bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Walking the walk: practical measures to undermine the business of organised crime
Authors: Murray Kenneth Roderick
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this article was to argue that developing an understanding of organised crime business structures is a necessary component of a modern effective law enforcement response and this must found on initiatives to improved capture of relevant business intelligence and developments of suitable methods to analyse it.

Design/methodology/approach

– Consideration of the dynamics of the challenge set by the business of organised crime, review of relevant academic studies; adaption of a template model to assess organised crime business structures; description of how this informs a new initiative being currently undertaken within Police Scotland under the name of “Project Jackal”.

Findings

– Project Jackal rolled out in the summer of 2014. Report on experience will follow in subsequent papers.

Research limitations/implications

– Further research and reporting on field experience is implied.

Practical implications

– Development of more effective business intelligence capture by law enforcement and of analytical methods to exploit this intelligence against organised crime.

Social implications

– Protection of communities and commerce from the corruptive influence of organised crime.

Originality/value

– To stimulate discussion on methods and responses to tackle the challenges outlined.
Compliance and determinants of US-listed foreign firms’ 20-F filings under the new Securities and Exchange Commission accelerated deadline
Authors: Chan Kam C. , El-Gazzar Samir , Jacob Rudolph A. , Lee Picheng
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) accelerated deadline on foreign firms, and the 20-F filing practices and factors relating to the filing lags.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors identified 338 firms that file 20-F reports with the SEC during the period of 2010 and 2011. The authors then used multivariate regressions to examine the effects of the shortened deadline on foreign firms’ filing practices and the factors associated with these practices. In the regression models, the authors also control for other firm characteristics that have shown to affect the filing lags of US firms such as firm performance, size, mergers and restructures, audit firm, compliance with internal control requirements under Sarbanes Oxley Act, internal control weaknesses, going concern audit opinion and operating complexity.

Findings

– Based on a sample of 338 US-listed foreign firms, the results indicate that there is a significant reduction in the filing lags and a change in their distribution for fiscal year 2011, as compared to the preceding year, and as intended by the SEC. The authors also find that 20-F filing lags are negatively related to the use of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or US-GAAP in 20-F reports and use of the English language in foreign firms’ home countries.

Practical implications

– The findings of this paper are of interest to accounting regulatory bodies including the SEC, US Financial Accounting Standards Board and the International Accounting Standards Board by showing that registrants respond positively to regulations intending to promote timeliness of accounting disclosures and reporting, although many firms may oppose them in the due process stage.

Originality/value

– The authors contribute to the extant literature by providing new evidence that 20-F filing lags are negatively related to the use of IFRS or US-GAAP in 20-F reports, and the use of English language in foreign firms’ home countries.
The changing landscape of retirement rules of thumb
Authors: Boyd Naomi E. , Cervone Davide P. , Neidermeyer Presha E. , Neidermeyer Adolph
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the continued adherence to “standing” rules of thumb for the percentage of pre-retirement income which should be available to retirees.

Design/methodology/approach

– An analysis of census data to determine both the cause and magnitude of the debt load which retirees are carrying into their post-working years.

Findings

– The “standing” rules of thumb appear to provide less than adequate levels of income for retirees to service their continuing debt load which they have chosen to carry into their retirement years.

Research limitations/implications

– Census data are subject to the accuracy of “captured information” provided by the surveyed individuals. In this case, the information captured is consistent with generally reported data on the sufficiency of retirement income.

Practical implications

– Financial planners need to “get the word out early” that individuals need to consider earlier/greater funding of their anticipated retirement income.

Social implications

– Rising retirees may be “precluded” from retiring as anticipated because of the insufficiency of the replacement income they will have during their retirement years.

Originality/value

– Detailed census data have not been reviewed in detail with a focus on “individual debt load” as we have performed in this research study.
Lean leadership: an ethnographic study
Authors: Aij Kjeld Harald , Visse Merel , Widdershoven Guy A.M.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to provide a critical analysis of contemporary Lean leadership in the context of a healthcare practice. The Lean leadership model supports professionals with a leading role in implementing Lean. This article presents a case study focusing specifically on leadership behaviours and issues that were experienced, observed and reported in a Dutch university medical centre.

Design/methodology/approach

– This ethnographic case study provides auto-ethnographic accounts based on experiences, participant observation, interviews and document analysis.

Findings

– Characteristics of Lean leadership were identified to establish an understanding of how to achieve successful Lean transformation. This study emphasizes the importance for Lean leaders to go to the gemba, to see the situation for one’s own self, empower health-care employees and be modest. All of these are critical attributes in defining the Lean leadership mindset.

Originality/value

– In this case study, Lean leadership is specifically related to healthcare, but certain common leadership characteristics are relevant across all fields. This article shows the value of an auto-ethnographic view on management learning for the analysis of Lean leadership. The knowledge acquired through this research is based on the first author’s experiences in fulfilling his role as a health-care leader. This may help the reader examining his/her own role and reflecting on what matters most in the field of Lean leadership.
Prescribed burning protects endangered tropical heathlands of the Arnhem Plateau, northern Australia
Authors: Murphy Brett P. , Cochrane Mark A. , Russell‐Smith Jeremy
Published: April 2015

There are concerns that frequent intense fires are reducing biodiversity on the Arnhem Plateau within Kakadu National Park, northern Australia. Since the 1980s, prescribed burning in the early dry season has aimed to reduce the extent of late dry season wildfires. A programme of more strategic prescribed burning has been undertaken since 2007, aiming to increase intervals between fires affecting heathland and rain forest communities.

We assess the effectiveness of prescribed burning in Kakadu's Stone Country using a Landsat satellite‐derived fire history (1980–2011), in terms of achieving ‘tolerable fire intervals’ for dominant plant communities.

Our analysis indicates that fire regimes have become substantially more favourable for biodiversity since the early 1980s. Although annual extent of burning has remained unchanged, two significant changes in fire regimes have occurred over the long term: (i) a switch from late dry season dominance to early dry season dominance and (ii) an increase in the abundance of long‐unburnt vegetation, both of which are likely to benefit biodiversity. Demonstrating the statistical significance of changes associated with recent, more strategic fire management (2007–2011) is limited by the short duration of this management approach, although there is evidence of increasing abundance of long‐unburnt vegetation during this time.

The view that the Arnhem Plateau's fire regimes are increasingly driving biodiversity loss (due to frequent late dry season wildfires) is erroneous; they are in a more benign state now than at any time over the last three decades, most likely due to extensive use of prescribed burning.

Synthesis and applications. In highly fire‐prone landscapes, such as savannas, prescribed burning can be an effective means of: (i) bringing forward peak fire activity to the time of year when fire conditions are relatively mild and (ii) increasing abundance of long‐unburnt vegetation. These changes are likely to favour persistence of a range of fire‐sensitive communities. Our case study supports the strategic use of prescribed burning to protect fire‐sensitive biota within highly fire‐prone landscapes throughout the world.
Molecular adaptations of Herbaspirillum seropedicae during colonization of the maize rhizosphere
Authors: Balsanelli Eduardo , Tadra‐Sfeir Michelle Z , Faoro Helisson , Pankievicz Vânia CS , de Baura Valter A , Pedrosa Fábio O , de Souza Emanuel M , Dixon Ray , Monteiro Rose A
Published: April 2015

Molecular mechanisms of plant recognition and colonization by diazotrophic bacteria are barely understood. Herbaspirillum seropedicae is a Betaproteobacterium capable of colonizing epiphytically and endophytically commercial grasses, to promote plant growth. In this study, we utilized RNA‐seq to compare the transcriptional profiles of planktonic and maize root‐attached H. seropedicae SmR1 recovered 1 and 3 days after inoculation. The results indicated that nitrogen metabolism was strongly activated in the rhizosphere and polyhydroxybutyrate storage was mobilized in order to assist the survival of H. seropedicae during the early stages of colonization. Epiphytic cells showed altered transcription levels of several genes associated with polysaccharide biosynthesis, peptidoglycan turnover and outer membrane protein biosynthesis, suggesting reorganization of cell wall envelope components. Specific methyl‐accepting chemotaxis proteins and two‐component systems were differentially expressed between populations over time, suggesting deployment of an extensive bacterial sensory system for adaptation to the plant environment. An insertion mutation inactivating a methyl‐accepting chemosensor induced in planktonic bacteria, decreased chemotaxis towards the plant and attachment to roots. In summary, analysis of mutant strains combined with transcript profiling revealed several molecular adaptations that enable H. seropedicae to sense the plant environment, attach to the root surface and survive during the early stages of maize colonization.
Distinct mechanisms contribute to immunity in the lantibiotic NAI‐107 producer strain Microbispora ATCC PTA‐5024
Authors: Pozzi Roberta , Coles Murray , Linke Dirk , Kulik Andreas , Nega Mulugeta , Wohlleben Wolfgang , Stegmann Evi
Published: April 2015

The investigation of self‐resistance in antibiotic producers is important to understand the emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogens and to improve antibiotic production. Lantibiotics are ribosomally synthesized antibiotics that mostly target peptidoglycan biosynthesis. The actinomycete Microbispora ATCC PTA‐5024 produces the lantibiotic NAI‐107, which interferes with peptidoglycan biosynthesis by binding bactoprenol‐pyrophosphate‐coupled peptidoglycan precursors. In order to understand how Microbispora counteracts the action of its own antibiotic, its peptidoglycan composition was analysed in detail. Microbispora peptidoglycan consists of muropeptides with D‐Ala and Gly in similar proportion at the fourth position of the peptide stems and alternative 3‐3 cross‐links besides the classical 4‐3 cross‐links. In addition, the NAI‐107 biosynthetic gene cluster (mlb) was analysed for the expression of immunity proteins. We show that distinct immunity determinants are encoded in the mlb cluster: the ABC transporter MlbYZ acting cooperatively with the transmembrane protein MlbJ and the lipoprotein MlbQ. NMR structural analysis of MlbQ revealed a hydrophobic surface patch, which is proposed to bind the cognate lantibiotic. This study demonstrates that immunity in Microbispora is not only based on one determinant but on the action of the distinct immunity proteins MlbQ, MlbYZ and MlbJ.
Nut clusters and crisps: atrocity stories and co‐narration in interviews with approved mental health professionals
Authors: Morriss Lisa
Published: April 2015

The article explores the telling of co‐narrated atrocity stories in accomplishing professional identity. Building on previous work, it is argued that group membership is a prerequisite for such stories to be told. Extracts from empirical data from interviews with social work approved mental health professionals are analysed using an ethnomethodological approach. The findings show how atrocity stories can be co‐narrated, not only by longstanding colleagues, but also by two unacquainted persons who share the same professional identity. The article concludes that the ethnomethodological concepts of vulgar competency, unique adequacy, indexicality and the documentary method of interpretation are key to understanding the accomplishment of co‐narrated atrocity stories.
Is Foxglove Effective in Heart Failure?
Authors: Chaggar Parminder S , Shaw Steven M , Williams Simon G
Published: April 2015

Background

Digoxin is the oldest known treatment for heart failure (HF) and has been demonstrated to reduce admissions for worsening heart failure in a large randomized trial recruiting patients in sinus rhythm with heart failure and ejection fraction <45%. This study forms the basis for current international guidelines recommending that digoxin should be considered in patients with symptomatic HF despite optimal doses of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, β‐blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in addition to device therapy, if indicated. However, digoxin predates mortality reducing HF therapies, and this article reviews the historical and recent data.

Methods

Multiple PubMed searches were performed including, but not limited to, the search terms “digoxin,” “heart failure,” “efficacy,” “treatment,” “side‐effects,” “morbidity,” “mortality,” and “arrythmia.” Articles were excluded if not relevant, not in English or without abstract. Reference lists of relevant articles were manually searched for further references. Due to the large number of articles retrieved, a selection was reviewed based on the authors’ best judgement.

Results

Three randomized controlled trials and three large contemporary observational reports of digoxin therapy in heart failure and sinus rhythm were retrieved. Other studies were noted that included patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation, which were also reviewed.

Conclusion

Definitive randomized evidence of digoxin efficacy as add‐on therapy in HF is lacking because most landmark trials of modern HF disease modifying agents postdate the randomized studies of digoxin. Furthermore, questions remain regarding the optimum dose of digoxin and there are signals that digoxin may be harmful in some patients with HF. All contemporary data for digoxin in HF are derived from observational studies and the findings are conflicting. Despite two centuries of experience using cardiac glycosides to treat HF, fundamental questions regarding the efficacy and safety of digoxin in HF remain unanswered.
Naloxone added to bupivacaine or bupivacaine–fentanyl prolongs motor and sensory block during supraclavicular brachial plexus blockade: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Marashi S. M. , Sharifnia H. R. , Azimaraghi O. , Aghajani Y. , Barzin G. , Movafegh A.
Published: April 2015

Background

In this study, the effect of naloxone on duration of supraclavicular brachial plexus block was evaluated. It was hypothesized that naloxone can increase the duration of neural blockade.

Methods

Sixty‐eight patients scheduled for surgery under supraclavicular brachial plexus block were randomly assigned to receive 30 ml bupivacaine (Group C); 30 ml bupivacaine with 100 μg of fentanyl (Group F); 30 ml bupivacaine with 100 ng naloxone (Group N); or 30 ml bupivacaine with 100 μg of fentanyl and 100 ng naloxone (Group N + F). Sensory and motor blockade were recorded at 5, 15, and 30 min following the block, and every 10 min following the end of surgery. Duration of sensory and motor block was considered to be the time interval between the complete block and the first postoperative pain and complete recovery of motor functions.

Results

Sensory and motor onset times were the same in all groups. The duration of sensory and motor block in Group C (11.3 ± 1.7 h and 4.56 ± 1.0 h) and Group F (12.8 ± 3.3 h and 5.1 ± 2.0 h) were less than in the other groups (18.1 ± 2.2 h and 6.18 ± 1.0 h in Group N, and 15.8 ± 2.9 h and 6.53 ± 1.1 h in Group N + F,P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Addition of naloxone to bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block prolonged the duration of the neural blockade.
Persistence of Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes masks the impact of human disturbance on weight and body condition
Authors: Lomas E. , Larsen K. W. , Bishop C. A.
Published: April 2015

Species may remain present on developed landscapes over extended periods, suggesting viability, while in reality, populations may be indirectly affected in subtle and significant ways. We investigated indirect effects of human disturbance and habitat development on a population of the threatened Northern Pacific Rattlesnake Crotalus oreganus oreganus in British Columbia, Canada. We used mark‐recapture (n = 623 males and non‐gravid females, 2002–2011) and radio‐telemetry (n = 100 males, n = 4 non‐gravid females, 2004–2011) to examine weight, length, body condition, ecdysis and exposure risk in habitats of varying disturbance levels. Snakes in the most disturbed areas (<10 m to the nearest source of human activity or development) had lower weights and body condition, and they lost significantly more weight during the active season. Mean body condition of all snakes was stable or even increasing up to 2008 whereafter declines occurred in all categories, but particularly so for animals using disturbed habitat. Although there was some indication that ecdysis rates were affected by disturbance, we found no evidence that animals in disturbed habitat tended to be more exposed (i.e. distant from cover). Our findings indicate that there are consequences of occupying disturbed habitats, even though outward changes in behaviour or declines in density on the landscape are not detected.
Concurrent pyoderma gangrenosum and infection with Scedosporium apiospermum
Authors: Tilakaratne Dev , Ryan Emma , Pearce Annette
Published: April 2015

We present a patient with pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) following hip surgery, who developed an exacerbation of her ulceration in conjunction with new areas on her lower limbs. Clinically, features of PG and deep fungal infection were apparent. Scedosporium apiospermum was isolated from the ulcers.
Autofluorescence imaging in the differential diagnosis of optic disc melanocytoma
Authors: Salvanos Panagiotis , Utheim Tor P. , Moe Morten C. , Eide Nils , Bragadόttir Ragnheiður
Published: April 2015

Purpose

Optic disc melanocytoma (ODM) is a benign tumour that usually occurs on or adjacent to the optic nerve head. The aim of the study was to evaluate fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging as a diagnostic tool in ODM.

Methods

Retrospective comparative case series study of six patients with ODM and a comparing group of four patients with juxtapapillary choroidal nevus (JCN) and four with juxtapapillary uveal melanoma (JUM). Clinical examination was supplemented with ultrasound B‐scan examination and spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography. FAF images were obtained with the 532‐nm laser (Optomap P200Tx) from all patients.

Results

Clinical examination in the ODM group revealed a dome‐shaped, darkly pigmented tumour on or adjacent to the optic disc in all patients, with a mean tumour basal dimension 1.4 mm and mean tumour thickness by ultrasonography of 1.0 mm. FAF revealed a totally hypofluorescent mass with sharply demarcated, feathery edges. No hyperfluorescent changes due to orange pigment or subretinal fluid were seen. In contrast, patients with JCN and JUM manifested focal hyperfluorescence as well as larger hyperfluorescent areas at the tumour and its borders.

Conclusion

Fundus autofluorescence imaging is a non‐invasive adjuvant tool in the differential diagnosis of ODM characterized by lack of hyperfluorescence compared to JCN and JUM.
Metformin versus insulin for gestational diabetes mellitus: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Li‐Ping , Sheng Xiao‐Yan , Zhou Shuang , Yang Ting , Ma Ling‐Yue , Zhou Ying , Cui Yi‐Min
Published: April 2015

▪▪▪

The aim of the present meta‐analysis was to determine the efficacy and safety of metformin for the treatment of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We searched databases, including PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing metformin and insulin treatments in women with GDM. We carried out statistical analyses using RevMan 2011 and used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations profiler to rate the quality of evidence of the primary outcomes. We analysed eight studies involving 1592 subjects. Meta‐analysis of the RCTs showed that metformin had statistically significant effects on pregnancy‐induced hypertension [PIH; risk ratio (RR) 0.54; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31, 0.91]. However, its effects on neonatal hypoglycaemia (RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.62, 1.02), rate of large‐for‐gestational age infants (RR 0.77; 95% CI 0.55, 1.08), respiratory distress syndrome (RR 1.26; 95% CI 0.67, 2.37), phototherapy (RR 0.94; 95% CI 0.67, 1.31) and perinatal death (RR 1.01; 95% CI 0.11, 9.53) were not significant. Our analyses suggest that there is no clinically relevant difference in efficacy or safety between metformin and insulin; however, metformin may be a good choice for GDM because of the lower risk of PIH. The advantages of metformin in terms of glycaemic control, PIH incidence and gestational age at birth are unclear, and should be verified in further trials.
The clinical impact of staging bone marrow examination on treatment decisions and prognostic assessment of lymphoma patients
Authors: Painter Dan , Smith Alexandra , de Tute Ruth , Crouch Simon , Roman Eve , Jack Andrew
Published: April 2015

This study investigates the value of performing a staging bone marrow in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL) and classical hodgkin lymphoma (CHL). The results of 3112 staging bone marrow examinations were assessed for impact on prognostic assessment and critical treatment decisions. The detection of marrow involvement altered the disease‐specific prognostic index for 4·3% of DLBCL, 6·2% of FL and 0·6% of CHL but marrow involvement in DLBCL was an independent prognostic factor. Knowing the marrow status potentially changed treatment in 92 patients, detection of these patients would have required 854 examinations to be performed.
The deterioration of Canadian immigrants’ oral health: analysis of the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada
Authors: Calvasina Paola , Muntaner Carles , Quiñonez Carlos
Published: April 2015

Objective

To examine the effect of immigration on the self‐reported oral health of immigrants to Canada over a 4‐year period.

Methods

The study used Statistics Canada's Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada (LSIC 2001–2005). The target population comprised 3976 non‐refugee immigrants to Canada. The dependent variable was self‐reported dental problems. The independent variables were as follows: age, sex, ethnicity, income, education, perceived discrimination, history of social assistance, social support, and official language proficiency. A generalized estimation equation approach was used to assess the association between dependent and independent variables.

Results

After 2 years, the proportion of immigrants reporting dental problems more than tripled (32.6%) and remained approximately the same at 4 years after immigrating (33.3%). Over time, immigrants were more likely to report dental problems (OR = 2.77; 95% CI 2.55–3.02). An increase in self‐reported dental problems over time was associated with sex, history of social assistance, total household income, and self‐perceived discrimination.

Conclusion

An increased likelihood of reporting dental problems occurred over time. Immigrants should arguably constitute an important focus of public policy and programmes aimed at improving their oral health and access to dental care in Canada.
Assessment of Left Atrial Function in Patients with Celiac Disease
Authors: Bayar Nermin , Çekin Ayhan Hilmi , Arslan Şakir , Çağırcı Göksel , Erkal Zehra , Çay Serkan , Köklü Erkan , Küçükseymen Selçuk
Published: April 2015

Background

There is some evidence suggesting increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with celiac disease (CD). Impaired left atrial function plays a significant role in the development of AF. This study aimed at assessing the electrical and mechanical functions of the left atrium in patients with CD.

Methods

A total of 71 patients with biopsy‐proven, antibody‐positive CD and 52 age‐matched healthy controls were included in this prospective study. P‐wave dispersion (PWD) was measured to assess the electrical functions of the left atrium through the use of surface electrocardiography. A tissue Doppler echocardiography was performed to determine the atrial conduction and electromechanical delay (EMD) time. To evaluate the mechanical functions of the left atrium, maximum, minimum, and presystolic atrial volumes were estimated to calculate the contractile, conduit, and reservoir functions.

Results

In terms of transthoracic echocardiographic parameters, CD and control subjects were not significantly different. However, as compared to controls, patients with CD had significantly increased PWD (median 52 ms [interquartile range 46–58 ms] vs. 38 [36–40], P < 0.001). Also, significantly higher interatrial (49 ms [32–60] vs. 26 ms [22–28], P < 0.001), intra‐left atrial (26 ms [17–44] vs. 14 ms [12–18], P < 0.001), and intra‐right atrial (15 ms [8–22] vs. 10 ms [8–14], P < 0.001) EMD was found among CD subjects than controls. Despite an increase in the left atrial volume in patients with CD, conduit and reservoir functions were comparable.

Conclusions

Although atrial mechanical functions are preserved in patients with CD, a slower electrical conduction was found, suggesting an increased risk of AF in this group of patients.
Automatic representation of a visual stimulus relative to a background in the right precuneus
Authors: Uchimura Motoaki , Nakano Tamami , Morito Yusuke , Ando Hiroshi , Kitazawa Shigeru
Published: April 2015

Our brains represent the position of a visual stimulus egocentrically, in either retinal or craniotopic coordinates. In addition, recent behavioral studies have shown that the stimulus position is automatically represented allocentrically relative to a large frame in the background. Here, we investigated neural correlates of the ‘background coordinate’ using an fMRI adaptation technique. A red dot was presented at different locations on a screen, in combination with a rectangular frame that was also presented at different locations, while the participants looked at a fixation cross. When the red dot was presented repeatedly at the same location relative to the rectangular frame, the fMRI signals significantly decreased in the right precuneus. No adaptation was observed after repeated presentations relative to a small, but salient, landmark. These results suggest that the background coordinate is implemented in the right precuneus.
Using boosted regression trees to explore key factors controlling saturated and near‐saturated hydraulic conductivity
Authors: Jorda H. , Bechtold M. , Jarvis N. , Koestel J.
Published: April 2015

Hydraulic conductivity at and near saturation is difficult to predict. We investigated, for the first time, the potential of boosted regression trees to identify the key factors that determine saturated and near‐saturated hydraulic conductivities in undisturbed soils with a global meta‐database of tension infiltrometer measurements. Our results demonstrate that pedotransfer functions developed from meta‐databases may strongly over‐estimate prediction performance unless they are validated against each individual data source separately. For such a source‐wise cross‐validation, we estimated the hydraulic conductivity at a tension of 10 cm (K10) and the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) with coefficients of determination of 0.36 and 0.15, respectively. The most important predictors for K10 were the average annual precipitation and temperature at the measurement location, which are key variables for pedogenesis and constrain soil management. More research is required for the in‐depth interpretation of their influence on hydraulic conductivity. The soil clay and organic carbon contents were also important predictors of K10, with hydraulic conductivity decreasing as organic carbon contents increased up to 1.5% and as clay contents increased between about 10 and 40%. The direction of the tension‐sequence with which the infiltrometer data were collected was also a significant predictor. Land use and bulk density were the most important predictors for Ks. The direction of the tension‐sequence and the soil texture class were also important, with both coarse and fine‐textured soils generally having larger Ks values than medium‐textured soils.
Diffusion of radiodense contrast medium after perineural injection of the palmar digital nerves
Authors: Nagy A. , Malton R.
Published: April 2015

Limited information exists on distribution of local anaesthetic solution following palmar digital nerve blocks. The aim of this study was to demonstrate potential distribution of local anaesthetic solution following perineural injection of the palmar digital nerves using 2 different volumes of contrast medium and 2 different injections sites. Twelve mature horses were used. Perineural injection of the palmar digital nerves were performed at the level of or 2 cm proximal to the proximal aspect of the ipsilateral ungular cartilage, using 1.5 or 2.5 ml radiopaque contrast medium. In total, 96 injections were performed. Four standard radiographic views of the pastern were obtained immediately after injections and 10 and 20 min later. Images were analysed subjectively and objectively. After distal injections, the contrast medium was more localised around the injection site; after proximal injections the contrast patch had greater proximal–distal length. The greatest proximal diffusion was to 31.7% of the length of the proximal phalanx (from the level of the proximal interphalangeal joint) after distal injections and to 70% after proximal injections. The larger volume resulted in significantly greater proximal diffusion than the smaller volume at the distal, but not at the proximal injection site (P<0.01). There was significant proximal diffusion with time after proximal and distal injections (P<0.01). In most limbs, numerous radiopaque lines of various thickness extended proximally from the contrast patches; subjectively, their number and thickness were greater at the distal injection site. In conclusion, palmar digital nerve blocks at the level of the ungular cartilage using ≤2.5 ml local anaesthetic solution may improve proximal interphalangeal joint and pastern region pain. If using a more proximal site, distal fetlock region pain may be improved. Due to diffusion into lymphatic vessels, too small a volume at the distal injection site may not provide sufficient analgesia.
Parathyroidectomized patients have impaired capacity of peripheral vascular constriction during hemodialysis
Authors: Silva Bruno C. , Moysés Rosa M. A. , Silva Vitor B. , Freitas Geraldo R. R. , Elias Rosilene M.
Published: April 2015

Parathyroidectomy (PTx) seems to improve cardiovascular outcomes and reduce blood pressure levels. However, the effect of PTx on hemodynamic changes during hemodialysis (HD) is still overlooked. This was a prospective cohort design. Patients with end‐stage renal disease on maintenance HD were included. Diabetes and nonsinusal rhythm were exclusion criteria. History of PTx was recorded. Finometer monitor was used to access parameters immediately pre‐ and post‐HD sessions. Cardiac index (CI) variation (ΔCI) and peripheral arterial resistance variation (ΔPAR) were the variables of interest. Biochemical and echocardiographic data were also obtained. PTx patients (n = 11) were matched to non‐PTx patients (n = 20). ΔPAR was lower in PTx group in comparison with non‐PTx group (P = 0.039), which was independent of parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Multiple regression analysis showed that PTx, ΔCI, and dialysate calcium remained independently associated with PAR variation and even adjusted for ultrafiltration rate (adjusted r2 = 0.64). In conclusion, parathyroidectomized patients have impaired capacity of vasoconstriction in response to ultrafiltration, an effect independent of serum PTH levels. Further studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms explaining the interaction between PTx and systemic vascular tonus.
Topical adenosine increases thick hair ratio in Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Watanabe Y. , Nagashima T. , Hanzawa N. , Ishino A. , Nakazawa Y. , Ogo M. , Iwabuchi T. , Tajima M.
Published: April 2015

Synopsis

Objective

Hair thickness is more important than hair density in the appearance of baldness in male with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Adenosine improves hair loss by stimulating hair growth and by thickening hair shafts in women. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hair growth efficacy and safety of topical adenosine in men with AGA.

Methods

A lotion containing either adenosine or niacinamide was administered to the scalps of 102 Japanese men twice daily for 6 months in a double‐blind, randomized study. Efficacy was evaluated by dermatologists who assessed the quality of the hair and by calculating the percentages of vellus‐like and thick hairs among the vertex hairs, as well as hair density.

Results

Adenosine was significantly (P < 0.05) superior to niacinamide in terms of global improvement of AGA, increase in the percentage of thick hairs (at least 60 μm) and self‐assessment of hair thickness by the study participants. No causal adverse event due to the adenosine lotion was observed.

Conclusion

These data indicate that adenosine increases thick hair ratio in Japanese men with AGA, and this compound is useful for the improvement of AGA.
DIFFICULTIES IN THE TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM
Authors: GAL PAUL
Published: April 2015

“The wider and freer a man's education, the better practitioner he is likely to be. … Eeassurance and sympathy may mean much more than pills and potions.” (Sir W. Osier: “The Student Life.”)
A BISACODYL SUPPOSITORY AS AN ENEMA SUBSTITUTE
Authors: PHILLIPS ROSWELL W.
Published: April 2015

Despite the availability of numerous effective laxatives, a certain number of patients still require enemas for satisfactory evacuation of the contents of the lower gastrointestinal tract. Many are debilitated and chronically ill. This report describes our experience with a local‐contact type of suppository as an enema substitute in such patients.

Bisacodyl, or bis (p‐acetoxyphenyl)‐2‐pyridylmethane1, is said to exert its laxative effect in the colon through reflex action upon contact with the mucosal nervous plexi (1). Its action is said to be independent of intestinal tone (2) and can be abolished by anesthetizing the rectosigmoid mucosa (3). The suppository contains 10 mg of the drug.
DELAYED THROMBOPHLEBITIS AND SYSTEMIC COMPLICATIONS AFTER VASECTOMY: POSSIBLE ROLE OF DIABETOGENIC HYPEREVSULINISM*
Authors: ROBERTS H. J.
Published: April 2015

The development of unexplained thrombophlebitis and puzzling systemic disorders within one to several years after elective vasectomy is reported. The systemic features included prolonged fever, generalized lymph node enlargement, various skin eruptions, arthropathy, recurrent infections, glomerulonephritis, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, neuropsychiatric features, increased BSP retention, an elevated level of circulating globulins, and a biologic false‐positive serologic reaction. The frequency of concomitant severe reactive hypoglycemia due to diabetogenic hyperinsulinism in these patients also was noteworthy. The possible pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed, including induced hormonal imbalances, autosensitization to testicular nucleoproteins, and altered blood coagulation in the hyperinsulinized‐diabetic state.

These observations challenge the presumed innocuousness of elective vasectomy. The challenge assumes even greater significance in view of the current wholesale performance of vasectomy in an affluent society that is increasingly stigmatized by the hyperinsulinized‐diabetic state. If catastrophic iatrogenic damage is to be averted, it appears mandatory to ascertain the true incidence of delayed systemic complications in the large numbers of vasectomized American men who have chosen this procedure for the purpose of family limitation.
BODY WEIGHT AS AN INDEX OF THERAPEUTIC EFFECT IN ANABOLIC STEROID THERAPY*
Authors: WOLPERT ARTHUR , SHEPPARD CHARLES , MERLIS SIDNEY
Published: April 2015

The efficacy of anabolic steroid therapy has often been challenged because of equivocal clinical evidence of weight gain. In view of this challenge, 21 chronically underweight, geriatric patients in a state hospital were chosen for a study to determine the effect of a new synthetic anabolic preparation, norbolethone. Long‐term weight charts were used to determine confidence limits. After a one‐month placebo trial, placebo responders were identified; then the active preparation was given for fourteen weeks. The data indicated that spurious results can be obtained if strict criteria are not used for changes in body weight. Of the 21 study patients, as many as 18 could have been reported as showing a weight gain if only a short pre‐study period had been used for the baseline. However, when the placebo responders and yearly weight fluctuations were accounted for, only 4 patients showed significant gains in weight, and only 2 of these maintained their gains until the completion of the anabolic phase of the study.

Unless stringent criteria are applied, gross body weight alone cannot be used as a reliable index of the therapeutic effect of anabolic steroids.
INTRA‐ARTERIAL APPROACH TO INTERNAL CAROTID ANEURYSMS: PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE CONCEPT AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES
Authors: COOPER I. S. , SAMRA K. , YAGHMAI M.
Published: April 2015

Absteact:

Studies were made on human cadavers and on living dogs whereby the bleeding of experimental aneurysms of the internal carotid artery was stopped by distending a balloon at the mouth of the aneurysm. The balloon was introduced intra‐arterially at a point distant from the aneurysm and guided to the bleeding site via a system of catheters.

Although many obvious technical problems remain to be surmounted, these preliminary observations support the feasibility of an intra‐arterial approach to the therapy of aneurysms of the internal carotid artery. The concept of temporary occlusion of the aneurysmal mouth by intra‐arterial inflation of a cannula‐borne balloon merits further investigation.
CRYOGENIC ARTERIAL THROMBOLYSIS
Authors: COOPER IRVING S.
Published: April 2015

Twenty experiments were performed in dogs upon frozen thrombosed segments of the femoral artery. The special cryogenic technique is described. The results are demonstrated by arteriograms.

The walls of major arteries have a peculiar ability to withstand the effects of extreme cold, relative to other tissues. Freezing and thawing a major artery in the dog, within the time‐temperature parameters described, has thus far not produced rupture or necrosis of the vessel, within a two‐month period of observation. Moreover, blood which is frozen solid within the artery does not clot, but rather is lysed when the vessel thaws, and is carried off as circulation is resumed. This differential effect of extreme cold upon the arterial wall and the circulating blood accounts for the fact that a relatively fresh thrombus within an artery can be lysed by freezing the artery and permitting it to thaw.

These observations indicate the possible future application of cryogenic arterial thrombolysis in selected clinical situations. However, many aspects need further experimental investigation. The long‐range effects of extreme cold upon major arteries and veins remain to be elucidated. The possibility of late aneurysm formation or other anatomic changes must be objectively evaluated. The effect of extreme cold upon chronic organized thrombi needs experimental study. In addition, the possible variation of effect upon thrombi of varying etiology, some of which produce pathologic lesions in the arterial wall, must be evaluated. On the basis of our present findings, the technique of cryogenic arterial thrombolysis merits continued investigation.
CAROTID‐FEMORAL PULSE WAVE VELOCITY*
Authors: Nielsen B. Lyager , Nielsen J. Straede , Roin J. , Fabricius J.
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Simultaneous records of the pulse waves were obtained from the right common carotid artery and the right femoral artery by means of piezo‐electric microphones in 26 persons whose ages ranged from 15 to 92 years. The time difference between the foot points of the waves from these two sites was termed TCF.

A significant correlation was found between TCF and age, between TCF and the systolic blood pressure and between TCF and pulse pressure. After exclusion of 2 patients with systolic blood pressure values of 250 and 270 mm Hg respectively, it was demonstrated that the multiple coefficient of correlation between TCF and age and systolic blood pressure was not significantly higher than the coefficient of correlation between TCF and age, whereas this was the case when no such exclusion was made.

With the method used, it is not possible to estimate the exact length of the arterial segments under study. However, TCF values appear to be usable as an expression for the aortic pulse wave velocity, inasmuch as the coefficients of correlation demonstrated between TCF and age, systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were of the same magnitude as previously found between T50 (the time difference between intra‐arterially recorded aortic pressure waves when the length of the arterial segment during all the measurements was 50 cm) and the same parametres.
POSTMORTEM OBSERVATIONS ON THE THYROID IN ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Authors: Gáspár István A.
Published: April 2015

Abstract

In this preliminary study, an attempt was made to correlate atherosclerotic vascular changes with pathological changes in the thyroid observed post mortem in 55 patients (chiefly in the 61 to 90 year age bracket) who died of atherosclerotic disease of the coronary or other arteries. In the 55 cases, 71 per cent of the thyroids were smaller than normal, weighing from 2 to 18 grams, and 29 per cent were in the accepted normal range of 20 to 40 grams. For the purposes of this study, a small thyroid weight was considered significant only when it was 10 grams or less. The histological picture was more revealing. In one group of 24 patients the thyroids showed varying degrees of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, fibrosis and degenerative changes strongly indicative of impaired thyroid function. In another group of 31 patients the thyroids did not show any thyroiditis but there were several pathological changes such as great variation in the size of the acini, a reduction in their total number, atrophy of the acini, thinning and flattening of the epithelium with degeneration, swelling and desquamation of the cells, thick colloid in the follicles, and perifollicular fibrosis. The 4 patients who served as controls (age range, 51 to 76 years) showed no atherosclerosis or only slight changes and their thyroid glands were practically normal.

There appeared to be a correlation between thyroid deficiency and atherosclerosis. Therefore, treatment of atherosclerosis with thyroid seems rational. If it prevents the development of hypothyroidism when given early in the course of atherosclerosis, it may help to reverse the high death rate from atherosclerotic cardiac and vascular disease.
THYROID FUNCTION AND CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Authors: Wren James C.
Published: April 2015

Abstract

For the purpose of determining the effect of thyroid function on the course of atherosclerosis (particularly coronary), 74 patients (32 males and 42 females, mean age 61.6 years) with the disease were treated in two groups—37 with desiccated thyroid plus B vitamins, and 37 with periodic intravenous injections of levo‐thyroxine in addition. The study lasted two years.

Seventy patients reported subjective benefit, 2 were unchanged, and 2 died. Nineteen of 22 patients with angina noted alleviation of the pain. Electrocardiographic patterns improved in 22 of the 74 cases after one year. In 51 patients with hypercholesterolemia, the level of serum cholesterol was reduced by 17 per cent. For controls, 48 conventionally treated atherosclerotic patients were matched with 48 of the thyroid‐treated group; during the two‐year period, 12 of the conventionally treated group died, but only 2 of the thyroid‐treated group.

No firm conclusions can be drawn from a study of this limited size, but the following tentative conclusions can be made:

There is some failure of thyroid function with advancing age and in the presence of severe atherosclerosis, as supported by reports in the literature.

The usual laboratory indicators of thyroid function may not accurately measure this change in thyroid function.

Thyroid therapy deserves more extensive trial as a possible means of modifying the effects of the atherosclerotic process.
RHEUMATOLOGY AND THE LUNGS
Authors: PIERCE JOHN A.
Published: April 2015

Abstract: The relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and lung disease is discussed. A case is presented of a young woman with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in whom the lung disease progressed from a highly cellular lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis (biopsy) to dense diffuse fibrosis within five years. A survey of the records of 702 patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed that 8 had diffuse lung fibrosis. The arthritis usually preceded the pulmonary lesion. There was no correlation between the severity of the arthritis and the severity of the lung fibrosis.

Rheumatoid lung disease encompasses a wide range of pathologic alterations, varying from insignificant fibrous pleural adhesions to progressive and fatal diffuse fibrosis. The high frequency of lung disease in rheumatoid patients suggests that the rheumatoid process is essential or at least important to its causation, but the lack of correlation between the intensity of the arthritis and the severity of the lung disease suggests that the rheumatoid process alone is not responsible for the lung involvement.

The exceptional reactivity of the lung tissue in patients with rheumatoid disease makes it reasonable to propose that ordinary pathogenic stimuli, particularly viral and bacterial infections, may provoke an intense response and, ultimately, severe lesions of the lung in the rheumatoid patient.
ART THERAPY IN THE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL*
Authors: Wagner Ann , Lerner Joseph
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Experiences with art therapy in Hawaii State Hospital are illustrated by 2 case reports. Such experiences should engender more widespread use of this modality to help fulfill the needs of elderly persons. Painting, drawing and other forms of art therapy are being used by an ever‐increasing number of institutions for the care of psychiatric patients. Art therapy, by providing outlets for self‐expression, is a valuable adjunct to the spectrum of activities available to the older citizens of our country.