bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
¿Por qué disminuyó la desigualdad en México? Análisis con los índices de Gini, Mehran y Piesch 2000-2012
Authors: Aguilar-Gutiérrez Genaro
Published: November 2016

En esta investigación se muestra –a partir de los cálculos con microdatos de la Encuesta Nacional de Ingresos y Gastos de los Hogares– con la metodología de descomposición de los índices de desigualdad de Gini, Mehran y Piesch, cómo los “programas públicos tipo Oportunidades” contribuyeron con 11,15% a la reducción en la desigualdad observada (índice de Gini) en México entre 2000 y 2012. Las remesas que reciben los hogares explican al menos 9,02% de la reduc- ción en la desigualdad en el mismo periodo. El índice de Mehran muestra que las remesas contribuyeron con 17,25% a la caída del nivel de desigualdad.
Análisis y tendencias migratorias en la región del Biobío (Chile) entre 1982 y 2002. Aplicación desde el modelo gravitacional
Authors: Maturana-Miranda Francisco , Rojas Böttner Andrés , Poblete-López David
Published: November 2016

El proceso de migraciones internas en la región del Biobío expresa un proceso de redistribución espacial que tiende a la polarización del espacio hacia la capital regional –Concepción metropolitano– y a las comunas contiguas a ésta. De igual manera, se observa una fuerte atracción migratoria de las capitales provinciales pero circunscrita a su hinterland. Además, se determina que el perfil del migrante desde estas ciudades hacia la capital regional se caracterizaría por una alta educación, a diferencia de los migrantes de las comunas aledañas a las capitales provinciales, que se compondrían más bien por población joven con bajos grados de escolaridad.
Relationships among fun, self-esteem, and happiness of tennis players
Authors: Bum Chul-Ho , Jeon Ik-Ki
Published: November 2016

We examined the relationships among the factors of fun, self-esteem, and happiness with a group of 249 players from tennis clubs located in the Seoul capital area, South Korea. Results of analysis showed that fitness and acknowledgment increased positive self-esteem and decreased negative
self-esteem. Sociability increased positive self-esteem and both interest and fitness increased happiness. Negative self-perception reduced happiness, but the relationship with positive self-esteem was not statistically significant. Finally, fitness, acknowledgement, and sociability were important
antecedent variables that increased happiness through the mediator of self-esteem. We have provided useful information for busy people on how to lead a healthy and meaningful life by having fun and consistently participating in physical activities.
Social television and locus of control: Interactivity effects on cognition and behavior
Authors: Shin Dong-Hee , Roh Ounjung
Published: November 2016

We examined the effects on users' cognition and behavior of an interface cue for level of interactivity that is presented on secondary screens in a social television environment. Our primary focus was on the social role of television watching, the effects of an interactivity cue on
user perception, and user behavior outcomes. In addition, we examined how locus of control, as an individual characteristic, influenced these aspects. Participants (52 undergraduate students in Korea) communicated with other viewers through a secondary device while watching a television show.
We found that the presence of an interface cue for interactivity was positively related to users' perceptions, such as sense of presence and sense of community. Additionally, the relationship differed based on personal characteristics. Overall, the effect of an interface cue on social television
users' attitude and behavior is mediated by sense of community.
Objective measurement of effectiveness of psychological consulting services
Authors: Li Yong-Hui , Xu Guangxing , Chen Ya-Ting
Published: November 2016

We investigated whether or not physiological signals reflect the effectiveness of a psychological consultation. Participants (N = 108 college students) rated the quality of a consulting service. We recorded their vital signs before and after the consultation session, and eye-related
signals during the consulting process. Results of paired samples t tests showed that body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure had changed significantly after the consultation and degree of the changes was closely correlated with the participants' subjective ratings. Further,
results of a 1-way analysis of variance showed that the change in eye-blinking rate and frequency of pupil size fluctuation were aligned with the consulting session outcome. Our results indicate that vital signs and eye-related signals are effective measures to evaluate the effectiveness of
psychological consulting services.
Competitive intelligence awareness in the South African property sector
Authors: Nenzhelele Tshilidzi Eric
Published: November 2016

The South African property sector contributes highly to job creation, alleviation of poverty and economic growth. Although South Africa has dropped in the global competitiveness ranking, the property sector of South Africa remains very competitive. To survive in a competitive business environment firms seek for tools that offer competitive advantage. It is widely reported the competitive intelligence provide firms with competitive advantage over rivals. Although the awareness of competitive intelligence has been examined in other sectors in South Africa, no study on the awareness of competitive intelligence has yet been conducted in the property sector. This study aims at establishing the extent to which property practitioners are aware of competitive intelligence.
An investigation of factors related to self-efficacy for Java programming among computer science education students
Authors: Govender Desmond Wesley , Basak Sujit Kumar
Published: November 2016

Students usually perceived computer programming courses as one of the most difficult courses since learning to program is perceived as a difficult task. Quite often students’ negative perceptions on computer programming results in poor results and high drop-out rates. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of factors that affect computer science education students’ Java programming self-efficacy and the relationship between Java programming self-efficacy and students’ age and gender. A questionnaire was used to gather data. A scale with thirty-two items assessing Java programming self-efficacy was adapted from Askar and Davenport’s (2009) computer programming self-efficacy scale. A total of twenty students from a Computer Science Education Discipline participated in this study. Collected data were analysed using SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics, reliability test, mean, standard deviation, and rotated component matrix were utilized to analyze the resulting data. Results indicated that there is not much difference between males (45%) and females (55%) Java programming self-efficacy. Furthermore, the results also indicated that programming skills and Java constructs have higher influence on the self-efficacy for Java programming among computer science education students followed by non-complexity, time consciousness, ability to recode for better understanding and self-motivation.
A study of small, medium, and micro-sized enterprise (SMME) business owner and stakeholder perceptions of barriers and enablers in the South African retail sector
Authors: Jere Mlenga , Jere Albertina , Aspeling Jonathan
Published: November 2016

Despite the support extended to the small business sector in South Africa, the growth and survival rates of small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) are lower than expected. This paper investigates business owner and stakeholder perceptions of barriers and enablers of the start-up, survival, and growth of SMMEs in the South African retail sector. A qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews was employed for data collection from samples of stakeholders and business owners. Framework analysis was used to analyse both sets of data. The findings show that the stakeholders and business owners consider the lack of support, competition, skills shortages, and poor internal controls as the key barriers to the start-up, survival, and growth of SMMEs. Stakeholders considered the business environment as the key enabler while the business owners regarded increasing demand as the key enabler. To address the barriers, recommendations relating to skills development, funding, shelter and services, and other business development resources are presented.
Occupational stress and organisational commitment of employees at higher educational institution
Authors: Zhuwao Simbarashe , Setati Sam T. , Rachidi Molapo P. , Ukpere Wilfred Isioma
Published: November 2016

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between occupational stress and organisational commitment of employees at a higher education institution. A random sample (N=30) was chosen from academic staff within the university. The study used a quantitative design. The Organisational Stress Screening Tool (ASSET) and Allen and Meyer’s Organisational Commitment Tool (OCT) were administered. The study revealed that a statistical significant relationship exists between occupational stress and organizational commitment of employees. The study also showed that academic staff overall experienced average levels of occupational stress and organisational commitment. Job characteristics and work relationship were found to be the major sources of occupation stress. It is recommended that higher education institutions should improve employee participation in decision making to reduce employees’ stress as a result of unmanageable workloads and overload.
Endoscopic Management of Epistaxis in Lumbini Medical College
Authors: Acharya Anup , Singh Madan Mohan , Shrestha Arati
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Epistaxis is one of the commonest Ear Nose Throat (ENT) emergency. Proper guidelines for its management are lacking; on the other hand, the management is mostly done by the junior health service providers which has invited non-standardized practice of epistaxis management. Thereby this study was much inclined towards assessment of the effectiveness of endoscopic management of epistaxis.

 

Methods: This prospective study included patients above 16 years who were diagnosed with idiopathic epistaxis visiting Out Patient of ENT Department or in the Emergency Department of Lumbini Medical College from 1st of July 2014 to 30th of June 2015. ENT examination was done to find the cause and site of bleeding. Thereafter different epistaxis management interventions were done depending on the bleeding condition. The data were collected, entered and then analyzed using SPSS version 21. The descriptive statistics were applied.

 

Results: Of the total 116 patients, 53 (45.69%) were male and 63 (54.31%) were female showing no gender preponderance with epistaxis in our study. Majority (49%) of the patients were managed with cauterization with silver nitrate or electrocautery in out-patient clinic. Second most common (18%) procedure was endoscopic sphenopalatine artery cauterization. Nasal packing was done only in three cases with zero posterior pack.

 

Conclusion: Endoscopic intervention of epistaxis seems to be safe, simple, fast, and effective for the management of epistaxis with low rates of morbidity and complications. Thereby it can be preferred over the conservative nasal packing and considered as immediate second-line management.
Pattern of Severe Acute Maternal Morbidity in a Tertiary Care Institute
Authors: Kaur Narinder , Aryal Shreyashi
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Maternal mortality traditionally has been the indicator of maternal health all over the world. More recently review of the cases of severe acute maternal morbidity (SAMM), also termed as "near miss obstetrics events", has been found to be a useful supplementary indicator to investigate maternal health care. Cases of near miss are those in which women present with potentially fatal complication during pregnancy, delivery, or the puerperium and survive merely by chance or by good hospital care. This study was done with the objective to analyze cases of SAMM at Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital (LMCTH), Nepal.

 

Methods:   A retrospective study of all cases meeting the WHO criteria for SAMM,  during May 2015, was done. Cases meeting the WHO eligibility criteria for near miss cases were included in the study. Medical record of such cases in past one year was reviewed. Their socio-demographic variables, parity, gestational age, associated organ dysfunction, ICU and hospital stay, management, and fetal and maternal outcome were noted.

 

Results: During the study period, there were total of 28 cases of SAMM and two maternal mortality out of 2735 live births. Thus rate of SAMM was 1.02%, and maternal mortality rate was 0.07%. Majority of patients were unbooked (n=18, 64.28%) and 10 (35.71%) were illiterate. Commonest causes for admission to ICU was hemorrhage (n=10, 35.71%) followed by hypertensive disorders (n=9, 32.06%), sepsis (n=2, 7.14%), and obstructed labour (n=2, 7.14%). Laparotomy was performed in six (21.42%) women, obstetric hysterectomy in four (14.28%), and pelvic devascularization in two (10.71%).

 

Conclusion: SAMM is a useful adjunct to maternal mortality to assess maternal health care. Improving facility based care and prompt referral, education of primary health care (PHC) staff can be a short term measure to quickly reduce the number of maternal deaths. Facility based monitoring and reporting of SAMM outcome is an important step for scaling up such efforts.
Supernumerary Nipples, Congenital Scoliosis, Spina Bifida, Diastematomyelia, and Crossed Renal Ectopia in a child
Authors: Panthee Kiran , Sharma Kiran , Kalakheti Balkrishna
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Supernumerary nipples are common anomalies which may be associated with several systemic disorders, particularly urinary tract abnormalities.

 

Case report: Here we report a case of a 4½ year old male presenting to the pediatric out patient clinic with fever for three days and recurrent sinopulmonary infections. The child had supernumerary nipples over the right side with deformed thoracic cage, congenital scoliosis, diastematomyelia, crossed renal ectopia, and spina bifida. All the conditions present together did not match any syndrome reported till date.

 

Conclusion: This was a rare syndrome and did not match fully with any known syndromes till date. This case warranted further investigation for its definite diagnosis but we do not have resources to that extent.
On the medical art: Health and disease between metaphysics, epistemology and medicine
Authors: Milisavljevic Vladimir , Kamerer Eva
Published: November 2016

The article treats one of the major issues of contemporary philosophy of
medicine - the difficulty of giving a purely objective definition of health
and disease - and examines its implications for the question of the
epistemological status of medicine: is it possible to define medicine as a
science, or should we be contented with a more modest, traditional view that
medicine is simply the art of healing? In the first part of the article,
this problem is shown to be present already in the debates of conflicting
medical schools of ancient Greece. More generally, scepticism regarding the
scientific status of medicine is explained in terms of the inner tension,
which also shapes the Aristotelian concept of medical art, between the
physician?s task of healing an individual patient and the universalistic
aspect of medical knowledge. The second part of the text deals with the
shift of perspective in our understanding of living organisms brought about
by Darwin?s theory of evolution and with its consequences for the conception
of health and disease. In this context, we examine the shortcomings of the
leading contemporary theory of health proposed by Christopher Boorse and
point out to some fundamental affinities between evolutionary developmental
biology and personalized medicine.
The problem of other minds and psychological notions
Authors: Radenovic Ljiljana
Published: November 2016

Wittgensteinian solution to the problem of other minds is usually associated
with Wittgenstein?s position that psychological concepts do not describe but
express mental states. In his book An Essay on Philosophical Psychology An
Essay on Philosophical Psychology L. Kojen (2009) develops an interpretation
of Wittgenstein according to which Wittgenstein himself was aware that all
psychological concepts cannot be analyzed in terms of the expression of inner
states. My goal in this paper is to examine whether the admission that
psychological concepts have descriptive uses involves a return to mentalism
and a reintroduction of skepticism regarding other minds. By relying on
developmental psychology, I hope to show: a) that expression is the primary
function of psychological concepts as it occurs first in child?s development,
and b) that the descriptive uses appear later with language acquisitioion but
do not lead to the skeptical problem of other minds.
Rationality, values, and voting: Deliberative democracy and deliberative education
Authors: Soc Andrija
Published: November 2016

This paper has four parts.1 In the first, I discuss criteria for determining
whether outcomes of individual and social choice are relevant. I examine the
criteria listed in Arrow?s theorem and how they pertain to Arrow?s conclusion
that there are no rational outcomes of social choice. In the second part, I
discuss values that democratic institutions ought to embody. I try to show
that the procedural system of voting does not always embody such values. I
then examine differences between procedural and deliberative democracy, the
latter being proposed as a potential resolution for the problem of
irrationality of social choice. As empirical research shows, however, the
level of deliberation is still fairly low. Because the success of
deliberative democracy lies in its efficient implementation, in the fourth
part of the paper I argue that the best route toward implementing it is not
in discussing how deliberative process ought to work, but in developing
deliberative education programme.
Performance investigation of photovoltaic modules by back surface water cooling
Authors: Bashir Muhammad , Ali Hafiz , Amber Khuram , Bashir Muhammad , Ali Hassan , Imran Shahid , Kamran Muhammad
Published: November 2016

The temperature of the photovoltaic module has an adverse effect on the performance of photovoltaic modules. The photovoltaic module converts a small portion of energy from solar radiations into electricity while the remaining energy wastes in the form of heat. In this study, water cooled photovoltaic/thermal system was analyzed to enhance the efficiency by absorbing the heat generated by the photovoltaic modules and allowing the photovoltaic module to work at comparatively low temperature. For this system, four photovoltaic modules of two different types were used. To investigate the cooling effect, two modules were modified by making ducts at their back surface having inlet and outlet manifolds for water-flow. The measurements were taken with cooling and without cooling of photovoltaic modules. The temperature was measured at inlet, outlet, and at different points at the back of photovoltaic modules. It was found that there was a linear trend between the module efficiency and temperature. The average module temperature of c-Si and p-Si modules without cooling was 13.6% and 7.2% lower, respectively, than the same modules without cooling. As a result of temperature drop, the average module electrical efficiency of c-Si and p-Si was 13% and 6.2% higher, respectively, compared to the modules without cooling. Flowing water also gains useful heat from photovoltaic module so the resultant overall energy of the system was much higher.
Functional Investigations of HNF1A Identify Rare Variants as Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes in the General Population
Authors: Najmi Laeya Abdoli , Aukrust Ingvild , Flannick Jason , Molnes Janne , Burtt Noel , Molven Anders , Groop Leif , Altshuler David , Johansson Stefan , Bjørkhaug Lise , Njølstad Pål Rasmus
Published: November 2016

Variants in HNF1A encoding hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF-1A) are associated with maturity-onset diabetes of the young form 3 (MODY 3) and type 2 diabetes. We investigated whether functional classification of HNF1A rare coding variants can inform models of diabetes risk prediction in the general population by analyzing the effect of 27 HNF1A variants identified in well-phenotyped populations (n = 4,115). Bioinformatics tools classified 11 variants as likely pathogenic and showed no association with diabetes risk (combined minor allele frequency [MAF] 0.22%; odds ratio [OR] 2.02; 95% CI 0.73–5.60; P = 0.18). However, a different set of 11 variants that reduced HNF-1A transcriptional activity to <60% of normal (wild-type) activity was strongly associated with diabetes in the general population (combined MAF 0.22%; OR 5.04; 95% CI 1.99–12.80; P = 0.0007). Our functional investigations indicate that 0.44% of the population carry HNF1A variants that result in a substantially increased risk for developing diabetes. These results suggest that functional characterization of variants within MODY genes may overcome the limitations of bioinformatics tools for the purposes of presymptomatic diabetes risk prediction in the general population.
Circulating MicroRNA-122 Is Associated With the Risk of New-Onset Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Willeit Peter , Skroblin Philipp , Moschen Alexander R. , Yin Xiaoke , Kaudewitz Dorothee , Zampetaki Anna , Barwari Temo , Whitehead Meredith , Ramírez Cristina M. , Goedeke Leigh , Rotllan Noemi , Bonora Enzo , Hughes Alun D. , Santer Peter , Fernández-Hernando Carlos , Tilg Herbert , Willeit Johann , Kiechl Stefan , Mayr Manuel
Published: November 2016

MicroRNA-122 (miR-122) is abundant in the liver and involved in lipid homeostasis, but its relevance to the long-term risk of developing metabolic disorders is unknown. We therefore measured circulating miR-122 in the prospective population-based Bruneck Study (n = 810; survey year 1995). Circulating miR-122 was associated with prevalent insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and an adverse lipid profile. Among 92 plasma proteins and 135 lipid subspecies quantified with mass spectrometry, it correlated inversely with zinc-α-2-glycoprotein and positively with afamin, complement factor H, VLDL-associated apolipoproteins, and lipid subspecies containing monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids. Proteomics analysis of livers from antagomiR-122–treated mice revealed novel regulators of hepatic lipid metabolism that are responsive to miR-122 inhibition. In the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT, n = 155), 12-month atorvastatin reduced circulating miR-122. A similar response to atorvastatin was observed in mice and cultured murine hepatocytes. Over up to 15 years of follow-up in the Bruneck Study, multivariable adjusted risk ratios per one-SD higher log miR-122 were 1.60 (95% CI 1.30–1.96; P < 0.001) for metabolic syndrome and 1.37 (1.03–1.82; P = 0.021) for type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, circulating miR-122 is strongly associated with the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in the general population.
Lack of CUL4B in Adipocytes Promotes PPARγ-Mediated Adipose Tissue Expansion and Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Li Peishan , Song Yu , Zan Wenying , Qin Liping , Han Shuang , Jiang Baichun , Dou Hao , Shao Changshun , Gong Yaoqin
Published: November 2016

Obesity and obesity-associated diseases are linked to dysregulation of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ) signaling pathway. Identification of the factors that regulate PPARγ expression and activity is crucial for combating obesity. However, the ubiquitin E3 ligases that target PPARγ for proteasomal degradation have been rarely identified, and their functions in vivo have not been characterized. Here we report that CUL4B-RING E3 ligase (CRL4B) negatively regulates PPARγ by promoting its polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Depletion of CUL4B led to upregulation of PPARγ-regulated genes and facilitated adipogenesis. Adipocyte-specific Cul4b knockout (AKO) mice being fed a high-fat diet exhibited increased body fat accumulation that was mediated by increased adipogenesis. However, AKO mice showed improved metabolic phenotypes, including increased insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Correspondingly, there was a decreased inflammatory response in adipose tissues of AKO mice. Genetic inhibition of CUL4B thus appears to phenocopy the beneficial effects of PPARγ agonists. Collectively, this study establishes a critical role of CRL4B in the regulation of PPARγ stability and insulin sensitivity and suggests that CUL4B could be a potential therapeutic target for combating obesity and metabolic syndromes.
Hormonal Contraception and Risk of Thromboembolism in Women With Diabetes
Authors: O’Brien Sarah H. , Koch Terah , Vesely Sara K. , Schwarz Eleanor Bimla
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

To investigate safety of hormonal contraception with regard to thromboembolic events in women with type 1 or 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used data from 2002–2011 in Clinformatics Data Mart to identify women in the U.S., 14–44 years of age, with an ICD-9-CM code for diabetes and a prescription for a diabetic medication or device. We examined contraceptive claims and compared time to thromboembolism (venous thrombosis, stroke, or myocardial infarction) among women with diabetes dispensed hormonal contraception using a modification of Cox regression to control for age, smoking, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetic complications, and history of cancer; we excluded data for 3 months after women gave birth.

RESULTS

We identified 146,080 women with diabetes who experienced 3,012 thromboembolic events. Only 28% of reproductive-aged women with diabetes had any claims for hormonal contraception, with the majority receiving estrogen-containing oral contraceptives. Rates of thromboembolism were highest among women who used the contraceptive patch (16 per 1,000 woman-years) and lowest among women who used intrauterine (3.4 per 1,000 woman-years) and subdermal (0 per 163 woman-years) contraceptives. Compared with use of intrauterine contraception, progestin-only injectable contraception was associated with increased risk of thromboembolism (12.5 per 1,000 woman-years; adjusted hazard ratio 4.69 [95% CI 2.51–8.77]).

CONCLUSIONS

The absolute risk of thromboembolism among women with type 1 or 2 diabetes using hormonal contraception is low. Highly effective, intrauterine and subdermal contraceptives are excellent options for women with diabetes who hope to avoid the teratogenic effects of hyperglycemia by carefully planning their pregnancies.
Diabetes Device Use in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Barriers to Uptake and Potential Intervention Targets
Authors: Tanenbaum Molly L. , Hanes Sarah J. , Miller Kellee M. , Naranjo Diana , Bensen Rachel , Hood Korey K.
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes devices (insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors [CGMs]) are associated with benefits for glycemic control, yet uptake of these devices continues to be low. Some barriers to device uptake may be modifiable through psychosocial intervention, but little is known about which barriers and which patients to target.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We surveyed 1,503 adult T1D Exchange participants (mean age 35.3 [SD 14.8] years, mean diagnosis duration 20.4 [SD 12.5] years) to investigate barriers to device uptake, understand profiles of device users versus nonusers, and explore differences by age and sex. Scales used were the Diabetes Distress Scale, Technology Use Attitudes (General and Diabetes-Specific), and Barriers to Device Use and Reasons for Discontinuing Devices.

RESULTS

Most commonly endorsed modifiable barriers were related to the hassle of wearing devices (47%) and disliking devices on one’s body (35%). CGM users (37%) were older than nonusers (mean 38.3 vs. 33.5 years), had diabetes for longer (22.9 vs. 18.8 years), had more positive technology attitudes (22.6–26.0 vs. 21.4–24.8), and reported fewer barriers to using diabetes technology than nonusers (3.3 vs. 4.3). The youngest age-group (18–25 years) had the lowest CGM (26% vs. 40–48%) and insulin pump (64% vs. 69–77%) uptake, highest diabetes distress (2.2 vs. 1.8–2.1), and highest HbA1c levels (8.3% [67 mmol/mol] vs. 7.2–7.4% [55–57 mmol/mol]).

CONCLUSIONS

Efforts to increase device use need to target physical barriers to wearing devices. Because young adults had the lowest device uptake rates, highest distress, and highest HbA1c compared with older age-groups, they should be the focus of future interventions to increase device use.
Effects of dobutamine hydrochloride on cardiovascular function in horses anesthetized with isoflurane with or without acepromazine maleate premedication
Authors: Schier Mara F. , Raisis Anthea L. , Secombe Cristy J. , Hosgood Giselle , Musk Gabrielle C. , Lester Guy D.
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of acepromazine maleate premedication on cardiovascular function before and after infusion of dobutamine hydrochloride for 30 minutes in isoflurane-anesthetized horses.

ANIMALS 6 healthy adult horses.

PROCEDURES Each horse was anesthetized once following premedication with acepromazine (0.02 mg/kg, IV) administered 30 minutes prior to anesthetic induction (ACP+ treatment) and once without premedication (ACP– treatment). Anesthesia was induced with IV administration of xylazine hydrochloride (0.8 mg/kg), ketamine hydrochloride (2.2 mg/kg), and diazepam (0.08 mg/kg). Horses were positioned in right lateral recumbency, and anesthesia was maintained via inhalation of isoflurane delivered in oxygen. End-tidal isoflurane concentration was adjusted to achieve a target mean arterial blood pressure of 60 mm Hg (interquartile range [25th to 75th percentile], 57 to 63 mm Hg) for at least 15 minutes. Cardiac index, oxygen delivery index, and femoral arterial blood flow indices were determined 60 minutes after anesthetic induction (baseline). Dobutamine was then infused to achieve a target mean arterial blood pressure of 80 mm Hg (interquartile range, 76 to 80 mm Hg). Data collection was repeated 30 minutes after the start of dobutamine infusion for comparison with baseline values.

RESULTS Complete data sets were available from 5 of the 6 horses. Dobutamine administration resulted in significant increases in oxygen delivery and femoral arterial blood flow indices but no significant change in cardiac index for each treatment. However, at baseline or 30 minutes after the start of dobutamine infusion, findings for the ACP+ and ACP– treatments did not differ.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In isoflurane-anesthetized horses, dobutamine administration increased oxygen delivery and femoral arterial blood flow indices, but these changes were unaffected by premedication with acepromazine.
Comparison of four methods for generating decellularized equine synovial extracellular matrix
Authors: Reisbig Nathalie A. , Hussein Hayam A. , Pinnell Erin , Bertone Alicia L.
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE To evaluate 4 methods for generating decellularized equine synovial extracellular matrix.

SAMPLE Villous synovium harvested from the femoropatellar and medial femorotibial joints of 4 healthy adult horses < 7 years of age. Synovial samples were frozen (−80°C) until used.

PROCEDURES Synovial samples were thawed and left untreated (control) or decellularized with 1 of 4 methods (15 samples/horse/method): incubation in 0.1% peracetic acid (PAA), incubation in 0.1% PAA twice, incubation in 1% Triton X-100 followed by incubation in DNase, and incubation in 2M NaCl followed by incubation in DNase. Control and decellularized samples were examined for residual cells, villous integrity, and collagen structure and integrity by means of histologic examination and scanning electron microscopy; cell viability was evaluated by means of culture and exclusion staining. Decellularization efficiency was assessed by testing for DNA content and DNA fragment size.

RESULTS Incubation in PAA once preserved the synovial villous architecture, but resulted in high DNA content and retention of large (> 25,000 base pair) DNA fragments. Incubation in Triton and incubation in NaCl resulted in low DNA content and short (< 200 base pair) DNA fragments, but destroyed the synovial villous architecture. Incubation in PAA twice resulted in low DNA content and short DNA fragments while retaining the synovial villous architecture.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that of the methods evaluated, incubation in 0.1% PAA twice was the best method for generating decellularized equine synovial extracellular matrix.
Concentrations of thromboxane metabolites in feline urine
Authors: Heggem-Perry Brittany , Smith Stephanie A. , McMichael Maureen A. , O'Brien Mauria , Saunders Anne , Tarricone Jason
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE To determine the predominant thromboxane (TX) metabolite in urine of healthy cats, evaluate whether the method of sample collection would impact concentration of that metabolite, and propose a reference interval for that metabolite in urine of healthy cats.

ANIMALS 17 cats (11 purpose-bred domestic shorthair cats, 5 client-owned domestic shorthair cats, and 1 client-owned Persian cat).

PROCEDURES All cats were deemed healthy on the basis of results for physical examination, a CBC, serum biochemical analysis, urinalysis, and measurement of prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. Voided and cystocentesis urine samples (or both) were collected. Aliquots of urine were stored at −80°C until analysis. Concentrations of TXB2, 11-dehydroTXB2, and 2,3 dinorTXB2 were measured with commercially available ELISA kits. Urinary creatinine concentration was also measured.

RESULTS 11-dehydroTXB2 was the most abundant compound, representing (mean ± SD) 59 ± 18% of the total amount of TX detected. In all samples, the concentration of 11-dehydroTXB2 was greater than that of 2,3 dinorTXB2 (mean, 4.2 ± 2.7-fold as high). Mean concentration of 11-dehydroTXB2 for the 17 cats was 0.57 ± 0.47 ng/mg of creatinine. A reference interval (based on the 5% to 95% confidence interval) of 0.10 to 2.1 ng of 11-dehydroTXB2/mg of creatinine was proposed for healthy cats.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, 11-dehydroTXB2 was the major TX metabolite in feline urine. Measurement of this metabolite may represent a noninvasive, convenient method for monitoring in vivo platelet activation in cats at risk for thromboembolism.
Quantification and characterization of pleural fluid in healthy dogs with thoracostomy tubes
Authors: Hung Germaine C. , Gaunt M. Casey , Rubin Joseph E. , Starrak Gregory S. , Sakals Sherisse A.
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE To quantify and characterize pleural fluid collected from healthy dogs after placement of a thoracostomy tube (TT).

ANIMALS 8 healthy Coonhound-cross dogs (mean ± SD weight, 27.2 ± 1.6 kg).

PROCEDURES Thoracic CT of each dog was performed before placement of a TT and daily thereafter for 7 days. Thoracic fluid volume was calculated from CT images. Effusion was aspirated when detected; volume was recorded, and cytologic analysis and bacterial culture were performed.

RESULTS Mean ± SD volume of pleural effusion detected by CT was 1.43 ± 0.59 mL/kg (range, 0.12 to 3.32 mL/kg). Mean volume collected via aspiration was 0.48 ± 0.84 mL/kg (range, 0 to 2.16 mL/kg). Cytologic analysis yielded results consistent with an exudate, characterized by septic suppurative inflammation in 6 dogs and mixed inflammation in 1 dog; there was insufficient volume for analysis in 1 dog. Sufficient volume was obtained for bacterial culture for 6 dogs, which yielded pure growths of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (n = 3) and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (2) and mixed growth of both of these species (1). The TT was removed before day 7 in 4 dogs because of pyothorax (n = 3) and irreversible damage to the TT (1).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Presence of a TT induced a minimal volume of pleural effusion in healthy dogs. Pyothorax developed in most dogs between 4 and 6 days after TT placement. On the basis of these findings, a TT should be removed by the fourth day after placement, unless complications are detected sooner.
Recurrence of disk herniation following percutaneous laser disk ablation in dogs with a history of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation: 303 cases (1994–2011)
Authors: Dugat Danielle R. , Bartels Kenneth E. , Payton Mark E.
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE To determine rate of recurrence of disk herniation in dogs that underwent percutaneous laser disk ablation (PLDA) because of a previous episode of suspected or confirmed thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH).

DESIGN Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS 303 dogs that underwent PLDA and for which a minimum of 3 years of follow-up information was available (n = 294) or for which recurrence was documented within 3 years after the procedure (9).

PROCEDURES Information on signalment, previous episodes of IVDH, specifics of the PLDA procedure, and recurrence was obtained from the medical records. Owners were contacted to complete a questionnaire regarding outcome and recurrence.

RESULTS 60 of the 303 (19.8%) dogs had an episode of suspected or confirmed IVDH after undergoing PLDA, but only 11 of the 303 (3.6%) dogs had a recurrence of IVDH confirmed by means of CT or MRI and hemilaminectomy. Recurrence rate following PLDA was not significantly different between dogs that had been treated medically for previous episodes of IVDH and dogs that had been treated surgically. Overall, 270 of 286 (94.4%) owners reported that their dog was the same (109 [38.1%]) or improved (161 [56.3%]) immediately after PLDA, and 265 (92.7%) owners rated their satisfaction with the procedure as ≥ 9 on a scale from 1 (completely dissatisfied) to 10 (completely satisfied).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that PLDA was a relatively safe, minimally invasive procedure associated with a low rate of recurrence of disk herniation when performed in dogs with a history of previous episodes of suspected or confirmed IVDH.
Partial gastrectomy for resection of a gastric leiomyoma in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)
Authors: Gardhouse Sara M. , Sanchez-Migallon Guzman David , Sadar Miranda J. , DeRouen Anthony J. , Bucy Daniel S. , Adedeji Adeyemi O. , Vernau William , Casey Kerriann M. , Mohr F. Charles , Steffey Michele A.
Published: November 2016

CASE DESCRIPTION A 4-year-old sexually intact male pet guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) was evaluated for a routine wellness examination.

CLINICAL FINDINGS During physical examination, a small mass was palpated in the cranial aspect of the abdomen. Abdominal radiographic and ultrasonographic findings were suggestive of a gastric mass. Cytologic evaluation of a fine-needle aspirate of the mass was indicative of spindle cell proliferation most consistent with a sarcoma.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME The patient was anesthetized, and an exploratory laparotomy and partial gastrectomy were performed to resect the gastric mass. Histologic and immunohistochemical examinations of the mass revealed that it was a gastric leiomyoma. The patient recovered from surgery without complications. No evidence of mass recurrence was observed during an abdominal ultrasonographic examination performed approximately 19 months after surgery.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE To our knowledge, this was the first report of the clinical diagnosis and successful surgical treatment of a gastric neoplasm in a guinea pig. Gastric leiomyomas are not uncommon in guinea pigs, and although benign, they can cause clinical signs if they become large enough to impair gastric function. Gastrointestinal surgery should be considered as a treatment option for guinea pigs with similar gastric neoplasms.
Signalment, clinical features, and outcome for male horses with urethral rents following perineal urethrotomy or corpus spongiotomy: 33 cases (1989–2013)
Authors: Glass Kati G. , Arnold Carolyn E. , Varner Dickson D. , Chaffin M. Keith , Schumacher James
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE To describe the signalment, clinical features, and outcome for male horses with urethral rents following perineal urethrotomy (PU) or corpus spongiotomy (CS).

DESIGN Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS 33 horses.

PROCEDURES Medical records of male horses examined because of hematuria or hemospermia caused by urethral rents that underwent PU or CS at a referral hospital between 1989 and 2013 were reviewed. Data regarding signalment, clinical features, urethroscopic findings, surgical treatment, and outcome were recorded. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by telephone interviews.

RESULTS Age of the study population ranged from 3 to 18 years. Nineteen geldings and 1 stallion were examined because of hematuria, of which 13 and 7 underwent PU and CS, respectively, at a mean of 56 days after onset of clinical signs. Thirteen stallions were examined because of hemospermia, of which 7 and 6 underwent PU and CS, respectively, at a mean of 193 days after onset of clinical signs. Hematuria resolved following 1 surgical procedure in all 17 horses for which long-term information was available. Of the 12 stallions for which long-term information was available, 7 had resolution of hemospermia after 1 PU or CS and 5 developed recurrent hemospermia that required additional PUs or CSs (n = 3) or primary closure of the urethral rent (2).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that PU and CS were reliable treatments for resolution of hematuria in male horses with urethral rents; stallions with urethral rents may require multiple PUs or CSs or primary closure of the rent for resolution of hemospermia.
Photoacoustic Tomography Imaging of the Adult Zebrafish by Using Unfocused and Focused High-Frequency Ultrasound Transducers
Authors: Liu Yubin , Li Dongliang , Yuan Zhen
Published: November 2016

The zebrafish model provides an essential platform for the study of human diseases or disorders due to the possession of about 87% homologous genes with human. However, it is still very challenging to noninvasively visualize the structure and function of adult zebrafish based on available optical imaging techniques. In this study, photoacoustic tomography (PAT) was utilized for high-resolution imaging of adult zebrafish by using focused and unfocused high-frequency (10 MHz) ultrasound transducers. We examined and compared the imaging results from the two categories of transducers with in vivo experimental tests, in which we discovered that the unfocused transducer is able to identify the inner organs of adult zebrafish with higher contrast but limited regional resolution, whereas the findings from the focused transducer were with high resolution but limited regional contrast for the recovered inner organs.
Analysis of Psychoacoustic and Vibration-Related Parameters to Track the Reasons for Health Complaints after the Introduction of New Tramways
Authors: Cik Michael , Lienhart Manuel , Lercher Peter
Published: November 2016

Background: A change to new tramways in Graz (Austria) led to severe complaints in residential areas. To understand the underlying reasons for these complaints, a systematic measurement campaign was designed. Methods: Six locations in Graz and two locations in a comparably sized city were selected. Parallel indoor recordings of sound and vibrations were conducted from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. (due to sleep problems) at all locations. Results: Vibration levels remained below the limits of the Austrian standard (Wm-weighting) although variability was observed among sites, tram types and pass-bys. A complex characteristic of the acoustic feature space was found with A-weighting (differences between A- and C-weighting of more than 15 dB were observed). C-weighted background to peak noise ratios clearly distinguished “old” from “new” trams. Psychoacoustic indices indicated a high variability between locations and tram types. Roughness and loudness was higher in “new” versus “old” trams at most locations. “New” trams exhibited high sharpness values and variability, especially at higher speeds—when compared with trams from a control city. Conclusions: Standard indicators of sound and vibration were not sensitive enough to uncover the reasons for the complaints. Only the integrated analysis of the ambient soundscape (high signal-to-noise-ratio), the more noticeable sound (in psychoacoustic terms) and the observed high variance of the immissions provided guidance to implement appropriate technical solutions.
Optimization of Cyanine Dye Stability and Analysis of FRET Interaction on DNA Microarrays
Authors: Von der Haar Marcel , Heuer Christopher , Pähler Martin , Von der Haar Kathrin , Lindner Patrick , Scheper Thomas , Stahl Frank
Published: November 2016

The application of DNA microarrays for high throughput analysis of genetic regulation is often limited by the fluorophores used as markers. The implementation of multi-scan techniques is limited by the fluorophores’ susceptibility to photobleaching when exposed to the scanner laser light. This paper presents combined mechanical and chemical strategies which enhance the photostability of cyanine 3 and cyanine 5 as part of solid state DNA microarrays. These strategies are based on scanning the microarrays while the hybridized DNA is still in an aqueous solution with the presence of a reductive/oxidative system (ROXS). Furthermore, the experimental setup allows for the analysis and eventual normalization of Förster-resonance-energy-transfer (FRET) interaction of cyanine-3/cyanine-5 dye combinations on the microarray. These findings constitute a step towards standardization of microarray experiments and analysis and may help to increase the comparability of microarray experiment results between labs.
Study of Unwanted Emissions in the CENELEC-A Band Generated by Distributed Energy Resources and Their Influence over Narrow Band Power Line Communications
Authors: Uribe-Pérez Noelia , Angulo Itziar , Hernández-Callejo Luis , Arzuaga Txetxu , De la Vega David , Arrinda Amaia
Published: November 2016

Distributed Energy Resources might have a severe influence on Power Line Communications, as they can generate interfering signals and high frequency emissions or supraharmonics that may cause loss of metering and control data. In this paper, the influence of various energy resources on Narrowband Power Line Communications is described and analyzed through several test measurements performed in a real microgrid. Accordingly, the paper describes the effects on smart metering communications through the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer analysis. Results show that the switching frequency of inverters and the presence of battery chargers are remarkable sources of disturbance in low voltage distribution networks. In this sense, the results presented can contribute to efforts towards standardization and normative of emissions at higher frequencies higher, such as CENELEC EN 50160 and IEC/TS 62749.