bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distant blunt forceps dissection in tissue expander insertion: a novel technique
Authors: Weissman Oren , Hundeshagen Gabriel , Bank Jonathan , Zilinsky Isaac , Solomon Efrat , Remer Eric , Rasner Guy , Haik Josef
Published: March 2018

Tissue expansion using implantable expanders is a useful means of generating surplus tissue for reconstruction of defects such as scarring following burns. The authors describe their technique of incisions distant to the desired location of expander placement, and remote dissection of the expander pocket with hydrodissection and blunt forceps. A total of 81 expanders were placed in 30 consecutive patients, 81% of whom had burn scars due for reconstruction. During preparation, no complications, such as bleeding, were encountered, except one case with severe subdermal fibrosis, in which bleeding was stopped through brief application of pressure. Postoperatively, no complications were encountered in 76% of patients; however, 16.6% exhibited surgical site infection, which was managed conservatively and was correlated with a high number of expanders implanted at once. One patient experienced hematoma formation that resolved spontaneously, and one instance of expander extrusion and subsequent removal occurred. Receiving ≥2 expanders at the same time was statistically associated with higher risk for complication(s). The authors' complication rates were moderate and comparable with open or endoscopic approaches. Time of expansion is reduced compared with the open approach due to distant incision placement and immediate usability. Cost effectiveness appeared to be better using only inexpensive forceps, rather than elaborate and costly endoscopic equipment.
Forty-five degree cutting septoplasty
Authors: Hsiao Yen-Chang , Chang Chun-Shin , Chuang Shiow-Shuh , Kolios Georgios , Abdelrahman Mohamed
Published: March 2018

Background

The crooked nose represents a challenge for rhinoplasty surgeons, and many methods have been proposed for management; however, there is no ideal method for treatment. Accordingly, the 45° cutting septoplasty technique, which involves a 45° cut at the junction of the L-shaped strut and repositioning it to achieve a straight septum is proposed.

Methods

From October 2010 to September 2014, 43 patients underwent the 45° cutting septoplasty technique. There were 28 men and 15 women, with ages ranging from 20 to 58 years (mean, 33 years). Standardized photographs were obtained at every visit. Established photogrammetric parameters were used to describe the degree of correction: Correction rate = (preoperative total deviation - postoperative residual deviation)/preoperative total deviation x 100% was proposed.

Results

The mean follow-up period for all patients was 12.3 months. The mean preoperative deviation was 64.3° and the mean postoperative deviation was 2.7°; the overall correction rate was 95.8%. One patient experienced composite implant deviation two weeks postoperatively and underwent revision rhinoplasty. There were no infections, hematomas or postoperative bleeding.

Conclusion

Based on the clinical observation of all patients during the follow-up period, the 45° cutting septoplasty technique was shown to be effective for the treatment of crooked nose.
From WWII to Kingston, Ontario: The History of Queen's University School of Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Chung Karen , Wyllie Kenneth , Davidson John
Published: March 2018

Objective

To describe the origin and development of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Queen's University School of Medicine (Kingston, Ontario).

Methods

Resarch ethics board approval and privacy agreements from the Kingston General Hospital (KGH, Kingston, Ontario) medical archives were obtained. Primary and secondary data sources were identified. A systematic examination of newspaper archives, research literature, KGH medical advisory committee meeting minutes, and testimonies from Dr Kenneth Wyllie and Dr John Davidson were obtained.

Results

In 1949, Dr Albert Ross Tilley arrived at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. There, Tilley initiated the Burn Unit at the KGH and began monthly teaching during the academic semester. Ken Wyllie (Meds '55), Lloyd Carlson (Meds '57) and John Emery (Meds '57) were the notable progeny of his early initiatives. In 1963, Kenneth Wyllie founded the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Kingston, Ontario, having completed plastic surgery training in Toronto and Edinburgh with experiences in Stockholm (Sweden), Paris (France) and Baltimore (Maryland, USA). He was shortly joined by Pat Shoemaker (Meds '66). John Davidson (Meds '82) arrived in 1989, bringing an interest in microsurgery and critical inquiry to the division. Five notable surgeons, Cartotto (Meds '88), Watkins, Watters, Meathrel (Meds '03) and McKay, further enhanced the Division's clinical and academic mission.

Conclusions

The collective activity of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Queen's School of Medicine in its 66-year history has encouraged more than 40 others to pursue distinguished careers in the specialty throughout North America, including three past presidents of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
A Tale of Two Health-Care Systems: Cost-Utility Analysis of Open Carpal Tunnel Release in Canada and the United States
Authors: Cheung Kevin , Kaur Manraj N. , Tolliver Tyson , Longo Christopher J. , Naam Nash H. , Thoma Achilles
Published: March 2018

Purpose:

Canadian health care is often criticized for extended wait times, whereas the United States suffers from increased costs. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the cost-utility of open carpal tunnel release in Canada versus the United States.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study evaluated patients undergoing open carpal tunnel release at an institution in Canada and the United States. All costs from a societal perspective were captured. Utility was measured using validated health-related quality of life (HRQOL) scales—the EuroQol-5D and the Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire.

Results:

Twenty-one patients at the Canadian site and 8 patients at the US site participated. Mean total costs were US $1581 ± $1965 and $2179 (range: $1421-$2741) at the Canadian and US sites, respectively. Health-related quality of life demonstrated significant improvements following surgery ( P < .05). Patient utilities preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively were 0.72 ± 0.20, 0.86 ± 0.11, and 0.83 ± 0.16 at the Canadian site and 0.81 ± 0.09, 0.86 ± 0.10, and 0.86 ± 0.12 at the US site. Improvements in HRQOL directly related to surgery were not significantly different between patients in Canada and the United States. American patients, however, attained improved HRQOL sooner due to shorter wait times (27 ± 10 vs 214 ± 119 days; P < .001). The incremental cost-utility of the US system was $7758/quality-adjusted life year gained compared to the Canadian system. Sensitivity analyses confirmed that these results were robust.

Conclusion:

This pilot study suggests that carpal tunnel surgery is more cost-effective in the United States due to prolonged wait times in Canada.
Complementary and Alternative Medicines and Patients With Breast Cancer: A Case of Mortality and Systematic Review of Patterns of Use in Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Roumeliotis Grayson A. , Dostaler Genevieve , Boyd Kirsty U.
Published: March 2018

Background:

The use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) is common among women being treated for breast cancer. A recent mortality associated with CAM at our center precipitated a systematic review of the Cochrane, EMBASE, and PubMed databases to identify English manuscripts including “CAM” and “breast cancer.”

Methods:

Papers included for review were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The primary outcome was the use of CAM by women with breast cancer. Secondary outcomes included timing of use along disease trajectory, attitudes toward CAM by allopathic practitioners, and patient disclosure of CAM use to treating allopathic physicians.

Results:

Of 701 titles identified by the search strategy, 36 met the inclusion criteria. The weighted average proportion of women with breast cancer who use CAM was 40% (standard deviation: 18%). The diagnosis of breast cancer also prompts the initiation or increase of CAM use. However, up to 84% of patients do not disclose the use of CAM to their allopathic practitioners.

Conclusions:

Although CAM is often dismissed as a harmless addition to allopathic therapy, significant complications and interactions can occur. Our review and the dramatic case example provided highlight the need for physicians to educate themselves regarding CAM and to engage with their patients regarding its use.
Textured Breast Implants: A Closer Look at the Surface Debris Under the Microscope
Authors: Webb Leland H. , Aime Victoria L. , Do Annie , Mossman Kenneth , Mahabir Raman C.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Texturing of breast implants is done to decrease the risk of associated complications. Each manufacturer utilizes unique and at times proprietary techniques to texture the surface of their implants. Little is known about the integrity of this surface structure texturing or the propensity for the surfaces to shed particulate matter. This study aimed to determine the extent of surface particulate shedding from 3 textured implants approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which are manufactured by Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra.

Methods:

Control images of each of the 3 textured breast implants were obtained with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A liquid adhesive, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer was then applied to the external shell of the implants, allowed to cool, and peeled from the surface. Images of the EVA copolymer were taken with SEM to qualitatively analyze displacement of surface particulate debris. Scanning electron microscopy imaging of the implants was repeated for qualitative comparisons with the control images.

Results:

The peeled copolymer of the 3 implants exhibited surface shedding. Comparison of the 3 breast implants showed the shedding to be greatest for the Allergan implant.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the dynamic surface material properties of the 3 FDA-approved breast implants. Shedding of particulate matter from the implant surfaces can be precipitated by moderate adhesion. Our qualitative examination of SEM findings showed more debris shed from the Allergan breast implants than from the Mentor or Sientra implants.
Cases of Early Infectious Flexor Tenosynovitis Treated Non-Surgically With Antibiotics, Immobilization, and Elevation
Authors: DiPasquale Ashley M. , Krauss Emily M. , Simpson Andrew , Mckee Daniel E. , Lalonde Donald H.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Early infectious flexor tenosynovitis has been treated with urgent surgery by most surgeons since Bunnell wrote the first textbook of hand surgery in 1945. Some surgeons have good experience with non-surgical management of early presenting disease in some cases.

Methods:

This retrospective chart review included 12 inpatients with early infectious flexor synovitis who received conservative treatment with antibiotics, immobilization, and elevation without surgical drainage.

Results:

The mean time to resolution of infective symptoms for the 12 patients was 5 days (range: 2-11 days) for those receiving conservative management. Half of them required hand therapy. Eight of the 12 patients had good documentation of a full return of hand function.

Conclusions:

In some patients with early infectious flexor synovitis, urgent surgery may not be required. We present a brief synopsis of 12 such cases.
How to Prevent Costal Cartilage Graft Warping in Secondary Correction of Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity
Authors: Chen Hung-Chang , Yen Cheng-I , Yang Shih-Yi , Hsiao Yen-Chang
Published: March 2018

Introduction:

Autologous costal cartilage dorsal onlay graft is widely used for dorsum and radix augmentation in secondary cleft lip nasal rhinoplasty. The most common drawback of costal cartilage dorsal onlay graft is warping. The purpose of this article is to describe our chimeric autologous costal cartilage graft technique, which prevents warping significantly. “Chimeric” means the combination of 2 different tissues (bone and cartilage) to make a single dorsal onlay graft.

Patients and Methods:

From June 2011 to June 2014, 16 cleft lip patients who underwent rhinoplasty and needed dorsal onlay grafts with costal cartilage graft using the chimeric autologous costal graft method were identified. All patients were operated by the corresponding author. Patients’ nasal profiles were documented and photographed preoperatively and postoperatively.

Result:

There were 5 males and 11 females with ages ranging from 20 to 52 years (averaging 29.5 years). There were 14 unilateral and 2 bilateral cleft lips. The average follow-up time was 12.1 months. Six patients received revision surgery, including 1 (6%) warping and 5 (30%) revisions. All patients were harvested rib cartilage graft as cartilage donor and there was no complication with the donor site.

Conclusion:

From the clinical observation of all patients during the follow-up period, this technique is effective for preventing cartilage warping.
Infusion of donor-derived CD8+ memory T cells for relapse following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Muffly Lori , Sheehan Kevin , Armstrong Randall , Jensen Kent , Tate Keri , Rezvani Andrew R. , Miklos David , Arai Sally , Shizuru Judith , Johnston Laura , Meyer Everett , Weng Wen-Kai , Laport Ginna G. , Negrin Robert S. , Strober Sam , Lowsky Robert
Published: March 2018

Key Points

Phenotypic TM isolation from unmanipulated donor apheresis via CD45RA depletion followed by CD8+ enrichment is feasible. TM infusion for patients with relapse after allogeneic HCT was safe and resulted in minimal GVHD.
Time-space-domain implicit finite-difference methods for modeling acoustic wave equations
Authors: Wang Enjiang , Ba Jing , Liu Yang
Published: March 2018

It has been proved that the implicit spatial finite-difference (FD) method can obtain higher accuracy than explicit FD by using an even smaller operator length. However, when only second-order FD in time is used, the combined FD scheme is prone to temporal dispersion and easily becomes unstable when a relatively large time step is used. The time-space domain FD can suppress the temporal dispersion. However, because the spatial derivatives are solved explicitly, the method suffers from spatial dispersion and a large spatial operator length has to be adopted. We have developed two effective time-space-domain implicit FD methods for modeling 2D and 3D acoustic wave equations. First, the high-order FD is incorporated into the discretization for the second-order temporal derivative, and it is combined with the implicit spatial FD. The plane-wave analysis method is used to derive the time-space-domain dispersion relations, and two novel methods are proposed to determine the spatial and temporal FD coefficients in the joint time-space domain. First, we fix the implicit spatial FD coefficients and derive the quadratic convex objective function with respect to temporal FD coefficients. The optimal temporal FD coefficients are obtained by using the linear least-squares method. After obtaining the temporal FD coefficients, the SolvOpt nonlinear algorithm is applied to solve the nonquadratic optimization problem and obtain the optimized temporal and spatial FD coefficients simultaneously. The dispersion analysis, stability analysis, and modeling examples validate that the proposed schemes effectively increase the modeling accuracy and improve the stability conditions of the traditional implicit schemes. The computational efficiency is increased because the schemes can adopt larger time steps with little loss of spatial accuracy. To reduce the memory requirement and computational time for storing and calculating the FD coefficients, we have developed the representative velocity strategy, which only computes and stores the FD coefficients at several selected velocities. The modeling result of the 2D complicated model proves that the representative velocity strategy effectively reduces the memory requirements and computational time without decreasing the accuracy significantly when a proper velocity interval is used.
Peer Mentoring at the Uganda Cancer Institute: A Novel Model for Career Development of Clinician-Scientists in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Phipps Warren , Kansiime Rachel , Stevenson Philip , Orem Jackson , Casper Corey , Morrow Rhoda A.
Published: March 2018

Cancer centers are beginning to emerge in low- and middle-income countries despite having relatively few oncologists and specialists in related fields. Uganda, like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, has a cadre of highly motivated clinician-scientists-in-training who are committed to developing the capacity for cancer care and research. However, potential local mentors for these trainees are burdened with uniquely high demands on their time for clinical care, teaching, institutional development, advocacy, and research. Facilitated peer mentoring helps to fill skills and confidence gaps and teaches mentoring skills so that trainees can learn to support one another and regularly access a more senior facilitator/role model. With an added consultant component, programs can engage limited senior faculty time to address specific training needs and to introduce junior investigators to advisors and even potential dyadic mentors. Two years after its inception, our facilitated peer mentoring career development program at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Kampala is successfully developing a new generation of researchers who, in turn, are now providing role models and mentors from within their group. This program provides a practical model for building the next generation of clinical scientists in developing countries.
Cancer Incidence in Patients With Acromegaly: A Cohort Study and Meta-Analysis of the Literature
Authors: Dal Jakob , Leisner Michelle Z , Hermansen Kasper , Farkas Dóra Körmendiné , Bengtsen Mads , Kistorp Caroline , Nielsen Eigil H , Andersen Marianne , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla , Dekkers Olaf M , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Jørgensen Jens Otto Lunde
Published: March 2018

Context

Acromegaly has been associated with increased risk of cancer morbidity and mortality, but research findings remain conflicting and population-based data are scarce. We therefore examined whether patients with acromegaly are at higher risk of cancer.

Design

A nationwide cohort study (1978 to 2010) including 529 acromegaly cases was performed. Incident cancer diagnoses and mortality were compared with national rates estimating standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). A meta-analysis of cancer SIRs from 23 studies (including the present one) was performed.

Results

The cohort study identified 81 cases of cancer after exclusion of cases diagnosed within the first year [SIR 1.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.9 to 1.4]. SIRs were 1.4 (95% CI, 0.7 to 2.6) for colorectal cancer, 1.1 (95% CI, 0.5 to 2.1) for breast cancer, and 1.4 (95% CI, 0.6 to 2.6) for prostate cancer. Whereas overall mortality was elevated in acromegaly (SIR 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.6), cancer-specific mortality was not.

The meta-analysis yielded an SIR of overall cancer of 1.5 (95% CI, 1.2 to 1.8). SIRs were elevated for colorectal cancer, 2.6 (95% CI, 1.7 to 4.0); thyroid cancer, 9.2 (95% CI, 4.2 to 19.9); breast cancer, 1.6 (1.1 to 2.3); gastric cancer, 2.0 (95% CI, 1.4 to 2.9); and urinary tract cancer, 1.5 (95% CI, 1.0 to 2.3). In general, cancer SIR was higher in single-center studies and in studies with <10 cancer cases.

Conclusions

Cancer incidence rates were slightly elevated in patients with acromegaly in our study, and this finding was supported by the meta-analysis of 23 studies, although it also suggested the presence of selection bias in some earlier studies.
Somatostatin Analogs and Glucose Metabolism in Acromegaly: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Interventional Studies
Authors: Cozzolino Alessia , Feola Tiziana , Simonelli Ilaria , Puliani Giulia , Pozza Carlotta , Giannetta Elisa , Gianfrilli Daniele , Pasqualetti Patrizio , Lenzi Andrea , Isidori Andrea M
Published: March 2018

Context

Somatostatin analogs (SSAs) effectively control growth hormone secretion in first- and second-line treatment of acromegaly. Their effect on glucose metabolism is still debated.

Objective

To address the following questions: (1) Do SSAs affect fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting plasma insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), glucose load (glucose levels after 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-I), homeostatic model assessment of pancreatic β-cell function (HOMA-β), triglycerides, weight, or body mass index? (2) Do lanreotide and octreotide affect metabolism differently? (3) Does their effect depend on disease control?

Design

We performed a meta-analysis of prospective interventional trials treating acromegaly with SSAs. Inclusion criteria: all studies reporting glycometabolic outcomes before and after SSAs with a minimum 6-month follow-up.

Results

The inclusion criteria were met by 47 studies treating 1297 subjects (631 females). SSA treatment effectively lowered fasting plasma insulin [effect size (ES), −6.67 mU/L; 95% confidence interval (CI), −8.38 to −4.95 mU/L; P < 0.001], HOMA-I (ES, −1.57; CI, −2.42 to −0.72; P < 0.001), HOMA-β (ES, −47.45; CI, −73.15 to −21.76; P < 0.001), and triglycerides (ES, −0.37 mmol/L; CI, −0.47 to −0.27 mmol/L; P < 0.001). SSAs worsened glucose levels after a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (ES, 0.59 mmol/L; CI, 0.05 to 1.13 mmol/L; P = 0.032), but not FPG. A mild but significant increase in HbA1c (ES, 0.12%; CI, 0.00% to 0.25%; P = 0.044) was found in subjects treated with octreotide.

Conclusions

SSA treatment in acromegaly patients, while improving disease control, reduces insulin levels, increases after-load glucose, and, ultimately, increases HbA1c levels without affecting FPG. The findings suggest that clinicians treating acromegaly with SSAs should consider targeting postprandial glucose.
Biomarker-based analysis of preclinical progression in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy
Authors: Hijikata Yasuhiro , Hashizume Atsushi , Yamada Shinichiro , Inagaki Tomonori , Ito Daisuke , Hirakawa Akihiro , Suzuki Keisuke , Atsuta Naoki , Tsuboi Takashi , Hattori Makoto , Hori Akihiro , Banno Haruhiko , Sobue Gen , Katsuno Masahisa
Published: March 2018

Objective

To identify a candidate biomarker reflecting biological changes during the preclinical progression of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA).

Methods

We analyzed longitudinal changes in biochemical parameters obtained during health examinations before and after the diagnosis of SBMA. We estimated trajectories of clinical markers across years from the onset of weakness using linear mixed models and compared these trajectories with those estimated for male healthy controls and patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson disease (PD). Moreover, we examined the relationship between serum creatinine level and the onset of symptoms using Kaplan-Meier curves.

Results

Between October 2014 and October 2017, we enrolled 40 patients with genetically confirmed SBMA, 48 healthy controls, 25 patients with ALS, and 20 patients with PD. In patients with SBMA, we evaluated the patients' data for a period of 17.3 ± 7.5 years, including 11.4 ± 7.1 years of preclinical phase. Decreases in serum creatinine occurred >10 years before the onset. The mean serum creatinine concentration was 0.56 mg/dL at the onset of weakness in patients with SBMA compared to 0.88 ± 0.10 mg/dL on final evaluation in healthy controls. Serum levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase showed tendencies to increase in preclinical SBMA. These preclinical changes of biomarkers were not observed in either ALS or PD.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that serum creatinine begins to decrease before the onset of clinical symptoms and is a biomarker for disease progression and the efficacy of therapeutics in preclinical SBMA.
Myocellular Responses to Concurrent Flywheel Training during 70 Days of Bed Rest
Authors: MURACH KEVIN A. , MINCHEV KIRIL , GROSICKI GREG J. , LAVIN KALEEN M. , PERKINS RYAN K. , RYDER JEFFREY W. , SCOTT JESSICA , PLOUTZ-SNYDER LORI , TRAPPE TODD A. , TRAPPE SCOTT
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This investigation evaluated myocellular responses to an integrated resistance and aerobic training program during 70 d of bed rest.

Methods

Training was 6 d·wk−1 on a small-footprint gravity-independent flywheel resistance and aerobic device; 3 d of maximal flywheel supine quadriceps and calf exercises with continuous rowing separated by 4 to 6 h, and 3 d of interval rowing. Vastus lateralis (VL) and soleus (SOL) muscle biopsies were obtained from eight healthy males (age, 28 ± 4 yr; BMI, 25 ± 3 kg·m−2; V˙O2max, 42 ± 6 mL·kg−1·min−1) before and after 6° head-down tilt bed rest. Vastus lateralis and SOL myosin heavy chain (MHC) I and IIa single muscle fiber size and functional characteristics, as well as overall fiber type distribution, capillarization, and metabolic enzyme activities were evaluated.

Results

In the VL, MHC I size and power (absolute and normalized) were preserved. The MHC IIa fibers hypertrophied (+6%, P < 0.05) without a change in absolute power, so normalized power declined (−7%, P < 0.05). In the SOL, MHC I fibers atrophied (−9%) and absolute power declined (−17%) (P < 0.05), whereas normalized power was maintained. Size, absolute power, and normalized power were protected in the less-abundant MHC IIa fibers. Reduced MHC coexpressing hybrid fibers, generally indicative of an exercise training effect, was apparent in the VL, whereas fiber type was maintained in the SOL. Capillarization and metabolic enzymes were generally preserved or increased in VL and SOL.

Conclusions

The integrated resistance and aerobic training protocol on a device maintains several key myocellular characteristics during prolonged unloading, but further refinement of the exercise approach to fully protect the SOL is warranted.
Biosecurity measures on cattle farms
Authors: VALERGAKIS GE , ARSENOS G , OIKONOMOU G
Published: March 2018

The aim of implementing biosecurity measures on cattle farms is: a) to preserve a high health status of animals by protecting them from new and existing pathogens and b) to ensure the production of safe food. General biosecurity measures should be implemented in any farm regardless of any specific problem. In "open" herds, where cattle have contact with animals from different farms (purchase of breeding animals, participation in cattle shows, common pastures etc) more strict biosecurity measures (i.e., isolation of in-coming animals, clinical examinations, laboratory tests, vaccinations) should be implemented. Therefore, "closed" herds present significant advantages in terms of health management. Moreover, all farms must apply control-restriction measures for visitors and vehicles as well as control and protection measures for feedstuffs and water. Animals of other species (farm or companion animals) should not be kept on the farm, whereas the entry of stray and wild animals must be prevented. Planned control measures for insects, rodents and wild birds are imperative. Management practices, such as grouping according to the age of cattle, but avoiding mixing young with older animals, should be combined with high housing standards, including proper ventilation and frequent manure removal. The implementation of the "all-in, all-ouf principle, whenever possible, as well as proper disinfections, are necessary to eliminate the distribution of pathogens within the farm. Dangerous chemicals and veterinary products must be kept in designated areas. Appropriate nutrition and avoidance of stress will boost the immune system of cattle. On the other hand, genetic selection, based on specific genetic indexes, will increase disease resistance. Moreover, proper manure handling and storage reduces the danger of disease transmission. The aim of specific biosecurity programmes is to confront specific health hazards on farm. Such programmes are developed according to the risk analysis methodology, which comprises risk assessment, risk management and risk communication. Both veterinarians and farmers give priority to problems that are related with farm profitability, public health and animal welfare. Grouping health problems by some of their common characteristics, allows a simultaneous approach, without extra effort. Overall, the lack of professional attitude by farmers, the defective design and development, as well as the inadequate organization of Greek cattle farms, are the main obstacles in implementing biosecurity measures. But, part of the responsibility lies on the veterinary profession as well; lack of training and motivation is the most probable explanation.
Fatal venous air embolism in swine during surgical procedure
Authors: KATSIMPOULAS M , KAKISIS I , PEROULIS M , DIMITRIOU K , BALAFAS E , KOSTOMITSOPOULOS N
Published: March 2018

Air embolism can occur after minor invasive procedures, as well as during major surgical operations. Reports of air embolism cases in veterinary literature are not very often, although it is considered that it happens more often than it is recognized. During a surgical procedure in swine, for the creation of a fistula of PTFE graft between the right common carotid artery and the right jugular vein under general anaesthesia, the animal died due to massive venous air embolism. Although it is supposed that the air was possibly inserted through the anaesthetic machine or through the anastomosis, the exact mechanism of the air insertion remains unknown.
Non-metastatic ileal leiomyosarcoma in an aged pouter pigeon (Columba livia)
Authors: GORNATTI CHURRIA CD , LOUKOPOULOS P
Published: March 2018

Intestinal smooth muscle neoplasms are rarely reported in avian species. An aged male pouter pigeon (Columba livia) had anorexia, somnolence, progressive emaciation and yellowish diarrhea of four days’ duration and died despite antibiotic and antiparasitic treatment. At necropsy, the ileum bore a whitish, nodular, 0.8 cm in diameter mass severely narrowing the lumen. Histopathologically, the ileal mass was a well-demarcated, expansile neoplasm severely expanding the tunica muscularis and invading the mucosa. The neoplasm was composed of densely packed spindle cells with elongated nuclei arranged in broad interlacing bundles, and showing mild anisocytosis and anisokaryosis. Immunohistochemically, the neoplasm was positive for desmin and smooth muscle actin, and negative for cytokeratin, and c-kit. The gross, histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings provided the diagnosis of ileal leiomyosarcoma. This is the first report of an ileal leiomyosarcoma in Columbiformes and one of few intestinal smooth muscle neoplasms described in birds.
Μέθοδος εμπλουτισμού σπέρματος κριού σε ζωηρά κινούμενα σπερματοζωάρια
Authors: PIPERELIS (Σ.Γ. ΠΙΠΕΡΕΛΗΣ) S. G. , Vafiadis (Δ. ΒΑΦΕΙΑΔΗΣ) D. , Alexopoulos (Κ. ΑΛΕΞΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) C.
Published: March 2018

Semen availability in ram semen production facilities is of great importance and a method that would increase viability in low viability ejaculates could be useful. In this study the possibility of a glass beads filtration method estimating the beads total surface provided (TSP) for adhesion of spermatozoa is evaluated. Initially, two different TSP (102cm2,154cm2) achieved by various sizes of beads were tested and no significant difference in viability improvement appeared for the same TSP by different beads (p<0.05). An optimization test followed in which three different funnels were evaluated using standard TSP (154cm2). The only parameter improved was filtrate volume, while filtration time, density and viability improvement remained the same (p<0.05).Finally, different TSP were evaluated and significant differences in viability improvement (p<0.01) and filtrate volume (p<0.05)for 102cm2 appeared. Increase in initial value 25% for viability and ejaculate recovery 65% all in time less than 6 minutes stronglysuggest that through further development this method can be used in ram semen production facilities.
Νεότερες απόψεις στη θεραπεία και πρόληψη του λοιμώδους εκθΰματος των μικρών μηρυκαστικών: με έμφαση του νοσολογικού προβλήματος που αντιμετωπίζει η ελληνική αιγοπροβατοτροφία εξαιτίας του.
Authors: STAMPOULIS (Δ. ΣΤΑΜΠΟΥΛΗΣ) D. , GIADINIS (N.Δ. ΓΙΑΔΙΝΗΣ) N. D. , PAPANASTASSOPOULOU (Μ. ΠΑΠΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) M. , KRITAS (Σ.Κ. ΚΡΗΤΑΣ) S. K.
Published: March 2018

Contagious ecthyma (orf) is a viral disease that affects mainly the young small ruminants, while the virus can be transmitted to other animal species, as well as humans. The disease in neonatal lambs and goat kids causes lesions around the mouth and the nostrils, while in serious cases it causes stomatitis. Mild cases are self-limited, but complications (i.e.bronchopneumonia) and high mortality can be observed in severe cases. Most studies focus on the prevention of this disease, using hygiene measures and vaccines. Immune mechanisms have also been studied for this purpose. During the last decade some trials have been conducted for the treatment of orf infections in small ruminants and humans by using anti-viral drugs. Despite the advantages of these anti-viral drugs (high efficacy, specificity and safety for the epithelia), these efforts were mostly ineffective and remained at the experimental level for the veterinary practice. The aim of the present paper is to review the use of vaccines for the prevention of orf infection in small ruminants and to report experimental therapeutic protocols that could be useful forthe treatment of the disease in future. Also, the article emphasizes upon the special problems from this disease in Greek sheep and goat flocks.
COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF THE WORK AT HEIGHT
Authors: Kissiková Lenka , Dlugoš Ivan
Published: March 2018

The article evaluates the issue of work at heights in industry and reports statistics on fatal accidents at work, the source of which is a fall from above. It also deals with the assessment of the state of personal protective equipment already in use - for example, safety and working ropes and other accessories contaminated with facade paints, lyes, acids or mineral oils and their misuse and dangerous use. The state of the assessed personal protective equipment used was assessed in a test facility on test machines, where the safety of these devices was verified under certain conditions. The article also mentions the issue of inadequate training and training of high-level workers and the lack of training centers that carry out such training.
Procesualność postpamięci i jej reprezentacje w literaturze oraz sztuce współczesnej
Authors: Chruściel Marcin
Published: March 2018

Postmemory’s Processuality and Its Representations in Literature and Contemporary Art

The text is an attempt to analyze literary postmemory representation in three scenes confronted with the language of art. The subject matter are novels: Zagłada (Extinction) by Piotr Szewc, Tworki by Marek Bieńczyk and Pensjonat (Pension) by Piotr Paziński and an exhibition: Poland – Israel – Germany. Auschwitz Experience at the Museum of Contemporary Art MOCAK in Krakow. These books had their premieres at intervals of at least ten years, becoming marks of consecutive decades of duration of the concept of postmemory. Zagłada (1987), Tworki (1999) and Pensjonat (2009) could be read as another mainstream views of the postmemory and building a horizon of contemporary Polish literature. In dialogue with these novels an exhibition open on the 15th of May, 2015 in MOCAK has been submitted to analysis. The intention of the text is to point transformations in postmemory in different fields of artistic activity.
Przekład literacki jako postpamięć w podróży
Authors: Gaszyńska‑Magiera Małgorzata
Published: March 2018

Literary Translation as Travelling Memory. On the Circumstances of the Reception of Polish Postmemorial Novels in Spain

The phenomenon of the translation of postmemorial novels could be interpreted as a case of a so called travelling memory. The notion of postmemory connotes a temporal shift, while the process of translation implies a spacial one. In order to study the reception of such literary works in a foreign context, it is necessary not only to take into account such aspects as the knowledge of the receiving public about their historical background and the source literary system but also the existence – or lack – of parallel literary forms of expressing memory in the target culture. In the article, conditions of the reception in Spain of three Polish postmemorial novels, Weiser Dawidek by Paweł Huelle, Hanemann by Stefan Chwin and Tworki by Marek Bieńczyk, are discussed on.
Dyskurs żalu czy ulgi?
Authors: Rejowska‑Pasek Agata , Pasek Zbigniew
Published: March 2018

The Discourse of Regret or Relief? Wałbrzych Twenty Years After the Closure of the Mines

The paper presents the results of field research carried out in 2015 in Wałbrzych, focused on as well memory as arising postmemory of citizens, clustered around the closure of all coal mines in the 1990s. For citizens of Wałbrzych their failure was liminal situation and memory about it is still alive and constitutes significant element of identity. Memory of this social trauma and civilizational collapse is passed down from one generation to the next and also has impact on those whowere not personally affected by it. The narratives established around the liquidation of the coal mines are split and often contrary. On the one hand the work in the mine was considered positively (primarily because of the financial benefitsand social respect), but on the other hand poor working conditions were emphasized. Respondents remembered about dangerousness of the work in mine (therefore relief discourse), but at the same time they criticized decision about the closure of coal mines (therefore resentment discourse).
Postpamięć i świadkowie zastępczy a współczesne opisy tzw. konfliktu polsko‑ukraińskiego z okresu II wojny światowej
Authors: Syrnyk Jarosław
Published: March 2018

Postmemory and Substitute Witnesses in Contemporary Descriptions of the So-Called Polish-Ukrainian Conflict During the World War II

This article presents the general problem of the postmemorial character of parts of contemporary historiography. An illustration of this issue is the preliminary analysis of descriptions of Polish‑Ukrainian relations during World War II. The analysis is based on tropes derived from genocide studies. Several research hypotheses were formulated on this basis. They require further verification. This is, among others, the question of introducing the concept of ‘social postmemory’and showing its relation to historical policy. Promising seems to the perception of the connection between post‑memory, discursiveness, and eristic. The issue of intergenerational dialogue on the past and memory has also emerged in thebackground of deliberations. In the article, an ethno‑historical variant of practicing history has also been criticized in an indirect way.
Forest Harvest Scheduling with Endogenous Road Costs
Authors: Ross Kai L. , Tóth Sándor F. , Jaross Weikko S.
Published: March 2018

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages over 800,000 hectares of forested state trust lands and 20,000 kilometers of forest roads in Washington State. Forest harvest and road reconstruction decisions greatly impact the agency’s cash flows and its ability to meet its fiduciary obligations. We introduce a mixed-integer programming model that integrates harvest and road scheduling decisions. We show how DNR embedded the new model in its workflows and applied it to the Upper Clearwater River Landscape in the Olympic Experimental State Forest. We find that the forest valuation of the Upper Clearwater increased by $0.5–$1 million (0.4–1.1 percent) because of the new method, which allowed the DNR to concentrate capital expenditures in support of harvest and road operations in both time and space. This led to a 14.5 percent reduction in the size of the active road network. DNR is now in the process of scaling the new approach to the entire forest estate.
Free school meals threshold to hit Pupil Premium funding
Authors: Parr Chris
Published: March 2018

As estimated one million pupils will miss out on Pupil Premium funding after changes to the Universal Credit system get go-ahead
Urban Archaeology Project in Senigallia: from Anthropological to Archaeological Analysis. A short presentation
Authors: Simone Attala
Published: March 2018

The project “Urban Archaeology in Senigallia” is the result of a collaboration between the Soprintendenza Archeologica of the Marche Region, the municipality of Senigallia and the Department of History, Culture and Civilisation of the University of Bologna and has the objective to enhance the knowledge of the history of Senigallia. Since 2010, researchers have shed light on the Roman and Pre-Roman ages, whilst the Late Antique and Early Middle Ages still remain substantially unknown. Analyses of skeletal remains aim to obtain information about the Late Antique and Early middle Ages, in order to contribute to the completion of the archaeological and historical context of the city of Senigallia.
Revisiting the Compression Parallel to Grain Design Values of Douglas-Fir
Authors: Miyamoto Byrne T. , Cheung Kevin , Clauson Milo , Sinha Arijit
Published: March 2018

After the decrease in southern pine (Pinus spp.) design values, concerns were raised over the design values of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), the most important structural species in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Moreover, species need to be re-evaluated every 5 years for properties by the grading agencies. Variability within Douglas-fir lumber may have increased over time because of changes in the silvicultural practices and management techniques including the shift from government to private plantation. The compression parallel to the grain design values took the greatest hit for southern pine. To assess if there is any decrease in the compressional design values, No.2 grade Douglas-fir, of dimensions 38 by 89 by 2,438 mm, were attained from 36 different locations and were cut into 229-mm sections with 20 samples from each location. A total of 720 samples were tested to failure in compression parallel to grain according to ASTM International D4761. Additionally, 288 clear specimens were also tested. The compression strength was calculated and was compared among locations. The data were pooled to calculate the design values for compression parallel to the grain and compared with listed values in the National Design Specification. Variation of compressive strength within locations was observed, but even after accounting for the variation the calculated values are above the average reported value for clear wood specimens and higher than the code-recommended design value for nonclear specimens.
China's Engagement in Afghanistan: Implications for the Region
Authors: Adam Saud  , Azhar Ahmad
Published: March 2018

China, over past few years, has increased its engagement with Afghanistan particularly moving towards a stronger economic and commercial partnership. It was not the case in initial decade or so period subsequent to the US attack on Afghanistan in 2001 after the 9/11 incident. Bilateral trade and investments from China have seem considerable augmentations, recently. China's constructive engagement with Afghanistan is not only going to help the war-torn nation in its journey towards reconstruction and rehabilitation but would also play a role in stability at regional level.
The Last Pilgrimage to Eternity
Authors: Caspar Cyril L.
Published: March 2018

With the advent of the reformation, concepts of living and dying were profoundly reconfigured. As purgatory disappeared from the spiritual landscape, other paths to the afterlife were rediscovered. Thus, when life draws to a close, the passage to the afterlife becomes a last pilgrimage, a popular early modern metaphor that has received little critical commentary. In a rigorous historical and theological reading, Cyril L. Caspar explores five major English poets - John Donne, Sir Walter Raleigh, George Herbert, Edmund Spenser, and John Milton - to unveil the poetical potential of the last pilgrimage as a life-transcending metaphor.
Bezeichnungen für Menschen mit Behinderungen in kroatischen und serbischen Presseberichten über die Paralympics 2016 in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Radünzel Claudia
Published: March 2018

The present article deals with Croatian and Serbian terms that denote people with disabilities placing a particular focus on the structure of these terms and the frequency of their use in current language. The study is based on 398 articles about the XV Summer Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro published in the online issues of 19 Croatian and Serbian newspapers from September 2016. The texts reflect an increasing interest in the situation of people with disabilities in Croatia and Serbia. They show a growing tendency to use altern­ate, non-discriminatory terms instead of the formerly established ones. One example is the term “invalid”, which was common in the past, but is today replaced by “osoba s/ sa invaliditetom”.
A unifying approach to impersonality in Russian
Authors: Schlund Katrin
Published: March 2018

Despite the ever-growing number of studies about impersonal constructions, there is still no unanimity about which constructions actually fall under the label of impersonality. Consensus on how to define impersonals, even within one language, remains elusive in part because of the opposition between formal (subject-centred) and functional (agent-centred) approaches to impersonality, as outlined by Siewierska (2008). The paper attempts to combine both lines of reasoning. It suggests that the impersonal domain in Russian is represented by a network of constructions that are all related to one another by the formal marker of impersonality on the verb (i. e., third person singular neuter) and by semantic and pragmatic characteristics (namely, deviation from prototypical subject properties; Malchukov & Ogawa 2011).