bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lidocaine Reduces Neutrophil Recruitment by Abolishing Chemokine-Induced Arrest and Transendothelial Migration in Septic Patients
Authors: Berger Christian , Rossaint Jan , Van Aken Hugo , Westphal Martin , Hahnenkamp Klaus , Zarbock Alexander 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The inappropriate activation, positioning, and recruitment of leukocytes are implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure in sepsis. Although the local anesthetic lidocaine modulates inflammatory processes, the effects of lidocaine in sepsis are still unknown. This double-blinded, prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted to investigate the effect of lidocaine on leukocyte recruitment in septic patients. Fourteen septic patients were randomized to receive either a placebo (n = 7) or a lidocaine (n = 7) bolus (1.5 mg/kg), followed by continuous infusion (100 mg/h for patients &gt;70 kg or 70 mg/h for patients &lt;70 kg) over a period of 48 h. Selectin-mediated slow rolling, chemokine-induced arrest, and transmigration were investigated by using flow chamber and transmigration assays. Lidocaine treatment abrogated chemokine-induced neutrophil arrest and significantly impaired neutrophil transmigration through endothelial cells by inhibition of the protein kinase C-θ while not affecting the selectin-mediated slow leukocyte rolling. The observed results were not attributable to changes in surface expression of adhesion molecules or selectin-mediated capturing capacity, indicating a direct effect of lidocaine on signal transduction in neutrophils. These data suggest that lidocaine selectively inhibits chemokine-induced arrest and transmigration of neutrophils by inhibition of protein kinase C-θ while not affecting selectin-mediated slow rolling. These findings may implicate a possible therapeutic role for lidocaine in decreasing the inappropriate activation, positioning, and recruitment of leukocytes during sepsis.
Moving Beyond Surrogate Endpoints in Cell Therapy Trials for Heart Disease
Authors: Malliaras Konstantinos , Marbán Eduardo 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Summary
Cell therapy for heart disease began clinically more than a decade ago. Since then, numerous trials have been performed, but the studies have been underpowered, focusing primarily on low-risk patients with a recent myocardial infarction. Many data have accumulated on surrogate endpoints such as ejection fraction, but few clinical conclusions can be drawn from such studies. We argue here that the time is right for targeting larger and/or higher-risk populations for whom there is some expectation of being able to influence mortality or rehospitalization.
HIV among men who have sex with men in Malawi: elucidating HIV prevalence and correlates of infection to inform HIV prevention
Authors: Wirtz Andrea L , Jumbe Vincent , Trapence Gift , Kamba Dunker , Umar Eric , Ketende Sosthenes , Berry Mark , Strömdahl Susanne , Beyrer Chris , Baral Stefan D 
Published: December 2013

IntroductionThere are limited data characterizing the burden of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malawi. Epidemiologic research and access to HIV prevention, treatment and care services have been traditionally limited in Malawi by criminalization and stigmatization of same‐sex practices. To inform the development of a comprehensive HIV prevention intervention for Malawian MSM, we conducted a community‐led assessment of HIV prevalence and correlates of infection.MethodsFrom April 2011 to March 2012, 338 MSM were enrolled in a cross‐sectional study in Blantyre, Malawi. Participants were recruited by respondent‐driven sampling methods (RDS), reaching 19 waves. Trained staff administered the socio‐behavioural survey and HIV and syphilis voluntary counselling and testing.ResultsCrude HIV and syphilis prevalence estimates were 15.4% (RDS‐weighted 12.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.3–17.8) and 5.3% (RDS‐weighted 4.4%, 95% CI: 3.1–7.6), respectively. Ninety per cent (90.4%, unweighted) of HIV infections were reported as being previously undiagnosed. Participants were predominantly gay‐identified (60.8%) or bisexually identified (36.3%); 50.7% reported recent concurrent relationships. Approximately half reported consistent condom use (always or almost always) with casual male partners, and proportions were relatively uniform across partner types and genders. The prevalence of perceived and experienced stigma exceeded 20% for almost all variables, 11.4% ever experienced physical violence and 7% were ever raped. Current age >25 years (RDS‐weighted adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.9, 95% CI: 1.2–12.7), single marital status (RDS‐weighted AOR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1–0.8) and age of first sex with a man <16 years (RDS‐weighted AOR: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.2–15.0) were independently associated with HIV infection.ConclusionsResults demonstrate that MSM represent an underserved, at‐risk population for HIV services in Malawi and merit comprehensive HIV prevention services. Results provide a number of priorities for research and prevention programmes for MSM, including providing access to and encouraging regular confidential HIV testing and counselling, and risk reduction counselling related to anal intercourse. Other targets include the provision of condoms and compatible lubricants, HIV prevention information, and HIV and sexually transmitted infection treatment and adherence support. Addressing multiple levels of HIV risk, including structural factors, may help to ensure that programmes have sufficient coverage to impact this HIV epidemic among MSM.
Men who have sex with men sensitivity training reduces homoprejudice and increases knowledge among Kenyan healthcare providers in coastal Kenya
Authors: van der Elst Elise M , Smith Adrian D , Gichuru Evanson , Wahome Elizabeth , Musyoki Helgar , Muraguri Nicolas , Fegan Greg , Duby Zoe , Bekker Linda‐Gail , Bender Bonnie , Graham Susan M , Operario Don , Sanders Eduard J 
Published: December 2013

IntroductionHealthcare workers (HCWs) in Africa typically receive little or no training in the healthcare needs of men who have sex with men (MSM), limiting the effectiveness and reach of population‐based HIV control measures among this group. We assessed the effect of a web‐based, self‐directed sensitivity training on MSM for HCWs (www.marps‐africa.org), combined with facilitated group discussions on knowledge and homophobic attitudes among HCWs in four districts of coastal Kenya.MethodsWe trained four district “AIDS coordinators” to provide a two‐day training to local HCWs working at antiretroviral therapy‐providing facilities in coastal Kenya. Self‐directed learning supported by group discussions focused on MSM sexual risk practices, HIV prevention and healthcare needs. Knowledge was assessed prior to training, immediately after training and three months after training. The Homophobia Scale assessed homophobic attitudes and was measured before and three months after training.ResultsSeventy‐four HCWs (68% female; 74% clinical officers or nurses; 84% working in government facilities) from 49 health facilities were trained, of whom 71 (96%) completed all measures. At baseline, few HCWs reported any prior training on MSM anal sexual practices, and most HCWs had limited knowledge of MSM sexual health needs. Homophobic attitudes were most pronounced among HCWs who were male, under 30 years of age, and working in clinical roles or government facilities. Three months after training, more HCWs had adequate knowledge compared to baseline (49% vs. 13%, McNemar's test p<0.001); this was most pronounced in those with clinical or administrative roles and in those from governmental health providers. Compared to baseline, homophobic attitudes had decreased significantly three months after training, particularly among HCWs with high homophobia scores at baseline, and there was some evidence of correlation between improvements in knowledge and reduction in homophobic sentiment.ConclusionsScaling up MSM sensitivity training for African HCWs is likely to be a timely, effective and practical means to improve relevant sexual health knowledge and reduce personal homophobic sentiment among HCWs involved in HIV prevention, testing and care in sub‐Saharan Africa.
A cross‐sectional assessment of the burden of HIV and associated individual‐ and structural‐level characteristics among men who have sex with men in Swaziland
Authors: Baral Stefan D , Ketende Sosthenes , Mnisi Zandile , Mabuza Xolile , Grosso Ashley , Sithole Bhekie , Maziya Sibusiso , Kerrigan Deanna L , Green Jessica L , Kennedy Caitlin E , Adams Darrin 
Published: December 2013

IntroductionSimilar to other Southern African countries, Swaziland has been severely affected by HIV, with over a quarter of its reproductive‐age adults estimated to be living with the virus, equating to an estimate of 170,000 people living with HIV. The last several years have witnessed an increase in the understanding of the potential vulnerabilities among men who have sex with men (MSM) in neighbouring countries with similarly widespread HIV epidemics. To date, there are no data characterizing the burden of HIV and the HIV prevention, treatment and care needs of MSM in Swaziland.MethodsIn 2011, 324 men who reported sex with another man in the last 12 months were accrued using respondent‐driven sampling (RDS). Participants completed HIV testing using Swazi national guidelines as well as structured survey instruments administered by trained staff, including modules on demographics, individual‐level behavioural and biological risk factors, social and structural characteristics and uptake of HIV services. Population and individual weights were computed separately for each variable with a data‐smoothing algorithm. The weights were used to estimate RDS‐adjusted univariate estimates with 95% bootstrapped confidence intervals (BCIs). Crude and RDS‐adjusted bivariate and multivariate analyses were completed with HIV as the dependent variable.ResultsOverall, HIV prevalence was 17.6% (n=50/284), although it was strongly correlated with age in bivariate‐ [odds ratio (OR) 1.2, 95% BCI 1.15–1.21] and multivariate‐adjusted analyses (adjusted OR 1.24, 95% BCI 1.14–1.35) for each additional year of age. Nearly, 70.8% (n=34/48) were unaware of their status of living with HIV. Condom use with all sexual partners and condom‐compatible‐lubricant use with men were reported by 1.3% (95% CI 0.0–9.7).ConclusionsAlthough the epidemic in Swaziland is driven by high‐risk heterosexual transmission, the burden of HIV and the HIV prevention, treatment and care needs of MSM have been understudied. The data presented here suggest that these men have specific HIV acquisition and transmission risks that differ from those of other reproductive‐age adults. The scale‐up in HIV services over the past decade has likely had limited benefit for MSM, potentially resulting in a scenario where epidemics of HIV among MSM expand in the context of slowing epidemics in the general population, a reality observed in most of the world.
Predictors of performance of students in biochemistry in a doctor of chiropractic curriculum
Authors: Shaw Kathy , Rabatsky Ali , Dishman Veronica , Meseke Christopher 
Published: December 2013

Objective
This study investigated the effect of completion of course prerequisites, undergraduate grade point average (GPA), undergraduate degree, and study habits on the performance of students in the biochemistry course at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida.

Methods
Students self-reported information regarding academic preparation at the beginning of the semester using a questionnaire. Final exam grade and final course grade were noted and used as measures of performance. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine if number of prerequisites completed, undergraduate GPA, undergraduate degree, hours spent studying in undergraduate study, and hours spent studying in the first quarter of the chiropractic program were associated significantly with the biochemistry final exam grade or the final grade for the biochemistry course.

Results
The number of prerequisites completed, undergraduate degree, hours spent studying in undergraduate study, and hours spent studying in the first quarter of the chiropractic program did not significantly affect the biochemistry final exam grade or the final grade for the biochemistry course, but undergraduate GPA did. Subsequent univariate analysis and Tukey's post hoc comparisons revealed that students with an undergraduate GPA in the 3.5 to 3.99 range earned significantly higher final course grades than students with an undergraduate GPA in the 2.5 to 2.99 range.

Conclusion
No single variable was determined to be a factor that determines student success in biochemistry. The interrelationship between the factors examined warrants further investigation to understand fully how to predict the success of a student in the biochemistry course.
Studies on Sono-Chemical Biodiesel Production Using Smoke Deposited Nano MgO Catalyst
Authors: Sivakumar P. , Sankaranarayanan S. , Renganathan S. , Sivakumar P. 
Published: December 2013

The comprehensive study of smoke deposited nano sized MgO as a catalyst for biodiesel production was investigated. The transesterification reaction was studied under constant ultrasonic mixing for different parameters like catalyst quantity, methanol oil molar ratio, reaction temperature and reaction time. An excellent result of conversion was obtained at 1.5 wt% catalyst; 5:1 methanol oil molar ratio at 55°C, a conversion of 98.7% was achieved after 45 min. The conversion was three to five times higher than those are reported for laboratory MgO in literature. This was mainly due to the enhancement of surface area of the catalyst and the activity of ultrasonic waves. Catalyst is easily recovered and reused up to eight times with easy regeneration steps. © 2013 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Visible Light Induced Photocatalytic Activity of Polyaniline Modified TiO2 and Clay-TiO2 Composites
Authors: Sandhya K. P. , Haridas Suja , Sugunan S. 
Published: December 2013

Sonochemical synthesis of Titania, Titania-Polyaniline, and Clay-Titania-Polyaniline composites were car-ried out. The composite systems were characterized by various physico-chemical techniques. Photocatalytic activity was tested selecting some common dyes as substrates. Composites exhibited higher activity for the degradation of dyes under visible light in most of the cases. © 2013 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Rapid Inactivation of Proteins by Knocksideways
Authors: Robinson Margaret S. , Hirst Jennifer 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe knocksideways system inactivates proteins by using a small molecule to trap them onto mitochondria. It is typically ∼3 to 4 orders of magnitude faster than a knockdown. To get the best results out of a knocksideways, five parameters need to be optimized: the bait, the prey, the small molecule, the cell or organism, and the assay. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 61:15.20.1‐15.20.7. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Challenge of Media Research Ethics
Authors: Healey Kevin 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis chapter provides an overview of basic theoretical and logistical issues related to the ethical conduct of media research. A brief opening section places media studies within the broader history of research ethics, including the formation of professional codes and ethics review boards. The body of the chapter explores key concepts such as privacy, deception, and informed consent through a handful of exemplary case studies. Cases highlight issues associated with common methods including survey, experiment, ethnography, content analysis, historical and policy research. Special attention is given to the ways that emerging media technologies and contemporary critical/cultural approaches raise fundamental questions about established ethical frameworks.
Doing Survey Research in Media Studies
Authors: Mishra Suman 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSurvey research is a widely used methodology for collecting quantitative data and is particularly useful for conducting research in communication and media studies. This essay provides an overview of survey methodology, its historical background, and its uses in communication and media studies. It explains some of the basic concepts in survey design such as sample, sampling procedures, questionnaire design, and modes of distribution of questionnaires. It also provides a guideline for conducting survey research and discusses some of the unique challenges faced by survey researchers both within a single country and internationally when conducting cross‐cultural survey research. The chapter concludes with a discussion of ethical issues in survey research.
The Interview
Authors: Robinson Sue 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The interview in qualitative inquiry extends to surveying, one‐on‐one in‐depth investigation, impromptu ethnographic meetings, formal focus groups, and free‐form dialogue, depending on the nature of the research puzzle. Researchers have called interviewing “an unfolding interpersonal drama,” “a marriage with hidden truths,” “a narrative practice,” and “an unfolding story.” At its heart, the interview entails an investigation into individual motivations, interpersonal and communal relationships, life engagement, as well as civic, familial, and other kinds of problems and resolutions. The interview's execution is both art and science, with the end result an unveiling of meaning construction, information processing, and knowledge documentation. This chapter describes the dynamics of the interview, including guidelines for building question templates (or not), navigating university institutional review boards, accessing informants, collecting the information, and then analyzing the data.
Oral History Interviews
Authors: Conway Mike 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis chapter focuses on oral history as a method that allows scholars to record and preserve the thoughts and remembrances of people and groups that may previously not have been heard. It is an empowering method, as it demands a personal connection with the subject and the realization that the interview is a collaborative process. The chapter starts with a discussion of the history of oral history as a research method, which started as an added element in historical research and evolved into the central component in memory studies. It also provides practical information for conducting oral history interviews, from working with a university's human subjects committee, finding subjects, recording audio or video, to strategies on how best to tap into those important memories. Finally, it explores analytic strategies for incorporating the interviews into academic research.
Between‐Subjects Experimental Design and Analysis
Authors: Bissell Kim 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Media effects and media studies researchers have recently been forced to determine the most effective way to measure the media's influence on individuals or groups. While thousands of media effects studies exist, the study design employed has varied. Between‐subjects experimental design is increasingly becoming one of the most statistically valid ways to determine the effect of stimuli on a target population because every participant is only exposed to the treatment or stimulus once. This design allows researchers to make comparisons between groups based on each group's response to the stimulus material or treatment. This chapter provides a case study of a between‐subjects experimental design using a sample of 601 children who participated in an experiment designed to measure weight stigmatization and bias following exposure to one image of an overweight or thin individual. Finally, the chapter discusses the advances and disadvantages to the design in this case and proposes directions for future research.
Using a Mixed Approach to Content Analysis
Authors: Neumann Rico , Coe Kevin 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
This chapter demonstrates the process and utility of an approach to content analysis that blends computer‐assisted content analysis (CCA) with traditional manual coding. It does so in the context of modern presidential rhetoric, shedding light on presidents' use of apologetic rhetoric in their public communications to audiences abroad over the past eight decades. We outline the steps that are necessary to undertake a mixed approach to content analysis, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such a method. We argue that although CCA represents a useful tool to process large quantities of text, its use can sometimes obscure important nuances in the discourse. Conducting a complementary manual coding can highlight many of these nuances, making the mixed approach a fruitful technique in many cases.
Lessons Learned from a Research Saga
Authors: Lombard Matthew 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
A team of researchers led by the author developed, designed, conducted, and reported a large‐scale content analysis of the structural features of television. The project was unusually ambitious and, by necessity, creative. The chapter describes some of the key decisions and challenges the team faced along the way and the unexpected afterlife of the original project. The author concludes with advice for content analysis and for other researchers based on lessons learned from the experience.
Text‐Based Approaches to Qualitative Research
Authors: McKinnon Sara 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis chapter provides an overview of the research process of text‐based qualitative research. The chapter not only explains what it means to work with texts in a qualitative manner, but outlines the various options researchers have at their disposal in trying to answer the research questions that most interest them, including rhetorical methods, discourse analysis approaches, and ethnographic methods. The chapter also provides readers with a step‐by‐step overview of the process of doing text‐based qualitative research, ending with a discussion of ethical considerations in qualitatively analyzing texts.
Analyzing Text
Authors: Fürsich Elfriede 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
This chapter demonstrates how to conduct a textual analysis. I employ textual analysis through a cultural critical lens and illustrate this method with an analysis of food reviews. First, the method is defined and central theoretical tenets are explained. Then I outline the methodological process of this qualitative method from searching for a topic, establishing a theoretical background, selecting data, and presenting evidence to building a line of argument. As an example, I analyze newspaper food reviews of ethnic restaurants. This analysis is embedded in three theoretical contexts: the role of media in creating national identity; the essentializing contradictions of authenticity and culture; and the problematic “us versus them” dichotomies of international journalism.
Cultural History and Media Studies
Authors: Popp Richard K. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractUnderstanding meaning making and its capacities to shape social experience is difficult enough in the present. Yet interpretation poses particularly thorny questions when researchers are interested in describing social worlds and patterns of thought that years ago dissipated into the past. Historians have argued fiercely about these challenges and scholars in media studies stand to benefit from eavesdropping on these historiographical debates. For one, they can help us clarify our conceptions of media and culture. And second, they offer insight into how theories of culture can be translated into historical projects. Taking readers through the primary ways that culture has been operationalized in recent historiography, sections examine symbolic anthropology, critical theory, cultural studies, discourse, identity, and recent calls for a more cultural materialist approach. The chapter closes by examining a number of cultural materialist frameworks that might be especially useful to media scholars.