet transfusions and
desmopressin administration commonly successfully arrest bleeding. However,
in clinical situations with profound bleeding and haemorrhagic shock, these
therapeutic approaches may fail. CASE OUTLINE. We report a 24-year old
female patient with previously undetected acquired platelet dysfunction, who
underwent reconstructive surgical intervention. On the 20th postoperative
day, acetylsalicylic acid was introduced due to reactive thrombocytosis
(platelet count 1480x109/L) with daily dose of 100 mg tablets. On the 12th
day of the acetylsalicylic acid treatment, massive gastrointestinal bleeding
with haemorrhagic shock suddenly occurred. Attempts to control massive
haemorrhage by resuscitation, blood products and haemostatics (desmopressin,
tranexamic acid) failed. Two bolus doses of recombinant activated factor VII
(rFVIIa) (100 ?g/kg and 60 ?g/kg respectively) in 90 minutes interval were
given. Bleeding was successfully controlled with no requirements for further
haemoproducts and haemostatic remedies treatment. CONCLUSION. This case
demonstrates that the use of rFVIIa may be a specific treatment option in
patients suffering from severe gastrointestinal bleeding associated with
acetylsalicylic acid treatment.
Successful application of recombinant activated factor VII in a patient with HELLP syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulation
Authors: Ilic-Mostic Tatjana , Argirovic Rajka , Sparic Radmila , Ljubic Aleksandar , Bozanovic Tatjana , Jeremic Katarina , Tomanovic-Kokovic Jelena , Kadija Sasa
Published: August 2015

INTRODUCTION. HELLP syndrome represents the form of preeclampsia
characterized by moderate hypertension, often with absence of proteinuria and
oedema. The frequency of HELLP syndrome in pregnant women with preeclampsia
is 10-20%. The clinical course of the disease is characterized by the
progressive worsening of mother and fetus condition, which can be stopped
only by delivery. Disseminated intravascular coagulation is present in 8% of
patients with HELLP syndrome and causes significant morbidity and mortality.
CASE OUTLINE. We present a case of HELLP syndrome complicated by intrauterine
fetal demise and disseminated intravascular coagulation in trigemelar
pregnancy. After all surgical and medicamentous methods to establish
haemostasis were exhausted, the patient was treated by recombinant activated
factor VII (rFVIIa) in intravenous bolus dose of 90 ?g/kg twice, which
resulted in satisfactory haemostasis. Side effects of the drug were not
registered. CONCLUSION. The application of rFVIIa reduced haemorrhage in our
patient, both after the Caesarean section and after hysterectomy,
contributing to the patient?s full recovery, without neurological sequelae
and with preserved renal function. RFVIIa is not an alternative to surgical
haemostasis, but its administration should surely be considered before
deciding to perform hysterectomy, especially in patients who want to preserve
fertility. In cases of postpartum haemorrhage, when bleeding persists even
after adequate surgical haemostasis, the administration of rFVIIa is to be
considered not only as an alternative to hysterectomy, but also an effort to
prevent significant maternal morbidity and mortality.
Renal replacement therapy in adult dominant polycystic kidney disease - multicentre study
Authors: Lezaic Visnja , Ostric Vladimir , Popovic Gordana , Vukoje Milja , Dragoljic Branislava , Kostic Nevena , Stojanovic Marina , Labudovic Milorad , Mandic Milan , Djordjevic Verica , Bakovic Jovan
Published: August 2015

INTRODUCTION. Adult polycystic kidney disease (APKD) is the most common
hereditary kidney disease in humans. The course of the disease is accompanied
by numerous complications. OBJECTIVE The aim was to assess the prevalence,
clinical course and outcome of adult dominant polycystic kidney disease
(ADPKD) patients on renal replacement therapy. METHOD. Medical data on 700
haemodialyzed (HD) and 500 transplanted patients treated in 10 Serbian
centres from 1996 to 2000 were retrospectively analyzed. While ADPKD patients
accounted for 13% of HD patients in Serbia in 2000, in the period between
1996 and 2000, the percent of patients with ADPKD in the population of
patients starting HD in 8 examined centres changed from 13.5% to 6.9%.
RESULTS. The total number of 180 ADPKD patients on HD was analyzed (96 males;
aged 55 years at HD onset). Their HD lasted between 1 and 22 years: males
started HD 1.3 years earlier and spent on HD 1.1 years less than females. In
53% of HD patients one or more family members had ADPKD but the cause of
death was unknown for many family members. Hypertension was present in 75% of
ADPKD patients, anaemia in 37% and other organ involvement (usually liver)
was found in 53 patients. Fifty patients experienced AV fistula thrombosis
and a vascular prosthesis had to be used in 9 of them. A hundred and two HD
patients died (aged between 38 and 78 years, on HD for 5.3 years). The causes
of death were stroke (19.6%), cardiovascular diseases (29%), infections,
while 5% of patients died with the picture of acute abdomen. Among 500
transplanted patients, there were 20 patients with ADPKD (11 males, ages
between 35 and 56 years at the time of transplantation) and 14 of them
received graft from cadaver donor. Uni- or bilateral nephrectomy was done in
4 patients in the pretransplant preparation, and in another two early after
transplantation due to urinary infection. Three patients restarted HD in the
first 3 months after transplantation due to acute tubular necrosis and 10
patients died 56.5 months after the transplantation. The known causes of
death were cardiovascular disease (3 patients), severe gastrointestinal
bleeding (2 patients), infection (2 patients) and cancer (2 patients).
CONCLUSION. The obtained results showed that it was possible to provide a
favourable outcome of patients with APBB on renal replacement therapy in
spite of numerous complications.
Development and ultrastructure of glomerular capillaries in human foetus
Authors: Dakovic-Bjelakovic Marija , Savic Vojin , Vlajkovic Slobodan , Dzopalic Tanja
Published: August 2015

Glomerulus is an important filtrating apparatus in the body. Three types of
cells - endothelial, mesangial and visceral epithelial cells can be
identified in the capillary tuft. Glomeruli develop during nephrogenesis
which starts in the 8th week and ends between the 32nd and 36th week of
gestation. The nephron develops through stages described as the vesicle, the
comma-shaped, S-shaped with the developing glomerulus and the mature
glomerulus. Glomerular differentiation involves the expansion of the original
capillary component into the plexus that consists of 6-8 loops and the
migration of podocytes that are arranged around these glomerular capillaries.
Glomerular capillary differentiation represents a set of developmental
changes of the glomerular endothelial and epithelial cells. The active
differentiation of glomerular capillaries starts in the hemisphere of an
inferior arm of S-shaped bodies. Endothelial precursors unite into
precapillaries devoid of lumen. Further differentiation includes the
flattening of endothelial cells on the basement membrane, the loss of
superfluous cells, the development of lumen and the formation of fenestrae.
The glomerular basement membrane is differentiated by the fusion of
epithelial and endothelial basement membrane. The differentiation of visceral
epithelial cells includes the development of cytoplasmic processes and the
flattening of cell bodies. Primary cytoplasmic processes are formed from the
podocyte bodies and develop secondary and tertiary processes or foot
processes. Foot processes from one podocyte interdigitate with foot processes
from other podocytes. In the developing glomeruli, there is a difference in
the level of differentiation of visceral epithelial cells. Cells with
differentiated foot processes and cells with no cytoplasmic processes are
observed within the same glomerulus.
Inherited podocytopathies
Authors: Bogdanovic Radovan
Published: August 2015

Podocytes, the visceral glomerular epithelial cells, are the postmythotic
cells that line the outer aspects of the glomerular basement membrane. A
number of advances have been made in recent years, linked to the discovery of
singlegene defects in hereditary glomerular disease, which highlight the role
of these cells in preventing proteinuria. Despite the rarity of hereditary
proteinuric syndromes, genetic, biochemical, and structural studies of these
diseases have made important contributions to our knowledge of how the normal
glomerular filter works and the mechanism of proteinuria. The course of these
diseases can vary; some patients present with severe proteinuria and
congenital nephrotic syndrome, whereas others have only moderate proteinuria
and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Regardless of its cause, the disease
often progresses to end-stage renal disease. There can be overlap between the
diseases: mutations in the same gene can lead to different renal phenotypes.
It is important to know that some hereditary podocytopathies respond to
therapy, whereas majority does not. For this reason, genetic testing, which
is available for some hereditary podocytopathies should be performed whenever
possible. This review summarizes recent progress in the eludication of
genetic causes of disease and discusses their implication for the
understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms which can lead to disruption of
the glomerular filtration barrier.
Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease and complex nephronophtisis medullary cystic disease
Authors: Golubovic Emilija
Published: August 2015

Reseach during the past decade has led to the discovery that defects in some
proteins that localize to primary cilia or the basal body are the main
contributors to renal cyst development. Autosomal recessive polycystic
disease and nephronophthisis-medullary cystic kidney disease are named
ciliopathies. The cilium is a microtubule-based organelle that is found on
most mammalian cells. Cilia-mediated hypothesis has evolved into the concept
of cystogenesis, cilia bend by fluid initiate a calcium influx that prevents
cyst formation. Cilia might sense stimuli in the cell enviroment and control
cell polarity and mitosis. A new set of pathogenic mechanisms in renal cystic
disease defined new therapeutic targets, control of intracellular calcium,
inhibition of cAMP and down regulation cannonical Wnt signaling.
Ceramide-Initiated Protein Phosphatase 2A Activation Contributes to Arterial Dysfunction In Vivo
Authors: Bharath Leena P. , Ruan Ting , Li Youyou , Ravindran Anindita , Wan Xin , Nhan Jennifer Kim , Walker Matthew Lewis , Deeter Lance , Goodrich Rebekah , Johnson Elizabeth , Munday Derek , Mueller Robert , Kunz David , Jones Deborah , Reese Van , Summers Scott A. , Babu Pon Velayutham Anandh , Holland William L. , Zhang Quan-Jiang , Abel E. Dale , Symons J. David
Published: August 2015

Prior studies have implicated accumulation of ceramide in blood vessels as a basis for vascular dysfunction in diet-induced obesity via a mechanism involving type 2 protein phosphatase (PP2A) dephosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The current study sought to elucidate the mechanisms linking ceramide accumulation with PP2A activation and determine whether pharmacological inhibition of PP2A in vivo normalizes obesity-associated vascular dysfunction and limits the severity of hypertension. We show in endothelial cells that ceramide associates with the inhibitor 2 of PP2A (I2PP2A) in the cytosol, which disrupts the association of I2PP2A with PP2A leading to its translocation to the plasma membrane. The increased association between PP2A and eNOS at the plasma membrane promotes dissociation of an Akt-Hsp90-eNOS complex that is required for eNOS phosphorylation and activation. A novel small-molecule inhibitor of PP2A attenuated PP2A activation, prevented disruption of the Akt-Hsp90-eNOS complex in the vasculature, preserved arterial function, and maintained normal blood pressure in obese mice. These findings reveal a novel mechanism whereby ceramide initiates PP2A colocalization with eNOS and demonstrate that PP2A activation precipitates vascular dysfunction in diet-induced obesity. Therapeutic strategies targeted to reducing PP2A activation might be beneficial in attenuating vascular complications that exist in the context of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and conditions associated with insulin resistance.
Defective Natriuretic Peptide Receptor Signaling in Skeletal Muscle Links Obesity to Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Coué Marine , Badin Pierre-Marie , Vila Isabelle K. , Laurens Claire , Louche Katie , Marquès Marie-Adeline , Bourlier Virginie , Mouisel Etienne , Tavernier Geneviève , Rustan Arild C. , Galgani Jose E. , Joanisse Denis R. , Smith Steven R. , Langin Dominique , Moro Cedric
Published: August 2015

Circulating natriuretic peptide (NP) levels are reduced in obesity and predict the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Since skeletal muscle was recently shown as a key target tissue of NP, we aimed to investigate muscle NP receptor (NPR) expression in the context of obesity and T2D. Muscle NPRA correlated positively with whole-body insulin sensitivity in humans and was strikingly downregulated in obese subjects and recovered in response to diet-induced weight loss. In addition, muscle NP clearance receptor (NPRC) increased in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance and T2D. Similar results were found in obese diabetic mice. Although no acute effect of brain NP (BNP) on insulin sensitivity was observed in lean mice, chronic BNP infusion improved blood glucose control and insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle of obese and diabetic mice. This occurred in parallel with a reduced lipotoxic pressure in skeletal muscle due to an upregulation of lipid oxidative capacity. In addition, chronic NP treatment in human primary myotubes increased lipid oxidation in a PGC1α-dependent manner and reduced palmitate-induced lipotoxicity. Collectively, our data show that activation of NPRA signaling in skeletal muscle is important for the maintenance of long-term insulin sensitivity and has the potential to treat obesity-related metabolic disorders.
Genetic Predisposition to Weight Loss and Regain With Lifestyle Intervention: Analyses From the Diabetes Prevention Program and the Look AHEAD Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Papandonatos George D. , Pan Qing , Pajewski Nicholas M. , Delahanty Linda M. , Peter Inga , Erar Bahar , Ahmad Shafqat , Harden Maegan , Chen Ling , Fontanillas Pierre ,   GIANT Consortium, Wagenknecht Lynne E. , Kahn Steven E. , Wing Rena R. , Jablonski Kathleen A. , Huggins Gordon S. , Knowler William C. , Florez Jose C. , McCaffery Jeanne M. , Franks Paul W. ,   for the Diabetes Prevention Program and the Look AHEAD Research Groups
Published: August 2015

Clinically relevant weight loss is achievable through lifestyle modification, but unintentional weight regain is common. We investigated whether recently discovered genetic variants affect weight loss and/or weight regain during behavioral intervention. Participants at high-risk of type 2 diabetes (Diabetes Prevention Program [DPP]; N = 917/907 intervention/comparison) or with type 2 diabetes (Look AHEAD [Action for Health in Diabetes]; N = 2,014/1,892 intervention/comparison) were from two parallel arm (lifestyle vs. comparison) randomized controlled trials. The associations of 91 established obesity-predisposing loci with weight loss across 4 years and with weight regain across years 2–4 after a minimum of 3% weight loss were tested. Each copy of the minor G allele of MTIF3 rs1885988 was consistently associated with greater weight loss following lifestyle intervention over 4 years across the DPP and Look AHEAD. No such effect was observed across comparison arms, leading to a nominally significant single nucleotide polymorphism×treatment interaction (P = 4.3 × 10−3). However, this effect was not significant at a study-wise significance level (Bonferroni threshold P < 5.8 × 10−4). Most obesity-predisposing gene variants were not associated with weight loss or regain within the DPP and Look AHEAD trials, directly or via interactions with lifestyle.
Relationship Between Levels of Advanced Glycation End Products and Their Soluble Receptor and Adverse Outcomes in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Thomas Merlin C. , Woodward Mark , Neal Bruce , Li Qiang , Pickering Raelene , Marre Michel , Williams Bryan , Perkovic Vlado , Cooper Mark E. , Zoungas Sophia , Chalmers John , Hillis Graham S.
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE

This study explored whether activation of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is implicated in the development of diabetes complications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A case-cohort study was performed in 3,763 participants with prevalent diabetes in the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified Release Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) trial. The hazard ratios (HRs) for death, major cardiovascular events, and new or worsening nephropathy were derived using Cox regression models, and the ability of sRAGE and AGE levels to reclassify the risk of nephropathy was assessed.

RESULTS

After adjustment for a range of possible confounders and other risk factors, sRAGE levels were associated with all-cause mortality (HR 1.11 for a 1-SD increase of log sRAGE [95% CI 1.00–1.22]; P = 0.045) and new or worsening nephropathy (HR 1.20 for a 1-SD increase of log sRAGE [95% CI 1.02–1.41]; P = 0.032). Circulating AGE levels were also independently associated with new or worsening nephropathy (HR 1.21 for a 1-SD increase [95% CI 1.08–1.36]; P = 0.001). Both markers also significantly improved the accuracy with which the 5-year risk of new or worsening nephropathy could be predicted (net reclassification index in continuous model, 0.25 for sRAGE and 0.24 for AGE levels).

CONCLUSIONS

In adults with type 2 diabetes, increased levels of sRAGE are independently associated with new or worsening kidney disease and mortality over the next 5 years. Higher levels of AGE are also associated with an increased risk of adverse renal outcomes. The AGE/RAGE axis may be of importance in the prevention and management of diabetes complications.
Social return and organisational culture
Authors: Meurs Desiree , Spruijt Adrie , Pannerden Pieter van Nispen tot
Published: August 2015

‘Social return’ (SR) is a term in the Netherlands that summarises all efforts to integrate people with a mental or physical handicap in the labour market. It is an important political topic because government wants not only an inclusive society but also a decrease of expenditures on social benefits; an important topic for employers, because organisations can profile themselves as socially responsible; and a topic for applied research, finding ways and means of realising the concept.

The Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences is mainly involved because of the value of SR for applied research and the development of solutions that work. Several projects have been implemented with third parties, all of them involving students, e.g. through BA graduation research. However, the research also shows that there is no large-scale adoption among entrepreneurs yet. Three problems have been identified: (1) the SR policy currently has many negative side effects; (2) entrepreneurs must recognize that the involvement of employees with a SR indication not only costs money but may also contribute to profits; (3) insufficient attention is paid to finding the proper match between possible employees and suitable jobs (possibly with an adapted working environment). However, ‘social return’ is a feasible concept and the problems may be addressed. At the same time the initial efforts on realising ‘social return’ point at the importance of organisational culture.

The main aim of this paper is to show the link between organisational culture and the successful implementation of social return.
The Framework of Culture: a Frame for Work
Authors: Nispen Peter Van
Published: August 2015

Although culture has been discussed in quite some detail, it remains an elusive concept, whether on content or in terms of consequences. Indeed, culture does not exist in a physical form (although bumping your nose to culture may be a near physical experience) and may be rather considered as a label people use to describe patterns of thinking and acting of a group of people. Many studies of culture start from theory and move to implementation. This paper is based on an opposite approach. Its basis is the experience of 849 MA students with living and working abroad and the effects of culture in reality. In an inductive way this experience results in a mind-map of culture.

The aim of this paper is to present a rather comprehensive perception of culture on the basis of experience; not to give an overview of what culture might be according to the literature. This concept is the initial result of an on-going programme at the R&D Centre of the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. Consecutive steps are briefly mentioned.
On Avatar's (2009) Semiotechnologies: from Cinematic Utopias to Chinese Heritage Tourism
Authors: Tzanelli Rodanthi
Published: August 2015

The article explores the conditions that fostered an unlikely convergence between James Cameron's Avatar (2009) media industry, his and his colleagues' travel and activist pursuits in Brazil, and Chinese tourist planning. Focusing on one of the film's simulated landscape markers,
Cameron's collaborative composition of an audiovisual “Pandorapedia” and his documentary on his Amazonian travels, it debates how cinematic tourism assists in reconfigurations of utopian visions as tourist markers. The particular utopian icon that connected such disparate projects
as those of movie making and its digital popular extensions to the generation of tourism in Chinese world heritage sites was that of the fictional “Hallelujah” or “Floating” Pandora Mountains. Highlighting meeting points between semiotechnological assemblages (world
“languages,” music, and visual technologies) and human artwork (acting, audiovisual creativity, and activism) it outlines how (a) postmodernist combinations of art travel and tourist commodification relocate into postnational environments but (b) do not lose their regional relevance
and applicability.
On the Trail of Errol Flynn: Explorations in Autoethnography
Authors: Frost Warwick , Laing Jennifer
Published: August 2015

To attract tourists, destinations are increasingly developing products based on film and other popular culture connections. These include tours, museums, visitor centers, statues, and walking trails. This article examines the recently developed Errol Flynn Trail in Hobart, Australia.
Utilizing an autoethnographic approach, we analyzed how the Trail worked, the stories it told, and the tourist experience it provided. Our findings suggest that the Trail provides a rich and satisfying experience for visitors interested in the Golden Age of Hollywood movies in the 1930s and
1940s. There is a strong connection between Errol Flynn and the destination, and as the Trail is linked to sites of Flynn's early years, it provides access to a detailed and nuanced back story of the actor's life and notoriety. The tragic elements of this story add to the authenticity and
level of parasocial interaction of visitors, and there are elements of cocreation of the experience, as visitors are likely to be passionate about this period rather than just casual participants. These types of self-guided walks offer the flexibility to go off trail or allow visitors to spend
as long as they like at one site. Further research should explore the demand for and nature of these self-guided experiences, particularly in a media-induced context.
Successful and Unsuccessful Film Tourism Destinations: From the Perspective of Korean Local Residents' Perceptions of Film Tourism Impacts
Authors: Yoon Yejin , Kim Sangkyun (Sean) , Kim Seongseup (Sam)
Published: August 2015

This study has empirically examined the influence of both successful and unsuccessful film tourism destinations on the local residents' perceptions of film tourism impacts. It was contextualized in seven film tourism destinations in South Korea associated with popular Korean films and
TV dramas. An impact scale comprising 24 tourism impact items was adopted and modified from previous studies on residents' perceptions of the economic, sociocultural, and environmental impacts of tourism. It was found that the majority of residents perceived the impacts of film tourism positively,
particularly for those related to the positive sociocultural life and positive economic impacts (e.g., improvement of community's image, improvement of local residents' quality of life, and additional opportunity for cultural experience). The findings of the article also confirmed that there
were statistically significant differences between successful and unsuccessful film tourism destinations, regarding their residents' perceptions towards film tourism impacts. Important practical implications for destination stakeholders and marketers are offered in relation to a better understanding
of film tourism phenomena and local residents' perceptions towards their impacts. This will lead to more sustainable film tourism planning and development.