bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The DNA damage checkpoint protein RAD9A is essential for male meiosis in the mouse
Authors: Vasileva Ana , Hopkins Kevin M. , Wang Xiangyuan , Weissbach Melissa M. , Friedman Richard A. , Wolgemuth Debra J. , Lieberman Howard B.
Published: June 2013

In mitotic cells, RAD9A functions in repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by homologous recombination and facilitates the process by cell cycle checkpoint control in response to DNA damage. DSBs occur naturally in the germline during meiosis but whether RAD9A participates in repairing such breaks is not known. In this study, we determined that RAD9A is indeed expressed in the male germ line with a peak of expression in late pachytene and diplotene stages, and the protein was found associated with the XY body. As complete loss of RAD9A is embryonic lethal, we constructed and characterized a mouse strain with Stra8-Cre driven germ cell-specific ablation of Rad9a beginning in undifferentiated spermatogonia in order to assess its role in spermatogenesis. Adult mutant male mice were infertile or sub-fertile due to massive loss of spermatogenic cells. The onset of this loss occurs during meiotic prophase, and there was an increase in the numbers of apoptotic spermatocytes as determined by TUNEL. Spermatocytes lacking RAD9A usually arrested in meiotic prophase, specifically in pachytene. The incidence of unrepaired DNA breaks increased, as detected by accumulation of γH2AX and DMC1 foci on the axes of autosomal chromosomes in pachytene spermatocytes. The DNA topoisomerase IIβ-binding protein 1 (TOPBP1) was still localized to the sex body, albeit with lower intensity, suggesting that RAD9A may be dispensable for sex body formation. We therefore show for the first time that RAD9A is essential for male fertility and for repair of DNA DSBs during meiotic prophase I.
Development of vocalization and hearing in American mink (Neovison vison).
Authors: Brandt Christian , Malmkvist Jens , Nielsen Rasmus L. , Brande-Lavridsen Nanna , Surlykke Annemarie
Published: June 2013

American mink (Neovison vison) kits are born altricial and fully dependent 40 on maternal care, for which the kits' vocalisations appear essential. We used Auditory Brainstem Recording (ABR) to determine (1) hearing sensitivity of adult females from two breeding lines known to differ in maternal behaviour and (2) development of hearing in kits 8-52 days of age. We also studied sound production in 20 kits throughout postnatal days 1 to 44. Adult female mink had a broad hearing range from 1 kHz to above 70 kHz, with peak sensitivity (threshold of 20 dB SPL) at 8-10 kHz, and no difference in sensitivity between the two breeding lines (P>0.22) to explain the difference in maternal care. Mink kits showed no signs of hearing up to postnatal day 24. From day 30 all kits had ABRs indicative of hearing. Hearing sensitivity increased with age, but was still below the adult level at postnatal day 52. When separated from their mothers kits vocalized loudly. Until age 22 days, 90% of all kits vocalized with no significant decline with age (P=0.27). From day 25, concurrent with the start of hearing, the number of vocalizing kits decreased with age (P<0.001), in particular in kits that were re-tested (P=0.004). Large numbers of mink are kept in fur industry farms, and our results are important to understand sound communication, which is part of their natural behaviour. Our results also suggest mink as an interesting model for studying development of mammalian hearing and correlation to sound production.
Wet webs work better: Humidity, supercontraction and the performance of spider orb webs
Authors: Boutry Cecilia , Blackledge Todd
Published: June 2013

Like many biomaterials, spider silk responds to water through softening and swelling. Major ampullate silk, the main structural element of most prey capture webs, also shrinks dramatically if unrestrained or develops high tension if restrained, a phenomenon called "supercontraction". While supercontraction has been investigated for over 30 years, its consequences for web performance remain controversial. Here, we measure prey capture performance of dry and wet (supercontracted) orb webs of Argiope and Nephila using small wood blocks as prey. Prey capture performance significantly increased at high humidity for Argiope while the improvement was less dramatic for Nephila. This difference is likely due to Argiope silk supercontracting more than Nephila silk. Web deflection, measured as the extension of the web upon prey impact, also increased at high humidity in Argiope, suggesting that silk softening upon supercontraction explains improved performance of wet webs. These results strongly argue that supercontraction is not detrimental to web performance.
Force balance in the take-off of a pierid butterfly: relative importance and timing of leg impulsion and aerodynamic forces
Authors: Bimbard Gaëlle , Kolomenskiy Dmitry , Bouteleux Olivier , Casas Jérôme , Godoy-Diana Ramiro
Published: June 2013

Up to now, the take-off stage remains an elusive phase of insect flight relatively poorly explored compared to other maneuvers. An overall assessment of the different mechanisms involved in the force production during take-off has never been explored. Focusing on the first downstroke, we have addressed this problem from a force balance perspective in butterflies taking-off from the ground. In order to determine if the sole aerodynamic wing force could explain the observed motion of the insect, we have firstly compared a simple analytical model of the wings force to the acceleration of the insect's center of mass estimated from video tracking of the wing and body motions. Secondly, the wing kinematics has also been used for numerical simulations of the aerodynamic flow field. Similar wing aerodynamic forces were obtained by the two methods. Both are however not sufficient, nor is the inclusion of the ground effect, to predict faithfully the body acceleration. We have to resort to the legs forces to obtain a fitting model. We show that the median and hind legs display an active extension responsible for the initiation of the upward motion of the insect's body, occurring before the onset of the wing downstroke. We estimate that legs generate, at various times, an upward force which can be much larger than all other forces applied to the insect's body. The relative timing of leg and wing forces explain the large variability of trajectories observed during the maneuvers.
Navigation by environmental geometry: The use of zebrafish as a model
Authors: Lee Sang Ah , Vallortigara Giorgio , Flore Michele , Spelke Elizabeth , Sovrano Valeria A.
Published: June 2013

Sensitivity to environmental shape in spatial navigation has been found, at both behavioral and neural levels, in virtually every species tested, starting early in development. Moreover, evidence that genetic deletions can cause selective deficits in such navigation behaviors suggests a genetic basis to navigation by environmental geometry. Nevertheless, the geometric computations underlying navigation have not been specified in any species. The present study teases apart the geometric components within the traditionally used rectangular enclosure and finds that zebrafish selectively represent distance and directional relationships between extended boundary surfaces. Similar behavioral results in geometric navigation tasks with human children provide prima facie evidence for similar underlying cognitive computations and open new doors for probing the genetic foundations that give rise to these computations.
Incorporating Limited Rationality into Economics
Authors: Rabin Matthew
Published: June 2013

Harstad and Selten (this forum) raise interesting questions about the relative promise of optimization models and bounded-rationality models in making progress in economics. This article builds from their analysis by indicating the potential for using neoclassical (broadly defined) optimization models to integrate insights from psychology on the limits to rationality into economics. I lay out an approach to making (imperfect and incremental) improvements over previous economic theory by incorporating greater realism while attempting to maintain the breadth of application, the precision of predictions, and the insights of neoclassical theory. I then discuss how many human limits to full rationality are, in fact, well understood in terms of optimization. (JEL B49, D01, D03, D81, D84)
Assessment of students’ knowledge on selected parasite risks occurring in playgrounds in summer
Authors: Przychodzień Agnieszka , Mianowany Mariusz , Głowacka Anna
Published: June 2013

Introduction. Public sandboxes are defiled by dog, cat and children’s faeces that can contain ova and other developmental forms of parasites: Giardia lamblia, Toxoplasma gondii, Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati, Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoides.
Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the state of knowledge regarding the risk of infestation with developmental forms of parasites in children, which may occur in public playgrounds in the aestival season, in students of the Medical University of Lodz.
Material and methods. Data from questionnaires filled in by 200 randomly drawn extramural students of the Medical University of Lodz comprised the material for the study.
Results. The problem of parasitic diseases occurrence in humans was better known in respondents living in big cities. The playgrounds were indicated most frequently by students from small towns. As the majority of respondents indicated, the parasitic diseases of the intestinal tract were caused by the lack of personal hygiene. Only 30% out of the students knew that children in the sandboxes could be infested with Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. More than half were aware of the risk of Giardia lamblia infestation within the sandbox. However, two thirds of them knew that the cat faeces contain Toxoplasma gondii oocysts, which can cause toxoplasmosis. Few students remembered that undercooked or raw meat can comprise developmental forms of Toxoplasma gondii. Out of the surveyed students 13.4% from rural areas, 12.6% from small towns, and 12.0% from big cities were cognizant of the zoonotic disease prevention in children. Respectively, 84.6%, 83.3% and 92.2% knew that babesiosis and tick-borne ence-phalitis can be transmitted by ticks, though only 1/3 of them were acquainted with methods of protecting the skin from tick bites.
Conclusions. The students’ knowledge on the risk of infestation with developmental forms of parasites in children playing in the sandbox was mediocre. The respondents presented a low awareness of parasitic disease prevention. Female students were more aware of the consequences of leaving the animal faeces in the sandboxes. The respondents from rural areas showcased inferior knowledge of the possibilities of infestation with T. gondii in children consuming undercooked or raw meat.
Health-related behaviours among physical education students as an element of their preparation for health education in schools
Authors: Michalik Maciej , Woitas-Ślubowska Donata
Published: June 2013

Introduction. The ordinance of the Minister of Education of 23 December 2008, which has been in force since 1 September 2009, implements a compulsory module of health education in middle and secondary schools. Its implementation has been entrusted to physical education teachers who are supposed to play the role of health leaders in school environments.
Aim. This study aims to demonstrate the effect of the process of education at the university of physical education on health behaviour among future health leaders.
Material and methods. The study was carried out among male and female students (n=197) at the first and fourth year of full-time studies in physical education. An anonymous auditorium testing was applied, with the questions concerning: gender, study year and five health-related behaviours. The number of health-related behaviours was used for determining Health Practice Index (HPI).
Results. Regardless of the gender or study year, the survey demonstrated that the most frequent unhealthy behaviours were: improper diet, inadequate participation in leisure time physical activity and, slightly less frequent, sleep deprivation. The significantly more favourable HPI was found for: all students in the fourth year compared to all students in the first year, women in the fourth year compared to women in the first year, men in both study years compared to women.
Conclusions. Although more favourable Health Practice Indexes were found in the fourth year, the level of unhealthy behaviours among university graduates remains very high. Since the graduates in physical education majors are supposed to perform the functions of health leaders in school environments in the future, it seems necessary that promotion of their healthy lifestyles becomes an important, integral part of the didactic and educational process.
Influence of social and demographic factors on clinical status and severity of chronic fatigue syndrome in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sowa Karolina , Glista Joanna , Pop Teresa , Gdańska Natalia , Adamczyk Marzena , Rusek Wojciech , Adamek Jolanta
Published: June 2013

Introduction. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is cha-racterized by apathy, indifference, exhaustion, and lack of energy, and these symptoms are not the result of intense physical or mental work. Chronic fatigue syndrome often accompanies patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of social and demographic factors on clinical status and level of chronic fatigue syndrome in patients with MS.
Material and methods. The study group comprised 33 MS patients who were treated at the Department of Rehabilitation and Department of Neurology with the Stroke Treatment Unit from November 20, 2010 to 27 April 2011. The research applied a questionnaire containing social and demographic data and the Barthel Scale, Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), the Kurtzke Scale and the Fatigue Severity Scale. The results were analyzed statistically using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.
Results. Statistically significant correlations were confirmed between functional status assessed in the Barthel scale and subjects’ age, disease duration, and the results in the Kurtzke Scale. No statistically significant relationship between the BDI and the analyzed factors was obtained. Significant statistical correlation was obtained between the scores obtained in the Fatigue Severity Scale and family status in the study group. There was also found a weak correlation between the results in the Barthel Scale and Beck Depression Inventory and scores in the Fatigue Severity Scale.
Conclusions. A significant statistical correlation was confirmed between the results on Fatigue Severity Scale and family status, occurring depression and functional capacity in carrying out activities of daily living. There was no statistically significant correlation between such factors as gender, place of residence, education, faith, disease duration and prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome in patients with MS.
The impact of family support on metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Matej-Butrym Agata , Butrym Marek , Jaroszyński Andrzej
Published: June 2013

Introduction. Conscientious compliance with medical prescriptions is a key element of the therapeutic process in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Aim. The aim of this study was to assess to what extent and with what involvement the family members of patients with type 2 diabetes participate in selected activities related to the treatment of diabetes and whether it has any impact on metabolic control.
Material and methods. A total of 136 patients with type 2 diabetes were examined. The research was conducted by means of physical examination, laboratory tests (glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, fasting glucose and lipid profile) and questionnaire survey assessing family members’ participation in selected aspects of the therapeutic procedures in patients with diabetes.
Results. The results of the study indicate that the extent of support and family involvement in helping the patient with type 2 diabetes are not satisfactory, and the received support is not reflected in better glycaemic control. The study showed a significant negligence not only in participation of family members but also of the patients themselves in diabetes education.
Conclusions. The results indicate the need to intensify the education of the families of patients suffering from type 2 diabetes, so that they provide greater support to the sick, particularly in terms of compliance with dietary recommendations.
Pregnant women’s attitudes toward smoking posing danger to foetuses and newborns
Authors: Bucholc Marzena , Wiktor Henryk , Buchajczuk Celina
Published: June 2013

Introduction. Smoking cigarettes is the most common addiction, also observed in women before and during pregnancy.
Aim. This study presents the attitudes of pregnant women towards smoking and the related risks to the foetus and the newborn.
Material and methods. The study was based on the author’s questionnaire and analysis of medical records.It was conducted in obstetric-neonatal units of three hospitals in Lublin, from July to September 2010.
Results. In the observed group, 64.5% women never smo-ked cigarettes. The remaining 35.5% admitted to the habit. Of the latter group 57.1% continued smoking during pregnancy, and 30 (42.9%) stopped. Cigarette smoking during pregnancy was statistically dependent (p<0.01) on marital status, education, profession and monthly family income per capita of the respondents. Smokers were significantly more often unmarried women, who did not work, with low income and vocational education, whereas age and the place of residence had no significance in this regard. Statistical analysis proved the existence of the correlation between women’s opinion on the role of the placenta in the protection of the foetus against tobacco smoke and smoking or not by the pregnant women. Significantly more often (p=0.000000) that was confirmed by the smokers. The collected data show that women smoking during pregnancy significantly more often (p=0.000000) believed that smoking while pregnant had no effect on the subsequent development of diseases in children.
Conclusion. Smoking during pregnancy is relatively common and it is related to women’s marital status, education, profession and monthly income per household member. Women smoking during pregnancy, significantly more often than non-smokers, believe that the placenta protects the child against the effects of tobacco smoke and deny the existence of any link between smoking and the occurrence of diseases in children.
Personal experiences of water birth
Authors: Juda Wioletta , Madej Marzena , Zalewski Maciej , Heimrath Jerzy , Zalewski Jerzy ,   The Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław
Published: June 2013

Introduction. Water birth is one of the advanced methods of labour managing.
Aim. The aim of this study is the assessment of the influence of water immersion on labour progress, condition of mother and newborn as well as the women’s reported contentment with childbirth.
Material and methods. An anonymous survey of own design was used for the research. The gathered material was statistically analyzed using Satistica and Excel software. The research was conducted from October 2009 till March 2010 on 74 randomly chosen women, giving birth at The Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław.
Results. The preparations for a traditional birth were carried out by the attending physician at the clinic (49%), while the ones for the water birth, by a midwife at a birth center (51%). In both groups the father was present in 86% of the cases. Seventy three per cent delivered during the first or second immersion. No instrumental procedures were required during the whole process of water birth and lower pain levels in comparison to the traditional method were reported. The water could have decreased the intensity of contractions and slowed the labor. The first stage of labor was reported as short by women who chose the water method (46%), while the second stage was reported as a long one by the same group of women (14%) and as a very long by women who chose the traditional method (5%). Compared to the traditional birth, episiotomy rates for a water birth are distinctively lower, as well as sex organ injuries – 27% in the former and 8% in the latter. There is no difference in the rate of complications in the third stage of labor between the test group and the control group. Compared to the control group no increase in perinatal bleeding was observed in the test group.
Conclusions. After meeting adequate conditions water birth can serve as an alternative to traditional obstetrics.
The effectiveness of thromboprophylaxis after the total hip replacement
Authors: Wójcik Beata , Gębala Edyta , Drelich-Zbroja Anna , Jabłoński Mirosław
Published: June 2013

Introduction. The hip joint often undergoes degenerative changes that significantly reduce its activity and the overall fitness of a patient. Currently, the most common treatment for advanced osteoarthritis of the hip joint is replacement surgery. Unfortunately, the treatment and perioperative period cause the development of venous thrombosis.
In Poland about 80-100 thousand people a year are diagnosed with venous thromboembolic disease, one third in the form of pulmonary embolism, and two thirds of “pure” venous thrombosis. The use of efective prevention of this serious compliction depends on the knowledge of clinical risk factors identified during an interview with each patient individually.
Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of blood flow in patients undergoing lower limb systematic antithrombotic exercises and standard course of the therapeutic improvement after the hip replacement.
Material and methods. Evaluation of the functional status of veins in 36 women and 24 men was based on ultrasound examination and measurement of the circumference of the leg at the ankle and shin.
Results. As a result of statistical analysis it was found that after the surgery, the maximum systolic velocity improved significantly and also the minimum velocity significantly
improved statistically.
Conclusions. Studies showed a beneficial effect of an early introduction of anticoagulant exercises and physiotherapeutic treatment on blood flow in the veins of the lower limbs.
Occupational stress in physicians working in hospitals and outpatient clinics
Authors: Czabak-Garbacz Róża , Stasiuk Weronika , Zakrocka Izabela Natalia , Cygan Beata , Furtak Iwona ,   Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
Published: June 2013

Introduction. Medical profession can be a source of satisfaction but also of great stress. The main stressors include responsibility for patients health and life, bureaucracy at work, long absence from home, constant readiness, multitasking, moral and ethical dilemmas.
Aim. The aim of the study was to asses whether there is any influence of workplace specifics on doctors’ vulnerability to work-stressors, stress-symptoms and strategies of coping with stress.
Material and methods. A group of 116 physicians – 56 from hospitals and 60 from outpatients clinics of Tarnow (Poland) were surveyed. Statistical analysis was carried out with the use of Chi-square test of independence.
Discussions. The reforms in health service and insurance system, bureaucracy, atmosphere at work place, conflicts with co-workers and health risk were for hospital doctors significantly more stressful than for those working in outpatients clinics. Physicians in outpatients clinics experiencing stressful situations complained more often than their colleagues in hospitals about difficulties in concentration and diarrhoea whilst less frequently of heartburn. Watching TV, drinking alcohol and frequent travelling, were more often used as a stress antidote by hospital doctors.
Conclusions. The work environment of Polish doctors independently of their work place is a source of great stress; however physicians employed in hospitals seem to be more sensitive to work-related stressors and more resistant to stressful situations in private life than their colleagues in clinics for outpatients. Additionally doctors’ stress symptoms and anti-stress methods used by them frequently resulted from the specific character of their workplace.
Recent advances in diagnostics of preeclampsia in pregnancy
Authors: Stupak Aleksandra , Kwaśniewska Anna ,   Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Prgnancy Pathology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
Published: June 2013

Preeclampsia, which affects 2-5% of pregnancies, is one of major causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Nowadays the leading hypothesis of pathogenesis of preeclampsia is the theory of dysfunction in maternal-fetal circulation. The aim of early identification of preeclampsia is to find non-invasive diagnostic methods that can determine the higher risk of morbidity rate. Research on early identification of biochemical markers, algorithm development or screening test is underway for many years.This paper presents a review of the literature on current developments in diagnostics of preeclampsia in pregnancy.
Assisted reproductive techniques and NaProTechnology
Authors: Dowbór-Dzwonka Aneta , Cegła Bernadeta , Filanowicz Małgorzata , Szymkiewicz Ewa
Published: June 2013

Infertility is a significant and constantly increasing individual and social problem. It is estimated that at present it affects approx. 15 to 20 percent of couples. Inability to conceive a child elicits a range of unfavourable implications in the scope of emotional experiences, in the partner’s relationship and in a broader social perspective.
Making a decision on undergoing diagnostics and infertility treatment is a difficult and often postponed moment for many couples. This is an expression of the escape model of dealing with a situation that threatens with a fall of self-esteem. However, if a couple reacts in a task-oriented way and participates in the diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, new doubts appear connected with the medical, psychological, social and ethical sphere. Infertility treatment sometimes prompts fear connected with the stripping of intimacy, loss of control over one’s body, possible complications and unsuccessful therapy.
This article is an analysis of the medical and the other aspects of struggling with infertility with reference to two extremely different methods of solving this problem: NaProTechnology as a process of assisting natural procreation and assisted reproductive techniques with a special consideration of in vitro fertilization.
Diet supplementation
Authors: Frączek Małgorzata , Szumiło Michał , Burdan Franciszek , Szumiło Justyna ,   Ophthalmology Clinic, Autonomous Public University Hospital no.1 in Lublin, Poland
Published: June 2013

Diet supplementation is defined as individual supply of normal diet by condensed source of vitamins, minerals or other substances known as having nutritional or other physiological effect. Consumption of diet supplements has considerably increased in Poland and now they become an important group of over-the-counter specifics. Vitamins and minerals supplementation protects against their deficiency. But medical plants present in some supplements display various beneficial effects on the organism, including chemopreventive action against malignancies and cardio-vascular system diseases. However, administration of the supplements may be also associated with their overdose, interaction with other drugs and false results of some laboratory tests. Furthermore, plant stock used for production of supplements may be contaminated by some pathogenic microorganisms, mycotoxins or pesticides. Therefore, diet supplements have to be applied with caution based on the own health status.
“The Toronto Charter for Physical Activity: A Global Call for Action”
Authors: Stelmach Marian , Żbikowski Jarosław , Wasilewska Małgorzata
Published: June 2013

In 2006 there the International Congress of Physical Activity and Public Health was held in Atlanta. Researchers and practitioners from around the world participating in that event agreed that there is the urgent need to undertake research on the role of physical activity in preventing diseases and there is a need to organize periodic congresses to present research results and exchange views in this area. The initiative met with great interest of researchers and the effect of that was a rapid progress in research in this field of science.
During the Second International Congress of Physical Activity and Public Health in Amsterdam in 2008, there were presented the latest results related to the assessment of physical activity level, the recognition of sedentary behavior as distinct risk behaviors, as well as the role that various environments and policies play in forming human behavior.
The same issues were major themes at the Third Congress of Physical Activity and Public Health in Toronto in 2010. The result of that congress was the adoption of the final document, which addresses the problem of lack of physical activity and the spread of sedentary lifestyle among all communities in the contemporary world.
The papers discuss the essential bases and the process of ratification of that document as a basis for the promotion of physical activity in the different communities around the world. The document is called “The Toronto Charter for Physical Activity: A Global Call for Action”.
Simple Paper-Based Test for Measuring Blood Hemoglobin Concentration in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Yang Xiaoxi , Piety Nathaniel Z , Vignes Seth M , Benton Melody S , Kanter Julie , Shevkoplyas Sergey S
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

The measurement of hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) is performed routinely as a part of a complete blood cell count to evaluate the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. Devices currently available to physicians and clinical laboratories for measuring [Hb] are accurate, operate on small samples, and provide results rapidly, but may be prohibitively expensive for resource-limited settings. The unavailability of accurate but inexpensive diagnostic tools often precludes proper diagnosis of anemia in low-income developing countries. Therefore, we developed a simple paper-based assay for measuring [Hb].

METHODS

A 20-μL droplet of a mixture of blood and Drabkin reagent was deposited onto patterned chromatography paper. The resulting blood stain was digitized with a portable scanner and analyzed. The mean color intensity of the blood stain was used to quantify [Hb]. We compared the performance of the paper-based Hb assay with a hematology analyzer (comparison method) using blood samples from 54 subjects.

RESULTS

The values of [Hb] measured by the paper-based assay and the comparison method were highly correlated (R2 = 0.9598); the standard deviation of the difference between the two measurements was 0.62 g/dL. The assay was accurate within 1 g/dL 90.7% of the time, overestimating [Hb] by ≥1 g/dL in 1.9% and underestimating [Hb] by ≥1 g/dL in 7.4% of the subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the feasibility of the paper-based Hb assay. This simple, low-cost test should be useful for diagnosing anemia in resource-limited settings, particularly in the context of care for malaria, HIV, and sickle cell disease patients in sub-Saharan Africa.
Are Trust and Reciprocity Related within Individuals?
Authors: Kovacs Tamas , Willinger Marc
Published: June 2013

We provide new evidence about a positive correlation between the own amount sent and the own amount returned in the investment game. Our analysis relies on the experimental data collected under the strategy method. While the percentage returned is independent of the amount received for most of our subjects, it is strongly correlated to their amount sent as a trustor. Our analysis is based on a two-way classification of subjects: according to their trusting type and according to their reciprocal type. We show the existence of a strong positive relation between trusting types and reciprocal types within subjects.
Thermal degradation of epoxy resin grafted with polyurethane
Authors: Song Zhenjiang , Xie Jianliang , Zhou Peiheng , Peng Jianing , Wang Xin , Deng Longjiang
Published: June 2013

Epoxy resin grafted with polyurethane was synthesized and characterized through a series of tests. The grafting reactive process between the pendant secondary hydroxyl groups on the side chains of epoxy resin and the isocyanate groups of pre-polyurethane were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Thermal behavior of the grafted epoxy resin was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis within 40–500°C. The degradation of grafted epoxy resin involved two stages. Microstructures of the polyurethane section and grafted epoxy resin were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Model fitting method was employed to calculate the thermal degradation model of grafted epoxy resin. In this paper, 15 typical kinetic mechanisms were introduced into the model fitting method, such as Coats-Redfern method and Achar-Brindley-Sharp-Wendworth method, to obtain the kinetic function of thermal degradation for grafted epoxy resin.
Influence of fly ash particles on tensile and impact behaviour of aluminium (Al/3Cu/8.5Si) metal matrix composites
Authors: Kumar Krishnan Ravi , Mohanasundaram Kothavady Mylsamy , Subramanian Ramanathan , Anandavel Balasubramaniam
Published: June 2013

The present work aimed to study the tensile and impact behaviour of fly ash particle reinforced aluminium matrix composites. Fly ash particles reinforced aluminium (Al/3Cu/8.5Si) matrix composites were fabricated by the stir casting technique. Three different size ranges of fly ash particles (50–75, 75–103 and 103–150 μm) were used. The composites were subjected to tensile and impact tests. The tensile and impact fracture surfaces of the aluminium alloy and composites were investigated using a scanning electron microscope to characterise the fracture mechanism of the composites. The tensile strength of composites increased, while the ductility and impact strength of composites decreased with an increase in fly ash particle content. The fracture surface of the unreinforced material was characterised by uneven distribution of a large number of dimples resulting in ductile failure. In the case of composites, the presence of hard and brittle reinforcement particles in the ductile aluminium matrix places constraints on the plastic flow of the matrix leading to brittle failure with an increase in fly ash particles.
Endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: a good and safe primary treatment option for Cushing's disease, even in case of macroadenomas or invasive adenomas
Authors: Wagenmakers M A E M , Boogaarts H D , Roerink S H P P , Timmers H J L M , Stikkelbroeck N M M L , Smit J W A , van Lindert E J , Netea-Maier R T , Grotenhuis J A , Hermus A R M M
Published: June 2013

Context

Although the endoscopic technique of transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (TS) has been widely adopted, reports on its results in Cushing's disease (CD) are still scarce and no studies have investigated long-term recurrence rates. This is the largest endoscopic series published till now.

Objective

To gain insight into the role of endoscopic TS as a primary treatment option for CD, especially in patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-negative CD and (invasive) macroadenomas.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Patients and methods

The medical records of 86 patients with CD who underwent endoscopic TS were examined. Data on preoperative and postoperative evaluation, perioperative complications, and follow-up were collected. Remission was defined as disappearance of clinical symptoms with a fasting plasma cortisol level ≤50 nmol/l either basal or after 1 mg dexamethasone.

Results

The remission rate in different adenoma subclasses varied significantly: 60% in MRI-negative CD (n=20), 83% in microadenomas (n=35), 94% in noninvasive macroadenomas (n=16), and 40% in macroadenomas that invaded the cavernous sinus (n=15). The recurrence rate was 16% after 71±39 months of follow-up (mean±s.d., range 10–165 months).

Conclusions

Endoscopic TS is a safe and effective treatment for all patients with CD. Recurrence rates after endoscopic TS are comparable with those reported for microscopic TS. Our data suggest that in patients with noninvasive and invasive macroadenomas, the endoscopic technique of TS should be the treatment of choice as remission rates seem to be higher than those reported for microscopic TS, although no comparative study has been performed.
An Attempt at Prevention of Obesity in Infancy
Authors: Pisacano John C. , Lichter Henry , Ritter Jeffrey , Siegal Alan P.
Published: June 2013

A study of The Prudent Diet in early infancy was undertaken in a test group of 80 infants as an attempt to prevent overweight in a private practice setting. This group was compared with another group of 50 infants born in 1964 who were fed the standard infant diet then in use. Although an incidence of 34.1% overweight was present in the comparison group as compared with 25% in the diet group at age 3 months, by age 3 years the comparison group still showed a 25.5% prevalence of overweight as compared with the study group with a significantly lower incidence of only 1.28%. These results require confirmation from other investigators, as well as long-term follow-up observation of patients before one could consider recommending such a diet for widespread use.
Mother-Child Relationships in the Premature Nursery: An Observational Study
Authors: Minde K. , Trehub S. , Corter C. , Boukydis C. , Celhoffer L. , Marton P.
Published: June 2013

In an attempt to develop objective criteria for the process of mother-child bonding, 18 premature infants with a birth weight of less than 1,501 gm were regularly observed alone and together with their mothers during each nursery visit and three home visits, one, two, and three months after discharge from the hospital. Results indicate that (1) mothers visit longer and increase their caretaking behaviors over visits and remain consistent in the rank order of their caretaking behaviors over time. (2) Caretaking behaviors are highly intercorrelated and mothers can be divided into those who show a consistently high, medium, and low amount of interaction with their infants. (3) Highly interacting mothers also visit and telephone the nursery more and stimulate their infants more at home. Mothers who stimulate their infants little in the nursery also visit and phone less and stimulate them little at home. (4) Infant behaviors showed that infants whose gestation was less than 29 weeks did not respond to any type of maternal stimulation. Infants whose gestation was more than 29 weeks, however, showed significantly more eye-openings when their mothers touched them.
STUDY CITES ABUSES OF CHILDREN IN ADULT JAILS
Authors: H. R. J.
Published: June 2013

After an intensive study of local jails and police lockups in nine states, the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) reported that throughout the country, often in violation of law, children are sent to adult jails rather than to juvenile facilities for detention. The study was directed by the Honorable Justine Wise Polier, Director of CDF's Juvenile Justice Division and a former Family Court Judge in New York State. Judge Polier commented. "There is an appalling vacuum of information and little sense of responsibility at any level of government when it comes to children kept in jails. There is no complete list of jails and lockups in this country. National estimates that as many as half a million children are held in adult jails annually are conservative, because they fail to take into account the many children hidden away in small jails which elude the Censustaker's map and tally. Unlike the stocks in former days, jails are hidden from public view—which makes them and the human beings inside them a subject of continuing ignorance."
HLA-B27-Negative Sacroiliitis: A Manifestation of Familial Mediterranean Fever in Childhood
Authors: Lehman Thomas J. A. , Hanson Virgil , Kornreich Helen , Peters Robert S. , Schwabe Arthur D.
Published: June 2013

Familial Mediterranean fever is a polysystemic disease seen most frequently in persons of Mediterranean ancestry. Arthritis is one of the common manifestations. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic sacroiliitis have been reported in adults. We report on two children with familial Mediterranean fever with radiographic abnormalities similar to those described in adults. Although sacroiliitis is strongly correlated with the presence of HLA-B27 in most arthropathies, these children were HLA-B27-negative. The diagnosis of familial Mediterranean fever was delayed in both patients because the association of sacroiliitis with familial Mediterranean fever in childhood was not recognized.
DEMYSTIFICATION OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Mahler H.
Published: June 2013

... it makes good social, economic, and professional sense for countries to take the choice of intervention options nearer to the consumer whenever they have the chance. If I use my diarrhoeal disease example, I would say that making rehydration salts for babies available to mothers in every home is likely to be more useful in the short, medium, and long term than expecting the mother to take the baby to a special centre and have this service done for her. There should be no secret either in the way in which diarrhoeal disease occurs or in its treatment. There appears to be no possible reason why the knowledge and the skills of dealing with it should not go down the professional tree to every household at risk. This is what I mean by "demystification" of medical technology.

There are other possibilities of reversing the trend which is pushing medical action higher up the professional tree. Surely there are immediate opportunities of shifting action downwards at least one step-from teaching hospitals to regional hospitals, from consultants to general practitioners, from general practitioners to nurses, from nurses to mothers?
The ESR in Viral Hepatitis
Authors: Silenzi Mario , Calabri Giuseppe , Salvi Giuseppe , Cocchi Pierto
Published: June 2013

The increase in the ESR in type A hepatitis could be explained by changes in the serum protein levels6 in the course of acute viral hepatitis and/or by the different inflammatory activity of the underlying disease.

It can therefore be concluded that, although the clinical value of the ESR has provoked controversy in the past, it can be a very useful additional test as a diagnostic aid in the differentiation of the two types of viral hepatitis, when tested early in the disease. It is furthermore possible that the ESR is an auxiliary means to distinguish patients suffering from type A hepatitis unassociated with HBsAg although carriers of it.

See table in the PDF.file
Surgical Correction of Macroglossia
Authors: Massengill Raymond , Pickrell Kenneth
Published: June 2013

Surgical procedures for the correction of macroglossia have been performed as early as 1658,1 even before the introduction of general anesthetic agents. However, there are few articles and studies that refer to speech and orthodontic aspects following elective resection of the tongue in macroglossia. It has been pointed out that surgical interventions on the tongue are but rarely necessary, and then for other than phonetic reasons, indicated perhaps in the course of orthodontic treatment. Correction of macroglossia for dental reasons has actually improved the enunciation of previously disturbed linguo-dental sounds in a few personally observed patients.2

The importance of the tongue in the development of normal occlusion was stressed by Swmehart3 in 1950 and the "general posture and habit of lingual movement have been shown by Wright and colleagues4 to determine the stability and comfort with which artificial dentures are worn."5
Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome in a 7-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Roseman Bruce , Mulvihill John J.
Published: June 2013

In 1928 Melkersson1 described the association of recurrent swelling of the lip or face with recurrent peripheral facial palsies. Rosenthal2 in 1931 observed the occurrence of fissured tongue in this condition. We recently saw a young girl in our outpatient service with this syndrome.

CASE REPORT

A 7-year-old black girl complained of "drooling from her mouth and inability to close her right eye." Her history was positive for recurrent facial swelling. She was normotensive and had a furrowed tongue. The results of the rest of the examination were unremarkable. The complete blood cell count, chest roentgenogram, mastoid film, and Schirmer's test were all normal. A diagnosis of the Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome was made, and her eyes were kept moist with methylcellulose.
The pediatrician and sports medicine
Authors: Smith Nathan J.
Published: June 2013

This issue of Pediatrics presents an important communication on injuries related to the participation in high school sports programs (p. 465). Several points made by the authors are of interest. The frequency of injury and the large number of youth participating (5½ million high school athletes participating in the United States during the school year) clearly indicated that sports-related injuries can be expected to be frequently encountered in the pediatrician's office.

The study of Garrick and Requa may prompt us to thoughtfully consider various aspects of sports activities of our patients and their families. It is an appropriate time to identify the sports medicine-related aspects of pediatric practice and determine how the pediatrician can best meet the medical needs of the many young athletes under his or her care.
Expensive Vertigo
Authors: Cohen George J.
Published: June 2013

The excellent article on vertigo by the Drs. Eviatar (Pediatrics 59:833, June 1977) points out clearly that careful history-taking and thorough physical examination are still the prime factors in diagnosis. In this report these fundamental procedures pointed the way to specifically helpful studies such as electroencephalography, electronystagmography, and caloric stimulation.

However, the battery of laboratory and radiological tests, which each patient in the study received, would cost about $150 to $200 and seems to have added to the diagnosis nothing that was not obtained in the history and physical examination.
In Reply: Questions About Complications of H. influenzae Meningitis
Authors: Lindberg Johan , Rosenhall Ulf , Nylén Olle
Published: June 2013

We do agree with Dr. Beam that neurologic sequelae after bacterial meningitis are related to several factors other than antibiotic treatment. However, we do not feel that observations of clinical outcome related to antibiotic treatment are quite irrelevant. Little is known about interaction between antibiotics during clinical conditions. Also a slight antagonism between ampicillin and chloramphenicol could result in delayed CSF sterilization, for which hearing loss ought to be a sensitive indicator. The overrepresentation of sequelae in the group treated with ampicillin and chloramphenicol concomitantly was in fact to a great extent due to hearing loss, while other residuals were found in about equal frequency in all treatment groups.
Symplectic Kloosterman sums
Authors: Tóth Árpád
Published: June 2013

We give optimal bounds for Kloosterman sums that arise in the estimation of Fourier coefficients of Siegel modular forms of genus 2.
The Ordinary Gloss on Jonah
Authors: McDermott Ryan
Published: June 2013

THE ORDINARY GLOSS WAS THE MOST WIDELY USED EDITION OF THE BIBLE IN THE LATER MIDDLE AGES AND WELL INTO THE SIXTEENTH century. Medievalists know the commentary element as the Gloss to which theologians as diverse as Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventure, John Wyclif, and Martin Luther habitually referred. As the foremost vehicle for medieval exegesis, the Gloss framed biblical narratives for a wide range of vernacular religious literature, from Dante'sDivine Comedyto French drama to a Middle English retelling of the Jonah story,Patience.