bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body Fat Percentage and Body Mass Index as Predictors of Cadets’ Physical Performance
Authors: Spartali Ioanna , Kostantinos Havenetidis , Ioannis Kostoulas , Thrasivoulos Paxinos
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this study was twofold: Firstly, to examine the use of Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Fat
(BF %) measurements in order to monitor the cadets in the Hellenic Army Academy and secondly, to evaluate the aspects
that enhance the performance of the cadets in specific physical activities, in order to help them to be more efficient in their
duties as officers. More specifically, this study sets out to examine the advantage or disadvantage that cadets, with specific
body composition have towards their peers and whether these characteristics can predict their performance in specific
tests. Anthropometric measurements (height, body mass, BMI and BF %) and performance in specific physical tests were
assessed for 868 male cadets with an average age of 19.9±1.6 years from all 4 undergraduate classes of the Academy. The
results were extracted through odds ratios analysis for the different categories. It was shown that the cadets who belonged
to groups with lower BMI and BF % had an advantage in their performance during the tests. BF % was presented as a
more accurate predictor than BMI and the odds ratios for the tests revealed interesting associations, between the BF % of
the cadets and their probability to accomplish specific tasks, which may help to enhance performance. In conclusion, it
was recommended to use more than one anthropometric component for classification of the cadets and not to depend
solely on BMI values, in order to have a more holistic picture of their physical condition and physical activity levels.
Control Strategies and Suicidal Ideation in Older Primary Care Patients with Functional Limitations
Authors: Fiske Amy , Bamonti Patricia M. , Nadorff Michael R. , Petts Rachel A. , Sperry Jeannie A.
Published: February 2014

Objectives:

Failure to adapt to limitations in control may place older adults at risk for suicidal behavior. The present study examined the relation between control strategies, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation in older adults with health-related limitations.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study of 50 older adult (aged 65–94) primary care patients with health-related limitations.

Results:

Compensatory primary control strategies characterized by seeking help from others were associated with lower levels of suicidal ideation, independent of depressive symptoms. Selective primary control strategies (e.g., persistence) were also associated with reduced suicidal ideation independent of depressive symptoms, but only when a low level of compensatory primary control strategies was endorsed. Selective secondary control strategies were associated with higher suicidal ideation, whereas compensatory secondary control strategies (e.g., goal disengagement) were unrelated in this sample after controlling for covariates.

Conclusions:

Findings demonstrate that primary care patients with functional limitations who are not striving to meet their goals, either through persistence or by seeking help from others, are at elevated risk of suicidal thinking.
Can Hoarding Be a Symptom of Social Anxiety Disorder? A Case Study
Authors: Vigne Paula , De Menezes Gabriela B. , Yücel Murat , Fontenelle Leonardo F.
Published: February 2014

Background:

Hoarding is defined as the excessive collection and failure to discard possessions of apparently little value, leading to clutter, distress, and disability. Although patients with hoarding typically may feel ludicrous for not discarding useless, and sometimes bizarre, possessions, we are not aware of any previous description of patients displaying hoarding as a result of social anxiety.

Method:

Single case report.

Results:

In this article, we describe a patient with severe social anxiety disorder who displayed hoarding as a direct consequence of social anxiety-related beliefs and atypical safety behaviors.

Conclusions:

This case is of particular interest to current debates concerning the status of hoarding in new versions of classificatory systems. It also indicates that social anxiety disorder should be included in the list of conditions that needs to be excluded in order to diagnose “primary” hoarding disorder.
The differential and the roman domination number of a graph
Authors: Bermudo Sergio , Fernau Henning , Sigarreta José
Published: February 2014

Let G = (V,E) be a graph of order n and let B(S) be the set of vertices in
V\S that have a neighbor in the vertex set S. The differential of a vertex
set S is defined as ?(S) = |B(S)| - |S| and the maximum value of ?(S) for
any subset S of V is the differential of G. A Roman dominating function of G
is a function f : V ? {0,1,2} such that every vertex u with f(u) = 0 is
adjacent to a vertex v with f(v) = 2. The weight of a Roman dominating
function is the value f(V) = ?u?V f(u). The minimum weight of a Roman
dominating function of a graph G is the Roman domination number of G,
written ?R(G). We prove that ?R(G) = n - ?(G) and present several
combinatorial, algorithmic and complexity-theoretic consequences thereof.
Towards the methodology and methods of medico-geographic research
Authors: Cistobaev A.I. , Semenova Z.A.
Published: February 2014

In article possibility of application of a statistical method in research of
a role of social making medical geography in formation of health of the
population, public health services development is shown. The maintenance and
ways of calculation of the indicators reflecting a condition of the
individual, group and population health, activity of establishments of
public health services at regional level is presented.
Genetics of sarcoidosis
Authors: Radjenovic-Petkovic Tatjana , Pejcic Tatjana , Ristic Lidija , Nastasijevic-Borovac Desa , Radovic Milan , Djordjevic Snezana
Published: February 2014

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease of unknown etiology.
Clinical course of the disease varies considerably, from a mild, acute form
of the disease, with spontaneous resolution, to a chronic progressive
disease. Factors that determinate the susceptibility and clinical course of
the disease are still unknown. The more frequent occurrence of the disease
within certain races and ethnic groups, as well as the described cases of
family sarcoidosis support the belief that sarcoidosis occurs in genetically
susceptible hosts. Previous genetic studies were based on immunopathogenic
mechanisms in the development of sarcoidosis. The strongest association was
found between human leukocyte antigen and disease susceptibility. Many
studies on different ethnic groups have shown that tumor necrosis factor
?-308 A allele has been associated with good prognosis and non-progressive
disease. Association studies of the vascular endothelial growth factor,
interleukin-1, interleukin- 18, Toll-like receptors polymorphisms and
sarcoidosis have yielded controversial results. Recent studies, using genome
scan techniques, have led to the discovery of new disease susceptibility
genes, such as annexin A11 and Butyrophilin-like protein -2. Further genetic
tests will allow better understanding of etiopathogenesis of the disease, as
well as new clinical classifications of the disease and administration of new
therapeutic modalities for the treatment of chronic and progressive form of
this disease.
Modern bronhoscopic diagnosis of sarcoidosis
Authors: Popevic Spasoje , Bukurov-Sudjic Emilija , Uskokovic-Stefanovic Zivka , Dudvarski-Ilic Aleksandra , Stjepanovic Mihailo , Vucinic-Mihailovic Violeta
Published: February 2014

Introduction. Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease of unknown etiology
characterized by the presence of non-caseating granulomas in the affected
tissues and organs. In most cases, biopsy of available lesions and
histological verification is required, which makes bronchoscopy a method of
choice in invasive diagnostics of sarcoidosis. Due to the construction of the
bronchoscope and biopsy instruments, high quality tissue samples can be
obtained from different anatomic locations. Transbronchial lung biopsy.
Transbronchial lung biopsy with forceps represents a standard in diagnostics
of sarcoidosis and it is always performed during bronchoscopy. Sensitivity
and specificity of this method are rising with the stage of disease and it is
performed even if chest radiography shows no changes in lung parenchyma.
Endoscopic finding in sarcoidosis and endobronchial biopsy (biopsy of
bronchial mucosa). Endobronchial biopsy results in diagnosis in 70% of
patients with sarcoidosis and positivity is even higher when combined with
transbronchial lung biopsy (76-86%). Transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy.
Transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy is a safe and widely used routine
method, especially if sarcoidosis is in stages I and II. Higher positivity
and better quality of biopsy samples can be achieved when transbronchial
needle aspiration biopsy is guided by the endobronchial ultrasound.
Bronchoalveolar lavage. The significance of bronchoalveolar lavage remains
controversial and subjected to further clinical investigations. Conclusion.
All presented data point out that all biopsy techniques available should be
used during fiberoptic bronchoscopy under suspicion of sarcoidosis,
regardless of radiographic and endoscopic appearances.
Endobronchial ultrasound in diagnosing sarcoidosis
Authors: Savic Milan , Stjepanovic Mihailo , Mihailovic-Vucinic Violeta , Gvozdenovic Branislav , Filipovic Snezana , Mujovic Natasa
Published: February 2014

Introduction. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis can be established when there is a
compatible clinical-radiological picture together with pathohistological
evidence of noncaseating epitheloid cell granulomas. Novelties in Diagnosis
of Sarcoidosis. Pathohistological specimens can be obtained by conventional
bronchoscopy with endobronchial and transbronchial lung biopsy,
bronchoalveolar lavage, surgical procedures like cervical mediastinoscopy,
diagnostic thoracotomy, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, and recently
introduced endoscopic ultrasound techniques (endoscopic ultrasound-guided
fine-needle aspiration and endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial
needle aspiration). Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle
aspiration and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration have given
a great contribution to diagnosis of sarcoidosis and present next diagnostic
step after negative bronchoscopy. Conclusion. Reduction of surgical
procedures in diagnosis of sarcoidosis, can be expected (first of all
mediastinoscopy) by introducing endobronchial ultrasound-guided
transbronchial needle aspiration and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle
aspiration.
Chitotriosidase - a potential biomarker in sarkoidosis
Authors: Filipovic Snezana , Mihailovic-Vucinic Violeta , Omcikus Maja , Videnovic-Ivanov Jelica , Stjepanovic Mihailo , Sumarac Zorica
Published: February 2014

Introduction. Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease, whose
unpredictable course has prompted research into biomarkers useful to predict
outcome. Discussion and Review of Literature. Chitotriosidase, a chitinase
produced by activated macrophages, has recently been proposed as an indicator
among the potential markers of sarcoidosis. Chitotriosidase is involved in
the defense against pathogens containing chitin. Increased concentrations of
chitotriosidase have been observed in a number of lysosomal storage diseases,
such as Gaucher?s disease, fucosidosis, galactosialidosis, atherosclerosis,
?-thalassemia, Plasmodium falciparum-induced acute malaria, visceral
leishmaniasis and more recently in the cerebrospinal fluid in patients
suffering from multiple sclerosis. Serum chitotriosidase activity in patients
with sarcoidosis was first evaluated by Grosso et al in 2004. The idea to
detect the enzyme in sarcoidosis sprang from evidence of direct involvement
of activated macrophages in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis and granuloma
formation. Serum chitotriosidase was tested as a biomarker at our department
in 2011, when 217 sarcoidosis patients were examined. Serum chitotriosidase
has proved to differentiate active from inactive form of the disease much
better than angiotensin-converting enzyme, thus adding to its role in the
diagnosis and prognosis of this disease. Conclusion. Chitotriosidase is a
good biomarker of sarcoidosis with good sensitivity and specificity.
Radiological diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Stevic Ruza , Mihailovic Vucinic , Jovanovic Dragana , Vasic Nada
Published: February 2014

Introduction. Interstitial lung diseases include the entities of idiopathic
pulmonary fibrosis, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, cryptogenic
organizing pneumonia, acute interstitial pneumonia, respiratory
bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease, desquamative interstitial
pneumonia, and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia. Recent introduction of
high-resolution computed tomography has made the diagnosis of interstitial
lung disease much easier. Usual interstitial pneumonia A predominantly
subpleural reticulation and honeycombing at the basal posterior part of the
lung with a progression to anterior and superior parts are characteristic of
usual interstitial pneumonia/ idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Nonspecific
interstitial pneumonia Typical findings of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia
are bilateral, relatively symmetrical subpleural ground glass opacifications
and irregular linear opacities. Desquamative interstitial pneumonia is
characterized by diffuse symmetrical ground glass opacifications. Respiratory
bronchiolitisassociated interstitial lung disease Centrilobular nodules and
irregular ground glass opacifications are present. Cryptogenic organizing
pneumonia Subpleural and peribronchial consolidations are prominent findings
that are not present in other idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. Acute
interstitial pneumonia. Bilateral ground-glass opacifications are present and
areas of peripheral consolidations may also be seen in acute interstitial
pneumonia. Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia. Diffuse or patchy areas of
ground glass opacification with centrilobular nodules and occasionally
well-defined cysts are seen. Conclusion. Imaging plays a crucial role in
identifying interstitial lung diseases but precise diagnosis requires a
dynamic interdisciplinary approach that correlates clinical, radiological and
pathologic features.
Differential diagnosis of sarcoidosis and tuberculosis from pathologist’s aspect
Authors: Stojsic Jelena , Stjepanovic Mihailo , Markovic Jelena , Vucinic-Mihailovic Violeta
Published: February 2014

Introduction. Diagnosis of tuberculous and sarcoid granulomas is frequent in
routine pathological practice. Tuberculosis and sarcoidosis have lately been
considered to be the same disease but with different manifestations or two
different diseases with the same manifestations because of the presence of
the same antigens that stimulate formation of granulomas. That is why the
differential diagnosis of sarcoidosis and tuberculosis could be difficult on
biopsies. The aim of this study was to point to the difficulties met by a
pathologist in diagnosing tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. Results. In case of
typical morphology, the differentiation of sarcoidosis and tuberculosis is
simple. In the presence of productive granulomas in tuberculosis or
necrotizing granulomas in sarcoidosis, it is difficult to establish the
pathological diagnosis without clinical data. The role of the pathologist in
diagnosing sarcoidosis and tuberculosis is to establish the presence of
granulomas and to suggest the diagnosis according to its morphology. The
definitive diagnosis requires a multidisciplinary approach of
pulmonologists, radiologists, microbiologists, immunologists, biochemists
and pathologists.
Airflow obstruction in sarcoidosis
Authors: Dudvarski-Ilic Aleksandra , Popevic Spasoje , Stjepanovic Mihailo , Gvozdenovic Branislav , Milenkovic Branislava , Mihailovic-Vucinic Violeta
Published: February 2014

Introduction. Aberrations in pulmonary function test are present in about 20%
of patients with radiographic stage I sarcoidosis, whereas the pulmonary
function is damaged in 40-80% of patients with parenchymal infiltrates
(stages II, III or IV). Discussion and Review of Literature. Reductions in
lung volumes (vital capacity and total lung capacity) are characteristic. The
diffusing capacity of lungs is often reduced, but it is less pronounced in
sarcoidosis than in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Oxygenation is usually
preserved until late in the course of sarcoidosis. Airflow obstruction
(reduced forced expiratory volume in one second and expiratory flow rates)
and bronchial hyper-reactivity occur in 30-50% of sarcoidosis patients with
pulmonary parenchymal involvement. Conclusion. While restrictive spirometry
pattern could easily be explained by fibrous changes in lung parenchyma,
especially in late stages of the lung disease, pathogenesis of airflow
limitation can be attributed mostly to endobronchial involvement
(intraluminal granuloma or fibrous scars formation), airway compression due
to enlarged lymph nodes and to distortion of small airways due to established
pulmonary fibrosis.
Clinical significance of osteodensitometry in patients with sarcoidosis
Authors: Bozic Ivana , Damjanovic Svetozar , Macut Djuro , Mihailovic-Vucinic Violeta
Published: February 2014

Introduction. Sarcoidosis is a chronic, multi-organ, inflammatory disease
which predominantly affects the lungs. Although direct osseous involvement in
sarcoidosis is rare, patients with this disease, regardless of the presence
of osseous lesions, are at a great risk of developing osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a consequence of the disease itself, as well as of its
treatment. Osteodensitometry. Osteodensitometry is the gold standard for
osteoporosis diagnosis, and it is based on the assessment of the bone mineral
density. One of the main drawbacks of osteodensitometry as a method for
osteoporosis verification is its inability to determine bone
micro-architectonics, which is a significant element of bone strength.
Mineral Bone Density in Patients with Sarcoidosis. It has been shown that
newly diagnosed, yet untreated patients with sarcoidosis have rapid bone
remodeling, although their mineral bone density is normal or low to normal.
This suggests that the low bone strength in patients with sarcoidosis is a
consequence of mechanisms that predominantly disturb the bone
micro-architectonics, but they do not have a significant effect on the bone
mineral density at the same time. Vertebral Fractures and their Diagnosis in
Patients with Sarcoidosis. Normal bone mineral density in patients with
sarcoidosis does not preclude skeletal fractures, primarily vertebral
fractures. Osteodensitometry devices allow a relatively easy detection of
vertebral fractures in patients with sarcoidosis. Conclusion.
Osteodensitometry is recommended in every patient with sarcoidosis initially
as well as during the follow up and treatment. Even if osteodensitometry is
normal, the possibility of vertebral fractures should not be overlooked in
these patients.
Rehabilitation treatment in diseases of the pulmonary interstitium
Authors: Mujovic Natasa , Mujovic Nebojsa , Zugic Vladimir , Nikcevic Ljubica , Savic Milan , Stjepanovic Mihailo
Published: February 2014

Introduction. Patients with interstitial lung disease suffer from a wide
range of persistent symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath and
general weakness. Discussion and Review of Literature. So far, there have
scarcely been any specific nonpharmacological treatments to reduce the above
mentioned symptoms in the treatment of these patients. However, it has been
shown that physical exercise improves health status, exercise capacity,
skeletal muscle function and reduces fatigue and dyspnea in patients with
chronic lung and heart diseases. These symptoms significantly deteriorate the
quality of daily life in these patients. The mechanisms by which dyspnea is
produced by interstitial lung diseases differ in some aspects from those of
chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and they include neuromechanical and
physiological limitations, ventilatory-perfusion disorder, damaged diffusion,
circulatory and cardiovascular limitations, anxiety, depression, as well as
ventilating and skeletal muscle weakness. Early initiation of pulmonary
rehabilitation is likely to improve several of these factors, particularly
cardiovascular performance, muscular strength and mood disorders. Conclusion.
Dysfunction of peripheral and respiratory muscles may contribute to a
decrease in exercise tolerance due to systemic manifestations of disease,
unwanted therapeutic effects or deconditioning of patients.
Management of patients with end stage pulmonary fibrosis: Challenges, tempations and possibilities
Authors: Ristic Lidija , Rancic Milan , Radovic Milan , Golubovic Slavica , Djordjevic Snezana , Radjenovic-Petkovic Tatjana
Published: February 2014

Introduction. Pulmonary fibrosis is a heterogeneous group of chronic lung
diseases of unclear pathogenesis, with progressive, irreversible development
of various forms of fibrotic processes in the lung, whose incidence and
mortality rate increases worldwide. Prognostic Evaluation. Some clinical
forms have a long, stable phase, some are slowly progressive, and some have a
very rapid progression from diagnosis to death. Their clinical course is
characterized by acute exacerbations with high mortality. The staging of this
disease includes diagnostics of the stable condition, progression and the end
stage of disease. This paper presents the diagnostic criteria necessary for
the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis and its monitoring. The latest research
suggests that the decrease in forced vital capacity values by more than 10%
during the 24 weeks doubles the risk of death over the next 12 months, and
the reduction in the 6-minute walk test by 50 meters increases it four times.
Therefore, monitoring of these prognostic parameters is now regarded as the
most reliable predictor of death in patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
Therapy. This paper also presents the newest recommendations for treatment
modalities based on strong evidence. Conclusion. Treatment of pulmonary
fibrosis in our conditions includes conventional therapy with corticosteroids
as monotherapy or in combination with cyclophosphamide or azathioprine,
whereas the management of end-stage patients consists of long-term controlled
oxygen therapy, noninvasive and mechanical ventilation. Lung transplantation
is considered to be the only therapeutic measure resulting in a significant
extension of life. Unfortunately, our health legislation allows lung
transplantation only in case of cystic fibrosis and this cannot be done in
Serbia but in health centres abroad. Therefore, management in end-stage of
disease is reduced to mere palliative care, even at intensive care units.
Economic burden of cardiovascular diseases in Serbia
Authors: Lakic Dragana , Tasic Ljiljana , Kos Mitja
Published: February 2014

Background/Aim. Cardiovascular disease imposes a burden to society in terms
of mortality, morbidity and economic losses. The aim of this study was to
estimate the economic burden of cardiovascular disease in Serbia in 2009 from
the perspective of the society. Methods. For the purpose of the study
cardiovascular disease was defined by the International Classification of
Diseases, 10th revision, as the following diagnosis: hypertension, coronary
heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure and cerebrovascular disease. The
prevalence, top-down method was used to quantify the annual cardiovascular
costs. Productivity losses were estimated using the human capital approach
and the friction cost method. A discount rate of 5% was used to convert all
future lifetime earnings into the present value. Results. The total direct
costs of cardiovascular disease in 2009 were ? 400 million. The results
showed that more than half a million working days were lost due to incapacity
resulting from cardiovascular diseases, yielding the ? 113.9 million. The
majority of total costs (? 514.3 million) were for: medication (29.94%),
hospital days (28.97%) and hospital inpatient care - surgical and diagnostic
interventions (17.84%). The results were robust to a change in 20% of volume
or the unit price of all direct and indirect cost and to discount rate 2% and
10%. Conclusions. The total cardiovascular disease costs in 2009 represented
approximately 1.8% of the Serbian gross domestic product. The results of the
study would be valuable to health policy makers to bridge the gap between
invested resources and needs, in order to improve cardiovascular disease
outcomes.
Renal dysplasia with the ipsilateral ectopic ureter mimicking abscess of the prostate
Authors: Grbic Dragan , Jeremic Dimitrije , Vojinov Sasa , Popov Milan , Marusic Goran
Published: February 2014

Introduction. In males the ectopic ureter usualy drains into the prostate
(50%). During ureteric developement a thin membrane (Chawalla?s membrane)
separates the lumen of the ureter and the urogenital sinus at the point where
the ureter joins the urogenital sinus. This membrane ruptures allowing urin
to drain from the ureter to the urogenital sinus. The authors reported a case
of renal dysplasia associated with ipsilateral uretral ectopia mimicking
prostatic abscess. Case report. A subfebrile (37.3?C), 23-year-old patient,
otherwise healthy, presented with persistent ascending perineal pain
non-responsive to antibiotics and analgetics. Digitorectal examination (DRE)
showed asymmetric prostate with a soft, tender, buldging left lobe suggestive
of prostatic abscess. The diagnosis was suspected using transrectal
ultrasonography (TRUS), but the picture of the anechoic tubular structure in
the left lobe of the prostate with a proximal undefined extraprostatic
extension and a caudal intraprostatic blind end was incoclusive for the
definitive diagnosis of prostatic abscess. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
was ordered and definitive diagnosis of renal dysplasia associated with the
ipsilateral ectopic ureter filled with inflamed content mimicking prostatic
abscess was made. Transurethral incision/minimal resection of the distal,
blindly closed end of left ectopic ureter was done. Endoscopic surgical
treatment was sufficient for relief of clinical symptoms. The patient?s
recovery was uneventful. Conclusion. To the best of our knowledge, a case of
renal dysplasia with the ipsilateral ectopic ureter mimicking prostate
abscess has not been reported so far. Cystic pelvic malformations in males
may result from too craniall sprouting of the ureteral bud, with delayed
absorption and ectopic opening of the distal end of the ureter.
Empirically Establishing Blood Glucose Targets to Achieve HbA1c Goals
Authors: Wei Nancy , Zheng Hui , Nathan David M.
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE

To determine the average fasting, postprandial, and bedtime self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) concentrations associated with specified HbA1c levels using data from the A1c-Derived Average Glucose (ADAG) study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The ADAG study was a multicenter observational study that used continuous glucose monitoring and SMBG testing to determine the relationship between mean average glucose and HbA1c. We used the SMBG data from 470 of the ADAG study participants (237 with type 1 diabetes and 147 with type 2 diabetes) to determine the average fasting, premeal, 90-min postmeal, and bedtime blood glucose (BG) for predefined target HbA1c groups between 5.5 and 8.5% (37–69 mmol/mol). t Tests were used to compare mean BG values between type 1 and type 2 diabetes groups.

RESULTS

The average fasting BG needed to achieve predefined HbA1c target levels of 5.5–6.49% (37–47 mmol/mol), 6.5–6.99% (48–52 mmol/mol), 7.0–7.49% (52–58 mmol/mol), 7.5–7.99% (58–64 mmol/mol), and 8.0–8.5% (64–69 mmol/mol) were 122 mg/dL with 95% CI 117–127, 142 mg/dL (135–150), 152 mg/dL (143–162), 167 mg/dL (157–177), and 178 mg/dL (164–192), respectively. Postmeal BG to achieve the HbA1c level of 6.5–6.99% (48–52 mmol/mol) and 7.0–7.49% (52–58 mmol/mol) were 164 mg/dL (159–169) and 176 mg/dL (170–183), respectively. Bedtime BG was 153 mg/dL (145–161) and 177 mg/dL (166–188), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We have determined the average BG at premeal, postmeal, and bedtime to achieve a variety of HbA1c targets. These results, based on empirical data, will help patients and providers set realistic day-to-day SMBG targets to achieve individualized HbA1c goals.
Severe Hypoglycemia Identifies Vulnerable Patients With Type 2 Diabetes at Risk for Premature Death and All-Site Cancer: The Hong Kong Diabetes Registry
Authors: Kong Alice P.S. , Yang Xilin , Luk Andrea , Ma Ronald C.W. , So Wing Yee , Ozaki Risa , Ting Rose , Cheung Kitty , Ho Chung Shun , Chan Michael H.M. , Chow Chun Chung , Chan Juliana C.N.
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE

We examined the associations of clinical profiles in type 2 diabetic patients who developed severe hypoglycemia and their clinical outcomes, including death and all-site cancer.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A consecutive cohort of 8,767 type 2 diabetic patients with and without severe hypoglycemia in the 12 months before enrollment were recruited between 1995 and 2007, with follow-up until 2009. Severe hypoglycemia was defined by ICD-9 codes as hospitalizations resulting from hypoglycemia. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CIs of clinical factors collected at enrollment for severe hypoglycemia.

RESULTS

In this cohort, mean age was 57.4 (SD 13.2) years and median disease duration of diabetes was 5 (interquartile range [IQR] 1–11) years. During a median follow-up of 6.71 (IQR 3.47–10.38) years, 235 patients had severe hypoglycemia (incidence 3.96 [95% CI 3.45–4.46] per 1,000 patient-years). At enrollment, patients with and without severe hypoglycemia had similar cancer rates. During follow-up, patients with severe hypoglycemia had a higher incidence of all-site cancer (13.4 vs. 6.4%, P < 0.0001) and mortality (32.8 vs. 11.2%, P < 0.0001) than those without severe hypoglycemia. After adjusting for confounders, old age, low BMI, high glycated hemoglobin, low triglyceride (TG), low LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), albuminuria, and chronic kidney disease were independent predictors for severe hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

In type 2 diabetes, severe hypoglycemia is associated with advanced age, renal dysfunction, poor glycemic control, and cancer subphenotypes (low BMI, low LDL-C, and low TG).
Multidisciplinary Approach to Delayed Treatment of Traumatic Teeth Injuries Involving Extrusive Luxation, Avulsion and Crown Fracture
Authors: Elbay Ü Şermet , Baysal A , Elbay M , Sarıdağ S
Published: February 2014

A 12-year-old boy with extrusion of the maxillary right central incisor, uncomplicated fracture of the left central incisor, avulsion of the mandibular right and left central incisors, and crown fracture of the mandibular right lateral incisor presented to the Kocaeli University Department of Pediatric Dentistry 20 days after sustaining the traumatic injuries.

Orthodontic repositioning of the extrusive maxillary right central incisor was planned. Additionally, this tooth was necrotic and needed root canal treatment. The maxillary left central incisor and right mandibular lateral incisor were necrotic and needed root canal treatment. The orthodontic and endodontic treatments were successfully performed simultaneously.

Restoration of the fractured mandibular right lateral incisor and maxillary left central incisor was completed with resin composite. Subsequent to orthodontic and endodontic treatment, prosthodontic rehabilitation was performed. At the two-year followup, the teeth appeared normal and the patient had no complaints.
Landscape changes based on sedimentological and geochemical studies in the region of Brudzeń Duży
Authors: Smolska Ewa , Szwarczewski Piotr
Published: February 2014

Sedimentological and geochemical research carried out in North- West Mazovia, central Poland, allowed the determination of landscape transformation in relation to the history of human settlement. The types of sediments subject to analysis included palaeochannel filling, accumulation on the river floodplain and colluvial deposits. The absolute ages of sediments and their sedimentological features allow the conclusion that the first response to human activity in the area is recorded in the overbank deposits in the Skrwa River valley as a result of the Wielbarska Culture in 200-300 AD. Subsequently, fan accumulation at the mouths of gullies started around the 12th-13th centuries AD. Frequent changes of sediment properties have been observed since the early Middle Ages. The subsequent anthropogenic impact on homogenous deposits is recorded in increased heavy metal concentration in vertical geological profiles.
Nonequilibrium model on Archimedean lattices
Authors: Lima F.
Published: February 2014

On (4, 6, 12) and (4, 82) Archimedean lattices, the critical properties of the majority-vote model are considered and studied using the Glauber transition rate proposed by Kwak et al. [Kwak et al., Phys. Rev. E, 75, 061110 (2007)] rather than the traditional majority-vote with noise [Oliveira, J. Stat. Phys. 66, 273 (1992)]. We obtain T
c and the critical exponents for this Glauber rate from extensive Monte Carlo studies and finite size scaling. The calculated values of the critical temperatures and Binder cumulant are T
c = 0.651(3) and U
4* = 0.612(5), and T
c = 0.667(2) and U
4* = 0.613(5), for (4, 6, 12) and (4, 82) lattices respectively, while the exponent (ratios) β/ν, γ/ν and 1/ν are respectively: 0.105(8), 1.48(11) and 1.16(5) for (4, 6, 12); and 0.113(2), 1.60(4) and 0.84(6) for (4, 82) lattices. The usual Ising model and the majority-vote model on previously studied regular lattices or complex networks differ from our new results.
Determination of nitrites and nitrates in drinking water using capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Martínková Eva , Křžek Tomáš , Coufal Pavel
Published: February 2014

This work was concerned with developing an electrophoretic method for rapid determination of nitrites and nitrates in drinking water. The background electrolyte was Tris-HCl buffer with an addition of cetyltrimethylammonium chloride to reverse the electro-osmotic flow. Online preconcentration of samples using the field-amplified sample stacking method provided detection limits of 0.003 mg L−1 (i.e. 65 nM) for nitrites and 0.010 mg L−1 (i.e. 160 nM) for nitrates, which are sufficiently low for quality control of drinking water. The method was tested in a concentration range corresponding to real drinking water samples and the differentiation between nitrites and nitrates was sufficient for simultaneous determination of nitrites at their concentrations of the order of tenths of mg L−1 and nitrates at their concentrations of the order of units to tens of mg L−1. A number of authors have neglected this important aspect when concentrating only on achieving the lowest possible detection limits. Separation of the two analytes and iodate as an internal standard was achieved in only three minutes. Total analysis time including preconditioning was eight minutes.
Understanding Physiotherapists' Roles in Ontario Primary Health Care Teams
Authors: Dufour Sinéad Patricia , Lucy S. Deborah , Brown Judith Belle
Published: February 2014

Purpose: To understand physiotherapists' roles and how they are enacted within Ontario primary health care (PHC) teams. Methods: Following a pragmatic grounded theory approach, 12 physiotherapists practising within Ontario PHC teams participated in 18 semi-structured in-depth in-person interviews. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim, then entered into NVIVO-8. Coding followed three progressive analytic stages and was iterative in nature, guided by grounded theory. An explanatory scheme was developed. Results: Physiotherapists negotiate their place within the PHC teams through five interrelated roles: (1) manager; (2) evaluator; (3) collaborator; (4) educator; and (5) advocate. These five roles are influenced by three contextual layers: (1) inter-professional team; (2) community and population served; and (3) organizational structure and funding. Canada's PHC mandate (access, teams, information, and healthy living) frame the contexts that influence role enactment. Conclusions: To fulfill the PHC mandate, physiotherapists carry out multiple roles that are based on a broad holistic perspective of health, within the context of a collaborative inter-professional team and the community, through an evidenced-informed approach to care. There appear to be multiple ways of successfully integrating physiotherapists within PHC teams, provided that role enactment is context sensitive and congruent with the mandate of PHC.
Bio-Inspired Meta-Heuristics for Emergency Transportation Problems
Authors: Zhang Min-Xia , Zhang Bei , Zheng Yu-Jun
Published: February 2014

Emergency transportation plays a vital role in the success of disaster rescue and relief operations, but its planning and scheduling often involve complex objectives and search spaces. In this paper, we conduct a survey of recent advances in bio-inspired meta-heuristics, including genetic algorithms (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), ant colony optimization (ACO), etc., for solving emergency transportation problems. We then propose a new hybrid biogeography-based optimization (BBO) algorithm, which outperforms some state-of-the-art heuristics on a typical transportation planning problem.
PhosphoTyrosyl Phosphatase Activator of Plasmodium falciparum: Identification of Its Residues Involved in Binding to and Activation of PP2A
Authors: Vandomme Audrey , Fréville Aline , Cailliau Katia , Kalamou Hadidjatou , Bodart Jean-François , Khalife Jamal , Pierrot Christine
Published: February 2014

In Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), the causative agent of the deadliest form of malaria, a tight regulation of phosphatase activity is crucial for the development of the parasite. In this study, we have identified and characterized PfPTPA homologous to PhosphoTyrosyl Phosphatase Activator, an activator of protein phosphatase 2A which is a major phosphatase involved in many biological processes in eukaryotic cells. The PfPTPA sequence analysis revealed that five out of six amino acids involved in interaction with PP2A in human are conserved in P. falciparum. Localization studies showed that PfPTPA and PfPP2A are present in the same compartment of blood stage parasites, suggesting a possible interaction of both proteins. In vitro binding and functional studies revealed that PfPTPA binds to and activates PP2A. Mutation studies showed that three residues (V283, G292 and M296) of PfPTPA are indispensable for the interaction and that the G292 residue is essential for its activity. In P. falciparum, genetic studies suggested the essentiality of PfPTPA for the completion of intraerythrocytic parasite lifecycle. Using Xenopus oocytes, we showed that PfPTPA blocked the G2/M transition. Taken together, our data suggest that PfPTPA could play a role in the regulation of the P. falciparum cell cycle through its PfPP2A regulatory activity.
Evaluation of Osseointegration of Titanium Alloyed Implants Modified by Plasma Polymerization
Authors: Gabler Carolin , Zietz Carmen , Göhler Rebecca , Fritsche Andreas , Lindner Tobias , Haenle Maximilian , Finke Birgit , Meichsner Jürgen , Lenz Solvig , Frerich Bernhard , Lüthen Frank , Nebe J. , Bader Rainer
Published: February 2014

By means of plasma polymerization, positively charged, nanometre-thin coatings can be applied to implant surfaces. The aim of the present study was to quantify the adhesion of human bone cells in vitro and to evaluate the bone ongrowth in vivo, on titanium surfaces modified by plasma polymer coatings. Different implant surface configurations were examined: titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) coated with plasma-polymerized allylamine (PPAAm) and plasma-polymerized ethylenediamine (PPEDA) versus uncoated. Shear stress on human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells was investigated in vitro using a spinning disc device. Furthermore, bone-to-implant contact (BIC) was evaluated in vivo. Custom-made conical titanium implants were inserted at the medial tibia of female Sprague-Dawley rats. After a follow-up of six weeks, the BIC was determined by means of histomorphometry. The quantification of cell adhesion showed a significantly higher shear stress for MG-63 cells on PPAAm and PPEDA compared to uncoated Ti6Al4V. Uncoated titanium alloyed implants showed the lowest BIC (40.4%). Implants with PPAAm coating revealed a clear but not significant increase of the BIC (58.5%) and implants with PPEDA a significantly increased BIC (63.7%). In conclusion, plasma polymer coatings demonstrate enhanced cell adhesion and bone ongrowth compared to uncoated titanium surfaces.
Detection of Waterborne and Airborne Formaldehyde: From Amperometric Chemosensing to a Visual Biosensor Based on Alcohol Oxidase
Authors: Sigawi Sasi , Smutok Oleh , Demkiv Olha , Gayda Galina , Vus Bohdan , Nitzan Yeshayahu , Gonchar Mykhailo , Nisnevitch Marina
Published: February 2014

A laboratory prototype of a microcomputer-based analyzer was developed for quantitative determination of formaldehyde in liquid samples, based on catalytic chemosensing elements. It was shown that selectivity for the target analyte could be increased by modulating the working electrode potential. Analytical parameters of three variants of the amperometric analyzer that differed in the chemical structure/configuration of the working electrode were studied. The constructed analyzer was tested on wastewater solutions that contained formaldehyde. A simple low-cost biosensor was developed for semi-quantitative detection of airborne formaldehyde in concentrations exceeding the threshold level. This biosensor is based on a change in the color of a solution that contains a mixture of alcohol oxidase from the yeast Hansenula polymorpha, horseradish peroxidase and a chromogen, following exposure to airborne formaldehyde. The solution is enclosed within a membrane device, which is permeable to formaldehyde vapors. The most efficient and sensitive biosensor for detecting formaldehyde was the one that contained alcohol oxidase with an activity of 1.2 U·mL−1. The biosensor requires no special instrumentation and enables rapid visual detection of airborne formaldehyde at concentrations, which are hazardous to human health.
Dielectric Properties of Dual-Frequency Reactive Mesogens before and after Photopolymerization
Authors: Kumagai Takayuki , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Ozaki Masanori
Published: February 2014

The dielectric properties of reactive mesogens before and after photopolymerization were investigated. Commercially available nematic reactive mesogens (RMS03-013C, Merck) were measured and found to be dual-frequency liquid crystals. The property arose from the δ-relaxation process that was caused by rotational fluctuations parallel to the molecule’s long axis. After polymerization, the polymerized reactive mesogens still exhibited this dual-frequency property. The result was attributed to the β-relaxation process which arose from rotational fluctuations of localized parts of the main chain. The sign change of the dielectric anisotropy with increasing frequency after polymerization was opposite to the sign change before polymerization.
Mitochondrial FAD-linked Glycerol-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase: A Target for Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Singh Gurmit
Published: February 2014

Imbalances in cellular redox state are frequently observed in cancer cells, and contribute significantly to cancer progression and apoptotic resistance. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is one reactive oxygen species (ROS) that is produced in excess within cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate-dependent (GPD2) ROS production in PC-3 cells and demonstrated the importance of excessive H2O2 production on their survival. By exploiting the abnormal H2O2 production of PC-3 cells, we initiated a high-throughput screening of the Canadian Compound Collection, composed of 29,586 small molecules, targeting the glycerophosphate-dependent H2O2 formation in PC-3 cells. Eighteen compounds were identified to have significant inhibitory activity. These compounds have not been previously characterized as inhibitors of the enzyme. Six of these compounds were further analyzed in PC-3 cells and dose response studies displayed an inhibitory and anti-oxidative potency that ranged from 1 µM to 30 µM. The results presented here demonstrate that inhibitors of mitochondrial GPD2 activity elicit anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells.
A Low Cost Automatic Detection and Ranging System for Space Surveillance in the Medium Earth Orbit Region and Beyond
Authors: Danescu Radu , Ciurte Anca , Turcu Vlad
Published: February 2014

The space around the Earth is filled with man-made objects, which orbit the planet at altitudes ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of kilometers. Keeping an eye on all objects in Earth’s orbit, useful and not useful, operational or not, is known as Space Surveillance. Due to cost considerations, the space surveillance solutions beyond the Low Earth Orbit region are mainly based on optical instruments. This paper presents a solution for real-time automatic detection and ranging of space objects of altitudes ranging from below the Medium Earth Orbit up to 40,000 km, based on two low cost observation systems built using commercial cameras and marginally professional telescopes, placed 37 km apart, operating as a large baseline stereovision system. The telescopes are pointed towards any visible region of the sky, and the system is able to automatically calibrate the orientation parameters using automatic matching of reference stars from an online catalog, with a very high tolerance for the initial guess of the sky region and camera orientation. The difference between the left and right image of a synchronized stereo pair is used for automatic detection of the satellite pixels, using an original difference computation algorithm that is capable of high sensitivity and a low false positive rate. The use of stereovision provides a strong means of removing false positives, and avoids the need for prior knowledge of the orbits observed, the system being able to detect at the same time all types of objects that fall within the measurement range and are visible on the image.
Classification of Exacerbation Episodes in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients
Authors: Gorzelniak L. , Schultz K. , Wittmann M. , Rudnik J. , Jörres R. , Horsch A. , Dias A.
Published: February 2014

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease affecting the airways, which constitutes a major cause of chronic morbidity and a significant economic and social burden throughout the world. Despite the fact that in COPD patients exacerbations are common acute events causing significant and often fatal worsening of symptoms, an accurate prognostication continues to be difficult.

Objectives: To build computational models capable of distinguishing between normal life days from exacerbation days in COPD patients, based on physical activity measured by accelerometers.

Methods: We recruited 58 patients suffering from COPD and measured their physical activity with accelerometers for 10 days or more, from August 2009 to March 2010. During this period we recorded six exacerbation episodes in the patients, accounting for 37 days. We were able to analyse data for 52 patients (369 patient days), and extracted three distinct sets of features from the data, one set of basic features such as average, one set based on the frequency domain and the last exploring the cross-information among sensors pairs. These were used by three machine-learning techniques (logarith mic regression, neural networks, support vector machines) to distinguish days with exacerbation events from normal days.

Results: The support vector machine clas -sifier achieved an AUC of 90% ± 9, when supplied with a set of features resulting from sequential feature selection method. Neural networks achieved an AUC of 83% ± 16 and the logarithmic regression an AUC of 67% ± 15.

Conclusions: None of the individual feature sets provided robust for reasonable classi -fication of PA recording days. Our results indicate that this approach has the potential to extract useful information for, but are not robust enough for medical application of the system.