17 research outputs found
Factors influencing e-diplomacy implementation: Exploring causal relationships using interpretive structural modelling
YesElectronic diplomacy (E-diplomacy) is the use of technology by nations to define and establish diplomatic goals and objectives and to efficiently carry out the functions of diplomats. These functions include representation and promotion of the home nation, establishing both bilateral and multilateral relations, consular services and social engagement. It encapsulates the adoption of multiple ICT tools over the Internet to support a nation’s interests in other countries while ensuring that foreign relations are improved between the countries. Given its embryonic nature, little scholarly research has been undertaken to study its influence on diplomatic functions and the various factors that influence its implementation. This paper applies the Interpretative Structural Modelling (ISM) methodological approach to identify factors that impact the implementation of e-diplomacy and to determine their causal relationship and rankings. This study applies the ISM methodology to the subject of e-diplomacy. The ISM-based model provides a framework for practitioners to aid decision-making and manage the implementation of e-diplomacy
Differentiation, metabolism and cardioprotective secretory functions of human cardiac stromal cells from ischemic and endocarditis patients
This study investigates the characteristics of cardiac mesenchymal stem cell-like cells (CMSCLCs) isolated from the right atrial appendage of human donors with ischemia and a young patient with endocarditis (NE-CMSCLCs). Typical CMSCLCs from ischemic heart patients were derived from coronary artery bypass grafting procedures, and compared against bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs). NE-CMSCLCs had a normal immunophenotype but exhibited enhanced osteogenic differentiation potential, rapid proliferation, reduced senescence, reduced glycolysis, and lower reactive oxygen species generation after oxidative stress compared to typical ischemic CMSCLCs. These differences suggest a unique functional status of NE-CMSCLCs, influenced by the donor health condition. Despite large variances in their paracrine secretome, NE-CMSCLCs retained therapeutic potential, as indicated by their ability to protect hypoxia/reoxygenation-injured human cardiomyocytes, albeit less effectively than typical CMSCLCs. This research describes a unique cell phenotype and underscores the importance of donor health status in the therapeutic efficacy of autologous cardiac cell therapy
Differentiation, Metabolism, and Cardioprotective Secretory Functions of Human Cardiac Stromal Cells from Ischemic and Endocarditis Patients.
This study investigates the characteristics of cardiac mesenchymal stem cell-like cells (CMSCLCs) isolated from the right atrial appendage of human donors with ischemia and a young patient with endocarditis (NE-CMSCLCs). Typical CMSCLCs from ischemic heart patients were derived from coronary artery bypass grafting procedures and compared against bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs). NE-CMSCLCs had a normal immunophenotype, but exhibited enhanced osteogenic differentiation potential, rapid proliferation, reduced senescence, reduced glycolysis, and lower reactive oxygen species generation after oxidative stress compared with typical ischemic CMSCLCs. These differences suggest a unique functional status of NE-CMSCLCs, influenced by the donor health condition. Despite large variances in their paracrine secretome, NE-CMSCLCs retained therapeutic potential, as indicated by their ability to protect hypoxia/reoxygenation-injured human cardiomyocytes, albeit less effectively than typical CMSCLCs. This research describes a unique cell phenotype and underscores the importance of donor health status in the therapeutic efficacy of autologous cardiac cell therapy
