bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Brodlie Malcolm , Orchard William A , Reeks Gordon A , Pattman Stewart , McCabe Helen , O'Brien Christopher J , Thomas Matthew F , Spencer David Anthony
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust in 2007 published a recommended target of 75-150 nmol/L for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD). In 2008 we found that only 10% of pancreatic insufficient (PI) children met this target. An increase in supplementation was implemented and a repeat audit performed in 2010.

Methods

PI children ≥1 year under sole-care in our regional centre were included. Vitamin D3 supplementation increased by >450% to either 3800 IU/day liquid or 800 IU daily plus 20,000 IU weekly tablets. In 2010 pancreatic sufficient (PS) children were also audited separately.

Results

The median 25-OHD level increased from 51.5 nmol/L in 2008 (n=78, 10% >75 nmol/L) to 72 nmol/L in 2010 (n=72, 51% >75 nmol/L), p<0.0001. In PS children (n=15 in 2010) 87% had 25-OHD levels <75 nmol/L.

Conclusions

A substantial increase in supplementation led to a significant increase in 25-OHD levels but around half still failed to reach the recommended target.
The psychosocial impact of an infantile haemangioma on children and their parents: Table 1
Authors: Zweegers Jeffrey , van der Vleuten Carine J M
Published: August 2012

Infantile haemangiomas (IHs) are common, benign vascular tumours in children that appear soon after birth and regress before the age of 12 years. Physicians have always been concerned about the considerable psychosocial impact these lesions might have on children and their parents. This is the first critical review of studies on the psychosocial impact of IHs on children and their families. Future directions for research are suggested. As propranolol is becoming the most common first choice treatment for IHs, this article discusses its use in the light of this review.
Pneumatic retinopexy for treatment of posterior pole detachment following vitreoretinal surgery for diabetic tractional retinal detachment threatening the fovea
Authors: Bastion Mae-Lynn Catherine
Published: August 2012

To describe the usage of 100% perfluoropropane and subsequent laser retinopexy for the repair of posterior pole retinal detachment in a previously vitrectomised patient with diabetic tractional detachment.
Cervical ectopics: less can be more
Authors: Stott Daniel , Eissa Asma , Zaedi Khaled
Published: August 2012

A 27-year-old woman with a positive urinary-pregnancy test, complaining of slight vaginal bleeding and some diffuse lower abdominal pain, presented to the emergency gynaecology unit at the Royal Free Hospital. Her initial ultrasound scan was inconclusive, and so serial serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) blood tests were carried out. These demonstrated a suboptimal increase. A second transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) was therefore performed, which showed a live cervical ectopic pregnancy. The patient, who remained haemodynamically stable, was admitted. She was treated with intramuscular methotrexate. She was given a second dose of methotrexate after 1 week, since her beta hCG levels did not demonstrate a satisfactory fall. A rapid decrease in serum hCG was then observed and the patient was then discharged. An outpatient TVUS was normal. The patient remained well throughout her treatment, never suffered any profuse vaginal bleeding, and thus surgical intervention was avoided.
Sensory neuropathy in paraneoplastic leucocytosis
Authors: Amor Florian , Bernardo Massimo , Fattor Bruno , Wiedermann Christian Josef
Published: August 2012

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) sensitise nerves to mechanical stimuli experimentally and may induce bone and muscle pain when used as supportive drugs. G-CSF and GM-CSF produced endogenously by tumour cells can cause paraneoplastic leucocytosis. Whether paraneoplastic leucocytosis is associated with changes in pain sensitivity is not yet clear. We report on a patient with advanced-stage thyroid cancer who developed extreme leucocytosis within a period of 4 weeks (103 000 white blood cells/mm3), composed mostly of neutrophils and eosinophils. Parallel to this leukemoid reaction, allodynia and hyperalgesia developed in the absence of tissue inflammation. The course of disease of an elderly male with advanced stage metastatic thyroid cancer with new onset neuropathic pain followed by the development of extreme leucocytosis in a leukemoid reaction suggests paraneoplastic release of myeloid CSFs. The coincidence of pain sensitisation and extreme leucocytosis suggests a causal contribution of G-CSF and GM-CSF.
Bilateral pneumothoraces and pulmonary oedema following tracheostomy induced by acute tracheal obstruction
Authors: Kumar Deepak , O'Hare Brendan , Timon Conard , Mukhtar M , Kelly Dermot
Published: August 2012

We describe the presentation of bilateral pneumothoraces with pulmonary oedema following an elective tracheostomy. A 69-year-old man underwent panendoscopy following primary chemoradiotherapy for locally invasive vocal cord carcinoma. A tracheostomy was performed for upper airway oedema and necrosis. Postoperatively, acute airway obstruction with profound desaturation developed. Tracheostomy tube suctioning dislodged an airway clot with clinical improvement and restoration of bilateral breath sounds. A chest X-ray subsequently demonstrated bilateral pneumothoraces with marked pulmonary oedema. Management, including chest drain insertion, resulted in stabilisation and subsequent full recovery. This case highlights the potential for more than one cause of life-threatening complication following tracheostomy. The importance of considering multiple pathologies in the setting of severe hypoxia and to institute prompt management is emphasised.
Prospective analysis of neutralising antibody titres in secondary non-responders under continuous treatment with a botulinumtoxin type A preparation free of complexing proteins—a single cohort 4-year follow-up study
Authors: Hefter Harald , Hartmann Christian , Kahlen Ulrike , Moll Marek , Bigalke Hans
Published: August 2012

Objectives

In long-term botulinum neurotoxin treatment, loss of therapeutic efficacy may occur due to neutralising antibody formation. Preliminary results with incobotulinumtoxinA, a preparation free of complexing/accessory proteins, have indicated a low antigenicity. We hypothesised that continuous treatment with this botulinum neurotoxin preparation would not result in an increase in neutralising antibody titres (NABTs) in patients with pre-existing NABTs.

Design

Prospective, blinded cohort study.

Setting

Single centre in Germany.

Participants

Thirty-seven cervical dystonia patients with NABTs and partial secondary non-responsiveness to their previous botulinum neurotoxin type A treatment.

Intervention

Three-monthly intramuscular injections of incobotulinumtoxinA with a constant dose of 200 MU per injection during the first year; thereafter up to 500 MU for the next 36 months.

Outcome measures

Primary outcome measure: number of patients in whom NABTs declined below the initial titre after 48 months of incobotulinumtoxinA treatment or in whom titres had become negative within the 48 months. Secondary outcome measure: steepness of changes in NABT. NABTs were determined by mouse hemidiaphragm assay. Findings were compared to long-term data from 24 cervical dystonia patients who had developed NABTs and in whom treatment had been discontinued.

Results

Following a transient increase in the first 24 months under incobotulinumtoxinA treatment in some patients, NABTs declined well below the initial titre in the majority of patients. Test assay results were negative in most of the patients followed for more than 36 months. NABTs seemed to decline into the negative detection range as rapidly under incobotulinumtoxinA treatment as after cessation of botulinum neurotoxin therapy.

Conclusions

The reduction of NABTs despite continuous treatment with incobotulinumtoxinA indicates low antigenicity of incobotulinumtoxinA. This might have implications on restrictions such as minimum injection intervals of ≥10 weeks currently in place for maintaining successful long-term application of botulinum neurotoxin.
Covert checks by standardised patients of general practitioners' delivery of new periodic health examinations: clustered cross-sectional study from a consumer organisation
Authors: Piribauer Franz , Thaler Kylie , Harris Mark F
Published: August 2012

Objective

To assess if data collected by a consumer organisation are valid for a health service research study on physicians' performance in preventive care. To report first results of the analysis of physicians performance like consultation time and guideline adherence in history taking.

Design

Secondary data analysis of a clustered cross-sectional direct observation survey.

Setting

General practitioners (GPs) in Vienna, Austria, visited unannounced by mystery shoppers (incognito standardised patients (ISPs)).

Participants

21 randomly selected GPs were visited by two different ISPs each. 40 observation protocols were realised.

Main outcome measures

Robustness of sampling and data collection by the consumer organisation. GPs consultation and waiting times, guideline adherence in history taking.

Results

The double stratified random sampling method was robust and representative for the private and contracted GPs mix of Vienna. The clinical scenarios presented by the ISPs were valid and believable, and no GP realised the ISPs were not genuine patients. The average consultation time was 46 min (95% CI 37 to 54 min). Waiting times differed more than consultation times between private and contracted GPs. No differences between private and contracted GPs in terms of adherence to the evidence-based guidelines regarding history taking including questions regarding alcohol use were found. According to the analysis, 20% of the GPs took a perfect history (95% CI 9% to 39%).

Conclusions

The analysis of secondary data collected by a consumer organisation was a valid method for drawing conclusions about GPs preventive practice. Initial results, like consultation times longer than anticipated, and the moderate quality of history taking encourage continuing the analysis on available clinical data.
Dyslipidaemia in HIV-1-infected patients receiving protease inhibitors after initial treatment with first-line-based non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pefura Yone Eric Walter , Kengne André Pascal , Ashuntantang Gloria , Betyoumin Awa Foueudjeu , Ngogang Jeanne
Published: August 2012

Objectives

Lipid abnormalities associated with antiretroviral therapy in people with HIV infection are more frequent with protease inhibitors (PI)-based regimens. Whether effects extend to patients receiving a PI subsequent to failure on non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI)-based regimen is still unknown. We investigated the effects of secondary treatment with a PI on the lipid profile in a group of patients with HIV infection in Cameroon.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study.

Setting

This study was carried out at the registered centre for HIV treatment of the Yaounde Jamot Hospital in Cameroon.

Participants

Participants were consecutively recruited between November 2009 and January 2010. There were 138 HIV-1 patients on initial treatment with an NNRTI regimen and 66 HIV patients on secondary treatment with a PI for at least 12 months. Lipid abnormalities were based on the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III criteria.

Outcome measures

Levels of lipid parameters among patients on PI and NNRTI.

Results

Median (IQR) levels (mg/dl), NNRTI-treated versus PI-treated patients were 185 (149–225) and 189 (147–244) for total cholesterol, 46 (27–66) and 42 (28–82) for high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, 121 (90–169) and 126.9 (71–176) for low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, 134 (98–174) and 138 (111–167) for triglycerides, and 4.3 (2.9–6.2) and 5.1 (2.6–7.9) for total/HDL-cholesterol ratio (all p>0.32). The most frequent lipid abnormality in the two groups was high LDL-cholesterol (46.4% (NNRTI) vs 54.5% (PI)). The occurrence of lipid abnormalities was similar in the two groups (all p>0.29).

Conclusions

The use of PI does not appear to deteriorate the lipid profile of HIV patients above and beyond abnormalities induced by an unsuccessful initial treatment with NNRTI. Monitoring of lipid profile during HIV treatment regardless of the regimens would improve timely detection and management of abnormalities, to mitigate related risks.
Evaluation of current Australian health service accreditation processes (ACCREDIT-CAP): protocol for a mixed-method research project
Authors: Hinchcliff Reece , Greenfield David , Moldovan Max , Pawsey Marjorie , Mumford Virginia , Westbrook Johanna Irene , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: August 2012

Introduction

Accreditation programmes aim to improve the quality and safety of health services, and have been widely implemented. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the outcomes of existing programmes. The Accreditation Collaborative for the Conduct of Research, Evaluation and Designated Investigations through Teamwork-Current Accreditation Processes (ACCREDIT-CAP) project is designed to address key gaps in the literature by evaluating the current processes of three accreditation programmes used across Australian acute, primary and aged care services.

Methods and design

The project comprises three mixed-method studies involving documentary analyses, surveys, focus groups and individual interviews. Study samples will comprise stakeholders from across the Australian healthcare system: accreditation agencies; federal and state government departments; consumer advocates; professional colleges and associations; and staff of acute, primary and aged care services. Sample sizes have been determined to ensure results allow robust conclusions. Qualitative information will be thematically analysed, supported by the use of textual grouping software. Quantitative data will be subjected to a variety of analytical procedures, including descriptive and comparative statistics. The results are designed to inform health system policy and planning decisions in Australia and internationally.

Ethics and dissemination

The project has been approved by the University of New South Wales Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number HREC 10274). Results will be reported to partner organisations, healthcare consumers and other stakeholders via peer-reviewed publications, conference and seminar presentations, and a publicly accessible website.
What effect does breastfeeding have on coeliac disease? A systematic review update
Authors: Henriksson Camilla , Boström Anne-Marie , Wiklund Ingela E
Published: August 2012

Objective

To update the evidence published in a previous systematic review and meta-analysis that compared the effect of breastfeeding on risk of coeliac disease (CD).

Material and methods

A systematic review of observational studies published between 1966 and May 2004 on the subject was conducted in 2005. This update is a systematic review of observational studies published between June 2004 and April 2011. Pubmed, EMBASE and Cinahl were searched for published studies that examined the association between breastfeeding and CD.

Results

After duplicates were removed 90 citations were screened. Four observational studies were included in the review. Two of three studies which had examined the duration of breastfeeding and CD reported significant associations between longer duration of breastfeeding and later onset of CD (OR ranged from 0.18 to 0.665). Breastfeeding during the introduction of gluten to the infant was reported to have a protective effect in two studies.

Conclusions

Our findings support previous published findings that breastfeeding seems to offer a protection against the development of CD in predisposed infants. Breastfeeding at time of gluten introduction is the most significant variable in reducing the risk. Timing of gluten introduction may also be a factor in the development of CD.
How to confidently teach EBM on foot: development and evaluation of a web-based e-learning course
Authors: Weberschock Tobias , Sorinola Olanrewaju , Thangaratinam Shakila , Oude Rengerink Katrien , Arvanitis Theodoros N , Khan Khalid S ,   EBM Unity Group*
Published: August 2012

Background

Scarcity of well-trained clinical tutors is a key constraint in integrating teaching of evidence-based medicine (EBM) into clinical activities.

Objectives

We developed a web-based educational course for clinical trainers to confidently teach EBM principles in everyday practice. Its e-learning modules defined the learning objectives and incorporated video clips of practical and effective EBM teaching methods for exploiting educational opportunities in six different clinical settings.

Methods

We evaluated the course with clinical tutors in different specialties across six European countries using a questionnaire to capture learning achievement against preset objectives.

Results

Among 56 tutors, 47 participants (84%) improved their scores from baseline. The mean pre-course score was 69.2 (SD=10.4), which increased to 77.3 (SD=11.7) postcourse (p<0.0001). The effect size was moderate with a Cohen's d of 0.73.

Conclusions

An e-learning approach incorporating videos of applied EBM teaching and learning based on real clinical scenarios in the workplace can be useful in facilitating EBM teaching on foot. It can be integrated in the continuing professional development programmes for clinical trainers.
Supported liquid extraction offers improved sample preparation for aldosterone analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Van Der Gugten Jessica Grace , Crawford Matthew , Grant Russell P , Holmes Daniel T
Published: August 2012

Background

To evaluate the accuracy and precision of a method for serum aldosterone using supported liquid extraction (SLE) for sample preparation instead of the more conventional liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) approach.

Methods

Two independently developed SLE-based LC-MS/MS methods for serum aldosterone (sample volumes 250 μl and 300 μl respectively) were compared to a modification of a previously reported LLE approach (sample volume 500 μl) in two method comparisons (n=75 and n=97). SLE analyses were performed at two separate centres. Precision was evaluated at a single site using human pools in head-to-head comparison between SLE and LLE. All analyses were performed on the ABSCIEX API-5000 LC-MS/MS system.

Results

At four increasing pool concentrations spanning 67-1060 pmol/l, total precision for SLE ranged from 6.8-4.1% compared with 11.1-4.3% for LLE. Differences did not reach statistical significance except at the lowest concentration where SLE was superior. Pasing Bablok regression comparisons were SLE=0.96×LLE-5.8 pmol/l (R2=0.985) and SLE=0.96×LLE-0.44 pmol/l (R2=0.969).

Conclusions

For analysis of serum aldosterone on the ABSCIEX API-5000, SLE affords a smaller sample volume while maintaining the accuracy and precision performance of LLE. By avoiding specimen vortexing, SLE also allows for greater automation in the sample preparation.
What types of interventions generate inequalities? Evidence from systematic reviews
Authors: Lorenc Theo , Petticrew Mark , Welch Vivian , Tugwell Peter
Published: August 2012

Background

Some effective public health interventions may increase inequalities by disproportionately benefiting less disadvantaged groups (‘intervention-generated inequalities’ or IGIs). There is a need to understand which types of interventions are likely to produce IGIs, and which can reduce inequalities.

Methods

We conducted a rapid overview of systematic reviews to identify evidence on IGIs by socioeconomic status. We included any review of non-healthcare interventions in high-income countries presenting data on differential intervention effects on any health status or health behaviour outcome. Results were synthesised narratively.

Results

The following intervention types show some evidence of increasing inequalities (IGIs) between socioeconomic status groups: media campaigns; and workplace smoking bans. However, for many intervention types, data on potential IGIs are lacking. By contrast, the following show some evidence of reducing health inequalities: structural workplace interventions; provision of resources; and fiscal interventions, such as tobacco pricing.

Conclusion

Our findings are consistent with the idea that ‘downstream’ preventive interventions are more likely to increase health inequalities than ‘upstream’ interventions. More consistent reporting of differential intervention effectiveness is required to help build the evidence base on IGIs.
Tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula presenting as episodic weakness mimicking periodic paralysis
Authors: Singh Dilip , Garg Arun , Gupta Aditya , Goel Gaurav , Gupta Rajiv , Bansal Atmaram
Published: August 2012

We report a rare case of episodic limb weakness caused by a tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) draining into the perimesencephalic veins. A middle-aged man presented with episodes of transient quadriparesis preceded by recurrent vomiting. The patient was initially suspected of having periodic paralysis but, due to the presence of recurrent vomiting and brisk reflexes, MR imaging of the brain was performed which revealed marked T2 hyperintensity of the brainstem and cervical cord along with multiple prominent flow voids. Cerebral angiography showed a Borden type 3 DAVF at the left tentorial margin which was draining into the perimesencepahlic and perimedullary veins and refluxing into the cervical epidural veins. The patient made a remarkable recovery after surgical interruption of the fistula.
Obesity and intracranial in-stent thrombosis
Authors: Rose David Z , Koch Sebastian , Reyes-Iglesias Yolanda , Yavagal Dileep R
Published: August 2012

A morbidly obese, diabetic, hypertensive patient, with severe intracranial left middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis, suffered recurrent stereotyped transient ischemic attacks over 2 months, despite taking daily antiplatelet agents, high dose statin, insulin and an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. A left MCA (M1) Wingspan stent-assisted angioplasty was performed after standard loading, and daily doses of clopidogrel were given 3 days prior to the procedure. Immediately after the procedure, the patient developed a left hemispheric ischemic stroke syndrome. Urgent re-angiography identified an acute intracranial in-stent thrombosis. This complication was immediately treated successfully with abciximab and balloon angioplasty. The patient had persistent residual stroke despite complete recanalization of the thrombosed stent within 3 h of occlusion. The patient was subsequently found to have incomplete inhibition of platelet activity despite being on clopidogrel 150 mg and aspirin 81 mg daily and having a normal CYP-2C19 genotype, suggesting that suboptimal antiplatelet inhibition, secondary to morbid obesity, contributed to his in-stent thrombosis. Obese patients undergoing coronary artery stenting routinely receive larger loading and maintenance doses of clopidogrel. Our case suggests that obese patients undergoing intracranial stenting may also benefit from higher than conventional clopidogrel doses prior to intracranial stenting, to decrease risk of acute in-stent occlusion.
Venous sinus stenting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a review of the literature
Authors: Puffer Ross C , Mustafa Wessam , Lanzino Giuseppe
Published: August 2012

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by headache, papilledema, visual field changes and tinnitus with elevated cerebral spinal fluid opening pressures on lumbar puncture. Left untreated, this condition can lead to permanent visual loss. Previous treatment modalities include medical management, therapeutic lumbar puncture and optic nerve sheath fenestration. They have proved to be effective but carry high rates of symptom recurrence or procedural complications. Focal dural venous sinus stenoses have been identified in many patients with IIH, leading to development of treatment through venous sinus angioplasty and stenting. A review of the literature was performed which identified patients with IIH treated with venous sinus stenting. The procedural data and outcomes are presented. A total of 143 patients with IIH (87% women, mean age 41.4 years, mean body mass index 31.6 kg/m2) treated with venous sinus stenting were included in the analysis. Symptoms at initial presentation included headache (90%), papilledema (89%), visual changes (62%) and pulsatile tinnitus (48%). There was a technical success rate of 99% for the stent placement procedure with a total of nine complications (6%). At follow-up (mean 22.3 months), 88% of patients experienced improvement in headache, 97% demonstrated improvement or resolution of papilledema, 87% experienced improvement or resolution of visual symptoms and 93% had resolution of pulsatile tinnitus. In patients with IIH with focal venous sinus stenosis, endovascular stent placement across the stenotic sinus region represents an effective treatment strategy with a high technical success rate and decreased rate of complications compared with treatment modalities currently used.
Descriptive clinical and epidemiological characteristics of influenza A H1N1 2009 virus infections in pigs in England
Authors: Williamson S. M. , Tucker A. W. , McCrone I. S. , Bidewell C. A. , Brons N. , Habernoll H. , Essen S. C. , Brown I. H. ,   COSI, Wood J. L. N.
Published: August 2012

Infection of pigs with influenza A H1N1 2009 virus (A(H1N1)pdm09) was first detected in England in November 2009 following global spread of the virus in the human population. This paper describes clinical and epidemiological findings in the first English pig farms in which A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza virus was detected. These farms showed differences in disease presentation, spread and duration of infection. The factors likely to influence these features are described and relate to whether pigs were housed or outdoors, the age of the pigs, inter‐current disease and the management system of the unit. Infection could be mild or clinically inapparent in breeding pigs with more typical respiratory disease being identified later in their progeny. Mortality was low where disease was uncomplicated by environmental stresses or concurrent infections. Where deaths occurred in pigs infected with A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza, they were mainly due to other infections, including streptococcal disease due to Streptococcus suis infection. This paper demonstrates the ease with which A(H1N1)pdm09 virus was transmitted horizontally and maintained in a pig population.
Evaluation of effectiveness, safety and reliability of intramuscular medetomidine‐ketamine for captive great apes
Authors: Adami C. , Wenker C. , Hoby S. , Bergadano A.
Published: August 2012

Twenty great apes (six orangutans, eight chimpanzees and six gorillas) were anaesthetised prior to being transported for undergoing diagnostic and interventional procedures. Anaesthesia was induced with a combination of medetomidine and ketamine administered intramuscularly through a dart syringe. The onset of anaesthesia varied among apes: the mean (±sd) time from darting to recumbency was 12.13 (±1.9), 18.5 (±8.7) and 22.2 (±9.2) minutes in chimpanzees, orangutans and gorillas, respectively. The depth of anaesthesia was sufficient to allow safe removal of the animals from the enclosure, intravenous catheter placement and manipulation; however, the anaesthetic effect was short‐acting (20 (±7) minutes in orangutans, 16 (±14) in gorillas, and 10 (±4) minutes in chimpanzees, respectively) and isoflurane administration was necessary in the majority of the apes to prolong the duration of anaesthesia, especially when lengthier procedures were performed. The sedative effect of medetomidine was reversed at the end of each procedure with atipamezole, and recovery was smooth and uneventful for all animals.
Description and evaluation of a right flank, mini‐laparotomy approach to canine ovariohysterectomy
Authors: Reece J. F. , Nimesh M. K. , Wyllie R. E. , Jones A. K. , Dennison A. W.
Published: August 2012

Surgical ovariohysterectomy (OVH) using a right flank approach was performed in 114 bitches as part of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme at Help in Suffering, Jaipur, India. Incision length, duration of surgery and postoperative pain scores were recorded for each animal. The mean weight of the bitches was 13.7 kg, and the mean body condition score was 4.5 on a 1–9 scale. Mean surgical incision length and time were 22 mm and 11 minutes 4 seconds, respectively. It was seen that 86.1 per cent of bitches required no additional postoperative analgesia. These findings compare favourably with other techniques for OVH, including laparoscopic techniques. The surgical approach described may be an alternative for canine OVH, particularly in a shelter setting.
Acute‐phase protein concentration and metabolic status affect the outcome of treatment in cows with clinical and subclinical endometritis
Authors: Heidarpour M. , Mohri M. , Fallah‐Rad A. H , Shahreza F. Dehghan , Mohammadi M.
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of acute‐phase protein concentration and metabolic status in the establishment and resistance of clinical endometritis (CE) and subclinical endometritis (SE) in dairy cows. We also characterised the treatment‐related changes in the concentration of acute‐phase proteins and metabolic variables in dairy cows affected by CE and SE. Cows of the SE and CE groups presented a significantly higher β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB), haptoglobin and total sialic acid (TSA) concentrations compared with a healthy group of animals. A significantly lower serum calcium concentration, and a significantly higher serum aspartate aminotransferase activity in the CE group, were observed when compared with SE and healthy groups. The comparison of parameters before treatment indicated that cows suffering from CE or SE with lower concentrations of hepatic and inflammatory markers showed a better response to further treatment, and endometritis was not detected in the second examination. Moreover, decreased concentrations of BHB, acute‐phase proteins and hepatic markers were observed after successful treatment for endometritis in CE and SE cows. The results obtained in this study suggest that improved liver function and a decrease in the acute‐phase protein concentration might favour the resolution of endometritis after treatment.
TOWARDS A STATISTICAL PHYSICS OF HUMAN MOBILITY
Authors: RICCARDO GALLOTTI , ARMANDO BAZZANI , SANDRO RAMBALDI
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we extend some ideas of statistical physics to describe the properties of human mobility. From a physical point of view, we consider the statistical empirical laws of private cars mobility, taking advantage of a GPS database which contains a sampling of the individual trajectories of 2% of the whole vehicle population in an Italian region. Our aim is to discover possible "universal laws" that can be related to the dynamical cognitive features of individuals. Analyzing the empirical trip length distribution we study if the travel time can be used as universal cost function in a mesoscopic model of mobility. We discuss the implications of the elapsed times distribution between successive trips that shows an underlying Benford's law, and we study the rank distribution of the average visitation frequency to understand how people organize their daily agenda. We also propose simple stochastic models to suggest possible explanations of the empirical observations and we compare our results with analogous results on statistical properties of human mobility presented in the literature.
NONUNIVERSALITY IN SEMI-DIRECTED BARABÁSI–ALBERT NETWORKS
Authors: SUMOUR M. A. , RADWAN M. A.
Published: August 2012

In usual scale-free networks of Barabási–Albert type, a newly added node selects randomly m neighbors from the already existing network nodes, proportionally to the number of links these had before. Then the number n(k) of nodes with k links each decays as 1/kγ where γ = 3 is universal, i.e. independent of m. Now we use a limited directedness in building the network, as a result of which the exponent γ decreases from 3 to 2 for increasing m.
WINNING STRATEGIES IN CONGESTED TRAFFIC
Authors: JÁRAI-SZABÓ FERENC , NÉDA ZOLTÁN
Published: August 2012

One-directional traffic on two-lanes is modeled in the framework of a spring-block type model. A fraction q of the cars are allowed to change lanes, following simple dynamical rules, while the other cars keep their initial lane. The advance of cars, starting from equivalent positions and following the two driving strategies is studied and compared. As a function of the parameter q the winning probability and the average gain in the advancement for the lane-changing strategy is computed. An interesting phase-transition like behavior is revealed and conclusions are drawn regarding the conditions when the lane changing strategy is the better option for the drivers.
MAXIMALLY LOCALIZED STATES IN QUANTUM MECHANICS WITH A MODIFIED COMMUTATION RELATION TO ALL ORDERS
Authors: DORSCH GLÁUBER CARVALHO , NOGUEIRA JOSÉ ALEXANDRE
Published: August 2012

We construct the states of maximal localization taking into account a modification of the commutation relation between position and momentum operators to all orders of the minimum length parameter. To first-order, the algebra we use reproduces the one proposed by Kempf, Mangano and Mann. It is emphasized that a minimal length acts as a natural regulator for the theory, thus eliminating the otherwise ever appearing infinities. So, we use our results to calculate the first correction to the Casimir effect due to the minimal length. We also discuss some of the physical consequences of the existence of a minimal length, culminating in a proposal to reformulate the very concept of "position measurement."
SELF-SIMILARITY OF JET PRODUCTION IN pp AND $p{\bar p}$ COLLISIONS AT RHIC, TEVATRON AND LHC
Authors: TOKAREV M. V. , DEDOVICH T. G. , ZBOROVSKÝ I.
Published: August 2012

Self-similarity of jet production in pp and [Formula: see text] collisions is studied in the framework of z-scaling. Inclusive jet transverse momentum distributions measured by the STAR Collaboration at RHIC, the CDF and D∅ Collaborations at Tevatron and the CMS and ATLAS Collaborations at LHC are analyzed. The experimental spectra are compared with next-to-leading order QCD calculations in pT- and z-presentations. It is shown that self-similar features of jet cross-sections manifested by the z-scaling give strong restriction on the scaling function ψ(z) at high z. New results on energy and angular independence and asymptotic behavior of ψ(z) are discussed. The obtained results are considered as confirmation of self-similarity of jet production, fractality of hadron structure and locality of constituent interactions at small scales.
ON THE GLOBAL STRUCTURE OF CONFORMAL GRADIENT SOLITONS WITH NONNEGATIVE RICCI TENSOR
Authors: CATINO GIOVANNI , MANTEGAZZA CARLO , MAZZIERI LORENZO
Published: August 2012

In this paper we prove that any complete conformal gradient soliton with nonnegative Ricci tensor is either isometric to a direct product ℝ × Nn-1, or globally conformally equivalent to the Euclidean space ℝn or to the round sphere 𝕊n. In particular, we show that any complete, noncompact, gradient Yamabe-type soliton with positive Ricci tensor is rotationally symmetric, whenever the potential function is nonconstant.
ELECTROCHEMICAL SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF DIFFERENT MORPHOLOGIES NANORAMSDELLITE-MnO2
Authors: TORKAMAN MADJID , AZIZ AZIZAN , BAKAR MOHAMAD ABU , AB GHANI SULAIMAN
Published: August 2012

In this work manganese dioxide (Ramsdellite- MnO2 ) was synthesized at room temperature using a facile electrochemical method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to identify the type and the size of the crystal particle, while field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) were used to show and identify the morphology of the particles and changes of their morphologies with the increase of reaction times. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the Mn–O bond. Results from XRD showed that optimum time for synthesis Ramsdellite- MnO2 was 9 h. The results of EFTEM showed a mixture of nanospheres and nanorods after 9 h reaction time while a homogenous morphology of nanospheres was detected at 12 h reaction time. Results confirmed on the existence of a correlation between the reaction time and the resulting nanostructures. Moreover, the EFTEM result showed that average particle size for 12 h was (25 ± 7 nm). The variation of calculated specific capacitance (F/g) versus the different scan rate has indicated that the efficiency of synthesized Ramsdellite- MnO2 nanostructures in 12 h reaction time was superior to 9 h.
A FACILE ONE-STEP HYDROTHERMAL METHOD TO PRODUCE GRAPHENE OXIDE/Fe2O3-NANOTUBES COMPOSITES AND ITS ELECTROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: FU WEN , CHEN CHUNNIAN
Published: August 2012

The composites of graphene oxide/ Fe2O3-nanotubes (GO/ Fe2O3-NTs) have been fabricated through a facile one-step hydrothermal method. Fe2O3-NTs crystallines were homogeneously distributed on GO, which have been confirmed by transmission electron microscopy analysis (TEM). The structure, composition and electrochemical properties of GO/ Fe2O3-NTs composites were investigated by means of selective-area electron diffraction (SAED), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, cyclic voltammogram (CV) curves and galvanostatic charge–discharge curves. GO/ Fe2O3-NTs composites exhibit a high specific capacitance of 133.2 Fg-1in 1 M Li2SO4electrolyte. In addition, the GO/ Fe2O3-NTs composites electrode shows good long-term cycle stability (only 9% decrease of the specific capacitance is observed after 1000 charge–discharge cycles).
QUANTITATIVE MUELLER MATRIX POLARIMETRY TECHNIQUES FOR BIOLOGICAL TISSUES
Authors: HE HONGHUI , ZENG NAN , LI DONGZHI , LIAO RAN , MA HUI
Published: August 2012

We propose and conduct both the rotating linear polarization imaging (RLPI) and Mueller matrix transformation (MMT) measurements of different biological tissue samples, and testify the capability of the Mueller matrix polarimetry for the anisotropic scattering media. The independent parameters extracted from the RLPI and MMT techniques are compared and analyzed. The tissue experimental results show that the parameters are closely related to the structural characteristics of the turbid scattering media, including the sizes of the scatterers, the angular distribution and order of alignment of the fibers. The results and conclusions in this paper may provide a potential method for the detection of precancerous and early stage cancerous tissues. Also, such studies represent the Mueller matrix transformation procedure which results in a set of parameters linking up the Mueller matrix elements to the structural and optical properties of the media.
POLARIZATION-SENSITIVE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY USING A MODIFIED BALANCE DETECTOR
Authors: YU LI-PING , GUO JIAN-CHEN , CHOU LI-DEK , MA TE-LUN , WU JHENG-SYONG , LEE JIANN-DER , CHOU CHIEN
Published: August 2012

In conventional polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT), phase retardation is obtained by the amplitude of P and S polarization only, and the fast axis angle is obtained by the phase difference in P and S polarizations via Hilbert transformation. In this paper, we proposed a modified PS-OCT setup in which the phase retardation and fast axis angle are simply expressed as the function of the amplitude of P and S polarization and their differential signal. Due to the common-path feature between the two channels of P and S polarization, the fluctuation in the measurement of phase retardation and fast axis angle caused by excess noise and phase noise from the laser source can be reduced by the differential signal of P and S polarization via a modified balance detector. Thus, the signal of phase retardation and fast angle axis in the deep layer of a porcine sample can be improved.
SIMULATION, ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF CONTAINER TERMINALS PROCESSES
Authors: BRUZZONE AGOSTINO , LONGO FRANCESCO , NICOLETTI LETIZIA , BOTTANI ELEONORA , MONTANARI ROBERTO
Published: August 2012

The freight logistics includes all the processes needed to supply industry, retailers and wholesalers and final customers with goods. Such processes generate a flow of goods that, in the global supply chain, mainly relies on the activities carried out within worldwide container terminals. In this paper, the authors present a simulation model of a real container terminal. After some preliminary analyses, the simulation model is first used with Design of Experiments and Analysis of Variance to investigate the effects of different resources allocations (i.e., number of forklifts and tractors) and some parameters (i.e., inter-arrival times, container unloading time) on the container terminal performances in terms of total number of handled containers per day. Then, based on the results achieved through the Design of Experiments and Analysis of Variance, the simulation model is used with genetic algorithms to carry out a range allocation optimization on berth assignment to incoming ships and number of tractors serving each quay crane. The aim of the optimization is the minimization of the average time spent by each ship in the port area (decreasing, as consequence, costs and increasing service level provided to final customers).
FIRST LIGHT FOR THE FIRST STATION OF THE LONG WAVELENGTH ARRAY
Authors: TAYLOR G. B. , ELLINGSON S. W. , KASSIM N. E. , CRAIG J. , DOWELL J. , WOLFE C. N. , HARTMAN J. , BERNARDI G. , CLARKE T. , COHEN A. , DALAL N. P. , ERICKSON W. C. , HICKS B. , GREENHILL L. J. , JACOBY B. , LANE W. , LAZIO J. , MITCHELL D. , NAVARRO R. , ORD S. M. , PIHLSTRÖM Y. , POLISENSKY E. , RAY P. S. , RICKARD L. J. , SCHINZEL F. K. , SCHMITT H. , SIGMAN E. , SORIANO M. , STEWART K. P. , STOVALL K. , TREMBLAY S. , WANG D. , WEILER K. W. , WHITE S. , WOOD D. L.
Published: August 2012

The first station of the Long Wavelength Array (LWA1) was completed in April 2011 and is currently performing observations resulting from its first call for proposals in addition to a continuing program of commissioning and characterization observations. The instrument consists of 258 dual-polarization dipoles, which are digitized and combined into beams. Four independently-steerable dual-polarization beams are available, each with two tunings of 16 MHz bandwidth that can be independently tuned to any frequency between 10 MHz and 88 MHz. The system equivalent flux density for zenith pointing is ~3 kJy and is approximately independent of frequency; this corresponds to a sensitivity of ~5 Jy/beam (5σ, 1 s); making it one of the most sensitive meter-wavelength radio telescopes. LWA1 also has two "transient buffer" modes which allow coherent recording from all dipoles simultaneously, providing instantaneous all-sky field of view. LWA1 provides versatile and unique new capabilities for Galactic science, pulsar science, solar and planetary science, space weather, cosmology, and searches for astrophysical transients. Results from LWA1 will detect or tightly constrain the presence of hot Jupiters within 50 parsecs of Earth. LWA1 will provide excellent resolution in frequency and in time to examine phenomena such as solar bursts, and pulsars over a 4:1 frequency range that includes the poorly understood turnover and steep-spectrum regimes. Observations to date have proven LWA1's potential for pulsar observing, and just a few seconds with the completed 256-dipole LWA1 provide the most sensitive images of the sky at 23 MHz obtained yet. We are operating LWA1 as an open skies radio observatory, offering ~2000 beam-hours per year to the general community. At the same time, we are operating a backend for all-sky imaging and total-power transient detection, approximately 6840 hours per year (~78% duty cycle).
Excess protein O-GlcNAcylation and the progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Fricovsky Eduardo S. , Suarez Jorge , Ihm Sang-Hyun , Scott Brian T. , Suarez-Ramirez Jorge A. , Banerjee Indroneal , Torres-Gonzalez Moises , Wang Hong , Ellrott Irina , Maya-Ramos Lisandro , Villarreal Francisco , Dillmann Wolfgang H.
Published: August 2012

We examined the role that enzymatic protein O-GlcNAcylation plays in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy in a mouse model of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Mice injected with low-dose streptozotocin and fed a high-fat diet developed mild hyperglycemia and obesity consistent with DM2. Studies were performed from 1 to 6 mo after initiating the DM2 protocol. After 1 mo, DM2 mice showed increased body weight, impaired fasting blood glucose, and hyperinsulinemia. Echocardiographic evaluation revealed left ventricular diastolic dysfunction by 2 mo and O-GlcNAcylation of several cardiac proteins and of nuclear transcription factor Sp1. By 4 mo, systolic dysfunction was observed and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase expression decreased by 50%. Fibrosis was not observed at any timepoint in DM2 mice. Levels of the rate-limiting enzyme of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT) were increased as early as 2 mo. Fatty acids, which are elevated in DM2 mice, can possibly be linked to excessive protein O-GlcNAcylation levels, as cultured cardiac myocytes in normal glucose treated with oleic acid showed increased O-GlcNAcylation and GFAT levels. These data indicate that the early onset of diastolic dysfunction followed by the loss of systolic function, in the absence of cardiac hypertrophy or fibrosis, is associated with increased cardiac protein O-GlcNAcylation and increased O-GlcNAcylation levels of key calcium-handling proteins. A link between excessive protein O-GlcNAcylation and cardiac dysfunction is further supported by results showing that reducing O-GlcNAcylation by O-GlcNAcase overexpression improved cardiac function in the diabetic mouse. In addition, fatty acids play a role in stimulating excess O-GlcNAcylation. The nature and time course of changes observed in cardiac function suggest that protein O-GlcNAcylation plays a mechanistic role in the triggering of diabetic cardiomyopathy in DM2.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Sacrococcygeal Teratoma Using Two and Three-Dimensional Ultrasonography
Authors: Rios Livia Teresa Moreira , Araujo Júnior Edward , Nardozza Luciano Marcondes Machado , Moron Antonio Fernandes , Martins Marília da Glória
Published: August 2012

Sacrococcygeal teratoma accounts for half of all fetal tumors, with a prevalence of 1 : 40,000 births. It is believed to originate from pluripotent cells in Hensen's nodule. Although most are benign, they are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates because the fetus develops congestive heart failure and hydrops. Factors leading to poor prognosis include solid components in the mass, and hydrops diagnosed before the 30th week. A case of prenatal sacrococcygeal teratoma diagnosed using B-mode and color Doppler two-dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS) is described, in which three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) enabled characterization of the extent of fetal lesions and allowed the parents to understand the pathological condition better. A 20-year-old primigravida was referred with a solid mass diagnosed in the lumbosacral spine. Examinations performed at our institution revealed pregnancy of 23 weeks and 4 days, with a female fetus presenting a bulky solid mass with cystic components and calcifications, measuring  cm, starting from the sacral region, with internal flow seen on color Doppler. A new ultrasound confirmed fetal death at 25 weeks and 4 days. Postnatal findings confirmed the diagnosis of sacrococcygeal teratoma. 3DUS can be used in cases of sacrococcygeal teratoma to assess the development of tumor during the prenatal and to allow better understanding of this anomaly by the parents.