bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Intravenous Neostigmine in Palliation of Severe Ileus
Authors: Kasi Pashtoon Murtaza
Published: February 2013

Neostigmine is a parasympathomimetic drug that acts as a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Clinically it is used in patients with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO or Ogilvie’s syndrome, which is a gastrointestinal motility disorder characterized by marked dilatation of the colon in the absence of mechanical obstruction), postoperative ileus, urinary retention, myasthenia gravis, and in anesthesia to reverse the effects of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants. Both bolus and infusion are noted to be effective and lead to prompt evacuation of flatus or stool with a reduction in abdominal distention on physical examination. Median duration is noted to be 4–30 minutes in some trials. Here we present our experience of using 2 mg of intravenous neostigmine to help relieve the severe abdominal distention and ileus in a patient with severe fecal impaction when all conservative measures had been futile. The most frequent side effect of the drug is abdominal pain/cramping, which was noted in our patient as well. Other complications include bradycardia which is very infrequently symptomatic to require atropine. Overall, the drug is a simple, safe, and effective strategy; and as pointed out in the previous studies, the drug appears to be underused in patients who do not have a true contraindication to its use.
Several Types of Convergence Rates of the M/G/1 Queueing System
Authors: Li Xiaohua , Li Jungang
Published: February 2013

We study the workload process of the M/G/1 queueing system. Firstly, we give the explicit criteria for the geometric rate of convergence and the geometric decay of stationary tail. And the parametersε0ands0for the geometric rate of convergence and the geometric decay of the stationary tail are obtained, respectively. Then, we give the explicit criteria for the rate of convergence and decay of stationary tail for three specific types of subgeometric cases. And we give the parametersε1ands1of the rate of convergence and the decay of the stationary tail, respectively, for the subgeometric rater(n)=exp(sn1/(1+α)),s>0,α>0.
Extracranial Intraluminal Extension of Atypical Meningioma within the Internal Jugular Vein
Authors: Taki Nizar , Wein Richard O. , Bedi Harprit , Heilman Carl B.
Published: February 2013

Meningiomas represent the most common benign intracranial neoplasms, and may spread by direct extension into nearby venous sinuses, but gross spread to the extracranial venous system is uncommon. We report the case of a patient with extracranial intraluminal spread of meningioma within the internal jugular vein to level III of the neck. Review of the preoperative assessment and management is also presented.
Effect of Additives on Wood Pellet Physical and Thermal Characteristics: A Review
Authors: Tarasov Dmitry , Shahi Chander , Leitch Mathew
Published: February 2013

Additives play a major role in wood pellet characteristics and are a subject of major interest as they act as binding agents for the biomass raw material. Past research has reported the use of lignosulphonate, dolomite, starches, potato flour and peel, and some motor and vegetable oils as additives for wood pellet production. This paper reviews the available research on the effect of different additives on wood pellets' physical and thermal characteristics. It was found that lignosulphonate and starch additives improve the mechanical durability but tend to reduce the calorific value of the wood pellets. Motor and vegetable oil additives increase the calorific value minimally but significantly increase carbon monoxide emissions. Corn starch and dolomite additives also significantly increase carbon monoxide emissions. In order to produce wood pellets with desired physical and thermal characteristics, a suitable additive with the right biomass material should be used.
Bee Venom Mitigates Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity by Regulating CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Regulatory T Cells in Mice
Authors: Kim Hyunseong , Lee Gihyun , Park Soojin , Chung Hwan-Suck , Lee Hyojung , Kim Jong-Yoon , Nam Sangsoo , Kim Sun Kwang , Bae Hyunsu
Published: February 2013

Cisplatin is used as a potent anticancer drug, but it often causes nephrotoxicity. Bee venom (BV) has been used for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, and its renoprotective action was shown in NZB/W mice. However, little is known about whether BV has beneficial effects on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and how such effects might be mediated. In the present study, the BV-injected group showed a significant increase in the population of Tregs in spleen. Although there was no significant difference in the numbers of Tregs 3 days after cisplatin injection between the BV- and PBS-injected groups, more migration of Tregs into the kidney was observed 6 hours after cisplatin administration in BV group than in PBS group. In addition, BV-injected mice showed reduced levels of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, renal tissue damage, proinflammatory cytokines, and macrophage infiltration into the kidney 3 days after cisplatin administration. These renoprotective effects were abolished by the depletion of Tregs. The anticancer effect of repeated administrations of cisplatin was not affected by BV injection. These results suggest that BV has protective effects on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice, at least in part, through the regulation of Tregs without a big influence on the antitumor effects of cisplatin.
Inflammatory Characteristics of Stenotic Aortic Valves: A Comparison between Rheumatic and Nonrheumatic Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Wallby Lars , Steffensen Thora , Jonasson Lena , Broqvist Mats
Published: February 2013

Background. Although our comprehension of nonrheumatic aortic stenosis (NRAS) has increased substantially during the last decade, less is known about the histopathology of rheumatic aortic stenosis (RAS). The aim of this study was to investigate rheumatic aortic stenosis by means of analyses previously used in nonrheumatic stenosis.Material and Methods. Valve specimens were obtained from 39 patients referred to hospital due to significant aortic stenosis. According to established macroscopic criteria the valves were divided into two groups consisting of 29 NRAS and 10 RAS valves. Mononuclear inflammatory cells and apolipoproteins were investigated using immunohistochemical analyses.Results. The localisation of calcification differed in tricuspid nonrheumatic valves when compared to bicuspid nonrheumatic and rheumatic valves. The RAS valves revealed a lower degree of T lymphocyte infiltration compared with the NRAS valves. Infiltration of macrophages was seen in all valves and there were no differences regarding deposition of apolipoprotein.Conclusion. Rheumatic and nonrheumatic aortic stenotic valves show a similar and significant chronic inflammation. The similarities regarding the localisation of calcification indicate that the valve anomaly/morphology can influence the pathogenesis of aortic stenosis. Finally, our findings highlight the question of a postinflammatory valvular disease of other causes than rheumatic fever.
Curriculum-Based Measurement: A Brief History of Nearly Everything from the 1970s to the Present
Authors: Tindal Gerald
Published: February 2013

This paper provides a description of 30 years of research conducted on curriculum-based measurement. In this time span, several subject matter areas have been studied—reading, writing, mathematics, and secondary content (subject) areas—in developing technically adequate measures of student performance and progress. This research has been conducted by scores of scholars across the United States using a variety of methodologies with widely differing populations. Nevertheless, little of this research has moved from a “measurement paradigm” to one focused on “training in data use and decision making paradigm.” The paper concludes with a program of research that is needed over the next 30 years.
Molecular Pathways: Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway Mutations and Drug Resistance
Authors: Pritchard Antonia L. , Hayward Nicholas K.
Published: February 2013

Receptor tyrosine kinases are a diverse family of transmembrane proteins that can activate multiple pathways upon ligation of the receptor, one of which is the series of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades. The MAPK pathways play critical roles in a wide variety of cancer types, from hematologic malignancies to solid tumors. Aberrations include altered expression levels and activation states of pathway components, which can sometimes be attributable to mutations in individual members. The V600E mutation of BRAF was initially described in 2002 and has been found at particularly high frequency in melanoma and certain subtypes of colorectal cancer. In the relatively short time since this discovery, a family of drugs has been developed that specifically target this mutated BRAF isoform, which, after results from phase I/II and III clinical trials, was granted U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in August 2011. Although these drugs produce clinically meaningful increases in progression-free and overall survival, due to acquired resistance they have not improved mortality rates. New drugs targeting other members of the MAPK pathways are in clinical trials or advanced stages of development. It is hoped that combination therapies of these new drugs in conjunction with BRAF inhibitors will counteract the mechanisms of resistance and provide cures. The clinical implementation of next-generation sequencing is leading to a greater understanding of the genetic architecture of tumors, along with acquired mechanisms of drug resistance, which will guide the development of tumor-specific inhibitors and combination therapies in the future. Clin Cancer Res; 19(9); 2301–9. ©2013 AACR.
Establishment and Characterization of the First Pediatric Adrenocortical Carcinoma Xenograft Model Identifies Topotecan as a Potential Chemotherapeutic Agent
Authors: Pinto Emilia M. , Morton Christopher , Rodriguez-Galindo Carlos , McGregor Lisa , Davidoff Andrew M. , Mercer Kimberly , Debelenko Larisa V. , Billups Catherine , Ribeiro Raul C. , Zambetti Gerard P.
Published: February 2013

Purpose: Pediatric adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy. Conventional chemotherapeutic agents have shown limited utility and are largely ineffective in treating children with advanced ACC. The lack of cell lines and animal models of pediatric ACC has hampered the development of new therapies. Here we report the establishment of the first pediatric ACC xenograft model and the characterization of its sensitivity to selected chemotherapeutic agents.

Experimental Design: A tumor from an 11-year-old boy with previously untreated ACC was established as a subcutaneous xenograft in immunocompromised CB17 scid−/− mice. The patient harbored a germline TP53 G245C mutation, and the primary tumor showed loss of heterozygosity with retention of the mutated TP53 allele. Histopathology, DNA fingerprinting, gene expression profiling, and biochemical analyses of the xenograft were conducted and compared with the primary tumor and normal adrenal cortex. The second endpoint was to assess the preliminary antitumor activity of selected chemotherapeutic agents.

Results: The xenograft maintained the histopathologic and molecular features of the primary tumor. Screening the xenograft for drug responsiveness showed that cisplatin had a potent antitumor effect. However, etoposide, doxorubicin, and a panel of other common cancer drugs had little or no antitumor activity, with the exception of topotecan, which was found to significantly inhibit tumor growth. Consistent with these preclinical findings, topotecan as a single agent in a child with relapsed ACC resulted in disease stabilization.

Conclusion: Our study established a novel TP53-associated pediatric ACC xenograft and identified topotecan as a potentially effective agent for treating children with this disease. Clin Cancer Res; 19(7); 1740–7. ©2013 AACR.
Reduced antiplatelet effect of aspirin is associated with low-grade inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Larsen Sanne , Grove Erik , Kristensen Steen , Hvas Anne-Mette
Published: February 2013

Inflammation has been proposed to modify platelet function. This may lead to increased platelet reactivity and reduced antiplatelet drug efficacy in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, this hypothesis has not been investigated in stable CAD patients receiving aspirin as mono antiplatelet therapy. It was the objective of this study to investigate the association between platelet reactivity, the inflammatory markers high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and platelet activation. We performed a cross-sectional study on 524 stable high-risk CAD patients. Among these, 91% had a history of myocardial infarction, 23% had type 2 diabetes, and 13% had both. All patients received 75 mg aspirin daily as mono antiplatelet therapy. Platelet reactivity was assessed by multiple electrode aggregometry (Multiplate®, MEA) and VerifyNow®. Inflammation was evaluated by hs-CRP and IL-6. Platelet activation was assessed by soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), and cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition was evaluated by measurement of serum thromboxane B2. Hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in upper platelet reactivity tertile patients than in lower platelet reactivity tertile patients (p≤0.02). Similar results were obtained with IL-6, though not statististically significant (p≥0.15). Platelet activation evaluated by sP-selectin was significantly higher in patients with MEA reactivity levels in the upper tertile than in the lower tertile (p=0.0001). Optimal compliance was confirmed by low serum thromboxane B2 levels in all patients. In conclusion, increased levels of hs-CRP were associated with augmented platelet reactivity in stable high-risk CAD patients receiving aspirin as mono antiplatelet therapy. These findings may suggest that chronic low-grade inflammation reduce the antiplatelet effect of aspirin.
Platelet apoptosis and agonist-mediated activation in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Jiménez-Yuste Víctor , Bello Ihosvany , Salgado Elena García , Álvarez María , Martín Mónica , de Paz Raquel , Butta Nora V.
Published: February 2013

Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have a defect in the differentiation of bone marrow multipotent progenitor cells. Thrombocytopenia in MDS patients may be due to premature megakaryocyte death, but platelet apoptotic mechanisms may also occur. This study aimed to study function and apoptotic state of platelets from MDS patients with different platelet count. Reticulated platelets, platelet activation, activated caspases and annexin-V binding were evaluated by flow cytometry. Pro-apoptotic Bax and Bak proteins were determined by western blots and plasma thrombopoietin by ELISA. Microparticle-associated procoagulant activity and thrombin generation capacity of plasma were determined by an activity kit and calibrated automated thrombography, respectively. High plasma thrombopoietin levels and low immature circulating platelet count showed a pattern of hypoplastic thrombocytopenia in MDS patients. Platelets from MDS patients showed reduced activation capacity and more apoptosis signs than controls. Patients with the lowest platelet count showed less platelet activation and the highest extent of platelet apoptosis. On this basis, patients with thrombocytopenia should suffer more haemorrhagic episodes than is actually observed. Consequently, we tested whether there were some compensatory mechanisms to counteract their expected bleeding tendency. Microparticle-associated procoagulant activity was enhanced in MDS patients with thrombocytopenia, whereas their plasma thrombin generation capacity was similar to control group. This research shows a hypoplastic thrombocytopenia that platelets from MDS patients possess an impaired ability to be stimulated and more apoptosis markers than those from healthy controls, indicating that MDS is a stem cell disorder, and then, both number and function of progeny cells, might be affected.
Phenotypic and molecular characterisation of type 3 von Willebrand disease in a cohort of Indian patients
Authors: Budde Ulrich , Jan Rifat , Oyen Florian , Kannan Meganathan , Schneppenheim Reinhard , Ahmad Firdos , Saxena Renu
Published: February 2013

Severe type 3 VWD (VWD3) is characterised by complete absence or presence of trace amounts of non-functional von Willebrand factor (VWF). The study was designed to evaluate the VWF mutations in VWD3 patients and characterise the breakpoints of two identified homozygous novel large deletions. Patients were diagnosed by conventional tests and VWF multimer analysis. Mutation screening was performed in 19 VWD3 patients by direct sequencing of VWF including flanking intronic sequence and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis. Breakpoint characterisation of two identified novel large deletions was done using walking primers and long spanning PCR. A total of 21 different mutations including 15 (71.4%) novel ones were identified in 17 (89.5%) patients. Of these mutations, five (23.8%) were nonsense (p.R1659*, p.R1779*, p.R1853*, p.Q2470*, p.Q2520*), one was a putative splice site (p.M814I) and seven (33.3%) were deletions (p.L254fs*48, p.C849fs*60, p.L1871fs*6, p.E2720fs*24) including three novel large deletions of exon 14–15, 80,830bp (−41510_657+7928A*del) and 2,231bp [1534–2072T_c.1692G*del(p.512fs*terminus)] respectively. A patient carried gene conversion comprising of pseudogene harbouring mutations. The missense mutations (p.G19R, p.K355R, p.D437Y, p.C633R, p.M771V, p.G2044D, p.C2491R) appear to play a major role and were identified in seven (36.8%) patients. In conclusion, a high frequency of novel mutations suggests the high propensity of VWF for new mutations. Missense and deletion mutations found to be a common cause of VWD3 in cohort of Indian VWD3 patients. Breakpoints characterisation of two large deletions reveals the double strand break and non-homologous recombination as deletions mechanism.
Detection of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus by Cardiac Computed Tomography in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Romero Jorge , Husain Syed Arman , Kelesidis Iosif , Sanz Javier , Medina Hector M. , Garcia Mario J.
Published: February 2013

Background—

Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is considered the gold standard modality in detecting left atrial/LA appendage (LA/LAA) thrombi. However, this is a semi-invasive procedure with rare but potential life-threatening complications. Cardiac computed tomography has been proposed as an alternative method. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of cardiac computed tomography assessing LA/LAA thrombi in comparison with TEE.

Methods and Results—

A systematic review of Medline, Cochrane, and Embase to look for clinical trials assessing detection of LA/LAA thrombi by cardiac computed tomography when compared with TEE in patients with a history of atrial fibrillation before electric cardioversion/pulmonary vein isolation or after cardioembolic cerebrovascular accident was performed using standard approach and bivariate analysis. Nineteen studies with 2955 patients (men, 71%; mean age, 61±4 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Most studies (85%, 16 studies) used 64-slide multidetector computed tomography and 15 studies (79%) were electrocardiographic-gated. The incidence of LA/LAA thrombi was 8.9% (SD, ±7). The mean sensitivity and specificity were 96% and 92%, whereas the positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 41% and 99%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy was 94%. In a subanalysis of studies in which delayed imaging was performed, the diagnostic accuracy significantly improved to a mean weighted sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 99%, respectively, whereas the positive predictive value and negative predictive value increased to 92% and 100%, respectively. The accuracy for this technique was 99%.

Conclusions—

Cardiac computed tomography, particularly when delayed imaging is performed, is a reliable alternative to TEE for the detection of LA/LAA thrombi/clot, avoiding the discomfort and risks associated with TEE.
Sildenafil and Diastolic Dysfunction After Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Andersen Mads J. , Ersbøll Mads , Axelsson Anna , Gustafsson Finn , Hassager Christian , Køber Lars , Borlaug Barry A. , Boesgaard Søren , Skovgaard Lene T. , Møller Jacob E.
Published: February 2013

Background—

Diastolic dysfunction is frequently seen after myocardial infarction and is characterized by a disproportionate increase in filling pressure during exercise to maintain stroke volume. We hypothesized that sildenafil would reduce filling pressure during exercise in patients with diastolic dysfunction after myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

Seventy patients with diastolic dysfunction and near normal left ventricular ejection fraction on echocardiography were randomly assigned sildenafil 40 mg thrice daily or matching placebo for 9 weeks. Before randomization and after 9 weeks of treatment patients underwent simultaneous echocardiography and right heart catheterization at rest and during exercise. Primary end point was pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and secondary end points comprised cardiac index and pulmonary arterial pressure at rest and during exercise after 9 weeks. After 9 weeks there were no differences in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure at rest (13±4 versus 13±3 mm Hg,
P
=0.25) or at peak exercise (35±8 mm Hg versus 31±7 mm Hg,
P
=0.07). However, with treatment cardiac index increased at rest (
P
=0.006) and peak exercise (
P
=0.02) in the sildenafil group, and systemic vascular resistance index (resting,
P
=0.0002; peak exercise,
P
=0.007) and diastolic blood pressure (resting,
P
=0.005; peak exercise,
P
=0.02) were lower in the sildenafil group. Resting left ventricular end-diastolic volume index increased (
P
=0.001) within the sildenafil group but was unchanged in the placebo group.

Conclusions—

Sildenafil did not decrease filling pressure at rest or during exercise in post–myocardial infarction patients with diastolic dysfunction. However, there were effects on secondary end points, which require further studies.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01046838
. Unique identifier: NCT01046838.
Stuckism (A Conversation)
Authors: Eşanu Octavian
Published: February 2013

In this text, which takes the form of a conversation and is preceded by a short introduction, the ARTMargins collective seeks to draw the readers' attention to a global artistic community known as Stuckism. The contribution highlights some of the most conspicuous issues raised by the Stuckists. For more than a decade Stuckism has critiqued the mainstream contemporary art world, accusing it of being at the mercy of global speculative capital; Stuckism also questions the mainstream aesthetics of conceptualism and its insistence upon de-materialized artistic practices. Instead Stuckism calls for respect for traditional or fine arts media, providing in the meantime an example of forging global cooperation among artists from various countries, without or even in spite of a lack of corporate support.
Drowning in Documents: Action, Documentation, and Factography in Early Work by the Collective Actions Group
Authors: Kalinsky Yelena
Published: February 2013

This article traces a provisional history of the early years of the conceptual performance art group Collective Actions through an examination of three critical terms—action, documentation, and factography—that came to figure prominently in the group's definition of its aesthetic project. A close reading of several of the group's actions and key theoretical texts from this period (1976–1981) reveals a dialectic of performance and documentation wherein the photographic and textual recording of actions, first carried out for purely pragmatic purposes, begins to acquire an independent aesthetic dimension that challenges the primacy of the live action. This shifting understanding of action—away from the ephemeral, spatio-temporal event and toward an aesthetics of documentation and factographic discourse—became a form of self-institutionalization that revealed fault lines in the artistic positions and ambitions of the Moscow Conceptualist circle. The article therefore attempts to locate the specific stakes of performance as an artistic practice within Moscow Conceptualism at the turn of the 1980s.
Pure Creativity, 1994
Authors: Kareyan David
Published: February 2013

The two texts presented here were written by members of conceptual artists' group ACT operating in Armenia in 1994–1996. The group developed affirmative artistic actions and exhibitions to support the constitution of the new state based on the principles of liberal democracy and market capitalism. Its conceptual interventions and actions, both in conventional spaces of exhibition, but also on the street and in the already dysfunctional factories, were often formally minimal and austere, but almost always prescriptive in terms of offering a model of political and aesthetic participation.
Searching for the Neural Correlates of Conscious Intention
Authors: Desmurget Michel
Published: February 2013

It is typically assumed that the conscious experience of wanting to move is not the driving force for motor planning, but the secondary consequence of the unconscious neural processes preparing the movement. A recent study by Schneider et al. [Schneider, L., Houdayer, E., Bai, O., & Hallett, M. What we think before a voluntary movement. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 25, 822–829, 2013] seems consistent with this dominant view by showing that the brain can be preparing to make voluntary movements not only “prior to the conscious appreciation that this is happening” but also “while subjects are thinking about something else.” However, an alternative hypothesis exists. It is supported by several lines of evidence and suggests that the early neural signals recorded by Schneider et al. (and others) do not reflect movement preparation per se, but rather a buildup in neural activity that ultimately leads to the emergence of a conscious intention to move. According to this view, the conscious experience of wanting to move is not the consequence but the cause of movement initiation.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to the Transverse Occipital Sulcus Affects Scene but Not Object Processing
Authors: Ganaden Rachel E. , Mullin Caitlin R. , Steeves Jennifer K. E.
Published: February 2013

Traditionally, it has been theorized that the human visual system identifies and classifies scenes in an object-centered approach, such that scene recognition can only occur once key objects within a scene are identified. Recent research points toward an alternative approach, suggesting that the global image features of a scene are sufficient for the recognition and categorization of a scene. We have previously shown that disrupting object processing with repetitive TMS to object-selective cortex enhances scene processing possibly through a release of inhibitory mechanisms between object and scene pathways [Mullin, C. R., & Steeves, J. K. E. TMS to the lateral occipital cortex disrupts object processing but facilitates scene processing. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 23, 4174–4184, 2011]. Here we show the effects of TMS to the transverse occipital sulcus (TOS), an area implicated in scene perception, on scene and object processing. TMS was delivered to the TOS or the vertex (control site) while participants performed an object and scene natural/nonnatural categorization task. Transiently interrupting the TOS resulted in significantly lower accuracies for scene categorization compared with control conditions. This demonstrates a causal role of the TOS in scene processing and indicates its importance, in addition to the parahippocampal place area and retrosplenial cortex, in the scene processing network. Unlike TMS to object-selective cortex, which facilitates scene categorization, disrupting scene processing through stimulation of the TOS did not affect object categorization. Further analysis revealed a higher proportion of errors for nonnatural scenes that led us to speculate that the TOS may be involved in processing the higher spatial frequency content of a scene. This supports a nonhierarchical model of scene recognition.
A review of college-level health textbooks for coverage of type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Ethan Danna , Rennis Lesley , Samuel Lalitha , Seidel Erica J , Basch Corey H
Published: February 2013

Objective:

Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and metabolic syndrome are increasingly relevant health problems for United States (US) college-aged students and their family members. This study’s aim was to determine the extent to which these chronic conditions were covered in leading college-level personal health textbooks and to what degree the books emphasized the preventive steps students can take to promote their health and minimize development or worsening of these conditions.

Design:

A convenience sample of 10 leading college-level personal health textbooks was used in this cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Textbooks selected for analysis are frequently used in introductory personal health courses on college campuses across the US.

Method:

Textbooks were coded for level of coverage for select criteria that included risk factors, definitions, prevalence among college-aged youth, African Americans, and Hispanics, serious consequences associated with unmanaged type 2 diabetes, presence of self-assessment tool, prediabetes’ and metabolic syndrome’s association with type 2 diabetes, prevention strategies, student portrayals, and messages geared towards students living with these conditions.

Results:

Exemplary coverage of information related to diabetes, prediabetes, and metabolic syndrome was uncommon for the following criteria: prevalence among African Americans and Hispanics, depiction of a student with diabetes or prediabetes, prevalence of messages geared toward readers with these conditions, and in-depth discussion of prevention strategies.

Conclusion:

More thorough coverage in personal health textbooks is necessary given the rising prevalence of these health problems in young adults, the positive impact of healthy lifestyle choices, and the formal opportunity for learning presented through college personal health courses.
Origins and Limitations of State-based Advocacy
Authors: Flynn Matthew
Published: February 2013

Brazil has occupied a central role in the access to medicines movement, especially with respect to drugs used to treat those with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Contrary to previous literature centered on the role of the domestic pharmaceutical industry, politicians seeking electoral gains, and civil society activists, I argue that the state, especially the National AIDS Program, led the struggle in contesting a corporate-driven international intellectual property regime. After reviewing the origins of Brazil’s treatment policies and patent reforms, I trace the actions and relationships between the state, civil society, transnational corporations (TNCs), and local industry in three instances when Brazilian officials used compulsory licenses to reduce the price of medicines. Coalition-building and “naming and shaming” tactics contributed to Brazil’s success, while changing pharmaceutical capabilities limited more aggressive actions.
Emigration and Power
Authors: Pearlman Wendy
Published: February 2013

How does emigration affect access to and struggles for power in sending states? For competing groups in the homeland, emigration presents a contradiction: demographic losses but possible economic gains. Wins and losses from this trade-off evolve with shifts in who migrates, to where, and when. I illustrate these relationships in the case of Lebanon since 1860, focusing on the balance of power among sectarian communities. The country’s first migratory wave concentrated material benefits and population deficits in the Christian community. It also encouraged subsequent emigration that, over time, involved more Muslim Lebanese, as well. Such broadening diffused the profits of labor abroad. Due to changes in destinations and historical circumstances, however, many of these migrants remained more connected to their homeland. This aided social mobility for their communities without sapping resident strength. Outmigration thereby helped redistribute human and material resources among sects, and hence created the demographic and material foundations of the competition for power.
Data models for version management of legislative documents
Authors: Hallo Carrasco María , Martínez-González M. Mercedes , de la Fuente Redondo Pablo
Published: February 2013

This paper surveys the main data models used in projects including the management of changes in digital normative legislation. Models have been classified based on a set of criteria, which are also proposed in the paper. Some projects have been chosen as representative for each kind of model. The advantages and problems of each type are analysed, and future trends are identified.
Plenoptic cameras in real-time robotics
Authors: Dong Fengchun , Ieng Sio-Hoi , Savatier Xavier , Etienne-Cummings Ralph , Benosman Ryad
Published: February 2013

Real-time vision-based navigation is a difficult task largely due to the limited optical properties of single cameras that are usually mounted on robots. Multiple camera systems such as polydioptric sensors provide more efficient and precise solutions for autonomous navigation. They are particularly suitable for motion estimation because they allow one to formulate a linear optimization. These sensors capture the visual information in a more complete form called the plenoptic function that encodes the spatial and temporal light radiance of the scene. The polydioptric sensors are rarely used in robotics because they are usually thought to increase the amount of data produced and require more computational power. This paper shows that these cameras provide more accurate estimation results in mobile robotics navigation if designed properly. It also shows that a plenoptic vision sensor with a resolution ranging from 3 × 3 to 40 × 30 pixels camera, provides higher accuracy than a mono-SLAM running on a 320 × 240 pixels camera. The paper also gives a complete scheme to design usable real-time plenoptic cameras for mobile robotics applications by establishing the link between velocity, resolution and motion estimation accuracy. Finally, experiments on a mobile robot are shown allowing for a comparison between optimal plenoptic visual sensors and single high-resolution cameras. The estimation with the plenoptic sensor is more accurate than a monocular high-definition camera with a processing time 100 times lower.
Environment reconstruction and navigation with electric sense based on a Kalman filter
Authors: Lebastard Vincent , Chevallereau Christine , Girin Alexis , Servagent Noël , Gossiaux Pol-Bernard , Boyer Frédéric
Published: February 2013

Electric fish sense the perturbations of a self-generated electric field through their electro-receptive skin. This sense allows them to navigate and reconstruct their environment in conditions where vision and sonar cannot work. In this article, we use a sensor inspired by this sense to address both problems of locating and estimating the size of small objects (electrolocation) and navigating in a tank. Based on a Kalman filter, any small object in the surroundings of the motion-controlled sensor can be modeled as an equivalent sphere whose location is well estimated by the filter. As a first application to the problem of navigation, the filter is included into a closed feedback loop in order to achieve wall following in a tank. Our experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of this approach.
Morphological evidence for geologically young thaw of ice on Mars: A review of recent studies using high-resolution imaging data
Authors: Balme M.R. , Gallagher C.J. , Hauber E.
Published: February 2013

Liquid water is generally only meta-stable on Mars today; it quickly freezes, evaporates or boils in the cold, dry, thin atmosphere (surface pressure is about 200 times lower than on Earth). Nevertheless, there is morphological evidence that surface water was extensive in more ancient times, including the Noachian Epoch (∼4.1 Ga to ∼3.7 Ga bp), when large lakes existed and river-like channel networks were incised, and early in the Hesperian Epoch (∼3.7 Ga to ∼2.9 Ga bp), when megafloods carved enormous channels and smaller fluvial networks developed in association with crater-lakes. However, by the Amazonian Epoch (∼3.0 Ga to present), most surface morphogenesis associated with liquid water had ceased, with long periods of water sequestration as ice in the near-surface and polar regions. However, inferences from observations using imaging data with sub-metre pixel sizes indicate that periglacial landscapes, involving morphogenesis associated with ground-ice and/or surface-ice thaw and liquid flows, has been active within the last few million years. In this paper, three such landform assemblages are described: a high-latitude assemblage comprising features interpreted to be sorted clastic stripes, circles and polygons, non-sorted polygonally patterned ground, fluvial gullies, and solifluction lobes; a mid-latitude assemblage comprising gullies, patterned ground, debris-covered glaciers and hillslope stripes; and an equatorial assemblage of linked basins, patterned ground, possible pingos, and channel-and-scarp features interpreted to be retrogressive thaw-slumps. Hypotheses to explain these observations are explored, including recent climate change, and hydrated minerals in the regolith ‘thawing’ to form liquid brines at very low temperatures. The use of terrestrial analogue field sites is also discussed.
Effectiveness of a Selective Partial Adductor Release for Chronic Adductor-Related Groin Pain in Professional Athletes
Authors: Schilders Ernest , Dimitrakopoulou Alexandra , Cooke Michael , Bismil Quamar , Cooke Carlton
Published: February 2013

Background:

Chronic adductor enthesopathy is a well-known cause of groin pain in athletes. Currently, percutaneous nonselective adductor tenotomies give mixed results and not always predictable outcomes.

Hypothesis:

A selective partial adductor longus release as treatment for recalcitrant chronic adductor longus enthesopathy provides excellent pain relief with a prompt and consistent return to preinjury levels of sport.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

All athletes were assessed in a standard way for adductor dysfunction. They received radiographs and a specifically designed magnetic resonance imaging groin study protocol. Only professional athletes who received a selective partial adductor release were included. Pain and functional improvement were assessed with the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score and time to return to sport.

Results:

Forty-three professional athletes (39 soccer and 4 rugby) with chronic adductor-related groin pain were treated with a selective partial adductor release. The average follow-up time was 40.2 months (range, 25-72 months). Forty-two of 43 athletes returned to their preinjury level of sport after an average of  9.21 weeks (range, 4-24 weeks; SD, 4.68 weeks). The preoperative VAS score improved significantly (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P < .001) from 5.76 ± 1.08 (range, 3-8) to 0.23 ± 0.61 (range, 0-3) postoperatively.

Conclusion:

A selective partial adductor longus release provides excellent pain relief for chronic adductor enthesopathy in professional athletes with a consistent high rate of return to the preinjury level of sport.
Employment Opportunity for Workers Without a College Degree Across the Public, Nonprofit, and For-Profit Sectors
Authors: Haley-Lock Anna , Berman Danielle , Timberlake Jeffrey M.
Published: February 2013

The public and nonprofit sectors are known for providing enhanced employment opportunity to women, persons of color, and parents. The authors ask whether the same is true for workers without college degrees, examining sectoral differences in access to jobs offering fringe benefits, full-time hours, and schedule flexibility. The authors find that the influence of sector and union representation on job quality varies by type of benefit. For example, among public and for-profit employees, union representation is positively associated with benefits availability. Nonprofit employees of either union status have less access to full-time hours, and schedule flexibility is comparably available to all but unionized for-profit workers.
Effect of tocopherol on biochemical blood parameters in pleuritis-induced rats treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
Authors: Całkosiński Ireneusz , Rosińczuk-Tonderys Joanna , Bronowicka-Szydełko Agnieszka , Dzierzba Katarzyna , Bazan Justyna , Dobrzyński Maciej , Majda Jacek , Gamian Andrzej
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tocopherol on pleuritis-induced rats exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD). Rats were treated with a single TCDD dose of 5 μg/kg body weight (b.w.) and then for 3 weeks they were daily supplemented with tocopherol at a dose of 30 mg/kg b.w. The inflammation was initiated by intrapleural injection of a single dose of 1% carrageenin solution in a volume of 0.15 ml. Changes in biochemical blood parameters were measured three times at the 24th, 72nd and 120th hour of pleuritis and the blood was collected from 20 animals of each group of rats (group with the control inflammation; group treated with TCDD and with control inflammation; group treated with TCDD, supplemented with tocopherol and with the inflammation). The following biochemical parameters were measured: tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, procollagen, telopeptide, fibrinogen, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT) and alanine aminotransferase (AlAT). Daily supplementation of tocopherol caused significant changes in the level of TNF, IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, urea, creatinine, AspAT and AlAT. According to the results of these studies, we suggest that tocopherol supplementation in high doses could act as a protective treatment to improve liver metabolism.
Lifetime exposure to low doses of lead in rats
Authors: Nováková Jaroslava , Lukačínová Agnesa , Lovásová Eva , Cimboláková Iveta , Rácz Oliver , Ništiar František
Published: February 2013

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of exposure to low doses of lead dissolved in drinking water (average daily dose of 2.2 mg kg−1 day−1) on selected carbohydrate metabolism parameters in 20 wistar rats. Animals were divided into two groups – control (C) (group drinking clear water) and experimental group (Pb; group exposed to low doses of lead acetate in a concentration of 100 μmol l−1 of drinking water). In this study, we studied the biochemical parameters (glucose, haemoglobin (Hb), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and amylase (AMS)) in rat blood. Glucose and Hb concentration and AMS activity decreased, LDH activity increased but HbA1c concentration levels did not change in rats exposed to lead. Our results well documented that lifetime exposure to lead affected carbohydrate metabolism of rats. Some parameters like concentration of Hb as well as activities of AMS and LDH are useful markers of intoxication of rats with lead. For the evaluation of results (e.g. AMS), not only the data at the end of the experiment should be taken into account but also the entire duration of trials (i.e. more time steps) that makes results more objective should be considered.
The potent effects of ginseng root extract and memantine on cognitive dysfunction in male albino rats
Authors: Al-Hazmi Mansour A , Rawi Sayed M , Arafa Nadia MS , Wagas Abeer , Montasser Ayat OS
Published: February 2013

The study determined the maximum intraperitoneal (ip) scopolamine dose inducing memory impairment in rats (2 mg/kg) compared to 0.5 or 1 mg/kg dose. The effect reflected by significant increase from normal in the latency time required for rats to find the hidden platform in water maze task and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in cortex, hippocampus and striatum. The dose-related histopathological effect via the hemorrhage, vacuolation and gliosis in cortex and hippocampus is assessed. Then the study investigated the potency of Panax ginseng root extract on scopolamine cognitive dysfunction rat model compared to memantine hydrochloride as reference Food and Drug Administration approved. Ginseng extract was administered at dose 100 or 200 mg/kg/day and memantine at 20 mg/kg/day orally for 2 weeks. All treatments showed improvement in the water maze task, however, ginseng (200 mg/kg) group acquired the advantage without statistical difference control. Scopolamine (2 mg/kg ip) group showed significant increase in AChE reactivity and glutamate level and reduced monoamines (norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin) and γ-aminobutyric acid contents in cortex, hippocampus and striatum. Ginseng extract in a dose-dependent manner appears effective as memantine and can improve memory impairment through the retrieved homeostasis via neurotransmitter levels and AChE activities in rat brain areas with partial effect on the histological feature of the brain tissue.
Poly(d-lactide)/poly(caprolactone) nanofiber-thermogelling chitosan gel composite scaffolds for osteochondral tissue regeneration in a rat model
Authors: Cui Zhanwu , Wright Lee D , Guzzo Rosa , Freeman Joseph W , Drissi Hicham , Nair Lakshmi S
Published: February 2013

Macroporous nanostructured scaffolds that can be made to closely mimic skeletal tissue extracellular matrix as well as have the potential to support bone and cartilage tissue regeneration. Porous poly(d-lactide)/poly(caprolactone) nanofiber scaffolds were prepared by electrospinning respective polymer solutions along with salt crystals, which were sintered into fiber mats into cylindrical shape of 1.5 mm diameter and cut into 2–3 mm length followed by salt leaching in distilled water. The poly(d-lactide)/poly(caprolactone)–chitosan composite scaffolds were prepared by impregnating the porous structure of the electrospun scaffold with a thermosensitive chitosan solution. For in vivo evaluation, the scaffolds with and without chitosan gel were press fitted into osteochondral defects in a rat model. Hematoxylin and eosin staining 6 weeks post implantation showed new bone formation within the porous scaffolds with and without chitosan gel. Significant bone formation was observed within both the scaffolds at 15 weeks post implantation compared to the control group. The results show that macroporous poly(d-lactide)/poly(caprolactone) nanofiber scaffolds can be prepared with and without chitosan hydrogel and can serve as an osteochondral scaffold. The porous scaffolds showed the ability to promote new bone formation at the defect site, and incorporation of chitosan within the pores did not adversely affect the tissue in-growth. However, the scaffolds did not support significant cartilage formation even after 15 weeks, which indicates the need for the addition of cells or bioactive molecules within the scaffold to support effective osteochondral tissue regeneration.
Patchwork
Authors: Green Autumn R.
Published: February 2013

Today’s low-income families must patch together their own safety nets from disparate sources of assistance within a context of budget cuts and the growing need for services because of the impact of the Great Recession. Doing so involves a complex and unacknowledged form of labor termed the unspoken shift, which generally falls on the shoulders of women. This article approaches the patchwork safety net system through the perspective of low-income mothers in Boston. Using findings from 6 years of research with low-income families, it argues for a more comprehensive approach to providing social services and reforming public policy.