bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Payment in heaven: Can early childhood education policies help women too?
Authors: Newberry Jan , Marpinjun Sri
Published: November 2017

Based on research and activism on early childhood education and care in the area of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, we argue that the Indonesian government’s focus on early childhood has come at a cost to local women. Community-based early childhood programs are delivered by women whose work is unpaid or underpaid. Although early childhood education in the form of kindergarten has long existed in Indonesia, its extension to the very young through Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini or early childhood education programs for children aged 0–8 years is more recent. Yet, there are many contradictions in this attention to the very young child. While the programs are designed to empower young children and improve their chances of success in education, the community-based programs promoted by the government are delivered through the work of women who may be denied these same benefits. Based on our separate researches, local women offer their services in early childhood education for a variety of reasons: they believe in these programs, they feel pressured to support their communities, or they desire to improve their own chances, and often all three. Yet, the opportunity to gain more education and to become a certified teacher is extremely limited for these women. As a result, they are trapped in unskilled, low, or no-waged work. While this contradiction can be described as a result of neoliberal policy, it has been the long-standing practice of the Indonesian state to depend on women’s “volunteered” labor to deliver social service programming. Here, we challenge whether this is “neoliberal” policy or just a continued disregard for the value of the care labor in social reproduction and the simultaneous relegation of women to the “informal” sphere. We ask, what kind of policy options exist for linking the improvement of children’s education and women’s education simultaneously?
Distinguishing Features: Reconsidering the Link Between Journalism’s Professional Status and Ethics
Authors: Craft Stephanie
Published: November 2017

This monograph begins a rethinking of the idea of professional journalism ethics and examines how ethics is being employed as a key differentiator between amateurs (audience members, citizen journalists, and the like) and professionals, while other once-distinguishing features of journalism have become more widely dispersed and available to the public. How do the ethics of nonprofessionals practicing journalism differ, if at all, from everyday morality? Is journalism ethics—should journalism ethics be—the exclusive domain of professionals? This monograph considers the role of ethics in defining what it means to be a professional journalist; challenges to professional journalism’s autonomy from “amateurs” and how ethics is used to maintain boundaries between them; and objectivity as a tenet of professional journalism ethics. An analysis of 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign coverage is used to explore how and why a professional journalism centered on an ethic of objectivity can fail to perform ethically.
The use of OH* and CH* as heat release markers in combustion dynamics
Authors: Sardeshmukh Swanand , Bedard Michael , Anderson William
Published: November 2017

The study examines chemiluminescence measurements and computations as a method of validation. Because chemiluminescent radicals are present in small concentrations and associated timescales are also small, a common assumption is that these are quasi-steady-state species and their transport can be ignored. This paper examines the above assumption using available data and simulation results, specifically aiming at a single element rocket combustor under strong pressure fluctuations. Variations in the kinetics rate constants are considered for assessing sensitivity of the results. Two additional aspects are explored: the ability of the excited species to represent the chemical heat release and the optical thickness of the medium. For the conditions of the study, the quasi-steady-state assumption in the case of OH* is found to be marginally insufficient while in the case of CH*, it is found to be acceptable. Modeled heat release is qualitatively better captured by CH* than OH* because of higher difference in the peak to asymptotic concentrations and lower ground state concentration.
A Tropical Biodiversity Hotspot Under the New Threat: Discovery and DNA Barcoding of the Invasive Chinese Pond Mussel Sinanodonta Woodiana in Myanmar
Authors: Vikhrev Ilya V. , Konopleva Ekaterina S. , Gofarov Mikhail Y. , Kondakov Alexander V. , Chapurina Yulia E. , Bolotov Ivan N.
Published: November 2017

A well-established invasive Sinanodonta woodiana population was discovered in a floodplain lake of the upstream section of the Irrawaddy River basin, Kachin State, Myanmar. The DNA barcoding reveals that the population belongs to the temperate invasive mtDNA lineage and represents the same cytochrome c oxidase subunit I haplotype, which has been recorded in the invasive European populations. It is the most southern location of a population appertaining to this highly invasive haplotype known to date. The actual distribution of this alien species in Myanmar is still unknown, although it appears to be rather not widespread. Its possible dispersal through the country may affect native benthos communities, which include many unique endemic taxa. However, further expansion of the temperate lineage across South East Asia is supposed to be limited due to a specific environment of tropical floodplain freshwater systems that appears too warm for this cryptic taxon.
Children with lymphadenitis associated with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination do not experience more infections when compared with BCG-vaccinated children without lymphadenitis: a three years paired-cohort in Mexico
Authors: Chacon-Cruz Enrique , Arellano-Estrada Jorge Luis , Lopatynsky-Reyes Erika , Alvelais-Palacios Jorge , Becka Chandra
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

Vaccination against tuberculosis with live-attenuated Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is widely used even though its effectiveness is controversial. BCG-lymphadenitis (BCG-LA) is its most common complication. Some studies have proposed that BCG-LA can be associated with primary immunodeficiencies (PIs). This study’s aim is to see whether patients who developed BCG-LA (named as ‘LA’) developed more infections than BCG-vaccinated children without BCG-LA (named as ‘NON-LA’).

Methods:

From January 2009 to April 2014, 31 LA children were seen at the outpatient clinic of the General Hospital of Tijuana, Mexico. Among them, 22 (70.97%), 5 (16.13%) and 4 (12.9%) had axillary, supraclavicular, or both BCG-LA, respectively. No treatment was given and complications were not seen. Per LA subject, a NON-LA not >1 month of age difference and same gender was paired and followed for 3 years to look for ambulatory infections (AINFs), acute otitis media (AOM) and hospitalizations. Surveillance per patient was performed by phone monthly, and they were seen at the clinic every 4 months. All patients were HIV-negative and had no family history of PI. Statistical analyses used were relative risk (RR) with confidence intervals (CI), t test for independent variables and z test.

Results:

In total 62 subjects were enrolled: 31 LA paired with 31 NON-LA. Between them, there were no differences in age, day care attendance and breastfeeding. There were no differences in the total number of AINF per patient (LA: 18.61 avg. ± 5.03 SD versus NON-LA: 18.19 avg. ± 4.17 SD, RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.33–0.66), AOM total episodes (LA: 30 versus NON-LA: 26, RR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.31–0.68) and hospitalizations (LA: 5 versus NON-LA: 4, RR = 1, 95% CI = 0.25–0.74).

Conclusions:

This cohort strongly suggests that BCG-LA in healthy children is not associated with more episodes of AINF and hospitalizations, when paired and compared with children BCG-vaccinated without BCG-LA.
Stem anteversion mismatch to the anatomical anteversion causes loss of periprosthetic bone density after THA
Authors: Hayashi Shinya , Hashimoto Shingo , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Takayama Koji , Nishida Kotaro , Ishida Kazunari , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: November 2017

The short tapered-wedge stem is popular worldwide because it potentially preserves more bone stock during total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, stem version mismatch may affect physiological stress distribution. In this study, we analyzed the correlations between periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) changes and anteversion mismatch in patients who underwent THA using a short tapered-wedge stem. The study included 44 patients (44 joints) who underwent THA with a Tri-Lock stem. At baseline and at 6 and 24 months postoperatively, the BMDs in the seven Gruen zones were evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. BMD changes and stem alignment, that is, anteversion and stem anteversion mismatch to the anatomical canal anteversion, were analyzed. Significant negative correlations were found between BMD changes and absolute anteversion error in Gruen zones 1 and 7 at 6 and 24 months postoperatively (zone 1, 6M; RR= −0.48, p < 0.001) (zone 7, 6M; RR= −0.46, p = 0.002) (zone 1, 24M; RR= −0.47, p = 0.001) (zone 7, 24M; RR= −0.40, p = 0.007). We further demonstrated that excessive stem anteversion mismatch to the anatomical canal anteversion causes stem point contact with the cortical bone in the distal portion and affected proximal periprosthetic BMD loss after THA. We recommend that the native anatomical anteversion angle should be used as a reference for inserting the tapered-wedge stems.
MRI evaluation of the ACL remnant tissue in ACL-deficient knee
Authors: Takahashi Tsuneari , Kimura Masashi , Takeshita Katsushi
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To clarify the relationship between anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) remnant tissue at the time of surgery and preoperative evaluation of ACL-injured knee.

Methods:

A total of 123 patients were enrolled and classified into four groups based on the classification of ACL remnant tissue. To quantify the signal–noise quotient (SNQ), five regions of interest (ROIs), such as tibial, mid, femoral ACL remnant, tendon of quadriceps femoris to normalize the signal intensity of ACL remnant tissue, and background measurements, were measured. Preoperative side-to-side difference (SSD) and SNQ were analyzed.

Results:

Significant differences were observed in preoperative SSD of the four groups ( p = 0.021), and a post hoc analysis revealed that SSD in Crain type 2 was significantly smaller than that in Crain type 4 ( p = 0.014). SSD in Crain type 3 was also significantly smaller than that in Crain type 4 ( p = 0.0030). There were significant differences in SNQ at the tibial, mid, and femoral portion in Crain types 2 and 3 ( p < 0.001); SNQ at the tibial portion in Crain type 2 was significantly lower than that at the mid portion ( p = 0.024); and SNQ at the tibial portion in Crain type 3 was significantly lower than that at the mid portion ( p = 0.016). Furthermore, significant differences were observed in SNQ at the tibial portions in the four groups ( p = 0.034), and SNQ at the tibial portions in Crain type 2 was significantly lower than that in Crain type 1 ( p = 0.044). Also, SNQ at the tibial portions in Crain type 3 was significantly lower than that in Crain type 1 ( P = 0.035).

Conclusion:

The femoral attachment of the ACL remnant tissue may influence the SNQ of the tibial remnant tissue and the stability of the ACL-injured knee.
Primary repair of Achilles tendon avulsions: Presentation of a novel technique and its comparison with suture anchor repair
Authors: Işık Çetin , Tahta Mesut
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

We aimed to present our novel technique in the surgical treatment of Achilles tendon avulsions and compare the clinical results of such technique with the repair method using suture anchors.

Methods:

A retrospective study was made of patients with Achilles tendon sleeve avulsion and patients where distal portion of the tear prohibited primary repair, surgically treated between January 2009 and January 2013. Twenty-one patients who met the criteria were examined and called for final examination: 9 patients were treated with the novel technique (group 1) and 12 patients were treated with suture anchor repair (group 2). Data were gathered from patient registry and final evaluation. The patients of both groups were compared in respect of mean age, follow-up, gender and AOFAS and VAS scores at final evaluation.

Results:

There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of follow-up period ( p = 0.478) and mean age ( p = 0.274). Three of 9 patients in group 1 and 4 of 12 patients in group 2 were female. A significant clinical difference was determined between two groups according to the AOFAS and VAS scores ( p = 0.034 and p = 0.043, respectively).

Conclusions:

Both techniques are beneficial in the treatment of avulsion injuries of Achilles tendon. Better clinical results can be obtained with the presented novel technique and such technique can be considered for the surgical fixation of Achilles tendon avulsions.
Disseminated Mycobacterium avium-Intracellulare Complex Infection Presenting With Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in an AIDS Patient
Authors: Ayoade Folusakin , Cotelingam James , Joel Chandranesan Andrew Stevenson
Published: November 2017

Disseminated Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) infection is one of the relatively common opportunistic infections seen in severely immunocompromised AIDS patients. A constellation of clinical, laboratory, and pathological features involving multiple organ systems are often present in disseminated MAC infection but disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) has not been previously described in association with this condition. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of DIC complicating disseminated MAC infection in an AIDS patient. In this article, we present the case of a 33-year-old AIDS patient with high viral load, CD4 lymphocyte count of 1/mm3, who presented with nonspecific symptoms, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and increased lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and ferritin. She also had abnormal coagulation parameters and features compatible with chronic DIC. Bone marrow biopsy assisted in making the correct diagnosis. She also later grew MAC from blood and sputum cultures. There were no other factors identified after a complete workup to explain DIC in this patient. After commencement of appropriate MAC therapy, she initially had a good response with some improvement of her coagulation parameters. Few months later, however, probably attributable to poor medication compliance, her condition deteriorated with development of thromboembolism, full-fledged DIC, sepsis, and an eventual fatal outcome. This case illustrates the importance of including disseminated MAC in the differential diagnosis of DIC in an AIDS patient.
DNA damage responses and p53 in the aging process
Authors: Ou Hui-Ling , Schumacher Björn
Published: November 2017

The genome is constantly attacked by genotoxic insults. DNA damage has long been established as a cause of cancer development through its mutagenic consequences. Conversely, radiation therapy and chemotherapy induce DNA damage to drive cells into apoptosis or senescence as outcomes of the DNA damage response (DDR). More recently, DNA damage has been recognized as a causal factor for the aging process. The role of DNA damage in aging and age-related diseases is illustrated by numerous congenital progeroid syndromes that are caused by mutations in genome maintenance pathways. During the past 2 decades, understanding how DDR drives cancer development and contributes to the aging process has progressed rapidly. It turns out that the DDR factor p53 takes center stage during tumor development and also plays an important role in the aging process. Studies in metazoan models ranging from Caenorhabditis elegans to mammals have revealed cell-autonomous and systemic DDR mechanisms that orchestrate adaptive responses that augment maintenance of the aging organism amid gradually accumulating DNA damage.
Anal Cancer Risk Among People With HIV Infection in the United States
Authors: Colón-López Vivian , Shiels Meredith S. , Machin Mark , Ortiz Ana P. , Strickler Howard , Castle Philip E. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Engels Eric A.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

People with HIV infection have an elevated risk of anal cancer. However, recent calendar trends are incompletely described, and which population subgroups might benefit from cancer screening is unknown.

Methods

We used linked data from HIV and cancer registries in nine US areas (1996 to 2012). We calculated standardized incidence ratios to compare anal cancer incidence in people with HIV infection with the general population, used Poisson regression to evaluate anal cancer incidence among subgroups of people with HIV and to assess temporal trends, and estimated the cumulative incidence of anal cancer to measure absolute risk.

Results

Among 447,953 people with HIV infection, anal cancer incidence was much higher than in the general population (standardized incidence ratio, 19.1; 95% CI, 18.1 to 20.0). Anal cancer incidence was highest among men who have sex with men (MSM), increased with age, and was higher in people with AIDS than in those without AIDS (ie, HIV only; adjusted incidence rate ratio, 3.82; 95% CI, 3.27 to 4.46). Incidence among people with HIV increased steeply during 1996 to 2000 (annual percentage change, 32.8%; 95% CI, −1.0% to 78.2%), reached a plateau during 2001 to 2008, and declined during 2008 to 2012 (annual percentage change, −7.2%; 95% CI, −14.4% to 0.6%). Cumulative incidence after a 5-year period was high for MSM with HIV only age 45 to 59 or ≥ 60 years (0.32% to 0.33%) and MSM with AIDS age 30 to 44, 45 to 59, or ≥ 60 years (0.29% to 0.65%).

Conclusion

Anal cancer incidence is markedly elevated among people with HIV infection, especially in MSM, older individuals, and people with AIDS. Recent declines may reflect delayed benefits of HIV treatment. Groups with high cumulative incidence of anal cancer may benefit from screening.
High Incomplete Skeletal Muscle Fatty Acid Oxidation Explains Low Muscle Insulin Sensitivity in Poorly Controlled T2D
Authors: Gavin Timothy P , Ernst Jacob M , Kwak Hyo-Bum , Caudill Sarah E , Reed Melissa A , Garner Ron T , Nie Yaohui , Weiss Jessica A , Pories Walter J , Dar Moahad , Lin Chien-Te , Hubal Monica J , Neufer P Darrell , Kuang Shihuan , Dohm G Lynis
Published: November 2017

Context

Almost 50% of type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients are poorly controlled [glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 7%]; however, the mechanisms responsible for progressively worsening glycemic control are poorly understood. Lower skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiratory capacity is associated with low insulin sensitivity and the development of T2D.

Objective

We investigated if skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity (SI) was different between well-controlled T2D (WCD) and poorly controlled T2D (PCD) and if the difference was associated with differences resulting from mitochondrial respiratory function.

Design

Vastus lateralis muscle mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial content, mitochondrial enzyme activity, and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) were measured. SI and the acute response to glucose (AIRg) were calculated by MINMOD analysis from glucose and insulin obtained during a modified, frequently sampled, intravenous glucose tolerance test.

Results

SI and AIRg were lower in PCD than WCD. Muscle incomplete FAO was greater in PCD than WCD and greater incomplete FAO was associated with lower SI and higher HbA1c. Hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase expression and activity were greater in PCD than WCD. There was no difference in maximal mitochondrial respiration or content between WCD and PCD.

Conclusion

The current results suggest that greater skeletal muscle incomplete FAO in poorly controlled T2D is due to elevated β oxidation and is associated with worsening muscle SI.
The shape of the transmembrane domain is a novel endocytosis signal for single-spanning membrane proteins
Authors: González Montoro Ayelén , Bigliani Gonzalo , Valdez Taubas Javier
Published: November 2017

Endocytosis is crucial for all cells as it allows them to incorporate material from the extracellular space and control the availability of transmembrane proteins at the plasma membrane. In yeast, endocytosis followed by recycling to the plasma membrane results in a polarised distribution of membrane proteins by a kinetic mechanism. Here, we report that increasing the volume of residues that constitute the exoplasmic half of the transmembrane domain (TMD) in the yeast SNARE Sso1, a type II membrane protein, results in its polarised distribution at the plasma membrane. Expression of this chimera in strains affected in either endocytosis or recycling revealed that this polarisation is achieved by endocytic cycling. A bioinformatics search of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteome identified several proteins with high-volume exoplasmic hemi-TMDs. Our experiments indicate that TMDs from these proteins can confer a polarised distribution to the Sso1 cytoplasmic domain, indicating that the shape of the TMD can act as a novel endocytosis and polarity signal in yeast. Additionally, a high-volume exoplasmic hemi-TMD can act as an endocytosis signal in a mammalian cell line.
The HECT E3 ubiquitin ligase NEDD4 interacts with and ubiquitylates SQSTM1 for inclusion body autophagy
Authors: Lin Qiong , Dai Qian , Meng Hongxia , Sun Aiqin , Wei Jing , Peng Ke , Childress Chandra , Chen Miao , Shao Genbao , Yang Wannian
Published: November 2017

Our previous studies have shown that the HECT E3 ubiquitin ligase NEDD4 interacts with LC3 and is required for starvation and rapamycin-induced activation of autophagy. Here, we report that NEDD4 directly binds to SQSTM1 via its HECT domain and polyubiquitylates SQSTM1. This ubiquitylation is through K63 conjugation and is not involved in proteasomal degradation. Mutational analysis indicates that NEDD4 interacts with and ubiquitylates the PB1 domain of SQSTM1. Depletion of NEDD4 or overexpression of the ligase-defective mutant of NEDD4 induced accumulation of aberrant enlarged SQSTM1-positive inclusion bodies that are co-localized with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) marker CANX, suggesting that the ubiquitylation functions in the SQSTM1-mediated biogenic process in inclusion body autophagosomes. Taken together, our studies show that NEDD4 is an autophagic E3 ubiquitin ligase that ubiquitylates SQSTM1, facilitating SQSTM1-mediated inclusion body autophagy.
Lack of behavioural responses of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) indicate limited effectiveness of sonar mitigation
Authors: Wensveen Paul J. , Kvadsheim Petter H. , Lam Frans-Peter A. , von Benda-Beckmann Alexander M. , Sivle Lise D. , Visser Fleur , Curé Charlotte , Tyack Peter L. , Miller Patrick J. O.
Published: November 2017

Exposure to underwater sound can cause permanent hearing loss and other physiological effects in marine animals. To reduce this risk, naval sonars are sometimes gradually increased in intensity at the start of transmission (‘ramp-up’). Here, we conducted experiments in which tagged humpback whales were approached with a ship to test whether a sonar operation preceded by ramp-up reduced three risk indicators – maximum sound pressure level (SPLmax), cumulative sound exposure level (SELcum) and minimum source–whale range (Rmin) – compared with a sonar operation not preceded by ramp-up. Whales were subject to one no-sonar control session and either two successive ramp-up sessions (RampUp1, RampUp2) or a ramp-up session (RampUp1) and a full-power session (FullPower). Full-power sessions were conducted only twice; for other whales we used acoustic modelling that assumed transmission of the full-power sequence during their no-sonar control. Averaged over all whales, risk indicators in RampUp1 (n=11) differed significantly from those in FullPower (n=12) by −3.0 dB (SPLmax), −2.0 dB (SELcum) and +168 m (Rmin), but not significantly from those in RampUp2 (n=9). Only five whales in RampUp1, four whales in RampUp2 and none in FullPower or control sessions avoided the sound source. For RampUp1, we found statistically significant differences in risk indicators between whales that avoided the sonar and whales that did not: −4.7 dB (SPLmax), −3.4 dB (SELcum) and +291 m (Rmin). In contrast, for RampUp2, these differences were smaller and not significant. This study suggests that sonar ramp-up has a positive but limited mitigative effect for humpback whales overall, but that ramp-up can reduce the risk of harm more effectively in situations when animals are more responsive and likely to avoid the sonar, e.g. owing to novelty of the stimulus, when they are in the path of an approaching sonar ship.
Divergent respiratory and cardiovascular responses to hypoxia in bar-headed geese and Andean birds
Authors: Lague Sabine L. , Chua Beverly , Alza Luis , Scott Graham R. , Frappell Peter B. , Zhong Yang , Farrell Anthony P. , McCracken Kevin G. , Wang Yuxiang , Milsom William K.
Published: November 2017

Many high-altitude vertebrates have evolved increased capacities in their oxygen transport cascade (ventilation, pulmonary diffusion, circulation and tissue diffusion), enhancing oxygen transfer from the atmosphere to mitochondria. However, the extent of interspecies variation in the control processes that dictate hypoxia responses remains largely unknown. We compared the metabolic, cardiovascular and respiratory responses to progressive decreases in inspired oxygen levels of bar-headed geese (Anser indicus), birds that biannually migrate across the Himalayan mountains, with those of Andean geese (Chloephaga melanoptera) and crested ducks (Lophonetta specularioides), lifelong residents of the high Andes. We show that Andean geese and crested ducks have evolved fundamentally different mechanisms for maintaining oxygen supply during low oxygen (hypoxia) from those of bar-headed geese. Bar-headed geese respond to hypoxia with robust increases in ventilation and heart rate, whereas Andean species increase lung oxygen extraction and cardiac stroke volume. We propose that transient high-altitude performance has favoured the evolution of robust convective oxygen transport recruitment in hypoxia, whereas life-long high-altitude residency has favoured the evolution of structural enhancements to the lungs and heart that increase lung diffusion and stroke volume.
Public enterprises and non-profit organizations: activities and support
Authors: Петрова Татьяна , Petrova Tat'yana , Лымарь Андрей , Lymar' Andrey , Лымарь Наталья , Lymar' Natal'ya , Устинкин Сергей , Ustinkin Sergey , Тормозова Мария , Tormozova Mariya , Петрова Ирина , Petrova Irina , Ивашиненко Нина , Ivashinenko Nina , Теодорович Михаил , Teodorovich Mihail , Шинкаренко Елена , Shinkarenko Elena , Рудаков Анатолий , Rudakov Anatoliy , Задорожная Ирина , Zadorozhnaya Irina , Черкасова Татьяна , Cherkasova Tat'yana , Макиевская Наталья , Makievskaya Natal'ya
Published: November 2017

Monograph "Public enterprises and non-profit organizations: activity and support" contains information on the multi-year international and domestic experience researching and solving problems of the nonprofit sector.
The impact of a rapid access clinic on COPD hospital admissions
Authors: Flood-Page Patrick
Published: November 2017

We reported recently the impact on hospital admissions of different models of community-based chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care across Gwent, South Wales. Based on the lessons from this work we changed the Gwent Chronic Respiratory Disease Service (CRDS) to provide COPD care integrated across primary, secondary and intermediate care boundaries. This study explores the impact of the introduction of a consultant-led rapid access outpatient service into the CRDS. When compared to all-Wales data we showed a significant reduction in COPD hospital admissions, readmission and length of hospital stay. The reduction was temporally associated with the date of service change and in Blaenau Gwent where no change took place there was no difference from All-Wales figures. This study data suggests that the introduction of a consultant-led rapid access clinic reduces hospital admissions for patients with COPD.
Impact on demand following the launch and closure of NHS walk-in centres
Authors: Dadswell Clare , Atkinson Deborah , Mullarkey Andrew
Published: November 2017

Walk-in-centres were established in 2000 to reduce demand on urgent and emergency care in the NHS. However, there is currently debate over whether walk-in centres are achieving this aim. This review examines the literature to identify the impact that walk-in centres have on other health services and to determine any potential effects of walk-in centre closures. The majority of current research has examined activity immediately following the opening of a walk-in centre, reporting non-significant reductions in attendances at other services. Instead, walk-in centres resulted in a high proportion of duplicate attendances. However, more recent research has produced some conflicting findings, stating that walk-in centres can result in up to a 20% reduction in emergency department attendances. These more recent findings indicate that walk-in centres may be more effective at diverting attendances once they are more well-established in the community. Given the limited research into the long-term effects of walk-in centres, the true extent of their impact is currently unknown. Further research is therefore required to quantify the long-term benefits of walk-in centres in order to enable evidence-based decisions on their future within the NHS.
Confusion over MSM
Authors: Williams Claire
Published: November 2017

Claire Williams, executive director of the British Equestrian Trade Association, explains how BETA successfully challenged the FEI's decision to include MSM in its list of prohibited substances
An assessment of leaf-litter and epigaeic ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) living in different landscapes of the Atlantic Forest Biome in the State of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Santos Roberta De Jesus , Koch Elmo Borges Azevedo , Leite Clarissa Machado Pinto , Porto Tiago Jordão , Delabie Jacques Hubert Charles
Published: November 2017

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest has a rich biodiversity increasingly threatened by human activities. Since the colonial period, the coast of the state of Bahia is among the most affected regions of Brazil by anthropic pressure. Bahia encloses Atlantic Forest remnants distributed in an area reaching 100-200 km along the east-west axis, by 1,000 km along the north-south axis, parallel to the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. We report hereafter the results of an intensive field survey of leaf litter and epigaeic ants realized in forest remnants of the Atlantic Forest landscapes within the original extension of the biome in 11 localities distributed along four degrees of latitude in the state of Bahia. In each site, 16 plots were collected using pitfall and eight using Winkler traps. We identified 391 ant species belonging to 71 genera and nine subfamilies. Among all species recorded, 21 were common to the whole 11 localities, while 98 species were recorded in a single locality. This study highlights the richness and diversity of epigaeic and leaf-litter ants living in the northern part of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, and is one of the most representative soil ants’ inventories ever done in this biome for a single state of Brazil.
Improved Detection of HER2 by a Quasi-Targeted Proteomics Approach Using Aptamer–Peptide Probe and Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhou Weixian , Xu Feifei , Li Danni , Chen Yun
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer is a particularly aggressive type of the disease. To date, much evidence has indicated that accurate HER2 status detection is crucial for prognosis and treatment strategy selection. Thus, bioanalytical techniques for early and accurate detection of HER2 have the potential to improve patient care. Currently, the widely used immunohistochemical staining normally has problems with reproducibility and lack of standardization, resulting in poor concordance between laboratories. Aptamers are a good alternative, but the extent of their use in quantitative analysis of HER2 is limited because of the lack of effective detection methods.

METHODS

We developed a quasi-targeted proteomics assay and converted the HER2 signal into the mass response of reporter peptide by a combination of aptamer–peptide probe and LC-MS/MS.

RESULTS

The selected aptamer–peptide probe consisted of aptamer HB5 and the substrate peptide GDKAVLGVDPFR that contained the reporter peptide AVLGVDPFR. After characterization of this newly synthesized probe (e.g., conjugation efficiency, stability, binding affinity, specificity, and digestion efficiency), probe binding and trypsin shaving conditions were optimized. The resulting limit of quantification for HER2 was 25 pmol/L. Then, the quasi-targeted proteomics assay was applied to determine the HER2 concentrations in the HER2-positive breast cancer cells BT474 and SK-BR-3, the HER2-negative breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, and 36 pairs of human breast primary tumors and adjacent normal tissue samples. The results were highly concordant with those obtained by immunohistochemistry with reflex testing by fluorescent in situ hybridization.

CONCLUSIONS

Quasi-targeted proteomics can be a quantitative alternative for HER2 detection.
What is Design for Meaning?
Authors: Giacomin Joseph
Published: November 2017

Considering the importance of meaning, it is perhaps surprising to note the frequent lack of clarity about the matter in the design literature and in design practice. Concepts such as value, ideology, meaning, function, ritual, myth and metaphor are often used interchangeably, with important consequences in terms of possible misunderstanding. A review of key concepts in the discussion of artefact meaning has been performed, and several considerations of relevance to commercially active designers have been identified. The reflections are summarized as a framework that provides a tool for identifying key questions that should be answered. As part of the process of defining the framework of design for meaning, the concept of ‘meaningfication’ was established. The potential usefulness of the proposed framework is noted in relation to recent developments in the areas of value creation, business and branding.
Daydreamer and Night Owl: Comparing Positive and Negative Outcome Cases in an Online, Clinician-Guided, Self-Help Intervention for Social Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Schulz Ava , Vincent Alessia , Berger Thomas
Published: November 2017

Internet-Based Cognitive-Behavior Treatment (ICBT) has garnered strong empirical support in the last decade. However, despite the growing body of evidence that web-based treatments work, there are still a considerable number of clients who do not benefit sufficiently from such interventions. Recently, research has started to focus on identifying factors that affect treatment outcome and adherence to Internet interventions. To explore the difference between clients who are successful versus unsuccessful in response to ICBT, this article presents two systematic case studies that describe the course of treatment of a positive-outcome client (named "Daydreamer") and a more negative outcome client (named "Night Owl") in clinician-guided ICBT for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). We present focal points of therapist communication, as well as the clients
Tadalafil, a long acting phosphodiesterase inhibitor, promotes bone marrow stem cell survival and their homing into ischemic myocardium for cardiac repair
Authors: Elmadbouh Ibrahim , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: November 2017

The aim was to evaluate the tadalafil‐mediated effects at molecular level on bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) survival and their homing into the infarcted hearts to promote cardiac repair and improve function. MSCs were pretreated in vitro with inhibitors of PKG, MAPK, FasL, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) (L‐NAME), CXCR4 (AMD3100), or miR‐21 inhibitors (+/−luciferase construction +/−Fas) prior to tadalafil treatment for 2 h. These MSCs were then subjected to H2O2 stress to assess their injury. Rats were subjected to acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and then followed by injection of saline or 1.5 x 106 MSCs‐treated ± tadalafil into infarcted and peri‐infarcted area. In another group, AMI was performed in 1‐month post‐myelo‐ablated rats and were injected intraperitoneally (IP) with tadalafil ± AMD3100 or L‐NAME for 5 days. Also, in another group, AMI mice were treated with IP ± tadalafil before intravenous injection with 111In‐oxine‐MSCs followed by CT/SPECT imaging to locate mobilized MSCs. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. MSCs and heart extracts were analyzed by molecular bioassays. Tadalafil‐treated MSCs had higher expression of cGMP, NOS, SDF‐1α, p‐VASP, p‐Erk1/2, p‐STAT3, p‐Akt, PKG1 and Bcl‐xl; expression of these molecules was reduced with PKG1, MAPK, NOS or FasL inhibitors. Tadalafil inhibited apoptosis through increased miR‐21 expression and improved cell survival by inhibiting Fas (restored by PKG1, MAPK or miR‐21 inhibitors). In vivo, heart function, grafted cell survival, MSCs mobilization and homing were improved in tadalafil‐treated AMI animals versus controls. Conclusions: Tadalafil prolonged MSCs survival via up‐regulation of miR‐21 dependent suppression of Fas, and increased MSCs mobilization and their homing into infarcted myocardium resulting in improved cardiac repair and function.
Turkey’s Ambitions to Emerge as a Regional Power: Example or Counter-Example for Potential Aspiring Competitors
Authors: Baltos Georgios C. , Vidakis Ioannis G. , Balodis Janis
Published: November 2017

This paper aims to provide a functional assessment of a country’s dynamics at a regional power level, through the development of a tool which shall examine the working hypothesis of a given country’s “candidacy” to emerge as a regional power. The power equation applied in order to have such an evaluation has been formulated in a visually enriched and prototype format, given that particularly the geopolitics activate systems of interactions dynamically changing into many dimensions. The scope also includes the criteria verifying the achievement of the regional powers’ objectives as well as the review of future relevant prospects through a SWOT (strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats) analysis in a specific spatial and temporal context. Contemporary Turkey shall be taken as an example of this application and, therefore, while enumerating the assessment criteria, it will be briefly examined whether Turkey meets the conditions under discussion. This country has been selected on the grounds that its intentions have been overtly declared and its efforts are underway. The study consequently emphasises on the policy implications of the dilemmatic question if the on-going Turkish regime transformation may be or keep being a pilot for other states’ progress in the heavily turmoiled Middle Eastern area.
Factors Relieving Perceived Living Difficulties in Patients with Depression
Authors: Hiroshima Mayo
Published: November 2017

Based on interviews with 6 patients with depression, factors relieving perceived living difficulties among them were extracted using qualitative induction analysis. The following factors were extracted: selfcognition control, existence of family and being able to self-disclose to family, hours of the day, healthcare services, doing something, peer support (existence of peers, getting information), understanding at the workplace (understanding, carefree attitude), and casual address by nurses. These results suggested nursing care tips to relieve perceived living difficulties in patients with depression.
Influence of Hemodialysis Treatment on Biochemical Markers of Bone Disease
Authors: Coric Aida , Resic Halima , Spasovski Goce , Lepara Orhan , Ajanovic Selma , Klapuh Nermina , Prohic Nejra , Beciragic Amela
Published: November 2017

Introduction. Bone disease is a chronic complication of chronic kidney disease and major clinical problem in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of our study was to assess the influence of treatment longevity on biochemical parameters of mineral and bone metabolism in HD patients, and to identify the most important parameters. Methods. The research was observational and retrospective, involved 70 patients, mean age 58.69±12.54, divided into groups in respect to the duration of dialysis treatment (Group I-5 years, Group II-5-10 years and Group III-over 10 years). Results. Serum phosphorus was increased, but the values tend to increase along with dialysis duration - (Group I: 1.93±0.45; Group II: 1.97±0.50; Group III: 2.01±0.37; p>0,05). Calcium values were also not significantly increased based on the duration of treatment [Group I: 2.3 (2.2-2.41); Group II: 2.46 (2.15-2.6), Group III: 2.35 (2.10-2.52)]. Dialysis and PTH correlated positively in the first group of patients (Rho=0.470, p=0.013). The values of calcium and alkaline phosphatase correlated positively in all patients (Rho=0.351, p=0.003). PTH was significantly higher in the second and third compared to the first group (p=0.009 and p=0.038, respectively), and there was no significant difference between the second and the third group. Interestingly, parathyroidectomized patients had higher PTH values compared to those without parathyroidectomy (557 vs. 359 pg/ml). Conclusion. The most reliable marker for clinical monitoring of bone disease in dialysis patients is PTH. The values of calcium and phosphorus are highly variable and not reliable parameters for bone disease follow-up.
Five Years of Renal Transplantations in Montenegro: Results and Challenges
Authors: Ratkovic Marina , Basic-Jukic Nikolina , Kastelan Zeljko , Radunovic Danilo , Prelevic Vladimir , Hudolin Tvrtko , Grkovic Marija , Stoic-Brezak Jasna , Kavaric Petar
Published: November 2017

First renal transplantation in Montenegro was performed on September 25th, 2012. Since then, 32 transplantations have been performed. Only one was from deceased donor, the remaining were from living donors. 40.4% of all patients with end-stage renal disease currently live with the functioning renal allograft (190 patients on dialysis, 129 transplanted patients). There are 32 patients on the waiting list. Further efforts will be focused on development of the deceased donor program and introduction of the AB0 incompatible renal transplantations.
The Issues of Real Estate Valuation in the Process of Privatization
Authors: Kalandadze Levan
Published: November 2017

The process of privatization in our country was characterized and unfortunately is still characterized by very important difficulties. The purpose of the research is to analyze the issues of real estate valuation in the process of privatization. In Georgia, the privatization process began after dissolution of the Soviet system. It should be noted that the process of privatization is of particular importance in terms of activation of investment activities in the country. In this regard, privatization can be considered one of the essential and most important incentives for attracting investments by the state. Currently, thousands of enterprises have already been privatized, but there are still quite many stateowned production facilities and property. Determination of the market value of the items of state-owned property is especially important when selling them at auctions or on competitive basis. In addition, one of the causes for incompetent privatization of the state-owned property at the early stage is disregard of the institute of appraisers of movable and immovable property, who did not participate in determining the market value of the property and in the privatization process. The information assessment, analysis, comparison and generalization, as well as systematic, quantitative, qualitative and logical generalization methods are used in the article.
Hardy’s inequality on Hardy–Morrey spaces
Authors: Ho Kwok-Pun
Published: November 2017

We generalize the Hardy inequality to Hardy–Morrey spaces.
Facile nitration of aromatic compounds using Bi(NO3)3·5H2O/MgSO4 under mechanochemical conditions
Authors: Guo Feng-Chao , Ji Min-Zun , Zhang Pu , Guo Zhi-Xin
Published: November 2017

Bi(NO3)3·5H2O/MgSO4 was developed as an efficient and green reagent for the nitration of aromatic compounds under mechanochemistry (or ball milling) condition. While aromatics with weak activating groups such as phenyl could be nitrated by this reagent with 100% conversion, aromatics with weak deactivating groups such as chloro- or bromo- could also be nitrated but with moderate conversion and regioselectivity with big para/ortho ratios. The in situ generated N2O4 or NO2 due to the decomposition of Bi(NO3)3·5H2O promoted by MgSO4 should be responsible for this mechanochemical nitration.
The ransom of mussels in the lagoon of Venice: when the louses become “black gold”
Authors: Vianello Rita
Published: November 2017

The article presented here is rooted in our doctoral research in Ethnology and Social History developed in the lagoon of Venice in 2010-2013. It is a research based on the methodology of ethnographic field research, in parallel with the bibliographic and archive research. The fieldwork was conducted between March 2010 and August 2012 with 21 informants, fishermen aged 20 to 90 years. In this article we analyze how the formation of a new food taste is a process that can be defined “cultural”. We can meet an example in the history of mussel-farming on the island of Pellestrina, an island of fishermen in the southern lagoon of Venice, where the exploitation of this mollusk as food and economic resource appears rather late in history. Our research enabled us to find some frequent allusions to the alleged toxicity of this mollusk, called in Venice peòcio, that is to say “louse”, and once considered inedible. What mechanisms have transformed today the mussels into an appreciated and great demanded food, into “traditional food”?
When “Germany” became the new “France”? Royal Dining at the Bavarian Court of Maximilian II and the Political Gastronomy of Johann Rottenhöfer in Transnational European Perspective, 1830–1870
Authors: Kreklau Claudia
Published: November 2017

While France defined European hâute cuisine (royal dining for the purpose of expressing rankdistinction) around 1800, by the mid-nineteenth century the French court failed to hold the best chefs of Europe. Other European courts were rising in power and asserting their absolutist ideals in the century of revolution and socio-political change using meals. Within this context, the culinary art of Johann Rottenhofer in service of Maximilian II of Bavaria synthesized Antonin Careme’s hâute cuisine and Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin’s “political gastronomy” to communicate peace, foster international bonds, and establish equality among sovereigns. The works of Levi-Strauss and Norbert Elias find resonance in these culinary practices, wherein monarchs were represented at the table in the form of food. Mid-nineteenth century European monarchs not only appreciated the cultural symbolism and the political significance of food, but actively exploited it as a form of communication. I rely on the typologies provided by Ken Albala and Sara Peterson to decode food meanings in the cookbooks written by royals’ chefs after retirement.