bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BIOETHICS IN TRANSDISCIPLINARY AND INTERDISCIPLINARY CONTEXT OF POST-NONCLASSICAL SCIENCE
Authors: Zasukhina Vikotoriya 
Published: November 2014

Bioethics is an offspring of the post-nonclassical science. The subject of this research is its genesis and development in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary space of the existence of modern philosophical-scientific thought. The direction of analysis is chosen by the author led to some inferences. Foremost, we will point out that anthropological turn in science is one of the main factors, which have created bioethical interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity. The aforecited bioethics characteristics created the possibility of the complex solution for this science’s problems. Philosophical and ethical concepts and methods had played very important role in bioethics formation as a new form of scientific cognition. At the same time, bioethics enriches and upgrades classical philosophy with new interpretations of fundamental philosophical problems. Bioethics formed in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary context of modern science is the life axiology.In order to find axiological importance of bioethics, we have decided to identify links and relationships within bioethics as a whole system. We constructed the bioethics concept as an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary study of the moral and social problems caused by development of modern biomedical technologies. We then used this concept to form such philosophical-scientific comprehension paradigm of a problem of axiological justification of human life and health in the modern world, which assumes cooperation between representatives of different disciplines, and expansion of scientific outlook—its exit from a scientific radius.
DIVERSITY OF CD1A POSITIVE CELLS IN CASE OF 25-HYDROXYVITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME
Authors: Janovska Jana , Voicehovska Julia , Kleina Regina , Kisis Janis , Karls Raimonds , Zubova Olga , Babikovs Sergejs 
Published: November 2014

Vitamin D has immunomodulatory properties, which influence the immune system through a number of mechanisms, including the activation of dendritic cells (DCs). Langerhans cells (LCs) are dendritic cells in epidermis and belong to the skin immune system. DCs are professional antigen-presenting cells playing a major role in the induction of immune responses by activating native T-cells. In literature, there are no reports regarding the inﬂuence of vitamin D on DCs in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). Thus, the aim of this study is to explore potential immunomodulatory activity of vitamin D on LCs in case of metabolic syndrome. In this study, we have conducted an analysis on a group of patients, both male and female, diagnosed with metabolic syndrome between the age of 40 and 55. Patients’ clinical examinations, measurement of blood pressure, and waist circumference were conducted. Blood biochemical analyses (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, vitamin D level, etc.) were also determined. Full-thickness circular 4-mm Punch biopsies were taken from 49 patients. Specimens were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, as well as immunohistochemistry using a transmembrane CD1a Langerhans’ cells marker was parformed by DakoCytomation EnVision method. The average age of patients is 43 years, and mean waist circumference is 95 cm. Total cholesterol is 5.5 mmol/l, LDL is 2.3 mmol/l, and average 25-hydroxyvitamin D is 27.0 ng/ml. In the skin conditioned with MS and low vitamin D level, evidence of perivascular accumulation of LCs in papillary dermis is observed, as well as a diffusion of mild interstitial cluster of LCs in some cases. In epidermis activity, the amount and filling of Birbeck’s granules is changed in cases of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency. In patients with low 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, an average LC quantity in one field of vision is higher in comparison to those who have normal amount of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Therefore, it is necessary to further investigate vitamin D activity on LCs in cases of metabolic syndrome in order to determine interactions with lymphocytes, plasma cells, and mast cells as a part of the skin immune system.
CRITICAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE UTILIZATION OF CLOUD COMPUTING
Authors: Montemayor Alberto Daniel Salinas , López Jesús Fabián , Álvarez Jesús Cruz 
Published: November 2014

This research presets the critical factors that influence the use of cloud computing, in case studies of large and medium-sized enterprises in the metropolitan area of Monterrey. The critical factors are found, according to literature: dependency provider; ignorance of the location, where the information, service knowledge, knowledge of laws, service offered by suppliers, is stored; cost; and information security, describing the research and development, which are significant and demonstrative in its impact.We used Cronbach's alpha to check the validity of the measurement instrument and used a linear regression method to measure the significance of the variables. We also relied on some measuring instruments, such as Beta, R-squared, Standard Deviation, Anova, Tolerance, and Collinearity index to propose a model.
COLOR CHANGE — MASS LOSS CORRELATION FOR HEAT-TREATED WOOD
Authors: Olarescu Cristina Marinela , Campean Mihaela 
Published: November 2014

Heat treatment is renowned as the most environmentally friendly process of dimensional stabilization that can be applied to wood, in order to make it suitable for outdoor uses. It also darkens wood color and improves wood durability. The intensity of heat treatment can be appreciated by means of two parameters: the color change occured in wood due to the high temperature, and the mass loss, which is a measure of the degree of thermal degradation. In order to find a mathematical correlation between these two parameters, an experimental study was conducted with four European wood species, which were heat-treated at 180°C and 200ºC, for 1-3 hours, under atmosheric pressure.The paper presents the results concerning the color changes and mass losses recorded for the heat-treated wood samples compared to untreated wood. For all four species, the dependency between the color change and the mass loss was found to be best described by a logarithmic regression equation with R2 of 0.93 to 0.99 for the soft species (spruce, pine and lime), and R2 of 0.77 for beech. The results of this study envisage to simplify the assessment procedure of the heat treatment efficiency, by only measuring the color – a feature that is both convenient and cost-effective.
ORAL VERSUS INTRAVENOUS IBUPROFEN FOR THE EARLY CLOSURE OF PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS IN LOW BIRTH WEIGHT PRETERM INFANTS
Authors: Hoxha Alketa , Kola Ermira , Kuneshka Numila , Tushe Eduard 
Published: November 2014

Background Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is common in very premature infants. Pharmacological closure of PDA with indomethacin, a prostaglandin inhibitor, has remained the mainstay of treatment in premature infants over the last three decades. Intravenous ibuprofen was recently shown to be as effective and to have fewer adverse reaction in preterm infants. If equally effective, then oral ibuprofen for PDA closure would have several important advantages over the intravenous route.This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of oral ibuprofen and intravenous ibuprofen for the early pharmacological treatment of PDA in LBW preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome.MethodsA randomized, single-blinded, controlled study was performed on premature neonates at the neonatal care unit of the University Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology”Koco Gliozheni”, Tirana, Albania, from January 2010 to December 2012. The study enrolled 68 preterm infants with gestational age between 28-32 weeks, birth weight ≤ 2000 g, postnatal age 48-96 h, and had echocardiographically confirmed significant PDA. The preterm infants received either intravenous or oral ibuprofen randomly as an initial dose of 10 mg/kg, followed by 5 mg/kg at 24 and 48 h. After the first dose of treatment in both groups, echocardiographic evaluation was performed, to determine the need for a second or third dose. The rate of ductal closure, adverse effects, complications, and the patient’s clinical course were recorded.Results All patients were born after 28 until 32 weeks’ gestation. 36 patients were treated with oral ibuprofen and 32 with intravenous ibuprofen in this period. After the first course of the treatment, the PDA closed in 30 (83.3%) of the patients assigned to the oral ibuprofen group versus 23 (71.8%) of those enrolled in the intravenous ibuprofen group (p = 0.355). There was no difference between treatment groups in demographics or baseline renal function. In the evaluation of renal tolerance, none of the patients had oliguria. There were no significant differences with respect to complications during the stay.Conclusions In low birth weight infants, the rate of early ductal closure with oral ibuprofen is at least as good as with the intravenous route. Oral ibuprofen is associated with fewer adverse effects
Writing with the Winchesters: Metatextual Wincest and the provisional practice of happy endings
Authors: Torrey KT 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Soon after its premiere in 2005, the American television show Supernatural spawned an online fandom dedicated to ‘slashing’ the show’s two protagonists, brothers Sam and Dean Winchester: that is, to writing stories in which the brothers are portrayed as lovers. Over time, the existence of these slash narratives – affectionately dubbed ‘Wincest’ by the show’s fans – has been incorporated into the series’ diagesis. Indeed, in the wake of the programme’s repeated forays into diegetic metatextuality, some Supernatural fan writers have re-incorporated Sam and Dean’s canonized awareness of slash fiction back into Wincest stories themselves - specifically, into the subgenre of metatextual Wincest, stories that recast Sam and Dean as conscious participants in Wincest fan culture. Using Della Pollock’s notion of performative writing as a guide, this essay will explore the distinctive types of encounters between reader, writer, and text that metatextual Wincest stories facilitate. Further, the application of this critical approach to three such narratives – nyoxcity’s ‘Stranger Than Fiction’, Road Rhythm’s ‘This is All Very Meta’, and Fanspired’s ‘Conversations with Head People’ – highlights fan writers’ perception of their own creative authority within the ongoing process of meaning-making that continues to spin around Supernatural. Ultimately, this essay will argue that what makes metatextual Wincest stories distinct is their suggestion that only by working in concert with their fans can Sam and Dean finally write their own version of a happy ending, something ‘the show [itself] eternally defers’ – even if the lasting power of the ever-after they create together remains, in the end, uncertain (Tosenberger 2008, 5.12).
Preparation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against ES antigens of Trichinella spiralis
Authors: Cui J. , Jing F. , Fu G. , Ren H. , Liu L. , Wang Z. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against excretory-secretory (ES) antigen of Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae were produced. The 12 monoclones (designated 3A11, 7D9, 7F6, 5A7, 6H7, 39F3, 38H2, 37E7, 35B9, 29A11, 39C9 and 39A6) secreted IgM, IgG3 and IgG2b, respectively. Western blot using T. spiralis ES antigens showed that ten of 12 MAbs recognized the bands between 119.8 − 19.3kDa (mainly 68.4 − 28.7kDa) and two MAbs (3A11, 37E7) did not recognize any protein constituents of ES antigens. Nine of 12 MAbs also recognized the larval antigens of T. nativa, T. pseudospiralis and T. nelsoni at 40 days post-infection (dpi). No cross-reactions were found with the somatic antigens of adult worms of P. westermani, C. sinensis, and T. solium cysticercus. However, three (3A11, 6H7 and 39A6) were cross-reacted with the somatic antigens of adult worms of S. japonicum. Immunofluorescent location showed that the nine MAbs reacted with the cuticle and internal organs of T. spiralis larvae. Additionally, five and eight MAbs generated in this study can recognize the early antigens of pre-encapsulated T. spiralis larvae at 11 dpi and 13 dpi, respectively. The generation and characterization of the MAbs against T. spiralis ES antigens provide foundation for the development of specific early serodiagnostic techniques for trichinellosis.
Molecular detection of E. granulosus sheep strain (G1) infections in naturally infected dogs in Punjab (India)
Authors: Singh B. , Sharma R. , Sharma J. , Singh Gill J. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Echinococcosis is a preventable but neglected zoonosis in India. Although the disease in domestic animals is usually asymptomatic, huge economic losses have been reported due to cystic echinococcosis in livestock in India. The molecular characterization of Echinococcus from dog populations has not been previously carried out in Punjab (India). A total of 237 pet and stray dog faecal samples were collected and examined for the presence of eggs of the Taeniidae family in Punjab (India). A 255 base pair fragment of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene was amplified and the presence of sheep strain (G1) of E. granulosus has been reported. We detected eggs of the Taeniidae family in 2.11 per cent of the faecal samples. High prevalence was recorded in stray dogs (9.52 %) living near slaughter shops/post mortem areas. The prevalence of E. granulosus sheep strain (G1) using PCR was found to be 0.84 per cent in naturally infected dogs. This is the first study confirming the presence of E. granulosus (G1) sheep strain in dogs in Punjab (India). The results reveal the presence of sheep strain of E. granulosus and demand implementation of Animal Birth Control programme so as to control the stray dog population of the country.
Pratylenchus brachyurus (Nematoda: Pratylenchidae) in Guariroba in the state of Goiás, Brazil
Authors: De Araújo Filho J. , Castro-Moretti F. , Bonfim Junior M. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Roots of Syagrus oleracea were collected in two growing areas in the municipality of Rio Verde, state of Goiás (Brazil). Morphological, morphometric and molecular (ITS1 sequences) approaches allowed us to identify the infecting nematode as Pratylenchus brachyurus. To our knowledge, this is the first record of P. brachyurus parasitizing guariroba elsewhere (new host).
Attaining ISO 15189 accreditation through SLMTA: A journey by Kenya’s National HIV Reference Laboratory
Authors: Gachuki Thomas , Sewe Risper , Mwangi Jane , Turgeon David , Garcia Mary , Luman Elizabeth T. , Umuro Mamo 
Published: November 2014

Background: The National HIV Reference Laboratory (NHRL) serves as Kenya’s referral HIV laboratory, offering specialised testing and external quality assessment, as well as operating the national HIV serology proficiency scheme. In 2010, the Kenya Ministry of Health established a goal for NHRL to achieve international accreditation.Objectives: This study chronicles the journey that NHRL took in pursuit of accreditation, along with the challenges and lessons learned.Methods: NHRL participated in the Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) programme from 2010–2011. Improvement projects were undertaken to address gaps in the 12 quality system essentials through development of work plans, team formation, training and mentorship of personnel. Audits were conducted and the scores used to track progress along a five-star grading scale. Standard quality indicators (turn-around time, specimen rejection rates and service interruptions) were measured. Costs of improvement projects and accreditation were estimated based on expenditures.Results: NHRL scored 45% (zero stars) at baseline in March 2010 and 95% (five stars) after programme completion in October 2011; in 2013 it became the first public health laboratory in Kenya to attain ISO 15189 accreditation. From 2010–2013, turn-around times decreased by 50% – 95%, specimen rejections decreased by 93% and service interruptions dropped from 15 to zero days. Laboratory expenditures associated with achieving accreditation were approximately US $36 500.Conclusion: International accreditation is achievable through SLMTA, even for a laboratory with limited initial quality management systems. Key success factors were dedication to a shared goal, leadership commitment, team formation and effective mentorship. Countries wishing to achieve accreditation must ensure adequate funding and support.
Progressing beyond SLMTA: Are internal audits and corrective action the key drivers of quality improvement?
Authors: Maina Robert N. , Mengo Doris M. , Mohamud Abdikher D. , Ochieng Susan M. , Milgo Sammy K. , Sexton Connie J. , Moyo Sikhulile , Luman Elizabeth T. 
Published: November 2014

Background: Kenya has implemented the Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) programme to facilitate quality improvement in medical laboratories and to support national accreditation goals. Continuous quality improvement after SLMTA completion is needed to ensure sustainability and continue progress toward accreditation.Methods: Audits were conducted by qualified, independent auditors to assess the performance of five enrolled laboratories using the Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist. End-of-programme (exit) and one year post-programme (surveillance) audits were compared for overall score, star level (from zero to five, based on scores) and scores for each of the 12 Quality System Essential (QSE) areas that make up the SLIPTA checklist.Results: All laboratories improved from exit to surveillance audit (median improvement 38 percentage points, range 5–45 percentage points). Two laboratories improved from zero to one star, two improved from zero to three stars and one laboratory improved from three to four stars. The lowest median QSE scores at exit were: internal audit; corrective action; and occurrence management and process improvement (< 20%). Each of the 12 QSEs improved substantially at surveillance audit, with the greatest improvement in client management and customer service, internal audit and information management (≥ 50 percentage points). The two laboratories with the greatest overall improvement focused heavily on the internal audit and corrective action QSEs.Conclusion: Whilst all laboratories improved from exit to surveillance audit, those that focused on the internal audit and corrective action QSEs improved substantially more than those that did not; internal audits and corrective actions may have acted as catalysts, leading to improvements in other QSEs. Systematic identification of core areas and best practices to address them is a critical step toward strengthening public medical laboratories.
Perceptions and attitudes toward SLMTA amongst laboratory and hospital professionals in Ethiopia
Authors: Lulie Adino D. , Hiwotu Tilahun M. , Mulugeta Achamyeleh , Kedebe Adisu , Asrat Habtamu , Abebe Abnet , Yenealem Dereje , Abose Ebise , Kassa Wondwossen , Kebed Amha , Linde Mary K. , Ayana Gonfa 
Published: November 2014

Background: Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) is a competency-based management training programme. Assessing health professionals’ views of SLMTA provides feedback to inform program planning, implementation and evaluation of SLMTA's training, communication and mentorship components.Objectives: To assess laboratory professionals’ and hospital chief executive officers’ (CEOs) perceptions and attitudes toward the SLMTA programme in Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in March 2013 using a structured questionnaire to collect qualitative data from 72 laboratory professionals and hospital CEOs from 17 health facilities, representing all regions and two city administrations in Ethiopia. Focus groups were conducted with laboratory professionals and hospital administration to gain insight into the strengths and challenges of the SLMTA programme so as to guide future planning and implementation.Results: Ethiopian laboratory professionals at all levels had a supportive attitude toward the SLMTA programme. They believed that SLMTA substantially improved laboratory services and acted as a catalyst for total healthcare reform and improvement. They also noted that the SLMTA programme achieved marked progress in laboratory supply chain, sample referral, instrument maintenance and data management systems. In contrast, nearly half of the participating hospital CEOs, especially those associated with low-scoring laboratories, were sceptical about the SLMTA programme, believing that the benefits of SLMTA were outweighed by the level of human resources and time commitment required. They also voiced concerns about the cost and sustainability of SLMTA.Conclusion: This study highlights the need for stronger engagement and advocacy with hospital administration and the importance of addressing concerns about the cost and sustainability of the SLMTA programme.
Intracranially protruded bilateral posterior and superior SCCs with multiple dehiscences in a patient with positional vertigo: CT and MR imaging findings and review of literature
Authors: Kundaragi Nischal G , Mudali Srinivasa , Karpagam Bulabai , Priya Rathna 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWe report a rare case of intracranially protruded posterior and superior semicircular canals beyond the margins of temporal bone with bony roof dehiscence in bilateral posterior and left superior semicircular canals in a patient with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Maladies parodontales chez l’homme et maladies systémiques
Authors: Gauzeran Didier 
Published: November 2014

À l’instar de tout foyer infectieux d’origine dentaire, les gingivites et les parodontites, qui entretiennent une septicité buccale permanente, peuvent avoir une incidence sur l’organisme, entraîner des manifestations à distance et interférer avec certaines maladies systémiques.
Ces manifestations sont en rapport avec une bactériémie et une toxinémie chroniques à partir de gencives inflammatoires, en rapport avec l’inhalation et l’ingestion de bactéries, et répondent peut-être aussi à des mécanismes immunologiques.
Les maladies parodontales (MP) font l’objet de multiples études depuis de nombreuses années, afin d’identifier les liens pouvant exister avec des affections systémiques. Ainsi, certaines entités pathologiques ont pu être mises en relation avec les MP. De récentes études confirment non seulement l’impact des MP sur de nombreuses affections, mais aussi les répercussions parodontales induites par ces mêmes affections.
À ce jour, il est évoqué des relations avec le diabète, les affections cardiovasculaires, la pneumologie, la rhumatologie, l’obstétrique…
Quel futur pour l’amélioration génétique chez les espèces domestiques ?
Authors: Boichard Didier 
Published: November 2014

What future for farm animal breeding?
Genomic selection which relies on a genetic evaluation of the breeding value of candidates from genetic markers spanning the whole genome, will strongly develop in the future, likely in all species but to a various extent according to their respective economic conditions. Genomic selection is especially interesting when generation interval is long, individual animal value is high, and phenotyping is difficult or costly. Important challenges for the future are the following : to reduce costs for large scale use ; to broaden the range of selected traits, especially for health ; to develop methods robust to low relationships between candidates and the reference population ; on a longer term, to account for interactions between genes and between genes and environment. New applications will be developed beyond selection for the mating plan or to limit the loss in genetic variability. From the organizational point of view, more integration is expected between selection and phenotype production. More competition and differentiation between players is expected, especially for new traits, as well as more collaboration to increase efficiency for conventional traits.