bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Return to Social Policy and the Persistent Neglect of Unpaid Care
Authors: Razavi Shahra 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTThe failure of orthodox economic policies to generate growth and eradicate poverty has led to renewed interest in social policies. The return to ‘the social’ has seen contending conceptualizations of social policy, premised on different values, priorities and understandings of state responsibility, vying for influence. This article argues that the currently dominant agenda of social sector restructuring is likely to entrench gender inequalities in access to social services and income supports because of its failure to recognize the structures that underpin those inequalities, which are pervasive across labour markets and the unpaid care economy. Despite the ‘pro‐poor’ and occasionally ‘pro‐women’ rhetoric, the design of social policies remains largely blind to these gender structures. Addressing them would require a major rethinking of dominant approaches, placing redistribution more firmly at the heart of policy design, valuing and supporting unpaid care, and providing incentives for it to be shared more equally between women and men, and between families/households and society more broadly.
Manufacturing Disorder: Liberalization, Informal Enterprise and Economic ‘Ungovernance’ in African Small Firm Clusters
Authors: Meagher Kate 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTSmall enterprise clusters are viewed as an important means of promoting competitive small‐firm development even in contexts of unstable markets and weak states. Yet the emergence of successful enterprise clusters in developing regions of Southern Europe, Asia and Latin America contrasts with their conspicuous absence in Africa. This article challenges ahistorical and culturalist explanations regarding the lack of successful enterprise clusters in Africa through a comparative analysis of three dynamic and increasingly globalized informal manufacturing clusters in two different regions of Nigeria. Focusing on a Muslim Yoruba weaving cluster in the town of Ilorin in south‐western Nigeria, and two Christian Igbo shoe and garment clusters in the town of Aba in south‐eastern Nigeria, this article explores the role of culture, religion and the state in shaping informal economic governance in an African context. An account of the varied and complex history of these Nigerian enterprise networks reveals both their capacity for institutional innovation and economic linkages across ethnic, religious and gender boundaries, as well as their vulnerability to fragmentation and involution in the context of liberalization, state neglect and political opportunism. Far from demonstrating the inadequacies of African cultural institutions, the slide of African entrepreneurial networks into social disorder and economic ‘ungovernance’1 is traced to the destructive impact of neoliberal reforms in a context of poverty and formal institutional exclusion.
Supporting Pupils with Dyspraxia in the Visual Arts Does Drawing from Observation Function as an Official and Discriminatory Discourse?
Authors: Penketh Claire 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis article examines the demands that pupils with dyspraxia may face when engaging with the secondary art and design curriculum in a mainstream secondary school. It explores the possibility that there is an exclusive approach to art and design, prioritising a formalist approach to the teaching of specific skills and mastery of techniques, and considers the implications that this may have for such pupils. Specific attention is paid to the role of observational drawing and the demands that this may make for pupils with dyspraxia. The article will explore existing guidance offered for subject‐based practitioners and aims to contextualise this within the current debates on art and design education and the recollections of individual experiences of art and design. It will outline the hypothesis that pupils with dyspraxia may be one group of pupils amongst many for whom their art and design experience does not offer an inclusive experience, and it seeks to question the existence of a hierarchy of practice and its subsequent relevance.
Recording the Creative Process: An Empirical Basis for Practice‐Integrated Research in the Arts
Authors: Gillham Bill , McGilp Helen 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA case is made for a form of narrative reporting (the Creative Process Journal) as a methodology for practice‐integrated research in the arts. It is argued that this stage of research creativity, which applies in all domains of academic study but is often not reported, is fundamental to the kind of arts research which allocates practice a central role. The practical and technological character of making a CPJ, and its consequent benefits to the maker‐researcher are outlined.
Provoking Points of Convergence: Museum and University Collaborating and Co‐evolving
Authors: Kalin Nadine , Grauer Kit , Baird Jill , Meszaros Cheryl 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis article outlines art education courses undertaken in museum and gallery contexts as a component of the Certificate Programme in Visual and Material Culture within the University of British Columbia's Department of Curriculum Studies. With the creation of this programme and through the forging of relationships with area museums, unique ways have evolved for graduate students from diverse areas of education and art teacher education candidates to interact with works of art, museum professionals, artists, and the museum space itself. The purpose of these courses is to use museum and gallery settings as sites to test ideas, critique educational programmes, and advance new approaches for teachers to use museums in more creative and integrated ways in their teaching while expanding theoretical knowledge and interpretive repertoires. Through participating in this collaborative venture we have learned that when you invite teachers into museums, make efforts to increase their comfort within these spaces, while recognising what interpretive insights they offer as active participants in museum discourses, points of convergence between teachers, universities, and museums are formed.
Preferences of patients, doctors, and nurses regarding wound dressing characteristics: A conjoint analysis
Authors: Vermeulen Hester , Ubbink Dirk T. , De Zwart Femke , Goossens Astrid , De Vos Rien 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTThe different choices doctors, nurses, and patients make regarding wound dressing materials are generally based on personal preferences, because strong evidence and guidelines on local wound care for open wounds are lacking. We studied which attributes of a wound dressing doctors, nurses, and patients consider the most important. A conjoint analysis questionnaire comprising paper‐based descriptions with six attributes, and questions regarding the willingness‐to‐pay for these attributes were sent out to surgical patients, (assistant)‐surgeons and nurses. Preferences for wound dressing attributes were similar for doctors (n=50), nurses (n=150), and patients (n=74). Pain during dressing changes, duration of hospitalization, and wound healing time were ranked highest. Doctors would spend more money on a shorter hospitalization, nurses on pain reduction, and patients on quicker wound healing. Patients were willing to pay a relatively small monthly amount out of pocket for a dressing that would result in a quicker and less‐painful wound healing. Doctors, nurses, and patients prefer similar attributes of wound dressing materials, but differ in their willingness‐to‐pay. To achieve a more consistent local wound care, clinical decision‐making should be in accordance with these preferences. These should also be the focus for manufacturers and researchers to obtain more evidence on which materials best match these attributes.
Alteration of Smad3 signaling in ischemic rabbit dermal ulcer wounds
Authors: Kloeters Oliver , Jia Sheng‐Xian , Roy Nakshatra , Schultz Gregory S. , Leinfellner Gabrielle , Mustoe Thomas A. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTImpaired reepithelialization is a hallmark of chronic, ischemic wounds; however, the pathogenesis of the delayed reepithelialization in these wounds remains poorly understood. Transforming growth factor β is involved in both the normal and hypoxic wound‐healing response and exogenous overexpression of Smad3, which has been known to accelerate reepithelialization. Recently, it was shown in the rabbit ear dermal ulcer model that Ad‐Smad3 injection enhanced reepithelialization and granulation tissue formation suggesting a positive effect of Smad3 on wound healing. However, little is known about the role of Smad3 in the ischemic wound healing process. In this study, we examined the effect of Smad3 in an ischemic wound model. Ad‐Smad3 or Ad‐LacZ (108 pfu/wound) was injected into either ear of white New Zealand rabbits. Twenty‐four hours later, these ears were rendered ischemic using an established model, and four 7 mm full‐thickness punch wounds were made on each ear. Histological evaluation showed a significant increase in reepithelialization parameters in Ad‐Smad3–transfected wounds (p<0.01). In contrast, granulation tissue parameters were not affected by Smad3 in ischemia. Smad4 and Smad7 mRNA‐expression was not affected by Smad3 overexpression. Connective tissue growth factor protein was up‐regulated under ischemic conditions but was unaffected by Smad3 transfection in both ischemic and nonischemic wounds. Our results suggest an enhancing effect of Smad3 on reepithelialization in an ischemic wound model that, in turn, might provide novel therapeutic options. Furthermore, the lack of alteration of Smad‐dependent intermediates by Smad3 overexpression suggests the activation of Smad‐independent pathways in ischemia.
Fibrin‐embedded administration of VEGF plasmid enhances skin flap survival
Authors: Michlits Wolfgang , Mittermayr Rainer , Schäfer Romana , Redl Heinz , Aharinejad Seyedhossein 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTThe aim of the present study was to experimentally evaluate whether topical fibrin‐mediated administration of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A plasmid to the wound bed can protect skin flaps from necrosis. A plasmid expression vector containing the VEGF‐A cDNA was constructed. The plasmid was then administered to the wound bed of rat abdominal skin flaps in a fibrin sealant. The percentage of viable, ischemic and necrotic tissue was assessed postoperatively as a baseline and after 3 and 7 days using digital surface area morphometry. Laser Doppler imaging of the flaps and VEGF‐A Western blot analysis of flap tissue were performed to assess angiogenesis and VEGF‐A tissue levels. Flaps treated with VEGF plasmids in the presence of uptake enhancing Lipofectamine transfection reagent increased flap survival 7 days postoperatively significantly associated with markedly elevated tissue perfusion and enhanced tissue VEGF‐A protein expression. Our results indicate that topical fibrin‐mediated administration of a VEGF‐A plasmid may serve as an alternative to previous strategies in treating ischemic skin flaps. The suggested therapeutic approach is easily applicable and inexpensive in preparation. Thus, this protocol may also enhance wound healing in posttrauma skin lacerations or in skin grafts.
Basic fibroblast growth factor in an artificial dermis promotes apoptosis and inhibits expression of α‐smooth muscle actin, leading to reduction of wound contraction
Authors: Akasaka Yoshikiyo , Ono Ichiro , Tominaga Akihiro , Ishikawa Yukio , Ito Kinji , Suzuki Takeya , Imaizumi Risa , Ishiguro Shigeki , Jimbow Kowichi , Ishii Toshiharu 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTTo clarify the mechanisms underlying declines in wound contraction caused by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and the role of autologous fibroblasts in modulating wound healing, we have examined the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and apoptosis in a model of wound healing using collagen sponges with and without bFGF (1 μg) and/or fibroblasts (1 × 106 cells/cm2) applied to experimentally produced full‐thickness skin wounds in rats (n=10 for each group). At 7 days postoperatively, wounds filled with a fibroblast‐seeded collagen sponge (fibroblast‐seeded group) displayed a greater area of collagen sponge and a smaller area of fibroblasts compared with control wounds filled with collagen sponge alone (control group). Therefore, seeding of fibroblasts in the dermal substitute might retard degradation of the collagen sponge, inhibiting fibroblast infiltration into the substitute. By day 14, wounds filled with bFGF‐treated collagen sponge without fibroblast seeding (bFGF group) displayed decreased α‐SMA expression and significantly increased apoptosis compared with other wounds. Double staining revealed that apoptosis in α‐SMA‐positive fibroblastic cells was significantly increased in the bFGF group, suggesting that bFGF treatment is a potent stimulator of myofibroblast apoptosis. Furthermore, morphometric analysis demonstrated the significant decrease in the level of wound contraction and the degree of mature collagen bundle formation in the bFGF group by day 42. The bFGF group also showed increased bFGF expression in macrophages by day 28. These results suggest that bFGF administration to an artificial dermis promotes apoptosis of α‐SMA‐positive fibroblastic cells and inhibits α‐SMA expression in the treated wound, thus reducing wound contraction.
Differential regulation of free‐floating collagen gel contraction by human fetal and adult dermal fibroblasts in response to prostaglandin E2 mediated by an EP2/cAMP‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Parekh Aron , Sandulache Vlad C. , Lieb Audrey S. , Dohar Joseph E. , Hebda Patricia A. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTIn contrast to fetal wound healing, dermal adult wound healing results in imperfect repair and scar formation. Fibroblasts are responsible for the contraction and remodeling of the wound matrix, which is influenced by inflammatory mediators including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). This study addresses the mechanism by which PGE2 regulates contraction of collagen gels by human fetal and adult dermal fibroblasts. We hypothesized that the intrinsic phenotypic properties of the two types of fibroblasts and their responses to PGE2 alter their contraction properties and contribute to different wound healing outcomes. Contraction was evaluated using free‐floating fibroblast‐populated collagen gels that contract by migratory forces. PGE2 was found to differentially inhibit collagen gel contraction by fetal and adult fibroblasts. This effect was mimicked by a specific PGE2 receptor agonist as well as by two pharmacological agents, indicating a cyclic adenosine monophosphate‐dependent signaling pathway mediated through the EP2 receptor. Our results indicate that fetal fibroblast contraction is maintained by a more stable actin cytoskeleton. Therefore, the migratory phenotype may be sufficient for physical remodeling of the wound matrix leading to regenerative repair. Maintenance of this phenotype in the later stages of wound healing could potentially be achieved by targeting cyclic adenosine monophosphate via the EP2 receptor.
Inhibition of osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Moioli Eduardo K. , Hong Liu , Mao Jeremy J. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTMesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have been shown to differentiate into osteoblasts that, in turn, are capable of forming tissues analogous to bone. The present study was designed to investigate the inhibition of osteogenesis by hMSCs. Bone marrow‐derived hMSCs were treated with transforming growth factor β‐3 (TGFβ3) at various doses during or after their differentiation into osteogenic cells. TGFβ3 was encapsulated in poly(dl‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres and released via controlled delivery in the osteogenic culture of hMSCs and hMSC‐derived osteoblasts for up to 28 days. Controlled release of TGFβ3 inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs, as evidenced by significantly reduced alkaline phosphatase activity and staining, as well as decreased mineral deposition. After hMSCs had been differentiated into osteoblasts, controlled release of TGFβ3 further inhibited not only alkaline phosphatase and mineral deposition but also osteocalcin expression. These findings demonstrate the potential for sustained modulation of the behavior of stem cells and/or stem cell‐derived lineage‐specific cells via controlled release of growth factor(s). The attenuation of osteogenic differentiation of MSCs may facilitate understanding not only the regulation and patterning of osteogenesis in development but also several pathological models such as osteopetrosis, craniosynostosis, and heart valve calcification.
Intraindividual Blood Pressure Responses to Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibition and Angiotensin Receptor Blockade
Authors: Stergiou, MD George S. , Roussias Leonidas G. , Mountokalakis Theodore D. 
Published: May 2007

This study aims to test the hypothesis that in some hypertensive subjects the blood pressure (BP) response to angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition differs from that to angiotensin receptor blockade (ARB); a responder to angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition may not respond to ARB or the opposite. A randomized, open‐label, crossover, comparative trial of lisinopril 20 mg compared with telmisartan 80 mg (5 weeks per treatment period) was conducted in 32 untreated hypertensives using 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Subjects were classified as “responders” and “nonresponders” using an arbitrary threshold of ambulatory BP response (≥10 mm Hg systolic or ≥5 diastolic) or the median response achieved by each drug. No difference was detected between the drugs in their effect on ambulatory BP (mean difference 1.2±7.1/0.7±5.1 mm Hg, systolic/diastolic). Significant correlations were found between the antihypertensive responses to the two drugs (r=0.77, p<0.001). Using the arbitrary response criterion, there was a difference between the drugs in the responses in 28%/13% of subjects (9/4 patients) for systolic/diastolic BP (19%/25% using the median response criterion). These data suggest that in some hypertensive patients the BP response to angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition may fail to predict the response to ARB. It appears that there are differences in the antihypertensive action of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and ARBs that may be clinically important.
Nonsustained Reentry Following Successive Stimulation of Cardiac Tissue Through a Unipolar Electrode
Authors: ROTH BRADLEY J. 
Published: May 2007

Reentry Following Unipolar Stimulation. Introduction: Using numerical simulations, we predict that nonsustained reentry occurs following a strong, premature stimulus through a unipolar electrode. Methods and Results: Our simulations were based on the bidomain model of cardiac tissue, and the active membrane properties were represented by the Beeler‐Reuter model. An outwardly propagating wavefront was excited by an initial stimulus (SI). A second stimulus (S2) was then applied through the same electrode. Nonsustained reentry or reentrant‐like behavior followed the S2 stimulus for both cathodal and anodal stimulation, and were associated with “break” stimulation but not with “make” stimulation. The direction of spiral‐wave rotation was reversed when the polarity of the stimulus was reversed. These complex dynamics occur only for a narrow window of S1‐S2 intervals. During anodal S2 stimulation, two different modes of reentry exist. Our simulations also explain the “no response” phenomenon. Conclusion: Our mathematical model predicts that both anodal and cathodal unipolar S2 stimulation results in reentry. This behavior arises from an interaction of virtual anodes and cathodes surrounding the stimulating electrode.
Effects of 2,3‐Butanedione Monoxime on Atrial—Atrioventricular Nodal Conduction in Isolated Rabbit Heart
Authors: CHENG YUANNA , MOWREY KENT , EFIMOV IGOR R. , Van WAGONER DAVID R. , TCHOU PATRICK J. , MAZGALBV TODOR N. 
Published: May 2007

BDM Effects on AVN Conduction. Introduction: 2,3‐Butanedione monoxime (BDM) has been found to reversibly block cardiac contraction, without blocking electrical conduction. This study characterizes the dose‐dependent effects of BDM on the conduction through the atrioventricular node (AVN) of rabbit heart. Methods and Results: Thirteen isolated atrial‐AVN preparations were used in control, during and after exposure to 5, 10, and 20 mM BDM. Anterograde and retrograde pacing protocols were used to obtain the Wenckebach cycle length, effective and functional refractory periods of the AVN, index of AVN conduction delay (the area under the AVN conduction curve), as well as index of intra‐atrial conduction delay between the AVN inputs. Compared to control, 5 and 10 mM BDM produced either shortening or no effect on all of the above parameters except a slight (6% and 14%, respectively) increase in the intra‐atrial delay. At 20 mM, BDM produced a further increase in the intra‐atrial delay (up to 50%) as well as in the retrograde AVN conduction delay (up to 16%), while the characteristics of the anterograde conduction were still improved. The effects of perfusion with BDM on these parameters were reversible after washout. Conclusions: Aside from its known effect as an electromechanical uncoupler, BDM reversibly altered some of the electrical responses of the AVN. Most of these alterations, however, did not impede but rather improved AVN conduction. Since a dose of 10 mM is sufficient to fully eliminate undesirable motion, BDM should be considered a safe and valuable tool in AVN studies in vitro requiring a mechanically quiescent preparation.
Fatalism and HIV/AIDS Beliefs in Rural Mali, West Africa
Authors: Hess Rosanna F. , McKinney Dawn 
Published: May 2007

Purpose

: To examine beliefs about HIV/AIDS of rural Malians and to measure their level of fatalism in context of HIV/AIDS and prevention behaviors.
Design

: Descriptive, correlational.
Methods

: An AIDS Knowledge and Beliefs survey and the Powe Fatalism Inventory (PFI)—HIV/AIDS version were administered to a convenience sample of 84 people at three health center maternity clinics in southeastern Mali, West Africa.
Findings

: The sample's HIV/AIDS fatalism mean was 9.2 on a 15‐point scale, with an internal consistency of .89. Health workers and more educated participants had significantly lower fatalism scores. Fatalism also varied by the combination of gender and ethnicity. People who believed that AIDS was not real, was a punishment from God, was fabricated by the West, was a curse, and that it was taboo to talk about AIDS had higher fatalism means. None of the prevention indicators were significantly related to fatalism scores.
Conclusions

: These rural Malians had a high overall fatalism mean and their beliefs about AIDS based on traditional culture may affect prevention behaviors. More research is needed to understand the influence of fatalism on prevention behaviors.
Identifying Risk Factors for Postpartum Tobacco Use
Authors: Gaffney Kathleen F. , Henry Linda L. 
Published: May 2007

Purpose: To identify factors associated with becoming a mother that may contribute to postpartum smoking‐related outcomes.
Design: Cross‐sectional, correlational.
Methods: Postpartum women (N=133) who were clients in a nutrition supplement program for low‐income families responded to questionnaires about smoking and early motherhood experiences. Inferential statistical tests included hierarchical multiple and logistic regression.
Findings: After controlling for factors known to be associated with smoking outcomes for the general population, factors associated with becoming a mother significantly contributed to the amount of explained variance in both postpartum self‐efficacy to refrain from smoking and smoking within 2 weeks after delivery.
Conclusions: Study findings indicated that prenatal intentions about postpartum tobacco use and maternal response to infant cry episodes were areas for risk assessment that might lead to effective smoking cessation interventions uniquely tailored to women who experience becoming a mother.