bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Chartist Legacy in the British World: Evidence from New Zealand's Southern Settlements, 1840s−1870s
Authors: Griffiths John , Evans Vic
Published: December 2014

Was there a Chartist legacy in British‐world settler societies such as New Zealand? An older historiography relating to the mid‐nineteenth century colony downplayed ideology and Chartism was given only the briefest of considerations. A closer scrutiny of early settler newspapers published in the first two decades of settlement, however, facilitated by recent digitalization, allows the historian to assess more accurately how far the British movement reproduced its discourse in the overseas colony. The article initially surveys the existing treatments of British‐world Chartism before exploring the extent to which Chartism infused political and economic discourse in this far‐flung location.
The effectiveness of exercise as treatment for vasomotor menopausal symptoms: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Daley AJ , Thomas A , Roalfe AK , Stokes‐Lampard H , Coleman S , Rees M , Hunter MS , MacArthur C
Published: December 2014

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of exercise as treatment for vasomotor menopausal symptoms.

Design

Three‐group randomised controlled trial, two exercise interventions and a control group.

Setting

Primary Care, West Midlands UK.

Population

Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women experiencing at least five hot flushes/night sweats per day and not taken MHT in previous 3 months were recruited from 23 general practices.

Methods

Participants in both exercise interventions groups were offered two face‐to‐face consultations with a physical activity facilitator to support engagement in regular exercise. In addition, one exercise group received a menopause‐specific information DVD and written materials to encourage regular exercise and the other exercise group was offered the opportunity to attend exercise social support groups in their communities. Interventions lasted 6 months.

Main outcome measure

The primary outcome was frequency of hot flushes/night sweats at 6‐month up.

Results

Two hundred and sixty‐one women were randomised (n = 87 per group). Neither of the exercise intervention groups reported significantly less frequent hot flushes/night sweats per week than controls (exercise‐DVD versus control: −8.9, 95% CI −20.0 to 2.2; exercise‐social support versus control: −5.2, 95% CI −16.7 to 6.3).

Conclusions

This trial indicates that exercise is not an effective treatment for hot flushes/night sweats. Contrary to current clinical guidance, women should not be advised that exercise will relieve their vasomotor menopausal symptoms.
Prenatal vitamin C and E supplementation in smokers is associated with reduced placental abruption and preterm birth: a secondary analysis
Authors: Abramovici A , Gandley RE , Clifton RG , Leveno KJ , Myatt L , Wapner RJ , Thorp JM , Mercer BM , Peaceman AM , Samuels P , Sciscione A , Harper M , Saade G , Sorokin Y ,   the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health Human Development Maternal‐Fetal Medicine Units Network
Published: December 2014

Objective

Smoking and pre‐eclampsia (PE) are associated with increases in preterm birth, placental abruption and low birthweight. We evaluated the relationship between prenatal vitamin C and E (C/E) supplementation and perinatal outcomes by maternal self‐reported smoking status focusing on outcomes known to be impacted by maternal smoking.

Design/Setting/Population

A secondary analysis of a multi‐centre trial of vitamin C/E supplementation starting at 9–16 weeks in low‐risk nulliparous women with singleton gestations.

Methods

We examined the effect of vitamin C/E by smoking status at randomisation using the Breslow–Day test for interaction.

Main outcome measures

The trial's primary outcomes were PE and a composite outcome of pregnancy‐associated hypertension (PAH) with serious adverse outcomes. Perinatal outcomes included preterm birth and abruption.

Results

There were no differences in baseline characteristics within subgroups (smokers versus nonsmokers) by vitamin supplementation status. The effect of prenatal vitamin C/E on the risk of PE (P = 0.66) or PAH composite outcome (P = 0.86) did not differ by smoking status. Vitamin C/E was protective for placental abruption in smokers (relative risk [RR] 0.09; 95% CI 0.00–0.87], but not in nonsmokers (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.52–1.62) (P = 0.01), and for preterm birth in smokers (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.58–0.99) but not in nonsmokers (RR 1.03; 95% CI 0.90–1.17) (P = 0.046).

Conclusion

In this cohort of women, smoking was not associated with a reduction in PE or the composite outcome of PAH. Vitamin C/E supplementation appears to be associated with a reduction in placental abruption and preterm birth among smokers.
Developmental milestones in children born post‐term in the Danish National Birth Cohort: a main research article
Authors: Olesen AW , Olsen J , Zhu JL
Published: December 2014

Objective

To examine the timing of reaching developmental milestones in children born post‐term.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

The Danish National Birth Cohort: children born between 1997 and 2003.

Population

Data were obtained from a cohort of 92 892 pregnancies participating in the first pregnancy interview. All singletons born in gestational weeks 39–45 were identified. The study was then restricted to children who participated in an interview at the age of approximately 18 months and had information on at least one developmental milestone. We excluded children of mothers with chronic diseases from the final analysis. The remaining study population constituted of 43 915 singletons (27 503 born at term; 16 412 born post‐term).

Methods

Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios of late achievement of these developmental milestones, adjusted for potential confounding factors.

Main outcome measures

Achieving developmental milestones at the time of interview or at a certain age.

Results

More children born post‐term achieved the assessed developmental milestones compared with children born at term (39–40 weeks). A test for trend for gestational ages 39, 40, and 41 weeks also showed a positive trend at achieving developmental milestones with gestational age at birth in nine out of 14 milestone items.

Conclusions

Children born post‐term appear to reach the main developmental milestones at an earlier age than children born at term. The association could also result from bias related to a longer time between conception and interviewing, misclassification of end points, or selection bias.
How doctors learn and perform sustained inflations with a self‐inflating bag: a manikin study with a newborn lung simulator
Authors: Boldingh Anne Marthe , Solevåg Anne L. , Benth Jūratė Šaltytė , Klingenberg Claus , Nakstad Britt
Published: December 2014

Aim

Sustained inflations during initial resuscitation may help a depressed infant make a more efficient transition to air‐filled lungs. This study examined whether doctors could perform sustained inflations with a self‐inflating bag in high and low compliance settings and with an open or blocked pressure‐relief valve.

Methods

We asked 43 doctors to carry out sustained inflations for more than 5‐sec in a manikin connected to a newborn lung simulator with randomised compliance settings. Tidal volume, inflation time, peak and mean inflating pressure were measured, and 34 were retested 3 months later.

Results

The majority of the doctors – 72% in the initial study and 62% in the retest – managed sustained inflations within three ventilation attempts, irrespective of lung compliance setting and years of work experience. Using a blocked pressure‐relief valve produced higher tidal volume (27.8 versus 22.6 mL, p < 0.001), inflation time (8.9 versus 8.1 sec, p = 0.025), peak inflating pressure (34.0 versus 28.0 cmH2O; p = 0.012) and mean inflating pressure (28.1 versus 22.8 cmH2O; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The majority of doctors could deliver sustained inflation with a self‐inflating bag in a newborn lung simulator for more than 5‐sec. Using a blocked pressure‐relief valve resulted in higher inflation time, tidal volume and inflation pressure.
Use of Inhaled and Oral Corticosteroids in Pregnancy and the Risk of Malformations or Miscarriage
Authors: Bjørn Anne‐Mette Bay , Ehrenstein Vera , Nohr Ellen Aagaard , Nørgaard Mette
Published: December 2014

Corticosteroids are potent anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs, which sometimes must be given to pregnant women. Corticosteroids have been suspected to be teratogenic for many years; however, there is conflicting evidence regarding the association. Based on a literature review of three databases, this MiniReview provides an overview of inhaled and oral corticosteroid use in pregnancy with specific emphasis on the association between use of corticosteroids during pregnancy and risk of miscarriage and congenital malformations in offspring. The use of corticosteroids among pregnant women ranged from 0.2% to 10% and increased nearly two times in recent years. Taken together, the evidence suggests that the use of corticosteroids in early pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations overall or oral clefts in offspring; at the same time, published estimates are inconsistent. The use of inhaled corticosteroids was associated with a slightly increased risk of miscarriage, whereas the use of oral corticosteroids was not; however, confounding by indication could not be ruled out.
Assisted Gestation and Transgender Women
Authors: Murphy Timothy F.
Published: December 2014

Developments in uterus transplant put assisted gestation within meaningful range of clinical success for women with uterine infertility who want to gestate children. Should this kind of transplantation prove routine and effective for those women, would there be any morally significant reason why men or transgender women should not be eligible for the same opportunity for gestation? Getting to the point of safe and effective uterus transplantation for those parties would require a focused line of research, over and above the study of uterus transplantation for non‐transgender women. Some commentators object to the idea that the state has any duty to sponsor research of this kind. They would limit all publicly‐funded fertility research to sex‐typical ways of having children, which they construe as the basis of reproductive rights. This objection has no force against privately‐funded research, of course, and in any case not all social expenditures are responses to ‘rights’ properly speaking. Another possible objection raised against gestation by transgender women is that it could alter the social meaning of sexed bodies. This line of argument fails, however, to substantiate a meaningful objection to gestation by transgender women because social meanings of sexed bodies do not remain constant and because the change in this case would not elicit social effects significant enough to justify closing off gestation to transgender women as a class.
Low‐flow veno‐venous extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal in the management of severe status asthmatics: a case report
Authors: Tiruvoipati Ravindranath , Haji Kavi , Gupta Sachin , Braun Gary , Carney Ian , Botha John
Published: December 2014

Status asthmaticus is a life‐threatening condition that requires intensive care management. Most of these patients have severe hypercapnic acidosis that requires lung protective mechanical ventilation. A small proportion of these patients do not respond to conventional lung protective mechanical ventilation or pharmacotherapy. Such patients have an increased mortality and morbidity. Successful use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is reported in such patients. However, the use of ECMO is invasive with its associated morbidity and is limited to specialised centres. In this report, we report the use of a novel, minimally invasive, low‐flow extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal device in management of severe hypercapnic acidosis in a patient with life threatening status asthmaticus.
Fatty liver disease, glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in obese adolescents
Authors: Slyper A. H. , Rosenberg H. , Kabra A. , Huang W.‐M. , Blech B. , Matsumura M. M.
Published: December 2014

Background/objectives

Adult studies suggest that intra‐hepatic fat predicts 2‐h blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetes, and may have a role in the development of insulin resistance. Our study objective was to explore relationships between intra‐hepatic fat and (i) blood glucose levels and (ii) insulin resistance determined by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) in a group of obese adolescents.

Methods

Subjects were 61 obese non‐diabetic male and female volunteers aged 12–18 years inclusive with a body mass index >95th percentile for age and 2‐h blood glucose <200 mg dL−1. Each subject underwent 2‐h glucose tolerance testing and measurement of haemoglobin A1c, ultrasensitive C‐reactive protein and fasting insulin. Visceral, subcutaneous abdominal and intra‐hepatic fat were determined by magnetic resonance imaging. Intra‐hepatic fat was measured by gradient echo chemical shift imaging.

Results

Alanine aminotransferase levels and hepatic phase difference were not significant correlates of fasting or 2‐h glucose. In a multiple regression model including hepatic phase difference and visceral fat volume, visceral fat volume was the sole predictor of HOMA.

Conclusions

This study provides no support to the notion that intra‐hepatic fat has a role in the regulation of fasting blood glucose, 2‐h postprandial blood glucose or systemic insulin resistance.
Management and outcomes of axial isolated distal deep vein thrombosis at North Shore Hospital, New Zealand: a retrospective audit
Authors: Li A. Y. , Woulfe T. , Rolfe‐Vyson V. , Rowland V. , Simpson D. , Merriman E.
Published: December 2014

Background

It is standard of care to treat proximal vein deep vein thrombosis (DVT) for a minimum of 3 months. Conversely, management of isolated distal DVT (IDDVT) is controversial, with options including observation and repeat ultrasound scan within 1 week to detect and anticoagulate those with proximal propagation, or anticoagulation for periods of up to 3 months.

Aim

The aim was to assess the rates of proximal propagation and venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence within 3 months of diagnosis of IDDVT, and to examine how the duration of treatment might influence this.

Methods

Study patients were identified by retrospective audit of data from the North Shore Hospital VTE database. All patients presenting with established axial vein distal DVT from July 2007 to June 2012 were included. A 6‐week treatment duration cut‐off was used to separate the treatment arms (<6 weeks vs 6 weeks vs >6 weeks), and Fisher's exact or Pearson's Chi‐squared tests were used to assess between‐group comparisons.

Results

Five hundred and seven patients were included in the study, mean age 59.7 years; 53% female. There were three cases of proximal propagation, all occurring in those receiving <6 weeks treatment. There were six VTE recurrences, three in the <6 week and three in the ≥6 week treatment groups respectively. Malignancy was the only significant predictor of VTE recurrence (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

A 6‐week duration of anticoagulation appears to be an effective and safe treatment for isolated axial distal DVT, with low rates of VTE recurrence and proximal propagation.
An integrated assessment of histopathological changes of the enteric neuromuscular compartment in experimental colitis
Authors: Ippolito Chiara , Segnani Cristina , Errede Mariella , Virgintino Daniela , Colucci Rocchina , Fornai Matteo , Antonioli Luca , Blandizzi Corrado , Dolfi Amelio , Bernardini Nunzia
Published: December 2014

Bowel inflammatory fibrosis has been largely investigated, but an integrated assessment of remodelling in inflamed colon is lacking. This study evaluated tissue and cellular changes occurring in colonic wall upon induction of colitis, with a focus on neuromuscular compartment. Colitis was elicited in rats by 2,4‐dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS). After 6 and 21 days, the following parameters were assessed on paraffin sections from colonic samples: tissue injury and inflammatory infiltration by histology; collagen and elastic fibres by histochemistry; HuC/D, glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), nestin, substance P (SP), von Willebrand factor, c‐Kit and transmembrane 16A/Anoctamin1 (TMEM16A/ANO1) by immunohistochemistry. TMEM16A/ANO1 was also examined in isolated colonic smooth muscle cells (ICSMCs). On day 6, inflammatory alterations and fibrosis were present in DNBS‐treated rats; colonic wall thickening and fibrotic remodelling were evident on day 21. Colitis was associated with both an increase in collagen fibres and a decrease in elastic fibres. Moreover, the neuromuscular compartment of inflamed colon displayed a significant decrease in neuron density and increase in GFAP/PCNA‐positive glia of myenteric ganglia, enhanced expression of neural SP, blood vessel remodelling, reduced c‐Kit‐ and TMEM16A/ANO1‐positive interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), as well as an increase in TMEM16A/ANO1 expression in muscle tissues and ICSMCs. The present findings provide an integrated view of the inflammatory and fibrotic processes occurring in the colonic neuromuscular compartment of rats with DNBS‐induced colitis. These morphological alterations may represent a suitable basis for understanding early pathophysiological events related to bowel inflammatory fibrosis.
Comparison of Stresses Generated within the Supporting Structures of Mandibular Second Molars Restored with Different Crown Materials: 3‐D Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Authors: Abuelenain Dalia A. , Ajaj Reem , El‐Bab Eman I. M. Fath , Hammouda Mohammad M. I.
Published: December 2014

Purpose

This study compares the FEA‐calculated stresses generated within the supporting periodontal structure of a mandibular second molar restored with a full ceramic crown and with a porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal (PFM) crown, each resisting occlusal forces acting at different inclinations.

Materials and Methods

Three‐dimensional finite element models representing the crown of an unrestored mandibular second molar and two relevant restoration designs were constructed. Two designs represented the molar restored with a full ceramic crown and with a PFM crown, each cemented with the same resin cement. Occlusion was assumed at three contact areas, which equally shared a 100 N force. The analysis was carried out for forces located in the bucco‐axial‐lingual plane at five inclinations, 0, 22.5°, 45°, 67.5°, and 90°, measured from the axial direction of the tooth. The magnitudes and sites of the maximum equivalent stress (MES) generated within the supporting periodontium of each analyzed model were collected.

Results

Generally, there were no significant differences in the site and magnitude of MES in the regions of the supporting structure for the analyzed models. The MES was located at the tooth periodontal ligament (PDL) bifurcation area and distal root apex, crestal bone at the junction between cortical and cancellous bone, and the distal wall of the mesial root socket of cancellous bone. The highest stresses corresponded to a horizontal load, followed by the axial load in the PDL and cortical zones. The results show opposite observations for the cancellous bone. The lowest stresses were generated under a load inclination between 22.5° and 45°.

Conclusion

Considering the stresses generated within the supporting structures, the present work validates, by calculation, the proposed clinical use of either a full ceramic crown or a PFM crown as a restoration for mandibular second molars.
Surface Detail Reproduction and Effect of Disinfectant and Long‐Term Storage on the Dimensional Stability of a Novel Vinyl Polyether Silicone Impression Material
Authors: Nassar Usama , Chow Ava K.
Published: December 2014

Purpose

This study investigated the surface detail reproduction and dimensional stability of a vinyl polyether silicone (VPES) in comparison to a vinylpolysiloxane (VPS) material as a function of prolonged storage for up to 2 weeks.

Materials and Methods

Heavy‐body VPES (EXA'lenceTM Fast Set) and VPS (ImprintTM 3 Quick Step) were compared. Forty impression ingots of each material were made using a stainless steel die as described by ANSI/ADA specification No. 19. Twenty impressions of each material were disinfected by immersion in a 2.5% buffered glutaraldehyde solution. Surface quality was assessed and scored immediately after making the ingots. Dimensional stability measurements were made immediately and repeated on the same ingots after 7 and 14 days storage in ambient laboratory conditions. Data were analyzed using the D'Agostino and Pearson omnibus normality test followed by two‐way repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni tests. Values of p < 0.01 were deemed to be significant.

Results

Disinfected VPES and VPS specimens had significantly reduced dimensional changes at 7 and 14 days when compared with the nondisinfected ones (p < 0.0001). The dimensional stability of both materials was within ANSI/ADA specification No. 19's acceptable limit throughout the 2‐week test period, regardless of whether they were disinfected. Out of the initial 80 ingots, 8 VPES and 1 VPS ingot scored a 2 on the surface detail test, while the remaining 71 ingots scored 1.

Conclusions

Heavy‐body fast‐set VPES experienced minimal contraction in vitro after prolonged storage, though surface detail scores were not as consistent as those of the VPS tested. The least contraction occurred when the material was examined immediately after ingot production.
Social structure varies with elevation in an Alpine ant
Authors: Purcell Jessica , Pellissier Loïc , Chapuisat Michel
Published: December 2014

Insect societies vary greatly in social organization, yet the relative roles of ecological and genetic factors in driving this variation remain poorly understood. Identifying how social structure varies along environmental gradients can provide insights into the ecological conditions favouring alternative social organizations. Here, we investigate how queen number variation is distributed along elevation gradients within a socially polymorphic ant, the Alpine silver antFormica selysi. We sampled low‐ and high‐elevation populations in multiple Alpine valleys. We show that populations belonging to different drainage basins are genetically differentiated. In contrast, there is little genetic divergence between low‐ and high‐elevation populations within the same drainage basin. Thus, elevation gradients in each of the drainage basins represent independent contrasts. Whatever the elevation, all well‐sampled populations are socially polymorphic, containing both monogynous (= one queen) and polygynous (= multiple queen) colonies. However, the proportion of monogynous colonies per population increases at higher elevation, while the effective number of queens in polygynous colonies decreases, and this pattern is replicated in each drainage basin. The increased prevalence of colonies with a single queen at high elevation is correlated with summer and winter average temperature, but not with precipitation. The colder, unpredictable and patchy environment encountered at higher elevations may favour larger queens with the ability to disperse and establish incipient monogynous colonies independently, while the stable and continuous habitat in the lowlands may favour large, fast‐growing polygynous colonies. By highlighting differences in the environmental conditions favouring monogynous or polygynous colonies, this study sheds light on the ecological factors influencing the distribution and maintenance of social polymorphism.
Aneurysmal bone cyst does not hinder the success of kidney transplantation. A case report
Authors: Giordano Mario , Caloro Giorgia , Gaeta Alberto , Vergori Antonio , Santangelo Luisa , Giordano Paolo , Ruggieri Pietro
Published: December 2014

Uremic osteodystrophy is an expected complication in subjects with chronic renal insufficiency. It develops gradually and progressively already during the conservative treatment and then during the dialysis treatment. It can present a wide histopathological spectrum including typical alterations (from osteitis fibrosa to osteomalacia and/or mixed lesions) or, more rarely, isolated bone lesions indicative of a brown tumor of the bone. These conditions must be clearly identified in the pretransplant phase, especially if a bone lesion indicative of a pathological condition possibly evolving into a neoplasm is detected fortuitously. We report the case of a 19‐yr‐old boy with renal insufficiency and candidate for a pre‐emptive renal transplantation from a living donor, in whom the diagnosis of ABC of the pubic symphysis – asymptomatic and fortuitously detected while performing instrumental investigations – was suspected through the imaging studies (CT scan, MRI) and was confirmed by the histological examination. This made it possible to perform the renal transplant. The immunosuppressive treatment, which was subsequently administered, was based on steroids, calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus), and mycophenolate and did not determine any modification in the radiological aspect of the bone lesion, even after more than one yr from the transplant.
Development and validation of a new performance‐based measurement of instrumental activities of daily living in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Hui‐Mei , Yeh Yi‐Chun , Su Wei‐Lieh , Huang Mei‐Feng , Chang Chun‐Wei , Chen Cheng‐Sheng
Published: December 2014

Background

The performance‐based instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) measurement is thought to improve the validity and reliability of conventional tools that rely on proxy reports. The aims of this study were to develop and validate a performance‐based measurement of IADL for use in elderly patients with cognitive impairment in Taiwan and other Chinese‐speaking communities.

Methods

Referring to current versions of performance‐based IADL, we developed the new Taiwan Performance‐Based IADL (TPIADL) measurement to minimize literacy dependency and render it compatible with local culture. Participants performed tasks, including finding a telephone number, calculating the correct amount of change, reading the ingredients on a tin of food, finding food items on a shelf, and reading instructions on a medicine container. The internal consistency and convergent and criteria validity of the TPIADL were examined.

Results

Altogether, 117 elderly subjects were invited to participate in this study, including 39 patients with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, 29 with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, and 49 without cognitive impairment. The internal consistency of the TPIADL was 0.82. The TPIADL scores were significantly correlated with the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (r = 0.76, P < 0.001). The area under the relative operating characteristic curve was 0.90 (95% confidence interval = 0.84–0.97) to differentiate dementia due to Alzheimer's disease and others. The optimal cut‐off point for the TPIADL was 6/7, which gives a sensitivity of 84.6% and a specificity of 75.6%.

Conclusions

The TPIADL is a validated instrument for the measurement of IADL in elderly subjects. It might replace conventional assessment as a valid and easily administered measurement.
Epidemiology of blood component recipients in hospitals of Yazd, Iran
Authors: Javadzadeh Shahshahani H. , Hatami H. , Meraat N. , Savabieh S.
Published: December 2014

Background and Objectives

Blood recipient and blood product utilisation data are needed for assessment of current transfusion practice in hospitals. Such data can help monitoring blood use, improving blood transfusion practice and estimating future blood use.

Materials and Methods

In this cross sectional study, the rate of blood consumption has been evaluated in three randomly selected hospitals of Yazd, Iran in 2011–2012. Data of blood recipients including patient identification number, age, sex, principal diagnoses, date of transfusion, type and number of transfused blood components and indication for transfusion were prospectively collected.

Results

The dataset included information about 814 patients (53% males) who received 1110 RBCs, 410 plasma and 1484 platelet (PLT) units. Transfusion rate per 1000 population per year was 24, 10 and 15 for red blood cells (RBCs), plasma and PLT units, respectively. Age group 17–64 years had the highest consumption of blood components (55%). Most of the RBCs and PLT units were transfused to patients with neoplasm (42 and 82%, respectively). Cardiovascular surgery was the diagnosis category with most plasma usage (32%). The category with highest haemoglobin level before transfusion was surgery; Orthopaedic and ENT surgeries were at the top of ranking (11·96 ± 1·85 g dL−1). PLT count before transfusion was 11·160 ± 5·282 × 109 L−1 in neoplasm category and 12·3637 ± 6·2267 × 1010 L−1 in neonatal disease.

Conclusion

Study results showed the first epidemiological data of blood recipients on a regional basis in Iran. It is suggested to study blood utilisation at the national level to assist in improving transfusion practice in hospitals.
NOTE ON THE MULTIPLICATION AND MIGRATION OF NUCLEOLI IN NERVE CELLS OF MAMMALS
Authors: May W. Page , Walker C. E.
Published: December 2014

The conclusions arrived at from the observations here described are—

1. That the nucleoli of the nerve cells described multiply continually, generally by a process of budding, more rarely by an equal division in bulk of a pre‐existing nucleolus.

2. That the nucleoli pass out of the nucleus, and in the process their staining reaction changes.

3. After passing out of the nucleus the nucleoli become granular in appearance, and increase in size. The increase in size would appear to be due to the lessened density of the contents, rather than to an increase in substance.

4. The nucleoli sometimes pass bodily out of the nerve cell (peri‐karyon), and are taken into the cytoplasm of leucocytes or capsular cells. At other times the substance of the nucleoli seems to pass in small portions from the cytoplasm of the nerve cell into that of a capsular cell or a leucocyte.
THE FORM AND MAGNITUDE OF THE ELECTRICAL RESPONSE OF THE EYE TO STIMULATION BY LIGHT AT VARIOUS INTENSITIES
Authors: Einthoven W. , Jolly W. A.
Published: December 2014

1. The photo‐electric reaction of an isolated eye is specially adapted to the study of the effect of stimuli of very different intensities. In our experiments light stimuli have been used whose energy varies from 3·05 × 10−12 to 3·95 × 10−2 g. cal. per sec.

Short illumination with the strongest light has not been found to damage the eye, while the weakest light was capable of producing a fairly considerable photo‐electric reaction.

2. The form under which the photo‐electric reaction manifests itself under different conditions gives ground for the supposition that there occur in the eye three separate processes, and each of these may be dependent upon a separate substance. We speak of three substances for the sake of convenience.

3. The first substance reacts more rapidly than the other two. On lighting it develops a negative, on darkening a positive potential difference. Its action comes strongly into prominence in a light eye and appears almost unmixed on sudden darkening of short duration (a flash of darkness).

The second substance reacts less rapidly than the first, and in an opposite sense. On lighting it develops a positive, on darkening a negative potential difference. Its action appears almost unmixed in a dark eye which is illuminated for a short time with weak light.

The third substance reacts in the same sense as the second, but much more slowly. Its action fails in a completely light eye, and also in a dark eye which is illuminated very weakly for a short time.

4. The latent period of the photo‐electric reaction is in a high degree dependent upon the intensity of the stimulus. With strong stimuli it is of the order of 0·01 sec., while with very weak stimuli it may be lengthened to more than 2 sec. These values are in agreement with the latent periods of light perception in the human eye.

5. For each of the three substances the rule holds good that with moderate and strong light the energy of the stimulus increases much more quickly than the energy of the reaction.

6. Although the eye is far more sensitive than the most sensitive artificial bolometer, the energy of the reaction remains below that of the stimulus even in the most favourable circumstances. The photo‐electric reaction of the eye is in this respect comparable with the action current of a muscle or nerve.
THE ACTION OF THE RADIATION FROM RADIUM BROMIDE UPON THE SKIN OF THE EAR OF THE RABBIT
Authors: Barratt J. O. Wakelin
Published: December 2014

The action of a disc of radium bromide, under the conditions of experiment described above, produced on the ear of the rabbit a ring‐like area of pigmentation corresponding to the edge of the disc. Within the ring more or less depigmentation occurred. With moderate magnification the pigmentation was seen to present a reticular pattern. The deposit of pigment took place chiefly in the epidermis. In an albino rabbit no ring‐like pigment deposit was observed.
STUDIES IN THE REFLEXES OF THE GUINEA‐PIG. IV.: SOME MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH BROWN‐SÉQUARD'S “EPILEPSY”
Authors: Abel Williamina , Brown T. Graham
Published: December 2014

1. We confirm the account given by Brown‐Séquard of the macroscopic changes which occur in the hair and skin of the face and neck as an accompaniment of the phenomena described by him.

2. In addition there are microscopic changes in the skin. Amongst these may be mentioned an apparent alteration in the nerve twigs surrounding the hair follicles.

3. Degenerative changes in the cells of the Gasserian ganglion of the same side have been observed, but these degenerative changes are not so marked as the changes in the skin.

4. We have failed to detect the presence of degenerated fibres in the nerve trunk of the Vth cranial nerve in the specimens examined. The nerve was investigated both central and peripheral to the ganglion.
A COMPARISON OF NATURALLY AND ARTIFICIALLY AROUSED IMPULSES UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF NERVE BLOCKS
Authors: Gruber Charles M.
Published: December 2014

1. Natural impulses in the phrenic, as well as impulses set up artificially, can be arrested by an electrical (tripolar) block and by freezing mixtures, especially by liquid air.

2. With but one exception, the same strength of block was required for natural impulses as for impulses set up by very weak electrical stimuli.

3. As has been previously shown by other observers, the phrenic nerve is a mixed nerve containing both afferent and efferent fibres. This is definitely proved by stimulating the nerves centrally to a block and thus causing a change in the rate and force of contraction of the opposite slip of the diaphragm.
THE ELASTICITY OF THE HOLLOW VISCERA
Authors: Kesson J. E.
Published: December 2014

The elastic properties of the hollow viscera and muscular tubes differ strikingly in (a) the relaxed and (b) the tonically contracted states, whether tested by distension in response to internal pressure or stretching of strips cut from their walls; in (b) the increments of volume or length progressively rise to a maximum and then diminish, in (a) the maximal effect comes at the beginning of a descending series. While both differ from rubber bands or tubes, the distensibility of (a) differs from that of a rubber tube more strikingly than that of (b). The differences in (a) and (b) are essentially similar to those described by MacWilliam in relaxed and in persistently contracted arteries.

The differences are not to be accounted for by overstretching, rupture of fibres, curvature of strips, etc.

Similar differences are found under similar conditions in a ribbon of parallel unstriped muscle‐fibre, like the retractor penis, which recovers perfectly and can show spontaneous rhythmic contractions afterwards.

There seems to be an essential difference between the elasticity of tonically contracted unstriped muscle and that of skeletal muscle and other animal tissues, as hitherto described. The accepted account of the elasticity of the animal tissues is wholly incorrect as applied to tonically contracted unstriped muscle.

Cardiac muscle (frog) apparently resembles unstriped muscle in this respect. The essential peculiarity seems to be related to the tonically contracted condition of unstriped muscle, and not to the same tissue when relaxed or when tested by a series of single stimuli.
THE SELF‐REGULATION OF THE ACIDITY OF THE GASTRIC CONTENTS AND THE REAL ACIDITY OF THE GASTRIC JUICE
Authors: Boldyreff W.
Published: December 2014

1. The acidity of the freshly secreted gastric juice is constant (0·5 per cent. HCL).

2. This acidity is rapidly lowered to a level which oscillates between 0·15 to 0·2 per cent. HCL.

3. The same thing happens when any acids foreign to the stomach are introduced into it.

4. This partial neutralisation is due to the reflux into the stomach of alkaline juices from the duodenum, the pancreatic juice being here the most important factor.

5. Neutral, alkaline, or feebly acid fluids introduced into the stomach provoke a secretion of the acid juice with the object of bringing up the acidity to the normal level.

6. The mechanism described for maintaining the optimum level of acidity ( 0·15 to 0·2 per cent. HCl) I propose to designate the self‐regulation of the acidity of the contents of the stomach.
THE INFLUENCE ON METABOLISM OF ADMINISTRATION OF SMALL AMOUNTS OF THYROID GLAND AND OF POSTERIOR LOBE OF PITUITARY
Authors: Hewitt James Arthur
Published: December 2014

From the above figures it is evident that thyroid gland administered in small amounts to rats fed on an otherwise normal diet produces results which differ according to the amount of gland given.

The exhibition of 0·25 gm. of fresh gland caused at first a loss of weight, but subsequently a slight gain in weight. It is to be noted that, in the third thyroid period, when 0·25 gm. was given, owing to the increased weight of the rats, the dose per kilog. body‐weight is less than in the first thyroid period.

It may also be that the animals had acquired a slight tolerance, thyroid gland having been administered for two weeks previously. The administration of 0·125 gm. thyroid, on the other hand, produced a rapid increase in weight of 137·5 gm., this being about four times as great as that under double the dose.

The effect on food consumption also varies with the amount of thyroid exhibited, 0·125 gm. producing an increase, 0·25 gm. at first a decrease, and subsequently an increase over the amount consumed in the normal week. In both cases 0·25 gm. thyroid caused a lower retention of nitrogen per kilog. weight than did 0·125 gm.

With regard to the excretion of ammonia, the average daily output is greater under 0·25 gm. than under 0·125 gm.

It was suggested in the previous paper1 that, had small enough doses of thyroid been given, results would have been obtained comparable to those of Schäfer,2 namely, a retention of nitrogen combined with a gain in weight.

This is shown to be the case when 0·125 gm. is exhibited. The effect of administration of thyroid gland and posterior lobe of pituitary simultaneously is mainly a lessened retention of nitrogen, and an increased excretion of urinary nitrogen and ammonia.
THE ACTION OF CERTAIN GLAND EXTRACTS AND DRUGS UPON THE UTERUS OF THE RAT
Authors: Itagaki M.
Published: December 2014

The results of these experiments upon the rat‐uterus may be briefly stated thus:—

1. Extract of posterior lobe of pituitary always produces an increase of tone.

2. Solutions of adrenalin inhibit the rhythmic contractions (with or without diminution of tone).

3. Extract of thyroid occasionally produces an increase of tone, but generally has no effect.

4. Extracts of orchitic substance, of uterus, and of brain have no appreciable effect.

5. The action of nicotine is variable. Weak solutions produce an increase of tone. Stronger solutions cause first inhibition, then increased contraction. Still stronger solutions produce inhibition alone.

6. The action of pilocarpine is inconstant, but usually an increase of tone is produced.

7. Weak solutions of atropine produce increase of the rhythmic contractions; stronger solutions, a slight diminution; but even with a very strong solution there is no absolute arrest of the contractions.

8. Barium chloride in all strengths which produce any effect causes increased tone and stimulates the rhythmic contractions.
THE QUESTION OF A GASTRIC HORMONE
Authors: Lim Robert K. S.
Published: December 2014

1. Edkins’ observations regarding pyloric extracts and their effect in causing gastric secretion is confirmed. Extracts made from the cardiac and duodenal mucous membranes are less active; fundus extracts are comparatively inert, while jejunal and ileal extracts are ineffective.

2. Histamine causes gastric secretion when injected intravenously; contrary to the observations of Popielski and others, who only obtained secretion when it was injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly.

3. Adrenalin does not inhibit the secretion provoked by the above substances but may delay its outflow from the stomach. Adrenalin excites secretion in some individuals.

4. The distribution of the gastric excitant or gastrin in the stomach and duodenum corresponds with the distribution of mucoid glands ; it is suggested that the excitant is extracted from mucoid cells.

5. The blood of fed animals has no effect on gastric secretion when transfused directly or indirectly. The blood was taken at various intervals after a meal, and when citrated was injected either intravenously or intra‐arterially into the recipient.

Since there is no gastric exciting substance in the blood after meals, it is concluded that the excitant found in pyloric and other extracts is not secreted into the blood stream and the mechanism of secretagogue action is not due to internal secretion.
THE EFFECT ON THE STOMACH OF STIMULATION OF THE PERIPHERAL END OF THE VAGUS NERVE
Authors: M'Crea E. D. , M'Swiney B. A. , Stopford J. S. B.
Published: December 2014

Stimulation of the peripheral cut end of either vagus by means of the faradic current will, if the organ be in a state of “hypotonus,” either initiate movements in the quiescent stomach, or, if movements are present, augment and sometimes accelerate them. A rise of entogastric pressure may accompany these movements. The contractions produced are indistinguishable from accentuated normal movements‐they are an exaggeration of the normal‐unless the stimulus be exceptionally strong, when a tonic contraction may result : from this, however, “escape” shortly occurs. The motor effect is preceded by a brief interval or latent period of some three seconds, and should the viscus be initially in a condition of “hypertonus,” this is followed by a period during which movements, if present, cease, and relaxation occurs. Augmented or initial contractions ensue later, but may be delayed until after the cessation of stimulus : there is not necessarily a restoration of entogastric pressure.

The pre‐existing state of the peripheral mechanism governs the response to stimulation, the most marked results being obtained with the active organ, the least with the passive.

The X‐ray picture on vagal stimulation shows that the effects on function are augmentor and accelerator: food in the cesophagus passes through the cardia, the waves of contraction are deeper than normal, and the pylorus functions rapidly, food leaving through the sphincter before every antral contraction. A brief preliminary relaxation may be observed.

These effects remain unchanged by alterations of anæsthetics, decerebration, or splanchnic section. A vaso‐constrictor effect may be obtained on stimulation of the peripheral cut end of the vagus. The first part of the duodenum functions with the stomach and is controlled by the vagus in a similar manner. Stimulation of the intact nerve, the other being undivided, gives variable results, depending on the preexisting state, and on whether the centripetal or centrifugal influences predominate.

We desire to make clear that our use of the entogastric pressure is only as an index of the activity or inactivity of the organ, and that by it we are endeavounrng to gauge the condition of the peripheral mechanism. We use the digesting or quiescent viscus in order to obtain variations in this state of the peripheral mechanism, and these are demonstrable by the entogastric pressure, latent period, and “response.”

The majority of our findings may be summarised as follows:—

1. The primary effect of stimulation of the peripheral cut end of either vagus on the stomach is dependent on the existing condition of the peripheral mechanism (“tonus”), and may be inhibitor or augmentor.

2. The inhibitor or augmentor effect may involve both “tonus” and movement.

3. The final effect of stimulation is to bring about the augmentation of existing movement or to initiate movement.

4. “Tonus” and contraction may vary inversely or directly.
A NOTE ON THE RHYTHM OF CHEMICAL DIFFERENTIATION IN THE AVIAN EMBRYO
Authors: Needham Joseph
Published: December 2014

A study of the non‐protein nitrogen in the embryo of eight species of birds suggests that the rhythm of chemical differentiation is always the same, no matter how long the developmental period.

The thanks of the writer are due to the Government Grant Committee of the Royal Society for a contribution defraying the cost of this work, and to Mr Impey, Mrs Deller, Mr Carter, and Sir Charles Walston, for help in the obtaining of the eggs used.
STUDIES ON THE ARNETH COUNT.—VII. EXPERIMENTAL TUBERCULOSIS IN THE RABBIT
Authors: Ponder Eric , Flint K. Newstead
Published: December 2014

1. In experimental tuberculosis in the rabbit there is a left‐handed deflection of the Arneth count, as occurs in the disease in man.

2. There is some evidence for believing that this deflected state is brought about in the first instance by a liberation of cells of Class I. from the marrow, but afterwards maintained by an increased removal from the blood‐stream of the cells of the higher classes.

3. The injection of tuberculin into a tuberculous rabbit has an effect comparable with the injection of thyroid into a normal rabbit. The marrow liberates cells of Class I., which in the course of time develop into cells of the higher classes.

This research was carried out under a grant from the Government Grants Committee of the Royal Society.

We have to thank Colonel
Liston and Dr D. G. S.
M'Laughlan for their kindness in supplying us with the bacteriological material.
STUDIES OF THE MOVEMENTS OF THE EYELIDS OF ANIMALS: BLINKING
Authors: Blount W. P.
Published: December 2014

1. A rough classification of the movements of the eyelids of animals has been made.

2. Observations of the normal inter blink period of many vertebrate animals is recorded.

3. The physiology of blinking is considered.

4. The suggestion of
Ponder and
Kennedy that some of the impulses which cause blinking have a central origin is discussed and supported.

5. The evolution of blinking is referred to and the influence of age considered.

I wish to thank Dr
Henry Dryerre, Professor of Physiology, The Royal (Dick) Veterinary College, Edinburgh, for his help and suggestions throughout the work.
STUDIES ON THE BLOOD OF BIRDS.—I. THE CORPUSCLES OF THE PIGEON
Authors: Kennedy Walter P. , Climenko David R.
Published: December 2014

1. The erythrocytes of the pigeon's blood are described, and figures are given for the average measurements and for the value of the erythrocyte count. Two types of red blood‐cell are enumerated.

2. The leucocytes of the pigeon's blood are divisible into four classes. The following data are given concerning them, viz. differential counts, sizes, morphology, and staining reactions. It has been found impossible to obtain sufficiently accurate total white‐cell counts.

3. No thrombocytes could be demonstrated.

A portion of the expenses of this research were defrayed by a grant from the Moray Fund.