bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional Value of electron beam irradiated cottonseed meal in broiler chickens
Authors: Nayefi M. , Salari S. , Sari M. , Behgar M.
Published: December 2015

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of electron beam‐irradiated cottonseed meal on performance, carcass characteristics and some blood parameters of broiler chicks. Treatments were cottonseed meal (CSM) at levels of 12% and 24% (raw and irradiated at 30 kGy) and corn‐soya bean meal diet (as control, without CSM and without irradiation) that used with five dietary treatments, four replicates and 10 birds of each for 42 days in completely randomized design. Feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) were recorded weekly. At 42 days of age, two birds per pen were randomly selected for the determination of carcass characteristics and blood parameters. BWG decreased with increasing levels of dietary CSM during the experiment (p < 0.05). In addition, radiation had significant positive effect in broilers fed 12% compared with those fed 24% CSM. FI in chicks fed control and diet containing 24% CSM were increased significantly in starter period. But FI was significantly decreased in broilers consumed CSM compare to the control in grower and during the experiment. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) increased with increasing levels of CSM in the diets. Relative weights of liver, gastrointestinal tract (GI), pancreas, gizzard and abdominal fat were increased by increasing levels of CSM in the diet (p < 0.05). Glucose, cholesterol, HDL, triglyceride and phosphorous concentrations increased, and LDL concentration decreased as the dietary CSM levels increased (p < 0.05). But radiation had not significant effect on blood parameters. Electron irradiation seems to be a good procedure to improve the nutritional quality of CSM, but it seems higher dose of it was needed to improve performance of chickens.
Gay Acres: Sexual Orientation Differences in Health Indicators Among Rural and Nonrural Individuals
Authors: Farmer Grant W. , Blosnich John R. , Jabson Jennifer M. , Matthews Derrick D.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

Geographic location is a significant factor that influences health status and health disparities. Yet, little is known about the relationship between geographic location and health and health disparities among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons. This study used a US population‐based sample to evaluate the associations of sexual orientation with health indicators by rural/nonrural residence.

Methods

Data were pooled from the 10 states that collected sexual orientation in the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys. Rural status was defined using metropolitan statistical area, and group differences by sexual orientation were stratified by gender and rural/nonrural status. Chi‐square tests for categorical variables were used to assess bivariate relationships. Multivariable logistic regression models stratified by gender and rural/nonrural status were used to assess the association of sexual orientation to health indicators, while adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, education, and partnership status. All analyses were weighted to adjust for the complex sampling design.

Findings

Significant differences between LGB and heterosexual participants emerged for several health indicators, with bisexuals having a greater number of differences than gay men/lesbians. There were fewer differences in health indicators for rural LGB participants compared to heterosexuals than nonrural participants.

Conclusions

Rural residence appears to influence the pattern of LGB health disparities. Future work is needed to confirm and identify the exact etiology or rural/nonrural differences in LGB health.
What is Reduplication? Typology and Analysis Part 2/2: The Analysis of Reduplication
Authors: Downing Laura J. , Inkelas Sharon
Published: December 2015

Reduplication has played a central role in the development of phonological theories for 30 years. The introduction of the classical optimality theory (OT) in the 1990s sparked intensive research into the typology and analysis of reduplicative patterns, as reduplication was a key testing area both for OT and for theories critical of OT. Now, after some 20 years of research within the OT model, it is appropriate to assess the leading ideas on reduplication that have come out of this period of concentrated research. This pair of articles serves this purpose. The first article presents a typological survey of the function and form of reduplication, covering classic forms of reduplication as well as less well‐studied forms, such as phrasal reduplication, morphologically complex reduplicants and reduplication without phonological identity. The second article surveys recent formal approaches, such as base‐reduplicant correspondence and morphological doubling, covering debates such as the morphological status of the reduplicant, exfixation, semantically empty, and a‐templatic and compensatory reduplication.
Language Policies, Ideologies, and Attitudes, Part 2: International Immigration, Globalization and the Future of Catalan
Authors: Trenchs‐Parera Mireia , Newman Michael
Published: December 2015

This, the second of two articles on Catalonian language policies and their sociolinguistic effects, reviews research related to the current policy called the Pla per la Llengua i la Cohesió Social (Plan for Language and Social Cohesion) inaugurated in 2004. The Plan addresses a situation in which Catalan is stable demolinguistically but in which globalization and international immigration are seen as long‐term threats to the language's vitality. In addition, language planners were and remain concerned with preserving social cohesion in a much more linguistically and culturally diverse society.

We show that this policy builds on and maintains the infrastructure of the prior Normalization policy discussed in Part 1. Nevertheless, it presents a late modern ethos in favor of societal multilingualism that transcends the position in favor of bilingualism aimed for by Normalization. We argue that research on Catalonian society's response to this policy shows some difficulties with implementation and a continuing preoccupation with traditional essentialist ethnolinguistic concerns by some Catalonians. However, we also find that this late modern ethos of multilingualism is assumed by large segments of Catalan society as a representing forward‐looking desirable cosmopolitan identity. The article ends with an overview of how recent political developments in relation to Catalonia's political status are linked to language policy and use.
Communicating hunger and satiation in the first 2 years of life: a systematic review
Authors: McNally Janet , Hugh‐Jones Siobhan , Caton Samantha , Vereijken Carel , Weenen Hugo , Hetherington Marion
Published: December 2015

Responsive feeding has been identified as important in preventing overconsumption by infants. However, this is predicated on an assumption that parents recognise and respond to infant feeding cues. Despite this, relatively little is understood about how infants engage parental feeding responses. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to identify what is known about infant communication of hunger and satiation and what issues impact on the expression and perception of these states. A search of Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Science Direct and Maternal and Infant care produced 27 papers. Eligibility criteria included peer reviewed qualitative and/or quantitative publications on feeding behaviours, hunger, and satiation/satiety cues of typically developing children in the first 2 years of life. Papers published between 1966 and 2013 were included in the review. The review revealed that feeding cues and behaviours are shaped by numerous issues, such as infants' physical attributes, individual psychological factors and environmental factors. Meanwhile, infant characteristics, external cues and mothers' own characteristics affect how feeding cues are perceived. The existing literature provides insights into many aspects of hunger and satiation in infancy; however, there are significant gaps in our knowledge. There is a lack of validated tools for measuring hunger and satiation, a need to understand how different infant characteristics impact on feeding behaviour and a need to extricate the respective contributions of infant and maternal characteristics to perceptions of hunger and satiation. Further research is also recommended to differentiate between feeding driven by liking and that driven by hunger.
Effects of infant flow Bi‐NCPAP on apnea of prematurity
Authors: Ishihara Chie , Ibara Satoshi , Ohsone Yoshiteru , Kato Eiji , Tokuhisa Takuya , Yamamoto Yutaka , Maede Yoshinobu , Kuwahara Takako , Minakami Hisanori
Published: December 2015

Background

Infant flow biphasic nasal continuous positive airway pressure (Bi‐NCPAP) and regular NCPAP (Re‐NCPAP) are equally useful with respect to the rate of successful weaning from mechanical ventilation. It remains unclear, however, whether Bi‐NCPAP or Re‐NCPAP is more effective for reducing apnea of prematurity (AOP).

Methods

A multicenter randomized controlled study was conducted of 66 infants assigned to receive Bi‐NCPAP and 66 assigned to receive Re‐NCPAP for respiratory support after extubation. Primary outcome was the number of AOP events during the 48 h observation period after successful extubation, defined as no reintubation and no adverse events associated with the use of NCPAP during the observation period. The secondary outcome was successful extubation. Reintubation was at the discretion of the attending physician.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. The number of AOP events during the 48 h observation period was significantly lower in infants with Bi‐NCPAP than in those with Re‐NCPAP (5.2 ± 6.5 vs 10.3 ± 10.9 per infant, respectively; P = 0.002). The rate of successful extubation tended to be greater in those with Bi‐NCPAP than in those with Re‐NCPAP (92.4%, 61/66 vs 80.3%, 53/66, respectively; P = 0.074). Adverse events occurred in only one of 132 infants: erosive dermatitis developed on the nose after application of Re‐NCPAP. The risk of reintubation did not differ significantly between the two groups (7.6%, 5/66 for Bi‐NCPAP vs 18.2%, 12/66 for Re‐NCPAP; P = 0.117).

Conclusions

Bi‐NCPAP was superior to Re‐NCPAP for reduction of AOP following extubation.
SiyGe1−x−ySnx films grown on Si using a cold-wall ultrahigh-vacuum chemical vapor deposition system
Authors: Mosleh Aboozar , Alher Murtadha , Du Wei , Cousar Larry C. , Ghetmiri Seyed Amir , Al-Kabi Sattar , Dou Wei , Grant Perry C. , Sun Greg , Soref Richard A. , Li Baohua , Naseem Hameed A. , Yu Shui-Qing
Published: December 2015

Silicon germanium tin alloys were grown directly on Si substrates using a cold-wall ultrahigh-vacuum chemical vapor deposition system at 300 °C, where commercially available precursors of silane, germane, and stannic chloride were used to grow the epitaxial layers. The crystallinity and growth quality of the SiyGe1−x−ySnx films were investigated through material characterization methods including x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Rutherford backscattering measurements show that 2%–5% of the Sn and 3%–5% of the Si were successfully incorporated. Investigation of the material growth parameters shows that a flow rate of stannic chloride higher than 1 sccm results in etching of the film, while an increase in the silane flow rate results in amorphous film growth. The photoluminescence study shows clear emission peaks ascribed to direct and indirect bandgap transitions, which are in agreement with theoretical calculations.
Distinct profiles of functional discrimination among G proteins determine the actions of G protein–coupled receptors
Authors: Masuho Ikuo , Ostrovskaya Olga , Kramer Grant M. , Jones Christopher D. , Xie Keqiang , Martemyanov Kirill A.
Published: December 2015

Screening G protein–coupling specificities reveals unexpectedly diverse signaling pathways for individual GPCRs and their ligands.
Microparticles provide protection
Authors: Frisk Megan
Published: December 2015

Neutrophils generate chrondroprotective AnxA1-containing microvesicles that enter immune cell–impenetrable cartilage.
Resolution of tachyarrhythmia-related fetal hydrops after corticosteroid administration for fetal lung maturation
Authors: Takei Kohta , Morikawa Mamoru , Cho Kazutoshi , Minakami Hisanori
Published: December 2015

A case of hydrops fetalis (HF) that resolved after corticosteroid therapy despite persisting fetal tachycardia of 190 bpm is reported. The fetus with confirmed normal karyotype had HF in the presence of atrial flutter and sustained ventricular rate of 200–210 bpm at gestational week (GW) 31–6/7. Aetiologies of HF other than fetal tachyarrhythmia were unlikely in this infant. The patient's family declined pharmacological treatment with maternal digoxin and desired to continue pregnancy with only intensive monitoring of fetal condition. Maternal transplacental β-methasone was given to facilitate fetal lung maturation. The fetal tachyarrhythmia ameliorated to 190 bpm at GW 32–5/7and HF gradually disappeared by birth. The otherwise healthy female neonate weighing 3050 g born at GW 37–0/7was successfully treated with cardioversion performed 60 min after birth. This case suggested that corticosteroid therapy contributed to the resolution of HF associated with tachyarrhythmia.
Intermittent unspecific osteitis and cortex atrophy of the proximal phalanx after surgical pulley repair
Authors: Lutter Christoph , Schoeffl Volker
Published: December 2015

Climbing athletes frequently suffer from pulley ruptures, as the shear stress on the finger flexor tendon pulley system is extremely high, especially in the ‘crimping position’. Studies showed that surgery only has to be performed in a multiple pulley rupture situation (grade IV injuries). This case describes a complication that appeared after performing a ‘bone-encircling’ technique recommended for climbers (modified ‘one-and-a-half-loop’ technique). Simultaneously with resumption of full-strength training after surgery and rehabilitation, the dorsolateral cortex of the proximal phalanx, to which the tendon transplant (palmaris longus tendon surrounding bone and flexor tendon of the finger) is entangled, developed an osteitis and atrophy. We investigated two athletes with the same complaints and symptoms.
The risk of total mortality and cardiovascular mortality associated with impaired glucose regulation in Tayside, Scotland, UK: a record-linkage study in 214 094 people
Authors: Evans Josie M M , Eades Claire E , Leese Graham P
Published: December 2015

Objective

Mortality among adults of all ages diagnosed with impaired glucose regulation (IGR) in Tayside, Scotland, UK, was evaluated using routinely collected healthcare data sets.

Research design and methods

Using record-linked data in 2003–2008, all instances of blood glucose testing in the population defined 2 cohorts of patients aged 18+years: those with IGR (whether impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)) according to the WHO criteria, and those who were normoglycemic. They were followed in survival analyses for mortality or cardiovascular mortality (censoring deaths that occurred within a 30-day period of testing), to derive HRs (with 95% CI) for IGR status using Cox regression, adjusted for age, sex, and an area measure of deprivation.

Results

There were 2 372 712 tests for 214 094 patients, with 196 799 patients in the non-IGR cohort and 50 080 in the IGR cohort. During follow-up, 19 147 (9.7%) and 8397 (16.8%) patients died in 2 cohorts, respectively, with mortality rates of 33.2/1000 patient-years and 70.7/1000 patient-years. In multivariable analyses, the overall adjusted risk of mortality for IGR was 1.16 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.20). However, it was 2.59 (95% CI 2.17 to 3.10) for people aged <45 years, decreasing to 0.94 (95% CI 0.85 to 1.00) in those aged 85+years. The HRs for cardiovascular mortality were lower overall, but they followed the same pattern, with statistically significant increased risks for patients aged <64 years only. The mortality risk was highest among patients with IGT.

Conclusions

IGR is associated with an increased mortality risk which declines with age. It is therefore important to prioritize young people with IGR for prevention; but less important to be aggressive about risk factor modification in older people.
Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy for depression in people with diabetes: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Robins Lisa , Newby Jill , Wilhelm Kay , Smith Jessica , Fletcher Therese , Ma Trevor , Finch Adam , Campbell Lesley , Andrews Gavin
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Depression substantially contributes to the personal burden and healthcare costs of living with diabetes mellitus (DM). Comorbid depression and DM are associated with poorer quality of life, poorer self-management and glycemic control, increased risk for DM complications and higher mortality rates, and higher health service utilization. Depression remains under-recognized and undertreated in people with DM, which may, in part, result from barriers associated with accessing face-to-face treatment. This study will examine the efficacy of an internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy programme for major depressive disorder (iCBT-MDD) in people with DM.

Methods and analysis

A CONSORT 2010 compliant, registered randomised controlled trial of the intervention (iCBT-MDD) versus a treatment as usual control group will be conducted. The study will include 100 adults aged 18 years and over with a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 DM and self-reported symptoms that satisfy MDD which will enable us to detect a statistically significant difference with a group effect size of 0.6 at a power of 80% and significance level of p=0.05. Participants will be randomised to receive the iCBT-MDD programme immediately, or to wait 10 weeks before accessing the programme. Primary outcomes will be self-reported depression severity, DM-related distress, and glycemic control (glycosylated hemoglobin). Secondary outcomes will be general distress and disability, generalized anxiety, lifestyle behaviours, somatization, eating habits, alcohol use, and acceptability of the iCBT programme to participants, and practicality for clinicians. Data will be analyzed with linear mixed models for each outcome measure.

Ethics and dissemination

The Human Research Ethics Committee of St Vincent's Hospital Australia have given ethics approval (HREC/13/SVH/291). Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication and social media channels of Australian Diabetes Consumer Representative Bodies.

Trial registration number

The trial is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12613001198718).
Incidence of knee cartilage surgery in Norway, 2008–2011
Authors: Engen Cathrine Nørstad , Årøen Asbjørn , Engebretsen Lars
Published: December 2015

Objective

A systematic and long-term data collection on the treatment of focal cartilage defects (FCDs) of the knee is needed. This can be achieved through the foundation of a National Knee Cartilage Defect Registry. The aim of this study was to establish the nationwide burden of knee cartilage surgery, defined as knee surgery in patients with an FCD. We also aimed to identify any geographical differences in incidence rates, patient demographics or trends within this type of surgery.

Setting

A population-based study with retrospective identification of patients undergoing knee cartilage surgery in Norway through a mandatory public health database from 2008 to 2011.

Participants

We identified all patients undergoing cartilage surgery, or other knee surgery in patients with an FCD. All eligible surgeries were assessed for inclusion on the basis of certain types of ICD-10 and NOMESKO Classification of Surgical Procedures codes.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The variables were diagnostic and surgical codes, geographic location of the performing hospital, age and sex of the patients. Yearly incidence and incidence rates were calculated. Age-adjusted incidences for risk ratios and ORs between geographical areas were also calculated.

Results

A total of 10 830 cases of knee cartilage surgery were identified, with slight but significant decreases from 2008 to 2011 (p<0.0003). The national incidence rate was 56/100 000 inhabitants and varied between regions, counties and hospitals. More than 50% of the procedures were palliative and nearly 400 yearly procedures were reparative or restorative.

Conclusions

Knee cartilage surgery is common in Norway, counting 2500 annual cases with an age-adjusted incidence rate of 68.8/100 000 inhabitants. There are significant geographical variations in incidence and trends of surgery and in trends between public and private hospitals. We suggest that a national surveillance system would be beneficial for the future evaluation of the treatment of these patients.
Exploring redundant research into the effect of tranexamic acid on surgical bleeding: further analysis of a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Ker Katharine , Roberts Ian
Published: December 2015

Objectives

We examined whether apparent redundancy in a cumulative meta-analysis of trials is justified by concern about bias, random error or generalisability of the results.

Design

Cumulative meta-analysis, risk of bias assessment, trial sequential analysis, description of study participants over time and a review of rationales for conducting trials.

Data source

126 randomised trials included in a systematic review assessing of tranexamic acid on blood transfusion in surgery.

Results

The cumulative meta-analysis including all trials shows that the pooled estimate first reached statistical significance after the second trial in 1993. When the analysis was limited to the 38 high-quality trials and adjusted to account for potential systematic and random errors, the uncertainty was resolved after the 22nd trial in 2008. When the analysis was restricted to the two high-quality, prospectively registered trials, the cumulative z-curve crossed p=0.05 but not the monitoring boundary, suggesting an early potentially spurious statistically significant result. As precision of the pooled estimate increased, the number of trials initiated increased, although trial activity appeared to move to other surgery types. Most (62%) reports cited at least one systematic review. Of 118 reports examined, concern about generalisability was the reason for initiating the trial in 60%. Other reasons were to address a question other than the effect on bleeding (26%) and to confirm previously observed results (4%). Unawareness of previous research was apparent in 4% trials, while the rationale was unclear in 3%.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that poor quality is a more important cause of redundant research than the failure to review existing evidence. Concerns about generalisability of results is the main motivation for new trials. Contrary to previous claims, our results suggest that systematic reviews showing treatment effects can stimulate an increase in trial activity rather than reduce it.
Patient safety room of horrors: a novel method to assess medical students and entering residents' ability to identify hazards of hospitalisation
Authors: Farnan Jeanne M , Gaffney Sean , Poston Jason T , Slawinski Kris , Cappaert Melissa , Kamin Barry , Arora Vineet M
Published: December 2015

Background

Patient safety curricula in undergraduate medical education (UME) are often didactic format with little focus on skills training. Despite recent focus on safety, practical training in residency education is also lacking. Assessments of safety skills in UME and graduate medical education (GME) are generally knowledge, and not application-focused. We aimed to develop and pilot a safety-focused simulation with medical students and interns to assess knowledge regarding hazards of hospitalisation.

Methods

A simulation demonstrating common hospital-based safety threats was designed. A case scenario was created including salient patient information and simulated safety threats such as the use of upper-extremity restraints and medication errors. After entering the room and reviewing the mock chart, learners were timed and asked to identify and document as many safety hazards as possible. Learner satisfaction was assessed using constructed-response evaluation. Descriptive statistics, including per cent correct and mean correct hazards, were performed.

Results

All 86 third-year medical students completed the encounter. Some hazards were identified by a majority of students (fall risk, 83% of students) while others were rarely identified (absence of deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, 13% of students). Only 5% of students correctly identified pressure ulcer risk. 128 of 131 interns representing 49 medical schools participated in the GME implementation. Incoming interns were able to identify a mean of 5.1 hazards out of the 9 displayed (SD 1.4) with 40% identifying restraints as a hazard, and 20% identifying the inappropriate urinary catheter as a hazard.

Conclusions

A simulation showcasing safety hazards was a feasible and effective way to introduce trainees to safety-focused content. Both students and interns had difficulty identifying common hazards of hospitalisation. Despite poor performance, learners appreciated the interactive experience and its clinical utility.
Effect of stenting on progressive occlusion of small unruptured saccular intracranial aneurysms with residual sac immediately after coil embolization: a propensity score analysis
Authors: Jeon Jin Pyeong , Cho Young Dae , Rhim Jong Kook , Park Jeong Jin , Cho Won-Sang , Kang Hyun-Seung , Kim Jeong Eun , Han Moon Hee
Published: December 2015

Background

To examine the effect of stenting on progressive occlusion of small and incompletely occluded unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) ≤10 mm in size using a propensity score matched case controlled analysis.

Methods

715 small UIAs consecutively treated by coiling between 2008 and 2010 were eligible for study. Time of flight MR angiography and/or catheter angiography were used to estimate extent of occlusion after coiling. Complete occlusion at 6 months post embolization of a sac filled with contrast immediately after coiling constituted progressive occlusion. A propensity score matched analysis was conducted, based on the probability of stent deployment.

Results

206 (28.8%) small UIAs showed residual sac filling directly after coiling. Of these, 182 (88.3%) displayed progressive occlusion at 6 months. Aneurysm size (p<0.01), neck size (p<0.01), and embolization attempt (p<0.01) differed significantly for stented and non-stented lesions, but the incidence of progressive occlusion did not differ (p=0.78) between the groups. After 1:1 propensity score matching, however, the rate of complete occlusion in stented subjects (97.5%) surpassed that of the non-stented counterparts (OR=9.75, p=0.01).

Conclusions

Small UIAs with residual sac filling after coiling showed a complete occlusion rate of 88.3% at 6 months post embolization. Stent deployment seems to promote complete occlusion in such lesions.
Randomised comparison of zofenopril and ramipril plus acetylsalicylic acid in postmyocardial infarction patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a post hoc analysis of the SMILE-4 Study in patients according to levels of left ventricular ejection fraction at entry
Authors: Borghi Claudio , Omboni Stefano , Cicero Arrigo FG , Bacchelli Stefano , Degli Esposti Daniela , Novo Salvatore , Vinereanu Dragos , Ambrosio Giuseppe , Ambrosioni Ettore
Published: December 2015

Objective

Conflicting evidence exists on the benefits of treating patients with coronary artery disease and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with an ACE inhibitor. This retrospective analysis of the SMILE-4 Study sought to compare the efficacy of zofenopril 60 mg plus acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) versus ramipril 10 mg plus ASA 100 mg in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and heart failure, according to an impaired or preserved LVEF.

Methods

The primary study end point was 1-year combined occurrence of death or hospitalisation for cardiovascular causes. A preserved LVEF was defined by a baseline LVEF >40% and an impaired one by an LVEF ≤40%.

Results

448 patients (63%) had preserved and 262 (37%) had impaired LVEF. The primary end point occurred in 125 patients with preserved (28%) and 106 patients with impaired LVEF (41%, p=0.001). In the first group, the rate of major cardiovascular events was significantly lower under zofenopril than under ramipril (23% vs 33%; OR and 95% CI 0.60, 0.39 to 0.91; p=0.016). This was also the case for patients with impaired LVEF, though between-group difference was not statistically significant (38% zofenopril vs 44% ramipril; OR 0.77, 0.47 to 1.26; p=0.297). LVEF values significantly (p<0.0001) increased during the follow-up in both subsets with no between-treatment differences. However, improvement rates in LVEF (increase ≥5%) were higher in patients with impaired LVEF (72% vs 61%, p=0.006).

Conclusions

In the SMILE-4 Study, the cardiovascular outcome of patients with post-AMI with preserved LVEF was more favourable in the zofenopril than in the ramipril treatment group.

Trial registration number

EudraCT Number: 2004-001150-88 (http://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu); Italian Ministry of Health Code: GUIDOTT_III_2004_001 (https://oss-sper-clin.agenziafarmaco.it).
Cardioprotective role of zofenopril in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a pooled individual data analysis of four randomised, double-blind, controlled, prospective studies
Authors: Borghi Claudio , Omboni Stefano , Reggiardo Giorgio , Bacchelli Stefano , Degli Esposti Daniela , Ambrosioni Ettore
Published: December 2015

Background

Early administration of zofenopril following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) proved to be prognostically beneficial in the four individual randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, prospective SMILE (Survival of Myocardial Infarction Long-term Evaluation) studies. In the present analysis, we evaluated the cumulative efficacy of zofenopril by pooling individual data from the four SMILE studies.

Methods

3630 patients with AMI were enrolled and treated for 6–48 weeks with zofenopril 30–60 mg/day (n=1808), placebo (n=951), lisinopril 5–10 mg/day (n=520) or ramipril 10 mg/day (n=351). The primary study end point of this pooled analysis was set to 1 year combined occurrence of death or hospitalisation for cardiovascular (CV) causes.

Results

Occurrence of major CV outcomes was significantly reduced with zofenopril versus placebo (−40%; HR=0.60, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.74; p=0.0001) and versus the other ACE inhibitors (−23%; HR=0.77, 0.63 to 0.95; p=0.015). The risk reduction observed under treatment with the other ACE inhibitors was nearly statistically significant (−22%; HR=0.78, 0.60 to 1.02; p=0.072). The benefit of zofenopril versus placebo was already evident after the first 6 weeks of treatment (−28%; HR=0.72, 0.54 to 0.97; p=0.029), while this was not the case for the other ACE inhibitors (−19%; HR=0.81, 0.57 to 1.17; p=0.262). In this early phase of treatment, zofenopril showed a non-significant trend towards a larger reduction in CV events versus the other ACE inhibitors (−11%; HR=0.89, 0.69 to 1.15; p=0.372).

Conclusions

The pooled data analysis from the SMILE Programme confirms the favourable effects of zofenopril treatment in patients with post-AMI and its long-term benefit in terms of prevention of CV morbidity and mortality.
Pathophysiology of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a 90-year perspective
Authors: Zaccardi Francesco , Webb David R , Yates Thomas , Davies Melanie J
Published: December 2015

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder associated with an increased risk of microvascular and macrovascular disease; its main clinical characteristic is hyperglycaemia. The last century has been characterised by remarkable advances in our understanding of the mechanisms leading to hyperglycaemia. The central role of insulin in glucose metabolism regulation was clearly demonstrated during the early 1920s, when Banting, Best, Collip and Macleod successfully reduced blood glucose levels and glycosuria in a patient treated with a substance purified from bovine pancreata. Later, during the mid-1930s, clinical observations suggested a possible distinction between ‘insulin-sensitive’ and ‘insulin-insensitive’ diabetes. Only during the 1950s, when a reliable measure of circulating insulin was available, was it possible to translate these clinical observations into pathophysiological and biochemical differences, and the terms ‘insulin-dependent’ (indicating undetectable insulin levels) and ‘non-insulin-dependent’ (normal or high insulin levels) started to emerge. The next 30 years were characterised by pivotal progress in the field of immunology that were instrumental in demonstrating an immune-mediated loss of insulin-secreting β-cells in subjects with ‘insulin-dependent’ diabetes. At the same time, new experimental techniques allowing measurement of insulin ‘impedance’ showed a reduced peripheral effect of insulin in subjects with ‘non-insulin-dependent’ diabetes (insulin resistance). The difference between the two types of diabetes emerging from decades of observations and experiments was further formally recognised in 1979, when the definitions ‘type I’ and ‘type II’ diabetes were introduced to replace the former ‘insulin-dependent’ and ‘non-insulin-dependent’ terms. In the following years, many studies elucidated the natural history and temporal contribution of insulin resistance and β-cell insulin secretion in ‘type II’ diabetes. Furthermore, a central role for insulin resistance in the development of a cluster of cardiometabolic alterations (dyslipidaemia, inflammation, high blood pressure) was suggested. Possibly as a consequence of the secular changes in diabetes risk factors, in the last 10 years the limitation of a simple distinction between ‘type I’ and ‘type II’ diabetes has been increasingly recognised, with subjects showing the coexistence of insulin resistance and immune activation against β-cells. With the advancement of our cellular and molecular understanding of diabetes, a more pathophysiological classification that overcomes the historical and simple ‘glucocentric’ view could result in a better patient phenotyping and therapeutic approach.
Molecular characterisation of Mycoplasma hyorhinis isolated from pigs using pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA sequencing
Authors: Yamaguti Maurício , Oliveira Rosângela C , Marques Lucas M , Buzinhani Melissa , Buim Marcos R , Neto Renata L , Guimarães Ana Márcia S , Timenetsky Jorge
Published: December 2015

Economic loss in pig breeding is common due to respiratory disorders, and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Mycoplasma hyorhinis, namely, are the most common infectious agents. The aim of this study is to recover these mollicutes and detect their genotypic variations by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and sequencing the 16 s rRNA gene. One hundred and twenty‐six swabs from tonsil and nasal mucus of pigs with respiratory disorders were analysed. A total of 78 lungs were sampled, as well as two trachea and two tonsils obtained from animals with respiratory disorder. A total of 59 isolates were obtained: 1 (1.70 per cent) of M hyopneumoniae, 2 (3.40 per cent) of Mycoplasma flocculare and 56 (94.90 per cent) of M hyorhinis. The PFGE for M hyorhinis showed 10 profiles with enzyme AvaI and 9 profiles with XhoI. A low polymorphism of the 16sRNS gene was detected in M hyorhinis isolates compared with the type strain in the GenBank. M hyorhinis isolates of different herds showed a large heterogenicity with enzymes AvaI and XhoI. The sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene allowed for analysing the interspecific and intraspecific variations of isolated mycoplasmas.
Veterinary practitioners’ selection of diagnostic tests for the primary evaluation of colic in the horse
Authors: Curtis L. , Trewin I. , England G. C. W. , Burford J. H. , Freeman S. L.
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to survey veterinary practitioners’ selection of diagnostic tests for horses with clinical signs of abdominal pain. A questionnaire was distributed to veterinary surgeons involved in the primary evaluation of horses with abdominal pain, including the respondent's demographics, selection of diagnostic tests and factors affecting decision‐making. Data analysis included descriptive analysis, categorisation of free text and simple univariable correlations to explore the relationships between independent variables and the relative self‐estimated frequency that diagnostic tests were performed. A total of 228 responses were analysed. Participants worked in mixed practice (55.7 per cent), first opinion equine (22.8 per cent), first and second opinion equine (17.9 per cent) and referral practice (3.1 per cent). The majority (48.2 per cent, 105/218) were very confident managing a colic case (confidence level 4/5). The most frequently used diagnostic tests were ‘response to analgesia’ (87.2±24.0 per cent cases), rectal examination (75.9±21.2 per cent) and nasogastric intubation (43.8±27.6 per cent). Approach varied between practitioners, and for all diagnostic tests with frequency of use ranging from 0 to 100 per cent of cases. ‘Risk to personal safety’ was the most common reason for not using rectal examination. Practitioner's opinion of their confidence level in managing a colic case was associated with how frequently they used different diagnostic tests. There was marked variation in practitioners’ approaches, highlighting the need for further evidence to support decision‐making.
Modeling and mapping fish abundance across wadeable streams of Illinois, USA, based on landscape-level environmental variables
Authors: Cao Yong , Hinz Leon , Metzke Brian , Stein Jeffrey , Holtrop Ann
Published: December 2015

To effectively conserve and restore stream ecosystems, we need to better understand the distribution and abundance of individual fish species in relation to natural environments and anthropological stressors. In this study, we modeled the abundance of 97 fish species in small wadeable streams of Illinois, USA, based on random forests regression and landscape-level environmental variables. Model R2 values for intermediately common species were higher than for common species, but highly variable among rare ones. Models for 50 species reached R2 of 0.2–0.70 and were tested with a separate set of samples and applied to unsampled wadeable reaches to show the population hotspots of each species across the state. Furthermore, we evaluated the importance of individual environmental variables to a given fish species as well as the directional responses of each species to top 10 key predictors. Climate and land use were the best predictors for most species, followed by topography, geology, and soil permeability. Spatial connection of a stream also was associated with a large number of species. These findings improved our understanding of the relationships between fish species and landscape environments. The distribution maps could guide resource management, restoration, and monitoring of stream fish assemblages.
The formation of dynamic variable order fractional differential equation
Authors: Sahoo S. , Saha Ray S. , Das S. , Bera R. K.
Published: December 2015

In this paper, the formation of variable order (VO) model is established for continuous order fractional model. We review the definitions and properties of VO operators given by many researchers. We use the VO operator to define the new transfer function and analyze the model of a dynamic viscoelastic oscillator.
Clinical Strategy for Optimal Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Herbal Dose Selection in Disease Therapeutics: Expert Consensus on Classic TCM Herbal Formula Dose Conversion
Authors: Zha Lin-Hua , He Li-Sha , Lian Feng-Mei , Zhen Zhong , Ji Hang-Yu , Xu Li-Peng , Tong Xiao-Lin
Published: December 2015

The clinical therapeutics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutes a complicated process which involves theory, diagnosis, and formula prescription with specific herbal dosage. Zhang Zhong-Jing’s classic work, Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases, has been influencing TCM practice for almost 2000 years. However, during this extended period of time in Chinese history, the Chinese weight measurement system experienced noticeable changes. This change in the weight measurement system inevitably, and perhaps even negatively, affected TCM herbal dosage determination and treatment outcome. Thus, in modern society, a full understanding of the accuracy of herbal dose selection has a critical importance in the TCM daily practice of delivering the best treatment to the patients suffering from different illnesses. In the 973 Project of the Chinese National Basic Research Program, expert consensus on classic TCM formula dose conversion has been reached based on extensive literature review and discussion on the dose–effect relationship of classic TCM formulas. One “liang” (两) in classic TCM formulas is equivalent to 13.8[Formula: see text]g. However, based on many TCM basic and clinical studies of variable herbal formula prescriptions and herbal drug preparations, the rule of one liang equals 13.8[Formula: see text]g should be adjusted according to different disease conditions. Recommended by the committee on TCM formula dose–effect relationship of the China Association of Chinese Medicine and the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies, the following expert consensus has been reached: (i) One liang converts to 6–9[Formula: see text]g for the severely and critically ill patients. (ii) One liang converts to 3–6[Formula: see text]g for the patients suffering from chronic diseases. (iii) One liang converts to 1–3[Formula: see text]g in preventive medicine. The above conversions should be used as a future TCM practice guideline. Using this recommended guideline should enhance the effectiveness of daily TCM practice.
The Effects of Qigong for Adults with Chronic Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bai Zhenggang , Guan Zhen , Fan Yuan , Liu Chuan , Yang Kehu , Ma Bin , Wu Bei
Published: December 2015

A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of qigong as a treatment for chronic pain. Five electronic databases were searched from their date of establishment until July 2014. The review included 10 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared the impacts of qigong on chronic pain with waiting list or placebo or general care. Random effect models and standard mean differences were used to present pain scores. A total of 10 RCTs met inclusion criteria. There was a statistically significant difference on reducing chronic pain between internal qigong and control (SMD: [Formula: see text]1.23 95% [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), external qigong and general care (SMD: [Formula: see text]1.53 95% [Formula: see text]), external qigong and placebo (SMD: [Formula: see text]0.51 95% [Formula: see text]), and internal qigong for chronic neck pain at 6 months (SMD: [Formula: see text]1.00 95% [Formula: see text]). The differences between external qigong and control, external qigong and waiting list, internal qigong and waiting list, and external for premenstrual syndromes were not significant. This study showed that internal qigong generated benefits on treating some chronic pain with significant differences. External qigong showed nonsignificant differences in treating chronic pain. Higher quality randomized clinical trials with scientific rigor are needed to establish the effectiveness of qigong in reducing chronic pain.
p-Hydroxybenzyl Alcohol, an Active Phenolic Ingredient of Gastrodia elata, Reverses the Cycloheximide-Induced Memory Deficit by Activating the Adrenal Gland in Rats
Authors: Wu Lung-Yuan , Chen Wang-Chuan , Tsai Fan-Shiu , Tsai Chin-Chuan , Wu Chi-Rei , Lin Li-Wei
Published: December 2015

The present study investigated the ameliorating effects of p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (HBA), an active phenolic ingredient of Gastrodia elata, on cycloheximide (CXM)-induced impairment of passive avoidance response and clarified the role of adrenal glands on the effect of HBA in rats. An adrenalectomy (ADX) caused the memory deficit from 1 to 3 days after surgery. Administration of corticosterone (CORT) plus glucose completely recovered the memory deficit caused by ADX, and this effect was better than that of glucose or CORT alone. HBA ameliorated the memory deficit induced by CXM in sham and ADX rats, but ADX partially blocked it. Furthermore, plasma glucose, epinephrine and adrenal steroid levels of ADX rats significantly decreased. Sham rats who received HBA had an increase in plasma glucose and adrenal steroid levels. Therefore, we suggest that the reversal of CXM-induced memory deficit by HBA was partially dependent on adrenal glands through the increase of the levels of plasma adrenal steroids.
Potential Wound Healing Activities of Galla Rhois in Human Fibroblasts and Keratinocytes
Authors: Park Hyo-Hyun , Park Na-Young , Kim Sun-Gun , Jeong Kyu-Tae , Lee Eu-Jin , Lee Eunkyung
Published: December 2015

Wound healing is a complex process orchestrated by the regeneration of the epithelium and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix through processes like collagen deposition. Galla Rhois has been widely used in traditional Korean medicine for its various pharmacological effects, including an anticoccidial effect, however, little is known about its healing activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Galla Rhois ethanol extract (GRE) on wound healing activities, including H2O2-induced oxidative stress, cell migration, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays using human keratinocyte (HaCaT) and dermal fibroblasts (CCD-986SK). In addition, total soluble collagen deposition and collagen gene expression for Type I and III collagen were evaluated in CCD-986SK. Total tannin and flavonoid contents for GRE were measured. GRE induced a significant increase in the number and migration of cells, along with a decrease in cell death and LDH release. In addition, it also induced the over-expression of collagen Type I and III mRNA and caused increased synthesis of total soluble collagen. The contents of total tannin and flavonoid for GRE were 55.7% ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mg/g) and 62.9% ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mg/g), respectively. The results suggest that GRE can cause accelerated wound healing by increasing cell survival, proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis along with a potential anti-oxidant property. This evidence provides novel insight into natural therapy for tissue injury.