bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MUSCARINIC RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS IN THE TREATMENT OF OVERACTIVE BLADDER
Authors: CHAPPLE CHRISTOPHER R.
Published: March 2014

A wealth of clinical evidence supports the view that muscarinic receptor antagonists are effective in the treatment of overactive bladder. However, treatment‐limiting adverse effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision have restricted the usefulness of previously available agents, such as oxybutynin. A real need therefore existed for effective and well‐tolerated agents for the long‐term management of the troublesome symptoms of overactive bladder. This review outlines the various approaches that have been used in attempts to overcome the tolerability problems of oxybutynin. It also describes how advances in our understanding of muscarinic receptors and bladder function has led to the potential development of either tissue‐ or subtype‐selective antimuscarinic agents with improved tolerability. Drugs that have been developed in this way include tolterodine and darifenacin, each of which shows some bladder selectivity in animal models. Unlike darifenacin, however, the bladder selectivity of tolterodine has been confirmed by numerous clinical studies. Tolterodine's improved tolerability compared with oxybutynin, along with its equivalent therapeutic efficacy at recommended dosages, permits patients to experience the beneficial effects of long‐term treatment. Tolterodine therefore represents a real alternative for the long‐term management of overactive bladder. The results of ongoing clinical studies with darifenacin are awaited before it can be concluded that selective antagonism of M3 receptors leads to improved tolerability over existing agents in the treatment of overactive bladder. Similarly, the potential improvements in tolerability associated with different dosage formulations of oxybutynin, and the clinical utility of S‐oxybutynin, are yet to be conclusively demonstrated.
Classification and treatment of functional incontinence in children
Authors: NIJMAN R.J.M.
Published: March 2014

Functional urinary incontinence in children may be caused by disturbances of the filling phase, the voiding phase or a combination of both. Detrusor overactivity may cause frequency and urgency, with or without urge incontinence. Girls present with symptoms of detrusor overactivity more often than boys, but sometimes other symptoms, e.g. urinary tract infections or constipation, prevail. Frequent contractions of the detrusor may cause the pelvic floor muscles to become overactive, resulting in staccato or fractionated voiding. When incontinence is the result of a voiding disorder the term ‘dysfunctional voiding’ is used. Bladder function in these children may be normal, but instability may be present. In children with a ‘lazy’ bladder, voiding occurs with no detrusor contractions, and postvoid residual volumes and overflow incontinence are the main characteristics. Diagnosis is based on the medical and voiding history, a physical examination, bladder diaries and uroflowmetry. The upper urinary tract should be evaluated in children with recurrent infections and dysfunctional voiding (reflux). Uroflowmetry can be combined with pelvic floor electromyography to detect overactivity of the pelvic floor muscles. Urodynamic studies are usually reserved for patients with dysfunctional voiding and those not responding to anticholinergic drugs. Treatment is usually a combination of ‘standard therapy’, behavioural therapy, bladder training, physiotherapy and medical treatment. The role of α‐blockers needs to be evaluated further. Also, neuromodulation may have a place in treatment but the exact indications need to be defined. Clean intermittent self‐catheterization is sometimes necessary in children with a lazy bladder and large residual volumes who do not respond to a more conservative approach. Future research needs to be directed towards improving understanding of the pathophysiology, epidemiology, classification and treatment modalities of functional incontinence in children.
Mixed symptomatology
Authors: MCGUIRE E.J.
Published: March 2014

Mixed symptomatology, i.e. both stress and urge incontinence, is reported by patients, either of their own accord or in response to a questionnaire. Our understanding of motor urge incontinence, detrusor instability, stress incontinence and sensory urge incontinence is changing. Detrusor instability is now known to be a urodynamic observation of uncertain clinical significance. Symptoms reported by patients are not equivalent to a urodynamic diagnosis but the problem seems to be more in the urodynamics than in the symptoms. Evidence shows that sensory urge incontinence and motor urge incontinence are probably gradations of the same condition. The relationship between stress incontinence and an overactive bladder is complex. For example, neither detrusor instability nor urge incontinence appear to adversely influence the outcome of surgical treatment for stress incontinence; however, this treatment does not have a good success rate. At present, it is not clear whether this poor outcome reflects a lack of efficacy of the operations used, or their application to inappropriate patients.
Saussurea pseudograminea sp. nov. (Asteraceae) from the Qinghai–Tibetan plateau, China
Authors: Wang Yi‐Feng , Li Qing‐Jing , Du Guo‐Zhen , Lian Yong‐Shan
Published: March 2014

Morphological characteristics, as well as ultrastructure of pollen grains, chromosome numbers and karyotype analysis have been used to establish a new species of Saussurea from the Qinghai–Tibetan plateau. The new species, Saussurea pseudograminea Y. F. Wang, G. Z. Du et Y. S. Lian is easily distinguished from the similar S. graminea Dunn by having 2–3 capitula, involucre 0.7–1.2 cm in diameter, smaller pollen grains, pollen surface with larger and denser spines, achenes 4.0–5.5 mm long, 32 chromosomes, and a karyotype formula 2n = 2x = 32 = 18m + 10sm + 4st, whereas S. graminea has solitary capitula, involucre 1.2–2.0 cm in diameter, larger pollen grains, pollen surface with smaller and sparser spines, achenes 3–4 mm long, 28 chromosomes and a karyotype formula 2n = 2x = 28 = 6m + 20sm + 2st. The new species is distributed in Dianzhangou, Awanchang, and Gamaliang mountain regions of Maqu county in Gansu province.
Excess caffeine exposure impairs eye development during chick embryogenesis
Authors: Ma Zheng‐lai , Wang Guang , Cheng Xin , Chuai Manli , Kurihara Hiroshi , Lee Kenneth Ka Ho , Yang Xuesong
Published: March 2014

Caffeine has been an integral component of our diet and medicines for centuries. It is now known that over consumption of caffeine has detrimental effects on our health, and also disrupts normal foetal development in pregnant mothers. In this study, we investigated the potential teratogenic effect of caffeine over‐exposure on eye development in the early chick embryo. Firstly, we demonstrated that caffeine exposure caused chick embryos to develop asymmetrical microphthalmia and induced the orbital bone to develop abnormally. Secondly, caffeine exposure perturbed Pax6 expression in the retina of the developing eye. In addition, it perturbed the migration of HNK‐1+ cranial neural crest cells. Pax6 is an important gene that regulates eye development, so altering the expression of this gene might be the cause for the abnormal eye development. Thirdly, we found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was significantly increased in eye tissues following caffeine treatment, and that the addition of anti‐oxidant vitamin C could rescue the eyes from developing abnormally in the presence of caffeine. This suggests that excess ROS induced by caffeine is one of the mechanisms involved in the teratogenic alterations observed in the eye during embryogenesis. In sum, our experiments in the chick embryo demonstrated that caffeine is a potential teratogen. It causes asymmetrical microphthalmia to develop by increasing ROS production and perturbs Pax6 expression.
Sex‐specific distribution and diet of Platichthys flesus at the end of spawning in the northern Baltic Sea
Authors: Borg J. P. G. , Westerbom M. , Lehtonen H.
Published: March 2014

This study examined the relationship of seascape structure, prey availability and sex on the post‐spawning distribution and diet of European flounder Platichthys flesus in the northern Baltic Sea. The objectives were to determine whether: (1) wave exposure and substratum affect abundance and distribution of P. flesus, (2) diet reflects the benthic prey composition and (3) sex affects the distribution or diet of P. flesus. The results showed that P. flesus was evenly spread in the archipelago with no correlation to wave exposure. The distribution was, however, sex specific; reproductive males dominated the exposed zone and mainly post‐reproductive females dominated the intermediate and sheltered zones. Platichthys flesus fed mainly on two bivalve prey species: blue mussels Mytilus edulis and Baltic tellins Macoma balthica. Hard substratum invertebrates dominated the diet in all habitats and apart from some typical soft substratum species, there was no clear link between fish feeding and the dominance structure of benthic prey. Diet was further sex specific, with females showing a broader range of diet than males. Results suggest that P. flesus is a specialist molluscivore found commonly and equally in soft‐ and hard‐substratum habitats throughout the archipelago area. Previous studies on P. flesus in the Baltic Sea have yielded inconsistent results regarding diet and it has commonly been believed that the distribution of Baltic Sea P. flesus is linked to sand and soft substrata. The present findings emphasize the importance of including the entire range of habitats when diet and regional species distributions are assessed.
High to ultrahigh temperature contact metamorphism and dry partial melting of the Tasiuyak paragneiss, Northern Labrador
Authors: Mitchell R. K. , Indares A. , Ryan B.
Published: March 2014

Contact aureoles of the anorthositic to granitic plutons of the Mesoproterozoic Nain Plutonic Suite (NPS), Labrador, are particularly well developed in the Palaeoproterozoic granulite facies, metasedimentary, Tasiuyak gneiss. Granulite facies regional metamorphism (MR),c. 1860 Ma, led to biotite dehydration melting of the paragneiss and melt migration, leaving behind biotite‐poor, garnet–sillimanite‐bearing quartzofeldspathic rocks. Subsequently, Tasiuyak gneiss within ac. 1320 Ma contact aureole of theNPSwas statically subjected to lower pressure, but higher temperature conditions (MC), leading to a second partial melting event, and the generation of complex mineral assemblages and microstructures, which were controlled to a large extent by the textures of theMRassemblage. This control is clearly seen in scanning electron microscopic images of thin sections and is further supported by phase equilibria modelling. Samples collected within the contact aureole near Anaktalik Brook, west of Nain, Labrador, mainly consist of spinel–cordierite and orthopyroxene–cordierite (or plagioclase) pseudomorphs afterMRsillimanite and garnet, respectively, within a quartzofeldspathic matrix. In addition, some samples contain fine‐grained intergrowths of K‐feldspar–quartz–cordierite–orthopyroxene inferred to be pseudomorphs after osumulite. Microstructural evidence of the former melt includes (i) coarse‐grained K‐feldspar–quartz–cordierite–orthopyroxene domains that locally cut the rock fabric and are inferred to represent neosome; (ii) very fine‐ to medium‐grained cordierite–quartz intergrowths interpreted to have formed by a reaction involving dissolution of biotite and feldspar in melt; and (iii) fine‐scale interstitial pools or micro‐cracks filled by feldspar interpreted to have crystallized from melt. Ultrahigh temperature (UHT) conditions during contact metamorphism are supported by (i) solidus temperatures >900 °C estimated for all samples, coupled with extensive textural evidence for contact‐related partial melting; (ii) the inferred (former) presence of osumilite; and (iii) titanium‐in‐quartz thermometry indicating temperatures within error of 900 °C. TheUHTenvironment in which these unusual textures and minerals were developed was likely a consequence of the superposition of more than one contact metamorphic event upon the already relatively anhydrous Tasiuyak gneiss.
Mechanoadaptation of developing limbs: shaking a leg
Authors: Pollard A. S. , McGonnell I. M. , Pitsillides A. A.
Published: March 2014

The proportion of total limb length taken up by the individual skeletal elements (limb proportionality), varies widely between species. These diverse skeletal forms have evolved to allow for a range of limb uses and they first emerge as the embryo develops, to achieve the characteristic skeletal architecture of each species. During this time, the developing skeleton experiences mechanical loading as a result of embryonic muscle contraction. The possibility that adaptation to such mechanical input may allow embryos to coordinate the appearance of skeletal design with their expanding range of movements has so far received little attention. This is surprising, given the critical role exerted by embryo movement in normal skeletal development; stage‐specific in ovo immobilisation of embryonic chicks results in joint contractures and a reduction in longitudinal bone growth in the limbs. Epigenetic mechanisms allow for selective activation of genes in response to environmental signals, resulting in the production of phenotypic complexity in morphogenesis; mechanical loading of bone during movement appears to be one such signal. It may be that ‘mechanosensitive’ genes under regulation of mechanical input adjust proportionality along the bone's proximo‐distal axis, introducing a level of phenotypic plasticity. If this hypothesis is upheld, species with more elongated distal limb elements will have a greater dependence on mechanical input for the differences in their growth, and mechanosensitive bone growth in the embryo may have evolved as an additional source of phenotypic diversity during skeletal development.
A split‐face comparative study to evaluate efficacy of combined subcision and dermaroller against combined subcision and cryoroller in treatment of acne scars
Authors: Gadkari Reshma , Nayak Chitra
Published: March 2014

Background

Acne scars occur consequent to abnormal wound healing following sebaceous follicular inflammation in acne. Various types of acne scars are icepick, rolling, boxcar, hypertrophic, and keloidal. Different modalities of treatment include subcision, dermaroller, cryoroller, punch excision, chemical peeling, and lasers.

Objectives

To compare the efficacy of combined subcision and dermaroller vs. combined subcision and cryoroller in acne scar treatment.

Methods

Thirty patients (19 males and 11 females) with grade 2, 3, and 4 postacne scarring (Goodman and Baron qualitative grading system) were enrolled in the study. Three sittings each at 1‐month interval were carried out of subcision under nerve block on the entire face followed by derma roller (2.5 mm) and cryoroller on one half of the face. Standardized digital photography was performed preprocedure and at 6 months. Grading of acne scar photographs using the Goodman and Baron qualitative and quantitative grading scale was carried out by a blinded observer pre‐ and postprocedure at 6 months. Patients' own evaluation based on patient scar severity perception scale of 1–10 was also taken into account.

Results

Assessment using the quantitative grading scale showed a 57% improvement using combined subcision and cryoroller against 40% improvement with combined subcision and dermaroller. Average improvement perceived by the subjects was 61% with combined subcision and cryoroller against 45% with combined subcision and dermaroller. The data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank test and found statistically significant. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation on the cryoroller side and erythema, edema, and hematoma formation due to subcision was transient.

Conclusion

Combined subcision and cryoroller is more effective than combined subcision and dermaroller for treatment of acne scars.
Calcium hydroxylapatite for jawline rejuvenation: consensus recommendations
Authors: Dallara Jean‐Marie , Baspeyras Martine , Bui Patrick , Cartier Hugues , Charavel Marie‐Hélène , Dumas Laurent
Published: March 2014

Background

Age‐associated volume loss is now known to play an important role in the structural changes of the aging face. In the lower face, this manifests as drooping of the corners of the mouth and jowl leading to a loss of the oval jawline of youth. Jawline reshaping by replacing volume has therefore become an indispensable component of modern facial rejuvenation.

Aim

Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA; Radiesse®, Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany) is an injectable filler with a cosmetic indication for tissue augmentation. The ability of calcium hydroxylapatite to provide immediate and long‐lasting volume enhancement makes it an ideal agent for restoring an oval jawline.

Method

This consensus statement has been developed to assist clinicians who would like to gain more experience in the use of volumizing agents to achieve an optimal outcome with this procedure.

Results

Using the recently developed Merz Aesthetics Scale® for jawline, the consensus provides a treatment protocol for individuals at each stage of oval loss and presents a series of before and after images to illustrate the improvements that can be achieved. Specific recommendations for calcium hydroxylapatite including type of anesthesia, injection techniques, volume for injection, use in combination with other procedures, and expected duration of corrections are provided. Techniques for minimizing and managing expected problems and potential complications are also described.

Conclusion

Calcium hydroxylapatite is appropriate for treating patients at any stage of oval loss.
Short‐flap facelift with 924 nm/975 nm laser lipolysis: a retrospective study of 78 patients
Authors: Ramirez Patrick , Leibowitz Alicia , Traylor‐Knowles Mimi , Taghizadeh Farhan
Published: March 2014

Objectives

This study reviews the overall outcome of 78 patients undergoing a short‐flap facelift with laser‐assisted lipolysis using a continuous‐wave 924/975‐nm diode laser.

Methods

Seventy‐eight patients undergo treatment of lipolysis and facelift using the traditional platysmaplasty technique along with continuous‐wave 924/975‐nm diode laser‐assisted lipolysis. A combination of 3D and 2D photographs is used from before, 6 weeks after, and 6 months after the procedure to judge the overall improvement in the cervicomental angle and the patient's general appearance. The Cervicomental Scale and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale Assessments, respectively, are used among a professional panel of three judges to determine improvement.

Results

Elevated flap, continuous‐wave lipolysis showed remarkable improvement in patients base on the CAS and GAIS judging system. Ninety‐five percent of patients showed improvement on CAS and 100% of patients showed improvement on GAIS when 6 months had passed after time of procedure.

Conclusion

The use of a continuous‐wave 924/975‐nm diode laser shows remarkable effectiveness in lipolysis of the sensitive jowl and neck area. Flap elevation serves as an important technique in assuring safety during procedure. This dual‐wavelength laser presents a revolutionary advance in performing facelifts and lipolysis in higher BMI patients.
HOW TO IMPLEMENT IMMUNOADSORPTION IN A POLYVALENT DIALYSIS UNIT: A REVIEW
Authors: Maggioni Sébastien , Hermelin Martine , Faubel Eric , Allal Asma , Kamar Nassim , Rostaing Lionel
Published: March 2014

Background

Many kidney‐transplant candidates have anti‐HLA alloantibodies (HLAi): these make transplantation difficult, even from a living kidney (LK) donor, because of the presence of donor‐specific anti‐HLA alloantibodies. Due to the shortage of deceased kidney donors, the number of LK transplants is increasing, but is potentially limited by ABO incompatibility (ABOi).

Objectives

To make ABOi and/or HLAi patients suitable for kidney transplantation they need to be desensitised: this strategy is mainly based on rituximab therapy combined with either plasmapheresis (PP) or immunoadsorption (IA). IA can be more efficient than PP because greater plasma volumes can be treated within a single session than a PP session (>4 vs. 1.5–2). IA can be specific (ABOi setting) or non‐specific (HLAi).

Design

We describe how we designed and implemented a desensitisation programme based on IA. This was started in the first trimester of 2010 within the Acute Polyvalent Haemodialysis and Apheresis Unit in Toulouse University Hospital, France. So far, we have performed >200 IA sessions with good results.

Results

The IA sessions were associated with a net body‐weight gain of ∼1 kg. Normally, IA is performed first and then haemodialysis on the same or next day; however, we have been able to, for the first time, couple IA with haemodialysis. Moreover, we can now carry out this procedure 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Conclusion

This procedure has improved patient care and reduced costs. The IA desensitisation programme has enabled successful transplantation in 24 patients to date.
New York City's Latino ethnolinguistic repertoire and the negotiation of latinidad in conversation
Authors: Negrón Rosalyn
Published: March 2014

Latino collective politics has received greater attention from scholars and policy analysts than the micro‐processes of everyday interaction among U.S. Latinos – the stuff with which collective efforts are constructed. In this article, I argue that latinidad – a sense of shared Latino identity – is best understood by taking into account the negotiations of collective identities in everyday, situated social practices. I ask: how do Latinos invoke latinidad in their everyday interactions, and to what end? In doing so, I present a conversation between two New York City Latinos, Roberto and William, who subtly invoke latinidad as they explore a possible business connection. Through discourse analysis of their exchange, I show that within one conversation two people can invoke latinidad through the adoption of different strategies of affiliation. Drawing on Benor's () ethnolinguistic repertoire framework, I show some of the linguistic resources that New York City Latinos access to index latinidad. I find that Benor's framework could be expanded to account for the arsenal of distinctive linguistic features used by members of panethnic groups. For U.S. Latinos, such an arsenal includes features of multiple varieties of both Spanish and English. The results further suggest that shared Latino identity implies a basis for cooperation, in this case, cooperation with the potential to yield economic benefits.
Does fluoride in drinking water delay tooth eruption?
Authors: Jolaoso Ismail Adeyemi , Kumar Jayanth , Moss Mark E
Published: March 2014

Objectives

The objectives of this study are to determine the effect of fluoride exposure on permanent tooth eruption patterns as well as to understand its effect on caries attack rate by accounting for the number of erupted tooth surfaces.

Methods

We analyzed data from the 1986‐1987 National Survey of Oral Health of US Schoolchildren to determine the mean number of erupted permanent teeth and permanent first molars according to fluoride level in drinking water. The analysis included 13,348 children aged 5‐17 years with a history of single residence. We also estimated the attack rate (decayed, missing, and filled surfaces/surfaces at risk) for fluoride deficient, suboptimal, and optimally fluoridated areas adjusting for covariates. Multivariable statistical analyses were performed to control for potential confounders.

Results

By age 7, almost all permanent first molars had erupted. The adjusted mean number of erupted permanent first molars per child were 3.81, 3.67, and 3.92 in areas with <0.3, 0.3‐<0.7, and 0.7‐1.2 ppm of fluoride, respectively. The adjusted caries attack rate in the first permanent molars among 5‐ to 17‐year‐old children was 93, 81, and 78 per 1,000 surfaces in fluoride deficient, suboptimal, and optimally fluoridated areas, respectively (P < 0.0001). This pattern of higher first molar attack rate among children in the fluoride‐deficient communities was also observed in all erupted teeth.

Conclusion

Exposure to fluoride in drinking water did not delay the eruption of permanent teeth. The observed difference in dental caries experience among children exposed to different fluoride levels could not be explained by the timing of eruption of permanent teeth.
Learning and adherence to baby massage after two teaching strategies
Authors: Cruz Cláudia Marchetti , Caromano Fátima Aparecida , Gonçalves Lia Lopes , Machado Thais Gaiad , Voos Mariana Callil
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Little is known about learning/adherence after different baby massage teaching strategies. We compared the learning/adherence after two strategies.

Design and Methods

Twenty mothers from the group manual‐course (GMC) and 20 from the group manual‐orientations (GMO) received a booklet. GMC participated in a course during the third trimester. GMO received verbal instructions during the postpartum hospital stay. Multiple‐choice and practical tests assessed learning (GMC: performing strokes on a doll; GMO: on the baby). Adherence was measured 3 months after childbirth.

Results

No differences were found between the groups in learning/adherence.

Practice Implications

Both teaching strategies showed similar and positive results.
The image of nursing, as perceived by Iranian male nurses
Authors: Valizadeh Leila , Zamanzadeh Vahid , Fooladi Marjaneh M. , Azadi Arman , Negarandeh Reza , Monadi Morteza
Published: March 2014

The stereotypical public image of nursing is a major concern for male nurses around the world. In this study, we explored how Iranian male nurses perceived the public view of nurses, and their perceptions of themselves. A qualitative descriptive design and content analysis were used to obtain data from 18 purposely‐selected male hospital nurses with a baccalaureate nursing degree in Tabriz, Iran. Semistructured interviews were conducted and analyzed. Two main themes emerged: (i) the outsider's view of nursing, which referred to the participants' perceptions of their public image; and (ii) the insider's view, which related to the male nurses' perceptions of themselves. Results included personal transition into a positive professional self‐image through the educational process, and continued public perception of nursing as a female profession ill‐suited for a man. Strategies to improve the insider's and outsider's views of nursing are listed to help recruit and retain more Iranian male nurses.
Glucocorticoids in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: still used after 65 years
Authors: Bijlsma Johannes W.J. , Jacobs Johannes W.G.
Published: March 2014

Glucocorticoids (GCs) have been used for over 65 years in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There is by now good evidence for their disease‐modifying effects, especially in early RA. When used in a dosage of 5–10 mg, most adverse effects can adequately be monitored, though accurate monitoring and awareness for infections are important. In this paper, the Utrecht and computer‐assisted management in early rheumatoid arthritis (CAMERA) studies are discussed; the Utrecht study was the first of these studies in which 10 mg prednisone daily was compared to placebo in patients with early RA. A clear disease‐modifying effect was shown. In the CAMERA II study, patients with early RA were treated with a tight‐control scheme of climbing dosages of methotrexate plus either 10 mg prednisone daily or placebo. After 2 years, 70% of the patients treated with a tight‐control strategy without GCs had no erosions versus 82% of the patients treated with additional prednisone. Remission was reached more often and earlier on in the strategy with prednisone compared to the strategy with placebo.
Effect of behavioural techniques and delivery mode on effectiveness of weight management: systematic review, meta‐analysis and meta‐regression
Authors: Hartmann‐Boyce J. , Johns D. J. , Jebb S. A. , Aveyard P. ,   Behavioural Weight Management Review Group
Published: March 2014

A systematic review, meta‐analysis and meta‐regression were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural weight management programmes and examine how programme characteristics affect mean weight loss. Randomized controlled trials of multicomponent behavioural weight management programmes in overweight and obese adults were included. References were obtained through systematic searches of electronic databases (conducted November 2012), screening reference lists and contacting experts. Two reviewers extracted data and evaluated risk of bias. Thirty‐seven studies, representing over 16,000 participants, were included. The pooled mean difference in weight loss at 12 months was −2.8 kg (95% confidence interval [CI] −3.6 to −2.1, P < 0.001). I2 indicated that 93% of the variability in outcome was due to differences in programme effectiveness. Meta‐analysis showed no evidence that supervised physical activity sessions (mean difference 1.1 kg, 95% CI −2.65 to 4.79, P = 0.08), more frequent contact (mean difference −0.3 kg, 95% CI −0.7 to 0.2, P = 0.25) or in‐person contact (mean difference 0.0 kg, 95% CI −1.8 to 1.8, P = 0.06) were related to programme effectiveness at 12 months. In meta‐regression, calorie counting (−3.3 kg, 95% CI −4.6 to −2.0, P = 0.027), contact with a dietitian (−1.5 kg, 95% CI −2.9 to −0.2, P < 0.001) and use of behaviour change techniques that compare participants' behaviour with others (−1.5 kg, 95% CI −2.9 to −0.1, P = 0.032) were associated with greater weight loss. There was no evidence that other programme characteristics were associated with programme effectiveness. Most but not all behavioural weight management programmes are effective. Programmes that support participants to count calories or include a dietitian may be more effective, but the programme characteristics explaining success are mainly unknown.
The Metaphor of Memory in Wordsworth's Spots of Time
Authors: Møller Lis
Published: March 2014

On expanding the two‐part Prelude of 1799 to The Prelude of 1805, Wordsworth made several important alterations to the two ‘spots of time’ childhood memories as he transferred them from Part One of the 1799 version to Book Eleventh of the 1805 version. One of these revisions concerns the poet's account of his childhood experience of accidentally arriving at a spot where in former times a murderer had been hanged. In the 1799 version, a ridge shaped like a grave marks the site of execution. In later versions this grave‐shaped mound is replaced by an inscription: the murderer's name carved on the turf. The insertion of the motif of the inscription turns the scene of execution into a literal site of memory, but it also functions as a metaphorical representation of the phenomenon of memory. The paper explores the implications of the inscription as metaphor of memory in a reading of the two spots.
Conceptualising Generational Dynamics in Feminist Movements: Political Generations, Waves and Affective Economies
Authors: Cullen Pauline , Fischer Clara
Published: March 2014

This article reviews efforts to account for dynamics of continuity, change and complexity in contemporary feminism, with a particular emphasis on the utility of the ‘generational paradigm’ of the wave metaphor. We draw on assessments of the wave classification from feminist historians, political theorists and social movement scholars to make a case for the concept of political generation as way to explore patterns of generational‐based contest and collaboration across the women's movement. While political generation allows for an assessment of the role of context in shaping the activist identities of feminists from different generations, it lacks the explanatory power to explain the continuing purchase of the wave metaphor and its function for feminist claims making. Here, we turn to work on the centrality of loss within the affective economies of feminism to explain the functions of the wave metaphor for different elements within women's movements. This analysis is grounded in a brief empirical case of the Irish women's movement characterised as highly fragmented and marked by generational dynamics.
Evaluation of a rapid colorimetric assay for detection of bacterial contamination in apheresis and pooled random‐donor platelet units
Authors: Heaton W. Andrew , Good Caryn E. , Galloway‐Haskins Rakijah , Yomtovian Roslyn A. , Jacobs Michael R.
Published: March 2014

Background

Despite existing strategies, bacterial contamination of platelets (PLTs) remains a problem, and reliable testing near the time of use is needed. We evaluated the BacTx assay (Immunetics, Inc.), a rapid colorimetric assay for detection of bacterial peptidoglycan, for this purpose.

Study Design and Methods

Apheresis‐ and whole blood–derived PLT units, the latter tested in 6‐unit pools, inoculated with 10 representative bacterial species (eight aerobic, two anaerobic), were tested with the BacTx assay at two sites to determine analytic sensitivity and time to detection. Specificity on sterile PLTs and reproducibility across different PLT units and assay kit lots was also determined.

Results

Analytical sensitivity for the 10 bacterial species ranged from 6.3 × 102 to 7.6 × 104 colony‐forming units (CFUs)/mL. In time‐to‐detection studies after inoculation of PLTs with 0.7 to 5.3 CFUs/mL, 10 replicates of all eight aerobic species were positive when bacterial titers were above the analytic sensitivity detection limit, which occurred at 48 hours for 60 PLT units and at 72 hours for the remaining 4 units, as well as at 7 days for all units. Specificity was 99.8% and reproducibility was 100%.

Conclusions

The BacTx assay had an analytical sensitivity below the 105 CFUs/mL threshold of clinical significance, detected all eight aerobic bacterial species 48 to 72 hours after inoculation as well as at 7 days, and had high specificity and reproducibility. These findings suggest that the BacTx assay will be a valuable test for detection of clinically relevant levels of bacterial contaminants in PLT units and pools near time of use.
Projected Phase-Plane Switching Curves for Vibration Reduction Filters With Negative Amplitudes
Authors: Dhanda Abhishek
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we extend the phase-plane based closed-loop scheme of implementing commands shaped with vibration-reduction filters. A generalized shaping filter is considered in this work which can have negative impulse intensities and different acceleration and deceleration limits. Switching conditions are derived in terms of the filter parameters for both convolution-based and closed-form based shaping techniques. Analytical expressions are provided for the switching curves and various schemes are discussed for selecting appropriate phase-planes and implementing shaped-commands on real-time servomechanisms.
Experimental Evaluation of Service-Exposed Nozzle Guide Vane Damage in a Rolls Royce A-250 Gas Turbine
Authors: Bouchard D. , Asghar A. , LaViolette M. , Allan W. D. E. , Woodason R.
Published: March 2014

A unique methodology and test rig was designed to evaluate the degradation of damaged nozzle guide vanes (NGVs) in a transonic annular cascade in the short duration facility at the Royal Military College. A custom test section was designed which featured a novel rotating instrumentation suite. This permitted 360 deg multispan traverse measurements downstream from unmodified turbine NGV rings from a Rolls-Royce/Allison A-250 turbo-shaft engine. The downstream total pressure was measured at four spanwise locations on both an undamaged reference and a damaged test article. Three performance metrics were developed in an effort to determine characteristic signatures for common operational damage such as trailing edge bends or cracked trailing edges. The highest average losses were observed in the root area, while the lowest occurred closer to the NGV tips. The results from this study indicated that multiple spanwise traverses were required to detect localized trailing edge damage. Recommendations are made for future testing and to further develop performance metrics.
Energy Extraction-Based Robust Linear Quadratic Gaussian Control of Acoustic-Structure Interaction in Three-Dimensional Enclosure
Authors: Liu F. , Fang B. , Kelkar A. G.
Published: March 2014

This paper presents an linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG)-based robust control strategy for active noise reduction in a 3D enclosure wherein acoustic-structure interaction dynamics is present. The acoustic disturbance is created by the piezo-actuated vibrating boundary surface of the enclosure. The control signal is generated by the speaker which is noncollocated with the sensing microphone mounted inside the enclosure. The dynamic model of the system is obtained using frequency-domain system identification techniques. The state weighting matrix in the LQG cost function is determined analytically in the closed-form which allows the control designer to directly penalize the total acoustic energy of the system. The robustness of the controller is also ensured to guarantee the closed-loop stability against the unmodeled dynamics and parametric uncertainties. Simulation and experiment results are given which demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control methodology.
Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Analysis for Transversely Isotropic Coating Layer
Authors: Chu Li-Ming , Chen Chien-Yu , Tee Chin-Ke , Chen Qie-Da , Li Wang-Long
Published: March 2014

The effects of the transversely isotropic coating layer on the elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) circular contact problems are analyzed and discussed under constant load condition. The equivalent elastic modulus for an equivalent isotropic half-space problem is applied to simplify the present transversely isotropic coating. The finite element method (FEM) is utilized to solve the Reynolds equation, the load balance equation, the rheology equations, and the elastic deformation equation simultaneously. The simulation results of the present equivalent model are compared with those of an anisotropic material elasticity matrix to evaluate the applicable range of coating thickness under a fixed relative error. The pressure distribution tends to gradually escalating and concentrating toward the center with increasing longitudinal Young's modulus. The variations of pressure and film thickness become significant as the coating thickness becomes thinner. The deformations of interface are smaller than the deformations of the surface. The film thickness and pressure characteristics of the lubricant are discussed for various parameters. These characteristics are important for the design of the mechanical element with coating layer.
Mode Count and Modal Density of Isotropic Circular Cylindrical Shells Using a Modified Wavenumber Space Integration Method
Authors: Farshidianfar Mohammad H. , Farshidianfar Anooshiravan , Mazloom Moghadam Mahdi
Published: March 2014

A new method based on the wavenumber space integration algorithm is proposed in order to obtain mode count and modal density of circular cylindrical shells. Instead of the simplified equation of motion, the exact equation is applied in mode count calculations. Modal plots are changed significantly in the k-space when using the exact equation. Mode repetition in cylindrical shells is represented by additional mode count curves in the k-space. On the other hand, a novel technique is presented in order to implement boundary condition effects in mode count and modal density calculations. Integrating these two significant corrections, a modified wavenumber space integration (MWSI) method is developed. Mode count and modal densities of three shells with different geometrical and acoustical properties are obtained using the MWSI method and conventional WSI. Results are verified using the exact mode count calculations. Moreover, effects of geometrical properties are studied on mode count plots in the k-space. Modal densities are obtained for cylindrical shells of different lengths, radii, and thicknesses. Finally, modal densities of cylindrical shells are compared to flat plates of the same size and boundary condition. Interesting results are obtained which will contribute in calculation of acoustic radiation efficiency and sound transmission in cylindrical shells.
Sport News on Facebook: The Relationship Between Interactivity and Readers’ Browsing Behavior
Authors: Boehmer Jan , Lacy Stephen
Published: March 2014

This study analyzes how interactivity on Facebook relates to users’ browsing behaviors such as clicking a link, visiting a Web site, clicking articles on a Web site, and spending time on a sports news Web site. Regression analyses of 502 Facebook posts and the corresponding news articles show that the number of individuals who clicked on a link is not related to higher levels of interactivity, but an increase in interactivity did affect the number of overall visits generated. In addition, higher levels of interactivity had a slight negative correlation with the number of pages visited and the time spent on an organization’s Web site. Implications for the training and work routines of sport communication professionals in organizations, journalism, and public relations are discussed.
The Tumor Suppressor Ikaros Shapes the Repertoire of Notch Target Genes in T Cells
Authors: Geimer Le Lay Anne-Solen , Oravecz Attila , Mastio Jérôme , Jung Claudia , Marchal Patricia , Ebel Claudine , Dembélé Doulaye , Jost Bernard , Le Gras Stéphanie , Thibault Christelle , Borggrefe Tilman , Kastner Philippe , Chan Susan
Published: March 2014

By binding to Notch target genes, Ikaros shuts off the expression of these genes in T cells and prevents the development of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Clearance of Chronic Virus
Authors: Ash Caroline
Published: March 2014

Cytokine induction renders viral DNA vulnerable and eliminates infection.
Crossed Homodimer
Authors: Riddihough Guy
Published: March 2014

The crystal structure of an interferon-induced ribonuclease shows how it selects and shreds its RNA targets.
Blocking Brain Metastasis
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: March 2014

Blocking a family of protease inhibitors secreted by lung and breast cancer cells could inhibit brain metastasis.
Therapeutic Potential of the Antimicrobial Peptide OH-CATH30 for Antibiotic-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Keratitis
Authors: Li Sheng-An , Liu Jie , Xiang Yang , Wang Yan-Jie , Lee Wen-Hui , Zhang Yun
Published: March 2014

The therapeutic potential of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) has been evaluated in many infectious diseases. However, the topical application of AMPs for ocular bacterial infection has not been well investigated. The AMP OH-CATH30, which was identified in the king cobra, exhibits potent antimicrobial activity. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of OH-CATH30 for
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
keratitis. Ten isolates of
P. aeruginosa
from individuals with keratitis were susceptible to OH-CATH30 but not to cefoperazone, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and levofloxacin. The microdilution checkerboard assay showed that OH-CATH30 exhibited synergistic activity with ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin against antibiotic-resistant
P. aeruginosa
. Meanwhile,
P. aeruginosa
did not develop resistance to OH-CATH30, even after exposure at 0.5× the MIC for up to 25 subcultures. Furthermore, treatment with OH-CATH30, alone or in combination with levofloxacin, significantly improved the clinical outcomes of rabbit keratitis induced by antibiotic-resistant
P. aeruginosa
. Taken together, our data indicate that the topical application of OH-CATH30 is efficacious against drug-resistant
P. aeruginosa
keratitis. In addition, our study highlights the potential application of AMPs in treating ocular bacterial infections.
Think Hickam's Dictum not Occam's Razor in paediatric HIV
Authors: Goodyear-Smith Felicity , Sharland Mike , Nadel Simon
Published: March 2014

A 10-year-old girl with untreated congenital HIV developed acute sepsis to which she succumbed despite emergency treatment. Her red and dilated anal region with small areas of tissue breakdown due to advanced HIV destructive disease was misinterpreted as anal assault. Suffocation was then hypothesised to be the cause of her profound hypoxia and multi-organ failure. Criminal proceedings against her adoptive uncle ensued over a 5-year period at huge legal and social cost. Following the first acquittal, appellant hearings led to re-trial at which her uncle was acquitted for the second time. A shared idée fixe (anal assault and asphyxiation) resulted in the most likely clinical diagnosis (advanced HIV infection with subsequent overwhelming sepsis) being discarded. This was a case where the principle of parsimony (Occam's Razor) led to exclusion of a diagnosis when in fact multiple diagnoses applied (Hickam's Dictum), with devastating consequences for the family.
Primary gut aspergillosis in a patient with acute myeloid leukaemia: the importance of early suspicion and definitive treatment
Authors: Li Elizabeth , Hussein Hayder , Todiwala Adil , Kirby Robert
Published: March 2014

Aspergillusinfection is a known complication in immunocompromised patients, particularly in those with impaired neutrophil function. The pathophysiology of respiratory tract infection and disseminated disease are well understood, and guidelines exist for early detection and treatment. The gut has been speculated to be the potential portal of entry forAspergillus, though previous case series outline that this is often discovered late and results in high morbidity and mortality. Early clinical suspicion, with definitive surgical intervention and antifungal treatment with voriconazole, can significantly increase the chances of survival. In this article, the authors discuss a case of primary gut aspergillosis with secondary dissemination in a patient with acute myeloid leukaemia who developed serious sequelae.
Aortic valve myxoma at the extreme age: a review of literature
Authors: Javed Arshad , Zalawadiya Sandip , Kovach Julie , Afonso Luis
Published: March 2014

Primary cardiac tumours are a rare finding, with cardiac myxoma and fibroelastoma representing the majority of these tumours. Cardiac myxomas are most commonly found in the left atrium but are rarely found with attachment to the cardiac valves. The authors describe a case of aortic myxoma found in an 81-year-old man presented with peripheral arterial disease. CT angiogram of the thorax was performed to find the source of emboli and it showed a mass attached to the aortic valve and protruding into the aorta. Details of the location and texture were studied on transoesophageal echocardiography. Preoperative coronary angiography showed coronary artery disease and the patient underwent successful coronary artery bypass grafting and simultaneous resection of the mass. Histopathology revealed the mass as a myxoma.