bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bringing public policy into policy practice
Authors: Almog-Bar Michal , Weiss-Gal Idit , Gal John 
Published: August 2014

Summary Policy practice is a core element of social work practice. The rationale for this type of practice and its key strategies and methods has been discussed at length in the literature. However, insights from public policy theories have not been employed in order to better understand the ways in which social workers can influence social policy formulation. This article seeks to broaden and enrich the theoretical foundations of policy practice by incorporating knowledge from two leading frameworks of the policy process – the Multiple Stream Framework (MSF) and the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) – into the policy practice discourse. Findings This article underscores the potential contribution of these frameworks to the engagement of social workers in the policy process by discussing the practical implications of their theoretical insights upon the roles and tasks of social workers engaged in policy practice. It does so by employing the frameworks to better understand the roles and the tasks of social workers in three streams in the policy process: problems, policy and politics. It also underlines social workers’ potential role of policy entrepreneurs. Applications The insights emerging from the MSF and the ACF can guide social workers in their efforts to influence the policy process. By drawing upon these frameworks, social workers will not only be able to see the wider policy picture but they should be better able to identify possible roles and relevant tasks for themselves in order to influence this process.
Struggles and resilience of African American women living with HIV or AIDS: A qualitative study
Authors: Smith Mieko K , McCarragher Timothy M , Brown Griffin T 
Published: August 2014

Summary This qualitative study analyzed the responses of African American women living with an HIV or AIDS diagnosis for 10 years or longer who were participants in an ongoing support group. Ten women with a mean age of 48.2 years were interviewed to describe their personal stories of HIV infection and to explore what led them to ultimately accept their diagnosis. The main focus of the study was to understand their strengths and resilience in enduring the burden of HIV or AIDS status. Findings The findings yielded a preliminary conceptual understanding similar to the Kubler-Ross stages of grief, including shock, anger, devastation, depression, denial, and acceptance. The women did not follow those stages in a linear fashion, but their strength carried them toward accepting their infection status. The participants described their sources of support and hopes for their future lives. Applications Social workers and other practitioners can gain a deeper understanding of the struggles, resilience for survival, and hope demonstrated by the participants in their experience with HIV and AIDS. The women’s suggestions for strategies of maintaining a positive outlook and achieving personal growth should be noted as helpful social work interventions not only for African American women but also women of other racial and ethnic groups living with HIV and AIDS. Additionally, other researchers may explore the preliminary conceptual understanding of stages toward acceptance yielded in this study with other groups of women living with HIV and AIDS.
Family Group Conferencing in public mental health and social capital theory
Authors: De Jong Gideon , Schout Gert , Pennell Joan , Abma Tineke 
Published: August 2014

Summary Clients in public mental health care have limited social capital; they lack trusting and mutually supportive relations within bonded groups and do not have access to supportive external groups. Family Group Conferencing (FGC) is a promising decision-making model to restore social ties and mobilise informal support. From January 2011 to September 2013, 41 family group conferences were organised in a Dutch public mental health care setting and studied using a qualitative case study methodology. Twenty-three of the conferences were successful in meeting their goals. This article reports on findings from the other 18 family group conferences that apparently had failed as the preparations became stuck or because a plan was never reached or fully implemented. Semi-structured interviews with 118 out of a possible total of 215 FGC participants were conducted to examine the process and impact of the conferences. Findings The interviews indicate that conferences were often held as a last resort, in situations where professional care had already failed prior to the conference. The intended goals of the conferences were not achieved because support from the social network was insufficiently mobilised and clients themselves felt helpless that they could improve their conditions. Applications A single conference seems insufficient on its own to break through a sense of inadequacy and paralysis. Social capital theory points to the necessity of not only renewing informal networks (‘strong ties’) but of expanding networks through connecting public mental health care clients to paid and volunteer work (‘weak ties’). FGC plans can include such action steps. Instituting a ‘family manager’ to monitor these steps may support the bonding of ‘strong ties’ and the bridging to ‘weak ties’.
The Patterns of Inheritance in Early-Onset Dementia
Authors: Jarmolowicz Anna I. , Chen Huei-Yang , Panegyres Peter K. 
Published: August 2014

Aim: To investigate the patterns of inheritance and gene mutation status in early-onset dementia (EOD). Methods: Data were collected on 202 consecutive patients presenting to an EOD clinic. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD, n = 120) and early-onset frontotemporal dementia (EOFTD, n = 82) were studied. Results: The majority of participants, 72.5% with EOAD and 74.4% with EOFTD, did not have a positive family history of dementia. An autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance was observed in 14.2% of patients with EOAD and 13.4% of patients with FTD. Of those with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, 11.8% of EOAD and 45.5% of FTD probands had known pathogenic mutations. Only 1.6% of the total population of EOAD and 7.3% of EOFTD possessed known gene mutations. Conclusion: Early-onset dementia does not appear to be a strongly inherited autosomal dominant condition. The majority of patients were sporadic. Known mutations were uncommon and do not explain the total autosomal dominant burden.
Omalizumab: a new treatment option for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Lehmann Sylvia , Pfannenstiel Claus , Friedrichs Frank , Kröger Kristina , Wagner Norbert , Tenbrock Klaus 
Published: August 2014

Background: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a severe complication in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), resulting in deterioration of lung function and impairment of overall prognosis. Standard therapy consists of high dosage, long-term corticosteroid treatment. This carries the risk of serious side effects such as immune suppression, diabetes and osteoporosis. Antifungal drugs such as itraconazole may cause interactions with other drugs and drug levels need to be monitored. Omalizumab treatment has been tried in several case studies. Methods: This was a retrospective study of six patients (four female, two male, age 4–33 years old) with CF and ABPA treated with omalizumab within an observation period of 7.5 years. Results: All patients showed clinical and laboratory stability or even an improvement within the treatment and post-treatment observation period, although omalizumab therapy was less effective in patients with progressed lung disease and long-term ABPA. Side effects of systemic steroids were reduced. Conclusion: Omalizumab has the potential to be an additional and solitary treatment option in patients with CF and ABPA. Early onset treatment may be beneficial and patients with early stage of lung disease seem to benefit more.
STAT3 supports experimental K-RasG12D–induced murine myeloproliferative neoplasms dependent on serine phosphorylation
Authors: Gough Daniel J. , Marié Isabelle J. , Lobry Camille , Aifantis Iannis , Levy David E. 
Published: August 2014

Key Points
Absence of STAT3 serine phosphorylation restricts activated K-Ras–driven myeloproliferative disease in a mouse model. A mitochondrial function of STAT3 supports K-Ras–driven, factor-independent growth of myeloid progenitors in vitro.
Hmga2 is a direct target gene of RUNX1 and regulates expansion of myeloid progenitors in mice
Authors: Lam Kentson , Muselman Alexander , Du Randal , Harada Yuka , Scholl Amanda G. , Yan Ming , Matsuura Shinobu , Weng Stephanie , Harada Hironori , Zhang Dong-Er 
Published: August 2014

Key Points
Loss of RUNX1 by using genetic knockout or dominant-negative approaches leads to upregulation of its direct target gene Hmga2 in HSPCs. Expansion of myeloid progenitors caused by the loss of RUNX1 is rescued by loss of Hmga2, suggesting that RUNX1 functions through Hmga2.
The well-posedness for a system of generalized quasi-variational inclusion problems
Authors: Li Xiao-bo , Agarwal Ravi P , Cho Yeol Je , Huang Nan-jing 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
We introduce the concept of Levitin-Polyak well-posedness for a system of generalized quasi-variational inclusion problems and show some characterizations of Levitin-Polyak well-posedness for the system of generalized quasi-variational inclusion problems under some suitable conditions. We also give some results concerned with the Hadamard well-posedness for the system of generalized quasi-variational inclusion problems.

MSC:49J40, 49K40, 90C31.
Cesarean section in Shanghai: women’s or healthcare provider’s preferences?
Authors: Deng Wei , Klemetti Reija , Long Qian , Wu Zhuochun , Duan Chenggang , Zhang Wei-Hong , Ronsmans Carine , Zhang Yu , Hemminki Elina 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Background
Cesarean section (CS) rate has increased rapidly over the past two decades in China mainly driven by non-medical factors. This study was to compare recalled preferences for CS among first-time mothers in early and late pregnancy with actual delivery mode; to explore factors related to CS preference and CS performed without medical indications; and to consider the role of healthcare providers in delivery mode preferences.

Methods
An anonymous questionnaire survey, combined with data on CS indications taken from the patient record, was conducted among 272 first-time mothers having their first postnatal check-up in one university affiliated obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Shanghai, China, between September 2006 and January 2007. Logistic regression was used to study factors related to the recalled preference for CS and CS performed without medical indication, adjusting for maternal age, education and income.

Results
The CS rate was 57% (151/263) among all women, 17% with medical indications and 40% without medical indications. For women without medical indications for CS (n = 215), there was no significant difference between women’s preference for CS in early (25%) and late pregnancy (28%); 48% of women actually had CS. Women recalled preferring a vaginal delivery but who had CS were more likely to have had a CS suggested by a prenatal care doctor [OR (95% CI): 20 (3.88-107.1)] or by a delivery obstetrician [OR (95% CI): 26 (6.26-105.8)]. Among women recalled preferring and having CS, a suggestion from the prenatal care doctor to have CS was very common.

Conclusions
In the primiparous women without a medical indication for CS, women recall of a provider suggestion for CS was a strong predictor of CS both among women who recalled a preference for CS and among women who recalled a preference for vaginal delivery. Public health education needs strengthening, including discussion of the risks associated with CS and psychological and social support given to women to help them prepare for and cope with childbirth.
Influence of the amount of co-infused amino acids on post-therapeutic potassium levels in peptide receptor radionuclide therapy
Authors: Lapa Constantin , Werner Rudolf A , Bluemel Christina , Lückerath Katharina , Schirbel Andreas , Strate Alexander , Buck Andreas K , Herrmann Ken 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Background
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is routinely used for advanced or metastasized neuroendocrine tumours (NET). To prevent nephrotoxicity, positively charged amino acids (AA) are co-infused. The aim of this study was to correlate the risk for therapy-related hyperkalaemia with the total amount of AA infused.

Methods
Twenty-two patients undergoing PRRT with standard activities of 177Lu-DOTATATE/-TOC were monitored during two following treatment cycles with co-infusion of 75 and 50 g of AA (l-arginine and l-lysine), respectively. Mean serum levels of potassium and other parameters (glomerular filtration rate [GFR], creatinine, blood urea nitrogen [BUN], phosphate, chloride, lactate dehydrogenase) prior to, 4 h and 24 h after AA infusion were compared.

Results
Self-limiting hyperkalaemia (>5.0 mmol/l) resolving after 24 h occurred in 91% (20/22) of patients in both protocols. Potassium levels, BUN, creatinine, GFR, phosphate, chloride and LDH showed a similar range at 4 h after co-infusion of 75 or 50 g of AA, respectively (p?>?0.05). Only GFR and creatinine levels at 24 h varied significantly between the two co-infusion protocols (p?<?0.05).

Conclusions
Hyperkalaemia is a frequent side effect of AA infusion in PRRT. Varying the dose of co-infused amino acids did not impact on the incidence and severity of hyperkalaemia.
Conditional inactivation of PDCD2 induces p53 activation and cell cycle arrest
Authors: Granier Celine J. , Wang Wei , Tsang Tiffany , Steward Ruth , Sabaawy Hatem E. , Bhaumik Mantu , Rabson Arnold B. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
PDCD2 (programmed cell death domain 2) is a highly conserved, zinc finger MYND domain-containing protein essential for normal development in the fly, zebrafish and mouse. The molecular functions and cellular activities of PDCD2 remain unclear. In order to better understand the functions of PDCD2 in mammalian development, we have examined PDCD2 activity in mouse blastocyst embryos, as well as in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). We have studied mice bearing a targeted PDCD2 locus functioning as a null allele through a splicing gene trap, or as a conditional knockout, by deletion of exon2 containing the MYND domain. Tamoxifen-induced knockout of PDCD2 in MEFs, as well as in ESCs, leads to defects in progression from the G1 to the S phase of cell cycle, associated with increased levels of p53 protein and p53 target genes. G1 prolongation in ESCs was not associated with induction of differentiation. Loss of entry into S phase of the cell cycle and marked induction of nuclear p53 were also observed in PDCD2 knockout blastocysts. These results demonstrate a unique role for PDCD2 in regulating the cell cycle and p53 activation during early embryonic development of the mouse.
Stimuli-responsive Cooperative Catalysts Based on Dynamic Conformational Changes toward Spatiotemporal Control of Chemical Reactions
Authors: Imahori Tatsushi , Kurihara Seiji 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
This highlight review focuses on stimuli-responsive cooperative catalysts that reversibly switch the catalytic function on the basis of the dynamic conformation changes induced by external stimuli. Such enzyme-like switchable catalysts realize spatiotemporal control of chemical reactions, which can operate multiple regulations of chemical reaction(s) to realize anomalous chemical transformations. Although the progress is still small in present stage, this type of catalysts could open up new possibilities in various fields of scientific researches as well as synthetic chemistry.
The role of practice nurses in providing palliative and end-of-life care to older patients with long-term conditions
Authors: Raphael Deborah , Waterworth Susan , Gott Merryn 
Published: August 2014

Background: Many people with palliative care needs will receive care from a primary care provider. However, GPs often have limited time to deal with these patients' supportive care needs, which is where primary care nurses can make a significant contribution. Aim: The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the role of practice nurses in the provision of palliative and end-of-life (EoL) care to older patients with long-term conditions. Methods: Twenty one practice nurses from a selection of rural and urban areas in New Zealand were interviewed about their EoL care experiences. Results: Three themes were identified relating to EoL care: variability of practice nurse involvement in EoL care, limited education and training in EoL care, and what practice nurses can (and do) contribute to EoL care. Conclusion: Priority should be given to developing the palliative care skills and knowledge of primary care nurses and their ability to provide the necessary support to the growing number of patients who will require palliative care.
The Down Syndrome Advantage: It Depends on What and When You Measure
Authors: Glidden Laraine Masters , Grein Katherine Anne , Ludwig Jesse Andrew 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
A “Down syndrome advantage”–better outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome and their families than for those with other intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD)–is reduced when variables confounded with diagnostic category are controlled. We compared maternal outcomes in a longitudinal sample of families rearing children with Down syndrome or other IDD, and found that a Down syndrome advantage is (a) most likely when the metric is about the son/daughter rather than the parent or family more globally, (b) may be present or absent at different ages, and (c) is partially explained by higher levels of adaptive behavior for individuals with Down syndrome. We discuss the importance of multiple measures at multiple times, and implications for family expectations and adjustment at various life stages.
Emotion Knowledge in Children and Adolescents With Down Syndrome: A New Methodological Approach
Authors: Channell Marie Moore , Conners Frances A. , Barth Joan M. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Emotion knowledge was examined in 19 youth with Down syndrome (DS) and compared to typically developing (TD) children of similar developmental levels. This project expanded upon prior research on emotion knowledge in DS by utilizing a measure that minimized the need for linguistic skills, presented emotion expressions dynamically, and included social context cues. In Study 1, participants with DS were as accurate as TD participants when judging emotions from static or dynamic expression stimuli and from facial or contextual cues. In Study 2, participants with DS and TD participants showed similar cross-sectional developmental trajectories of emotion knowledge across mental age. This project highlights the importance of measure selection when examining emotion knowledge in samples with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What drives endogenous growth in the United States?
Authors: Wesselbaum Dennis 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe cleansing effects of recessions are investigated. We estimate a DSGE model allowing for endogenous growth to be driven by two competing theories. Either learning-by-doing effects or cleansing effects of recessions drive endogenous growth. Using Bayesian estimation techniques we find that reallocation effects in recessions dominate and also non-technological innovations have effects on productivity and, hence, long-run growth. Furthermore, we show that using directly observable TFP in the estimation has sizable effects on parameter estimates, the identification of shocks, and model dynamics.
Numerical analysis of temperature profiles during thermal modification of wood: chemical reactions and experimental verification
Authors: Trcala Miroslav , Čermák Petr 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Numerical analysis of temperature profiles during thermal modification of wood was carried out. The numerical solution – based on finite element analysis, FEA – of the 3D problem of transient nonlinear heat transfer model is presented for wood as a typical anisotropic material. The numerical model was enhanced for describing chemical reactions of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin (pyrolysis model), which takes into account the exothermic reactions as an internal source of heat energy. Experimental as well as theoretical process schedules were applied and the influence of sample dimensions (sample geometry) and wood species was studied. The influence of wood species was negligible on heating time to reach the highest temperature, i.e., the temperature differences were about 2°C during the drying phase. A expected, the sample size played an important role in the heating duration and in terms of the exothermic reactions of wood. The experimental and numerical data are generally in good agreement. The numerical error increased in the range of higher temperatures. The results can be improved by consideration of wood species (mass of wood compounds) and boundary conditions in the pyrolysis model, thus, better insight into details of thermal modification of wood could be reached.
Antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Andrographis paniculata in some laboratory animals
Authors: Adedapo Adeolu Alex , Adeoye Bisi Olajumoke , Sofidiya Margaret Oluwatoyin , Oyagbemi Ademola Adetokunbo 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Background: The study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties of Andrographis paniculata leaf extracts in laboratory animals.

Methods: The dried and powdered leaves of the plant were subjected to phytochemical and proximate analyses. Its mineral content was also determined. Acute toxicity experiments were first performed to determine a safe dose level. The plant material was extracted using water and ethanol as solvents. These extracts were then used to test for the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties of the plant. The anti-inflammatory tests included carrageenan-induced and histamine-induced paw oedema. The analgesic tests conducted were formalin paw lick test and acetic acid writhing test. The antioxidant activities of the extracts of A. paniculata were determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total polyphenol (TP) and 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) using ascorbic acid as standard for both DPPH and FRAP, and gallic acid as a standard for both TP and ABTS.

Results: The acute toxicity experiment demonstrated that the plant is safe at high doses even at 1600 mg/kg. It was observed that the ethanolic extract of A. paniculata had higher antioxidant activity than the aqueous extract. The experiments using both extracts may suggest that the extracts of A. paniculata leaves possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties, although the ethanolic extract seemed to have higher biological properties than the aqueous extract.

Conclusions: The results from this study may have justified the plant’s folkloric use for medicinal purpose.