bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Gender on Start-up Capital: A Case of Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa
Authors: Derera Evelyn , Chitakunye Pepukayi , O’Neill Charles
Published: January 2014

In South Africa, women entrepreneurs do not enjoy the same opportunities as men in accessing start-up capital due to a number of discriminatory practices embedded in lending models. This study seeks to understand the gender-specific barriers to raising start-up capital, and adopts a mixed methods approach that includes semi-structured interviews with experts and a survey of women entrepreneurs. All participants were from the small business sector in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The findings revealed the gendered nature of start-up capital for women entrepreneurs in South Africa, and the difficulty women face in venturing into non-traditional industries. The findings build on previous research by focusing on the intersection between women’s contribution to the economy and their production activities in the informal and domestic context. This study calls for the activities of women entrepreneurs in these sectors of the economy to be recognised within lending models, and as constituting a valuable area of economic growth.
Book Review: Theory Building for Hypothesis Specification in Organizational Studies
Authors: Misra Shalini
Published: January 2014

Badrinaryan Shankar Pawar, Theory Building for Hypothesis Specification in Organizational Studies, New Delhi: Response Books, 2010, 133 pp.
Empowerment and Experiential Education
Authors: Shellman Amy
Published: January 2014

Experiential settings hold great potential for empowering participants. Beginning with an overview of how empowerment has been defined and conceptualized in the literature, this article examines the construct of empowerment in experiential education settings as a process and an outcome. A summary of how empowerment has been applied and measured in experiential settings is described through a review of the research in this area. This article concludes with recommendations and implications for researchers and practitioners in the field of experiential education who seek to understand ways in which programs can facilitate and foster the development of empowerment.
Incidence of Transmitted Antiretroviral Drug Resistance in Treatment-Naive HIV-1-Infected Persons in a Large South Central United States Clinic
Authors: Kleyn Thomas J. , Liedtke Michelle D. , Harrison Donald L. , Lockhart Staci M. , Salvaggio Michelle R. , Ripley Toni L. , Rathbun R. Chris
Published: January 2014

Background: Transmitted drug resistance (TDR) can limit effective treatment options to antiretroviral-naive HIV-infected persons and increase the risk of treatment failure. Limited estimates of TDR have been reported from the South Central United States. Objective: To describe the incidence of TDR in Oklahoma and to examine whether TDR rates have increased with time. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of antiretroviral-naive patients at the Infectious Diseases Institute, a large infectious diseases clinic in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, who had received baseline antiretroviral resistance testing. Mutations were screened using the 2011 International Antiviral Society-USA Drug Resistance Mutation (DRM) update, and categorized using the 2009 World Health Organization (WHO) Surveillance Drug Resistance Mutation (SDRM) list. Results: Genotypic sequences from 428 patients revealed a 6.0% to 13.6% incidence of SDRMs between 2007 and 2011, though no progression in the frequency was apparent during the study period. Primary DRMs were detected in 12.6% of the sampled patients, most commonly involving nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs; 8.2%), followed by protease inhibitors (PIs; 3.5%) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs; 3.3%). The K103N/S and E138A reverse transcriptase mutations were the most common DRMs identified, both present in 3.5% of patients. The L90M mutation was the most frequently observed PI SDRM (1.6%), while the T215C/D/I mutation was the most common NRTI SDRM identified (1.9%). This study was limited by the fact that the WHO SDRM list was last updated in 2009. Conclusions: The frequency of DRMs in central and western Oklahoma is similar to recently reported rates in the United States which lack data from this region. However, the frequency of second-generation NNRTI DRMs (4.4%) suggests the need to closely monitor epidemiologic trends for increasing resistance rates to individual classes of ARVs in order to predict the impact of TDR on therapeutic options.
Fondaparinux as Alternative Anticoagulant to Warfarin or Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin for Recurrent Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Thachil Jecko
Published: January 2014

Objective: Recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs in some patients despite treatment with the standard drugs, warfarin and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). Fondaparinux is currently licensed by the Food and Drug Administration for the prophylaxis of deep-vein thrombosis in patients undergoing orthopedic or abdominal surgery and also in the treatment of VTE. Well-documented use of this agent beyond these indications and for prolonged periods is currently limited. Case Summary: Two cases of “refractory” VTE, managed effectively with long-term fondaparinux are described. In the first case, a 43-year-old man developed recurrent thrombosis while receiving warfarin at a higher target international normalized ratio (INR) of 3 to 4. In the second case, a 45-year-old man developed recurrent thrombosis on once-daily dalteparin. Both the patients were successfully managed with fondaparinux for 36 months and 14 months, respectively, with no sign of recurrent thrombosis or adverse effects. Discussion: In patients with recurrent VTE, fondaparinux is effective as daily injections as much as twice-daily LMWH or warfarin maintained on higher therapeutic-range INRs. Although the exact mechanism for this effectiveness is not yet understood, it provides a useful alternative to the standard therapies. In addition, the side effect profile is also favorable for fondaparinux, in that it causes less thrombocytopenia and skin reactions in comparison with heparins. Conclusion: Daily fondaparinux injections may be an effective antithrombotic agent in patients who develop recurrent VTE on anticoagulation with warfarin or LMWH.
Systemic Preexposure Prophylaxis for HIV
Authors: Li Julius , Dufrene Staci L. , Okulicz Jason F.
Published: January 2014

Objective: To assess the real-world implications of oral tenofovir–emtricitabine (TDF-FTC) for HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in clinical practice and highlight important considerations for its implementation. Data Sources: A search of PubMed (January 1996 through June 2013) was conducted using the terms HIV preexposure prophylaxis, HIV prevention, tenofovir, and emtricitabine. Abstracts from 2012-2013 HIV/AIDS conferences were also reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All pertinent original studies and review articles published in English were evaluated for inclusion. Reference citations from identified articles were examined for additional content. Data Synthesis: Although antiretroviral therapy has been highly successful in reducing AIDS outcomes and death in HIV-infected patients worldwide, transmission of HIV remains a major global health problem. The recent approval of oral TDF-FTC for HIV PrEP represents the latest biomedical intervention to help control this epidemic. Four published randomized studies evaluated the efficacy and safety of this combination to prevent HIV transmission in several at-risk populations, including men who have sex with men, serodiscordant couples, and heterosexuals residing in endemic regions. Overall, these studies demonstrated significant risk reductions in the incidence of new HIV infections with good short-term tolerability. Despite promising results from clinical studies, several limitations may hinder the utility of PrEP in clinical practice. Most importantly, PrEP was studied in the context of a comprehensive prevention program, including intensive counseling on adherence, high-risk behaviors, and traditional preventative measures. If PrEP is implemented without these adjunct measures, concerns about failure and increased resistance may eventually be realized. Conclusion: The greatest impact of PrEP, both clinically and financially, will likely arise from judicious application in select high-risk populations. If used appropriately, PrEP has the potential to augment reductions in the current incidence of new HIV infections, and pharmacists will have an important role in the careful selection and counseling of these targeted populations.
Experiment of new laboratory prototyped magneto-rheological dampers on a light commercial vehicle using neuro-fuzzy algorithm
Authors: Zareh Seiyed Hamid , Matbou Farshad , Khayyat Amir Ali Akbar
Published: January 2014

Magneto-rheological (MR) fluids consist of magnetic particles in carrying fluid. One of the drawbacks in using MR dampers in laboratory work is their price. At present, there is a compelling need for the production of the laboratory scale of MR fluids to lower their production cost. In this study, to show that the MR fluid is an applicable prototyped laboratory scale of single ended and mono-tube, MR dampers with a prototyped MR fluid are presented. The main features of produced MR fluid and dampers are simplifying in constructing and their low cost. These dampers are useful for laboratory research work. To illustrate the validity of the MR fluids, using this fluid, four MR dampers are made and based on the neuro-fuzzy (NF) algorithm are experimentally tested on a light commercial vehicle. The results of the experiment are analyzed for passengers comfort during driving. In this paper, the NF strategy is trained according to simulation results. The results that are obtained from the experiment are good and acceptable. The results have shown that the new prototyped MR dampers are implementable on actual cars for research studies with a low price.
Active noise control using adaptive POLYnominal Gaussian WinOwed wavelet networks
Authors: Akraminia M , Mahjoob MJ , Tatari M
Published: January 2014

The capabilities of wavelet networks in function approximation make them appealing for black box system identification. In this paper, a new active noise control (ANC) algorithm is developed based on adaptive wavelet networks. The proposed adaptive nonlinear noise control approach employs frames from POLYnominal WinOwed with Gaussian wavelets. Also, a novel network structure for active noise control is derived incorporating a nonlinear static mapping cascaded with an infinite impulse response filter to model the dynamic part of the network. Online dynamic backpropagation learning algorithms based on gradient descent method are applied to adjust the network parameters. Local convergence of the closed-loop system is proved using discrete Lyapunov function.The performance of the proposed ANC system is examined for typical linear/nonlinear cases. The simulation results demonstrate superior performance of this method in terms of stability, fast convergence rate and noise attenuation while avoiding curse of dimensionality.
Foucault and Research Ethics
Authors: Hammersley Martyn , Traianou Anna
Published: January 2014

This article uses the later writings of Foucault as a means of reflecting on research ethics, and in particular on the notion of researcher autonomy. It is suggested that such autonomy is a precondition for ethical practice, and also for sound research, and it is noted that it is under threat today, not least from creeping ethical regulation. Foucault’s philosophical position is outlined, noting the shift that took place in his later writings. There have been only a few attempts to use his ideas in thinking about research ethics, but we examine how they have been applied in relation to the ethics of anthropology. This is followed by a discussion of some widely recognized, and quite serious, problems with Foucault’s position. Finally, a number of positive and negative lessons that can be learned from his work are presented.
Eating quality and health-promoting properties of two sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars stored in passive modified atmosphere
Authors: Lara Isabel , Camats Josep A , Comabella Eva , Ortiz Abel
Published: January 2014

Two sweet cherry cultivars (‘New Star’ and ‘Sweet Heart’) were chosen to explore the impact of passive modified atmosphere packaging on the eating quality and health-promoting properties of fruit. Packaged and unpackaged fruits were stored at 0 ℃ for 15 or 30 days, followed by zero or three days at 20 ℃, after which the analyses were undertaken. In most cases, modified atmosphere packaging helped preserving higher firmness values and reducing the incidence of alterations and decay in both cultivars, but the effects on other physicochemical attributes were different for each cultivar. Partial least squares regression procedures were used to reveal relationships among the different variables assessed. Generally, fruits displaying higher antioxidant capacity were also characterised by higher values for firmness and titratable acidity, in turn related to better acceptability scores in both cultivars. However, the attributes contributing most to acceptability were different in each case. In ‘New Star’ fruit, acceptability was closely related to the perception of cherry flavour. In this cultivar, acetaldehyde content was related to the perception of off-flavours, while ethanol content was found to associate to soluble solids and to the perception of sweetness. In contrast, acceptability of ‘Sweet Heart’ fruit was related mainly to the perception of firmness and, to a lower extent, of sweetness.
The slow food movement and time shortage: Beyond the dichotomy of fast or slow
Authors: Hsu Eric L.
Published: January 2014

Within contemporary social thought, the slow food movement is commonly construed as a growing, organized protest against the development of high-speed lifestyles. The primary aim of this article is to query the limits of such an interpretation. To highlight aspects of the slow food movement that may not be as incongruous to a high-speed society as commonly thought, I explore how the slow food movement relates to the phenomenon of time shortage. I undertake a discourse analysis of slow food texts in the English language to reveal that the aims and activities of the slow food movement may not wholly address the three sources of feeling ‘hurried’, as set out by Southerton and Tomlinson. I find that a more sophisticated analysis of the slow food movement emerges if we avoid thinking of fast and slow in dichotomous terms.
A turning point for planning theory? Overcoming dividing discourses
Authors: Innes Judith E , Booher David E
Published: January 2014

After communicative planning theory emerged in the 1980s, challenging assumptions and prevailing theories of planning, debates ensued among planning theorists that led to apparently opposing groups with little space for mutual learning. The most difficult obstacle is that critiques of communicative planning theory framed several dichotomies making different perspectives appear incompatible. This article seeks to advance the dialogue of planning theory perspectives by acknowledging the key tensions embedded in this framing, but arguing that they can be viewed as reflecting contradictions to be embraced as an opportunity for a more robust planning theory. Drawing on Manuel Castells’ theory of communication power, the article explores four of these contradictions and shows how in each case embracing the contradictions as aspects of our complex world can lead to insights and a richer planning theory. The article concludes with suggestions for improved dialogue among theorists and identifies research that can advance our understanding of communication power.
Risk and Protective Factors for Sexual Aggression and Dating Violence
Authors: Thompson Martie P.
Published: January 2014

The primary aims of this article are to expand on three themes from the conference articles on risk and protective factors for dating and sexual violence and to offer suggestions that can guide future research. The first theme is the co-occurrence of sexual and dating violence with other forms of violence and other campus health issues. A second topic is the value of prospective studies in revealing temporal patterns of victimization and perpetration. A third theme is the role of peer norms in violence among college students. Suggestions for translating these ideas into research and action are discussed and include the need for comprehensive prevention approaches, more longitudinal research spanning the years before, during, and after college, and the application of social media technology in our interventions strategies.
Effect of Heparin-Derived Oligosaccharide on bFGFR1 and bFGFR2 in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Yu Danfeng , Rui Xue , He Shuying
Published: January 2014

Our purpose is to investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanisms of heparin-derived oligosaccharide (HDO) on proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Proliferation of VSMCs was measured by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide; cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry; bFGF receptor 1 and receptor 2 (bFGFR1 and bFGFR2) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels were determined by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction; and its protein expression levels were detected by Western blotting and immunocytochemical methods. Results showed that HDO inhibited VSMC proliferation in a dose-dependent manner; HDO inhibited cells in G1 phase entering the S phase; HDO inhibited bFGFR1 and bFGFR2 mRNA expression levels. In addition, bFGFR1 and bFGFR2 protein expression levels were significantly inhibited by HDO dose dependently. These results imply that HDO can inhibit VSMC proliferation. The proliferation of bFGF-induced VSMCs by HDO is associated with the inhibition of bFGFR1 and bFGFR2 expression levels. This altered molecular signature may explain one mechanism of HDO-mediated inhibition of VSMC proliferation.
The Psychophysical Connection Between Exercise, Hunger, and Energy Intake
Authors: Wuorinen Elizabeth C.
Published: January 2014

Exercise is vitally important in the prevention of weight gain or maintaining weight status, as well as weight loss. High-intensity exercise causes a short-term suppression of hunger of approximately 15 to 60 minutes. Although there is evidence for compensatory food consumption, it usually does not make up for the energy deficit created by exercise. The exception occurs when individuals consume or reward themselves with energy-dense foods or drink. Because people tend to eat the same volume of food each day, on days when they exercise, they will remain in an energy deficit. However, on sedentary days, a positive energy balance is likely if caloric restriction is not imposed, which could result in weight gain. Caloric restriction alone leads to loss of lean body mass, while the inclusion of exercise with an energy deficit helps conserve lean tissue. There are a myriad physiological factors such as the concentration of hormones (GLP-1, PYY3-36, leptin, and ghrelin) and metabolites (free fatty acids and glucose) that either stimulate or inhibit signals for hunger and/or energy intake, but the effect of exercise on these circulating factors is complex and not completely understood.
Antipyretic Activity of Decoction of Joshanda and Its Saponin and Sterol Contents
Authors: Khan Haroon , Khan Murad Ali , Khan Ajmal , Tariq Shafiq Ahmad , Pervez Samreen
Published: January 2014

Joshanda is a polyherbal product that is commonly used in the treatment of cold and flu usually accompanied by fever. The present study was designed to scrutinize the antipyretic activity of a decoction of Joshanda and its total saponin and sterol contents in brewer’s yeast induced febrile mice. The results revealed marked attenuation of induced pyrexia by the decoction and its saponin contents during various assessment times (1-5 hours) in a dose-dependent manner, which were not supported by sterol contents. The maximum antihyperthermic effect of the decoction and saponin contents were 75.38% and 81.32%, respectively, at 300 mg/kg i.p. This findings suggested that Joshanda extracts strongly ameliorated induced pyrexia and thus validated it as a useful household remedy for cold and flu accompanied by fever.
Teacher Effectiveness in Adapting Instruction to the Needs of Pupils With Learning Difficulties in Regular Primary Schools in Ghana
Authors: Alhassan Abdul-Razak Kuyini , Abosi Okey Chigorom
Published: January 2014

Ghana education system has failed to effectively address the needs of pupils with learning difficulties (LDs) in regular classrooms. Underachievement, school dropout, streetism, and antisocial behaviors are the consequences. Teachers’ lack of adequate competence in adaptive instruction is one of the fundamental reasons responsible for this anomaly. This study aims to examine teachers’ competence in adapting instructions to teach pupils with LDs in the regular classroom in Ghana. The data were gathered from 387 sampled teachers in a cross-sectional survey using questionnaires and structured observation methods. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistic, chi-square test, correlation, t test, and ANOVA. The results show that (a) teachers have limited to moderate competence in adaptive instruction, (b) adaptive teaching is strongly associated with teachers’ competence in teaching pupils with LDs in the regular classroom, and (c) apart from gender and class size, teachers’ background variables such as school location and teaching experience differ significantly. The study has serious implications for Ghana’s inclusive education policy and teaching practice.
Reported Accommodations and Supports Provided to Secondary and Postsecondary Students With Disabilities
Authors: Newman Lynn A. , Madaus Joseph W.
Published: January 2014

There is a dearth of information on specific accommodations used by students with disabilities at the secondary and postsecondary levels. Using data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2, researchers examined a nationally representative cohort of 3,190 students with disabilities who reported that they had ever enrolled in a postsecondary program since leaving high school. Analysis of differences in rates of self-disclosure indicated that only 35% of youth with disabilities informed their college of their disability. Whereas 95% received disability-based accommodations at the secondary level, only 23% did so at the postsecondary level. Likewise, 59% received at least one modification at the secondary level but only 4% did in college. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
A comprehensive look at transcription factor gene expression changes in colorectal adenomas
Authors: Vonlanthen Janine , Okoniewski Michal J , Menigatti Mirco , Cattaneo Elisa , Pellegrini-Ochsner Daniela , Haider Ritva , Jiricny Josef , Staiano Teresa , Buffoli Federico , Marra Giancarlo
Published: January 2014

Background

Biological processes are controlled by transcription networks. Expression changes of transcription factor (TF) genes in precancerous lesions are therefore crucial events in tumorigenesis. Our aim was to obtain a comprehensive picture of these changes in colorectal adenomas.

Methods

Using a 3-pronged selection procedure, we analyzed transcriptomic data on 34 human tissue samples (17 adenomas and paired samples of normal mucosa, all collected with ethics committee approval and written, informed patient consent) to identify TFs with highly significant tumor-associated gene expression changes whose potential roles in colorectal tumorigenesis have been under-researched. Microarray data were subjected to stringent statistical analysis of TF expression in tumor vs. normal tissues, MetaCore-mediated identification of TF networks displaying enrichment for genes that were differentially expressed in tumors, and a novel quantitative analysis of the publications examining the TF genes’ roles in colorectal tumorigenesis.

Results

The 261 TF genes identified with this procedure includedDACH1,which plays essential roles in the proper proliferation and differentiation of retinal and leg precursor cell populations inDrosophila melanogaster.Its possible roles in colorectal tumorigenesis are completely unknown, but it was found to be markedly overexpressed (mRNA and protein) in all colorectal adenomas and in most colorectal carcinomas. However, DACH1 expression was absent in some carcinomas, most of which were DNA mismatch-repair deficient. When networks were built using the set of TF genes identified by all three selection procedures, as well as the entire set of transcriptomic changes in adenomas, five hub genes (TGFB1,BIRC5, MYB,NR3C1, andTERT) where identified as putatively crucial components of the adenomatous transformation process.

Conclusion

The transcription-regulating network of colorectal adenomas (compared with that of normal colorectal mucosa) is characterized by significantly altered expression of over 250 TF genes, many of which have never been investigated in relation to colorectal tumorigenesis.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Cellular immunotherapy using irradiated lung cancer cell vaccine co-expressing GM-CSF and IL-18 can induce significant antitumor effects
Authors: Tian Hongwei , Shi Gang , Yang Guoyou , Zhang Junfeng , Li Yiming , Du Tao , Wang Jianzhou , Xu Fen , Cheng Lin , Zhang Xiaomei , Dai Lei , Chen Xiaolei , Zhang Shuang , Yang Yang , Yu Dechao , Wei Yuquan , Deng Hongxin
Published: January 2014

Background

Although the whole tumor cell vaccine can provide the best source of immunizing antigens, there is still a limitation that most tumors are not naturally immunogenic. Tumor cells genetically modified to secrete immune activating cytokines have been proved to be more immunogenic. IL-18 could augment proliferation of T cells and cytotoxicity of NK cells. GM-CSF could stimulate dendritic cells, macrophages and enhance presentation of tumor antigens. In our study, we used mouse GM-CSF combined with IL-18 to modify Lewis lung cancer LL/2, then investigated whether vaccination could suppress tumor growth and promote survival.

Methods

The Lewis lung cancer LL/2 was transfected with co-expressing mouse GM-CSF and IL-18 plasmid by cationic liposome, then irradiated with a sublethal dose X ray (100 Gy) to prepare vaccines. Mice were subcutaneously immunized with this inactivated vaccine and then inoculated with autologous LL/2 to estimate the antitumor efficacy.

Results

The studies reported here showed that LL/2 tumor cell vaccine modified by a co-expressing mouse GM-CSF and IL-18 plasmid could significantly inhibit tumor growth and increased survival of the mice bearing LL/2 tumor whether prophylactic or adoptive immunotherapy in vivo. A significant reduction of proliferation and increase of apoptosis were also observed in the tumor treated with vaccine of co-expressing GM-CSF and IL-18. The potent antitumor effect correlated with higher secretion levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-18, GM-CSF, interferon-γ in serum, the proliferation of CD4+ IFN-γ+, CD8+ IFN-γ+ T lymphocytes in spleen and the infiltration of CD4+, CD8+ T in tumor. Furthermore, the mechanism of tumor-specific immune response was further proved by 51Cr cytotoxicity assay in vitro and depletion of CD4, CD8, NK immune cell subsets in vivo. The results suggested that the antitumor mechanism was mainly depended on CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocytes.

Conclusions

These results provide a new insight into therapeutic mechanisms of IL-18 plus GM-CSF modified tumor cell vaccine and provide a potential clinical cancer immunotherapeutic agent for improved antitumor immunity.
The impact of workplace factors on filing of workers’ compensation claims among nursing home workers
Authors: Qin Jin , Kurowski Alicia , Gore Rebecca , Punnett Laura
Published: January 2014

Background

Injuries reported to workers’ compensation (WC) system are often used to estimate incidence of health outcomes and evaluate interventions in musculoskeletal epidemiology studies. However, WC claims represent a relatively small subset of all musculoskeletal disorders among employed individuals, and perhaps not a representative subset. This study determined the influence of workplace and individual factors on filing of workers’ compensation claims by nursing home employees with back pain.

Methods

Surveys were conducted in 18 skilled nursing facilities in four U.S. states. Self-administered questionnaires obtained information on demographic characteristics, working environment, and health behaviors/status. Employees who reported low back pain at least once in four questionnaire surveys were included. WC claims from the same facilities were obtained from the employer’s workers compensation insurer and matched by employee name. The dichotomous dependent variable was filing of back-related worker’s compensation claim. Association with predictors of interest, including pain severity, physical job demand, job strain, social support, schedule control, and safety climate, was assessed using multivariate regression modeling. Individual characteristics were tested as potential confounders.

Results

Pain severity level was significantly associated with filing low-back related claims (odds ratio (OR) = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.18 – 1.87). Higher physical demands at work (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01 – 1.14) also increased the likelihood of claim filing. Higher job strain (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.73 – 0.94), social support at work (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.82 – 0.99), and education (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.71 – 0.89) decreased the likelihood of claim filing.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the WC system captured the most severe occupational injuries. Workplace factors had additional influence on workers’ decision to file claims, after adjusting for low back pain severity. Education was correlated with worker’s socioeconomic status; its influence on claim filing is difficult to interpret because of the possible mixed effects of working conditions, self-efficacy, and content knowledge.
Genetic structure of Plasmodium vivax using the merozoite surface protein 1 icb5-6 fragment reveals new hybrid haplotypes in southern Mexico
Authors: Cerritos René , González-Cerón Lilia , Nettel José A , Wegier Ana
Published: January 2014

Background

Plasmodium vivaxis a protozoan parasite with an extensive worldwide distribution, being highly prevalent in Asia as well as in Mesoamerica and South America. In southern Mexico,P. vivaxtransmission has been endemic and recent studies suggest that these parasites have unique biological and genetic features. Themsp1gene has shown high rate of nucleotide substitutions, deletions, insertions, and its mosaic structure reveals frequent events of recombination, maybe between highly divergent parasite isolates.

Methods

The nucleotide sequence variation in the polymorphic icb5-6 fragment of themsp1gene of Mexican and worldwide isolates was analysed. To understand how genotype diversity arises, disperses and persists in Mexico, the genetic structure and genealogical relationships of local isolates were examined. To identify new sequence hybrids and their evolutionary relationships with otherP. vivaxisolates circulating worldwide two haplotype networks were constructed questioning that two portions of the icb5-6 have different evolutionary history.

Results

Twelve newmsp1icb5-6 haplotypes ofP. vivaxfrom Mexico were identified. These nucleotide sequences show mosaic structure comprising three partially conserved and two variable subfragments and resulted into five different sequence types. The variable subfragment sV1 has undergone recombination events and resulted in hybrid sequences and the haplotype network allocated the Mexican haplotypes to three lineages, corresponding to the Sal I and Belem types, and other more divergent group. In contrast, the network from icb5-6 fragment but not sV1 revealed that the Mexican haplotypes belong to two separate lineages, none of which are closely related to Sal I or Belem sequences.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the new hybrid haplotypes from southern Mexico were the result of at least three different recombination events. These rearrangements likely resulted from the recombination between haplotypes of highly divergent lineages that are frequently distributed in South America and Asia and diversified rapidly.
Cultural barriers to effective communication between Indigenous communities and health care providers in Northern Argentina: an anthropological contribution to Chagas disease prevention and control
Authors: Dell’Arciprete Ana , Braunstein José , Touris Cecilia , Dinardi Graciela , Llovet Ignacio , Sosa-Estani Sergio
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Ninety percent of the aboriginal communities of Argentina are located in areas of endemic vectorial transmission of Chagas disease. Control activities in these communities have not been effective. The goal of this research was to explore the role played by beliefs, habits, and practices of Pilaga and Wichi indigenous communities in their interaction with the local health system in the province of Formosa. This article contributes to the understanding of the cultural barriers that affect the communication process between indigenous peoples and their health care providers.

Methods

Twenty-nine open ended interviews were carried out with members of four indigenous communities (Pilaga and Wichi) located in central Formosa. These interviews were used to describe and compare these communities’ approach to health and disease as they pertain to Chagas as well as their perceptions of Western medicine and its incarnation in local health practice.

Results

Five key findings are presented: 1) members of these communities tend to see disease as caused by other people or by the person’s violation of taboos instead of as a biological process; 2) while the Pilaga are more inclined to accept Western medicine, the Wichi often favour the indigenous approach to health care over the Western approach; 3) members of these communities do not associate the vector with the transmission of the disease and they have little awareness of the need for vector control activities; 4) indigenous individuals who undergo diagnostic tests and accept treatment often do so without full information and knowledge; 5) the clinical encounter is rife with conflict between the expectations of health care providers and those of members of these communities.

Conclusion

Our analysis suggests that there is a need to consider the role of the cultural patterning of health and disease when developing interventions to prevent and control Chagas disease among indigenous communities in Northern Argentina. This is especially important when communicating with these communities about prevention and control. These research findings might also be of value to national and provincial agencies in charge of decreasing the rates of Chagas disease among indigenous populations.
Impaired Neuropathic Pain and Preserved Acute Pain in Rats Overexpressing Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Subunit Kv1.2 in Primary Afferent Neurons
Authors: Fan Longchang , Guan Xiaowei , Wang Wei , Zhao Jian-Yuan , Zhang Hongkang , Tiwari Vinod , Hoffman Paul N , Li Min , Tao Yuan-Xiang
Published: January 2014

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels are critical in controlling neuronal excitability and are involved in the induction of neuropathic pain. Therefore, Kv channels might be potential targets for prevention and/or treatment of this disorder. We reported here that a majority of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were positive for Kv channel alpha subunit Kv1.2. Most of them were large and medium, although there was a variety of sizes. Peripheral nerve injury caused by lumbar (L)5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) produced a time-dependent reduction in the number of Kv1.2-positive neurons in the ipsilateral L5 DRG, but not in the contralateral L5 DRG. Such reduction was also observed in the ipsilateral L5 DRG on day 7 after sciatic nerve axotomy. Rescuing nerve injury-induced reduction of Kv1.2 in the injured L5 DRG attenuated the development and maintenance of SNL-induced pain hypersensitivity without affecting acute pain and locomotor function. This effect might be attributed to the prevention of SNL-induced upregulation of endogenous Kv1.2 antisense RNA, in addition to the increase in Kv1.2 protein expression, in the injured DRG. Our findings suggest that Kv1.2 may be a novel potential target for preventing and/or treating neuropathic pain.
Chemical characterization by GC-MS and in vitro activity against Candida albicans of volatile fractions prepared from Artemisia dracunculus, Artemisia abrotanum, Artemisia absinthium and Artemisia vulgaris
Authors: Obistioiu Diana , Cristina Romeo T , Schmerold Ivo , Chizzola Remigius , Stolze Klaus , Nichita Ileana , Chiurciu Viorica
Published: January 2014

Background

A large number of essential oils is reported to have significant activity againstCandida albicans. But the different chemical composition influences the degree of their activity. The intention of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and the activity againstCandida albicansof volatile oils obtained fromArtemisia dracunculus,A. abrotanum,A. absinthiumandA. vulgaris(Asteraceae). The aim of the study was to identify new chemical compounds that have effect againstC. albicans.

The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation or extraction with dichloromethane (a new procedure we developed trying to obtain better, more separated compounds) from air dried above ground plant material and analyzed by GC-MS. Additionally commercial essential oils from the same species were tested. TheCandida albicansinhibition studies were carried out by the paper disc diffusion method.

Results

The essential oils shared common components but presented differences in composition and showed variable antifungal activity. Davanone and derivatives thereof, compounds with silphiperfolane skeleton, estragole, davanone oil, β-thujone, sabinyl acetate, herniarin, cis-chrysanthenyl acetate, 1,8-cineol, and terpineol were the main components ofArtemisiavolatiles.

Conclusions

Among the volatile fractions tested those fromA. abrotanumcontaining davanone or silphiperfolane derivatives showed the highest antifungal activity. Thein vitrotests revealed that theArtemisiaoils are promising candidates for further research to develop novel anti-candida drugs.
Association of methylenetetrahytrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C polymorphisms with the susceptibility of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in Chinese population
Authors: Li Xiaolei , Liao Qingchuan , Zhang Shunguo , Chen Minling
Published: January 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the polymorphisms of the methylenetetrahytrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and susceptibility to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Methods

A case–control study was conducted among 98 children with ALL and 93 age- and sex- matched non-ALL controls. Genotyping of MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The odds ratios (ORs) of MTHFR genotypes were used to assess the associations of these polymorphisms with childhood ALL susceptibility.

Results

No significant differences were observed for frequencies of the 677CC, 677CT and 677TT genotypes between patients and controls. Frequencies of the 1298AA, 1298 AC and 1298CC genotypes between the two groups were significantly different. The risk of ALL with the 1298C allele carriers (AC + CC) was elevated by 1.1 times compared with the AA genotype [OR = 2.100; 95% CI (1.149; 3.837); P = 0.015].

Conclusions

The MTHFR A1298C polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to childhood ALL in the Chinese population.
The study of Nickel Resistant Bacteria (NiRB) isolated from wastewaters polluted with different industrial sources
Authors: Alboghobeish Hoda , Tahmourespour Arezoo , Doudi Monir
Published: January 2014

Background

Pollution due to the heavy metals is a problem that may have negative consequences on the hydrosphere. One of the best procedures in removing the toxic metals from the environment is using metal resistant bacteria.

Results

In the present study eight nickel resistant bacteria were isolated from industrial wastewaters. Three of them were selected as the most resistant based on their Maximum tolerable concentration (8, 16 and 24 mM Ni2+). Their identification was done according to morphological, biochemical characteristics and 16SrDNA gene sequencing and they were identified as Cupriavidus sp ATHA3, Klebsiella oxytoca ATHA6 and Methylobacterium sp ATHA7. The accession numbers assigned to ATHA3, ATHA6 and ATHA7 strains are JX120152, JX196648 and JX457333 respectively. The Growth rate of the most resistant isolate, Klebsiella oxytoca strain ATHA6, in the presence of Ni2+ and the reduction in Ni2+ concentration was revealed that K oxytoca ATHA6 could decrease 83 mg/mL of nickel from the medium after 3 days.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that the identified Ni resistant bacteria could be valuable for the bioremediation of Ni polluted waste water and sewage.
Migration and aspirations – are migrants trapped on a hedonic treadmill?
Authors: Czaika Mathias , Vothknecht Marc
Published: January 2014

Based on longitudinal information from two waves of the Indonesian Family and LifeSurvey (IFLS) in 2000 and 2007, we find evidence that migrants are self-selectedalong higher individual aspirations acquired (or, inherited) beforemigration. About 70 per cent of aspiration differentials can be explained by factorssuch as young age, good education, or superior socio-economic background, while theresidual seems to be linked to an individual pre-disposition for higher aspirations.However, despite the fact that migration is economically beneficial for mostmigrants, the migration experience itself seems to further increase economicaspirations, hereby trapping migrants on a ‘hedonic treadmill’.

JEL classification: D03; J61; R23
Membrane wrinkling revisited from a multi-scale point of view
Authors: Damil Noureddine , Potier-Ferry Michel , Hu Heng
Published: January 2014

Background

Membrane modeling in the presence of wrinkling is revisited from a multi-scale point of view. In the engineering literature, wrinkling is generally accounted at a macroscopic level by nonlinear constitutive laws without compressive stiffness, but these models ignore the properties of wrinkles, such as their wavelength, their size and spatial distribution.

Methods

A new multi-scale approach is discussed that belongs to the family of Ginzburg- Landau bifurcation equations. By using the method of Fourier series with variable coefficients, several nonlinear macroscopic models are derived that couple the membrane response with equations governing the evolution of the wrinkles.

Results

Contrary to previous approaches, these macroscopic models are completely deduced from the “microscopic” shell model without any phenomenological assumptions. Some analytical and numerical solutions are discussed that prove the relevance of the presented modeling.

Conclusions

A new class of models has been established. It permits to predict the characteristics of the wrinkles and their influence on membrane behavior.
Notochordal cell disappearance and modes of apoptotic cell death in a rat tail static compression-induced disc degeneration model
Authors: Yurube Takashi , Hirata Hiroaki , Kakutani Kenichiro , Maeno Koichiro , Takada Toru , Zhang Zhongying , Takayama Koji , Matsushita Takehiko , Kuroda Ryosuke , Kurosaka Masahiro , Nishida Kotaro
Published: January 2014

Introduction

The intervertebral disc has a complex structure originating developmentally from both the mesenchyme and notochord. Notochordal cells disappear during adolescence, which is also when human discs begin to show degenerative signs. During degeneration later in life, disc cells decline because of apoptosis. Although many animal models have been developed to simulate human disc degeneration, few studies have explored the long-term changes in cell population and phenotype. Our objective was to elucidate the time-dependent notochordal cell disappearance and apoptotic cell death in a rat tail static compression-induced disc degeneration model.

Methods

Twenty-four 12-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rat tails were instrumented with an Ilizarov-type device and loaded statically at 1.3 MPa for up to 56 days. Loaded and distal-unloaded discs were harvested. Changes in cell number and phenotype were assessed with histomorphology and immunofluorescence. Apoptosis involvement was determined with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining and immunohistochemistry.

Results

The number of disc nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cells decreased with the loading period; particularly, the decrease was notable at day 7 in larger, vacuolated, cytokeratin-8- and galectin-3-co-positive cells, indicating notochordal origin. Subsequently, the proportion of cells positive for TUNEL and cleaved caspase-3, markers of apoptosis induction, increased from day 7 through day 56. Although the percentage of cells immunopositive for cleaved caspase-8, a marker of apoptosis initiation through the death-receptor pathway, increased only at day 7, the percentage of cells immunopositive for cleaved caspase-9 and p53-regulated apoptosis-inducing protein 1 (p53AIP1), markers of apoptosis initiation through the p53-mediated mitochondrial pathway, increased from day 7 through day 56. The percentage of cells immunopositive for B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1), antiapoptotic proteins, decreased consistently with compression.

Conclusions

This rat tail model mimics notochordal cell disappearance and apoptotic cell death in human disc aging and degeneration. Sustained static compression induces transient activation of apoptosis through the death-receptor pathway and persistent activation of apoptosis through the p53-mediated mitochondrial pathway in disc cells. The increased proapoptotic and decreased antiapoptotic proteins observed at all time points signify static compression-induced disc cell death and degeneration.
Effects of Neuron-Specific Estrogen Receptor (ER) α and ERβ Deletion on the Acute Estrogen Negative Feedback Mechanism in Adult Female Mice
Authors: Cheong Rachel Y. , Porteous Robert , Chambon Pierre , Ábrahám István , Herbison Allan E.
Published: January 2014

The negative feedback mechanism through which 17β-estradiol (E2) acts to suppress the activity of the GnRH neurons remains unclear. Using inducible and cell-specific genetic mouse models, we examined the estrogen receptor (ER) isoforms expressed by neurons that mediate acute estrogen negative feedback. Adult female mutant mice in which ERα was deleted from all neurons in the neonatal period failed to exhibit estrous cycles or negative feedback. Adult mutant female mice with neonatal neuronal ERβ deletion exhibited normal estrous cycles, but a failure of E2 to suppress LH secretion was seen in ovariectomized mice. Mutant mice with a GnRH neuron–selective deletion of ERβ exhibited normal cycles and negative feedback, suggesting no critical role for ERβ in GnRH neurons in acute negative feedback. To examine the adult roles of neurons expressing ERα, an inducible tamoxifen-based Cre-LoxP approach was used to ablate ERα from neurons that express calmodulin kinase IIα in adults. This resulted in mice with no estrous cycles, a normal increase in LH after ovariectomy, but an inability of E2 to suppress LH secretion. Finally, acute administration of ERα- and ERβ-selective agonists to adult ovariectomized wild-type mice revealed that activation of ERα suppressed LH secretion, whereas ERβ agonists had no effect. This study highlights the differences in adult reproductive phenotypes that result from neonatal vs adult ablation of ERα in the brain. Together, these experiments expand previous global knockout studies by demonstrating that neurons expressing ERα are essential and probably sufficient for the acute estrogen negative feedback mechanism in female mice.