bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biotechnology in Indian Agriculture: Review of Adoption and Performance of Bt Cotton
Authors: Kalamkar S.S.
Published: November 2013

Biotechnology and genetically modified crops has been the subject of debate, especially with respect to developing countries. Like in other countries, introduction of Bt ( bacillus thuringiensis) cotton in India led to an intense scientific debate and public controversy surrounding yield advantage, multinational control of seeds, human health, environmental risk and ethics. An attempt has been made in this article to review the adoption and performance of Bt cotton in India. The commercial release of first GM (genetically modified) crop, Bt cotton in 2002 led to the beginning of a ‘Gene Revolution’ in India. Today, almost 90 per cent of cotton area is planted to Bt cotton in India, with farmers adopting it in a rapid manner. Studies that looked into the impact of the Bt cotton on different parameters are not uniform and many voices have been raised for and against Bt cotton. The inconsistency in the results surely played a role in fueling the controversy over the use of the Bt cotton and its benefits for India farmers and therefore gains of Bt cotton cannot be generalized to all farmers, all states, and all years.
Book Review: Nine Lives: In Search of the Sacred in Modern India
Authors: Nath Lopita
Published: November 2013

William Dalrymple. Nine Lives: In Search of the Sacred in Modern India, 2010, Cambridge: First Vintage Departures Edition, Vintage Books. ISBN: 978-0-307-47446-9 (pbk)
Book Review: Modern Food Value Chains in India: Emerging Potential for the Poor
Authors: Singh Sukhwinder
Published: November 2013

Sukhpal Singh. Modern Food Value Chains in India: Emerging Potential for the Poor, 2012, New Delhi: Samskriti. ISBN 9788187374763
Book Review: Economic Liberalisation and Indian Agriculture
Authors: Singla Naresh
Published: November 2013

G.S. Bhalla and Gurmail Singh. Economic Liberalisation and Indian Agriculture, 2012, New Delhi: SAGE. ISBN: 9788132108580
Hepatic neosporosis in a dog treated for pemphigus foliaceus
Authors: Hoon-Hanks Laura L. , Regan Daniel , Dubey Jitender P. , Carol Porter Merry , Duncan Colleen G.
Published: November 2013

A 4-year-old, female, spayed Border Collie dog was presented for progressive lethargy, inappetence, and weakness of 4 days duration. The animal had been diagnosed with pemphigus foliaceus 3 months prior and was receiving combination immunosuppressive therapy. Serum biochemistry revealed severely elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin, and humane euthanasia was elected. Gross postmortem examination revealed a diffusely pale tan to slightly yellow, enlarged, markedly friable liver with an enhanced reticular pattern. Histologically, the hepatic changes consisted of multifocal to coalescing areas of severe vacuolar degeneration, numerous coalescing foci of hepatocellular necrosis, and myriad intra- and extracellular protozoa that reacted immunohistochemically with polyclonal antibodies to Neospora caninum, and not Toxoplasma gondii. Neosporosis in the current case is thought to be due to reactivation of latent N. caninum occurring with the administration of glucocorticoid therapy. The severe complication in the present case highlights the importance of early detection and mitigation of common infections in immunosuppressed animals.
Validation of an improved competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect Equine arteritis virus antibody
Authors: Chung Chungwon , Wilson Carey , Timoney Peter , Balasuriya Udeni , Adams Ethan , Adams D. Scott , Evermann James F. , Clavijo Alfonso , Shuck Kathleen , Rodgers Sandy , Lee Stephen Sauchi , McGuire Travis C.
Published: November 2013

The objective of the present study was to validate a previously described competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) to detect antibody to Equine arteritis virus (EAV) based on GP5-specific nonneutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) 17B79 using the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)–recommended protocol, which includes the following 5 in-house analyses. 1) The assay was calibrated with the OIE-designated reference serum panel for EAV; 2) repeatability was evaluated within and between assay runs; 3) analytical specificity was evaluated using sera specific to related viruses; 4) analytical sensitivity was evaluated with sera from horses vaccinated with an EAV modified live virus (MLV) vaccine; and 5) the duration of cELISA antibody detection following EAV vaccination was determined. The positive cELISA cutoff of ≥35% inhibition (%I) was confirmed by receiver operating characteristic plot analysis. Analytical sensitivity of the cELISA was comparable to the serum neutralization (SN) assay in that it detected EAV-specific antibody as early as 8 days postvaccination. The duration of EAV-specific antibody detected by cELISA was over 5 years after the last vaccination. This cELISA could detect EAV-specific antibody in serum samples collected from horses infected with various EAV strains. In the field trial performed by American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians–accredited state laboratories and OIE laboratory, the diagnostic specificity of the cELISA was 99.5% and the diagnostic sensitivity was 98.2%. The data using various serum panels also had consistently significant positive correlation between SN titers and cELISA %I results. The results further confirm that the EAV antibody cELISA is a reliable, simple alternative to the SN assay for detecting EAV-specific antibodies in equine sera.
Young Adult Palliative Care
Authors: Clark Jennifer K. , Fasciano Karen
Published: November 2013

Young adulthood is a time of immense growth and possibilities. As a result, it is also a time when serious illness can have profound effects. This review examines the current data pertinent to young adult palliative care and discusses the challenges and opportunities where palliative medicine can enhance the care provided to this growing and vulnerable population. From the data, 2 primary themes emerged (1) ongoing young adult development not only generates unique biologic disease burdens and clinical treatment options but also requires frequent assessment and promotion and (2) binary health care systems often leave young adults without access to developmentally appropriate health care. Given its interdisciplinary approach, palliative care is uniquely poised to address the challenges known to caring for the seriously ill young adult.
Ars Moriendi
Authors: Giorgio Grace
Published: November 2013

As a short story “Ars Moriendi,” the art of dying, pays tribute to how social science and its methods such as autoethnography can enhance our understanding of life and death. Contrasting the limited medical technologies of the past with the abilities of the present, this story once told to me by my father, an oncologist/hematologist, captures the human element in the act of dying. Often, our culture works diligently to treat death as an obstacle to overcome, not something to embrace when its time has come. “Ars Moriendi” also pays tribute to my father and to the many medical professionals who aim to preserve life, and yet understand that death also needs to be accepted, artfully.
An Evaluation of Diet and Physical Activity Messaging in African American Churches
Authors: Harmon Brook E. , Blake Christine E. , Thrasher James F. , Hébert James R.
Published: November 2013

The use of faith-based organizations as sites to deliver diet and physical activity interventions is increasing. Methods to assess the messaging environment within churches are limited. Our research aimed to develop and test an objective assessment methodology to characterize health messages, particularly those related to diet and physical activity, within a sample of African American churches. Written messages (bulletins, brochures, magazines) were systematically collected over 1 year and analyzed with a coding scheme that had high interrater reliability (average κ = .77). Within all health messages ( n = 1109), diet and physical activity messages were prevalent (47% and 32%, respectively). Consistent with prior qualitative research, messages related to meals and to providing food to people in need were frequently found (54% and 25% of diet messages, respectively). Contrary to past research, sports and physical activity as praise (e.g., praise dancing) were the most prevalent physical activity messages (36% and 31% of physical activity messages, respectively). Bulletins, flyers, and brochures were the media in which diet and physical activity messages were most frequently found (14%, 33%, and 24%, respectively), and the church was the most frequent source (41%). Only diet and physical activity messages focused on disease prevention were more likely to originate from national health organizations than from the church (26% vs. 16%). Churches varied in the topics, media types, and sources of health messages, an important factor to consider when planning and implementing health promotion research. Future research should determine whether the enhancement of church messaging environments can produce behavioral change.
Pilot study of a web-based intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Newton Kathryn T , Ashley Aaron
Published: November 2013

We evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a website designed to improve compliance to treatment protocols in adolescents with type-1 diabetes. Fifty-nine adolescents, 13–18 years of age, were randomly assigned to a control or experimental group. The control group received standard medical care as usual. The experimental group participated in an interactive, 7-week web-based intervention, taking part in problem-solving through discussion forums, chat rooms and blogs. Fifty of the 59 participants (85%) completed measures assessing diabetes-related quality of life, self-efficacy and outcome expectations. These variables were expected to be interrelated and their combined effects were considered as mediators of compliance. There was a marginally significant difference between the two groups on these combined measures ( P = 0.052), with the control group scoring significantly higher on Positive Outcome Expectations ( P = 0.03) both pre- and post-treatment. Attrition in the period between recruitment and the beginning of the intervention reduced power. Self-Efficacy was significantly correlated with Positive Outcome Expectations (r = 0.30, P = 0.037) and Diabetes Self-Management and Diabetes Quality of Life for Youths (r = 0.43, P = 0.002). In an exit survey, 90% of participants indicated that they were more willing to comply with their treatment protocol after participating in the intervention. An online website is a promising tool to bring adolescents with a chronic disease together, providing problem solving activities and social support.
A hybrid approach to telepathology in Cambodia
Authors: Kadaba Varsha , Ly Tho , Noor Saqib , Chhut Serey V , Hinsch Nora , Stauch Gerhard , Gollogly James
Published: November 2013

We established a hybrid telepathology network at the Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC) in Cambodia, based on store-and-forward communication using iPATH and videoconferencing using Skype. We retrospectively analysed all data from the CSC stored on the iPATH server and reviewed the patient notes over an 8-month period. Of 115 patients for histopathology diagnosis during the study period, 38 cases were uploaded onto iPATH for further telemedicine discussion. The median number of days it took a specialist, other than the local one, to comment on the case on iPATH was 5 days (range 0–15). In three cases (8%) there was no reply from a specialist on iPATH. During the study period, seven clinical conferences were held, with an average of 6 cases (range 4–7) discussed at each conference. All 38 cases discussed had a final agreed diagnosis and firm management plans were made. Of the 24 cases where proactive management was advised, 17 patients followed through with the recommendations. Although the combination of video consultations and store-and-forward communication has not been used much before in the developing world, it has benefited patient care and outcomes at the CSC.
Mechanical and dry sliding wear characterization of short glass fiber reinforced polyester-based homogeneous and their functionally graded composite materials
Authors: Siddhartha  , Singh Akant Kumar
Published: November 2013

In this research work, short glass fiber has been used to fabricate polyester-based homogeneous composites and their functionally graded material. Vertical centrifugal casting technique and simple mechanical stirring is used for fabricating functionally graded materials and homogeneous composites, respectytively. Wear tests are conducted over a range of sliding velocities (1.57–3.66 m/s), normal load (10–30 N), fiber contents (0–6 wt%), and sliding distances (1–3 km). Friction and wear characteristics of developed materials are successfully analyzed using Taguchi design of experiment scheme and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Artificial neural network approach is also applied to the friction and wear data for subsequent validation. Out of all samples fabricated it is found that 6 wt% short glass fiber polyester-based functionally graded materials exhibit lowest specific wear rate. Additions of short glass fiber in polyester-based functionally graded materials have an incisive effect on tensile and flexural strength in comparison to homogeneous composites. The morphology of worn composite specimens has been examined by scanning electron microscopy to understand about dominant wear mechanisms.
Effects of internal flow in a diesel nozzle on spray combustion
Authors: Hayashi Tomohiro , Suzuki Masayuki , Ikemoto Masato
Published: November 2013

A common rail injection system for diesel engines has a potential to realize low emission and low fuel consumption diesel combustion. The core technology of this system is accumulated on spray characteristics such as mean droplet diameter, spray cone angle and tip penetration. And these characteristics are greatly influenced by internal flow in a diesel nozzle. In order to clarify the internal flow phenomenon such as cavitation, a real-size transparent nozzle had been developed, which can realize simultaneous cavitation visualization during a single-shot injection under high-density and room temperature condition using a high-speed camera. In this article, relationship between internal flow in the nozzle and spray combustion had been investigated. A high pressure and temperature environment in which the spray ignites were achieved in a rapid compression machine, and internal flow in the nozzle and the spray combustion were visualized. Regarding the evaluation of the spray combustion, the formation of the luminous flame triggered by the spray ignition was observed. Two cases of inlet radius of the nozzle hole ( R = 0.016 and 0.033 mm) were prepared for this analysis. Under the case of larger inlet radius hole ( R = 0.033 mm), probability of the string-type cavitation was greater, spray cone angle was larger and ignition delay was shorter.
Reviewing conceptualisations of community: reflections on a meta-narrative approach
Authors: Jamal Farah , Bertotti Marcello , Lorenc Theo , Harden Angela
Published: November 2013

Meta-narrative review developed by Greenhalgh and colleagues is a new interpretive systematic review approach within an expanding portfolio of evidence synthesis methods that focus on context, meaning and process. Informed by Kuhn’s notion of scientific paradigms, the method seeks to develop storylines of how research on a given topic unfolds over time, highlighting key discoveries and insights. This article reports how we drew on the meta-narrative approach in a review that examined the changing and contested nature of ‘community’ as understood across disciplines and research traditions. We discuss the challenges that arose in our review and the strengths and limitations of our approach. We conclude that the meta-narrative approach provides a useful framework for making sense of the multiple and changing conceptualisations of community while accounting for historical context. We recommend that an avenue for further development of the method is to consider Foucault’s sociological approach to tracing knowledge.
The language of friendship: Genre in the conversations of preschool children
Authors: Hoyte Frances , Torr Jane , Degotardi Sheila
Published: November 2013

This article presents findings of a pilot project for a study investigating the language of preschool-aged peers, with particular attention to differences in genre that were evident in the dyadic play of children who self-identified as being ‘very best friends’ as opposed to ‘just a little bit’ friends. Participants were three 5-year-old boys in a preparatory class in regional Queensland, Australia. Friendship nominations were derived from a friendship circle activity during which children nominated whether their classmates were ‘very best’, ‘good’ or ‘a little bit’ friends. In this observational study, the three participating children were paired in different combinations of high- and low-level friendships, and their conversations were video- and audio-recorded during a 30-minute play session with open-ended materials. The conversations were analysed to identify the presence of specific genres within a framework driven by systemic functional linguistic theory. The analysis revealed several different genres that occurred across the three conversations and the linguistic features that accompanied these genres. Furthermore, differing levels of friendship appeared to be accompanied by differences in genre use. Findings suggest some valuable questions about the relationship between language and preschool friendships that provide avenues for future research.
Dangerous boys or boys in danger? Examining the relationship between ethnicity, child abuse and violent offending
Authors: Lahlah Esmah , van der Knaap Leontien M , Bogaerts Stefan
Published: November 2013

This study considers the extent to which ethnic differences in exposure to child abuse exist between native Dutch and Moroccan-Dutch boys, and, if they do, whether they are related to differences in levels of violent offending between both groups. The results demonstrate that Moroccan-Dutch boys are significantly more likely to report exposure to child abuse than Dutch boys. In addition, differences in exposure to child abuse are of sufficient magnitude to partially explain the observed differences in levels of violent offending between Dutch and Moroccan-Dutch boys. The results of this study highlight the need for social services and criminal justice professionals to provide prevention and intervention strategies for abused adolescent boys. This may be particularly important for Moroccan-Dutch boys. Ethnic-specific prevention programmes need to build on a clear understanding of the risk factors and aetiology of juvenile violent offending and need to continue to examine the meaning of the differential risk ratios across ethnic groups. We suggest that further research into the effects of child abuse on juvenile violent delinquency among ethnic minority youth should take this complexity into account.
The detention of foreigners in France: Between discretionary control and the rule of law
Authors: Fischer Nicolas
Published: November 2013

This article analyses recent trends of immigration detention and deportation policies in France, focusing on a major tension with which these policies have long had to engage. This tension has been between, on the one hand, a tendency towards increased repression of unauthorized immigration, as this has led to a wider use of detention and greater discretionary powers for French police and immigration officers, and, on the other hand, the French Republican principles and legal framework that entail minimum protection for certain categories of foreigners and a general limitation of state violence against all migrants. The article first presents the French detention and deportation processes and a quantitative assessment of their evolution. It then retraces the history of migrant detention practices in France, and the important shifts they have undergone since the early 2000s. The last section of the article discusses the consequences of these transformations for the enforcement of immigration detention on the ground and for the ‘differential management’ of unauthorized immigration in France more generally.
Immigration control in Ultima Thule: Detention and exclusion, Norwegian style
Authors: Ugelvik Synnøve , Ugelvik Thomas
Published: November 2013

The Aliens Holding Centre at Trandum, about 40 minutes north of Norway’s capital city of Oslo, is the country’s only closed immigration detention centre. Although detainees are held there as a result of having violated the Immigration Act and not the Penal Code, and whilst their detention is meant to facilitate deportation and not as punishment, Trandum’s Centre looks and feels exactly like a conventional prison in a variety of ways. The aim of this article is to introduce the Aliens Holding Centre at Trandum as part of a wider Norwegian (and thus European) immigration control regime, as well as detailing information about the centre in itself, drawing to this end on publicly available reports by the Norwegian Parliamentary Ombudsman for Public Administration, the Independent Council in charge of monitoring operations at Trandum’s Centre, and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Behind the veil of philoxenia: The politics of immigration detention in Greece
Authors: Cheliotis Leonidas K
Published: November 2013

This article sets out to summarise the policies, practices and experiences of immigration detention in contemporary Greece, as well as outlining how they have been critiqued domestically and internationally. The article proceeds to address the ways in which the Greek state has reacted to criticisms and pressures for reform, especially from abroad. It is argued that neither domestic nor international interventions have succeeded in bringing about substantive progressive change in the Greek immigration detention system. Rather, Greek state authorities have systematically neutralised criticisms by employing an array of rhetorical techniques, most notably through evocation of philoxenia (broadly meaning hospitality to foreigners and strangers more generally) as a natural trait common to all Greeks. In addition to highlighting the dubious and paradoxical dimensions of the rhetorical defences deployed by the state in Greece, particularly concerning its discourse of philoxenia, the article goes on to discuss the main socio-political functions that have subtly been served inside the country’s borders through maintenance of deplorable policies and practices of immigration detention, including the symbolic management of public anxieties in accordance with what may be termed the ‘more eligibility’ principle. In pointing to these functions, the article helps to explain why the Greek state persists in making use of rhetoric that is blatantly indefensible and bound to attract further disapprobation.
Exposure to Community Violence and Trajectories of Violent Offending
Authors: Baskin Deborah , Sommers Ira
Published: November 2013

The present study uses longitudinal data from the Pathways to Desistance project to investigate the extent to which trajectories of violent youth offending are affected by exposure to community violence. Latent class growth analysis was used to identify groups that followed distinctive patterns of self-reported violent offending and exposure to violence over time. Multinominal regression was used to identify factors that distinguished membership in the trajectory subgroups. The results indicate that youth who had more chronic and direct exposure to community violence were more likely to remain mired in violent criminal behavior, independent of other known risk factors.
The Effects of Exercise Training on Anxiety
Authors: Herring Matthew P. , Lindheimer Jacob B. , O’Connor Patrick J.
Published: November 2013

This review summarizes the extant evidence of the effects of exercise training on anxiety among healthy adults, adults with a chronic illness, and individuals diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. A brief discussion of selected proposed mechanisms that may underlie relations of exercise and anxiety is also provided. The weight of the available empirical evidence indicates that exercise training reduces symptoms of anxiety among healthy adults, chronically ill patients, and patients with panic disorder. Preliminary data suggest that exercise training can serve as an alternative therapy for patients with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive–compulsive disorder. Anxiety reductions appear to be comparable to empirically supported treatments for panic and generalized anxiety disorders. Large trials aimed at more precisely determining the magnitude and generalizability of exercise training effects appear to be warranted for panic and generalized anxiety disorders. Future well-designed randomized controlled trials should (a) examine the therapeutic effects of exercise training among understudied anxiety disorders, including specific phobias, social anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder; (b) focus on understudied exercise modalities, including resistance exercise training and programs that combine exercise with cognitive-behavioral therapies; and (c) elucidate putative mechanisms of the anxiolytic effects of exercise training.
Making music, making friends: Long-term music therapy with young adults with severe learning disabilities
Authors: Pavlicevic Mercédès , O’Neil Nicky , Powell Harriet , Jones Oonagh , Sampathianaki Ergina
Published: November 2013

This collaborative practitioner research study emerged from music therapists’ concerns about the value of improvisational, music-centred music therapy for young adults with severe learning disabilities (SLDs), given the long-term nature of such work. Concerns included the relevance, in this context, of formulating, and reporting on, therapeutic aims, development, change; and working in ‘goal-oriented’ way. Focus groups with the young adults’ families and a range of professionals suggest that, rather than leading to developmental change, long-term shared therapeutic musicking provides young adults with ongoing opportunities for experiencing confidence and self-esteem, with feelings of shared acceptance and success, and also provides young adults and their families with opportunities for developing and sustaining friendships. In addition, families experienced meeting other parents and carers in the communal reception area as supportive and countering their isolation. Focus groups assigned intrapersonal, relational and social values to long-term music therapy for young adults with SLDs.
Students’ attitudes towards individuals with an intellectual disability
Authors: Patel Meera , Rose John
Published: November 2013

The aim of the study was to investigate attitudes held by a British student population towards individuals with an intellectual disability. Students participated in focus groups addressing their attitudes, behaviours and perceptions of individuals with an intellectual disability. Thematic analysis was the method used to identify emergent themes. Results identified five main themes in relation to intellectual disabilities. The themes suggest that attitude scales fail to effectively measure the multidimensional nature of British student’s attitudes towards intellectual disabilities. One out of the five emergent attitude themes from the current study is sufficiently represented in measures of attitudes towards intellectual disability. These results suggest a need to modify current attitude scales or develop new ones to measure the British population’s attitudes towards intellectual disabilities. A lack of knowledge about intellectual disabilities was also identified. Participants recognized exposure through the media as a tool to increase knowledge.
Surgical site infection: the principles and practice of surveillance: Part 2: analysing and interpreting data
Authors: Wilson Jennie
Published: November 2013

In Part 1 of this two-part series on surveillance of surgical site infection (SSI) the principles of surveillance methodology and the role of surveillance in reducing the risk of infection were discussed. This second part focuses on the analysis and interpretation SSI surveillance data, the challenges this presents and of some of the solutions. The risk of SSI is conventionally expressed as the percentage of operations that develop SSI. However, this metric is strongly dependant on the length of post-operative stay, since infections take several days to become apparent and are difficult to identify after discharge. Comparisons based on more severe infections detected in inpatients or those readmitted with SSI are more likely to provide reliable data for inter-hospital comparisons. The precision of the estimated rates and adjustment for intrinsic risk factors are important considerations, although ultimately mechanisms for discriminating significantly higher rates merely indicate a problem requiring further investigation rather than definitive evidence of poor practice.
Taxanes: vesicants, irritants, or just irritating?
Authors: Barbee Meagan S. , Owonikoko Taofeek K. , Harvey R. Donald
Published: November 2013

Several classes of antineoplastic agents are universally referred to as vesicants with ample supporting literature. However, the literature surrounding the taxanes is controversial. While the American Society of Clinical Oncology and Oncology Nursing Society Chemotherapy Administration Safety Standards and the Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Guidelines and Recommendations for Practice identify the risks of extravasation and the parameters surrounding the infusion of known vesicants, recommend administration sites for known agents, and recommend antidotes for particular extravasation cases, they fail to provide specific recommendations for the administration of individual taxanes, or a classification system for antineoplastic agents as vesicants, irritants, or inert compounds. There is also a lack of prescribing information regarding such recommendations. The lack of a formal classification system further complicates the accurate delineation of vesicant antineoplastic agents and subsequent appropriate intravenous administration and extravasation management. There are several factors that make the classification of taxanes as vesicants or irritants challenging. Comprehensive preclinical data describing potential mechanisms of tissue damage or vesicant-like properties are lacking. Furthermore, most case reports of taxane extravasation fail to include the parameters surrounding administration, such as the concentration of medication and duration of infusion, making it difficult to set parameters for vesicant potential. Subsequently, many practitioners default to central venous administration of taxanes without evidence that such administration minimizes the risk of extravasation or improves outcomes thereof. Here, we review briefly the data surrounding taxane extravasation and potential vesicant or irritant properties, classify the taxanes, and propose a spectrum for antineoplastic agent potential to cause tissue injury that warrants clinical intervention if extravasation occurs.
Are There More Gifted People Than Would Be Expected in a Normal Distribution? An Investigation of the Overabundance Hypothesis
Authors: Warne Russell T. , Godwin Lindsey R. , Smith Kyle V.
Published: November 2013

Among some gifted education researchers, advocates, and practitioners, it is sometimes believed that there is a larger number of gifted people in the general population than would be predicted from a normal distribution (e.g., Gallagher, 2008; N. M. Robinson, Zigler, & Gallagher, 2000; Silverman, 1995, 2009), a belief that we termed the “overabundance hypothesis.” We tested this hypothesis by searching public datasets and the published literature for large representative datasets, 10 of which were found in 6 sources. Results indicated that the overabundance hypothesis was mostly unsupported by the data. Moreover, most datasets included approximately the same (or fewer) gifted individuals than would be predicted from a normal distribution. We conclude the article by exploring the theoretical reasons why the overabundance is likely untrue and why some might believe otherwise.
A development that may evolve into a revolution in medicine: mRNA as the basis for novel, nucleotide-based vaccines and drugs
Authors: Kallen Karl-Josef , Theß Andreas
Published: November 2013

Recent advances strongly suggest that mRNA rather than DNA will be the nucleotide basis for a new class of vaccines and drugs. Therapeutic cancer vaccines against a variety of targets have been developed on this basis and initial clinical experience suggests that preclinical activity can be successfully translated to human application. Likewise, prophylactic vaccines against viral pathogens and allergens have demonstrated their activity in animal models. These successes could be extended preclinically to mRNA protein and gene replacement therapy as well as the induction of pluripotent stem cells by mRNA encoded transcription factors. The production of mRNA-based vaccines and drugs is highly flexible, scalable and cost competitive, and eliminates the requirement of a cold chain. mRNA-based drugs and vaccines offer all the advantages of a nucleotide-based approach at reduced costs and represent a truly disruptive technology that may start a revolution in medicine.
Clinical Evaluation of Viscum album Mother Tincture as an Antihypertensive
Authors: Poruthukaren Kurian John , Palatty Princy L. , Baliga Manjeshwar S. , Suresh Sucharita
Published: November 2013

Viscum album, an infrequently used antihypertensive in homeopathy, is evaluated by 1-group pretest–posttest model in primary hypertension. The drug was administered for 12 weeks at a dosage of 10 drops 3 times a day. Using paired t test, a significant drop in blood pressure ( P < .0001) and serum triglyceride ( P < .0001) was observed in the treatment group. This dual effect of Viscum album shows promise in optimizing therapy for primary hypertension.
Modelling nanoscale grain size strengthening or weakening according to grain boundary thickness
Authors: Li S. X. , Ren X. P. , Qu H. T. , Li S. F.
Published: November 2013

The relationship of yield stress and grain size at nanoscale is modelled in this letter. The deformation behaviour of materials is divided into two regions: the grain rotation at the boundaries and deformation in the inner ordered region. It is found that the yield stress reaches its maximum when the grain size, d, is three times of the grain boundary thickness, t, corresponding to a 70% volume ratio of grain boundaries. When d>3 t, the interface area increases with grain size reduction, leading to the yield stress increment. When d<3 t, the interface area decreases with grain size reduction, leading to the yield stress decrement. The hardness has similar trend. The proposed model agrees well with the documented data in Cu, Fe, Pd and NiP alloys.
On λ-statistical convergence and strongly λ-summable functions of order α
Authors: Et Mikail , Mohiuddine Syed Abdul , Alotaibi Abdullah
Published: November 2013

In this study, using the notion of

(
V
,
λ
)

-summability and λ-statistical convergence, we introduce the concepts of strong

(
V
,
λ
,
p
)

-summability and λ-statistical convergence of order α of real-valued functions which are measurable (in the Lebesgue sense) in the interval

(
1
,
∞
)

. Also some relations between λ-statistical convergence of order α and strong

(
V
,
λ
,
p
)

-summability of order β are given.

MSC:40A05, 40C05, 46A45.
Some Orlicz extended ℐ-convergent A-summable classes of sequences of fuzzy numbers
Authors: Dutta Hemen , Esi Ayhan , Khalaf Alias B
Published: November 2013

The article introduces some classes of sequences of fuzzy numbers extended by Orlicz functions by using the notions of ℐ-convergence and matrix transformation and investigates the classes for relationship between them as well as establishes some relevant properties. Further, the Hukuhara difference property is employed to derive a new kind of spaces and prove that such spaces can be equipped with a linear topological structure.

MSC:40A05, 40D25, 40C05, 46A45.
Integral type contractions in modular metric spaces
Authors: Azadifar Bahareh , Sadeghi Ghadir , Saadati Reza , Park Choonkil
Published: November 2013

We prove the existence and uniqueness of a common fixed point of compatible mappings of integral type in modular metric spaces.

MSC:47H09, 47H10, 46A80.
Factors associated with 24-hour urinary volume: the Swiss salt survey
Authors: Schoen Tobias , Blum Jonas , Paccaud Fred , Burnier Michel , Bochud Murielle , Conen David
Published: November 2013

Background

Low 24-hour urine volume (24UV) may be a significant risk factor for decline in kidney function. We therefore aimed to study associated markers and possible determinants of 24UV in a sample of the Swiss population.

Methods

The cross-sectional Swiss Salt Study included a population-based sample of 1535 (746 men and 789 women) individuals from three linguistic regions of Switzerland. Data from 1300 subjects were available for the present analysis. 24UV was measured using 24-hour urine collection. Determinants of 24UV were identified using multivariable linear regression models.

Results

In bivariate analysis, 24UV was higher in women compared to men (2000 ml/24 h [interquartile range (IQR): 1354, 2562] versus 1780 ml/24 h [IQR: 1244, 2360], p = 0.002). In multivariable regression analyses, independent associated markers of 24UV were female sex (β = 280, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 174, 386, p < 0.0001), fluid intake (β = 604, 95% CI: 539, 670, p < 0.0001), sodium excretion (β = 4.2, 95% CI: 3.4, 4.9, p < 0.0001) age (β = 6.6, CI: 3.4, 9.7, p < .0001), creatinine clearance (β = 2.4, CI: 0.2, 4.6, p = 0.04), living in the German-speaking part of Switzerland (β = 124, CI: 29, 219, p = 0.01), alcohol consumption (β = 41, CI: 9, 73, p = 0.01 for increasing categories of alcohol consumption), body mass index (β = −32, CI: -45, -18, p < 0.0001), current smoking (β = −146, CI: -265, -26, p = 0.02), and consumption of meat and cold cut (β = −56, CI: -108, -5, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

In this large population-based, cross-sectional study, we found several strong and independent correlates for 24UV. These findings may be important to improve our understanding in the development of chronic kidney disease.
Cognitive behaviour therapy response and dropout rate across purging and nonpurging bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder: DSM-5 implications
Authors: Agüera Zaida , Riesco Nadine , Jiménez-Murcia Susana , Islam Mohammed Anisul , Granero Roser , Vicente Enrique , Peñas-Lledó Eva , Arcelus Jon , Sánchez Isabel , Menchon Jose Manuel , Fernández-Aranda Fernando
Published: November 2013

Background

With the imminent publication of the new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), there has been a growing interest in the study of the boundaries across the three bulimic spectrum syndromes [bulimia nervosa-purging type (BN-P), bulimia nervosa-non purging type (BN-NP) and binge eating disorder (BED)]. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine differences in treatment response and dropout rates following Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) across the three bulimic-spectrum syndromes.

Method

The sample comprised of 454 females (87 BED, 327 BN-P and 40 BN-NP) diagnosed according to DSM-IV-TR criteria who were treated with 22 weekly outpatient sessions of group CBT therapy. Patients were assessed before and after treatment using a food and binging/purging diary and some clinical questionnaires in the field of ED. “Full remission” was defined as total absence of binging and purging (laxatives and/or vomiting) behaviors and psychological improvement for at least 4 (consecutive).

Results

Full remission rate was found to be significantly higher in BED (69.5%) than in both BN-P (p < 0.005) and BN-NP (p < 0.001), which presented no significant differences between them (30.9% and 35.5%). The rate of dropout from group CBT was also higher in BED (33.7%) than in BN-P (p < 0.001) and BN-NP (p < 0.05), which were similar (15.4% and 12.8%, respectively).

Conclusions

Results suggest that purging and non-purging BN have similar treatment response and dropping out rates, whereas BED appears as a separate diagnosis with better outcome for those who complete treatment. The results support the proposed new DSM-5 classification
A clinical approach to the assessment and management of co-morbid eating disorders and substance use disorders
Authors: Gregorowski Claire , Seedat Soraya , Jordaan Gerhard P
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Research has shown that eating disorder (ED) patients who abuse substances demonstrate worse ED symptomatology and poorer outcomes than those with EDs alone, including increased general medical complications and psychopathology, longer recovery times, poorer functional outcomes and higher relapse rates. This article provides a broad overview of the prevalence, aetiology, assessment and management of co-morbid EDs and substance use disorders (SUDs).

Review

The co-occurrence of EDs and SUDs is high. The functional relationship between EDs and SUDs vary within and across ED subtypes, depends on the class of substance, and needs to be carefully assessed for each patient. Substances such as caffeine, tobacco, insulin, thyroid medications, stimulants or over the counter medications (laxatives, diuretics) may be used to aid weight loss and/or provide energy, and alcohol or psychoactive substances could be used for emotional regulation or as part of a pattern of impulsive behaviour. A key message conveyed in the current literature is the importance of screening and assessment for co-morbid SUDs and EDs in patients presenting with either disorder. There is a paucity of treatment studies on the management of co-occurring EDs and SUDs. Overall, the literature indicates that the ED and SUD should be addressed simultaneously using a multi-disciplinary approach. The need for medical stabilization, hospitalization or inpatient treatment needs to be assessed based on general medical and psychiatric considerations. Common features across therapeutic interventions include psycho-education about the aetiological commonalities, risks and sequelae of concurrent ED behaviours and substance abuse, dietary education and planning, cognitive challenging of eating disordered attitudes and beliefs, building of skills and coping mechanisms, addressing obstacles to improvement and the prevention of relapse. Emphasis should be placed on building a collaborative therapeutic relationship and avoiding power struggles. Cognitive behavioural therapy has been frequently used in the treatment of co-morbid EDs and SUDs, however there are no randomized controlled trials. More recently evidence has been found for the efficacy of dialectical behavioural therapy in reducing both ED and substance use behaviours.

Conclusion

Future research would benefit from a meta-analysis of the current research in order to better understand the relationships between these two commonly co-occurring disorders.
Nutritional rehabilitation in anorexia nervosa: review of the literature and implications for treatment
Authors: Marzola Enrica , Nasser Jennifer A , Hashim Sami A , Shih Pei-an Betty , Kaye Walter H
Published: November 2013

Restoration of weight and nutritional status are key elements in the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN). This review aims to describe issues related to the caloric requirements needed to gain and maintain weight for short and long-term recovery for AN inpatients and outpatients.

We reviewed the literature in PubMed pertaining to nutritional restoration in AN between 1960–2012. Based on this search, several themes emerged: 1. AN eating behavior; 2. Weight restoration in AN; 3. Role of exercise and metabolism in resistance to weight gain; 3. Medical consequences of weight restoration; 4. Rate of weight gain; 5. Weight maintenance; and 6. Nutrient intake.

A fair amount is known about overall caloric requirements for weight restoration and maintenance for AN. For example, starting at 30–40 kilocalories per kilogram per day (kcal/kg/day) with increases up to 70–100 kcal/kg/day can achieve a weight gain of 1–1.5 kg/week for inpatients. However, little is known about the effects of nutritional deficits on weight gain, or how to meet nutrient requirements for restoration of nutritional status.

This review seeks to draw attention to the need for the development of a foundation of basic nutritional knowledge about AN so that future treatment can be evidenced-based.
Current status of robotic bariatric surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Cirocchi Roberto , Boselli Carlo , Santoro Alberto , Guarino Salvatore , Covarelli Piero , Renzi Claudio , Listorti Chiara , Trastulli Stefano , Desiderio Jacopo , Coratti Andrea , Noya Giuseppe , Redler Adriano , Parisi Amilcare
Published: November 2013

Background

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment to obtain weight loss in severely obese patients. The feasibility and safety of bariatric robotic surgery is the topic of this review.

Methods

A search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, BioMed Central, and Web of Science.

Results

Twenty-two studies were included. Anastomotic leak rate was 8.51% in biliopancreatic diversion. 30-day reoperation rate was 1.14% in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 1.16% in sleeve gastrectomy. Major complication rate in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass resulted higher than in sleeve gastrectomy ( 4,26% vs. 1,2%). The mean hospital stay was longer in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (range 2.6-7.4 days).

Conclusions

The major limitation of our analysis is due to the small number and the low quality of the studies, the small sample size, heterogeneity of the enrolled patients and the lack of data from metabolic and bariatric outcomes. Despite the use of the robot, the majority of these cases are completed with stapled anastomosis. The assumption that robotic surgery is superior in complex cases is not supported by the available present evidence. The major strength of the robotic surgery is strongly facilitating some of the surgical steps (gastro-jejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy anastomosis in the robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or the vertical gastric resection in the robotic sleeve gastrectomy).