bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic syndrome in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes: loss of protective effects of premenopausal status
Authors: Nakhjavani Manouchehr , Imani Mehrnaz , Larry Mehrdad , Aghajani-Nargesi Arash , Morteza Afsaneh , Esteghamati Alireza 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Background
Diabetes is probably responsible for worsening of metabolic syndrome (MetS)components. The aim of the present study was to compare the components of MetS between premenopausal and postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Method
In this cross sectional study, we studied 639 women with T2DM that were divided in pre-menopausal (n = 221) and post-menopausal (n = 418) group. They were selected from participants of a diabetes clinic and assessed for MetS and its components. All MetS components were evaluated to follow age and duration of diabetes adjusted according to the ATP III criteria.

Results
The mean ages of pre-menopausal and post-menopausal were 43.33 ± 0.47 and 60.35 ± 0.38 years, respectively. MetS was defined for 88.3% of total subjects (87.5% and 87.7% in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women with T2DM respectively). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and waist circumference (WC) were significantly higher in post-menopausal women with T2DM in comparison with pre-menopausal ones. There were no significant differences in triglyceride (T.G) level, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) between the two groups. Myocardial infarction (MI) occurred in 1% total subjects (1.3% and 1.8%) in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women with T2DM, respectively (p = 0.21).

Conclusion
Worsening of MetS and its components except for SBP and waist circumference has been shown in pre-menopausal women with T2DM similar to post-menopausal ones. The observed differences may be explained by increasing age. With respect to increasing of myocardial infarction in premenopausal subjects, we suggest that diabetes can abolish the protective effects of premenopausal status for MetS and MI.
Experimental design and signal selection for construction of a robot control system based on EEG signals
Authors: Yoshioka Masataka , Zhu Chi , Imamura Kazuyuki , Wang Feng , Yu Haoyong , Duan Feng , Yan Yuling 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Aiming to develop an noninvasive BMI control system with EEG (electroencephalogram) signals to control external devices such as prostheses and robots for rehabilitation and/or power support, four different tasks corresponding to different brain excitation degrees are designed. Their EEG spectra are analyzed with short-time fast Fourier transform (STFFT), and their features of mu and beta rhythms corresponding to the different tasks are extracted. The extracted features are used to control a one-joint robot arm and their corresponding results are compared. The results show that the EEG signal when a subject is holding a weight is comparatively more stable than the EEG signals in other tasks such as motor imagery. This implies an effective way for power assist by EEG signals.
Human neural stem cells rapidly ameliorate symptomatic inflammation in early-stage ischemic-reperfusion cerebral injury
Authors: Huang Lei , Wong Sunnie , Snyder Evan Y , Hamblin Milton H , Lee Jean-Pyo 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Clinically, a good deal of injury from stroke results from ischemic-reperfusion. There is a loss of cerebral parenchyma and its associated cells, disruption of neuronal connections, compromise of the blood-brain barrier, and inflammation. We tested whether exogenously engrafted human neural stem cells could migrate rapidly and extensively to damaged regions, following transplantation into a neurogenic site where migration cues are already underway during stroke onset, then counteract a number of these pathological processes.

Methods
One day post-injury, we injected human neural stem cells (hNSCs) into the ipsilesional hippocampus of a mouse model of stroke with middle cerebral artery occlusion to induce focal ischemia followed by reperfusion (MCAO/R). The time frame for hNSC transplantation corresponded to upregulation of endogenous proinflammatory cytokines. We examined the effect of hNSC transplantation on pathological processes and behavioral dysfunction 48 hours post-injury.

Results
Twenty-four hours after transplantation, engrafted hNSCs had migrated extensively to the lesion, and infarct volume was reduced relative to MCAO/R controls. The behavioral deficits seen in MCAO/R controls were also significantly improved. Given this rapid response, we hypothesized that the mechanisms underlying therapeutic activity were anti-inflammatory rather than due to cell replacement. In support of this idea, in hNSC-transplanted mice we observed reduced microglial activation, decreased expression of proinflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α) and adhesion molecules (intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1), and amelioration of blood-brain barrier damage.

Conclusions
While long-term effects of engrafted hNSCs on the amelioration of ischemic stroke-induced behavioral dysfunction in a rodent model have been reported, our study is the first to show rapid, beneficial impacts on behavioral function (within 24 hours) upon early delivery of hNSCs into the hippocampus.
microRNA-378 promotes mesenchymal stem cell survival and vascularization under hypoxic–ischemic conditions in vitro
Authors: Xing Yue , Hou Jingying , Guo Tianzhu , Zheng Shaoxin , Zhou Changqing , Huang Hui , Chen Yuyang , Sun Kan , Zhong Tingting , Wang Jingfeng , Li Honghao , Wang Tong 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, the low survival rate of MSCs at local diseased tissue reduces the therapeutic efficacy. We therefore investigated the influence of MicroRNA-378 (miR-378) transfection on MSCs survival and vascularization under hypoxic-ischemic condition in vitro.

Methods
MSCs were isolated from bone marrow of Sprague–Dawley rats and cultured in vitro. The third passage of MSCs were divided into the miR-378 group and control group. For the miR-378 group, cells were transfected with miR-378 mimic. Both groups experienced exposure to hypoxia (1% O2) and serum deprivation for 24 hours, using normoxia (20% O2) as a negative control during the process. After 24 hours of reoxygenation (20% O2), cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated. Expressions of apoptosis and angiogenesis related genes were detected. Both groups were further co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells to promote vascular differentiation for another 6 hours. Vascular density was assessed thereafter.

Results
Compared with the control group, MSCs transfected with miR-378 showed more rapid growth. Their proliferation rates were much higher at 72 h and 96 h under hypoxic condition (257.33% versus 246.67%, P <0.01; 406.84% versus 365.39%, P <0.05). Cell apoptosis percentage in the miR-378 group was significantly declined under normoxic and hypoxic condition (0.30 ± 0.10% versus 0.50 ± 0.10%, P <0.05; 0.60 ± 0.40% versus 1.70 ± 0.20%, P <0.01). The miR-378 group formed a larger number of vascular branches on matrigel. BCL2 level was decreased accompanied with an upregulated expression of BAX in the two experimental groups under the hypoxic environment. BAX expression was reduced in the miR-378 group under the hypoxic environment. In the miR-378 group, there was a decreased expression of tumor necrosis factor-α on protein level and a reduction of TUSC-2 under normoxic environment. Their expressions were both downregulated under hypoxic environment. For the angiogenesis related genes, enhanced expressions of vascular endothelial growth factorα, platelet derived growth factor-β and transforming growth factor-β1 could be detected both in normoxic and hypoxic-ischemic conditions.

Conclusion
MiR-378 transfection could effectively promote MSCs survival and vascularization under hypoxic-ischemic condition in vitro.
Evaluation of mesenchymal stem cells in treatment of infertility in male rats
Authors: Hassan Amal I , Alam Sally S 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The present study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the bone marrow of rats (BM) against toxic effects of lead (Pb) on the male gonads of experimental rats.

Methods
The experimental animals were exposed to lead in the form of lead nitrate (LN) one quarter of the LD50. The efficacy of MSCs to reduce gonado-totoxicity induced by lead nitrate at 21, 30 and 60 days, was evaluated experimentally in male rats.

Results
The results showed that testosterone levels and semen quality ameliorated following treatment with MSCs. Also, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase levels were increased 21, 30 and 60 days post treatment of MSCs. Moreover, a decrease in genomic DNA alteration and percentage of fragmented DNA was recorded after MSCs treatment. Lead nitrate caused degeneration, necrosis, interstitial edema, and reduction in spermatogenic activity in some seminiferous tubules. The LN-induced changes in histopathologic findings of testis were partially reversed by treatment with MSCs. Histological examination of testis showed deformities in morphology of testis in test animals with gross damage within the seminiferous tubules in Lead nitrate group. The LN-induced changes in histopathologic findings of testis were partially reversed by treatment of MSCs.

Conclusions
It was concluded that lead is a gonadotoxic with a tendency of suppressing semen characteristics and testosterone levels of animals, the presence of MSCs was found to alleviate the toxic effects of lead. We conclude that MSCs derived from the bone marrow of rats can be an effective therapy of LN induced gonado toxicity, thus can contribute to the treatment of infertility.
Implementing a telehealth service: nurses’ perceptions and experiences
Authors: Odeh Bassel , Kayyali Reem , Nabhani-Gebara Shereen , Philip Nada 
Published: November 2014

Background: Telehealth is defined as the remote surveillance of a patient's health to aid early diagnosis and timely intervention. Understanding how the stakeholders perceive telehealth can influence its acceptability and diffusion. Introduction: A primary care trust (PCT) in south London has been providing telehealth services for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart-failure patients for the past 22 months. The aim of this study was to elicit practice nurses’ perceptions of the telehealth service provided by this PCT. Materials and methods: A descriptive qualitative design was chosen to elicit practice nurses’ perceptions. A semi-structured email interview was used to investigate their experiences of the service to date and their views about the future of the service. Results: Seven nurses, working on telehealth for an average of 15 months and providing the service to 34 patients, were interviewed. Overall, the nurses described their experience with telehealth to be positive. Lack of resources, organisational support, patient selection criteria and technical support were identified as barriers to effective implementation of telehealth. Additional team members, more input and training, and expanded patient selection criteria were suggested by the nurses to enhance and ensure the success of telehealth. Discussion and conclusions: The challenges and barriers to the implementation of telehealth identified by the practice nurses need to be addressed by health services to ensure its continuity and success.
Beyond elite sports: Analysis of the coverage of anabolic steroids in the Spanish press (2007–2011)
Authors: Agulló Calatayud Víctor , Castelló i Cogollos Rafael , Valderrama Zurián Juan Carlos 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
This article explores how the issue of anabolic steroids has been covered by the Spanish press in a period when doping/drug abuse in sport has attracted considerable attention in the media. We analysed news and opinion pieces about this topic in the Spanish written press over a period of five years (2007–2011) on the basis of the agenda-setting theory. A total of 581 items linked to the consumption of steroids were identified, mainly in the sports sections of a statewide newspaper and in the society and crime sections of Valencian and Catalan regional newspapers. In the vast majority of cases, the source and producer of the news is the police or the judicial system and the primary focus is on penal aspects, while a health and social integration perspective is neglected. Press releases from the police reveal the spread of the doping phenomenon, among both professional and amateur athletes, and also among security and emergency bodies.
Sports journalism between doping allegations and doping evidence. The coverage of Lance Armstrong in Italian newspapers
Authors: Spalletta Marica , Ugolini Lorenzo 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The use of performance-enhancing drugs, or doping, is an issue that goes a long way back in the history of sport, and its debate is of paramount importance in sports journalism, especially in cycling journalism. This article aims to analyse the way in which Italian sports journalists deal with the problems raised by the issue of doping in their work. Presented here are the results of a qualitative research study on two daily newspapers (the Corriere della Sera and la Repubblica) concerning their coverage of Lance Armstrong, probably the most controversial cyclist of the last twenty years, because of his talent, success and involvement in doping. The research shows that the issue of doping illustrates perfectly the need for a balance between strict and rigorous reporting of events, and the passionate dimension of sports reporting, which is one of the main challenges that sports journalists face every day.
Wearing in memory: Materiality and oral histories of dress
Authors: Slater Alison 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
This article considers materiality in relation to memories of dress and explores why women remember the materiality of clothes they no longer wear or even no longer own. The focus is on two historical case studies of specific garments collected through primary interviews undertaken as part of my doctoral research. One, a black silk-velvet dress, belonged to Mary who had kept the skirt of the garment, with its signs of wear and physical material traces of use. It was bound up with memories of her late brother, who paid for the dress before his death on active service in World War II, and her late husband and their early lives together. Doris’ sister made the other dress for her 21st birthday in 1942. Doris had not kept this cotton-organdie dress, but this decision was full of regret. In her case, retaining memories of the materiality of the garment and the occasion when it was first worn had become a substitute for the garment itself. Both oral histories reveal the significance of materiality at the time a garment is worn and in how dress wears in and on our memories.
Wool is a knitted fabric that itches, isn’t it?
Authors: Hebrok Marie , Klepp Ingun Grimstad 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
In this article we explore in what ways consumers preconceptions of wool influence their ability to recognize it as a fabric. Do we know that it is wool because it itches, or, conversely, does it itch because we think that it is wool? The analysis builds on three different methods; wardrobe studies, sample tests and interviews, in order to explore both informants’ visual senses, and also applied tactile senses. It aims to bring together social science and textile technology methodologies and understanding in order to understand the properties of wool. It does this through adopting a multisensory understanding of the material. The research aimed to explore the associations with and experiences of wearing wool. This, we argue is as important as the senses in the process of identifying woollen fibres. The research found that the strongest influences in fabric identification were: perceptions of use, fabric type and fibres, colour, structure patterns and the ‘feel’ of the fabric.
Practice-based research as an approach for seeing, re-seeing and creating artworks
Authors: Al-YahYai Fakhriya Khalfan 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
There is growing interest in developing an agenda for carrying out new ways of conducting research in art and art education based on looking, seeing, thinking, creating and rethinking from an artistic perspective, that is, establishing a new vision for and revision of visual research in art education. The overall aim of this article is to provide insight into an artistic investigation and re-examination of the researcher’s culture and textile traditions. Doing so provides aesthetic insight through a close examination of fabric qualities and structures. Thinking and seeing are used as pedagogical elements in the process of practice-based research. This method of enquiry offers a rich example of how we can participate in the everyday world with heightened sensitivity and discover the beauty of seeing what many take for granted and thus learn to see differently through systematic enquiry.
The role of the anticanonical text: Jack Conroy and the Anvil, a Case Study
Authors: Turner Alison 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Readers of American short stories have only a limited number of hours to devote to literature, in which we have infinite options of texts. Unless pursuing a particular project, most readers might look to anthologies for textual guidance, assuming that an anthology offers the easiest access to what is ‘best’ in a literary category. Any collection of texts is, ultimately, the choice of one or of a few publishers and editors. This article focuses on a body of texts that is largely neglected from the canon of American short stories, that of the worker-writer from the 1930s. After a brief summary of current concerns with canon formation, I perform a case study on author Jack Conroy and other contributors to his 1930s magazine, the Anvil, to prove that their work is, for the most part, forgotten by the most popular collections of American short stories. I then suggest that it is not worthwhile to insist that this corpus be represented in the canon, but rather to ask what happens to literature that, for one reason or another, becomes ‘anticanonical’. I suggest that the role of these proletarian texts is not to be largely read by today’s readers, but to have nourished the spreading diversity of American authors and readers.
Reading a culturally different text: Meaning signification process in Chinua Achebe’s short stories
Authors: Shrivastava Jaya , Nayak Amarjeet 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Chinua Achebe has written extensively on African culture, its mores and the impact of European imperialism on indigenous African societies. His novels garnered worldwide attention and contributed towards the development of the African literature. But his short stories merit equal attention and interest owing not only to the similarity of themes that they share with his novels but also the skilful use of English, a ‘world language’ or an ‘alien language’ as he himself calls it, to depict the clash between traditional African cultures and colonial encounter. As an African author writing in English, Achebe appropriates this European linguistic means as an ethnographic tool to depict the traditions of Igbo society to which he belongs. Storytelling was a mainstay of the Igbo tradition and an integral part of the community, and it becomes pertinent for his readers outside Africa, who are unfamiliar with the sociocultural nuances of the African language, Igbo, to construct its meaning in the reading process by interpreting the textual cues. This study, taking a few of Chinua Achebe’s short stories as an example, will explore how the meaning of unfamiliar cultural elements is signified in the reading process through the language of the text such that it is comprehended and responded by the reader. The article argues that an understanding of the meaning signification process can make a reader conscious of the cognitive processes taking place in his her mind during the reading event and can introduce his or her to features of a distinct culture.
‘Make an Invisible Artwork’: Instructions for a pedagogy of visibility/invisibility
Authors: Desai Dipti 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
In this reflective essay, I draw on my experience as the Director of the art+education programmes at New York University to explore what happens if we shift art education practices from primarily an object based understanding of art that is unconnected to our daily lives to one where art is a living form that makes things happen. By focusing on an art-as-instruction exhibition where the audience enacts the instructions, I open a discussion on the notion of visibility and invisibility in art education practices, in the hope of rethinking the ways we train art teachers.
Breaking internalized teacher scripts: From traditional habits of mind to a creative mindset
Authors: Rufo David 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
This article tells the story of an elementary school math teacher faced with the challenge of preserving a classroom devoted to innovative and creative learning, as his independent day school moved towards standardization and traditional educational approaches. After being informed that his instruction needed to come into closer alignment with the rest of the school he invited his students to brainstorm ways in which they could inconspicuously remain empowered agents of their own learning. The class decided to set aside one hour each week as a time for self-directed learning. During this time they produced math-based carnival games culminating in an event they called ‘Math Palooza’. Reflecting on this experience, the author realized the importance of using critical self-reflection to interrogate the status quo and as a safeguard from falling into habitualized methods of instruction and obsolete forms of curricular design.
By members for members: How the National Art Education Association is using creative leadership to mobilize a professional community and advocate for art education
Authors: Inhulsen Dennis , Reeve Deborah B. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The digital age and the need for visual literacy in a creative economy increase the importance of equitable and accessible art education. While Congress has recognized art education as a core component of a well-rounded public school education, students now in fact have less access to art programmes and the opportunity to pursue these programmes is less equitable in many communities. To address this paradox and to bring curricular parity, art educators must become the champions of their professional field. Grass-roots leadership cannot be taken for granted. The National Art Education Association (NAEA), once a traditional professional association, has addressed the need for organizational transformation, using creative leadership strategies to mobilize its members, to build robust communities of practice, and to create agile structures that empower art educators to become stronger leaders and advocates.