bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbe observation and cultivation array (MOCA) for cultivating and analyzing environmental microbiota
Authors: Gao Weimin , Navarroli Dena , Naimark Jared , Zhang Weiwen , Chao Shih-hui , Meldrum Deirdre R
Published: January 2013

Background

The use of culture-independent nucleic acid techniques, such as ribosomal RNA gene cloning library analysis, has unveiled the tremendous microbial diversity that exists in natural environments. In sharp contrast to this great achievement is the current difficulty in cultivating the majority of bacterial species or phylotypes revealed by molecular approaches. Although recent new technologies such as metagenomics and metatranscriptomics can provide more functionality information about the microbial communities, it is still important to develop the capacity to isolate and cultivate individual microbial species or strains in order to gain a better understanding of microbial physiology and to apply isolates for various biotechnological applications.

Results

We have developed a new system to cultivate bacteria in an array of droplets. The key component of the system is the microbe observation and cultivation array (MOCA), which consists of a Petri dish that contains an array of droplets as cultivation chambers. MOCA exploits the dominance of surface tension in small amounts of liquid to spontaneously trap cells in well-defined droplets on hydrophilic patterns. During cultivation, the growth of the bacterial cells across the droplet array can be monitored using an automated microscope, which can produce a real-time record of the growth. When bacterial cells grow to a visible microcolony level in the system, they can be transferred using a micropipette for further cultivation or analysis.

Conclusions

MOCA is a flexible system that is easy to set up, and provides the sensitivity to monitor growth of single bacterial cells. It is a cost-efficient technical platform for bioassay screening and for cultivation and isolation of bacteria from natural environments.
Adverse drug reaction monitoring: support for pharmacovigilance at a tertiary care hospital in Northern Brazil
Authors: Lobo Márcia Germana Alves de Araújo , Pinheiro Sandra Maria Botelho , Castro José Gerley Díaz , Momenté Valéria Gomes , Pranchevicius Maria-Cristina S
Published: January 2013

Background

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are recognised as a common cause of hospital admissions, and they constitute a significant economic burden for hospitals. Hospital-based ADR monitoring and reporting programmes aim to identify and quantify the risks associated with the use of drugs provided in a hospital setting. This information may be useful for identifying and minimising preventable ADRs and may enhance the ability of prescribers to manage ADRs more effectively. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate ADRs that occurred during inpatient stays at the Hospital Geral de Palmas (HGP) in Tocantins, Brazil, and to facilitate the development of a pharmacovigilance service.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted at HGP over a period of 8 months, from January 2009 to August 2009. This observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was based on an analysis of medical records. Several parameters were utilised in the data evaluation, including patient demographics, drug and reaction characteristics, and reaction outcomes. The reaction severity and predisposing factors were also assessed.

Results

The overall incidence of ADRs in the patient population was 3.1%, and gender was not found to be a risk factor. The highest ADR rate (75.8%) was found in the adult age group 15 to 50 years, and the lowest ADR rate was found in children aged 3 to 13 years (7.4%). Because of the high frequency of ADRs in orthopaedic (25%), general medicine (22%), and oncology (16%) patients, improved control of the drugs used in these specialties is required. Additionally, the nurse team (52.7%) registered the most ADRs in medical records, most likely due to the job responsibilities of nurses. As expected, the most noticeable ADRs occurred in skin tissues, with such ADRs are more obvious to medical staff, with rashes being the most common reactions. Metamizole, tramadol, and vancomycin were responsible for 21, 11.6, and 8.4% of ADRs, respectively. The majority of ADRs had moderate severity (58.9%), thus requiring intervention. Type A reactions were the most common (82.1%). At least one predisposing factor was present in 79.9% of the reports examined, and the most common predisposing factor was polypharmacy.

Conclusions

The results obtained will contribute to the development of strategies for the pharmacovigilance service at HGP and other hospitals throughout the country, which will improve the quality of ADR reporting and ensure safer drug use in Brazilian hospitals.
Role of ultrasonography in diagnosing early rheumatoid arthritis and remission of rheumatoid arthritis - a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Ten Cate David F , Luime Jolanda J , Swen Nanno , Gerards Andreas H , De Jager Mike H , Basoski Natalja M , Hazes Johanna MW , Haagsma Cees J , Jacobs Johannes WG
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Ultrasonography (US) might have an added value to clinical examination in diagnosing early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and assessing remission of RA. We aimed to clarify the added value of US in RA in these situations performing a systematic review.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed for RA, US, diagnosis and remission. Methodological quality was assessed; the wide variability in the design of studies prohibited pooling of results.

Results

Six papers on the added value of US diagnosing early RA were found, in which at least bilateral metacarpophalangeal (MCP), wrists and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints were scanned. Compared to clinical examination, US was superior with regard to detecting synovitis and predicting progression to persistent arthritis or RA. Eleven papers on assessing remission were identified, in which at least the wrist and the MCP joints of the dominant hand were scanned. Often US detected inflammation in patients clinically in remission, irrespective of the remission criteria used. Power Doppler signs of synovitis predicted X-ray progression and future flare in patients clinically in remission.

Conclusions

US appears to have added value to clinical examination for diagnosing of RA when scanning at least MCP, wrist and MTP joints, and, when evaluating remission of RA, scanning at least wrist and MCP joints of the dominant hand. For both purposes primarily power Doppler US might be used since its results are less equivocal than those of greyscale US.
Small studies may overestimate the effect sizes in critical care meta-analyses: a meta-epidemiological study
Authors: Zhang Zhongheng , Xu Xiao , Ni Hongying
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Small-study effects refer to the fact that trials with limited sample sizes are more likely to report larger beneficial effects than large trials. However, this has never been investigated in critical care medicine. Thus, the present study aimed to examine the presence and extent of small-study effects in critical care medicine.

Methods

Critical care meta-analyses involving randomized controlled trials and reported mortality as an outcome measure were considered eligible for the study. Component trials were classified as large (≥100 patients per arm) and small (<100 patients per arm) according to their sample sizes. Ratio of odds ratio (ROR) was calculated for each meta-analysis and then RORs were combined using a meta-analytic approach. ROR<1 indicated larger beneficial effect in small trials. Small and large trials were compared in methodological qualities including sequence generating, blinding, allocation concealment, intention to treat and sample size calculation.

Results

A total of 27 critical care meta-analyses involving 317 trials were included. Of them, five meta-analyses showed statistically significant RORs <1, and other meta-analyses did not reach a statistical significance. Overall, the pooled ROR was 0.60 (95% CI: 0.53 to 0.68); the heterogeneity was moderate with an I2 of 50.3% (chi-squared = 52.30; P = 0.002). Large trials showed significantly better reporting quality than small trials in terms of sequence generating, allocation concealment, blinding, intention to treat, sample size calculation and incomplete follow-up data.

Conclusions

Small trials are more likely to report larger beneficial effects than large trials in critical care medicine, which could be partly explained by the lower methodological quality in small trials. Caution should be practiced in the interpretation of meta-analyses involving small trials.
Adaptive Changes in Basal and Stress-Induced HPA Activity in Lactating and Post-Lactating Female Rats
Authors: Windle Richard J. , Wood Susan A. , Kershaw Yvonne M. , Lightman Stafford L. , Ingram Colin D.
Published: January 2013

Lactation represents a period of marked adaptation of the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal HPA axis. We characterized basal and stress-induced HPA activity during lactation and experimental weaning using dynamic blood sampling in rats. Pulsatile and diurnal corticosterone release occurred at all reproductive stages studied (virgin; day 10 of lactation; 3 and 14 days after experimental weaning on day 10 of lactation). However, in lactating rats the diurnal peak was significantly reduced, resulting in a flattened rhythm, and three days after weaning, basal HPA activity was markedly suppressed: the number of pulses and underlying basal levels of corticosterone were reduced and the diurnal rise phase delayed. Marked changes in the HPA response to 10 min noise stress also occurred at these times: being completely absent in lactating animals, but restored and highly prolonged in early weaned animals. Injection of methylprednisolone (2 mg, iv) was used to determine whether changes in fast glucocorticoid suppression correlated with these adaptive changes. Methylprednisolone induced a rapid suppression of corticosterone in virgin animals, but this effect was markedly attenuated in lactating and early weaned animals and was accompanied by significant changes in relative expression of hippocampal glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor mRNA. All effects were reversed or partially reversed 14 days after experimental weaning. Thus, the presence of the pups has an important influence on regulation of the HPA axis, and while postpartum adaptations are reversible, acute weaning evokes marked reorganisation of basal and stress-induced HPA activity.
The Economist as Surveyor: Physiocracy in the Fields
Authors: Charles Loïc , Théré Christine
Published: January 2013

In this article, we show that Quesnay, while himself devoted to a major analytical effort to create what was at the time, like today, assessed as an original and far-reaching social theory, was also very much concerned with the development of a systematic empirical inquiry of French economy and society. Our claim is that this program of observation was for Quesnay and the physiocrats no less important than their theoretical investigation. The results of the surveys and agricultural accounts they produced were integrated in some of the physiocrats’ main theoretical works like the Philosophie rurale, in more or less stylized form. Some of Quesnay’s aides were able to conduct land survey experiments that applied physiocratic knowledge to the measurement of concrete economic activities. In the 1760s, the integration of empirical and theoretical inquiries was sufficiently developed that one of Quesnay’s closest disciples, Charles Richard de Butré, conceived of a plan for some sort of national accounting.
Making Variety Simple: Agricultural Economists in Southern Italy, 1906–9
Authors: D’Onofrio Federico
Published: January 2013

In this contribution I examine the Italian parliamentary inquiry into the conditions of peasants in the southern provinces and Sicily, usually called the Faina inquiry (1906–9). I focus on how the task of observing the conditions of the peasant was defined, how it was entrusted to agricultural economists, and how they accomplished it. The peasant way of life varied greatly across southern Italy. Knowledge about local varieties and local specificities was embedded contextually and was available only to locals themselves. Observation thus coincided with translation of local features into a more general language that could be understood by a larger community of scientists and by a nationwide public opinion. Political change imposed severe time constraints on data collection. Farm types were devised to handle variety quickly and effectively. Types mobilized difference while preserving and stabilizing variety among classes.
Observations in a Hostile Environment: Morgenstern on the Accuracy of Economic Observations
Authors: Boumans Marcel
Published: January 2013

This article provides a history of the treatment of observational errors where conditions cannot be controlled to reduce inaccuracies, more specific, a history of the discussion of errors in social statistics. The main focus is on Oskar Morgenstern’s atypical position in this discussion. In contrast to his contemporary social statisticians, Morgenstern took the natural science approach as the ideal standard for dealing with errors. His position, however, is not atypical when compared with natural science perspectives at that time. His view was attuned with the view of logical empiricism of the 1950s on the difference between natural science and social science: because social science is inexact we need experts to ensure that observations are “scientific.” Moreover, in a “hostile” and “secret” world we need experts to assess the accuracy of the observations.
Navigating the Shoals of Self-Reporting: Data Collection in US Expenditure Surveys Since 1920
Authors: Stapleford Thomas A.
Published: January 2013

This essay examines the evolution of data-collection practices in American expenditure surveys over much of the twentieth century. Economists conducting expenditure surveys faced one fundamental concern: their success hinged on the cooperation of interviewees (typically housewives) and the reliability of their testimony. Investigators recognized that both dependencies posed serious problems, and they struggled to devise effective solutions. I argue that over the course of the twentieth century, the methodology of US expenditure surveys evolved in a nonteleological way, as new approaches led the BLS to adopt previously rejected techniques and to abandon other strategies that were formerly of central importance. In charting this history, the essay reveals the many challenges and complexity of gathering a seemingly straightforward form of economic data.
Development and Performance Evaluation of a Mobile Solar Dryer for Cassava Chips
Authors: Olalusi A.P. , Ogunlowo A.S. , Bolaji B.O.
Published: January 2013

In this study, a mobile, indirect passive solar drying system was designed and constructed on the principles of convective heat flow using locally sourced materials to dry cassava chips. The performance of the dryer was evaluated and the results obtained showed that the system is to a large extent effective in dehydrating food items reasonably and rapidly to a save moisture level. The maximum temperatures obtained in the collector, lower and upper parts of the drying chamber were 78.5, 71.0 and 68.5°C, respectively during the validation test at no-load operating condition, while maximum temperature of 71.0, 62.5 and 60.0°C, respectively were obtained during the dehydration test. The maximum ambient air temperature was 33.5°C. The dryer was able to reduce the moisture content of 500 g cassava chips from 74.5 to 20.3% (dry basis) in 6 hours of effective dehydration time. The system overall thermal efficiency and average drying rate were found to be 58.4% and 0.083 kg/h, respectively.
Why We Disagree about Climate Change: A Different Viewpoint
Authors: Stanhill Gerald
Published: January 2013

This viewpoint challenges the explanation that societies increasing confrontation with climate change results from its observable realities, specifically those derived from current understanding of its causes and consequences and ability to reliably forecast future changes. It demonstrates that the reality of climate change is not related to personal experience but rather that society's apprehension stems from media attention which is based on advances in scientific understanding as assessed by the IPCC. However this current consensus view fails to meet the requirements of an exact science and is unable to reliably forecast decadal trends. It is speculated that the motives for the promotion of apprehension follows Plato's strategy of the Noble Lie, serving to promote the adoption of an alternative energy policy. The dangers to science of this approach are outlined and a simple way to restore climate science to a more rational and skeptical basis is suggested.
Erythematous Rash Following Romiplostim Administration in a Patient with Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome
Authors: Biondo Lisa , Bodge Megan , Paul Stephan R
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of erythematous rash induced by romiplostim administration in a patient with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS).

CASE SUMMARY

A 19-year-old female with ALPS-related thrombocytopenia (platelet count 4 × 10 3 /μL) successfully treated with romiplostim 500 μg weekly for 9 months presented with a grade 3 maculopapular rash. Symptoms on presentation included purpuric, erythematous pustules confined to the trunk following romiplostim administration the previous day. A punch biopsy of skin from the patient's right lower abdomen revealed perivascular chronic inflammation with numerous eosinophils consistent with drug reaction. The patient had received romiplostim 500 μg weekly with no other reports of rash until this time. Romiplostim was discontinued, the patient was monitored, and the rash resolved within 1 week. Romiplostim was then restarted at 200 μg weekly. The patient has achieved platelet normalization at a current romiplostim dose of 250 μg weekly with no further adverse reactions.

DISCUSSION

ALPS is a rare autoimmune disorder with approximately 500 known cases worldwide. Pharmacotherapy for ALPS patients generally targets autoimmune cytopenias associated with the disorder. When standard therapies for ALPS-related cytopenias fail, clinicians are often forced to consider novel treatment options. Our patient had ALPS-related thrombocytopenia that was treated with romiplostim, which resulted in grade 3 maculopapular rash after almost 1 year of treatment. The likelihood that this patient's erythematous rash was due to romiplostim administration was determined to be possible based on the Naranjo probability scale. The reaction was reported to the drug manufacturer and to the Food and Drug Administration's MedWatch program.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first documented case, to our knowledge, of severe maculopapular rash occurring less than 24 hours after romiplostim administration for treatment of ALPS-related chronic thrombocytopenia. Rash has been reported as an adverse event of romiplostim therapy at higher doses (750 μg), but not at a dose of 500 μg. This report also describes successful rechallenge of romiplostim after resolution of the rash.
Multi-Objective Optimization of a Wrought Magnesium Alloy for High Strength and Ductility
Authors: Radhakrishnan B. , Gorti S.B. , Patton R.M. , Simunovic S.
Published: January 2013

An optimization technique is coupled with crystal plasticity based finite element (CPFE) computations to aid the microstructural design of a wrought magnesium alloy for improved strength and ductility. The initial microstructure consists of a collection of sub-micron sized grains containing deformation twins. The variables used in the simulations are crystallographic texture, and twin spacing within the grains. It is assumed that plastic deformation occurs mainly by dislocation slip on two sets of slip systems classified as hard and soft modes. The hard modes are those slip systems that are inclined to the twin planes and the soft mode consists of dislocation glide along the twin plane. The CPFE code calculates the stress-strain response of the microstructure as a function of the microstructural parameters and the length-scale of the features. A failure criterion based on a critical shear strain and a critical hydrostatic stress is used to define ductility. The optimization is based on the sequential generation of an initial population defined by the texture and twin spacing variables. The CPFE code and the optimizer are coupled in parallel so that new generations are created and analyzed dynamically. In each successive generation, microstructures that satisfy at least 90% of the mean strength and mean ductility in the current generation are retained. Multiple generation runs based on the above procedure are carried out in order to obtain maximum strength-ductility combinations. The implications of the computations for the design of a wrought magnesium alloy are discussed. Research sponsored by the Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, managed by UT-Battelle, LLC, for the U. S. Department of Energy.
Chromium Diffusion Doping of Commercial ZnSe and CdTe Windows for Mid-infrared Solid-state Laser Applications
Authors: Hömmerich U. , Jones I. K. , Nyein EiEi , Trivedi S.B.
Published: January 2013

We report on the preparation and optical spectroscopy of diffusion doped Cr: ZnSe and Cr: CdTe windows for applications in mid-infrared (MIR) solid-state lasers. Cr doping was achieved in both materials through a thermal diffusion process controlled by temperature (750°-850 °C) and time (∼0.25-6 days). Commercial CrSe powder (99.5% purity) was used as the dopant source. All samples exhibited the characteristic spectroscopic features of tetrahedrally coordinated Cr2+ ions with absorption bands centered between 1700-1900 nm and MIR emission bands extending from 2000-3200 nm. Various samples of Cr: ZnSe and Cr: CdTe were prepared with Cr2+ peak absorption coefficients from ∼0.1 cm-1 to ∼29 cm-1. The calculated Cr2+ concentration ranged from ∼1×1017cm-3 to 3×1019cm-3 using absorption-cross sections of 1.1×10-18 cm2 for Cr: ZnSe and 2.2×10-18 cm2 for Cr: CdTe. The room temperature decay times for Cr: ZnSe and Cr: CdTe were measured to be between 5-6 μs and 3-4 μs, respectively. Quenching of the Cr emission was observed for Cr concentrations above ∼1×1019 cm-3 for Cr: ZnSe and ∼0.5×1019 cm-3 for Cr: CdTe. The absorption and MIR emission properties of diffusion doped Cr: ZnSe and Cr: CdTe windows as a function of Cr concentration will be discussed.
Os sentidos da silicose atribuídos por trabalhadores de pedreiras adoecidos
Authors: Melo Raquel Salviano Silva , Zago Márcia Maria Fontão
Published: January 2013

Este estudo teve o objetivo de identificar os sentidos atribuídos à silicose entre trabalhadores de pedreiras adoecidos. Foi baseado na antropologia médica e na história de vida focal. Os dados foram coletados por entrevistas e observações diretas realizadas no domicílio de oito portadores de silicose, cadastrados no Serviço de Vigilância Epidemiológica de Guapé - Minas Gerais. A técnica de análise temática indutiva foi usada para sintetizar os núcleos temáticos: a explicação para a doença, a sua gravidade e consequências. Segundo os trabalhadores, a doença é permeada pelo sofrimento e alteração da identidade social, contextualizada no trabalho de homens jovens com manuseio da sílica. Esses sentidos fornecem uma base com a qual o enfermeiro do trabalho pode prestar um cuidado diferenciado, desenvolver ações de prevenção aos riscos à saúde, de adequação do ambiente de trabalho, além do aperfeiçoamento das estratégias de notificação dos agravos e de adesão ao tratamento.
A família no cuidado do recém-nascido hospitalizado: possibilidades e desafios para a construção da integralidade
Authors: Duarte Elysângela Dittz , Sena Roseni Rosangela de , Dittz Erika da Silva , Tavares Tatiana Silva , Lopes Ana Flávia Coelho , Silva Paloma Morais
Published: January 2013

Estudo de abordagem qualitativa que teve como objetivo analisar a participação da família no cuidado ao recém-nascido no cotidiano da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal. Foi realizado em cinco hospitais de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Teve como sujeitos os profissionais de saúde que assistem o recém-nascido internado na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal e os familiares desses recém-nascidos. Os dados foram coletados por observação participante e conversas do cotidiano e analisados por meio da técnica de Análise de Conteúdo. Os dados permitiram captar aspectos da participação da família no cuidado ao recém-nascido relacionados à organização institucional, à interação com os profissionais e à realização do cuidado. Identificou-se, nos cenários, a existência de diferentes ações que favorecem a participação da mãe no cuidado do filho na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal. Contudo, verificou-se que essas ações não estão incorporadas ao cotidiano institucional e ao fazer dos profissionais de saúde.
Programa "Casa das Gestantes": perfil das usuárias e resultados da assistência à saúde materna e perinatal
Authors: Pimenta Adriano Marçal , Nazareth Juliana Vieira , Souza Kleyde Ventura de , Pimenta Gisele Marçal
Published: January 2013

Estudo transversal, descritivo-exploratório, cujo objetivo foi caracterizar o perfil e os resultados da assistência prestada a 820 usuárias da "Casa das Gestantes" de uma maternidade filantrópica de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre março/2008 e dezembro/2009. A análise estatística baseou-se na apresentação de frequências absolutas e relativas das variáveis. Os diagnósticos obstétricos mais frequentes à internação foram relacionados ao trabalho de parto prematuro e à pressão arterial. A maioria das gestantes recebeu alta (44,1%) ou teve parto na maternidade após a estabilização do quadro clínico (45,5%); 10,2% tiveram seu quadro clínico agravado e retornaram ao hospital. Dos recém-nascidos, 2,8% tiveram Apgar no 5º minuto <7 e as frequências de natimortos e de óbitos neonatais foram, respectivamente, 2,6% e 3,5%. A assistência prestada na "Casa das Gestantes" promove melhoria clínica do quadro de internação e, potencialmente, previne fatores que colaboram para o aumento dos índices de mortalidade materna e perinatal.
Transplante de órgãos e tecidos: responsabilidades do enfermeiro
Authors: Mendes Karina Dal Sasso , Roza Bartira de Aguiar , Barbosa Sayonara de Fátima Faria , Schirmer Janine , Galvão Cristina Maria
Published: January 2013

No Brasil, mais de 30.000 pacientes aguardam em fila de espera para a realização de transplantes de órgãos. A complexidade desta modalidade terapêutica exige preparo especializado e constante da equipe de profissionais de saúde envolvidos no cuidado do paciente. No cotidiano da prática, o enfermeiro é desafiado a prover assistência com qualidade aos pacientes e familiares. Frente à necessidade de definir o papel do enfermeiro no processo de doação e transplantes e a relevância de divulgação desta área de atuação, elaborou-se a presente revisão narrativa que teve como objetivo tecer considerações sobre o papel e as responsabilidades do enfermeiro que atua em programa de transplantes de órgãos e tecidos. Os textos encontrados foram lidos, organizados e sintetizados em cinco categorias temáticas, a saber: definição do papel do enfermeiro no transplante, diferença entre o enfermeiro clínico e o enfermeiro coordenador de transplante, aspectos legais e éticos, pesquisa e informação e educação em transplantes. Conclui-se que o enfermeiro deve ter conhecimento dos princípios de boas práticas e ter recursos disponíveis para avaliar o mérito, riscos e questões sociais relacionadas aos transplantes.
Taxa de sobrevida na mulher com câncer de mama: estudo de revisão
Authors: Rosa Luciana Martins da , Radünz Vera
Published: January 2013

Revisão integrativa que identificou nas publicações da LILACS, SciELO e PubMed, período 2004-2009, fatores contribuintes para a elevação das taxas de sobrevida em cinco anos e sobrevida livre de doenças em cinco anos das mulheres com câncer de mama. Os resultados, 40 publicações, demonstraram maior incidência da doença nas idades 50-60 e 40-49 anos. Programas de rastreamento, elevação da escolaridade, do padrão socioeconômico, métodos diagnósticos genéticos, imuno-histoquímicos e citológicos, associação das novas terapêuticas com as convencionais são fatores contribuintes para elevação das taxas de sobrevidas, da qualidade de vida e do cuidado à mulher com câncer de mama.
Tratamento cirúrgico de fraturas em martelo por bloqueio da extensão com fio de Kirschner
Authors: Uzun Metin , Bulbul Murat , Ozturk Kahraman , Ayanoğlu Semih , Adanir Oktay , Gürbüz Hakan
Published: January 2013

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do tratamento da fratura em martelo, pelo método de Ishiguro de bloqueio de extensão com fio de Kirschner. MÉTODOS: Trinta e oito pacientes foram tratados prospectivamente. O acompanhamento médio foi 18 meses e todos os pacientes foram avaliados radiológica e clinicamente, de acordo com os critérios de Crawford. RESULTADOS: A união da fratura foi obtida em todos os pacientes. Os resultados alcançados foram satisfatórios em 34 casos e não satisfatórios em quatro casos. CONCLUSÃO: Consideramos que a técnica de bloqueio de extensão é segura e eficaz e pode ser usada em todas as fraturas em martelo. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos
Hand-Schüller-Christian Disease and Erdheim-Chester Disease: Coexistence and Discrepancy
Authors: Yin Jun , Zhang Feng , Zhang Huizhen , Shen Li , Li Qing , Hu Shundong , Tian Qinghua , Bao Yuqian , Jia Weiping
Published: January 2013

abstract

CME Learning Objectives

Distinguish Erdheim-Chester disease from Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Cite the keys to diagnosis of Hand-Schüller-Christian disease in a patient with only central diabetes insipidus. List the signs linking a Hand-Schüller-Christian disease patient to coexisting ECD.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) and Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) share similar clinical features and mechanisms. In very rare circumstances, the two diseases coexist in the same patient. Here we report such a patient, who was first diagnosed with Hand-Schüller-Christian disease (HSC), a type of LCH. Several years later, the patient presented with severe exophthalmos and osteosclerosis on radiograph. New biopsy revealed ECD. We also analyze 54 cases of LCH and 6 cases of ECD diagnosed in our hospital, as well as their progression during a follow-up period of 8 years. In five cases of HSC (9.3% of LCH), a triad of central diabetes insipidus, hyperprolactinemia, and pituitary stalk thickening on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preceded the typical bone lesions by 4–9 years. In addition, LCH was featured as elevated plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which was normal in ECD. Combined with a literature review, several features are summarized to differentiate ECD from HSC. In patients with diabetes insipidus, concomitant hyperprolactinemia and pituitary stalk thickening on MRI indicate a possible HSC. Additionally, if osteosclerosis is observed in a patient with LCH, the coexistence of ECD should be considered.
A Tale of Two Histiocytic Disorders
Authors: Janku Filip , Munoz Javier , Subbiah Vivek , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: January 2013

Histiocytosis, including the coexistence of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis and Erdheim-Chester disease, is discussed.
Gradient‐based habitat affinities predict species vulnerability to drought
Authors: Debinski Diane M. , Caruthers Jennet C. , Cook Dianne , Crowley Jason , Wickham Hadley
Published: January 2013

Ecological fingerprints of climate change are becoming increasingly evident at broad geographical scales as measured by species range shifts and changes in phenology. However, finer‐scale species‐level responses to environmental fluctuations may also provide an important bellwether of impending future community responses. Here we examined changes in abundance of butterfly species along a hydrological gradient of six montane meadow habitat types in response to drought. Our data collection began prior to the drought, and we were able to track changes for 11 years, of which eight were considered mild to extreme drought conditions. We separated the species into those that had an affinity for hydric vs. xeric habitats. We suspected that drought would favor species with xeric habitat affinities, but that there could be variations in species‐level responses along the hydrological gradient. We also suspected that mesic meadows would be most sensitive to drought conditions. Temporal trajectories were modeled for both species groups (hydric vs. xeric affinity) and individual species. Abundances of species with affinity for xeric habitats increased in virtually all meadow types. Conversely, abundances of species with affinity for hydric habitats decreased, particularly in mesic and xeric meadows. Mesic meadows showed the most striking temporal abundance trajectory: Increasing abundances of species with xeric habitat affinity were offset by decreasing or stable abundances of species with hydric habitat affinity. The one counterintuitive finding was that, in some hydric meadows, species with affinity for hydric habitats increased. In these cases, we suspect that decreasing moisture conditions in hydric meadows actually increased habitat suitability because sites near the limit of moisture extremes for some species became more acceptable. Thus, species responses were relatively predictable based upon habitat affinity and habitat location along the hydrological gradient, and mesic meadows showed the highest potential for changes in community composition. The implications of these results are that longer‐term changes due to drought could simplify community composition, resulting in prevalence of species tolerant to drying conditions and a loss of species associated with wetter conditions. We contend that this application of gradient analysis could be valuable in assessing species vulnerability of other taxa and ecosystems.
Does enemy loss cause release? A biogeographical comparison of parasitoid effects on an introduced insect
Authors: Prior Kirsten M. , Hellmann Jessica J.
Published: January 2013

The loss of natural enemies is a key feature of species introductions and is assumed to facilitate the increased success of species in new locales (enemy release hypothesis; ERH). The ERH is rarely tested experimentally, however, and is often assumed from observations of enemy loss. We provide a rigorous test of the link between enemy loss and enemy release by conducting observational surveys and an in situ parasitoid exclusion experiment in multiple locations in the native and introduced ranges of a gall‐forming insect, Neuroterus saltatorius, which was introduced poleward, within North America. Observational surveys revealed that the gall‐former experienced increased demographic success and lower parasitoid attack in the introduced range. Also, a different composition of parasitoids attacked the gall‐former in the introduced range. These observational results show that enemies were lost and provide support for the ERH. Experimental results, however, revealed that, while some enemy release occurred, it was not the sole driver of demographic success. This was because background mortality in the absence of enemies was higher in the native range than in the introduced range, suggesting that factors other than parasitoids limit the species in its native range and contribute to its success in its introduced range. Our study demonstrates the importance of measuring the effect of enemies in the context of other community interactions in both ranges to understand what factors cause the increased demographic success of introduced species. This case also highlights that species can experience very different dynamics when introduced into ecologically similar communities.
An early azhdarchid pterosaur from the Lower Cretaceous of the eastern Paris basin
Authors: Buffetaut Eric
Published: January 2013

A pterosaur vertebra from the Early Cretaceous (Albian) Sables verts of Grandpré (Ardennes, northeastern France) is characterised by its elongation, its very low neural arch confluent with the centrum, and the presence of a tuba vertebralis. It is referred to the family Azhdarchidae and is one of the earliest well-attested records of this group. The pterosaur diversity of the Sables verts is higher than previously recognised.
Revision of Piceoerpeton Meszoely (Caudata: Scapherpetontidae) and description of a new species from the late Maastrichtian and ?early Paleocene of western North America
Authors: Gardner James D.
Published: January 2013

The scapherpetontid salamander Piceoerpeton is known from the latest Cretaceous to middle Paleogene of North America and was the last surviving member of that paedomorphic family. A suite of vertebral features differentiates Piceoerpeton from other scapherpetontids, including three atlantal features that are autapomorphic within the family: odontoid process reduced to an anteriorly short, nipple-like structure; ventral surface of odontoid process lacks an articular surface for contact with skull; and articular surfaces of anterior cotyles are deeply concave. Differences in inferred body size and vertebral structure permit the recognition of two congeners: P. willwoodense, a large-bodied species (estimated snout-vent length = 100 cm) from the late Paleocene of the Western Interior and early Eocene of the Canadian Arctic and the much smaller P. naylori new species from the late Maastrichtian and ?early Paleocene of Wyoming and Montana, USA. In terms of its older age, smaller size, and less derived vertebral features, P. naylori is potentially ancestral to P. willwoodense.
Genetic Variability for Biofuel Traits in a Circumglobal Reed Canarygrass Collection
Authors: Olmstead Julia , Casler Michael D. , Brummer E. Charles
Published: January 2013

Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), a cool‐season perennial forage crop that grows well in cool, wet climates, has potential value as an energy crop. Nevertheless, little breeding effort has gone into its development as an energy crop. We evaluated 94 reed canarygrass accessions for agronomic and quality traits at Ames, IA, and Arlington, WI, in 1999 and 2000. Variation among accessions was observed for all variables. Biomass yield was not correlated with acid detergent fiber (cellulose plus lignin) or with acid detergent lignin, indicating good potential for developing favorable feedstocks for co‐firing or for fermentation. Analysis of regional geographic variation as well as principal component analysis showed that phenotypes varied considerably among geographic regions, with much of the variation attributable to differences between Europe and Asia. Except for North American germplasm, European germplasm tended to have higher biomass yield than other germplasm, suggesting that it may be better suited for use in direct breeding programs in the north central United States. Overall, sufficient variation exists among wild and cultivated germplasm to warrant further breeding of reed canarygrass as a biofuel feedstock.
Excreta Deposition on Grassland Patches. I. Forage Harvested, Nutritive Value, and Nitrogen Recovery
Authors: White‐Leech Renee , Liu Kesi , Sollenberger Lynn E. , Woodard Kenneth R. , Interrante Sindy M.
Published: January 2013

Livestock excreta deposition in grazed grassland is nonuniform and concentrated around shade, water, and supplement feeding locations. The consequences of repeated dung or urine deposition to grassland patches have not been well quantified in terms of effects on forage dry matter harvested (DMH), forage nutritive value, and nutrient recovery. These responses were measured on ‘Pensacola’ bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) swards treated with two excreta types (dung and urine) from two excreta source pastures (the Average and High management intensities based on N fertilizer and stocking rates) applied at four frequencies (0, 1, 2, 3 yr−1) during 2 yr. Responses were measured within a circular quadrat of radius 45 cm whose center was the midpoint of the excreta deposit. Forage DMH decreased linearly from 3040 to 2800 kg ha−1 with increasing dung application frequency and increased from 3040 to 4820 kg ha−1 as urine application frequency increased. Forage nutritive value did not differ among dung application frequencies but generally increased with urine application frequency. Nitrogen recovery relative to an untreated control was negative for dung, positive for urine, and decreased with increasing urine application frequency. Forage DMH was suppressed by dung, but urine increased forage DMH, nutritive value, and nutrient removal. Decreasing nutrient recovery with increasing excreta application frequency supports use of grazing strategies that increase uniformity of deposition.
Excreta Deposition on Grassland Patches. II. Spatial Pattern and Duration of Forage Responses
Authors: White‐Leech R. , Liu Kesi , Sollenberger Lynn E. , Woodard Kenneth R. , Interrante Sindy M.
Published: January 2013

Forage dry matter harvested (DMH) and nutritive value (NV) are affected by livestock excreta. Efforts to model nutrient cycling in grazed grasslands would benefit from increased understanding of the duration and spatial pattern of excreta effects on grassland patches. These responses were measured on ‘Pensacola’ bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) swards treated with two excreta types (dung and urine) from two excreta source pastures (Average and High management intensities based on N fertilizer and stocking rates) applied at four frequencies (0, 1, 2, 3 per year) during 2 yr. Forage DMH under dung pats decreased, but DMH surrounding the pat was not affected by application frequency. Suppression of DMH by dung was ≥112 d and extent of suppression increased as application frequency increased. In contrast, DMH under urine increased linearly (2950 to 6250 kg ha−1 for the Average management intensity and 3480 to 6450 kg ha−1 for the High management intensity) as application frequency increased and effects were observed 15 cm beyond the deposit's edge. Forage NV was not affected by dung, but it increased with increasing urine application frequency and for distances up to 30 cm from the edge of the urine deposit. Urine increased DMH for ≥84 d and increased crude protein for ≥28 d following a single urine application and ≥84 d after multiple applications. Data show that duration and spatial patterns of forage response to dung and urine differ, but effects of both can be long lived and are increased by multiple deposits to a patch.
The Role of Psychobiological and Neuroendocrine Mechanisms in Appetite Regulation and Obesity
Authors: Paspala Ioanna , Katsiki Niki , Kapoukranidou Dorothea , Mikhailidis Dimitri P , Tsiligiroglou-Fachantidou Anna
Published: January 2013

Obesity is a multifactorial disease. Among its causes are physical inactivity and overeating. In addition, other factors may play an important role in the development of overweight/obesity. For example, certain hormones including leptin, insulin and ghrelin, may influence appetite and consequently body weight. Obesity frequently co-exists with metabolic disorders including dyslipidemia, hypertension and insulin resistance, thus constituting the metabolic syndrome which is characterized by increased cardiovascular risk.

Lack of comprehensive knowledge on obesity-related issues makes both prevention and treatment difficult. This review considers the psychobiological and neuroendocrine mechanisms of appetite and food intake. Whether these factors, in terms of obesity prevention and treatment, will prove to be relevant in clinical practice (including reducing the cardiovas-cular risk associated with obesity) remains to be established.
On distances in Sierpiński graphs: Almost-extreme vertices and metric dimension
Authors: Klavzar Sandi , Zemljic Sara
Published: January 2013

Sierpi?ski graphs Sn p form an extensively studied family of graphs of
fractal nature applicable in topology, mathematics of the Tower of Hanoi,
computer science, and elsewhere. An almost-extreme vertex of Sn p is
introduced as a vertex that is either adjacent to an extreme vertex of Sn p
or is incident to an edge between two subgraphs of Sn p isomorphic to Snp-1.
Explicit formulas are given for the distance in Sn p between an arbitrary
vertex and an almostextreme vertex. The formulas are applied to compute the
total distance of almost-extreme vertices and to obtain the metric dimension
of Sierpi?ski graphs.
Integration of system design and production processes in robust mechatronic product architectures development - extended M-FBFP framework
Authors: Osman Kresimir , Stamenkovic Dragi , Lazarevic Mihailo
Published: January 2013

The complexity of mechatronic products such as climate chamber subsystems
results in enormous difficulties in understanding where the main design
process inefficiencies are. It is therefore extremely difficult to determine
which improvements will have the most significant impact on a company or on a
specific project. Mechatronic products are characterized by a high level of
interdisciplinarity and complexity in the technical system and the relevant
development processes. The main challenge in this respect is how to deal with
the high complexity of and a variety of interdependencies in such products.
We are therefore presenting a framework for integrated mechatronic product
and process modelling - extended M-FBFP framework. This framework provides
different independent perspectives of the overall product to improve their
architecture. As a result of the proposed framework, risk analysis through
subsystems in the components domain and through processes in the technical
processes domain is enabled and it is now possible to provide feedback on
product architecture. To obtain optimally robust product architectures from
available alternative solutions, an evaluation analysis was performed across
all stages, including the initialization and subsequent refinements with
several evaluation criteria: complexity, interdependency and process
duration. To test the validity of the proposed framework, we are presenting a
case study involving a climate chamber with heat regeneration.
Computational fluid dynamics analysis of the influence of injection nozzle lateral outflow on the performance of Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube
Authors: Pourmahmoud Nader , Izadi Alireza , Hassanzadeh Amir , Jahangiramini Ashkan
Published: January 2013

In this article computational fluid dynamics analysis of a three-dimensional
compressible and turbulent flow has been carried out through a vortex tube.
The standard k-? turbulence model is utilized in order to simulate an
axisymmetric computational domain. The numerical simulation has focused on
the energy separation and flow field patterns of a somewhat nonconventional
vortex tube, which is on the basis of creating an external hole at the end of
each nozzle. According to the selected nozzles geometry, some of unfavorable
phenomena such as shock wave, high pressure regions and appearing of
unsymmetrical rotating flow patterns in the vortex chamber would be recovered
significantly. In this way the physical parameters of flow field are derived
under different both inlet mass flow rates and outlet pressures of nozzles
hole (OPH). The results show that increasing OPH value enhanced the cooling
capacity of machine in the most of operating conditions.