bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early End-Tidal Carbon Monoxide Levels, Patency of the Ductus Arteriosus and Regional Cerebral Oxygenation in Preterm Infants
Authors: Dix Laura M.L. , Blok Cornelie A. , Lemmers Petra M.A. , van der Aa Niek , Molenschot Mirella C. , Vreman Hendrik J. , Krediet Tannette , van Bel Frank
Published: December 2013

Background: Carbon monoxide (CO), a relaxant regulator of muscle tone and marker of oxidative stress and inflammation, can be measured in exhaled air by determination of end-tidal CO corrected for CO in ambient air (ETCOc). Objective: Increased endogenous production of CO may influence patency of the ductus arteriosus, cerebral perfusion and, subsequently, cerebral oxygenation. The aim was to study the relation between early ETCOc levels, hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) and cerebral oxygenation (rScO2) in preterm infants <32 weeks' gestational age and determine predictive values of ETCOc for hsPDA. Methods: ETCOc was measured in 91 infants within the first 24 h after birth. A hsPDA was diagnosed according to echocardiographic indices. In 78/91 infants, rScO2 was monitored with near-infrared spectroscopy to assess cerebral oxygenation. Results: ETCOc values were significantly higher in infants who subsequently developed hsPDA (2.3 ± 0.7 ppm) vs. no-hsPDA (1.7 ± 0.6 ppm), p < 0.001. With a cut-off value of 2.5 ppm, positive and negative predictive values of ETCOc for hsPDA were 55 and 88%, respectively. rScO2 values were not different between the two groups (64 ± 1 vs. 65 ± 3%, NS). Conclusions: The higher ETCOc values in hsPDA infants early after birth reflect the early relaxant state of ductal muscular tone. ETCOc <2.5 ppm within 24 h after birth may predict the subsequent absence of hsPDA. ETCOc showed no correlation with cerebral oxygenation in both groups.
Why Are People Afraid of the Dentist? Observations and Explanations
Authors: Beaton Laura , Freeman Ruth , Humphris Gerry
Published: December 2013

Objective: The aim of this review was to explore the peer-reviewed literature to answer the question: ‘Why are people afraid of the dentist?' Method: Relevant literature was identified by searching the following on-line databases: PubMed, PsycInfo, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Publications were extracted if they explored the causes and consequences of dental fear, dental anxiety or dental phobia. Results: The research evidence suggests that the causes of dental fear, dental anxiety or dental phobia are related to exogenous factors such as direct learning from traumatic experiences, vicarious learning through significant others and the media, and endogenous factors such as inheritance and personality traits. Each individual aetiological factor is supported by the evidence provided. Conclusions: The evidence suggests that the aetiology of dental fear, anxiety or phobia is complex and multifactorial. The findings show that there are clear practical implications indicated by the existing research in this area: a better understanding of dental fear, anxiety and phobia may prevent treatment avoidance.
PDK1 selectively phosphorylates Thr(308) on Akt and contributes to human platelet functional responses
Authors: Dangelmaier Carol , Manne Bhanu Kanth , Liverani Elizabetta , Jin Jianguo , Bray Paul , Kunapuli Satya P.
Published: December 2013

3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1), a member of the protein A,G and C (AGC) family of proteins, is a Ser/Thr protein kinase that can phosphorylate and activate other protein kinases from the AGC family, including Akt at Thr308, all of which play important roles in mediating cellular responses. The functional role of PDK1 or the importance of phosphorylation of Akt on Thr308 for its activity has not been investigated in human platelets. In this study, we tested two pharmacological inhibitors of PDK1, BX795 and BX912, to assess the role of Thr308 phosphorylation on Akt. PAR4-induced phosphorylation of Akt on Thr308 was inhibited by BX795 without affecting phosphorylation of Akt on Ser473. The lack of Thr308 phosphorylation on Akt also led to the inhibition of PAR4-induced phosphorylation of two downstream substrates of Akt, viz. GSK3β and PRAS40. In vitro kinase activity of Akt was completely abolished if Thr308 on Akt was not phosphorylated. BX795 caused inhibition of 2-MeSADP-induced or collagen-induced aggregation, ATP secretion and thromboxane generation. Primary aggregation induced by 2-MeSADP was also inhibited in the presence of BX795. PDK1 inhibition also resulted in reduced clot retraction indicating its role in outside-in signalling. These results demonstrate that PDK1 selectively phosphorylates Thr308 on Akt thereby regulating its activity and plays a positive regulatory role in platelet physiological responses.
Predictors of Improvement in Cardiometabolic Risk Factors With Weight Loss in Women
Authors: Dow Caitlin A. , Thomson Cynthia A. , Flatt Shirley W. , Sherwood Nancy E. , Pakiz Bilge , Rock Cheryl L.
Published: December 2013

Background

Weight loss is associated with improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, including serum glucose, insulin, C‐reactive protein, and blood lipids. Few studies have evaluated the long‐term (>18 months) effect of weight loss on these risk factors or sought to identify factors associated with sustained improvements in these measures.

Methods and Results

In 417 overweight/obese women (mean [
SD
] age, 44 [10] years) participating in a weight loss trial, we sought to identify predictors of weight loss–associated cardiometabolic risk factors after 12 and 24 months of intervention. Total cholesterol (
TC
), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)–cholesterol (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein (
HDL
)–cholesterol, non‐
HDL
‐cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), insulin, glucose, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and cardiopulmonary fitness were measured at baseline and at 12 and 24 months. After 24 months, significant reductions in body weight, waist circumference, CRP, TC,
HDL
‐cholesterol, and non‐
HDL
‐cholesterol were observed (
P
<0.01). After 24 months, mean TC and non‐
HDL
‐cholesterol were reduced regardless of the amount of weight lost, whereas reductions in LDL–cholesterol, CRP, insulin, and TG were observed only in those who lost ≥10% body weight. Step‐test performance improved only in those who lost ≥10% body weight after 24 months. Change in weight demonstrated a positive predictive value for change in cholesterol, insulin, glucose, and triglycerides. Baseline level of the biomarker showed the greatest predictive value for follow‐up measures for insulin, cholesterol, glucose, and triglycerides.

Conclusions

Our data extend the results from short‐term weight loss trials and suggest that the magnitude of weight loss and baseline values for risk factors are associated with improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors even after 24 months.

Clinical Trials Registration Information

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier: NCT00640900.
A checklist of Polygala (Polygalaceae) in the Flora of Southern Africa region with notes on types
Authors: Figueiredo Estrela , Smith Gideon F. , Paiva Jorge
Published: December 2013

As part of a revision of Polygala in the Flora of Southern Africa region, the types of all the names relevant for the region were assessed. A catalogue of the names and their types is provided along with information on the availability of online images of these types. For 22 accepted taxa, no images of the types of the names are available online. Twenty lectotypes are designated here.
On the identities of Barbus mussullah Sykes and Cyprinus curmuca Hamilton with notes on the status of Gobio canarensis Jerdon (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)
Authors: KNIGHT J.D. MARCUS , RAI ASHWIN , D’SOUZA RONALD K.P.
Published: December 2013

The identity and generic placement of Barbus mussullah Sykes, the type species of Hypselobarbus Bleeker, have for long been unclear, variously having been considered a synonym of Cyprinus curmuca Hamilton or a species of Tor Gray or Gonoproktopterus Bleeker. Here, through a re-examination of the original descriptions and the examination of specimens from western peninsular India, we redescribe H. mussullah and show that Hypselobarbus is a valid genus, of which Gonoproktopertus is a junior synonym. Hypselobarbus mussullah is distinguished from all other species of Hypselobarbus by possessing both rostral and maxillary barbels; having the last simple dorsal-fin ray weak and smooth; the lateral line complete, with 41 +1 pored scales; 9/1/4 scales in transverse line between origins of dorsal and pelvic fins; and 5½ scales between lateral line and anal-fin origin. Species of Hypselobarbus are distinguished from other genera of Cyprinidae by possessing long, branched gill rakers and the anal fin distally rounded in adults. Hypselobarbus canarensis was found to be a valid species and H. kurali is considered its synonym. Hypselobarbus canarensis can be distinguished from all congeners by possessing both rostral and maxillary barbels; having the last simple dorsal-fin ray weak and smooth; the lateral line complete, with 40–42+1 pored scales; ½7–½8/1/3½ scales in transverse line from dorsal-fin origin to pelvic-fin origin; 4½ scales between lateral line and anal-fin origin. Hypselobarbus kolus is considered a synonym of H. curmuca, which is redescribed: it is distinguished from all congeners by possessing maxillary barbels only; the last simple dorsal-fin ray weak and smooth; 41–43+1 lateral-line scales; 9–10/1/4½–5 scales in transverse line between origins of dorsal and pelvic fins; and 5½–6 scales between lateral line and anal-fin origin.
A Minimum Variance Method for Lidar Signal Inversion
Authors: Sušnik Andreja , Holder Heidi , Eichinger William
Published: December 2013

A method for the inversion of elastic lidar data is proposed that determines the value of the extinction coefficient to be used as a boundary condition, by minimizing the variance of the extinction coefficients in a delimited region. The method works well for single-component atmospheres, where the delimited region contains aerosols from a single distribution of concentrations. For situations where there may be two or more distributions (e.g., a smoke plume in the ambient atmosphere), the spatial regions containing each distribution must be identified and treated separately. Examples of inversions are given, including an example of a range–time scan showing the amount of shot-to-shot consistency that may be obtained from the method.
Homecoming as displacement: An analysis from the perspective of returning social scientists
Authors: Bielsa Esperança , Casellas Antònia , Verger Antoni
Published: December 2013

International mobility is a growing phenomenon in which academicians are highly represented. While studies on transnationalism have widely focused on the mobility of people in terms of migrancy and exile, homecoming has been much less studied. This article contributes to filling this gap by analysing the homecoming experiences of three social scientists who have coincided in a Catalan university. The narrative of their personal trajectories and experiences of return allows for an understanding of homecoming in relation to wider discourses of mobility in the context of globalization. Contrary to dominant beliefs, homecoming is approached not as a return to one’s origins, but as a movement that implies dislocation and displacement and puts the homecomer in a position that is, in important ways, not essentially dissimilar to that of the stranger. The authors argue that the study of homecoming sheds light on certain neglected aspects of contemporary globalization, such as the existential limits to the international mobility of people or the favouring of local attachments over global options combined with the prevalence of cosmopolitan orientations. The article also calls attention to the cultural transfers of returnees to their countries of origin as well as to their world-making activities.
Hybrid simulation of brain–skull growth
Authors: Jin Jing , Shahbazi Sahar , Lloyd John , Fels Sidney , de Ribaupierre Sandrine , Eagleson Roy
Published: December 2013

This paper describes a hybrid model that includes both a standard finite element model and also volume-preserving structural modeling for a clinical application involving skull development in infants, with particular application to craniostosis modeling. To accommodate the growing brain, the skull needs to grow quickly in the first few months of life, and most of the growth of the skull at that time occurs at the sutures. Craniosynostosis, which is a developmental abnormality, occurs when one or more sutures are fused early in life (even in utero) while the skull is growing, resulting in an abnormal skull shape. To study normal brain–skull growth and to develop a model of craniosynostosis, we have developed a hybrid computational model to simulate the relationship between the growing deformable brain and the rigid skull. Our model is composed of the nine segmented skull plates as rigid surfaces, deformable sutures, and a volumetrically controllable deformable brain. The Cranial Index (ratio of biparietal width to fronto-occipital length) is measured during the simulation, showing a characteristic peak during development. Measures of linear growth along each dimension show characteristic increases over time. The hybrid simulation framework shows promise to support further investigations into abnormal skull development. By varying the properties of the sutures in our model, we can now simulate different craniosynostosis models, such as scaphocephaly and trigonocephaly. In this paper, we show results on the evolution of the Cranial Index as calculated using standard landmarks and compare to the normal index, and thereby evaluate our model by comparing it with patient data.
Reliability of Self-reports of Financial Data in Surveys
Authors: Alwin Duane F. , Zeiser Kristina , Gensimore Don
Published: December 2013

This article reports an investigation of errors of measurement in self-reports of financial data in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), one of the major social science data resources available to those who study the demography and economics of aging. Results indicate significantly lower levels of reporting reliability of the composite variables in the HRS relative to those found for “summary” income approaches used in other surveys. Levels of reliability vary by type of income source—reports of monthly benefit levels from sources such as Social Security or the Veterans Administration achieve near-perfect levels of reliability, whereas somewhat less regular sources of household income that vary across time in their amounts are measured less reliably. One major area of concern resulting from this research, which may be beneficial to users of the HRS surveys, involves the use of imputation in the handling of missing data. We found that imputation of values for top-end open income brackets can produce a substantial number of outliers that affect sample estimates of relationships and levels of reliability. Imputed income values in the HRS should be used with great care.
Four-dimensional guidance and control of movement using time-to-contact: Application to automated docking and landing of unmanned rotorcraft systems
Authors: Kendoul Farid
Published: December 2013

This paper presents the development and experimental validation of a bio-inspired autopilot, called TauPilot, based on the ecological tau theory proposed by the psychologist David Lee. Tau theory postulates that animals and humans use a combination of simple guidance strategies and the tau variable ( τ) (representing time-to-contact) to prospectively guide and control most of their purposeful movements. This research investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of applying tau theory principles to guidance and control of movement in four dimensions (three spatial dimensions plus time), with application to various crucial maneuvres of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) such as braking, automated aerial docking and automatic landing. TauPilot includes a tau-guidance system, a tau-navigation system and a tau-controller, resulting in a four-dimensional (4D) guidance, navigation and control system that has the capability to accurately fit maneuvres or actions into 4D slots using only the universal temporal variable, tau. TauPilot has been integrated into two rotorcraft UAS and demonstrated in more than 1000 successful tau-controlled flights. TauPilot provided the UAS with the capability to perform the following maneuvres with high spatial and temporal accuracy: tau-braking, 4D straight- and curved-path tau-docking to a virtual target (a three-dimensional point in space), vertical and 4D coordinated tau-landing, and 4D tau-interception of a moving target point.
Environmental effects on viscoelastic behavior of carbon fiber/PEKK thermoplastic composites
Authors: Mazur Rogério L , Oliveira Pedro C , Rezende Mirabel C , Botelho Edson C
Published: December 2013

In the last years, thermoplastic composites have been introduced as structural materials for high performance aerospace applications. However, these materials can present problems when exposed to moisture, temperature, and UV radiation, and besides it may occur as the synergy among the main degradation mechanisms. Among the thermoplastic composite materials, carbon fiber reinforced poly(ether-ketone-ketone) (PEKK) laminates have shown excellent balance of properties, including high glass transition temperature, high strength, stiffness and fracture toughness values, low moisture absorption, and good environmental resistance. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the influence of the environmental effect on the viscoelastic behavior and glass transition temperature of carbon fiber reinforced PEKK thermoplastic composites. In this work, the effects of environmental degradation on the viscoelastic properties of this composite material were studied by dynamic mechanical analyses. The most significant change was observed for the UV radiation accelerated weathering conditioning effects. A decrease of the storage modulus from 40 to 10 GPa and the Tg from 147 to 105℃ is observed, which decreases consequently the composite stiffness and the service temperature after exposed environmental effects. A synergetic degradation mechanism between UV radiation accelerated weathering test and hygrothermal conditioning is clearly verified.
Self-Serving and Other-Serving: Matters of Trust and Intent
Authors: Mitchell Gail J.
Published: December 2013

This column explores the notions of self-serving and other-serving in light of research activity and other innovations that have an impact on quality of patient care and focus of nursing practice, especially in healthcare organizations. Of particular interest are consequences of research activity and its impact on nurse and patient experiences. Academic health sciences centres, by virtue of their commitment to research, provide unique opportunities to examine the intentions and actions of staff in upholding interests of patients, or not. Matters of trust and the meaning for individuals and organizations are considered and nursing theory is described as the best framework for interpreting and evidence or best practice guidelines.
Children’s participation in preschool documentation practices
Authors: Pettersson Katarina Elfström
Published: December 2013

The Swedish preschool curriculum not only prescribes documentation and quality assessment, it also requires children’s participation in the documentation process, although it offers no directions on how the documenting should be done, which can leave teachers unsure of how to do it. This study differs from research that presents pedagogical documentation as a way of enabling children’s participation in preschool in that it explores children’s participation in producing different forms of documentation in a Swedish preschool – and it finds that such participation is complex. The findings imply that, whether documentation is activity-integrated or retrospective, different forms of participation are possible.
HIV prevalence and risk in long-distance truck drivers in South Africa: a national cross-sectional survey
Authors: Delany-Moretlwe Sinead , Bello Braimoh , Kinross Peter , Oliff Monique , Chersich Matthew , Kleinschmidt Immo , Rees Helen
Published: December 2013

We estimated the prevalence of HIV and assessed correlates of HIV infection in long-distance truck drivers in South Africa. Between October 2003 and July 2004, 1900 long-distance truck drivers aged ≥18 years consented to interview and for testing for HIV. Participants were selected from a 10% stratified random sample of registered truck depots. A proximate-determinants framework was used to assess the hierarchical relationship between risk factors and HIV infection using logistic regression. HIV prevalence was 26% (95% confidence interval 24% to 28%). In multivariate analyses, HIV infection was associated with spending 2–4 weeks on the road (adjusted odds ratio 1.4; 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 1.9). There was modest evidence of a dose-response relationship between time on the road and HIV risk. Mobility increased risk by creating conditions for unsafe sex and reducing access to health services. Targeted HIV interventions for long-distance truck drivers are needed.
Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of individuals with very high rapid plasma reagin
Authors: Castro Jose G , Alcaide Maria L , Rosa-Cunha Isabella
Published: December 2013

The objective of the study was to identify clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with infectious syphilis who presented with a high rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titre (≥1: 512) during the year of 2009 at the Miami Dade County Health Department (MDCHD) STD clinic. Potential cases were identified by a search in the electronic database. Among 519 individuals identified with reactive RPR, 190 individuals met criteria for infectious syphilis and 32 of them had at least one RPR titre of ≥1: 512. We found that the majority of individuals with high RPR were men who have sex with men (82%), from ethnic minorities (91%), and HIV infected (75%) but only 3 of them were on antiretroviral therapy. Overall, 50% of these patients with very high RPR titres were symptomatic, and the most common symptom was skin rash (93%).
Designing and managing music festival experiences to enhance attendees’ psychological and social benefits
Authors: Ballantyne Julie , Ballantyne Roy , Packer Jan
Published: December 2013

Attendance and participation at popular music festivals has become an important and increasingly common experience for people in many Western societies, yet little is known about the kinds of benefits visitors perceive they gain as a result of attending. This research explores attendees’ perceptions of the psychological and social benefits associated with their attendance at the Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland (Australia). Based upon the research findings, music festival management strategies are suggested to improve the design of festival experiences to better cater to the artistic, musical, social and psychological needs of attendees thereby increasing the impact and depth of the experience.
Understanding Career Context as a Key to Best Serving Adult Students
Authors: Bohonos Jeremy
Published: December 2013

Professional development plays a key role in motivating many adult learners. Understanding these students’ career contexts allows for more effective program development and better student services. This article presents five broad categories of career context and provides a brief framework which educators can use to more effectively anticipate the needs of different types of adult learners. The categories presented include those in nonprofessional positions, career changers, displaced workers, those in fear of displacement, and those who are upwardly mobile within stable organizations. Each of these groups has different sets of needs that should be considered by practitioners. The categories presented are intended to help educators better understand each individual, and do not purport to create fixed, inflexible, or compressive groupings of adult learners. Understandings of career context should be integrated with other aspects of adult learner theory to optimize praxis. The observations and reflections in this article are informed by work in adult career advising at a major metropolitan university.
Do Organizational Culture and Climate Matter for Successful Client Outcomes?
Authors: Wolf David A. Patterson Silver , Dulmus Catherine N. , Maguin Eugene , Cristalli Maria
Published: December 2013

Objectives:

The existing literature on the impact of workplace conditions on client care suggests that good cultures and climates provide the best outcomes for clients. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between organizational culture and climate and the proportion of children and youth successfully discharged from a large organization in New York state.

Method:

Thirty-three child and youth programs with existing culture and climate data evaluated outcome information from 1,336 clients exiting its services.

Results:

Programs reported as having bad culture and climate yielded superior client outcomes, measured as discharge to a lower level of care and successfully completing.

Conclusion:

This study and its conclusion point to a gap in knowledge concerning the relation between workplace culture and climate and the impact on client care and workers’ perceptions; this warrants further investigation in similar studies of agencies and their outcomes.
Self-Reported Quality of Life in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Raspovic Katherine M. , Wukich Dane K.
Published: December 2013

Background:

Previous reports using the Short Form-36 as a generic measure of quality of life have demonstrated reduced quality of life in patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN). The aim of this study was to assess self-reported quality of life using the SF-36 and a region-specific assessment (the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure [FAAM]), hypothesizing that patients with diabetes and CN would have lower self-reported scores than patients with diabetes and no foot disease.

Methods:

Fifty patients with diabetes and CN were included in the study group. Fifty-six patients with diabetes and no pedal complaints comprised the control group. Quality of life was assessed with the SF-36 and the FAAM.

Results:

Patients with CN were more likely to have type 1 diabetes mellitus, were more likely to use insulin, had greater duration of diabetes, and were more likely to be neuropathic than patients in the control group. Patients with CN reported mean FAAM activities of daily living (ADL) scores that were 2 standard deviations below the control group and sports scores that were 1 standard deviation lower. There was no notable difference between the SF-36 mental component summary scores between the CN and control groups. SF-36 physical component summary scores in patients with CN were notably lower than scores in the control group.

Conclusion:

CN is associated with reduced quality of life as measured with the SF-36 and FAAM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study directly comparing self-reported outcome assessments in patients with both diabetes and CN and patients with diabetes without foot complaints.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative series.
The Effect of the Evoking Freedom Technique on Compliance with a Server’s Suggestion: An Evaluation in a Restaurant
Authors: Guéguen Nicolas , Jacob Céline , Pascual Alexandre
Published: December 2013

The evoking freedom technique is a verbal compliance technique that consists of soliciting someone to comply with a request by simply saying that the solicitee is free to accept or refuse the request. The effect of this technique on customer behavior has never been tested, however. When presenting the menu to a patron, a waitress was instructed to suggest a dish. In half of the cases, when making this suggestion, the employee added that the patron was free to choose a different dish. Results showed that compared to a control condition, the suggestion associated with the evoking freedom technique had a positive effect on the patron’s choice. The magnitude and the generalization of this technique are discussed.
Influence of different types of binder in non-asbestos-organic brake lining materials: A case study on inertia brake dynamometer
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Bijwe Jayashree
Published: December 2013

Phenolics and alkyal benzene modified versions are commonly used as binder in friction materials. However, the poor shelf life, evolution of harmful volatiles during processing, and shrinkage/voids in final products are some of the major problems associated with these binders. In order to overcome these, a binder based on ploybenzoxazine (which was synthesized in laboratory and presented in our previous work) was used as alternative resin in this work. Hence present case study discusses the comparative behavior of these three different binders (ploybenzoxazine, phenolic, and alkyal benzene modified). Brake lining materials based on these binders were developed as per standard industrial practice in laboratory and tribo-evaluated on inertia brake dynamometer. It was observed that the brake linings developed with the ploybenzoxazine binder performed better in all aspects (friction, wear, fade) compared to traditional binders such as phenolic and alkyal benzene modified versions.
Aneurysmal Degeneration of Deep Lower Extremity Vein Conduits Used for Vascular Reconstruction
Authors: Chavez LeAnn A. , Leon Luis R. , Hughes John , Mills Joseph L.
Published: December 2013

Background:

Successful outcomes have been reported with the use of femoropopliteal vein (FPV) grafts as arterial conduits. We identified 2 patients with a rare complication, true, nonanastomotic aneurysmal degeneration.

Methods:

Patients from 1997 through 2009 that utilized FPV grafts for revascularization were analyzed. We contacted survivors by phone and conducted a literature search of FPV aneurysms.

Results:

Of the total of 14 patients in our practice whose FPV was used as a conduit during the study period, 2 developed nonanastomotic FPV graft aneurysms. The mean follow-up time was 33.44 months. Literature review uncovered only 1 previously published case of FPV aneurysmal degeneration.

Conclusions:

Our experience suggests that nonanastomotic aneurysms of FPV grafts may occur more often than those suspected previously. Our study represents the first reports of aneurysmal degeneration affecting FPV grafts when used for vascular reconstructions.
Increased use of the affected hand one and a half years after surgical correction for cerebral palsy and subsequent intensive hand therapy
Authors: Hansen Alice Ø , Tromborg Hans
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Good hand function is essential for carrying out daily activities. People with unilateral cerebral palsy often have spasticity in their affected hand and arm, which makes it difficult to perform bimanual tasks. The aim of this study was to measure changes in grip span, strength and functional use of the affected hand when assisting in two-handed activities after surgical correction for cerebral palsy and subsequent intensive hand therapy.

Methods

Since 1999, we have been evaluating all patients with unilateral cerebral palsy who had the potential for surgical correction of their forearm and hand, followed by intensive hand therapy at our university hospital. We tested their grip span, strength and use in two-handed activities preoperatively and six and 18 months postoperatively.

Results

Between 1999 and 2011, 39 patients have had a corrective operation with tendon transfer to correct a deformity of the wrist and most have had a correction of the thumb as well. All received subsequent hand therapy until six months after the operation. Grip span, strength and changes in the functional use of the affected hand when assisting in two-handed activities all increased significantly ( p<0.01), six and 18 months postoperatively.

Discussion

Patients demonstrated a more useful affected hand in everyday activities and results persisted after the rehabilitation ceased at six months. Our findings support surgical correction for cerebral palsy followed by intensive hand therapy improves hand position and hand function.
Randomized Trial of Harp Therapy During In Vitro Fertilization–Embryo Transfer
Authors: Murphy Erin M. , Nichols Jennifer , Somkuti Steve G. , Sobel Michael , Braverman Andrea , Barmat Larry I.
Published: December 2013

Objective:

This study evaluated whether harp therapy reduces levels of stress and improves clinical outcomes in patients undergoing embryo transfer.

Design:

This prospective randomized trial enrolled 181 women undergoing embryo transfer, who were randomized to harp therapy during embryo transfer or standard treatment. Patients underwent standardized psychological testing and physiologic assessment of stress.

Setting:

The study was conducted in a reproductive medicine practice.

Results:

No statistically significant differences were found in the heart and respiratory rates, nor was there a significant difference in event-based anxiety at baseline. Harp therapy had a significantly larger decrease in state anxiety from pre– to post–embryo transfer. Clinical pregnancy was 53% versus 48% for the harp therapy and standard treatment groups, respectively.

Conclusion:

Harp therapy decreases state, or event-based, anxiety, significantly lowering state scores posttransfer and having a positive effect on acute levels of stress. There was an increased pregnancy rate, but larger sample sizes are needed to evaluate whether harp therapy has an effect on clinical outcomes.
Reversal of in situ T-cell exhaustion during effective human antileukemia responses to donor lymphocyte infusion
Authors: Bachireddy Pavan , Hainz Ursula , Rooney Michael , Pozdnyakova Olga , Aldridge Julie , Zhang Wandi , Liao Xiaoyun , Hodi F. Stephen , O’Connell Karyn , Haining W. Nicholas , Goldstein Natalie R. , Canning Christine M. , Soiffer Robert J. , Ritz Jerome , Hacohen Nir , Alyea Edwin P. , Kim Haesook T. , Wu Catherine J.
Published: December 2013

Key Points

Marrow CD8+ T-cell infiltrates may be a novel predictor of response to donor lymphocyte infusions in patients with relapsed CML. Reversal of T-cell exhaustion is tightly linked to effective antileukemia responses to donor lymphocyte infusions.
Effect of Korean red ginseng on cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Park Kyoung-Sun , Kim Jin-Woo , Jo Jun-Young , Hwang Deok-Sang , Lee Chang-Hoon , Jang Jun-Bock , Lee Kyung-Sub , Yeo Inkwon , Lee Jin-Moo
Published: December 2013

Background

Cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet (CHHF) is one of the most common complaints among Asians, especially in women. Korean red ginseng (KRG), which is a steamed form of Panax ginseng, has vasodilating action in the peripheral vessels and increases blood flow under cold stress. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of KRG on cold hypersensitivity.

Methods/Design

This trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 80 CHHF patients. The trial will be implemented at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong in Seoul, Korea. The participants will take KRG or a placebo for eight weeks, after which they will be followed-up for four weeks. During the administration period, six capsules of 500 mg KRG or placebo will be provided twice a day. The primary outcome is change of skin temperature in the hands between baseline and after treatment. The secondary outcomes include the visual analogue scale scores of cold hypersensitivity in the hands, change of skin temperature and the VAS scores of cold hypersensitivity in the feet, the recovery rate of the skin temperature by the cold stress test of the hands, the distal-dorsal difference of the hands, power variables of heart rate variability, and the 36-item short form health survey.

Discussion

This study is the first trial to evaluate the efficacy of KRG on CHHF by using infrared thermography. Our study will provide basic evidence regarding CHHF.

Trial registration

CliniacalTrials.gov NCT01664156
Ethnobotanical survey of cooling herbal drinks from southern China
Authors: Liu Yujing , Ahmed Selena , Long Chunlin
Published: December 2013

Background

Liáng chá (“cooling tea”, “herbal tea” or “cool tisane” in Chinese) are herbal drinks widely produced in southern China and consumed by billions of people worldwide to prevent and treat internal heat as well as a range of associated health conditions. Globalization and renewed interest in botanical remedies has attracted growing attention in cooling herbal drinks by industry, scientists and consumers. However, there is a knowledge gap on the plant species used and commercialized for cooling herbal drinks in southern China and their associated ethnobotanical use, habitat and conservation status. This is the first study to document plant species used and commercialized as liáng chá in southern China’s Lingnan region and associated ethnomedical function, preparation methods, habitat and conservation status.

Methods

Three hundred market surveys were conducted between 2010-2012 in the largest herbal drink producing region of China to record plants used for liáng chá and to document knowledge on their medicinal function, habitat and conservation status. Product samples and voucher specimens were collected for taxonomic identification.

Results

All informants harvest and cultivate plants for preparing herbal drinks for their medicinal, cultural and economic values. A total of 222 ethnotaxa corresponded to 238 botanical taxa (species, varieties or subspecies) belonging to 86 families and 209 genera were recorded as liáng chá to treat health conditions in the study area. Recorded remedies consisted of one or several plant species to treat conditions classified into 27 major health conditions with clearing internal heat being the most common medicinal function. The habitat types of plants documented for use as liáng chá include 112 wild harvested species, 51 species that are either wild harvested or cultivated, 57 cultivated species, and 2 naturalized species. According to China’s Red List and CITES on conservation status, one of these species is endangered, one species is critically endangered, eight species are vulnerable, one is listed in CITES II, three are listed in Regional Red Data Book and the remaining 224 species are in the least concerned conservation category.

Conclusions

The liáng chá industry of southern China reflects the plant species richness and cultural diversity of the region. Future research on safety and efficacy of herbal drinks as well as ecological and cultural conservation efforts are needed for the sustainable growth of China’s botanical industry.
Clustering patterns of human papillomavirus infections among HIV-positive women in Kenya
Authors: Vaccarella Salvatore , De Vuyst Hugo , Mugo Nelly R , Sakr Samah R , Plummer Martyn , Heideman Daniëlle A M , Franceschi Silvia , Chung Michael
Published: December 2013

Background

HIV-positive women are at increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and, especially, multiple infections compared to HIV-negative women. Whether certain HPV types have a tendency to cluster in multiple infections beyond or below what would be expected by shared risk factors (e.g., sexual behavior and the degree of immunosuppression) is unclear. We, therefore, investigated clustering patterns of 44 HPV types in HIV-positive women from Kenya.

Findings

HPV status was assessed on cervical scrapings from 498 women using GP5+/6+ PCR and reverse line blot. Logistic regression was used to model type-specific HPV positivity, adjusted for age, specific HPV type prevalence, CD4, combination antiretroviral therapy, and, in the Full Model, individual-level random effects that represent unobservable risk factors common to all HPV types. We found a modest excess of women with co-infections with 2 HPV types (1.12; 95% credible intervals: 1.03-1.21) in the Full Model but no significant associations of individual types. No significant deviations of observed/expected counts were observed for any 2-way combination of HPV types at either the chosen level of significance, p = 0.00005, or at p = 0.01. Findings were substantially similar when women with CIN2/3 were excluded and when they were stratified by use of anti-retroviral therapy or CD4 count.

Conclusions

HPV co-infections occurred at random in the cervix of HIV-positive women as previously found in HIV-negative women. The removal of HPV types through vaccination should not result, therefore, in an increase or decrease in the prevalence of HPV types not targeted by vaccination in immunosuppressed women.
Investigating GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotype as the risk factor of diabetes type 2 retinopathy
Authors: Dadbinpour Alamdar , Sheikhha Mohammad Hasan , Darbouy Mojtaba , Afkhami-Ardekani Mohammad
Published: December 2013

Background

Diabetes is one of the multifactorial disorders with genetics and environmental factors playing important role in its cause. In diabetes, the defects in cellular metabolism results in increasing free radicals. These radicals react with other vital cellular molecules which are responsible in diabetes side effects. Human glutathione S-transferases (GST) are a family of enzymes that catalyses conjugation of electrophilic substances with glutathione. In this research the deletion of two of the most important genes of this family; GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes was investigated as the risk factor for diabetes mellitus type II and one of its most important complications; retinopathy.

Material and methods

In this study deletion of GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes in 57 diabetics’ patients with retinopathy and 58 diabetic peoples without retinopathy was examined. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and then multiplex PCR was performed following agarose gel electrophoresis to detect GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes. Data were analyzed with SPSS v16 software.

Results

The results indicated that there was significant relationship between GSTM1 null genotype with retinopathy side effect of diabetes type 2. While there was no significant relationship between GSTT1 null genotypes with retinopathy in diabetes type 2.

Conclusion

Significant correlation between GSTM1 null genotype and retinopathy in this and other studies could indicate this fact that impair cellular metabolism result in increase free radicals and oxidative pressure. Therefore, GST null genotypes may result in decrease antioxidant capacity which causes side effects of diabetes. Considering the performance of different classes of GST null genotypes additional studies are required to confirm this study.
Acylated ghrelin and leptin concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, people with prediabetes and first degree relatives of patients with diabetes, a comparative study
Authors: Sharifi Faranak , Yamini Mahdi , Esmaeilzadeh Abdolreza , Mousavinasab Nouraddin , Shajari Zahra
Published: December 2013

Background

Ghrelin is known as a new endocrine component supposed to have an influence in control of feeding behavior and energy balance. Recent studies have shown that ghrelin concentration in the subjects with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM 2) is lower than normal. To clarify the relationship between ghrelin and insulin resistance and also DM 2, a cross-sectional study was designed.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 87 subjects were enrolled in three groups, 29 with DM2, 29 pre-diabetes state and 29 normoglycemic subjects of first-degree relatives of diabetic group. After clinical examination, blood samples were taken to measure fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, lipids, insulin, leptin and acylated ghrelin concentrations.

Results

Mean serum concentrations of acylated ghrelin in all groups (47.4 ± 27.9 pg/ml) were lower than normal values (150.3 ± 56.4 pg/ml) (P: 0.006) without significant difference within groups comparison(P: 0.1). A significant correlation was found between ghrelin concentration with body mass index (BMI) (r: -0.23, p <0.02) and abdominal circumference (AC) (r: -0.28, P < 0.008). Also inverse relationship between ghrelin level and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (r: -.032, p: 0.002) was seen in all subjects. Leptin level has a significant correlation with abdominal circumference (AC) and BMI (P < 0.0001) but not with ghrelin.

Conclusion

This study showed that obesity has a strong association with the reduced level of ghrelin concentration. It seems that the process of ghrelin reduction is initiated in earlier stages of insulin resistance prior to the onset of overt DM.
Effects of Tomato and Soy on Serum Adipokine Concentrations in Postmenopausal Women at Increased Breast Cancer Risk: A Cross-Over Dietary Intervention Trial
Authors: Llanos Adana A. , Peng Juan , Pennell Michael L. , Krok Jessica L. , Vitolins Mara Z. , Degraffinreid Cecilia R. , Paskett Electra D.
Published: December 2013

Context:

Breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women increases as body mass index increases. Practical preventive methods to reduce risk of breast cancer are lacking. Few studies have investigated the effects of carotenoids and isoflavones on circulating adipokines in postmenopausal women.

Objective:

The aim was to examine the effects of lycopene- and isoflavone-rich diets on serum adipokines.

Design:

This was a 26-week, two-arm, longitudinal crossover trial.

Setting:

Participants were recruited from clinics at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Participants:

Seventy postmenopausal women at increased breast cancer risk participated in the study. The mean age and body mass index of participants was 57.2 years and 30.0 kg/m2, respectively; the study was comprised of 81.4% whites.

Interventions:

The interventions included 10 weeks of consumption of a tomato-based diet (≥25 mg lycopene daily) and 10 weeks of consumption of a soy-based diet (≥40 g of soy protein daily), with a 2-week washout in between.

Main Outcome Measures:

Changes in serum adiponectin, leptin, and the adiponectin to leptin ratio were examined for each intervention through linear mixed models, with ratio estimates corresponding to postintervention adipokine concentrations relative to preintervention concentrations.

Results:

After the tomato intervention, among all women, adiponectin concentration increased (ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.18), with a stronger effect observed among nonobese women (ratio 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.25). After the soy intervention, adiponectin decreased overall (ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.84–0.97), with a larger reduction observed among nonobese women (ratio 0.89, 95% CI 0.81–0.98). Overall, no significant changes in leptin or the adiponectin to leptin ratio were observed after either intervention.

Conclusions:

Increasing dietary consumption of tomato-based foods may beneficially increase serum adiponectin concentrations among postmenopausal women at increased breast cancer risk, especially those who are not obese. Additional studies are essential to confirm these effects and to elucidate the specific mechanisms that may make phytonutrients found in tomatoes practical as breast cancer chemopreventive agents.