bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Simvastatin/Ezetimibe 10/10 mg Versus Simvastatin 40 mg on Serum Vitamin D Levels
Authors: Liberopoulos Evangelos N. , Makariou Stefania E. , Moutzouri Elisavet , Kostapanos Mixalis S. , Challa Anna , Elisaf Moses
Published: January 2013

Backround:

Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)VitD) have been recognized as an emerging cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. Statins are reported to increase 25(OH)VitD concentration. Animal studies suggest that ezetimibe is a moderate inhibitor of intestinal 25(OH)VitD absorption, but its effect in humans is unknown.

Aim:

To investigate whether combined treatment with simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg would increase 25(OH)VitD levels compared to simvastatin 40 mg monotherapy in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia.

Methods:

In a Prospective Randomized Open-label Blinded End point study, 50 patients with primary hypercholesterolemia received either simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg (n = 25) or simvastatin 40 mg (n = 25) daily for 3 months. The primary end point was between-group difference in the change of serum 25(OH)VitD levels.

Results:

Simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg was associated with a 36.7% increase in 25(OH)VitD serum levels (from 6.8 to 9.3 ng/mL, P = .000), while simvastatin 40 mg was associated with a 79.1% increase (from 6.7 to 12.0 ng/mL, P = .008). The increase in 25(OH)VitD levels in the simvastatin 40 mg group was significantly greater compared to that in the simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg group ( P = .04). Both groups exhibited similar reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.

Conclusion:

For similar LDL-C lowering simvastatin 40 mg is associated with greater increase in 25(OH)VitD compared to simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg. Whether this difference is relevant in terms of CVD risk reduction is unknown.
Interrelation Between Adult Persons With Diabetes and Their Family
Authors: Rintala Tuula-Maria , Jaatinen Pia , Paavilainen Eija , Åstedt-Kurki Päivi
Published: January 2013

Diabetes mellitus is a common chronic disease all over the world. Self-management plays a crucial role in diabetes management. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize what is known about the interactions between adult persons with diabetes, their family, and diabetes self-management. MEDLINE, CINAHL, PSYCHINFO, LINDA, and MEDIC databases were searched for the years 2000 to 2011 and for English language articles, and the reference lists of the studies included were reviewed to capture additional studies. The findings indicate that family members have influence on the self-management of adult persons with diabetes. The support from family members plays a crucial role in maintaining lifestyle changes and optimizing diabetes management. Diabetes and its treatment also affect the life of family members in several ways, causing, for example, different types of psychological distress. More attention should be paid to family factors in diabetes management among adult persons.
Efficiency of Ankaferd Blood Stopper Used in Bleeding Control on Intraabdominal Adhesions Formed Postoperatively
Authors: Behçet AL , Kılıç Hasan , Zengin Suat , Güler Mehmet , Taysi Seyithan , Yıldırım Cuma , Sarı İbrahim
Published: January 2013

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the hispathological, biochemical, and clinical efficiency of Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) in preventing postoperative intraabdominal adhesions.

Method:

A total of 40 Wistar albino species female rats were randomly separated into 4 groups. For the control group, 1 mL normal saline was administered; and for the second, third, and fourth groups 0.5, 1, and 2 mL, respectively, ABS was administered. Statistical analyses were evaluated with Tukey and analysis of variance test.

Findings:

Significant increase was observed in fibroblast and vascularization microscopically with increasing amount of ABS used. Degree of adhesion in the group administered with normal saline was lower compared to the other groups. Adhesion thickness and prevalence macroscopically increased with the increasing amount of ABS used in groups.

Conclusion:

It was determined in our study that ABS is not efficient in preventing intraabdominal adhesions; on the contrary, adhesions were increased with the increased amount of ABS used.
Pillar Talk
Authors: Opp Susan M. , Saunders Kyle L.
Published: January 2013

This article examines local sustainability initiatives in the United States through the lens of the “three pillars” of sustainability: economic development, environmental protection, and social equity. A comprehensive index is created using national-level survey data on local sustainability initiatives, then census and other data are used to examine local activities related to all three pillars of sustainability. Analysis of a series of correlations and means comparisons provides evidence that several factors are interrelated with local government engagement in sustainability initiatives, including population size, central city locations, diversity, ethnicity and race, political leanings of a community, and region. In addition, cities are ranked by their scores on this index creating a “best cases” list for future research.
Funding Rail
Authors: Lowe Kate
Published: January 2013

Local funds for transportation infrastructure are increasingly necessary, even though the U.S. federal government provides billions for urban rail projects. Through analysis of a competitive federal rail program (New Starts), this research tests the hypothesis that local financing decisions—as a demand-side factor in funding allocations—can drive federal rail spending. The analysis also considers alternative explanations for funding outcomes: transportation benefits and political clout. Based on a statistical analysis of 60 projects and 2 brief project profiles, findings indicate that local financial commitment—more than other factors—explains federal awards. Rail expansions that most advance federal transportation goals, as captured by program evaluation criteria, are not more likely to receive New Starts awards, but funded projects all met a minimum threshold for benefits. As a result, local decisions on transit funding both rely on and affect the allocation of federal monies.
The Feasibility of Mobility Management in the United States
Authors: Majumdar Sarmistha R. , Sen Lalita , Park Sungjin
Published: January 2013

Mobility management aims at the provision of accessible, multimodal, and affordable transportation services to all individuals in a community, including the elderly, disabled and lower income individuals. It has much potential to deliver public transit services in a cost efficient way and uses a customer driven and market based approach to make it more responsive to the needs of individuals in a community. In mobility management, there is much emphasis on coordination and collaboration, which makes mobility management an attractive option for many communities, especially in an era of limited funding and shortage of resources. To explore the feasibility of its practice in this country, this paper has tried to disseminate valuable information on regulations and statutes that help to establish the legal foundation for mobility management and also support services that are available from advocacy agencies and interest groups to develop, manage, and sustain such programs.
Relationships Among Customer Satisfaction, Delight, and Loyalty in the Hospitality Industry
Authors: Kim MiRan , Vogt Christine A. , Knutson Bonnie J.
Published: January 2013

Customer satisfaction has been a focus of researchers and marketers as an important antecedent of customer loyalty. Some recent studies propose that customer delight possibly produces greater customer loyalty than satisfaction. Loyalty has also become of greater interest to researchers and marketers as a multiphase concept as well as a useful segmentation of customers with accompanying targeted strategies. As one of few empirical studies on customer satisfaction, delight, and loyalty, the primary objectives of this research is to understand how customer satisfaction and delight influence loyalty and to understand the multiphase framework of loyalty, including cognitive, affective, and conative loyalties. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on customer satisfaction, delight, and loyalty and provides theoretical and applied suggestions for the hospitality industry.
Enhancing Consumer Value in Wine Tourism
Authors: Carlsen Jack , Boksberger Philipp
Published: January 2013

Enhancing consumer value is an increasingly important trend in tourism and hospitality, yet the process remains poorly understood by researchers and managers. Wine tourism destinations, wineries, and cellar doors provide the perfect setting for investigating consumer value as they involve a range of attributes. Review and analysis of previous studies reveals the key attributes that must be provided, the most important involving excellent service quality and the setting and surroundings of each winery visited. Significantly, value-for-money is not an attribute sought by wine tourists, indicating that quality wine producers may receive a premium for their product through the provision of valuable wine consumer experiences. Thirteen extant studies of wine tourism experiences across a range of wine regions are meta-analyzed to identify and classify the key attributes. Studies are both qualitative and quantitative, and both approaches provided findings that are merged into a single matrix of key attribute types. The management and research implications for wine tourism are then discussed, as well as the limitations of analysis that combines qualitative and quantitative findings in multiple locations over time.
360 Degrees of Pressure
Authors: Solnet David , Kralj Anna , Baum Tom
Published: January 2013

Many hospitality companies highlight the importance of their employees, and this features strongly in their consumer marketing. However, the capacity of organizations to deliver “people first” practices is seemingly subject to increasing pressure within the international hospitality sector, both internally and from the external environment. Nowhere is this clearer than in the roles that are played with respect to the human resource management (HRM) function, both by those specifically designated in that post and by nonspecialist managers taking HRM responsibilities. This conceptual article has two principal aims: first, to illuminate the growing trend of formalized HRM practices being downgraded, eliminated altogether, or decentralized; and second, to highlight the need for a greater understanding and consideration of the external factors affecting hospitality HRM practice. The article reviews the nature and scope of the HRM function in hospitality, presents an overview of the trends toward internal reorganization through decentralization of HRM functions and, finally, assesses the impact of external pressures of the delivery of effective HRM. We then propose a dynamic framework designed to help facilitate greater understanding of the implications of internal and external pressures by HRM professionals and researchers, and conclude with reflections and recommendations followed by proposals for future research.
Celebrity Involvement, Perceived Value, and Behavioral Intentions in Popular Media-Induced Tourism
Authors: Yen Chang-Hua , Teng Hsiu-Yu
Published: January 2013

Popular media–induced tourism has emerged as a growing body of research. Although previous literatures have examined the relationship between celebrity involvement and behavioral intentions, the mechanism underlying this relationship remains a black box. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between celebrity involvement and behavioral intentions as well as to clarify the role of perceived value. Survey data from 382 tourists in Taiwan indicate that celebrity involvement is positively related to behavioral intentions. Moreover, perceived value partially mediates the relationship between celebrity involvement and behavioral intentions. Implications of these findings for managing marketing strategies as well as future research directions are subsequently discussed.
Of ponies and men: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and the Brony fandom
Authors: Robertson Venetia Laura Delano
Published: January 2013

The newest incarnation of the My Little Pony franchise, the children’s cartoon program My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic has attracted a sizeable viewership among an unexpected demographic: adolescent men. This article looks at this group, known as Bronies, and assesses how the geek subculture that this fandom exists within frames the fan’s understanding of the show, its pony protagonists, and their own self-reflection. Focusing on the role of anthropomorphic animals, this discussion will explicate how normative notions of gender, attitude and behavior are challenged by interaction with this text. This study aims to highlight the significance of fictional animals as tools for personal meaning-making.
Encounters between workers sick-listed with common mental disorders and return-to-work stakeholders. Does workers’ gender matter?
Authors: Nielsen Maj Britt D. , Madsen Ida E.H. , Bültmann Ute , Christensen Ulla , Diderichsen Finn , Rugulies Reiner
Published: January 2013

Introduction: The aims of this paper were to examine how disabled workers assess encounters with return-to-work (RTW) stakeholders during sickness absence due to common mental disorders (CMD) and to investigate gender differences in these assessments. Method: Data on contact with and assessment of encounters with RTW-stakeholders were obtained from a questionnaire investigation ( N = 226). The participants were recruited from employees applying for sickness benefits due to CMD from the Municipality of Copenhagen. Results: High support was most often reported from the personal and health system, especially from the psychologists (83%), while encounters with social insurance officers were least often reported to be highly supportive (16%). Colleagues were more often reported to be highly supportive (49%) than supervisors (30%). Gender differences were found both in contact with and assessments of encounters. Women were less likely to participate in a sickness absence interview with the employer, to receive care from a psychiatrist, and also assessed the encounter with the supervisor as less supportive and respectful. Gender differences remained statistically significant after controlling for several covariates, including depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The study findings strongly indicate that further attention needs to be directed towards improving the workers’ relationship with supervisors and social insurance officers. Findings apply in particular to women.
Distribution of subjective health complaints, and their association with register based sickness absence in the Danish working population
Authors: Poulsen Otto Melchior , Persson Roger , Kristiansen Jesper , Andersen Lars Louis , Villadsen Ebbe , Ørbæk Palle
Published: January 2013

Aims: To describe the distribution of subjective health complaints (SHCs) in a Danish working population and the associations between SHC and register based sickness absence. Methods: The study entailed 2876 men and 3574 women aged 18–59 years that constituted the 2005 panel in the Danish Work Environment Cohort Study (DWECS). All had completed a subjective health complaints inventory and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Seven SHC/NMQ indices were constructed and merged with subsequently collected data on prolonged sickness absence periods (each period > 14 days) that was registered in the national Danish register on social transfer payments: the DREAM register. Ordinal logistic regression was used to model the cumulative odds for sickness absence as a function of strata. Results: The majority of participants reported at least one SHC during a 30-day period (circa 89% of the men and 95% of the women). The reports of severe SHC, defined as recurring SHC within the 30-day period, were less common. About 55% of the men and 68% of the women reported at least one severe SHC during a 30-day period. The odds ratios of sickness absence increased with the number of SHC a participant acknowledged. The odds ratios were slightly reduced after adjusting for age, disease history and social class. Conclusions: The majority of the working population in Denmark report at least one SHC during a 30-day period. Roughly half of the population report having at least one recurrent (often to very often) SHC during the last 30-days (severe SHC). Reporting the presence of several SHCs increases the likelihood of having more prospectively registered periods of sickness absence above two weeks.
The solution to pollution may not be dilution: A paediatric burn from accidental fingernail glue spillage
Authors: Sharma Vikram P , Soueid Ali , Khanna Aman , Rashid Abid , Jeffery Steven LA
Published: January 2013

The use of fingernail glue in cosmetics is widespread, but the serious effects of spillage directly onto skin causing a burn have not been previously reported. We describe a 2-year-old male suffering full-thickness burns to the dorsum of his left foot 9 days after direct contact with cyanoacrylate-containing nail glue. Conservative management failed and formal surgical excision with skin grafting was needed. First aid advice from product safety and medical literature is ambiguous, as despite timely intervention with recommended measures, a serious burn injury resulted. Review of the literature revealed two other cases of indirect nail glue burns, both requiring surgery, with clothing acting as an interface between glue and skin, distinguishing it from our case. We propose possible mechanisms of injury and present this case to increase awareness of the consequences of contact with a seemingly trivial cosmetic chemical, recommend its better labelling and hope to educate medical professionals about this unusual, but serious mechanism of burn injury. This would obviate additional psychological stress on child and parents due to unnecessary referral to social services for investigation of a possible non-accidental injury.
Prediction of impulsive vehicle tyre-suspension response to abusive drive-over-kerb manoeuvres
Authors: von Chappuis H , Mavros G , King PD , Rahnejat H
Published: January 2013

This article presents a minimal parameter vehicle simulation model to predict the vertical suspension loads expected during abusive driving manoeuvres, such as a kerb strike event. Impulsive suspension loads are applied to tyre and suspension elements under such conditions. In particular, the aim is to specifically study the reactions of jounce bumper–rebound stop and tyre characteristics. For this purpose, a vehicle in-plane pitch dynamics model with 7 degrees of freedom suffices. Non-linear and hysteretic characteristics of the bump-stop elements are included through a new parametric map concept, based on displacement and velocity-dependent hysteresis. Furthermore, a static tyre model is described, tailored to predict the radial stiffness against penetration of an edge with a flat-type rigid body geometry. The tyre model is derived on the basis of classical membrane theory and represented in terms of only a few input parameters. Model validation is supported through experiments at both component and system levels.
Ethnic differences in beta-cell function, dietary intake and expression of the metabolic syndrome among UK adults of South Asian, black African-Caribbean and white-European origin at high risk of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Goff Louise M , Griffin Bruce A , Lovegrove Julie A , Sanders Tom A , Jebb Susan A , Bluck Les J , Frost Gary S ,   on behalf of the RISCK Study Group
Published: January 2013

A cross-sectional analysis of ethnic differences in dietary intake, insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function, using the intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT), was conducted on 497 healthy adult participants of the ‘Reading, Imperial, Surrey, Cambridge, and Kings’ (RISCK) study. Insulin sensitivity (Si) was significantly lower in African-Caribbean (AC) and South Asian (SA) participants [IVGTT-Si; AC: 2.13 vs SA: 2.25 vs white-European (WE): 2.84 (×10−4 mL µU min)2, p < 0.001]. AC participants had a higher prevalence of anti-hypertensive therapy (AC: 19.7% vs SA: 7.5%), the most cardioprotective lipid profile [total:high-density lipoprotein (HDL); AC: 3.52 vs SA: 4.08 vs WE: 3.83, p = 0.03] and more pronounced hyperinsulinaemia [IVGTT–acute insulin response (AIR)] [AC: 575 vs SA: 428 vs WE: 344 mL/µU/min)2, p = 0.002], specifically in female participants. Intake of saturated fat and carbohydrate was lower and higher in AC (10.9% and 50.4%) and SA (11.1% and 52.3%), respectively, compared to WE (13.6% and 43.8%, p < 0.001). Insulin resistance in ACs is characterised by ‘normal’ lipid profiles but high rates of hypertension and pronounced hyperinsulinaemia.
Vascular contribution to hyperglycaemia-induced hemichorea
Authors: Ahmad Aftab , Paliwal Prakash , Wakerley Benjamin R , Teoh Hock Luen , Sharma Vijay K
Published: January 2013

Hemichorea, due to contralateral basal ganglia dysfunction, is well described in patients with hyperglycaemia but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. We present clinical and radiological data that support ipsilateral vascular compromise to the basal ganglia in such cases. We suggest vascular evaluation in patients with unilateral neurological phenomena secondary to suspected systemic or metabolic disorders.
The Order of Games in a Best-of-Three Contest
Authors: Krumer Alex
Published: January 2013

We study a best-of-three all-pay contest with two players in which the first player to win two games wins the contest. Each player has a value of winning the contest as well as a value of winning a single game. It is assumed that a player’s value of winning a game in his home field is higher than his value of winning a game away from home. The stronger player (the player with the higher value of winning the contest) plays twice at his home field and once away from it. We analyze the order of games that both players agree to, according to which no one has an incentive to switch to a different order, since switching would not yield a higher expected payoff. In this order, the weaker player plays at his home field in the first stage and then plays two games at the stronger player’s field.
Horror 2.0 (On Demand)
Authors: Tompkins Joe
Published: January 2013

This article examines the horror movie industry’s mobilization of web content and digital distribution outlets, such as video-on-demand (VOD), and how specific fan practices get encoded into business models shaping web 2.0 strategies. Specifically, it examines the emergence of the multiplatform brand Fearnet, a joint cable channel, website, and VOD service owned by Comcast, Lionsgate, and Sony Pictures Entertainment. It argues that the service, which features horror movies taken from the Sony/MGM library and includes a host of interactive features, not only illustrates the changing impact of new media technologies on film distribution but also the growing industrial utility of VOD services for both cable and film industries. By relying on subcultural practices and discourses specific to horror fandom, digital services like Fearnet act as branded media conduits for the various markets and commerce that sustain niche-oriented categories of horror as a commodified experience.
Manufacturing process and property evaluation of sound-absorbing and thermal-insulating polyester fiber/polypropylene/thermoplastic polyurethane composite board
Authors: Huang Chen-Hung , Lin Jia-Horng , Chuang Yu-Chun
Published: January 2013

This study reports on the development of a sound-absorbing/thermal-insulating nonwoven composite board and its relevant manufacturing process. The developed nonwoven composite board is used to reduce airborne noise and achieve thermal insulation through its irregular, three-dimensional porous structure. The nonwoven composite board is made of recycled polypropylene nonwoven selvages, two types of polyester fiber, and thermoplastic polyurethane. The experimental results reveal the excellent thermal insulating properties of both the polyester fiber/polypropylene and polyester fiber/polypropylene/thermoplastic polyurethane composite boards. In addition, the sound absorption of the polyester fiber/polypropylene /thermoplastic polyurethane composite board performs well in low and medium frequency ranges. For frequencies below 1000 Hz, the best sound absorption coefficient of polyester fiber/polypropylene/thermoplastic polyurethane composite board can reach a value of up to 0.698.
Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia Guidelines for Diagnostic Testing
Authors: Arevalo-Rodriguez Ingrid , Pedraza Olga L. , Rodríguez Andrea , Sánchez Erick , Gich Ignasi , Solà Ivan , Bonfill Xavier , Alonso-Coello Pablo
Published: January 2013

Alzheimer’s disease dementia (AD dementia) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases worldwide, with a growing incidence during the last decades. Clinical diagnosis of cognitive impairment and presence of AD biomarkers have become important issues for early and adequate treatment. We performed a systematic literature search and quality appraisal of AD dementia guidelines, published between 2005 and 2011, which contained diagnostic recommendations on AD dementia. We also analyzed diagnostic recommendations related to the use of brief cognitive tests, neuropsychological evaluation, and AD biomarkers. Of the 537 retrieved references, 15 met the selection criteria. We found that Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE)-II domains such as applicability and editorial independence had the lowest scores. The wide variability on assessment of quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were the main concerns identified regarding diagnostic testing. Although the appropriate methodology for clinical practice guideline development is well known, the quality of diagnostic AD dementia guidelines can be significantly improved.
Yeast cell wall supplementation alters aspects of the physiological and acute phase responses of crossbred heifers to an endotoxin challenge
Authors: Sanchez Nicole C Burdick , Young Tanner R , Carroll Jeffery A , Corley Jimmie R , Rathmann Ryan J , Johnson Bradley J
Published: January 2013

A study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding yeast cell wall (YCW) products on the physiological and acute phase responses of crossbred, newly-received feedlot heifers to an endotoxin challenge. Heifers ( n = 24; 219 ± 2.4 kg) were separated into treatment groups receiving either a control diet ( n = 8), YCW-A (2.5 g/heifer/d; n = 8) or YCW-C (2.5 g/heifer/d; n = 8) and were fed for 52 d. On d 37 heifers were challenged i.v. with LPS (0.5 µg/kg body mass) and blood samples were collected from −2 h to 8 h and again at 24 h relative to LPS challenge. There was an increase in vaginal temperature in all heifers post-LPS, with YCW-C maintaining a lower vaginal temperature post-LPS than control and YCW-A heifers. Sickness behavior scores increased post-LPS in all heifers, but were not affected by treatment. Cortisol concentrations were greatest in control heifers post-LPS compared with YCW-A or YCW-C heifers. Concentrations of IFN-γ and TNF-α increased post-LPS, but were not affected by treatment. Serum IL-6 concentrations increased post-LPS and were greater in control heifers than YCW-A and YCW-C heifers. These data indicate that YCW supplementation can decrease the physiological and acute phase responses of newly-received heifers following an endotoxin challenge.
Hereditary pancreatitis for the endoscopist
Authors: Patel Milan R. , Eppolito Amanda L. , Willingham Field F.
Published: January 2013

Hereditary pancreatitis shares a majority of clinical and morphologic features with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis, but may present at an earlier age. The term hereditary pancreatitis has primarily been associated with mutations in the serine protease 1 gene (PRSS1) which encodes for cationic trypsinogen. PRSS1 mutations account for approximately 68–81% of hereditary pancreatitis. Mutations in other genes, primarily serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) are also associated with hereditary pancreatitis. While chronic alcoholic pancreatitis may develop in the fourth or fifth decades, patients with hereditary pancreatitis may develop symptoms in the first or second decades of life. Hereditary pancreatitis is diagnosed either by detecting a causative gene mutation or by the presence of chronic pancreatitis in two first-degree or three second-degree relatives, in two or more generations, without precipitating factors and with a negative workup for known causes. Patients with hereditary pancreatitis may have recurrent acute pancreatitis and may develop pancreatic exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. Hereditary pancreatitis may involve premature trypsinogen activation or decreased control of trypsin. Recurrent inflammation can lead to acute pancreatitis and subsequently to chronic pancreatitis with parenchymal calcification. There is a markedly increased risk of pancreatic carcinoma compared with the general population. Patients are often referred for evaluation of pancreatitis, biliary or pancreatic ductal dilatation, jaundice, biliary obstruction, pancreatic duct stone or stricture, pancreatic pseudocysts, and for evaluation for malignancy. Medical treatment includes pancreatic enzyme supplementation, nutritional supplementation, diabetes management, and palliation of pain. Patients should avoid tobacco use and alcohol exposure. Hereditary pancreatitis is reviewed and recommendations for genetic testing are discussed.
Paget-Schroetter Syndrome
Authors: Mall Nathan A. , Van Thiel Geoffrey S. , Heard Wendell M. , Paletta George A. , Bush-Joseph Charles , Bach Bernard R.
Published: January 2013

Paget-Schroetter is a rare diagnosis in the general population; however, it is more common in younger, physically active individuals. Clinicians must be familiar with the symptoms, physical examination, and initial imaging and treatment to expedite care and prevent possible life-threatening complications. Urgent referral to a regional specialist may improve the opportunity for thrombolysis to restore blood flow through the subclavian vein and to decrease the chance of pulmonary embolus, recurrent thrombosis, or need for vein grafting, as well as to improve the time to return to full activity (athletics and/or manual labor).
Some Aspects of the Contemporary Agrarian Question
Authors: Patnaik Utsa
Published: January 2013

This article argues that the first industrializing nations like Britain historically met a large part of their food needs through tax or rent-financed imports and re-exports, from today’s developing countries. It points out a fallacy in Ricardo’s theory of mutual benefit for both trading partners from specialization and exchange, arising from its assumption that both countries produce both goods. Developing countries did not benefit but experienced falling per head output of basic staples, severely undermining food security for their own populations, both historically and under current trade liberalization, which has again shifted cropping patterns towards exports. The direct colonial taxation of the past to suppress domestic mass demand is replaced by income-deflating fiscal measures under the neo-liberal regime. It discusses why globally grain consumption per head is positively associated with per head income, and argues that the observed decline in India, as its income rises, can only reflect absolute decline in consumption for the already under-nourished majority.
The Economic Diplomacy of Tanzania: Accumulation by Dispossession in a Peripheral State
Authors: Kamata Ng’wanza
Published: January 2013

Between the 1960s and the 1980s Tanzania inspired a host of countries in Africa and the global South with its principled foreign policy centred on liberation diplomacy. This policy was abandoned in the 1990s, as Tanzania adopted economic diplomacy. Over two decades have now passed and some sections of the public are questioning what economic diplomacy entails in practice, what it means to the Tanzanian society. This article is an attempt to respond to some of these questions, by exploring some general conceptions of economic diplomacy and counter-posing them to popular notions and experiences. The article argues that economic diplomacy thus far has been nothing but a tool of the neoliberal project to facilitate accumulation by dispossession.
Histone deacetylase 1 and 2 are essential for normal T-cell development and genomic stability in mice
Authors: Dovey Oliver M. , Foster Charles T. , Conte Nathalie , Edwards Sally A. , Edwards Jennifer M. , Singh Rajinder , Vassiliou George , Bradley Allan , Cowley Shaun M.
Published: January 2013

Key Points

We demonstrate a critical role for histone deacetylase 1 and 2 (HDAC1/2) in T-cell development and the maintenance of genomic stability.
Notes on Greub-Rheinboldt inequalities
Authors: Zhao Di , Li Hongyi , Gong Zhiguo
Published: January 2013

In this paper, we focus on matrix Greub-Rheinboldt inequalities for commutative positive definite Hermitian matrix pairs. Some improvements, which yield sharpened bounds compared with existing results, are presented.
Concurrent exposure to a dectin-1 agonist suppresses the Th2 response to epicutaneously introduced antigen in mice
Authors: Lin Jing-Yi , Chen Jau-Shiuh , Chen Pei-Chun , Chung Ming-Hui , Liu Ching-Yi , Miaw Shi-Chuen , Wang Li-Fang
Published: January 2013

Background

Epicutaneous sensitization with protein allergen that induces predominant Th2 responses is an important sensitization route in atopic dermatitis. Fungal components have been shown to modulate Th cell differentiation. However, the effects of fungal components on epicutaneous sensitization are unclear.

Results

In this study, we showed that co-administration of curdlan, a dectin-1 agonist, during epicutaneous ovalbumin sensitization of BALB/c mice decreased the IL-5 and IL-13 levels in supernatants of lymph node cell ovalbumin reactivation cultures. Mechanistically, curdlan co-administration decreased IL-4 and IL-1β expressions in draining lymph nodes. Curdlan co-administration also lower the migration of langerin+ CD103- epidermal Langerhans cells into draining lymph nodes at 96 hours post-sensitization which might be attributed to decreased expressions of IL-18 and IL-1β in patched skin. Moreover, adoptive transfer of CFSE-labeled transgenic CD4 T cells confirmed that curdlan co-administration decreased the proliferation and IL-4-production of ovalbumin -specific T cells primed by epidermal Langerhans cells.

Conclusions

These results indicated that concurrent exposure to a dectin-1 agonist suppresses the epicutaneously induced Th2 response by modulating the cytokine expression profiles in draining LNs and the migration of epidermal Langerhans cells. These results highlight the effects of fungal components on epicutaneous allergen sensitization in atopic diseases.
Prospective cohort study of HIV incidence and molecular characteristics of HIV among men who have sex with men(MSM) in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Xu Junjie , An Minghui , Han Xiaoxu , Jia Manhong , Ma Yanling , Zhang Min , Hu Qinghai , Chu Zhenxing , Zhang Jing , Jiang Yongjun , Geng Wenqing , Lu Lin , Shang Hong
Published: January 2013

Background

Yunnan has the largest number of reported HIV/AIDS cases among all Chinese provinces, the reported prevalence of HIV among Yunnan men who have sex with men (MSM) passed 10%, while HIV incidence epidemic and molecular characteristics of new infected Yunnan MSM were not evaluated before.

Methods

An 18 months prospective followed up with a frequency of 3 month per visit were conducted among HIV seronegative MSM in Kunming cityduring 2009–2011. Interviewer-administrated questionnaires were carried out. Blood specimens were obtained to test for syphilis and HIV, in which HIV were evaluated by standard HIV enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and HIV nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT). Near full-length regions of the HIV-1 were evaluated for subtyping, primary drug resistance mutations.

Results

During the follow-up 70.1% of the recruited 378 MSM retained in the cohort. Eleven MSM seroconverted to HIV and fifteen MSM seroconverted to syphilis. The HIV incidence and syphilis incidence was 3.5 (95% CI 1.8-6.2) cases /100 person year(PY) and 5.3 (95% CI 3.0-8.7) cases/100 PY, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that baseline syphilis infection (aHR, 17.7), occupation (students vs. others [aHR, 5.7], retirees vs. others [aHR, 4.1]), bleeding experience after receptive anal intercourse (aHR,7.6), and minority ethnic(vs. Han) [aHR, 5.7] were independent risk factors for HIV seroconversion(each P<0.05). Among the 7/11 successfully amplified near full-length sequences, 71.4% (5/7) were CRF01_AE, and 28.6% (2/7) were CRF07_BC. Two HIV transmission pairs were detected among seroconverted minority ethnic MSM.

Conclusions

HIV incidence was moderately high among Yunnan MSM. Yunnan province need to strengthen both HIV and syphilis screening among MSM population. Some subpopulations of MSM, such as students, retirees and minority ethnic groups require more HIV epidemic surveillance and strengthened behavior interventions. HIV subtypes and primary drug resistance should be continually monitored to track cross-group transmission of HIV strains.
A successful antimicrobial regime for Chromobacterium violaceum induced bacteremia
Authors: Campbell James I , Lan Nguyen Phu Huong , Qui Phan Tu , Dung Le Thi , Farrar Jeremy J , Baker Stephen
Published: January 2013

Background

Chromobacterium violaceum is a proteobacterium found in soil and water in tropical regions. The organism rarely causes infection in humans, yet can cause a severe systemic infection by entering the bloodstream via an open wound.

Case presentation

We recently identified a case of severe bacteremia caused by Chromobacterium violaceum at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases (HTD) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Here, we describe how rapid microbiological identification and a combination of antimicrobials was used to successfully treat this life threatening infection in a four-year-old child.

Conclusions

This case shows the need for rapid diagnosis when there is the suspicion of a puncture wound contaminated with water and soil in tropical regions. We suggest that the aggressive antimicrobial combination used here is considered when this infection is suspected.
Value of digital telethermography for the diagnosis of septic knee prosthesis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Romanò Carlo Luca , D’Anchise Roberto , Calamita Marco , Manzi Giovanni , Romanò Delia , Sansone Valerio
Published: January 2013

Background

Diagnosis of peri-prosthetic infection remains challenging, often requiring a combination of different tests.

Methods

In this prospective, case–control study, the diagnostic accuracy of telethermography was evaluated in a group of seventy patients who had had a total knee replacement and were undergoing a reoperation because of infection or another implant-related problem, after a minimum of one year from implant.

Results

An average differential temperature of the affected versus not affected knee of 1.9°C was observed in infected prosthesis, compared to 0.3°C in aseptic failures. Considering a normal reference value equal or less than 1.0°C, telethermography showed an accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of, respectively: 0.90, 0.89, 0.91, 0.91, 0.88.

Conclusions

Digital telethermography is a reliable option for diagnosing peri-prosthetic knee infection.
Transient decrease in serum potassium level during ischemic attack of acute coronary syndrome: Paradoxical contribution of plasma glucose level and glycohemoglobin
Authors: Sekiyama Hiroshi , Nagoshi Tomohisa , Komukai Kimiaki , Matsushima Masato , Katoh Daisuke , Ogawa Kazuo , Minai Kosuke , Ogawa Takayuki , Yoshimura Michihiro
Published: January 2013

Background

Although a decrease in serum potassium level has been suggested to be a fairly common observation in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), there have so far been no definitive reports directly demonstrating the transient potassium decrease (the potassium dip) during ischemic attack of ACS compared to stable phase in individual patients. To understand the pathophysiological significance of the potassium dip, we examined the changes in serum potassium level throughout ischemic attack and evaluated the clinical factors affecting it.

Methods

The degree of the potassium dip during ischemic attack (as indicated by ΔK, ΔK = K at discharge − K on admission) was examined in 311 consecutive patients with ACS who required urgent hospitalization in our institution.

Results

Serum potassium level during ischemic attack was significantly decreased compared to that during stable phase (P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that plasma glucose level during attack was the sole factor which was positively correlated with ΔK (P < 0.01), while HbA1c level was negatively correlated (P < 0.05). The medication profiles and renal function had no impact on ΔK. A longer hospitalization period, higher incidence of myocardial infarction and higher peak creatine kinase level were observed in patients with a larger ΔK.

Conclusions

We have clearly demonstrated that there is a transient decrease in serum potassium level during ischemic attack of ACS compared to stable phase. The degree of the potassium dip was tightly correlated with glucose level, which overwhelmed the diabetic condition, and it also indicates the disease severity. The present study therefore promotes awareness of the significance of monitoring potassium level in parallel with glucose level in patients with ACS.
Graphitic carbon grown on fluorides by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Jerng Sahng-Kyoon , Lee Jae Hong , Kim Yong Seung , Chun Seung-Hyun
Published: January 2013

We study the growth mechanism of carbon molecules supplied by molecular beam epitaxy on fluoride substrates (MgF2, CaF2, and BaF2). All the carbon layers form graphitic carbon with different crystallinities depending on the cation. Especially, the growth on MgF2 results in the formation of nanocrystalline graphite (NCG). Such dependence on the cation is a new observation and calls for further systematic studies with other series of substrates. At the same growth temperature, the NCG on MgF2 has larger clusters than those on oxides. This is contrary to the general expectation because the bond strength of the carbon-fluorine bond is larger than that of the carbon-oxygen bond. Our results show that the growth of graphitic carbon does not simply depend on the chemical bonding between the carbon and the anion in the substrate.
Structural, phylogenetic and docking studies of D-amino acid oxidase activator (DAOA), a candidate schizophrenia gene
Authors: Sehgal Sheikh Arslan , Khattak Naureen Aslam , Mir Asif
Published: January 2013

Background

Schizophrenia is a neurodegenerative disorder that occurs worldwide and can be difficult to diagnose. It is the foremost neurological disorder leading to suicide among patients in both developed and underdeveloped countries. D-amino acid oxidase activator (DAOA), also known as G72, is directly implicated in the glutamateric hypothesis of schizophrenia. It activates D-amino acid oxidase, which oxidizes D-serine, leading to modulation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor.

Methods

MODELLER (9v10) was utilized to generate three dimensional structures of the DAOA candidate gene. The HOPE server was used for mutational analysis. The Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA5) tool was utilized to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the candidate gene DAOA. AutoDock was used for protein-ligand docking and Gramm-X and PatchDock for protein-protein docking.

Results

A suitable template (1ZCA) was selected by employing BLASTp on the basis of 33% query coverage, 27% identity and E-value 4.9. The Rampage evaluation tool showed 91.1% favored region, 4.9% allowed region and 4.1% outlier region in DAOA. ERRAT demonstrated that the predicted model had a 50.909% quality factor. Mutational analysis of DAOA revealed significant effects on hydrogen bonding and correct folding of the DAOA protein, which in turn affect protein conformation. Ciona was inferred as the outgroup. Tetrapods were in their appropriate clusters with bifurcations. Human amino acid sequences are conserved, with chimpanzee and gorilla showing more than 80% homology and bootstrap value based on 1000 replications. Molecular docking analysis was employed to elucidate the binding mode of the reported ligand complex for DAOA. The docking experiment demonstrated that DAOA is involved in major amino acid interactions: the residues that interact most strongly with the ligand C28H28N3O5PS2 are polar but uncharged (Gln36, Asn38, Thr 122) and non-polar hydrophobic (Ile119, Ser171, Ser21, Ala31). Protein-protein docking simulation demonstrated two ionic bonds and one hydrogen bond involving DAOA. Lys-7 of the receptor protein interacted with Lys-163 and Asp-2037. Tyr-03 interacted with Arg-286 of the ligand protein and formed a hydrogen bond.

Conclusion

The predicted interactions might serve to inhibit the disease-related allele. It is assumed that current bioinformatics methods will contribute significantly to identifying, analyzing and curing schizophrenia. There is an urgent need to develop effective drugs for schizophrenia, and tools for examining candidate genes more accurately and efficiently are required.
Identification of EBV infection in adults with egg specific food allergy
Authors: Pan Yang , Nie Zhiyang , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Kuo , Li Jinming , Wang Lunan
Published: January 2013

Background

Food allergy has been reported increasingly around the world during the past several decades. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common herpesvirus with high infection rate, is now suspected to be a risk or protective factor in food allergy. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible role of EBV infection in IgE-mediated food allergy.

Methods

34 patients with an egg allergy and 34 healthy controls participated in this study. Egg allergy was confirmed by open-food challenge. Serum anti-viral capsid antigen (VCA), anti-Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA-1) IgG and egg specific (yolk and white)-IgE levels were evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). At the same time, EBV DNA as well as viral miRNAs in these samples was quantified by real-time PCR.

Results

The results showed that serum anti EBNA-1 IgG and two viral miRNAs (miR-BART1-5p and miR-BART7) were highly expressed in patients with egg allergy compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05, < 0.001 and < 0.01, respectively). Moreover, the expressions of anti EBNA-1 specific IgG, miR-BART1-5p and miR-BART7 positively correlated with the level of egg-specific IgE (p < 0.05, < 0.01 and < 0.01, respectively). The differences in anti VCA IgG concentration and EBV DNA copy number between the allergy patients and control individuals were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The high expression of EBV-specific antibody and miRNAs indicated that EBV infection might play a promoting role in IgE-mediated egg food allergy, and viral miRNAs-related immunomodulatory pathway was likely involved in this allergy process.