bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trend of non‐communicable disease mortality for three common conditions in the elderly population from 2002 to 2010: A population‐based study in China
Authors: Li Qian , Guo Jin , Cao Xiao‐Qing , Yuan Xin , Rao Ke‐Qin , Zheng Zhe , Liu Zhi‐Dong , Hu Sheng‐Shou
Published: July 2015

Objective

There is a lack of data focusing on non‐communicable disease (NCD) mortality in the Chinese elderly population over the past decade.

Methods

Using mortality data from the Chinese Health Statistics, we explored the crude and age‐standardized mortality trend of three major NCDs in the Chinese population ≥65 years of age from 2002 to 2010, namely, malignant neoplasms, heart diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases. Subpopulations characterized as rural and urban residence, and by gender and age were examined separately.

Results

Mortality increased with age and was higher among males than among females across the three NCDs, with the gender difference being most remarkable for malignant neoplasms and least for heart diseases mortality. Condition‐specific crude mortalities increased between 2002 and 2010, overall and in all the pre‐specified subpopulations. After age‐standardization, rising trends were observed for people ≥65 years old, and condition‐specific mortalities generally increased in rural regions and decreased in urban regions, especially for cerebrovascular diseases.

Conclusions

There were increasing trends for mortality due to malignant neoplasms, heart diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases in China between 2002 and 2010, which were largely driven by the population aging. Disparities existed by rural and urban residence, gender, and age.
Adherence to the food-based Japanese dietary guidelines in relation to metabolic risk factors in young Japanese women
Authors: Nishimura Terumi , Murakami Kentaro , Livingstone M. Barbara E. , Sasaki Satoshi , Uenishi Kazuhiro ,   the Japan Dietetic Students' Study for Nutrition and Biomarkers Group
Published: July 2015

While Japanese diets have attracted considerable attention because of, for example, the long-life expectancy in Japan, their health benefits have not been examined. In the present study, we cross-sectionally examined whether adherence to the food-based Japanese dietary guidelines is associated with metabolic risk factors in 1083 Japanese women aged 18–22 years. Based on the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top, adherence to the food-based Japanese dietary guidelines was assessed using dietary information on consumed servings of grain dishes, vegetable dishes, fish and meat dishes, milk and fruits and energy from snacks and alcoholic beverages during the preceding month, which was derived from a comprehensive diet history questionnaire. Higher dietary adherence was associated with higher intakes of protein, carbohydrate, dietary fibre, Na, K and vitamin C, and lower intakes of total and saturated fat. There was also an inverse association between dietary adherence and dietary energy density. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, dietary adherence was inversely associated with waist circumference (P for trend = 0·002). It also showed an inverse association with LDL-cholesterol concentrations (P for trend = 0·04). There was no association with the other metabolic risk factors examined, including BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total and HDL-cholesterol, TAG, glucose, glycated Hb and insulin concentrations. In conclusion, higher adherence to the food-based Japanese dietary guidelines, which was characterised by favourable dietary intakes of foods and nutrients as well as lower energy density, was associated with lower waist circumference and LDL-cholesterol concentrations in this group of young Japanese women.
Description of new species of Pterygorhabditis Timm, and Aspidonema (Sachs, ) Andrássy, (Nematoda: Bunonematoidea) in aquatic habitats from India
Authors: Tahseen Q. , Khan R. , Ahlawat S.
Published: July 2015

The paper contains descriptions of two new species of the genera Pterygorhabditis Timm, 1957 and Aspidonema (Sachs, 1949) Andrássy, 1958 belonging to the families Pterygorhabditidae Goodey 1963 and Bunonematidae Micoletzky 1922, respectively. Species were procured from fixed samples, collected earlier from aquatic habitats. Pterygorhabditis punctata n. sp. is characterized by a cuticle with flattened hexagonal blocks arranged in eight longitudinal rows in both sexes; each metastegostomal plate with a minute denticle, and males with long, slender, fused spicules and nine pairs of post-cloacal, prominently setose genital papillae. Aspidonema formosa n. sp. is the first report of the genus from India. The species is characterized by the right side provided with 35–48 pairs of warts flanking a row of smooth membranous shields and surrounded by a well-developed network and an anisomorphic metastegostom without discernible armature. Species are compared with other congeners, together with the diagnoses of amended genera, and keys to the identification of species are provided.
Gesture, Interruption, Vibration: Rethinking Early Twentieth-Century Gestural Theory and Practice in Walter Benjamin, Rudolf von Laban, and Mary Wigman
Authors: Ruprecht Lucia
Published: July 2015

This article compares Rudolf von Laban's and Mary Wigman's practices and theories of gestural flow with Walter Benjamin's theory of gesture as interruption. For Laban and Wigman, gesture mirrors a vitalist understanding of life that is based on the rediscovery of transhistorical continuities between human and cosmic energy. Benjamin's Brechtian gestures address inscriptions and manipulations of bodies, which provide comment on the conditions of society by subjecting to critique the essentializing aspects of historical and vitalist flow. Addressing in particular forms of vibration as both enriching and destabilizing the gestural from its margins, my article explores how vibratory energy indicates a self-reflexive theory of media, but also a revolutionary charge, in Benjamin; how it engenders a politically ambivalent process of transmission between dancers and audience in Laban; and how it becomes an actual mode of movement in Wigman. The historical inquiry contributes to a genealogy of vibration in contemporary dance.
A Kinesthetic Mode of Attention in Contemporary Dance Practice
Authors: Ehrenberg Shantel
Published: July 2015

In this article, original interview material, existing published accounts, and the author's own experience as a contemporary dancer are put in conversation to explicitly address a particular kinesthetic awareness, sensitivity, and curiosity valued and employed by a group of dancers in the practice of contemporary dance, which is referred to as a kinesthetic mode of attention. The research informing this article uses a phenomenological and sociological approach and discusses, in detail, what this mode of attending “is like,” how it is described in different ways by dancers, and how it might be developed and nurtured in training and working in the style of contemporary dance. An overarching aim of this work is to contribute to greater understanding and valuing of the nuances and particularities of kinesthetic intelligence in dance practices and to address the cognitive aspects of dancing.
Ethics in a Time of AIDS: DV8 Physical Theatre's Dead Dreams of Monochrome Men
Authors: Wittje Gavin
Published: July 2015

In this article, I explore the way that the creation and presentation of Lloyd Newsom's Dead Dreams of Monochrome Men (1988) for DV8 confronted the choreographer, performers, and audience with questions about the ethics of sex and romance and the treatment of gay men during the AIDS crisis. To analyze the complex affective relationships within and around the piece, I follow Emmanuel Levinas's ethical theory of the face in conjunction with Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari's related theory of faciality, which I interpret as referring to a disciplinary situation in which subjects are created through a process of terrorizing and shaming.
Mixed matrix membranes containing MIL-53(Al) for potential application in organic solvent nanofiltration
Authors: Zhu Lifang , Yu Hongwei , Zhang Huijuan , Shen Jiangnan , Xue Lixin , Gao Congjie , van der Bruggen Bart
Published: July 2015

PMIA MMMs with various amounts of MIL-53(Al) were developed through non-solvent induced phase separation and the MMMs permeance was increased dramatically while keeping high rejections in organic solvent nanofiltration.
Drivers of firms’ growth: a case study of software firms in Islamabad/Rawalpindi regions
Authors: Rehman Naqeeb Ur
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the drivers of firm’s growth such as research and development (R
&
D), absorptive capacity, knowledge management, organisation culture, access to finance, internationalisation and so forth. As far as the contribution is concerned, two objectives have been achieved from this empirical paper. First, this paper fills an important gap in the literature by determining the drivers of firm’s growth. Second, this study analysed the Pakistani software industry at micro level by investigating the firm’s knowledge-based assets and their significant association with labour productivity growth. Based on a face to face interview of 69 software firms, this study found that firm size, access to finance, internationalisation (exporting and outward foreign direct investment), business improvement methods and knowledge management have a positive impact on the firm’s labour productivity growth. In comparison, firm undertaking R
&
D and absorptive capacity showed negative association with labour productivity growth. This study implies that these software firms have low investment in knowledge-based assets. In summary, this empirical study suggests that high sunk costs, low investment in knowledge-based assets and shortage of skills generally affect the labour productivity of these software firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey analysis, using cross section data analysis.

Findings

– This study found that firm size, access to finance, internationalisation (exporting and outward FDI), business improvement methods and knowledge management have a positive impact on the firm’s labour productivity growth. In comparison, firm undertaking R
&
D and absorptive capacity showed negative association with labour productivity growth. In summary, this empirical study suggests that high sunk costs, low investment in knowledge-based assets and shortage of skills generally affect the labour productivity of these software firms.

Research limitations/implications

– Additionally, suggestions for future research would be to investigate the relationship between drivers of firm growth and innovation performance. The survey analysis could be extended to other parts of country such as Karachi and Lahore for resolving causality.

Originality/value

– First, this paper fills an important gap in the literature by determining the drivers of firm’s growth. Second, this study analysed the Pakistani software industry at micro level by investigating the firm’s knowledge-based assets and their significant association with labour productivity growth.
The potential for using pesticide usage surveys to monitor plant pests
Authors: Garthwaite D.
Published: July 2015

A brief introduction to the history and methodologies employed by the pesticide usage survey teams is given. The main objectives, scope and statistical requirements of the surveys are outlined. Whilst the methodologies for the collection of pesticide usage data are beneficial in the monitoring of plant pests over long periods of time, the survey visits are unsuitable for the rapid reporting needed to evaluate and report on plant pests in real time. However, because of the EU requirements for all member states to monitor pesticide usage, the data collected from these surveys can also provide information on new and existing pest pressures, changes in established pest pressures and allows monitoring of farmers’ and growers’ behaviour.
An SMS based system for surveillance of wheat rust diseases: a pilot initiative in Central Anatolia region in Turkey
Authors: Dusunceli F. , Stocchi A. , Scaduto C. , Mancini F. , Birisik N. , Sahin M. , Selcuk S. , Muminjanov H. , Asikoglu T. , Mert Z. , Akan K. , Cetin L. , Akdamar E. , Dikci H.
Published: July 2015

Rust diseases (Puccinia spp.), namely stripe, leaf and stem rusts, are among the major diseases of wheat. Their management requires integrated approaches including timely surveillance, speedy communication and rapid response. This surveillance system was developed in order to facilitate participation of extension offices (in provinces/districts) in the survey of wheat rust diseases and sharing of information quickly. The SMS based system was tested as a pilot tool in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey connecting 25 districts in 5 provinces through an SMS network during the rust development period (April–July) in 2013. The observations from 268 fields indicated that leaf rust and stem rust development was insignificant in the districts covered, occurring in only 2.3% and 1.9% of the fields respectively. Stripe rust prevalence was higher occurring in 44.8% of the fields. Of the inspected fields 2.5% had infected plant incidences between 15% and 40% requiring control measures. Using the SMS reports received from the extension officers, the system facilitated daily monitoring of rust development and exchange of observations among the relevant institutions, also sending out alert messages to designated authorities as necessary. The study demonstrated that the system can serve as a rapid surveillance and communication tool to facilitate timely decision making and rapid response to prevent wheat rust epidemics.
α‐tocopherol decreases interleukin‐1β and ‐6 and increases human β‐defensin‐1 and ‐2 secretion in human gingival fibroblasts stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Derradjia A. , Alanazi H. , Park H. J. , Djeribi R. , Semlali A. , Rouabhia M.
Published: July 2015

Background and Objective

Periodontitis, a disease associated with chronic inflammation, results in significant destruction of periodontal tissues. Uncontrolled, periodontal disease negatively affects general patient health. We sought to evaluate the effect of α‐tocopherol on gingival fibroblast behavior following exposure to Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Material and Methods

Primary human gingival fibroblasts were cultured for 24 and 48 h with α‐tocopherol at various concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 200 μm) in the presence or absence of 1 μg/mL of LPS. At the end of each time point, cell adhesion and growth were evaluated by means of optical microscope observations and MTT assay. The secretion levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6 and human β‐defensins 1 and 2 were measured by specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Finally, an in vitro scratch wound assay was performed to investigate the effect of α‐tocopherol on fibroblast migration.

Results

α‐tocopherol alone had no adverse effect on cell adhesion and morphology. Fibroblast proliferation increased in the presence of α‐tocopherol with and without LPS. α‐tocopherol alone had no effect on inflammatory cytokine (IL‐1β and IL‐6) secretion. Interestingly, following cell exposure to P. gingivalis LPS, α‐tocopherol significantly (p < 0.01) decreased the secretion of these two cytokines and increased human β‐defensin‐1 and ‐2 secretion. Finally, α‐tocopherol increased the healing rate of the gingival fibroblasts from 12 h up to 48 h.

Conclusion

These results suggest that α‐tocopherol may play an active role in countering the damaging effect of LPS by reducing inflammatory cytokines, increasing β‐defensins and promoting fibroblast growth, migration and wound healing.
Current trends in stenting for aortic coarctation in Japan: Subanalysis of Japanese Society of Pediatric Interventional Cardiology (JPIC) stent survey
Authors: Fujii Takanari , Tomita Hideshi , Otsuki Shinichi , Kobayashi Toshiki , Ono Yasuo , Yazaki Satoshi , Kim Sung‐Hae , Nakanishi Toshio
Published: July 2015

Background

Stenting for aortic coarctation (CoA) has been accepted as an alternative to surgery for adolescents and adults, but only a few case have been reported in Japan. The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed review of Japanese national data on stenting of CoA.

Methods

In a subanalysis of the data of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Interventional Cardiology (JPIC), we identified 35 patients with CoA who underwent stenting. We analyzed procedural characteristics including factors that may have contributed to hemodynamic effectiveness, and we compared these parameters between the patients under and over 15 years of age.

Results

The mean ratio of balloon diameter/minimum lumen diameter (MLD) before stenting was 1.7 (range, 1.2–4.0), and the mean difference between the balloon diameter and the reference vessel diameter was −0.7 mm (range, −5.0 to +3.0 mm). %MLD/balloon diameter, which was defined as [(balloon diameter – MLD after dilation)/balloon diameter] × 100 predicted achievement of <10 mmHg pressure gradient after stenting. The sensitivity and the specificity of its cut‐off of 7% were 93% and 47% (AUC, 0.7), respectively. There was no statistical difference between the two age groups under and over 15 years of age, in terms of selection criteria of stent size, balloon type used for deployment and immediate angiographic and hemodynamic result.

Conclusions

Stenting for CoA was clinically effective with few complications in Japan, even in patients not fully grown.
Properties of epitaxial barium titanate thin films using a highly volatile Ba(hfa)2triglyme precursor
Authors: Jeong Young Kyu , Wessels Bruce W.
Published: July 2015

Ferroelectric barium titanate (BaTiO3) epitaxial films were grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition using a new precursor Ba(hfa)2·triglyme. The precursor has both a low melting point and a stable vapor pressure. The as-deposited layers are highly tensile-strained up to a thickness of 300 nm due to the lattice mismatch between epitaxial BaTiO3 and the MgO (100) substrate. Thus, the thin films are predominantly a-domain. However, as the thickness further increases, the tensile strain relaxes by creating a mixed a- and c-domain structure. The dependence of domain structure on film thicknesses was investigated with high-resolution x-ray diffraction and a piezoelectric force microscopy and ferroelectric hysteresis measurements.
Iliacus haematoma causing femoral nerve palsy: an unusual trampolining injury
Authors: Chambers Simon , Berg Andrew James , Lupu Andreea , Jennings Andrew
Published: July 2015

We report the case of a 15-year-old boy who presented to accident and emergency following a trampolining injury. Initially, the patient was discharged, diagnosed with a soft tissue injury, but he re-presented 48 h later with worsening low back pain and neurological symptoms in the left leg. Subsequent MRI revealed a left iliacus haematoma causing a femoral nerve palsy. The patient was managed conservatively and by 6 months post injury all symptoms had resolved. This is the first reported case of an iliacus haematoma causing a femoral nerve palsy, after a trampolining injury. We believe this case highlights to our fellow clinicians the importance of a detailed history when assessing patients with trampolining injuries to evaluate the true force of injury. It also acts as a reference for clinicians in managing similar cases in future.
Self-consistent theory for a plane wave in a moving medium and light-momentum criterion
Authors: Wang Changbiao
Published: July 2015

A self-consistent theory is developed based on the principle of relativity for a plane wave in a moving non-dispersive, lossless, non-conducting, isotropic, uniform medium. A light-momentum criterion is set up for the first time, which states that the momentum of light in a medium is parallel to the wave vector in all inertial frames of reference. By rigorous analysis, novel basic properties of the plane wave are exposed: (i) Poynting vector does not necessarily represent the electromagnetic (EM) power flow when a medium moves; (ii) Minkowski light momentum and energy constitute a Lorentz four-vector in a form of single EM-field cell or single photon, and Planck constant is a Lorentz invariant; (iii) there is no momentum transfer taking place between the plane wave and the uniform medium, and the EM momentum conservation equation cannot be uniquely determined without resorting to the principle of relativity; and (iv) when the medium moves opposite to the wave vector at a faster-than-dielectric light speed, negative frequency and negative EM energy density occur, with the plane wave becoming left-handed. Finally, a new physics of so-called “intrinsic Lorentz violation” is presented as well.
Phantom wormhole solutions in a generic cosmological constant background
Authors: Heydarzade Y. , Riazi N. , Moradpour H.
Published: July 2015

There are a number of reasons to study wormholes with generic cosmological constant Λ. Recent observations indicate that the present accelerating expansion of the universe demands Λ > 0. On the other hand, some extended theories of gravitation, such as supergravity and superstring theories, possess vacuum states with Λ < 0. Even within the framework of general relativity, a negative cosmological constant permits black holes with horizons topologically different from the usual spherical ones. These solutions are convertible to wormhole solutions by adding some exotic matter. In this paper, the asymptotically flat wormhole solutions in a generic cosmological constant background are studied. By constructing a specific class of shape functions, a mass function, energy density, and pressure profile that support such a geometry are obtained. It is shown that for having such a geometry, the wormhole throat, r0, the cosmological constant, Λ, and the equation of state parameter, ω, should satisfy two specific conditions. The possibility of setting different values for the parameters of the model helps us to find exact solutions for the metric functions, mass functions, and energy–momentum profiles. At last, the volume integral quantifier, which provides useful information about the total amount of energy-condition violating matter, is discussed briefly.
Advancing the frontier of data-driven healthcare
Authors: Razavian Narges
Published: July 2015

Suchi Saria of Johns Hopkins University shares how big data and machine learning can help improve the practice of healthcare, and how computing students can contribute.
Hidden Markov models and mouse ultrasonic vocalizations
Authors: Smith Adam A.
Published: July 2015

An introduction to Markov models, their significance, and an explanation of how a hidden Markov model can be used to model the ultrasonic calls made by mice.
A community for learning
Authors: Schulz Claudia
Published: July 2015

At Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, the students are also the teachers
Permissionless innovation
Authors: Chesbrough Henry , Van Alstyne Marshall
Published: July 2015

Seeking a better approach to pharmaceutical research and development.
Tobacco Usage in Uttarakhand: A Dangerous Combination of High Prevalence, Widespread Ignorance, and Resistance to Quitting
Authors: Grills Nathan John , Singh Rajesh , Singh Rajkumari , Martin Bradley C.
Published: July 2015

Background. Nearly one-third of adults in India use tobacco, resulting in 1.2 million deaths. However, little is known about knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to smoking in the impoverished state of Uttarakhand.Methods. A cross-sectional epidemiological prevalence survey was undertaken. Multistage cluster sampling selected 20 villages and 50 households to survey from which 1853 people were interviewed. Tobacco prevalence and KAP were analyzed by income level, occupation, age, and sex. 95% confidence intervals were calculated using standard formulas and incorporating assumptions in relation to the clustering effect.Results. The overall prevalence of tobacco usage, defined using WHO criteria, was 38.9%. 93% of smokers and 86% of tobacco chewers were male. Prevalence of tobacco use, controlling for other factors, was associated with lower education, older age, and male sex. 97.6% of users and 98.1% of nonusers wanted less tobacco. Except for lung cancer (89% awareness), awareness of diseases caused by tobacco usage was low (cardiac: 67%; infertility: 32.5%; stroke: 40.5%).Conclusion. A dangerous combination of high tobacco usage prevalence, ignorance about its dangers, and few quit attempts being made suggests the need to develop effective and evidence based interventions to prevent a health and development disaster in Uttarakhand.
Maple Syrup Urine Disease in a Central Indiana Hereford Herd
Authors: Robarge Mark E. , Beever Jonathan E. , Lenz Stephen D. , Lynch Christopher J. , Wigle William L.
Published: July 2015

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) and further cases were identified in herd mates of a small Hereford herd in Indiana based on history, clinical signs, microscopic lesions, and biochemical and genetic testing. This aminoacidopathy has been diagnosed in polled Shorthorn, polled Hereford, and Hereford cattle in Australia, Uruguay, Argentina, and Canada and is the result of a mutation of the branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex. The Indiana index calf case was confirmed by showing the classic accumulation of ketoacids in liver that results from a defect in the E1-alpha subunit (248 C/T haplotype) in the mitochondrial branched-chainα-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex. The presence of the mutation was confirmed in the index case, the dam, and four related herd mates that represent the first confirmed cases of bovine MSUD mutation in United States cattle.
NLRP3Inflammasome Polymorphism and Macrovascular Complications in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Klen Jasna , Goričar Katja , Janež Andrej , Dolžan Vita
Published: July 2015

Background. It is generally accepted that poor glycemic control, arterial hypertension and/or hyperlipidemia, and the associated oxidative stress may contribute to the development of macro- and microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Such metabolic damage signals may activate inflammasome and trigger chronic inflammation. We investigated common polymorphisms in inflammasome coding genes and the risk for macro- and microvascular complications in T2D.Methods. In total 181 clinically well-characterised T2D patients were genotyped forNLRP3rs35829419 andCARD8rs2043211. Risk for diabetic complications was assessed using logistic regression.Results. Patients with median duration of T2D 11 (6–17) years had relatively well controlled blood glucose and lipid levels and blood pressure on the prescribed treatment regimen. Duration of T2D and plasma cholesterol levels were the most important clinical risk factors for macrovascular complications (P=0.007andP=0.031).NLRP3rs35829419 was associated with increased risk for macrovascular complications (P=0.004), with myocardial infarction in particular (P=0.052). No association was observed betweenCARD8polymorphism and any of T2D complications.Conclusions. Our preliminary data suggest the role ofNLRP3polymorphism in diabetic macrovascular complications, especially in myocardial infarction.
Effect of Rosiglitazone and Insulin Combination Therapy on Inflammation Parameters and Adipocytokine Levels in Patients with Type 1 DM
Authors: Guclu Metin , Oz Gul Ozen , Cander Soner , Unal Oguzkaan , Ozkaya Guven , Sarandol Emre , Ersoy Canan
Published: July 2015

Aim.To investigate the efficacy of combined therapy of insulin and rosiglitazone on metabolic and inflammatory parameters, insulin sensitivity, and adipocytokine levels in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (type 1 DM).Material and Methods.A total of 61 adults with type 1 DM were randomly and prospectively assigned in open-label fashion to take insulin and rosiglitazone 4 mg/day (n=30) or insulin alone (n=31) for a period of 18 weeks while undergoing insulin therapy without acute metabolic complications.Results.Combination therapy did not significantly improve metabolic and inflammatory parameters, insulin sensitivity, and adiponectin levels. While leptin and resistin levels decreased in both groups (group 1: resistin 6.96 ± 3.06 to 4.99 ± 2.64,P=0.006; leptin 25.8 ± 17.6 to 20.1 ± 12.55,P=0.006; group 2: resistin 7.16 ± 2.30 to5.57±2.48,P=0.031; leptin 16.72 ± 16.1 to 14.0 ± 13.4,P=0.007) Hgb and fibrinogen levels decreased only in group 1 (Hgb 13.72 ± 1.98 to 13.16 ± 1.98,P=0.015, and fibrinogen 4.00 ± 1.08 to 3.46 ± 0.90,P=0.002). Patients in both groups showed weight gain and the incidence of hypoglycemia was not lower.Discussion.The diverse favorable effects of TZDs were not fully experienced in patients with type 1 DM. These results are suggesting that insulin sensitizing and anti-inflammatory characteristics of TZDs were likely to be more pronounced in patients who were not totally devoid of endogenous insulin secretion.
Usefulness of an Upright T-Wave in Lead aVR for Predicting the Short-Term Prognosis of Incident Hemodialysis Patients: A Potential Tool for Screening High-Risk Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Matsukane Ai , Hayashi Toshihide , Tanaka Yuri , Iwasaki Masaki , Kubo Shun , Asakawa Takasuke , Takahashi Yasunori , Imamura Yoshihiko , Hirahata Koichi , Joki Nobuhiko , Hase Hiroki
Published: July 2015

Background/Aims: An upright T-wave in lead aVR (aVRT) has recently been reported to be associated with cardiovascular death and mortality among the general population and patients with prior cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, evidence for the predictive ability of aVRT in patients with chronic kidney disease is lacking. Therefore, a hospital-based, prospective, cohort study was conducted to evaluate the predictive ability of an upright aVRT for the short-term prognosis in incident hemodialysis patients. Methods: Among 208 patients who started maintenance hemodialysis, 79 with preexisting CVD (CVD cohort) and 129 with no history of CVD (non-CVD cohort), were studied. An upright and non-upright aVRT were defined as a wave with a positive deflection in amplitude of ≥0 mV and a negative deflection in amplitude of <0 mV, respectively. The endpoint was all-cause death. Results: Overall, the prevalence of an upright aVRT was 22.6% at baseline. During the mean follow-up period of 2.1 ± 1.0 years, 33 deaths occurred. Cumulative survival rates at 3 years after starting dialysis in patients with an upright and non-upright aVRT were 50.0 and 80.7%, respectively, in the CVD cohort and 92.0 and 91.3%, respectively, in the non-CVD cohort. In the CVD cohort, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that an upright aVRT was an independent predictor of death after adjusting for confounding variables. Conclusion: Among Japanese hemodialysis patients at high risk for CVD, an upright aVRT seems to be useful for predicting death.
Blockade of bone morphogenetic protein signaling potentiates the pro-inflammatory phenotype induced by interleukin-17 and tumor necrosis factor-α combination in rheumatoid synoviocytes
Authors: Varas Alberto , Valencia Jaris , Lavocat Fabien , Martínez Víctor G. , Thiam Ndiémé Ndongo , Hidalgo Laura , Fernández-Sevilla Lidia M. , Sacedón Rosa , Vicente Angeles , Miossec Pierre
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional secreted growth factors regulating a broad spectrum of functions in numerous systems. An increased expression and production of specific BMPs have been described in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium. The aim of this study was to analyze the involvement of the BMP signaling pathway in RA synoviocytes in response to interleukin-17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).

Methods

The expression of components of the BMP signaling pathway (BMP receptors, BMP ligands, BMP signal transducers, and BMP antagonists) was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction before and after treatment of RA synoviocytes with TNF-α or IL-17 or both. Regulation was studied in the presence of the specific BMP inhibitor DMH1 (dorsomorphin homologue 1) or an exogenous BMP ligand, BMP6. Expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor), chemokines (IL-8, CCL2, CCL5, and CXCL10), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, −2, −3, −9, and −13) were analyzed.

Results

RA synoviocytes express BMP receptors (mainly BMPRIA, ACTRIA, and BMPRII), signal transducers of the Smad family (Smad1 and 5 and co-Smad4), and different BMP antagonists. The modulation of the expression of the BMP target genes—Id (inhibitor of DNA-binding/differentiation) proteins and Runx (Runt-related transcription factor) transcription factors—after the addition of exogenous BMP shows that the BMP signaling pathway is active. RA synoviocytes also express BMP ligands (BMP2, BMP6, and BMP7) which are highly upregulated after activation with TNF-α and IL-17. Autocrine BMP signaling pathway can be blocked by treatment with the inhibitor DMH1, leading to an increase in the upregulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and MMPs induced by the activation of RA synoviocytes with TNF-α and IL-17. Conversely, the additional stimulation of the BMP pathway with the exogenous addition of the BMP6 ligand decreases the expression of those pro-inflammatory and pro-destructive factors.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the canonical BMP pathway is functionally active in human RA synoviocytes and that the inhibition of autocrine BMP signaling exacerbates the pro-inflammatory phenotype induced in RA synoviocytes by the stimulation with IL-17 and TNF-α.
The Persistence of Long-Run Abnormal Returns Following Stock Repurchases and Offerings
Authors: Fu Fangjian , Huang Sheng
Published: July 2015

The long-run abnormal returns following both stock repurchases and seasoned equity offerings disappear for the events in 2003–2012. The disappearance is associated with the changing market environment: increased institutional investment, decreased trading costs, improved liquidity, and enhanced regulations on corporate governance and information disclosure. In response to the more efficient pricing of stocks, firms become less opportunistic in stock repurchases and offerings. Recent events of stock repurchases and offerings are motivated more by business-operating reasons than to exploit mispricing. Both external market factors and internal firm factors contribute to the disappearance of the postevent abnormal returns. Our findings on the recent events contrast with those of earlier studies and shed light on how the changing market environment affects both asset pricing and corporate behavior.

This paper was accepted by Wei Jiang, finance.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing as a predictor of complications in oesophagogastric cancer surgery
Authors: Moyes LH , McCaffer CJ , Carter RC , Fullarton GM , Mackay CK , Forshaw MJ
Published: July 2015

Introduction

An anaerobic threshold (AT) of <11ml/min/kg can identify patients at high risk of cardiopulmonary complications after major surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the value of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in predicting cardiopulmonary complications in high risk patients undergoing oesophagogastric cancer resection.

Methods

Between March 2008 and October 2010, 108 patients (83 men, 25 women) with a median age of 66 years (range: 38–84 years) underwent CPET before potentially curative resections for oesophagogastric cancers. Measured CPET variables included AT and maximum oxygen uptake at peak exercise (VO2 peak). Outcome measures were length of high dependency unit stay, length of hospital stay, unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Results

The mean AT and VO2 peak were 10.8ml/min/kg (standard deviation [SD]: 2.8ml/min/kg, range: 4.6–19.3ml/min/kg) and 15.2ml/min/kg (SD: 5.3ml/min/kg, range: 5.4–33.3ml/min/kg) respectively; 57 patients (55%) had an AT of <11ml/min/ kg and 26 (12%) had an AT of <9ml/min/kg. Postoperative complications occurred in 57 patients (29 cardiopulmonary [28%] and 28 non-cardiopulmonary [27%]). Four patients (4%) died in hospital and 21 (20%) required an unplanned ICU admission. Cardiopulmonary complications occurred in 42% of patients with an AT of <9ml/min/kg compared with 29% of patients with an AT of ≥9ml/min/kg but <11ml/min/kg and 20% of patients with an AT of ≥11ml/min/kg (p=0.04). There was a trend that those with an AT of <11ml/min/kg and a low VO2 peak had a higher rate of unplanned ICU admission.

Conclusions

This study has shown a correlation between AT and the development of cardiopulmonary complications although the discriminatory ability was low.
Variation inprovision and outcome of emergency appendicectomy in paediatric specialist centres
Authors: Folaranmi SE , Jones CE , Bhangu A , Hall NJ
Published: July 2015

Acute appendicitis is the most common indication for emergency abdominal surgery in children and adolescents. The incidence increases with increasing age with an annual rate of 1–6 per 10,000 children from birth to 4 years of age to 19–28 per 10,000 children up to 14 years. 1 boys are more commonly affected than girls with a lifetime risk of 9% and 7% respectively. in england, almost 7,000 appendicectomies are performed on children aged 14 years and under annually. 2
Pilot study of a new paradigm in the management of surgical emergencies using emergency surgery ambulatory care
Authors: Tierney GM , Tou S , Hender J , Lund JN
Published: July 2015

The number of emergency admissions to hospital in the UK has been increasing for many years. The cause is multifactorial and relates to increasing population age and associated comorbidity, changes in community medical emergency cover, patient expectations and decreased clinical experience of junior medical staff. Beds occupied by emergency patients within a constrained total lead inevitably to cancellation of procedures for elective patients.
Consultant-delivered care – what is it worth?
Authors: Russell A , Havranek E , Webster J , Hellawell G
Published: July 2015

Can consultant-led ward rounds save money in the long run?
Hydroxycinnamic derivatives content in plant organs linked to harvest time of Salvia officinalis L. cv. ‘Krajová’ / Obsah hydroxyškoricových derivátov v rastlinných orgánoch Salvia officinalis L. cv. ‘Krajová’ v závislosti od termínu zberu
Authors: Tekeľová D. , Tóth J. , Czigle Sz. , Koutsoulas A.
Published: July 2015

Salvia officinalis L. (sage) is an important essential oil containing Mediterranean medicinal plant that is commonly cultivated for pharmaceutical uses. In addition to essential oil, other compounds participate on the biological effects of sage, mainly diterpenes, triterpenes and phenolic compounds of the hydroxycinnamic and flavonoid types. Sage essential oil content is known to differ in plant parts, and to be influenced by plant phenophase, climatic and edaphic conditions. This work deals with the study of total hydroxycinnamic derivatives (THD), and specifically rosmarinic acid (RA), content variation in different aerial parts of sage linked to different harvest times. Dry sage leaves (Salviae officinalis folium) THD content was quantified using a pharmacopoeial method, and varied between 3.06 % and 3.52 % in different harvest times, with maxima in youngest plant shoot leaves and newly-grown shoots in September. Sage stems showed similar THD content variations when linked to harvest times, however with lower percentage, 1.33 - 3.04 %. Rosmarinic acid variability showed the same trends, its content ranged between 0.76 % and 1.65 % in leaves, and between 0.19 % and 0.83 % in stems, respectively. Highest percentages of both THD and RA were found in top leaves, lowest in leaves from the middle of the stem. When linked to plant phenophase, the content of THD and RA decreased at flowering time.
Economic Effect of Malaria on Artisanal Fish Production in a Coastal Area of Nigeria
Authors: Ayinde Idris , Aminu Folasade Oluremi , Akerele Dare
Published: July 2015

This study investigated the economic effect of malaria on artisanal fish production in Lagos State, Nigeria. A total of 120 fisher folks households were sampled through a multi-stage random sampling procedure. Primary data which were obtained through administration of structured questionnaire was used for this study. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Cost of Illness (COI) approach and ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis. The study found that 1.67% of the sampled respondent used only mosquito coil as preventive measure while 41.67% of the respondents used a combination of mosquito coil, insecticide and immunization as preventive measures to avert the possible occurrence of malaria among their household members. The mean COI among the fisher folks’ households was ₦109, 995.85 per year, out of which 31.6% was spent on drugs and herbs, 15.5% on hospital consultancy fees while the time cost of illness of both the sick person and the caretaker were 28.4% and 13.1%, respectively. The regression analysis result revealed that aged and experienced fisher folks were more susceptible to malaria attack while number of days absent from work, number of malaria episodes and cost of treatment had adverse effect on fish production in the study area. The study concluded that the incidence of malaria in the households impact negatively on fish catch level. It is therefore recommended, among others, that health care services in the fishing communities be improved while fishers should make proper use of preventive measures so as to reduce cost and number of days lost to illness.
Irreparable Global Spread of Pathogens and International Trade – Facilitating Factors
Authors: Kouba Václav
Published: July 2015

The worldwide trade in non-pathogen-free animals and their products has led to irreparable global spread of animal infections. Among factors supporting this spread belong: countless pathogen species able to reproduce and spread horizontally and to the next generations causing immense number of sufferings and premature deaths of affected animals and humans; increasing long distance export of animals and their products due also to not requiring by relevant international organizations healthy and innocuous pathogen-free commodities; illegal export/import of animals and their products; deficiencies related to diagnosis of pathogen-free status; inability to discover all imported infections, to control and eradicate them; international sanitary certificates without pathogen-free guarantee; inability of public animal health services to control on the spot the international trade with animal commodities; minimum of successfull animal infection eradications and absence of information about global spreading of pathogens to alert the countries in question. Huge daily flow of exported non-pathogen-free animal commodities conduces to permanent deterioration of global epizootiological situation. Irreparable man-made global spread of invisible pathogens with continuous multiplying sanitary, economic, social and ecological consequences represents a worldwide ecological disaster contributing to shortening life on Earth and survival of species, including self-destruction of humankind. Extraordinary existential significance requires international control of epizootics to be dealt with at the highest decision-making level of the United Nations Organization.
Fibrous dysplasia of craniomaxillofacial bones: A clinical study of 18 cases and review of the literature
Authors: Triantafillidou Katherine , Karakinaris Georgios , Psomaderis Konstantinos , Iordanidis Fotis , Karakasis Dimitrios
Published: July 2015

Aim. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience with treatment and outcome of 18 cases of fibrous dysplasia (FD) that were treated in our clinic. Materials and Methods. We present 18 cases of FD of craniomaxillofacial bones. 7 patients were affected by the polyostotic type of the disease, 2 by McCune Albright Syndrome (MAS) and 9 by the monostotic type. One patient with monostotic type developed malignant transformation (osteosarcoma). All the patients were treated with conservative surgical procedures as the primary treatment, mainly for aesthetic reasons. 2 patients required subsequent surgery to reduce furthermore bone enlargement. 2 patients received supplementary treatment with bisphosphonates (BPs). Results. The follow-up for all patients ranged from 3 to 14 years. Cosmetic results and local control of the disease proved satisfactory for most patients. Conclusions. The opinions about surgical procedures for the treatment of FD are controversial. Many authors believe that radical surgical excision permits an immediate functional and aesthetic result. BPs may have a significant role for the therapy of FD.
Effective cell growth potential of Mg-based bioceramic scaffolds towards targeted dentin regeneration
Authors: Kontonasaki E. , Bakopoulou A. , Theocharidou A. , Theodorou G.S. , Papadopoulou L. , Kantiranis N. , Bousnaki M. , Hadjichristou C. , Papachristou E. , Paraskevopoulos K.M. , Koidis Petros
Published: July 2015

New emerging approaches in tissue engineering include incorporation of metal ions involved in various metabolic processes, such as Cu, Zn, Si into bioceramic scaffolds for enhanced cell growth and differentiation of specific cell types. The aim of the present work was to investigate the attachment, morphology, growth and mineralized tissue formation potential of Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs) seeded into Mg-based glass-ceramic scaffolds with incorporated Zn and Cu ions. Bioceramic scaffolds containing Si 60%, Ca 30%, Mg 7.5% and either Zn or Cu 2.5%, sintered at different temperatures were synthesized by the foam replica technique and seeded with DPSCs for up to 21 days. Scanning Electron Microscopy with associated Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) was used to evaluate their ability to support the DPSCs's attachment and proliferation, while the structure of the seeded scaffolds was investigated by X-Ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD). Zn-doped bioceramic scaffolds promoted the attachment and growth of human DPSCs, while identically fabricated scaffolds doped with Cu showed a cytotoxic behaviour, irrespective of the sintering temperature. A mineralized tissue with apatite-like structure was formed on both Cu-doped scaffolds and only on those Zn-doped scaffolds heat-treated at lower temperatures. Sol-gel derived Zn-doped scaffolds sintered at 890oC support DPSC growth and apatite-like tissue formation, which renders them as promising candidates towards dental tissue regeneration.
Technical quality and associated iatrogenic errors of endodontic treatments performed in extracted anterior single-rooted teeth by preclinical undergraduate students
Authors: Dervenis Konstantinos , Koutrouiis Andreas , Chatzopoulos Georgios , Kapralos Vasileios
Published: July 2015

Aim: To evaluate technical quality of root canal treatments performed in extracted anterior single-rooted teeth in an undergraduate dental clinic, and to record the associated iatrogenic errors. Material and Method: 287 root canal treatments performed by 114 preclinical undergraduate students in extracted anterior teeth at the Department of Endodontology were radiographically evaluated, based on the following parameters: access cavity dimensions and direction, root canal instrumentation, and root canal filling quality. Results: The access cavity was found of adequate dimensions in 28.9% and straight in direction in 71.1% of the material. Erroneous position, overextension of the access cavity and non-straight access were noted in 39.7 %, 21.6% and 28.9% of the cases, respectively. The frequency of ledged root canals was 10.1%, while 84.7% of the teeth had no instrumentation related iatrogenic errors. Regarding root canal filling, incomplete density apically and technical inadequacies in the middle and cervical thirds were observed in 76.3% and 82.3% of the cases. The percentage of flawless endodontic treatments was 3.1%. Conclusions: Most of the endodontic treatments evaluated were classified unacceptable. Inadequate root canal filling density in the middle and cervical third and ledge formation were the most common faults.