bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteopontin Is a Strong Predictor of Incipient Diabetic Nephropathy, Cardiovascular Disease, and All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Gordin Daniel , Forsblom Carol , Panduru Nicolae M. , Thomas Merlin C. , Bjerre Mette , Soro-Paavonen Aino , Tolonen Nina , Sandholm Niina , Flyvbjerg Allan , Harjutsalo Valma , Groop Per-Henrik
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE

Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional protein suggested to be a player in the arterial disease of patients with type 2 diabetes. However, its role for complications in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is unknown. We therefore investigated the associations between OPN and diabetic vascular complications and all-cause mortality in patients with T1D.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Serum OPN was measured in 2,145 adults with T1D without end-stage renal disease (ESRD; dialysis or transplantation) as part of the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy (FinnDiane) Study. Data on renal status, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and all-cause mortality during follow-up were verified from medical files, hospital discharge registries, and the Finnish National Death Registry, respectively. The median follow-up time was 10.5 (interquartile range 8.9–11.8) years.

RESULTS

Serum OPN was higher at baseline in patients who developed incident microalbuminuria (16.0 ± 0.9 vs. 14.1 ± 0.2 µg/L; P = 0.04), progressed to ESRD (28.3 ± 1.7 vs. 15.4 ± 0.2 µg/L; P < 0.001), suffered an incident CVD event (20.2 ± 1.2 vs. 15.5 ± 0.2 µg/L; P < 0.001), or died (23.3 ± 1.4 vs. 15.8 ± 0.2 µg/L; P < 0.001) during follow-up. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, OPN was independently associated with the development of incident microalbuminuria, an incident CVD event, and death, after adjustments for associated risk factors. Even after calculating reclassification indexes, OPN was predictive of CVD and all-cause mortality beyond the Framingham risk score covariates and hs-CRP.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum OPN is a strong predictor of incipient diabetic nephropathy, a first-ever CVD event, and all-cause mortality in patients with T1D. Serum OPN may be of clinical significance for the risk prediction of CVD events in patients with T1D.
Neurocognitive Functioning in Children and Adolescents at the Time of Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis: Associations With Glycemic Control 1 Year After Diagnosis
Authors: Schwartz David D. , Axelrad Marni E. , Anderson Barbara J.
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether impairments in neurocognitive functioning are detectable at type 1 diabetes diagnosis and associated with subsequent glycemic control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Children/adolescents (N = 147) aged 5–18 years completed neuropsychological testing during their inpatient hospitalization for new-onset type 1 diabetes. Test scores were compared with normative data using one-sample Student t tests. Children with onset before 8 years of age were compared with children aged 9–18 years using ANOVA, and associations between neurocognitive performance at diagnosis and glycemic control 1 year postdiagnosis were examined using regression analyses.

RESULTS

Children with type 1 diabetes performed significantly below expectations on most neurocognitive measures (P values <0.0001), with large decrements from the normative mean evident in psychomotor speed (>1 SD), visuomotor integration (0.7 SD), and phonemic fluency (0.8 SD). High incidence of impairment (scores less than second percentile) was evident on all tasks except digit span. Dominant-hand psychomotor speed was significantly associated with poor glycemic control (A1C ≥9.5% [80 mmol/mol]; P = 0.032) 1 year postdiagnosis, controlling for race/ethnicity, sex, and reading ability. Impaired psychomotor speed was associated with a 0.77% increase in mean A1C (8.4 mmol/mol).

CONCLUSIONS

Deficits were evident in neurocognitive functioning within days of diabetes diagnosis that were associated with diabetes outcomes over 1 year postdiagnosis. Impairment was most apparent in psychomotor speed, consistent with research implicating damage to posterior white matter tracts and associated gray matter regions in type 1 diabetes. Psychomotor impairment may be an early marker for a broader neurobehavioral vulnerability that has implications for long-term diabetes management.
Corneal Confocal Microscopy Detects Neuropathy in Subjects With Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Asghar Omar , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Alam Uazman , Jones Wendy , Jeziorska Maria , Marshall Andrew , Ponirakis Georgios , Fadavi Hassan , Boulton Andrew J.M. , Tavakoli Mitra , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) represents one of the earliest stages of glucose dysregulation and is associated with macrovascular disease, retinopathy, and microalbuminuria, but whether IGT causes neuropathy is unclear.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty-seven subjects with IGT and 20 age-matched control subjects underwent a comprehensive evaluation of neuropathy by assessing symptoms, neurological deficits, nerve conduction studies, quantitative sensory testing, heart rate variability deep breathing (HRVdb), skin biopsy, and corneal confocal microscopy (CCM).

RESULTS

Subjects with IGT had a significantly increased neuropathy symptom profile (P < 0.001), McGill pain index (P < 0.001), neuropathy disability score (P = 0.001), vibration perception threshold (P = 0.002), warm threshold (P = 0.006), and cool threshold (P = 0.03), with a reduction in intraepidermal nerve fiber density (P = 0.03), corneal nerve fiber density (P < 0.001), corneal nerve branch density (P = 0.002), and corneal nerve fiber length (P = 0.05). No significant difference was found in sensory and motor nerve amplitude and conduction velocity or HRVdb.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects with IGT have evidence of neuropathy, particularly small-fiber damage, which can be detected using skin biopsy and CCM.
A Novel Association Between Nondipping and Painful Diabetic Polyneuropathy
Authors: D’Amato Cinzia , Morganti Roberto , Di Gennaro Federica , Greco Carla , Marfia Girolama A. , Spallone Vincenza
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized the meaningful coexistence of neuropathic pain and nondipping in painful diabetic polyneuropathy (PDPN).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In 113 patients with PDPN, with painless diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN+) and without DPN (DPN−), neuropathic pain, sleep, risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), autonomic function, and blood pressure (BP) circadian pattern were assessed using the Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions (DN4), the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale, the Berlin Questionnaire, cardiovascular reflex tests, and ambulatory BP monitoring.

RESULTS

Patients with PDPN showed higher nighttime systolic BP (130.4 ± 15.6 mmHg) than both DPN− (119.9 ± 10.6 mmHg; P < 0.0001) and DPN+ patients (124.2 ± 12.3 mmHg; P < 0.05), and lower day–night difference (∆) in systolic BP (5.5 ± 6.5 vs. 8.6 ± 7.7%; P < 0.05) and diastolic BP than DPN− patients. In a stepwise regression analysis, orthostatic hypotension, high risk for OSA, and PDPN (DN4 interview) were independent determinants of ∆ in systolic BP (r = 0.46; P = 0.0001), ∆ in diastolic BP, and nighttime systolic BP.

CONCLUSIONS

PDPN is associated with higher nocturnal systolic BP and impaired BP circadian pattern independent of pain-related comorbidities, suggesting a condition of high cardiovascular risk.
Regression From Prediabetes to Normal Glucose Regulation Is Associated With Reduction in Cardiovascular Risk: Results From the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study
Authors: Perreault Leigh , Temprosa Marinella , Mather Kieren J. , Horton Ed , Kitabchi Abbas , Larkin Mary , Montez Maria G. , Thayer Debra , Orchard Trevor J. , Hamman Richard F. , Goldberg Ronald B. ,   for the Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE

Restoration of normal glucose regulation (NGR) in people with prediabetes significantly decreases the risk of future diabetes. We sought to examine whether regression to NGR is also associated with a long-term decrease in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Framingham (2008) score (as an estimate of the global 10-year CVD risk) and individual CVD risk factors were calculated annually for the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study years 1–10 among those patients who returned to NGR at least once during the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) compared with those who remained with prediabetes or those in whom diabetes developed during DPP (N = 2,775).

RESULTS

The Framingham scores by glycemic exposure did not differ among the treatment groups; therefore, pooled estimates were stratified by glycemic status and were adjusted for differences in risk factors at DPP baseline and in the treatment arm. During 10 years of follow-up, the mean Framingham 10-year CVD risk scores were highest in the prediabetes group (16.2%), intermediate in the NGR group (15.5%), and 14.4% in people with diabetes (all pairwise comparisons P < 0.05), but scores decreased over time for those people with prediabetes (18.6% in year 1 vs. 15.9% in year 10, P < 0.01). The lower score in the diabetes group versus other groups, a declining score in the prediabetes group, and favorable changes in each individual risk factor in all groups were explained, in part, by higher or increasing medication use for lipids and blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Prediabetes represents a high-risk state for CVD. Restoration of NGR and/or medical treatment of CVD risk factors can significantly reduce the estimated CVD risk in people with prediabetes.
Trisomy 21–Associated Transient Abnormal Myelopoiesis Involving the Maternal Space of the Placenta: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Dai Qian , Reddy Vishnu V. B. , Choi John K. , Faye-Petersen Ona M.
Published: June 2014

We report a case of a male newborn with trisomy 21 and transient abnormal myelopoiesis at birth whose placenta showed extravasated fetal blasts in the perivillous (maternal) space. Concern for possible maternal spread of fetal malignancy prompted a Kleihauer-Betke test and flow cytometric analysis of the maternal peripheral blood on postpartum day 2. Notably, no evidence of the persistence of fetal cells in the maternal blood was identified, a finding that likely reflected successful maternal immunologic clearance of the fetal blasts and erythrocytes, and/or blast cellular fragility and limited viability. Ours is the first report, to our knowledge, documenting maternal peripheral-blood follow-up evaluation of this disorder in the English literature. We discuss our case in the context of a comprehensive review of fetoneonatal solid tumor and leukemic proliferative disorders with placental involvement and evidence of maternal metastasis.
Ectopic Liver Tissue in the Kidney: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Merve Ashirwad , Scheimberg Irene
Published: June 2014

The presence of ectopic liver tissue has been reported in various abdominal and extra-abdominal sites, most often in the gall bladder. Other rare sites include the retroperitoneum and the adrenal gland, which are anatomically closer to the kidney. However, our literature search did not reveal any reports of ectopic liver tissue within the kidney. We present such a case, detected incidentally during a fetal autopsy histologic examination, and we review the possible developmental aspects causing it. Ectopic liver is usually asymptomatic, although it can carry pathology similar to the orthotopic liver. It can be associated with other congenital anomalies and, rarely, can be the cause for clinical emergencies. The most significant implication, however, is development of hepatocellular carcinoma because of an increased predisposition compared with the native liver. Hence, we suggest that ectopic liver in the kidney should be considered by histopathologists, even in unsuspecting cases.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Carrying Viral Hepatitis B Antigen in the Population of the Nišava District
Authors: Kostić Marina , Kocić Biljana , Rančić Nataša
Published: June 2014

The aim of this paper was to determine the trend of diseases and epidemiological characteristics of viral antigen carrying of hepatitis B for better implementation of prevention and control of the disease activity. The annual reports, reports of diseases - deaths from infectious diseases, epidemiological survey of the Public Health Institute (IPH) Niš were used as the material. The period from 2002 to 2011 in the Nišava District was considered. A descriptive method was used. HBsAg carrying shows an upward trend (y=15+3.27 x). Most carriers are males (57.27%), live in urban areas (98.16/ 100.000 population), average age 41.92 years old ±SD 18.59, pensioners (22.42%). 54.05% are nephrology patients (almost all retirees under the age of 60 years old). Only 15.76% were hospitalized. The data on the vaccination status are insufficient. In 5.45%, co-infection with hepatitis C virus was found. 63.33% belong to the group of patients for whom there were no data on the mode of transmission. Hemodialysis patients make 16.67%, blood donors 9.39%, 6.36% pregnant women and injecting drug users 1.21%. The upward trend of carrying, the presence of all known risk groups in the population of carrying in the Nišava District points to the need for improved epidemiological surveillance, strict application of protective measures, conducting of statutory vaccination of all categories of people exposed to particular risk of infection as well as continuing education on preventive measures of both population and health care providers.
Reparation of Traumatic Injury of Anal Sphincter: Case Report and Review of Surgical Treatment
Authors: Stošić Momčilo
Published: June 2014

Anal sphincter injuries are rare and usually related to obstetric injuries. Other more frequent causes of a violent injury of the anal muscles (including the rectum) are war injuries, violent civil injuries, iatrogenic injuries during surgeries, sexual injuries and accidental injuries. Accidental injuries are extremely rare and, searching Medline, Scopus and Medscape for the past five years, I have found only a few descriptions of such injuries. Almost all such articles are of “the case study type”.

This paper presents two cases of accidental anal muscle injuries which were successfully operated by using the reconstructive surgery procedure. One case is about fecal incontinence due to a major muscle injury, and the other is about a partial injury of the external anal muscle in two places. The diagnoses were made by palpation and operative exploration. The anal manometry, electromyography and transanalsonography were not used.

By presenting two accidental anal sphincter injuries and by reviewing the data from the published works, the aim of the paper was to help us determine when and how to operate and whether an additional diagnosis is always necessary. This article focuses on rare and specific but frequently very serious injuries. The reparation by primary sphincteroplasty gives excellent results.
Statistical Analysis of Nitrogen in the Soil of Constructed Wetland with Horizontal Sub-Surface Flow
Authors: Jakubaszek Anita , Wojciech Magdalena
Published: June 2014

The removal of nitrogen compounds in constructed wetlands depends on various physical, chemical and biomechanical factors as well as on conditions of the environment. The paper presents the results of a statistical analysis of the depositing of nitrogen at HSSF (horizontal subsurface flow) construcred wetland. The results of the substrate showed that the highest contents of nitrogen existed in the surface soil layer up to 20 cm of the depth. Nitrogen accumulation decreased in the deposit with depth, and in the direction of the wastewater flow.
Arsenic Content in Arable Land of the Ząbkowice District
Authors: Kaszubkiewicz Jarosław , Pora Ewa , Kawałko Dorota , Jezierski Paweł
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the content of arsenic in soils used for agriculture in the Ząbkowicki district. The content of arsenic in collected soil samples ranged 1.1-569.5 mg·kg-1. The standard for arable lands of Group B has been exceeded in 24 out of 231 test points. The highest concentrations occurred in the Złoty Stok commune. This is due to the output of arsenic and gold in this area. Exceeding the standard also occurred in neighboring communes: Kamieniec Ząbkowicki and Ziębice. This is due to the blowing and washing pollutions form the source of contamination, the arsenic mines in the Złoty Stok commune.
Impact of Fertilisation with Sewage Sludge on the Content of Lead in Salix Viminalis Biomass
Authors: Sieciechowicz Aleksandra , Sadecka Zofia , Myszograj Sylwia , Suchowska-Kisielewicz Monika
Published: June 2014

Sewage sludge is considered to be high quality fertilizer. Therefore, in Poland, it is used to fertilize energy plants. On the one hand, it allows using large amount of sewage sludge on the other hand it contributes to the production of renewable energy.

The study was based on monitoring the plantation of energetic willow Salix viminalis fertilized with sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plant in Sulechow. The aim of the investigation was to study changes of the lead content in different parts collected during a year and analyze the differences in the accumulation of lead in the plants planted at different times. The results of the study showed that the amount of lead content in the biomass willow was not influenced by sewage sludge used as a fertilizer.
Spatial Diversification of Selected Demographic Phenomena in Polish Communes
Authors: Bal-Domańska Beata
Published: June 2014

Demographic potential constitutes one of the most important aspects of socioeconomic development by exerting impact on the growth potential and directions of the policy carried out at local and regional level. The areas concentrating young people, characterized by high birth rate and a positive migration balance gain growth potential not only for their current but also longterm development. The objective of the article is to present spatial diversification of the selected demographic phenomena in the crosssection of Polish communes in 2011 as well as to indicate areas presenting high and low growth potential.
Binding of Industrial Deposits of Heavy Metals and Arsenic in the Soil by 3-Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane
Authors: Grzesiak Piotr , Łukaszyk Joanna , Schroeder Grzegorz , Kurczewska Joanna
Published: June 2014

The results of the research studies concerning binding of heavy metals and arsenic (HM+As), occurring in soils affected by emissions from Głogów Copper Smelter and Refinery, by silane nanomaterial have been described. The content of heavy metals and arsenic was determined by AAS and the effectiveness of heavy metals and arsenic binding by 3-Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane was examined. The total leaching level of impurities in those fractions was 73.26% Cu, 74.7% – Pb, 79.5% Zn, 65.81% – Cd and 55.55% As. The studies demonstrated that the total binding of heavy metals and arsenic with nanomaterial in all fractions was about as follows: 20.5% Cu, 9.5% Pb, 7.1% Zn, 25.3% Cd and 10.89% As. The results presented how the safety of food can be cultivated around industrial area, as the currently used soil stabilization technique of HM by soil pH does not guarantee their stable blocking in a sorptive complex.
The Use of Ion Exchange in the Recovery of Vanadium from the Mass of a Spent Catalyst Used in the Oxidation of SO2 to SO3
Authors: Drużyński Sebastian , Mazurek Krzysztof , Białowicz Katarzyna
Published: June 2014

In the studies on the recovery of vanadium from vanadium catalyst extracts, three types of polymer strongly acidic ion exchangers were used. The ion exchange resins differed in terms of granularity and their ion exchange capacity. As a result, breakthrough curves were made for three main components of the test extract, i.e.: ions of vanadium, iron and potassium. On this basis the optimum conditions for the removal of iron ions from the solution were defined and the technological concept of the process in the semi-technical scale was proposed.
Infiuence of Hydrogen on the Properties of Nanostructured C-Pd Films for Sensing Applications
Authors: Kamińska Anna , Diduszko Ryszard , Krawczyk Sławomir , Czerwosz Elżbieta , Sobczak Kamil
Published: June 2014

In this paper we present the results of the investigations of nanostructured C-Pd films for hydrogen sensing applications. These C-Pd films were prepared by physical vapor deposition and then annealed in an argon flow at the temperature of 500°C. The structure and morphology of the prepared C-Pd films were investigated using transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. We studied the infiuence of hydrogen on the electrical properties and crystal structure of C-Pd films. It was shown that film resistance changes depended on hydrogen concentration. At lower hydrogen concentration (up to 2 vol.%), the films response increased proportionally to [H2], while above 2 vol.% H2, it was almost constant. This is connected with the formation of a solid solution of hydrogen in palladium at lower H2 concentration and the creation of palladium hydride at higher H2 concentration. X-ray diffraction was used to confirm the formation of Pd-H solid solution and palladium hydride.
High Pressure Synthesis versus Calcination – Different Approaches to Crystallization of Zirconium Dioxide
Authors: Kaszewski Jarosław , Yatsunenko Sergiy , Pełech Iwona , Mijowska Ewa , Narkiewicz Urszula , Godlewski Marek
Published: June 2014

Calcination and microwave-assisted hydrothermal processing of precipitated zirconium dioxide are compared. Characterization of synthesized products of these two technologies is presented. The infiuence of thermal treatment up to 1200oC on the structural and spectroscopic properties of the so-obtained zirconium dioxide is examined. It was found that initial crystallization of material inhibits the crystal growth up to the 800oC (by means of XRD and TEM techniques), while the material crystallized from amorphous hydroxide precursor at 400oC, exhibits 26 nm sized crystallites already. It was found using the TG technique that the temperature range 100–200oC during the calcination process is equivalent to a microwave hydrothermal process by means of water content. Mass loss is estimated to be about 18%. Based on X-ray investigations it was found that the initial hydroxide precursor is amorphous, however, its luminescence activity suggests the close range ordering in a material.
“I Understood you, but there was this Pronunciation Thing…”: L2 Pronunciation Feedback in English/French Tandem Interactions
Authors: Horgues Céline , Scheuer Sylwia
Published: June 2014

The role of corrective feedback (CF) in L2 development has been the topic of much discussion in SLA literature (see for example Sheen and Ellis 2011 for a recent overview). Researchers have focused their attention on CF provided either by language teachers or by fellow L2 learners, whereas relatively little is known about phonetic feedback offered in a non-institutional setting during peer-to-peer native/non-native interactions as is the case with tandem language learning. Tandem language exchanges represent a special learning environment, as each participant takes turns being the native and the non-native side of the dialogue. Thus, in contrast to the typical L2 learning setting, the hierarchical structure between the participants is fluid: the expert-novice power relationship evolves as the meeting progresses and the conversation switches from one language to the other.  In order to see how the distinguishing characteristics of tandem learning (such as solidarity and reciprocity) shape the process of L2 phonetic development in their own specific ways, we collected an English-French Tandem Corpus as part of the SITAF project (Spécificités des Interactions verbales dans le cadre de Tandems linguistiques Anglais-Français), launched at the University of Sorbonne Nouvelle-Paris 3 in October 2012. We gathered linguistic data – both video and audio recorded – from face-to-face conversational exchanges held by 21 pairs of undergraduate students, with each ‘tandem’ consisting of a native speaker of English and a native speaker of French. The dialogues and reading passages were recorded on two occasions separated by a 3-month interval.  The present paper offers a preliminary analysis of L2 pronunciation feedback on several renditions of the same text (The North Wind and the Sun), given to the French speakers by their English tandem partners. The passage was produced by each French participant three times: (1) during the ‘monitored’ reading, which was supervised by the English-speaking partner and which led to (2) the ‘second reading’ in the course of the first recording session, and then (3) the ‘final reading’ performed during the second recording session 3 months later.  Data analysis will allow us to address the following questions relating to the study of phonetic corrective feedback:

- What is corrected by the native-speaking partner (henceforth NS)? Segmental or prosodic errors? Phonemic or allophonic deviations?- What is the corrective strategy adopted by the NS? Is it explicit correction, recast, or elicitation?- What is the learner’s uptake after receiving feedback?We hope that our data brings a valuable and fairly unique contribution to SLA research, helping to establish which errors get corrected and how it may have implications for setting priorities in L2 pronunciation teaching.
Desperately Seeking a Communicative Approach: English Pronunciation in a Sample of French and Polish Secondary School Textbooks
Authors: Henderson Alice , Jarosz Anna
Published: June 2014

This paper compares the treatment of English pronunciation in school textbooks from France and Poland, in order to see what resources teachers have at their disposal. It is limited to textbooks used at the secondary level of each education system. Recent research has shown that European teachers do not find teaching English pronunciation easy and that many are unsatisfied with their training in relation to teaching pronunciation (Bradford & Kenworthy 1991; Burgess and Spencer 2000; Henderson et al. 2012; Frost and Henderson, 2013; Iivonen, 2005). Textbooks are a widespread resource with the potential to alleviate a lack of extensive pedagogical training. The first part of this paper analyses pronunciation exercises in a representative sample of textbooks from each country. Pronunciation exercises were classified based on the degree to which they mobilize communicative abilities, according to the five categories of a Communicative Framework for teaching pronunciation (Celce-Murcia et al., 2010, p45): Description & analysis, Listening discrimination, Controlled practice, Guided practice, Communicative practice. The first category involves little risk-taking by the learner, usually focusses on form and allows little freedom. At the other end of the spectrum, communicative practice involves a focus on meaning and interaction, with the concomitant greater freedom to make mistakes. The exercises were then analysed to see which segmental and/or prosodic features they favoured and to what extent.
Language Experience and Phonetic Training as Factors Influencing Timing Organisation in Polish Learners of English
Authors: Gralińska-Brawata Anna
Published: June 2014

The paper investigates the dynamics of speech rhythm in Polish learners of English and, specifically, how rhythm measurements revealing durational characteristics of vocalic and consonantal intervals through the measures (%V, ΔV, ΔC, VarcoV, VarcoC and nPVI) change along the process of second language acquisition as a result of language experience and phonetic training, and influence rhythmic characteristics of L2 English. The data used for the analysis come from 30 Polish first-year students of the University of Łódź recorded reading two texts (English and Polish) during two recording sessions separated by a 7-month period of language studies and compared to the data obtained from the recordings of native speakers of English. The experiment aims at verifying whether the participants achieve progress in the rhythm measure scores under the influence of language experience and phonetic training, as it has already been confirmed that general proficiency of non-native speakers of English is a key factor contributing to the successful production of rhythmic patterns in English (Waniek-Klimczak 2009, Roach 2002). The results have shown no substantial and consistent progress for the whole group and across all the measures. Statistical tests, however, have revealed significant changes in the subjects' performance with respect to the vocalic measures ΔV and VarcoV. This may reflect the effect of the type of phonetic training the students are offered, which is segment-based with particular emphasis on vowels.
Building a 256-bit hash function on a stronger MD variant
Authors: Tiwari Harshvardhan , Asawa Krishna
Published: June 2014

Cryptographic hash functions are important cryptographic techniques and are used widely in many cryptographic applications and protocols. All the MD4 design based hash functions such as MD5, SHA-1, RIPEMD-160 and FORK-256 are built on Merkle-Damgård iterative method. Recent differential and generic attacks against these popular hash functions have shown weaknesses of both specific hash functions and their underlying Merkle-Damgård construction. In this paper we propose a hash function follows design principle of NewFORK-256 and based on HAIFA construction. Its compression function takes three inputs and generates a single output of 256-bit length. An extra input to a compression function is a 64-bit counter (number of bits hashed so far). HAIFA construction shows strong resistance against major generic and other cryptanalytic attacks. The security of proposed hash function against generic attacks, differential attack, birthday attack and statistical attack was analyzed in detail. It is shown that the proposed hash function has high sensitivity to an input message and is secure against different cryptanalytic attacks.
Epidemiological surveillance of colonising group B Streptococcus epidemiology in the Lisbon and Tagus Valley regions, Portugal (2005 to 2012): emergence of a new epidemic type IV/clonal complex 17 clone
Authors: Florindo C , Damião V , Silvestre I , Farinha C , Rodrigues F , Nogueira F , Martins-Pereira F , Castro R , Borrego M J , Santos-Sanches I , The Group for the Prevention of Neonatal GBS Infection collective
Published: June 2014

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Access to diphtheria antitoxin for therapy and diagnostics
Authors: Both L , White J , Mandal S , Efstratiou A
Published: June 2014

The most effective treatment for diphtheria is swift administration of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) with conjunct antibiotic therapy. DAT is an equine immunoglobulin preparation and listed among the World Health Organization Essential Medicines. Essential Medicines should be available in functioning health systems at all times in adequate amounts, in appropriate dosage forms, with assured quality, and at prices individuals and the community can afford. However, DAT is in scarce supply and frequently unavailable to patients because of discontinued production in several countries, low economic viability, and high regulatory requirements for the safe manufacture of blood-derived products. DAT is also a cornerstone of diphtheria diagnostics but several diagnostic reference laboratories across the European Union (EU) and elsewhere routinely face problems in sourcing DAT for toxigenicity testing. Overall, global access to DAT for both therapeutic and diagnostic applications seems inadequate. Therefore ? besides efforts to improve the current supply of DAT ? accelerated research and development of alternatives including monoclonal antibodies for therapy and molecular-based methods for diagnostics are required. Given the rarity of the disease, it would be useful to organise a small stockpile centrally for all EU countries and to maintain an inventory of DAT availability within and between countries.
Imported toxigenic cutaneous diphtheria in a young male returning from Mozambique to Norway, March 2014
Authors: Jakovljev A , Steinbakk M , Mengshoel A T , Sagvik E , Brügger-Synnes P , Sakshaug T , Rønning K , Blystad H , Bergh K
Published: June 2014

In March 2014 a 20-year-old man was diagnosed with cutaneous diphtheria at St. Olavs University Hospital in Trondheim, Norway on his return from Africa. The man had been in Mozambique since autumn 2013 and had experienced persistent skin ulcer infections. His was in good general health. Toxin-producing Corynebacterium diphtheriae was grown from a wound specimen. He had completed the national childhood vaccination programme and received a diphtheria vaccine booster dose in 2005. Screening of close contacts revealed an asymptomatic person colonised with non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae.
Morphological predictors of intraprocedural rupture during coil embolization of ruptured cerebral aneurysms: do small basal outpouchings carry higher risk?
Authors: Kang Dong-Hun , Goh Duck-Ho , Baik Seung-Kug , Park Jaechan , Kim Yong-Sun
Published: June 2014

Object

This study aimed to investigate morphological predictors of intraprocedural rupture (IPR) during coil embolization of ruptured cerebral aneurysms.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted in 322 consecutive patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms who were treated with coil embolization over an 8-year period from January 2005 to December 2012. The authors analyzed all available data with emphasis on morphological characteristics of the aneurysm as shown on baseline angiography in relation to IPR. Regarding aneurysm morphology, the authors classified patients according to multilobulation, presence of a daughter sac, and presence of a small basal outpouching (SBO).

Results

The incidence of IPR was 4.8% (16 of 332). In terms of aneurysm configuration, the presence of multilobulation (100.0% [16 of 16] in the IPR group vs 89.2% [282 of 316] in the non-IPR group, p = 0.388) and daughter sac (75.0% [12 of 16] in the IPR group vs 59.2% [187 of 316] in the non-IPR group, p = 0.208) were not significantly associated with IPR. However, SBO, found in 9% (30 of 332) of the study population, was significantly associated with IPR (56.3% [9 of 16] in the IPR group vs 6.7% [21 of 316] in the non-IPR group, OR 18.06, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Based on the authors' data, the more general groups of multilobulation and daughter sac were not significantly associated with IPR, although the more specific subgroup with an SBO was. More confirmation studies on these results are required, but they point to the possibility that SBO (with its possible connection to basal rupture) is an important morphological risk factor for IPR during coiling. In addition, future comparison of coiling and clipping treatment for ruptured aneurysms associated with an SBO seems necessary.
Dynamic cervicomedullary cord compression and alterations in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in children with achondroplasia: review of an 11-year surgical case series
Authors: Mukherjee Debraj , Pressman Barry D. , Krakow Deborah , Rimoin David L. , Danielpour Moise
Published: June 2014

Object

Achondroplasia may be associated with compression at the cervicomedullary junction. Determining which patients are at greatest risk for neurological complications of cervicomedullary compression can be difficult. In the current study the authors reviewed their records to determine the incidence and clinical significance of dynamic cervicomedullary stenosis and obstruction of CSF flow along with surgical outcomes following posterior fossa decompression.

Methods

The authors reviewed 34 consecutive cases involving symptomatic children with achondroplasia undergoing cervicomedullary decompression performed by a single surgeon over 11 years. Of these patients, 29 had undergone preoperative dynamic MRI of the cervicomedullary junction with cine (cinema) CSF flow studies; 13 of these patients underwent postoperative dynamic MRI studies. Clinical outcomes included changes in polysomnography, head circumference percentile, and fontanel characteristics. Radiographic outcomes included changes in dynamic spinal cord diameter, improvement in CSF flow at the foramen magnum, and change in the Evans ratio.

Results

Patients were predominantly female, with a mean age at presentation of 6.6 years and mean follow-up of 3.7 years (range 1–10 years).

All patients had moderate to excellent improvement in postoperative polysomnography, slight decrease in average head circumference percentile (from 46.9th percentile to 45.7th percentile), and no subjective worsening of fontanel characteristics. The Evans ratio decreased by 2%, spinal cord diameter increased an average of 3.1 mm, 5.2 mm, and 0.2 mm in the neutral, flexed, and extended positions, respectively, and CSF flow improved qualitatively in all 3 positions. There were no postoperative infections, CSF leaks, or other major complications. None of the patients undergoing initial foramen magnum decompression performed at our medical center required reoperation.

Conclusions

Patients with achondroplasia and symptomatic cervicomedullary compression have increased risk of dynamic stenosis at the foramen magnum evident upon dynamic cine MRI. Operative decompression may be offered with low risk of complications or need for reoperation.
Predicting sagittal deformity after surgery for intramedullary tumors
Authors: Knafo Steven , Court Charles , Parker Fabrice
Published: June 2014

Object

Spinal deformity after surgery for intramedullary tumors is a potentially serious complication that may require subsequent fusion. The aim of this study was to determine whether there were risk factors that could be used to predict postoperative sagittal deformity.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective study of patients harboring an intramedullary tumor who had undergone surgery at a single center between 1985 and 2011. The main outcome of interest was the difference, at the last follow-up, between post- and preoperative measures of the Cobb angle formed by the superior and inferior limits of the laminectomy (ΔCobb).

Results

Sixty-three patients were eligible for inclusion in the study. The mean sagittal deformity, measured as described above, was 15.9° (range 0°–77°) at a mean follow-up of 85.4 months (range 4–240 months). Univariate analysis showed increased sagittal deformity in patients 30 years old or younger (21.9° vs 13.7°, p = 0.04), undergoing a laminectomy involving 4 or more levels (19.3° vs 12.1°, p = 0.04), and undergoing a laminectomy that included a spinal junction (20.8° vs 12.4°, p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis showed that only age (p = 0.01) and the number of spinal levels involved in the laminectomy (p = 0.014) were significant and independent predictors of postoperative sagittal deformity. The linear regression equation drawn from this model allows one to quantitatively predict sagittal deformity for any follow-up time point after surgery.

Conclusions

Authors of this study developed a statistical tool that could be used to plan surgery and follow-up as regards the risk of sagittal spinal deformity in patients undergoing surgery for intramedullary tumors.
Roles of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Natural Inhibitors in Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: Gong Yixuan , Chippada-Venkata Uma , Oh William
Published: June 2014

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a group of zinc-dependent endopeptidases involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix, play an important role in tissue remodeling associated with various physiological processes such as morphogenesis, angiogenesis, and tissue repair, as well as pathological processes including cirrhosis, arthritis and cancer. The MMPs are well established as mediators of tumor invasion and metastasis by breaking down connective tissue barriers. Although there has been a vast amount of literature on the role of MMPs in invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis of various cancers, the role of these endopeptidases in prostate cancer progression has not been systematically reviewed. This overview summarizes findings on the tissue and blood expression of MMPs, their function, regulation and prognostic implication in human prostate cancer, with a focus on MMP-2, -7, -9, MT1-MMP and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1). This review also summarizes the efficacy and failure of early-generation matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer and highlights the lessons and challenges for next generation MMPIs.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma in Immunosuppressed Patients
Authors: Ma Janice , Brewer Jerry
Published: June 2014

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous malignancy. The infectivity of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), an apparent agent in MCC development, may be exacerbated with impaired immune responses. This paper reviews relevant data regarding the role of immunosuppression in the development of MCC and describes modes of immunodeficient states. Because of the inherently low incidence rate of MCC, several case studies and series are also briefly mentioned to provide a more comprehensive summary of MCC in the setting of immunosuppression. We describe immunosuppressed patients who have experienced excessive UV radiation, organ transplantation, human immunodeficiency virus infection/AIDS, autoimmune diseases, and lymphoproliferative disorders. Iatrogenic forms of immunosuppression are also highlighted. Studies that quantify risks consistently report that individuals with a history of solid organ transplantation, autoimmune diseases, AIDS, and/or lymphoproliferative diseases have a significantly elevated risk of developing MCC. Overall, immunocompromised patients also appear to have an early onset and more aggressive course of MCC, with poorer outcomes. Recommendations for multidisciplinary approaches are proposed to effectively prevent and manage MCC in these patients.
Cancer Associated Fibroblasts and Tumor Growth: Focus on Multiple Myeloma
Authors: De Veirman Kim , Rao Luigia , De Bruyne Elke , Menu Eline , Van Valckenborgh Els , Van Riet Ivan , Frassanito Maria , Di Marzo Lucia , Vacca Angelo , Vanderkerken Karin
Published: June 2014

Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) comprise a heterogeneous population that resides within the tumor microenvironment. They actively participate in tumor growth and metastasis by production of cytokines and chemokines, and the release of pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic factors, creating a more supportive microenvironment. The aim of the current review is to summarize the origin and characteristics of CAFs, and to describe the role of CAFs in tumor progression and metastasis. Furthermore, we focus on the presence of CAFs in hypoxic conditions in relation to multiple myeloma disease.
Open Data and Open Governance in Canada: A Critical Examination of New Opportunities and Old Tensions
Authors: Roy Jeffrey
Published: June 2014

As governments develop open data strategies, such efforts reflect the advent of the Internet, the digitization of government, and the emergence of meta-data as a wider socio-economic and societal transformational. Within this context the purpose of this article is twofold. First, we seek to both situate and examine the evolution and effectiveness of open data strategies in the Canadian public sector, with a particular focus on municipal governments that have led this movement. Secondly, we delve more deeply into—if and how, open data can facilitate more open and innovative forms of governance enjoining an outward-oriented public sector (across all government levels) with an empowered and participative society. This latter vantage point includes four main and inter-related dimensions: (i) conceptualizing public value and public engagement; (ii) media relations—across traditional intermediaries and channels and new social media; (iii) political culture and the politics of privacy in an increasingly data-centric world; and (iv) federated architectures and the alignment of localized, sub-national, and national strategies and governance mechanisms. This article demonstrates how each of these dimensions includes important determinants of not only open data’s immediate impacts but also its catalytic ability to forge wider and collective innovation and more holistic governance renewal.
Towards a Conceptual Model of Diabetes Self-Management among Chinese Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Zeng Bin , Sun Wenjie , Gary Rebecca , Li Changwei , Liu Tingting
Published: June 2014

Background: Chinese immigrants have been disproportionally affected by type 2 diabetes. This paper presents the state of science regarding the factors that may influence diabetes self-management among Chinese immigrants in the US and the potential health outcomes. Design: Using Walker and Avant’s techniques, a search of the literature was conducted from CINAHL, PubMed, OVID, and Web of Science. Findings: Factors most relevant to diabetes self-management were grouped under five categories: socio-demographic characteristics, behavioral and psychological characteristics, social support, linguistic barriers, and cultural characteristics. Potential outcomes derived from improved diabetes self-management include quality of life, glycosylated hemoglobin, and blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. Discussion: A conceptual model was provided to guide future research. Based on the review of the literature, specific research topics that need to fill the gaps in the literature were provided, including family-focused interventions for Chinese immigrant patients with diabetes and the effectiveness of these interventions to improve family functioning.
Phosphorylation Stoichiometries of Human Eukaryotic Initiation Factors
Authors: Andaya Armann , Villa Nancy , Jia Weitao , Fraser Christopher , Leary Julie
Published: June 2014

Eukaryotic translation initiation factors are the principal molecular effectors regulating the process converting nucleic acid to functional protein. Commonly referred to as eIFs (eukaryotic initiation factors), this suite of proteins is comprised of at least 25 individual subunits that function in a coordinated, regulated, manner during mRNA translation. Multiple facets of eIF regulation have yet to be elucidated; however, many of the necessary protein factors are phosphorylated. Herein, we have isolated, identified and quantified phosphosites from eIF2, eIF3, and eIF4G generated from log phase grown HeLa cell lysates. Our investigation is the first study to globally quantify eIF phosphosites and illustrates differences in abundance of phosphorylation between the residues of each factor. Thus, identification of those phosphosites that exhibit either high or low levels of phosphorylation under log phase growing conditions may aid researchers to concentrate their investigative efforts to specific phosphosites that potentially harbor important regulatory mechanisms germane to mRNA translation.
Land Redistribution and Reutilization in the Context of Migration in Rural Nepal
Authors: Gartaula Hom , Chaudhary Pashupati , Khadka Kamal
Published: June 2014

Land is an integral part of people’s culture, economy, and livelihoods. Social and temporal mobility of people affect land acquisition, distribution, and utilization, which consequently impacts on food security and human wellbeing. Using the data collected by means of household survey, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and participant observation, this paper examines the dynamics of land-people relationships, mainly acquisition, redistribution, and reutilization of land, in the context of human migration. The study reveals that food self-sufficiency, household size, age of household head, household asset, total income from non-agricultural sources, and migration status, affect the acquisition or size of landholding in a household. Moreover, land appears to be mobile within and across villages through changes in labour availability, changing access to land, and ethnic interactions caused partly by migration of people. We conclude that mobility of land appears to be an inseparable component of land-people relationships, especially in the context of human migration that offers redistribution and reutilization of land.