bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sporadic Fatal Insomnia in an Adolescent
Authors: Blase Jennifer L. , Cracco Laura , Schonberger Lawrence B. , Maddox Ryan A. , Cohen Yvonne , Cali Ignazio , Belay Ermias D.
Published: February 2014

The occurrence of sporadic prion disease among adolescents is extremely rare. A prion disease was confirmed in an adolescent with disease onset at 13 years of age. Genetic, neuropathologic, and biochemical analyses of the patient’s autopsy brain tissue were consistent with sporadic fatal insomnia, a type of sporadic prion disease. There was no evidence of an environmental source of infection, and this patient represents the youngest documented case of sporadic prion disease. Although rare, a prion disease diagnosis should not be discounted in adolescents exhibiting neurologic signs. Brain tissue testing is necessary for disease confirmation and is particularly beneficial in cases with an unusual clinical presentation.
Dietary Sodium, Adiposity, and Inflammation in Healthy Adolescents
Authors: Zhu Haidong , Pollock Norman K. , Kotak Ishita , Gutin Bernard , Wang Xiaoling , Bhagatwala Jigar , Parikh Samip , Harshfield Gregory A. , Dong Yanbin
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the relationships of sodium intake with adiposity and inflammation in healthy adolescents.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional study involved 766 healthy white and African American adolescents aged 14 to 18 years. Dietary sodium intake was estimated by 7-day 24-hour dietary recall. Percent body fat was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue and visceral adipose tissue were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging. Fasting blood samples were measured for leptin, adiponectin, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1.

RESULTS:

The average sodium intake was 3280 mg/day. Ninety-seven percent of our adolescents exceeded the American Heart Association recommendation for sodium intake. Multiple linear regressions revealed that dietary sodium intake was independently associated with body weight (β = 0.23), BMI (β = 0.23), waist circumference (β = 0.23), percent body fat (β = 0.17), fat mass (β = 0.23), subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (β = 0.25), leptin (β = 0.20), and tumor necrosis factor-α (β = 0.61; all Ps < .05). No relation was found between dietary sodium intake and visceral adipose tissue, skinfold thickness, adiponectin, C-reactive protein, or intercellular adhesion molecule-1. All the significant associations persisted after correction for multiple testing (all false discovery rates < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

The mean sodium consumption of our adolescents is as high as that of adults and more than twice the daily intake recommended by the American Heart Association. High sodium intake is positively associated with adiposity and inflammation independent of total energy intake and sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption.
Pediatric Clinical Practice Guidelines for Acute Procedural Pain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lee Grace Y. , Yamada Janet , Kyololo O’Brien , Shorkey Allyson , Stevens Bonnie
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND:

Procedural pain assessment and management have been extensively studied through multiple research studies over the past decade. Results of this research have been included in numerous pediatric pain practice guidelines.

OBJECTIVE:

To systematically review the quality of existing practice guidelines for acute procedural pain in children and provide recommendations for their use.

METHODS:

A systematic search was conducted on Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus from 2000 to July 2013. A gray literature search was also conducted through the Translating Research Into Practice database, Guidelines International Network database, and National Guideline Clearinghouse. Four reviewers rated relevant guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II Instrument. Screening of guidelines, assessment of methodological quality, and data abstraction were conducted by 2 pairs of raters. Disagreements in overall assessments were resolved through consensus.

RESULTS:

Eighteen guidelines from 4930 retrieved abstracts were included in this study. Based on the AGREE II domains, the guidelines generally scored high in the scope and purpose and clarity of presentation areas. Information on the rigor of guideline development, applicability, and editorial independence were specified infrequently. Four of the 18 guidelines provided tools to help clinicians apply the recommendations in practice settings; 5 were recommended for use in clinical settings, and the remaining 13 were recommended for use with modification.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite the increasing availability of clinical practice guidelines for procedural pain in children, the majority are of average quality. More transparency and comprehensive reporting are needed for the guideline development process.
Amorphous zinc-tin oxide thin films fabricated by pulsed laser deposition at room temperature
Authors: Schlupp P. , von Wenckstern H. , Grundmann M.
Published: January 2014

For a cost-efficient fabrication of homogeneous oxide thin films the usage of amorphous materials is favorable. They can be deposited at room temperature (RT) and represent an interesting alternative to amorphous silicon in electronics. Zinc-tin oxide is a promising n-type channel material for thin film transistors and consists of abundant elements, only, in contrast to the well-explored indium gallium zinc oxide. Here, the electrical and optical properties of room temperature deposited ZTO thin films are discussed. These films were fabricated via pulsed-laser deposition on glass substrates by ablating a ceramic target composed of ZnO and SnO2 in a 1:2 ratio. The resistivity has been controlled over seven orders of magnitude via the oxygen growth pressure. Further, the optical transmittance tends to be higher for higher oxygen growth pressures.
Dielectrophoretical fabrication of hybrid carbon nanotubes-hydrogel biomaterial for muscle tissue engineering applications
Authors: Ramón-Azcón Javier , Ahadian Samad , Obregon Raquel , Shiku Hitoshi , Khademhosseini Ali , Matsue Tomokazu
Published: February 2014

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) approach was employed to achieve highly aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) within the gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels in a facile, rapid, inexpensive, and reproducible manner. This approach enabled us to make different CNTs alignments (e.g., vertical or horizontal alignments) within the GelMA hydrogel using different electrode designs or configurations. Anisotropically aligned GelMA-CNTs hydrogels showed considerably higher conductivity compared to randomly distributed CNTs dispersed in the GelMA hydrogel and the pristine and non-conductive GelMA hydrogel. Adding 0.3 mg/mL CNTs to the GelMA hydrogel led to a slight increase in the mechanical properties of the GelMA and made it to behave as a viscoelastic material. Therefore, it can be used as a suitable scaffold for soft tissues, such as skeletal muscle tissue. 3D microarrays of skeletal muscle myofibers were then fabricated based on the GelMA and GelMA-CNTs hydrogels and they were characterized in terms of gene expressions related to the muscle cell differentiation and contraction. Owing to high electrical conductivity of aligned GelMA-CNTs hydrogels, the engineered muscle tissues cultivated on these materials demonstrated superior maturation and functionality particularly after applying the electrical stimulation (voltage 8 V, frequency 1 Hz, and duration 10 ms for 2 days) compared to the corresponding tissues obtained on the pristine GelMA and randomly distributed CNTs within the GelMA hydrogel.
Distúrbios menstruais entre mulheres de 15-54 anos de idade em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil: estudo de base populacional
Authors: Barcelos Raquel Siqueira , Zanini Roberta de Vargas , Santos Iná da Silva dos
Published: January 2014

Para avaliar a prevalência de distúrbios menstruais e sua distribuição conforme paridade e características demográficas, sociais e comportamentais, entre 15-54 anos de idade, realizou-se estudo transversal de base populacional, em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, com 1.078 mulheres. Foram investigados sangramento menstrual excessivo, sangramento intermenstrual, ciclo menstrual curto, ciclo menstrual longo e menstruação prolongada. Foram calculadas as taxas de prevalência, com intervalos de 95% de confiança. A prevalência global de distúrbios menstruais foi 46,4% (43,4-49,4). O mais prevalente foi sangramento menstrual excessivo (23,2%; 20,5-25,8), seguido de ciclo menstrual curto (19,2%; 16,6-21,8), ciclo menstrual longo (14,8%; 12,7-16,9), sangramento intermenstrual (11,1%; 9,1-13,2) e menstruação prolongada (7,9%; 6,3-9,4). Os distúrbios menstruais são frequentes na população, estando associados à idade maior que 34 anos, escolaridade menor que cinco anos, maior paridade, laqueadura tubária e tabagismo.
Manifestações neurológicas em ribeirinhos de áreas expostas ao mercúrio na Amazônia brasileira
Authors: Khoury Eliana Dirce Torres , Souza Givago da Silva , Silveira Luiz Carlos de Lima , Costa Carlos Araújo da , Araújo Amélia A. de , Pinheiro Maria da Conceição Nascimento
Published: January 2014

No presente estudo, foram avaliados comparativamente os níveis atuais de exposição ao mercúrio e as manifestações neurológicas em ribeirinhos residentes em comunidades situadas no Estado do Pará, Brasil. Participaram do estudo 78 ribeirinhos de Barreiras (bacia do rio Tapajós), 30 de São Luiz do Tapajós (bacia do rio Tapajós) e 49 do Furo do Maracujá (bacia do rio Tocantins). As concentrações de mercúrio total foram quantificadas, em cabelo, pela espectrofotometria de absorção atômica, e a avaliação neurológica foi realizada por meio de testes de rotina. As concentrações de mercúrio nas comunidades do Tapajós foram maiores que as do Tocantins (p < 0,01). A avaliação das alterações neurológicas não mostrou diferença significativa entre as comunidades das áreas expostas e controle para os resultados observados pelo exame neurológico convencional, exceto para desvio da marcha (p < 0,05). Concluiu-se que, apesar dos níveis de exposição ao mercúrio, houve uma baixa frequência de alterações somatossensoriais encontradas por meio de exames neurológicos convencionais.
Educação alimentar e nutricional em escolares: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Ramos Flavia Pascoal , Santos Ligia Amparo da Silva , Reis Amélia Borba Costa
Published: January 2014

A educação alimentar e nutricional é vista como uma estratégia para promoção de hábitos alimentares saudáveis e acredita-se que a escola seja um espaço apropriado para desenvolver essas ações. Objetivou-se descrever e analisar o panorama da publicação científica sobre estudos de intervenção no campo da educação alimentar e nutricional em escolares no Brasil. Realizou-se uma revisão de literatura na qual foram selecionados artigos publicados entre 2000 e 2011. Observou-se que, apesar da relevância do tema, há um baixo número de publicações na área e que a maior parte foi publicada a partir de 2009. Os resultados apontados foram melhora no conhecimento em nutrição e nas opções alimentares. Entretanto, a maioria dos estudos que realizou avaliação antropométrica não encontrou mudanças no estado nutricional. Soma-se que os estudos optaram por metodologias baseadas nos estudos epidemiológicos de intervenção, indicando a necessidade de intervenções baseadas em metodologias inovadoras de educação em saúde, bem como modelos de pesquisa que correspondam aos objetos de estudo.
Conhecimento de preservativo masculino entre adolescentes: estudo de base populacional no semiárido nordestino, Brasil
Authors: Hartmann Juliana Mano , Cesar Juraci A.
Published: January 2014

Buscou-se determinar a prevalência e identificar fatores associados ao não conhecimento de preservativo masculino entre adolescentes, em dois municípios do semiárido piauiense, Brasil, em meados de 2008. Entrevistadores treinados aplicaram questionário padronizado a todos adolescentes (13-19 anos), nos domicílios. Investigaram-se características demográficas, socioeconômicas e conhecimento sobre contracepção e doenças de transmissão sexual (DST). O desfecho foi o não conhecimento de preservativo masculino. Na análise multivariada, utilizou-se regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância. Dos 2.241 adolescentes, 18,8% disseram não conhecer preservativo. A prevalência de não conhecimento variou de 4% para os com nove anos ou mais de escolaridade a 74% entre os que não conheciam DST. Na análise ajustada, ser do sexo feminino, ter pouca idade, baixa escolaridade, não ter namorada, desconhecer contracepção oral e DST aumentava a probabilidade de não conhecer preservativo em relação às demais categorias. Os dados mostram a urgente necessidade de intervenção entre adolescentes desses municípios.
Anemia e nível de hemoglobina como fatores prognósticos da mortalidade entre idosos residentes na comunidade: evidências da Coorte de Idosos de Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Silva Clarice Lima Álvares da , Lima-Costa Maria Fernanda , Firmo Josélia Oliveira Araújo , Peixoto Sérgio Viana
Published: January 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho foi examinar a influência de baixos níveis de hemoglobina (Hb) e anemia na mortalidade entre idosos ao longo de dez anos de seguimento (1997 a 2007). Entre os 1.742 idosos participantes da linha de base da coorte de Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brasil, 1.322 (82,3%) foram acompanhados pelo tempo médio de 8,9 anos. A probabilidade de sobrevida foi estimada pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e o modelo de riscos proporcionais de Cox foi utilizado, estimando-se os hazard ratios (HR) e intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%), considerando-se os potenciais fatores de confusão. Idosos anêmicos e com baixos níveis de Hb (primeiro tercil) apresentaram maior risco de óbito (HR = 2,63; IC95%: 1,83-3,76 e HR = 1,38; IC95%: 1,07-1,79, respectivamente) comparados aos não anêmicos e aos de maior nível de Hb. Os resultados demonstram que a ocorrência de anemia e/ou baixos níveis de Hb (independente do diagnóstico de anemia) devem ser interpretados e tratados como determinante independente da mortalidade nessa população idosa.
Propranolol for treatment of infantile hemangiomas
Authors: Melo Juliana Nakano de , Rotter Anita , Rivitti-Machado Maria Cecília , Oliveira Zilda Najjar Prado de
Published: January 2014

Infantile hemangioma is the most common vascular tumor in early childhood. Propranolol has been successfully used recently in a limited number of children with Infantile hemangioma. We present 6 cases of Infantile hemangioma, at a single dermatological center, which responded to oral propranolol with good results.
Indeterminate leprosy and lepromatous index case: four cases in the same family
Authors: Silva Vanessa Priscilla Martins da , Fonseca Heloisa Helena Ramos , Sens Mariana Mazzochi , Bender Alvaro Thadeu
Published: January 2014

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Brazil remains as the country with the second largest number of cases in the world. We report the case of three patients diagnosed with indeterminate leprosy in the same family. Two patients were HIV positive. An active search led to the discovery of the index case. It was crucial to persist in the search of the index case. This report shows how important it is to teach physicians and the general population about the signs and symptoms of leprosy. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent sequelae and to eliminate the disease as a public health problem.
Vohwinkel syndrome, ichthyosiform variant - by Camisa - Case report
Authors: Corte Liliam Dalla , Silva Mariana Vale Scribel da , Oliveira Carina Flores de , Vetoratto Gerson , Steglich Raquel Bissacotti , Borges Josiane
Published: January 2014

Vohwinkel syndrome or keratoderma hereditaria mutilans is a rare autosomal dominant palmoplantar keratosis, which manifests in infants and becomes more evident in adulthood. Its mode of inheritance is autosomal dominant with mutation in loricrin and Connexin 26 genes. Patients with this mutation present hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles, constricting bands of the digits, usually on the fifth, and starfish-shaped hyperkeratosis on the dorsal aspects of the hands and feet. The disease mostly occurs in white women, where constricting fibrous bands appear on the digits and can lead to progressive strangulation and auto-amputation (pseudo-ain-hum).The authors report a rare case of a patient with a clinical ichthyosiform variant of Vohwinkel syndrome.
Eumycetoma by Madurella mycetomatis with 30 years of evolution: therapeutic challenge
Authors: Sampaio Felipe Maurício Soeiro , Galhardo Maria Clara Gutierrez , Quintella Leonardo Pereira , Souza Paulo Roberto Cotrim de , Coelho Janice Mary Chicarino de Oliveira , Valle Antonio Carlos Francesconi do
Published: January 2014

We report a case of eumycetoma by Madurella mycetomatis on the buttocks and thighs in an adult immunocompetent patient, diagnosed after 30 years of clinical development. He was treated over four years with fluconazol and itraconazol associated with five times surgical excisions of subcutaneous nodules. At the eighth year of follow-up, one nodule recurred on the right infragluteal region, which was excised surgically and has remained asymptomatic ever since.
Linear IgA bullous dermatosis: report of an exuberant case
Authors: Souza Beatriz Cavalcanti de , Fregonesi Nádire Cristina Freire Pontes , Tebcherani Antônio José , Sanchez Ana Paula Galli , Aoki Valéria , Fernandes Juliana Christien
Published: January 2014

Linear immunoglobulin A dermatosis is a rare autoimmune bullous disease, but the most common autoimmune bullous dermatosis in children. We report a typical exuberant case of linear IgA dermatosis in a ten-month old child, who showed good response to treatment with corticosteroids and dapsone.
Systemic sclerosis with keloidal nodules
Authors: Stadler Bárbara , Somacal Aline Paula Biazus , Weingraber Emilio , Fontana Michelle Tokarski , Skare Thelma Larocca
Published: January 2014

Nodular sclerosis is a rare form of presentation related to both systemic and localized forms of scleroderma. We describe the case of a patient with nodular sclerosis in order to alert the medical community to recognize this entity.
Lymphocytoma cutis - case report
Authors: Oliveira Ederson Valei Lopes de , Badiale Giovana Bachega , Moraes Margarida M. F. S.
Published: January 2014

We describe a clinical case involving a 62-year-old white male, diagnosed with lymphocytoma cutis (Spiegler-Fendt sarcoid) in the cephalic segment. The diagnosis was carried out by pathological study and confirmed by immunohistochemical panel: evidence of polyclonality. Phototherapy sessions were suggested as treatment (13 PUVA sessions, with an accumulated dose of 58.65 J/cm2 ). The improvement was partial. Thus, infiltration of triamcinolone was opted for (one intralesional infiltration every 3 weeks). After 5 sessions, satisfactory improvement was observed: regression of nearly all the lesions.
Livedoid vasculopathy associated with peripheral neuropathy: a report of two cases
Authors: Tubone Mariana Quirino , Escobar Gabriela Fortes , Peruzzo Juliano , Schestatsky Pedro , Maldonado Gabriela
Published: January 2014

Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a chronic and recurrent disease consisting of livedo reticularis and symmetric ulcerations, primarily located on the lower extremities, which heal slowly and leave an atrophic white scar ("atrophie blanche"). Neurological involvment is rare and presumed to be secondary to the ischemia from vascular thrombosis of the vasa nervorum. Laboratory evaluation is needed to exclude secondary causes such as hyper-coagulable states, autoimmune disorders and neoplasms. We present two patients with a rare association of peripheral neuropathy and LV, thereby highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to reach the correct diagnosis.
Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm
Authors: Lencastre André , Cabete Joana , João Alexandre , Farinha Pedro , Ferreira Gilda , Lestre Sara
Published: January 2014

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm is a rare and aggressive hematodermic neoplasia with frequent cutaneous involvement and leukemic dissemination. We report the case of a 76-year-old man with a 2 month history of violaceous nodules and a tumor with stony consistency, located on the head, and mandibular, cervical and supraclavicular lymphadenopathies. Multiple thoracic and abdominal adenopathies were identified on computerized tomography. Flow cytometry analysis of the skin, lymph node and bone marrow biopsies demonstrated the presence of plasmocytoid dendritic cell neoplastic precursor cells (CD4+, CD45+, CD56+ and CD123+ phenotype). After initial clinical and laboratorial complete remission with chemotherapy, the patient died due to relapse of the disease associated with the appearance of a cervical mass with medullary compromise.
Lucio's Phenomenon. Case study of an exceptional response to treatment exclusively with multibacillary multidrug therapy
Authors: Peixoto Amanda Braga , Portela Poliana Santin , Leal Fabiano Roberto Pereira de Carvalho , Brotas Arles Martins , Rodrigues Nilton Carlos dos Santos
Published: January 2014

Lucio's phenomenon represents a serious cutaneous necrotizing reaction, which can occur with Lucio's leprosy and also in other forms of lepromatous leprosy. The authors discuss the case of a 63-year-old male patient presenting with ulcers and necrotic cutaneous lesions on the limbs, torso and face, associated with recurring sinusitis, hoarseness and a weight loss of 25 kilos over the last year. Bacilloscopy of intradermal scrapings showed a bacilloscopic index of 5 and the histopathological findings were compatible with the diagnosis of Lucio's phenomenon. The chosen treatment was exclusively multibacillary multidrug therapy, resulting in important dermatological improvement after one month of therapy. The authors present an impressive case of Lucio's phenomenon with an exceptional response to treatment exclusively with multibacillary multidrug therapy.
Nodular fasciitis on the zygomatic region: a rare presentation
Authors: Souza Ilner de Souza e , Rochael Mayra Carriijo , Farias Rogério Estevam , Vieira Roberto Bezerra , Vieira Janaina Silva Tirapelle , Schimidt Nathalia Campos
Published: January 2014

Nodular fasciitis is a benign tumor, resulting from reactive proliferation composed of fibroblastic/myofibroblastic cells. Due to its rapid growth and high cellularity it may be mistaken for sarcoma. Despite the possibility of spontaneous regression, excision is the treatment of choice. A 24-year-old female patient presented with a nodule on the zygomatic region with 3 months of evolution. Excisional biopsy was performed. Histopathological examination associated with immunohistochemical markers HHF35, AML and Ki-67 allowed diagnostic confirmation. The main relevance of the case presented is its rare location, suggesting its inclusion among the differential diagnoses of tumor lesions on the face.
Perforating granuloma annulare mimicking papulonecrotic tuberculid
Authors: Pereira Amanda Regio , Vieira Mariana Bellini , Monteiro Marina Pinhas Ariza , Enokihara Milvia Maria Simões e Silva , Michalany Nilceo Schwery , Bagatin Ediléia , Hassun Karime Marques
Published: January 2014

A case is reported of a patient presenting lymph node tuberculosis and cutaneous lesions resembling papulonecrotic tuberculid, but histologically compatible with perforating granuloma annulare and which responded satisfactorily to antituberculous therapy. This is probably one of the first reports of the association of perforating granuloma annulare and tuberculosis, and it is important therefore to highlight the relevance of this disorder in the differential diagnosis of papulonecrotic tuberculid and to raise the hypothesis that this entity should also be considered to be a variant of tuberculid.
Congenital multiple clustered dermatofibroma and multiple eruptive dermatofibromas - unusual presentations of a common entity
Authors: Pinto-Almeida Teresa , Caetano Mónica , Alves Rosário , Selores Manuela
Published: January 2014

Dermatofibroma is one of the most common entities seen in dermatology clinical practice. Several clinical subtypes have nevertheless been described, all of them of uncommon occurrence. The authors present two rare clinical variants of dermatofibromas: congenital multiple clustered dermatofibroma (the presented case is the 4th congenital case to be reported so far) and multiple eruptive dermatofibromas developing in the setting of a Sjögren's syndrome. Since the uncommon subtypes may not be clinically evident, dermatologists should familiarize themselves with their main features and we advise a high level of clinical suspicion in order to reach the correct diagnosis.
Biofiltration of methane using an inorganic filter bed: influence of inlet load and nitrogen concentration
Authors: Nikiema Josiane , Girard Matthieu , Brzezinski Ryszard , Heitz Michèle
Published: January 2014

An upflow lab-scale biofilter was operated with an inorganic filter material to control methane emissions. The influence of the inlet load on methane removal was investigated and the maximum elimination capacity obtained was 36  g/(m3·h) for an inlet load of 95  g/(m3·h). The influence of the nitrogen concentration, which was provided in the form of nitrate through a nutrient solution, was also determined. We established that the optimum nitrogen concentration required for biofilter operation decreases with the methane inlet load. In fact, it was around 0·75  g/L for inlet loads comprised between 55 and 95  g/(m3·h) and of 0·50  g/L when the inlet load was comprised between 20 and 55  g/(m3·h). During this study, a nitrogen concentration of 1·00  g/L inhibited methane removal in the biofilter. In addition, the use of a nitrogen concentration superior to its optimum level can cause, in the long-term run, severe damages to the biofilter performance.
Treatment of air polluted with methanol vapours in biofilters with and without percolation
Authors: Avalos Ramirez Antonio , Bénard Sandrine , Giroir-Fendler Anne , Jones J. Peter , Heitz Michèle
Published: January 2014

Air polluted with methanol vapours was treated in a biofilter and a biotrickling filter, both packed with inert materials. The effects of the nitrogen concentration present in the nutrient solution, the empty bed residence time, and the methanol inlet load, on the biofilter and biotrickling filter performance were all examined and compared. The elimination capacity, the biomass and the carbon dioxide production rates all increased with the increase of the parameters tested. The maximum elimination capacity for the biotrickling filter was 240  g·m−3·h−1 with corresponding removal efficiency of 75% and carbon dioxide production rate of 10  g·m−3·h−1, whereas the maximum elimination capacity for the biofilter was 80  g·m−3·h−1 with corresponding removal efficiency of 35% and carbon dioxide production rate of 70  g·m−3·h−1. The biomass production rate was similar for both the biofilter and the biotrickling filter. The carbon dioxide production rate was higher by a factor of 2 to 9 for the biofilter compared to the biotrickling filter.
A review of the environmental pollution originating from the piggery industry and of the available mitigation technologies: towards the simultaneous biofiltration of swine slurry and methane
Authors: Girard Matthieu , Nikiema Josiane , Brzezinski Ryszard , Buelna Gerardo , Heitz Michèle
Published: January 2014

In Canada, the piggery industry is an essential part of the agricultural sector, but the main waste product of this industry, swine slurry, is particularly harmful to the environment. The anaerobic storage conditions and the excessive use of slurry for agricultural fertilization contribute, respectively, to the emission of greenhouse gases and to aquatic pollution. This paper provides a review of these environmental concerns and of the existing mitigation technologies. Water pollution from swine slurry is associated with the nutrients it contains, such as nitrogen and phosphorous, while the main greenhouse gases produced by the piggery industry are methane and nitrous oxide. Available technologies can valorize the slurry through agricultural fertilization, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, by limiting nutrient availability for example, or treat the effluents using solid  –  liquid separation, flaring or biological processes. Specific attention is paid to biofiltration due to its potential to simultaneously treat these two types of pollution.
2013 Amendments to International Confederation of Midwive’s Essential Compentencies and Education Standards Core Documents: Clarification and Rationale
Authors: Fullerton Judith T. , Thompson Joyce E.
Published: February 2014

The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Council of Delegates approved the revision of the Essential Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice and endorsed the newly crafted Global Standards for Midwifery Education with Companion Guidelines in June 2011. ICM views each of their documents as “living” documents, subject to change based on emerging evidence from science, implementation, and practice. This article informs the users of these two core documents about revisions and amendments that were made over the 3-year period from 2011 to 2013 in response to changing evidence, end-user questions, and concerns. The evidence that underpins the revisions made to the basic knowledge and/or skills statements in the Essential Competencies document is presented. The rationale for amendment to the format of the education standards and expansion of the guidelines document is offered. These changes were accepted by the ICM Board in 2013 and will be presented for endorsement by ICM Council of Delegates at the triennial meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, in June 2014.
Access to Maternity Services for Women With a Physical Disability: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Lawler Denise , Lalor Joan , Begley Cecily
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND:Women with a disability are one of the most disadvantaged groups in society.

OBJECTIVE:To identify challenges and facilitators to accessing maternity services experienced by women with a physical disability during pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood.

DESIGN:Literature review.

FINDINGS:Challenges to accessibility included location and models of care, transport difficulties, and moving around the environment. Challenges to accommodation (health professionals’ adaptation to women’s needs) centered on lack of suitable health and parent education information. Challenges to acceptability were caused by poor knowledge and negative staff attitudes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:Improving access to maternity services for women with a disability requires improved access to buildings, provision of sensitive antenatal classes, and development of health professionals’ knowledge and attitudes toward disability and pregnancy.
Congenital thrombocytopenia with nephritis: The first case of MYH9 related disorder in Serbia
Authors: Kuzmanovic Milos , Kunishima Shinji , Putnik Jovana , Stajic Natasa , Paripovic Aleksandra , Bogdanovic Radovan
Published: January 2014

Introduction. The group of autosomal dominant disorders - Epstein syndrome,
Sebastian syndrome, Fechthner syndrome and May-Hegglin anomaly - are
characterised by thrombocytopenia with giant platelets, inclusion bodies in
granulocytes and variable levels of deafness, disturbances of vision and
renal function impairment. A common genetic background of these disorders are
mutations in MYH9 gene, coding for the nonmuscle myosin heavy chain IIA.
Differential diagnosis is important for the adequate treatment strategy. The
aim of this case report was to present a patient with MYH9 disorder in
Serbia. Case report. A 16-year-old boy was referred to our hospital with the
diagnosis of resistant immune thrombocytopenia for splenectomy.
Thrombocytopenia was incidentally discovered at the age of five. The
treatment with corticosteroids on several occasions was unsuccessful.
Although the platelet count was below 10 ? 109/L, there were no bleeding
symptoms. Besides thrombocytopenia with giant platelets, on admission the
patient also suffered sensorineuronal hearing loss and proteinuria. The
diagnosis was confirmed with immunofluorescence and genetic analyses.
Conclusion. Early recognition of MYH9-related diseases is essential to avoid
unnecessary and potentially harmful treatments for misdiagnosed immune
thrombocytopenia, and also for timely and proper therapy in attempt to delay
end-stage renal failure and improve quality of life.
Dual Class Ownership and Tax Avoidance
Authors: McGuire Sean T. , Wang Dechun , Wilson Ryan J.
Published: January 2014

This study investigates whether the agency conflicts inherent in a dual class ownership structure are associated with the level of firms' tax avoidance. Dual class ownership presents a unique agency problem because insiders control a majority of the votes of a firm despite having claims to a minority of the firm's cash flows. We examine the level of tax avoidance for a sample of dual class firms and find that the extent of tax avoidance declines as the difference between voting rights and cash flow rights increases. We also compare the level of tax avoidance of dual class firms to a sample of propensity matched single class firms and find that dual class firms engage in less tax avoidance as the wedge between insiders' voting rights and cash flow rights increases. These findings are consistent with dual class ownership entrenching managers and allowing them to perform at a suboptimal level.

Data Availability: Data used in this study are available from public sources identified in the paper.
Iron deficiency anemia in a ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) with concurrent chronic renal failure
Authors: Anderson Kadie M. , Wolf Karen N.
Published: January 2014

Case Description—A 16-year-old vasectomized male ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) with a history of suspected chronic renal failure was evaluated because of extreme lethargy, hyperpnea, and abscess of the right pectoral scent gland.

Clinical Findings—Examination of the anesthetized patient revealed an impacted right pectoral scent gland with serosanguineous exudate. A CBC and serum biochemical analysis revealed severe anemia, marked azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypocalcemia.

Treatment and Outcome—Supportive care (including fluid therapy and phosphorus binder administration) was initiated for renal failure; the affected gland was cleaned, and antimicrobials were administered. The patient received 1 blood transfusion, and darbepoetin alfa was administered weekly to stimulate RBC production. Anemia and azotemia persisted. Three months after treatment started, serum iron analysis revealed that iron deficiency was the probable cause for the lack of a consistent regenerative response to darbepoetin injections. Iron dextran injections resulted in a marked regenerative response; however, serum biochemical analysis results after the second injection were consistent with hepatic injury. Hepatic enzyme activities normalized following discontinuation of iron dextran treatment, but the lemur's Hct declined rapidly despite supplementary iron administration PO. The patient developed severe mandibular osteomyelitis and was euthanized because of poor prognosis. Postmortem evaluation of hepatic iron concentration confirmed iron deficiency.

Clinical Relevance—The family Lemuridae is considered prone to hemosiderosis and hemochromatosis, which delayed rapid diagnosis and treatment of the lemur's disease. Apparent hepatic injury following iron dextran injections further complicated treatment. Findings for this lemur support the use of species-specific total iron binding capacity and total serum iron and ferritin concentrations in evaluation of an animal with suspected iron deficiency.
Should the Third Reminder be Sent? The Role of Survey Response Timing on Web Survey Results
Authors: Rao Kumar , Pennington Julia
Published: February 2014

Decreasing survey response rates are a growing concern as survey estimates may be biased by selective non-response. One method of assessing non-response bias is to examine the timing of survey response, specifically comparing those who respond late to a survey with those who respond early. This paper draws upon data obtained from multiple panel surveys conducted over a six-month period, and examines whether early, intermediate and late respondents differ significantly in demographics or in their responses to survey questions. By considering response timing as a repeated behaviour, or habit, spanning multiple surveys, a longitudinal measure of response timing is developed to identify the predictors of responding early to multiple surveys conducted over a period of time. Results indicate some directional differences in demographics and better data quality from early respondents, compared to their intermediate and late counterparts. We discuss the findings from the study and conclude with recommendations for future research.
Investigating the Measures of Relative Importance in Marketing Research
Authors: Bansal Harvir S. , Duverger Philippe
Published: February 2014

Determining the relative importance of various predictors in a marketing research model is important for both theoretical and practical reasons. To date, the most commonly used methods to assess relative importance have involved examining either the regression coefficients or zero-order correlations of each predictor. Unfortunately, these indices are problematic when the predictors are correlated, as is the case with many of the drivers of service-provider switching, loyalty studies, satisfaction models and other marketing research. In this paper, we introduce Dominance Analysis to an audience of researchers in marketing research and empirically demonstrate its usefulness for assessing predictor relative importance. Using a Monte Carlo simulation, we first compare the accuracy of five traditional methods used in marketing research assessing relative importance and comparing them to Dominance Analysis. There are theoretical, as well as empirical, advantages to using Dominance Analysis over other methods, and these are discussed in the context of an empirical example using data drawn from a larger study of auto-repair service customers (n = 355).
Identifying the Real Differences of Opinion in Social Media Sentiment
Authors: Pettit Annie
Published: February 2014

This study examined the differences in social media sentiment based on author gender, age and country. After creating ten category-generic datasets, millions of social media verbatims from thousands of websites were collected, cleaned of spam, and scored into five-point sentiment scales. The results showed that women exhibit more positive sentiment, older people exhibit more positive sentiment, and Australians exhibit more positive sentiment, while Americans share more negative sentiment. The differences were small but clear, suggesting that research methodologists should apply correction factors to ensure that their results more accurately reflect differences of opinion as opposed to differences of word choice. Business users of social media data can be reassured that correction factors are not required to improve the accuracy of their research.
Informed, Uninformed and Participative Consent in Social Media Research
Authors: Nunan Daniel , Yenicioglu Baskin
Published: February 2014

The use of online data is becoming increasingly essential for the generation of insight in today's research environment. This reflects the much wider range of data available online and the key role that social media now plays in interpersonal communication. However, the process of gaining permission to use social media data for research purposes creates a number of significant issues when considering compatibility with professional ethics guidelines. This paper critically explores the application of existing informed consent policies to social media research and compares with the form of consent gained by the social networks themselves, which we label ‘uninformed consent’. We argue that, as currently constructed, informed consent carries assumptions about the nature of privacy that are not consistent with the way that consumers behave in an online environment. On the other hand, uninformed consent relies on asymmetric relationships that are unlikely to succeed in an environment based on co-creation of value. The paper highlights the ethical ambiguity created by current approaches for gaining customer consent, and proposes a new conceptual framework based on participative consent that allows for greater alignment between consumer privacy and ethical concerns.
The Benefit of Social Media: Bulletin Board Focus Groups as a Tool for Co-creation
Authors: Rolland Sylvie E. , Parmentier Guy
Published: February 2014

Bulletin board methodology emerged at the end of the 1990s and is becoming the most frequently used qualitative study technique. This interactive approach groups a community of participants in a private or public online forum for a duration that varies from several days to several months. Discoveries, exchanges of view, personal opinions and group reactions are all part of the power and interest of the internet in this era of social media. This article presents the principles of bulletin board development, and specifics to aid understanding of this tool within social networks and to help organisations adapt to a paradigm shift in marketing in which consumer-respondents are co-creators of meaning and knowledge.
New Insights from Practice: Exploring Online Channel Management Strategies and the Use of Social Media as a Market Research Tool
Authors: Klaus Philipp ‘Phil’
Published: February 2014

The concept of online customer experiences, and in particular the role of social media in online customer behaviour, has recently received great interest from academia, business and market researchers alike. Despite the belief that social media, imbedded in a corresponding online channel strategy, can be the key to successfully track and analyse consumer behaviour, most of the research focuses solely on the consumer rather than the companies' strategic viewpoint. This study investigates current online channel management strategies of retail banking services, developing a much-needed typology of such practices. Based upon a thorough and rigorous data analysis process, we propose a typology of online channel strategies. The typology differentiates existing practices into initiators, reformers and consolidators, and discusses the differences between these categories with implications for theory and practice. We highlight the current and future roles of social media market research, and their strategic implications for the industry sector and market research in general, introducing the concept of ‘Strategic Social Intelligence (SSI)’.
Arm and Trunk Movement Kinematics During Seated Reaching Within and Beyond Arm's Length in People With Stroke: A Validity Study
Authors: Wu Ching-yi , Liing Rong-jiuan , Chen Hsieh-ching , Chen Chia-ling , Lin Keh-chung
Published: January 2014

Background

Kinematic analysis is commonly used to objectively measure upper extremity movement performance after stroke. However, the concurrent validity and predictive validity of arm-trunk kinematics during reaching within and beyond arm's length have not been studied.

Objective

The aim of this study was to estimate the concurrent validity of kinematic measures before and after treatment and the predictive validity for reaching within and beyond arm's length after stroke.

Design

This was a secondary analysis study.

Methods

Ninety-seven participants with stroke (mean age=55.9 years [SD=10.9]) received intensive treatment every weekday for 3 to 4 weeks. Kinematic reaching tasks and the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) were used before and after treatment. The validity of the kinematic measures was estimated in relation to WMFT scores.

Results

Of the 8 kinematic variables that were measured, index movement time before treatment (R2=.227–.362) and trunk movement time and trunk displacement after treatment (R2=.095–.346) had the strongest association with the WMFT at both reaching distances. Trunk movement time and trunk displacement before treatment explained 6.9% to 14.9% of the variance in the WMFT after treatment. Kinematic variables explained 6.9% to 49.3% and 9.4% to 38.7% of the variance in the WMFT during a task within arm's length and beyond arm's length, respectively.

Limitations

The study has limited generalizability.

Conclusions

Different kinematic variables may partially reflect motor function before and after treatment to a limited degree. Although the predictive validity was modest, trunk movement may be considered a prognostic determinant of motor function after treatment. A reaching task within arm's length may be a more suitable measure of kinematic performance for describing motor function than a reaching task beyond arm's length.
First case of laboratory-confirmed Zika virus infection imported into Europe, November 2013
Authors: Tappe D , Rissland J , Gabriel M , Emmerich P , Günther S , Held G , Smola S , Schmidt-Chanasit J
Published: January 2014

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Relevance to Practice as a Criterion for Rigor
Authors: Gutiérrez Kris D. , Penuel William R.
Published: January 2014

The authors argue for a reconceptualization of rigor that requires sustained, direct, and systematic documentation of what takes place inside programs to document how students and teachers change and adapt interventions in interactions with each other in relation to their dynamic local contexts. Building on promising new programs at the Institute of Education Sciences, they call for the formulation of collaborative research standards that must require researchers to provide evidence that they have engaged in a process to surface and negotiate the focus of their joint work, and to document the ways participation in this process was structured to include district and school leaders, teachers, parents, community stakeholders, and, wherever possible, children and youth. They close by describing how this new criterion—“relevance to practice”—can ensure the longevity and efficacy of educational research.
Why Understanding Science Matters
Authors: Rudolph John L.
Published: January 2014

The author outlines the rise of a hard-science model advocated by the Institute for Education Sciences, including the application of research and development approaches to education following the Second World War, and describes the attraction of these hard-science approaches for education policymakers. He notes that in the face of complex and persistent educational problems, these approaches seem to promise objective results, uniform solutions, and standardized interventions less prone to ideological distortion. He argues that this particular view of science, however, represents only a narrow slice of the myriad intellectual, social, and cultural practices that fall under the rubric of science and ignores a good deal of the contextual nuance of educational phenomenon. The author highlights the consequences of adopting a narrow vision of science in educational policy, including the marginalization of swathes of research, and the constraint of educational activities to make them more amenable to experimental research.