bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The human papillomavirus Test of Cure: A lesson on compliance with the NHMRC guidelines on screening to prevent cervical cancer
Authors: Munro Aime , Spilsbury Katrina , Leung Yee , O'Leary Peter , Williams Vincent , Codde Jim , Steel Nerida , Cohen Paul , Semmens James
Published: April 2015

Background

In Australia, high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) testing is recommended for follow‐up of women treated for a high‐grade squamous intra‐epithelial lesion (HSIL). The sensitivity of HR HPV testing is critical to identify women at risk of further high‐grade cervical disease. In Australia, this management protocol is known as the ‘Test of Cure’ (ToC).

Aim

To conduct a population‐based study investigating practitioners' compliance with ToC.

Materials and Methods

Women treated for an HSIL between the five‐year period 01 Jan 2006 to 31 Dec 2010 were identified and followed up for at least a 27‐month period. Proportions and relative odds were determined for women entering and completing the ToC management pathway within recommended time frames.

Results

There were 5,194 women identified as ‘eligible’ to enter the ToC management pathway. Of these, 1,916 (37%) were managed with annual Pap smears and never had a HR HPV test performed. There were 1,296 (25%) women who entered the ToC management pathway within recommended time frames, and a further 1,978 (38%) women entered outside of the recommended time frames. Overall, 961 women completed the ToC and were classified as ‘cured’ and were eligible to return to two‐yearly Pap smears. Women's demographic information was significantly associated with ToC commencement, specifically, age and year of treatment, and Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage.

Conclusion

Overall, a significant number of Australian women did not enter (~37%) and complete (~50%) the ToC management pathway. The challenge remains to advocate its use to practitioners to ensure women are returned to the population screening interval in a timely manner.
Clinical outcomes of 15 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic insulinoma resection: The usefulness of monitoring intraoperative blood insulin during laparoscopic pancreatectomy
Authors: Nakamura Yoshiharu , Matsushita Akira , Katsuno Akira , Yamahatsu Kazuya , Sumiyoshi Hiroki , Mizuguchi Yoshiaki , Uchida Eiji
Published: April 2015

Background

Insulinoma is a very serious functional tumor. Surgeons should confirm complete resection of insulinomas before completing the operation, even in laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

Between August 2007 and September 2014, 15 consecutive patients with biochemical evidence of an insulinoma underwent laparoscopic pancreatectomy. Intraoperatively, a peripheral arterial blood sample was taken, and insulin was measured by quick insulin assay. Insulin levels were determined before anesthesia induction, every 30 min thereafter, and every 30 min for at least 1 h after tumor resection to confirm insulin levels did not increase before surgery was completed.

Results

All 15 patients (3 men and 12 women, average age 57.2 years) successfully underwent laparoscopic resection. One patient had two tumors, and the remaining 14 patients had one tumor each (three in the head, five in the body, and eight in the tail of the pancreas). Preoperative localization and regionalization studies identified the tumor correctly through CT (12/15 [80.0%]), MRI (9/12 [75.0%]), angiography (11/13 [84.6%]), endoscopic ultrasonography (7/10 [70.0%]), and selective arterial calcium injection (14/14 [100%]). Intraoperative ultrasonography detected 13 of 15 tumors (86.7%), and intraoperative blood insulin monitoring confirmed the complete resection of 16 of 16 tumors (100%). All patients were discharged with normal insulin levels and have been followed up for 3–88 months. There has been no recurrence of symptoms in any patients and none has died.

Conclusion

Complete removal of an insulinoma can be reliably predicted by intraoperative blood insulin monitoring even in laparoscopic pancreatectomies.
Probability, rate and timing of reconstructive surgery following colectomy for inflammatory bowel disease in Sweden: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Nordenvall C. , Myrelid P. , Ekbom A. , Bottai M. , Smedby K. E. , Olén O. , Nilsson P. J.
Published: April 2015

Aim

Many patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) need colectomy, but the rate of reconstructive surgery with restoration of intestinal continuity is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the probability, rate and timing of reconstructive surgery after colectomy in patients with IBD in a population‐based setting.

Method

The study cohort included all patients with IBD in Sweden who underwent colectomy from 2000 to 2009. Each patient was followed from admission for colectomy to admission for reconstructive surgery, date of death, migration or 31 December 2010. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and multivariable Poisson regression models were used to describe the probability, rate and timing of reconstructive surgery.

Results

Out of 2818 IBD patients treated with colectomy, 61.0% were male and 78.9% had ulcerative colitis. No reconstructive surgery had been performed in 1595 (56.6%) patients by the end of follow‐up. Of the remaining 1223 patients, 526 underwent primary reconstructive surgery and 697 had a secondary reconstruction following a median interval of 357 days from primary surgery in the form of colectomy. The probability of reconstructive surgery was dependent on age (55.6% and 18.1% at ages 15–29 and ≥ 59 years, respectively), and the chance of reconstructive surgery was higher in hospitals that performed more than 13 colectomies for IBD per year [incidence rate ratio and 95% confidence interval 1.27 (1.09–1.49)].

Conclusion

Fewer than half of the patients having a colectomy for IBD underwent subsequent reconstructive surgery. Older age and low hospital volume were risk factors for no reconstructive surgery.
Does It Pay for US‐based NGOs to Go to War? Empirical Evidence for Afghanistan and Iraq
Authors: Kim Youngwan , Nunnenkamp Peter
Published: April 2015

Apart from altruistic reasons, NGOs may engage in developing countries under conditions of conflict and war in order to secure funding and survive in the ‘market’ of humanitarian relief and development assistance. Applying difference‐in‐differences approaches, this article analyses empirically whether the presence of US‐based NGOs in Afghanistan and Iraq improved their chances of external funding. While there are some indications that NGOs active in Afghanistan had better access to official funding, the authors do not find statistically compelling evidence that it pays for NGOs to engage where the United States intervenes militarily.
Is Land Grabbing Always What It Is Supposed to Be? Large‐scale Land Investments in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Holmén Hans
Published: April 2015

The term ‘land grabbing’ has recently attracted widespread, and sometimes agitated, attention, and its literature grows at exponential speed. At the same time, the concept remains little understood concerning both its meaning, magnitude and consequences and even who the grabbers are. Different attempts to define land grabbing appear to reflect ideological lenses and pre‐defined positions rather than a genuine ambition to find out what is actually going on. Based on a comprehensive literature review, this article aims at presenting a more nuanced understanding of this disputed topic and therefore a less biased account of what land‐grabbing and/or private investments in land represent.
How well is current plant trait composition predicted by modern and historical forest spatial configuration?
Authors: Kimberley Adam , Blackburn G. Alan , Whyatt J. Duncan , Smart Simon M.
Published: April 2015

There is increasing evidence to suggest that a delayed response of many forest species to habitat loss and fragmentation leads to the development of extinction debts and immigration credits in affected forest habitat. These time lags result in plant communities which are not well predicted by present day landscape structure, reducing the accuracy of biodiversity assessments and predictions for future change. Here, species richness data and mean values for five life history characteristics within deciduous broadleaved forest habitat across Great Britain were used to quantify the degree to which aspects of present day forest plant composition are best explained by modern or historical forest patch area. Ancient forest specialist richness, mean rarity and mean seed terminal velocity were not well predicted by modern patch area, implying the existence of a degree of lag in British forest patches. Mean seedbank persistence values were more closely related to modern patch area than historical, particularly in larger patches. The variation in response for different mean trait values suggests that species respond to landscape change at different rates depending upon their combinations of different trait states. Current forest understorey communities are therefore likely to consist of a mixture of declining species whose extinction debt is still to be paid, and faster colonising immigrant species. These results indicate that without management action, rare and threatened species of plant are likely to be lost in the future as a result of changes in forest spatial configuration that have already taken place. The lag seen here for rare specialist plants suggests however that there may still be scope to protect such species before they are lost from forest patches.
Lepidopteran insect species‐specific, broad‐spectrum, and systemic RNA interference by spraying dsRNA on larvae
Authors: Zhang Hao , Li Haichao , Guan Ruobing , Miao Xuexia
Published: April 2015

To investigate whether the dsRNA of a gene has species‐specific, broad‐spectrum, or off‐target effects on lepidopteran insects, we identified a methionine‐rich storage protein gene (OfSP) from Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), using high‐throughput sequence technology. The OfSP gene possesses three functional domains (N, M, and C), which are predominantly expressed in the last instars of Asian corn borer. This gene is also a key element for insect development and reproduction. The dsRNAs for the three functional domains of the OfSP gene were synthesized and sprayed on either Asian corn borer or on cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), during the first instar. The dsRNA targeting the C‐terminal domain can cause high mortality rates in both insects, whereas those targeting the M‐ and N‐terminal domains only cause high mortality in the Asian corn borer. These results can be used to develop dsRNA with species‐specific or broad‐spectrum bio‐insecticidal properties. More importantly, after dsRNA spraying, we also found typical systemic RNAi in the phenotypes that resulted in abnormal ecdysis of the larvae and pupae. Moreover, sterile eggs were found in the next generation. To analyze the broad‐spectrum link to dsRNA off‐target effects, the whole transcriptome siRNA libraries for these two species were constructed. Results further confirmed that 21 nucleotide siRNAs are unlikely to produce the off‐target effect if conserved genes are not selected. These findings provide direct evidence confirming that dsRNA is a biologically safe insecticide in lepidopteran insect pest control.
The action of allicin against Armillaria spp. in vitro
Authors: Beal E. J. , Henricot B. , Peace A. J. , Waghorn I. A. G. , Denton J. O.
Published: April 2015

The effect of allicin (a stabilized garlic extract product) at five different concentrations (0, 20, 30, 50 and 100 mg/l) was studied in vitro on the growth rate of 100 isolates of Armillaria gallica and A. mellea. Isolates were obtained from 41 host genera growing in gardens located in 39 counties in the United Kingdom. Agar plugs of the actively growing Armillaria isolates were added to the centre of malt agar plates infused with allicin, and radial mycelium growth was measured on days 7, 14 and 21. The total number of rhizomorphs and length of rhizomorphs were also measured. Relative growth rates were calculated as the growth rate relative to the controls (0 mg/ l). The relative growth of each isolate at each allicin concentration was used to estimate EC50 values for A. mellea and A. gallica populations as well as individual isolates. EC50 values for both Armillaria spp. increased over time. The mean EC50 values for A. mellea of 16.0, 26.4 and 102 mg/l (days 7, 14 and 21, respectively) were higher than those for A. gallica (8.8, 7.9 and 11.0 mg/l) and probably relate to the more aggressive nature of A. mellea. Isolates with higher EC50 values were also more likely to produce more rhizomorphs. At allicin concentrations of 20 and 30 mg/l, the production of rhizomorphs and the growth rates of A. mellea isolates were stimulated, when compared to the control treatments. From this study's findings, it appears that the field use potential of allicin is limited, due to better inhibition of the less virulent A. gallica, than the more aggressive A. mellea.
‘Eating the bread out of their mouth’:Antwerp's export trade and generalized institutions, 1544–5
Authors: Puttevils Jeroen
Published: April 2015

This article studies the distribution of exports from mid‐sixteenth‐centuryAntwerp at the individual and group level (grouped by merchant origin). Recently, scholars have argued that sixteenth‐centuryAntwerp, and in its wake a series of other cities, hosted an open‐access market as a result of an evolution towards open‐access institutions. However, the direct effect of this institutional change on merchant enterprise is hard to measure. Relying on detailed tax records, preferences at the individual merchant level for particular destinations and commodities are documented, to evaluate whether exporters had equal chances inAntwerp's export market. A few exporters had large export shares next to a multitude of smaller merchants. The exports of these smaller merchants to distant destinations and their participation in the export of important products demonstrate a fairly level commercial playing field with regard to their larger‐scale colleagues. Foreign traders had access to trade in Low Countries products, while local merchants were active in the export of major transit products. The activities of the latter group are particularly important; contrary to previous literature, Low Countries traders did not differ in their preference for home‐grown products.
Effect of rim and web interaction on crack propagation paths in gears by means of XFEM technique
Authors: Curà F. , Mura A. , Rosso C.
Published: April 2015

The objective of this work is to investigate the correlation between rim and web thickness on the crack propagation path in thin‐rimmed gears, referring to bending failures. To this aim, numerical simulations have been performed, based on the 3D extended finite element method. Results related to gear models with different web and rim thickness have been interpreted in ISO Standard environment, relating the crack path to the so called gear blank factor CR, useful in cases of mating gears consisting of rims and webs. Results show that the interaction between web and rim thickness may influence the crack propagation and the corresponding safe or catastrophic failure mode.
Blood pressure and disability‐free survival among community‐dwelling diabetic and non‐diabetic elderly patients receiving antihypertensive treatment
Authors: Higashikawa Toshihiro , Hamazaki Yuko , Iritani Osamu , Morita Takuro , Himeno Taroh , Okuno Tazuo , Yano Hiroshi , Watanabe Keisuke , Okuro Masashi , Kanda Tsugiyasu , Morimoto Shigeto
Published: April 2015

Objective

Although many large‐scale trials showed efficacies of antihypertensive treatment in patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension for reduction of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity/mortality, blood pressure (BP) targets in older hypertensive patients with diabetes still represent the object of debate. We investigated adequate BP targets with respect to the risk of incident disability or mortality in community‐dwelling elderly hypertensive patients with and without diabetes.

Methods

We analyzed 139 diabetic and 431 non‐diabetic patients receiving antihypertensive treatment aged 65 years or older. The end‐point was the composite outcome of first certification for support/care need or mortality. Relationships among each of four classes of systolic BP (SBP) or diastolic BP (DBP) and the risk of events were estimated using Cox hazards analysis.

Results

Over 4 years, diabetic patients showed significantly higher rates of all events including first certification for support/care need or mortality compared with the non‐diabetic subjects (29 [20.8%] and 48 [11.1%] cases, unadjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–3.16, P = 0.003). After adjustment for confounding variables, the risk of events was significantly higher in non‐diabetic subjects with SBP <120 mmHg (HR 3.90, 95% CI 1.32–11.5, P = 0.014) and SBP ≥160 mmHg (HR 3.42, 95% CI 1.22–9.57, P = 0.019), but only those with SBP ≥160 mmHg (HR 22.8, 95% CI 4.83–118, P < 0.001) in diabetic patients, compared with non‐diabetic control subjects with baseline SBP of 140–159 mmHg.

Conclusion

These observations showed the critical importance of intensive control of SBP to <160 mmHg for disability‐free survival in elderly hypertensive patients with diabetes mellitus. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 16: 365–373.
Consistency of Response to Sumatriptan/Naproxen Sodium in a Randomized Placebo‐Controlled, Cross‐Over Study for the Acute Treatment of Migraine in Adolescence
Authors: Winner Paul , Linder Steven , Hershey Andrew D.
Published: April 2015

A multi‐centered, randomized, placebo‐controlled, early intervention, cross‐over study was conducted to evaluate the consistency of response of sumatriptan/naproxen sodium 85/500 mg (S/NS) over 4 attacks in the acute treatment of migraine in adolescents. Inclusion of subjects was dependent on their age of 12‐17 years, frequency, and history of migraine headaches (1‐8 per month) over the previous 6 months prior to screening and generally healthy males and females of non‐childbearing potential that were not on excluded medications. Subjects were instructed to treat within 1 hour of pain onset, including when the pain was still mild. Subjects were randomized in a double‐blind fashion using a computer‐generated randomization list in which the study drug was prepared prior to study start, and subjects were allocated to a number in sequential order for each site. Each site was allocated number blocks in sets of 10 depending of the rate of enrollment. The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of S/NS vs placebo in the primary end‐points of pain‐free response at 2 hours (2hPF), 24‐hour sustained pain‐free response (24hPF), and pain‐free response at 2 hours with early intervention (2hPFE) calculated as percentage out of all attacks. In the study, 94 subjects treated 347 attacks in total: treating 277 with S/NS and 70 with placebo. Compared with placebo, S/NS produced higher 2hPF rates (S/NS 37%, placebo 18%; P < .004), and 2hPFE with rates (S/NS 32%, 18% placebo; P < .03). Compared with placebo, 24hPF rates were S/NS 86%, placebo 78%, P < .17, which were higher than placebo but not clinically significant. 2hPF was reported in at least 2 of the 3 migraines treated with S/NS in 40.4% of subjects. 24hPF was reported in at least 2 of the 3 migraine treated with S/NS in 86.2% subjects. Adverse reactions were generally low and comparable between S/NS and placebo.
L2 lexical development and the lexical network model: The case of basic verbs of perception
Authors: Sato Masanobu , Tanaka Shigenori
Published: April 2015

This study deals with the process of lexical development by Japanese learners of English in instructional settings. A test was designed to measure their inter‐lexical competence (i.e. the ability to use semantically related words differently) about the English basic verbs of sensory perception (e.g. see, listen, smell), which constitutes a conceptual lexical network. Three hundred nineteen university students of different levels of English proficiency participated in this study. The overall results showed that Japanese university students had difficulty in the selective use of basic verbs of perception, and we identified some specific problematic areas. The performance of the participants was discussed in terms of a learning strategy – i.e. the search‐translation‐equivalent strategy. Pedagogical implications were discussed with reference to core schemas and lexical networks.
Understanding and reducing work‐related psychological distress in interns: a systematic review
Authors: Facey A. D. , Tallentire V. , Selzer R. M. , Rotstein L.
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to collate and evaluate studies investigating either the factors influencing work‐related psychological distress in postgraduate year one (PGY1) doctors or the strategies designed to reduce it. This is a systematic review conducted in May 2014. The data sources were key databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Embase) and manual searches of reference lists for relevant studies published in the last 15 years. This study is an empirical research designed either to elucidate the factors influencing work‐related psychological distress in PGY1 doctors, or examine the effects of an intervention designed to reduce it. Key information was extracted into an electronic data extraction form, which incorporated elements of Murphy's model of work stress factors. A total of 21 studies was included in the review; 16 studies had examined the factors influencing work‐related psychological distress, four studies had investigated strategies to reduce it, and a single study addressed both. Analysis of the findings of each individual study through the conceptual framework provided by Murphy's model revealed a discrepancy between the factors influencing work‐related psychological distress and the focus of strategies designed to reduce it. Factors such as career progression and a PGY1 doctor's role within the organisation were not addressed in the interventions identified. Significant sources of psychological distress in PGY1 doctors remain overlooked by current interventions. Strategies designed to prevent or reduce psychological distress should be broad‐based and grounded in both the literature exploring salient factors and existing theories of work‐related stress.
Electrical stimulation therapy for the treatment of pressure ulcers in individuals with spinal cord injury: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lala Deena , Spaulding Sandi J , Burke Shauna M , Houghton Pamela E
Published: April 2015

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis on the effects of electrical stimulation therapy (EST) on healing pressure ulcers in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Nursing & Allied Health and Dissertation & Theses databases were searched for relevant English language articles from the date of inception to 31 January 2014. Separate searches were conducted in Google Scholar and academic journals specialised in wound care. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility. Studies were included if EST was used to treat pressure ulcers in individuals with SCI. A total of 599 articles were screened, and 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. A meta‐analysis with five studies demonstrated that EST significantly decreased the ulcer size by 1·32%/day [95% confidence interval (CI): 0·58–2·05, P < 0·001] compared to standard wound care (SWC) or sham EST. Another meta‐analysis conducted with four studies showed that EST increased the risk of wound healing by 1·55 times compared with standard wound care or sham EST (95% CI: 1·12 to 2·15, P < 0·0001). Because of the wide array of outcome measures across studies, a single meta‐analysis could not be conducted. EST appears to be an effective adjunctive therapy to accelerate and increase pressure ulcer closure in individuals with SCI.
A Predictable Outcome
Authors: Baio Gianluca , Cerina Roberto
Published: April 2015

Gianluca Baio and Roberto Cerina used a modified version of a dynamic Bayesian forecasting model to “predict” the 2014 US Senate elections. The results bode well for the 2016 vote
The Apprentice: How to be Hired, not Fired
Authors: Stride Chris , Thomas Ffion
Published: April 2015

It is billed as the “the ultimate job interview”, but is The Apprentice a true test of business skill? Chris Stride and Ffion Thomas went in search of answers, using data from all 10 series of the show's UK edition

Is the reality TV show a true test of business skill? Chris Stride and Ffion Thomas dig into 10 series’ worth of data to find the answer
Pediatric Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patients Do Not Meet Traditional Cardiac Resynchronization Criteria
Authors: SCHILLER OFER , DHAM NITI , GREENE E. ANNE , HEATH DENEEN M. , ALEXANDER MARK E. , BERUL CHARLES I.
Published: April 2015

Adult CRT Criteria for Pediatric Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Introduction

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective device‐based intervention for adults with heart failure (HF) with specific indications, based on large, multicenter randomized clinical trials. The criteria for CRT in adult HF include significant symptoms, ventricular systolic dysfunction, prolonged QRS duration, and left bundle branch block (LBBB) pattern on electrocardiogram (ECG). Despite having less data, CRT is also being widely utilized in children with HF. The shortage of evidence‐based CRT criteria in pediatrics prompted us to review a cohort of children with dilated cardiomyopathy and evaluate their potential eligibility for CRT using the traditional adult criteria.

Methods

Single‐center data of all pediatric patients with dilated cardiomyopathy were extracted from the heart failure registry and retrospectively reviewed. Patients who had at least 2 separate visits that included HF scoring, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram were included. Patients who were ventricular paced were excluded.

Results

Data for 52 patients meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed. The mean ejection fraction was 25% on the first clinical evaluation and 27% on the second visit. No patient and 2 patients met the adult criteria for prolonged QRS on the first and second encounters, respectively. No patients had an LBBB pattern on ECG.

Conclusions

None of the pediatric HF patients in our study met the published Class I criteria for CRT device therapy in adults. These findings suggest that extrapolation of adult HF data to pediatrics is not sufficient for CRT criteria. Specific guidelines for device implantation in children must be based on scientific investigation including pediatric clinical trials.
Determination of Quality and Spoilage of Milk by Synthesized Polypyrrole–Ag Nanocomposite Fiber at Room Temperature
Authors: Pirsa Sajad , Zandi Mohsen , Almasi Hadi
Published: April 2015

Conducting polypyrrole/silver (PPy–Ag) nanocomposite was synthesized by dip coating polymerization of pyrrole in the presence of silver nitrate as precursor and FeCl3 as oxidant on the polyester fibers at room temperature. Nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study the effect of silver nanoparticles embedded into PPy on the morphology, structure and conductivity of the conducting polypyrrole. The SEM results show that the morphology of the PPy–Ag powder is of cabbage shape and porous, and PPy–Ag on the fiber surface is uniformly seeded and packed. The PPy–Ag fiber was used as a pH sensor in liquid phase for milk spoilage investigation. The PPy–Ag fiber used was a simple, low cost and reversible sensor for determination of water and milk pH from 3 to 7, so we can determine spoilage of milk by this sensor. Three same PPy–Ag sensors in different days were studied and relation standard deviation <5 was obtained.

Practical Applications

Polypyrrole–Ag nanocomposite was chemically deposited on polyester fibers. When PPy–Ag fiber was exposed to H+, there was an increase in the current. The PPy–Ag was doped with Cl−, resulting in a conductive material suitable for application in milk pH sensors. The PPy–Ag fiber was used as a pH sensor in liquid phase for milk spoilage investigation. The sensors are easy to make, and the response was fast, reversible and reproducible. PPy–Ag fiber sensor includes detection based on the pH and current change levels. Simplicity of procedure, speed, range of detection, accuracy of results and cost of equipment are the critical factors in effectively discerning spoilage in milk that PPy–Ag fiber sensor has the most factors of milk spoilage determination.
Direct Stenting Versus Pre‐Dilation in ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: AZZALINI LORENZO , MILLÁN XAVIER , LY HUNG Q. , L'ALLIER PHILIPPE L. , JOLICOEUR E. MARC
Published: April 2015

Objectives

This study aimed at comparing direct stenting (DS) versus stenting with pre‐dilation (SP) in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), using a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published evidence.

Background

There is conflicting evidence whether stenting strategy impacts clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI.

Methods

We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL, from inception to December 2014. The primary endpoint was mortality. Secondary endpoints included major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), ST‐segment resolution, and angiographic outcomes.

Results

A total of 9,331 patients enrolled in 12 studies (3 randomized controlled trials, RCTs; 9 non‐randomized studies, NRSs) were included. DS was associated with lower mortality (OR 0.55; 95%CI: 0.33–0.94; P = 0.03) in NRSs, and overall (OR 0.56; 95%CI: 0.37–0.86; P = 0.008). Mortality was non‐significantly reduced in RCTs (OR 0.56; 95%CI: 0.26–1.23; P = 0.15). DS was also associated with lower MACE rate (OR 0.71; 95%CI 0.60–0.84; P < 0.0001) in NRSs, but not in RCTs (OR 0.99; 95%CI: 0.61–1.60; P = 0.96). ST‐segment resolution, no reflow, final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow and final TIMI myocardial perfusion or blush grade were significantly better with DS in NRSs, and non‐significantly better in RCTs.

Conclusions

The available evidence suggests that DS in STEMI might be associated with better clinical and procedural outcomes, as compared with SP. However, the fact that RCTs account for the minority of available data and that most of the available studies poorly reflect current clinical practice, as well as the existence of publication bias, preclude drawing definitive conclusions.
A Meta‐Analysis of Sex‐Related Differences in Outcomes After Primary Percutaneous Intervention for ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: CONROTTO FEDERICO , D'ASCENZO FABRIZIO , HUMPHRIES KARIN H , WEBB JOHN G , SCACCIATELLA PAOLO , GRASSO COSTANZA , D'AMICO MAURIZIO , BIONDI‐ZOCCAI GIUSEPPE , GAITA FIORENZO , MARRA SEBASTIANO
Published: April 2015

Introduction

The increasing use of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) has improved clinical outcome in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, but the impact of sex on early and mid‐term outcomes remains to be defined.

Methods

Medline, Cochrane Library, Biomed Central, and Google Scholar were searched for articles describing differences in baseline, periprocedural, and midterm outcomes after pPCI, by sex. The primary end point was all‐cause mortality at early and mid‐term follow‐up. Secondary endpoints included in‐hospital bleeding and stroke.

Results

Sixteen studies were included. Women were older, had more frequent hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia, as well as longer ischemia time and more shock at presentation. Men were more likely to have had a previous myocardial infarction. Female sex emerged as independently associated to early mortality (OR 1.1; 95%CI, 1.02–1.18) but not to mid‐term mortality (OR, 1.01; 95%CI, 0.99–1.03). The pooled analysis showed a significantly higher risk of in hospital stroke (OR, 1.69; 95%CI, 1.11–2.56) and major bleeding (OR, 2.04; 95%CI, 1.51–2.77) in women.

Conclusions

As compared to men, women undergoing pPCI have more bleedings and strokes, and a worse early, but not mid‐term mortality. These findings may allow a better risk stratification of pPCI patients.
Inhibition of Botrytis cinerea by Epirodin: A Secondary Metabolite from New Zealand Isolates of Epicoccum nigrum
Authors: Alcock Albert , Elmer Philip , Marsden Ron , Parry Frank
Published: April 2015

Many isolates of the saprophytic fungus Epicoccum nigrum produce yellow compounds that diffuse readily into culture media. Historically, two such compounds have been identified; flavipin and epirodin both reported to have antimicrobial properties. Preliminary studies on 280 New Zealand isolates of E. nigrum confirmed that all but two produced a yellow, intensely pigmented substance in sufficient amounts to inhibit the germination of Botrytis cinerea conidia. The compound produced by the inhibitory isolates is epirodin, a polyene antibiotic. Five representative E. nigrum isolates were selected for further investigation. Two of these produced relatively large amounts of epirodin and, in a diffusible metabolite assay, reduced germination of B. cinerea conidia by up to 94%. Another isolate produced a trace amount of epirodin and had no effect on the germination of B. cinerea conidia or on germ tube morphology. The two remaining isolates produced intermediate amounts of epirodin and were only moderately inhibitory to the germination of B. cinerea conidia and to germ tube morphology. In slide dual‐culture experiments, epirodin appeared to concentrate in conidia and mycelia of B. cinerea. In acid conditions, as on dual‐culture slides of E. nigrum and B. cinerea, the yellow‐coloured epirodin underwent a hypsochromic shift, changing colour to become red. The relationship between epirodin production and the suppression of Botrytis growth and development was further investigated using necrotic kiwifruit leaf discs. The E. nigrum isolate that produced the greatest amount of epirodin almost completely inhibited the growth and development of B. cinerea on the leaf discs. In contrast, the efficacy of E. nigrum isolates which produced less epirodin ranged from 78% to just 23%. This is the first report of epirodin production by New Zealand isolates of E. nigrum, and we conclude that isolates that produce high concentrations of epirodin may have potential for plant disease control.
Oral health related quality of life: a novel metric targeted to young adults
Authors: Daneshvar Mitra , Devji Tehsina Fatemah , Davis Amy B. , White Marney A.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

The primary objective of the study was to develop an oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) questionnaire for use among adults paralleling previously validated instruments, but addressing important age‐specific self‐perception issues in addition to physical and social impediments caused as a result of deficient oral health.

Methods

An initial item pool was generated based on adherence to the three established constructs of OHRQoL: social, psychological, and physical. Experts in the field of oral health provided feedback on this initial item pool. The revised items were administered to 553 adult participants via an online questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the final scale and subscales, and Cronbach's alpha coefficients and correlations coefficients were generated to determine the reliability and validity of the scale.

Results

The reduced‐item questionnaire exhibited excellent psychometric properties (α = 0.902). Final subscales were assessed through factor loading scores and showed high reliability: a) social functioning (α = 0.852), b) physical functioning (α = 0.793), and c) self‐perception and anxiety (α = 0.875). Scores on the self‐perception and anxiety were the highest of the three subscales, followed by physical and social functioning. Of the exploratory items, tooth color appeared to be the most important concern.

Conclusion

Our OHRqOL measurement instrument tailored to young adults demonstrates initial psychometric properties of reliability and validity among a social‐network derived volunteer population.
Chemical composition, nitrogen degradability and in vitro ruminal biological activity of tannins in vines harvested from four tropical sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) varieties
Authors: Ali R. , Mlambo V. , Mangwe M. C. , Dlamini B. J.
Published: April 2015

This study investigated the potential of vines from four sweet potato varieties (Tia Nong 57, Tia Nong 66, Ligwalagwala and Kenya) as alternative feed resources for ruminant livestock. The chemical composition [neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), crude protein (CP) and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN)], in vitro ruminal nitrogen (N) degradability and in vitro ruminal biological activity of tannins in the vines, harvested at 70 and 110 days after planting (DAP), were determined. Variety and harvesting stage did not (p > 0.05) influence CP and NDF content of the vines. Concentration of CP ranged from 104.9 to 212.2 g/kg DM, while NDF ranged from 439.4 to 529.2 g/kg DM across harvesting stages and varieties. Nitrogen degradability (ND) at 70 and 110 DAP was highest (p < 0.05) in Ligwalagwala (743.1 and 985.0 g/kg DM, respectively). Treatment of vines with tannin‐binding polyethylene glycol (PEG) increased (p < 0.05) in vitro ruminal cumulative gas production parameters (a, b and c). The in vitro ruminal biological activity of tannins, as measured by increment in gas production parameters upon PEG inclusion, had a maximum value of 18.2%, suggesting low to moderate antinutritional tannin activity. Ligwalagwala vines, with highly degradable N, would be the best protein supplement to use during the dry season when ruminant animals consume low N basal diets and maintenance is an acceptable production objective. Tia Nong 66 and Kenya varieties, with less degradable N, may be more suitable for use as supplements for high‐producing animals such as dairy goats.
Use of bandage contact lenses for treatment of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects in dogs
Authors: Grinninger P. , Verbruggen A. M. J. , Kraijer‐Huver I. M. G. , Djajadiningrat‐Laanen S. C. , Teske E. , Boevé M. H.
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether polyxylon bandage contact lenses influence healing time and ocular comfort in the management of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects in dogs.

METHODS

Twenty dogs with spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects were included. All dogs were treated by debridement under topical anaesthesia at the first presentation. Ten dogs were assigned to the study group (application of a polyxylon bandage contact lens), and the remaining ten served as a control group. The healing time and ocular (dis)comfort were evaluated by assessment of the clinical findings and an owner‐based questionnaire. All dogs received the same topical and systemic medication.

RESULTS

Healing time for dogs in the study population was significantly shorter (mean 14±0 days) than for dogs in the control group (mean 36±17 days; P=0·005). The spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects had completely healed at the first recheck in all dogs with a polyxylon bandage contact lens. The duration of blepharospasm following debridement was significantly shorter in the study population (mean 4±4 days) than in the control group (mean 30±20 days; P=0·001).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The use of polyxylon bandage contact lenses is beneficial in the management of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects.
Join the Union and Be Safe: The Effects of Unionization on Occupational Safety and Health in the European Union
Authors: Economou Athina , Theodossiou Ioannis
Published: April 2015

This paper investigates the effect of unionization on occupational safety and health, as measured by the fatal and non‐fatal work accidents, after controlling for the country's gross domestic product. It uses a panel sample of 10 European Union countries, for the period 1982–2006. The study takes into account the time persistence in work injuries and the endogenous nature of the work injuries–union density relationship. In addition, the effect of union density is decomposed into a temporary and permanent effect. It is shown that increasing union density is associated with a decrease in the number of both fatal and non‐fatal work injuries.
Employer Changes and Wage Changes: Estimation with Measurement Error in a Binary Variable
Authors: Bergin Adele
Published: April 2015

Self‐reported tenure is often used to determine job changes. We show there are substantial inconsistencies in these responses; consequently, we risk misclassifying job changes as stays and vice versa. An estimator from Hausman et al. is applied to a job change model for Ireland, and we find that ignoring misclassification may substantially underestimate the true number of changes and lead to diminished covariate effects. The main contribution of the paper is to control for misclassification when estimating the wage effects of job mobility. A two‐step approach is adopted. We find ignoring misclassification leads to a significant downwards bias in the wage impact, and we provide an estimate that corrects for measurement error.
A systematic revision of the genus Teucrium (Lamiaceae) in Egypt
Authors: Fayed Abdel Aziz , Zareh Momen , Hassan Nasr , Faried Ahmed
Published: April 2015

A critical taxonomic revision of the genus Teucrium (Lamiaceae) in Egypt is presented. It reveals the presence of five species, including two subspecies and four varieties. Two new nomenclatural combinations are proposed: Teucrium jordanicum and T. jordanicum var. sinaicum. The latter in addition to T. polium subsp. capitatum are added for the first time to the flora of the country. A key, annotated enumeration of species and notes on the distribution of the species are also provided.
What's left in language? Beyond the classical model
Authors: Corballis Michael C.
Published: April 2015

Until recently it was widely held that language, and its left‐hemispheric representation in the brain, were uniquely human, emerging abruptly after the emergence ofHomo sapiens. Changing views of language suggest that it was not a recent and sudden development in human evolution, but was adapted from dual‐stream circuity long predating hominins, including a system in nonhuman primates specialized for intentional grasping. This system was gradually tailored for skilled manual operations (praxis) and communication. As processing requirements grew more demanding, the neural circuits were increasingly lateralized, with the left hemisphere assuming dominance, at least in the majority of individuals. The trend toward complexity and lateralization was probably accelerated in hominins when bipedalism freed the hands for more complex manufacture and tool use, and more expressive communication. The incorporation of facial and vocal gestures led to the emergence of speech as the dominant mode of language, although gestural communication may have led to generative language before speech became dominant. This scenario provides a more Darwinian perspective on language and its lateralization than has been commonly assumed.
Medullary nephrocalcinosis in Schimke immuno‐osseous dysplasia
Authors: Yavuz Sevgi , Bayazıt Aysun Karabay , Anarat Ali , Gonlusen Gulfiliz , Alsancak Perihan
Published: April 2015

Schimke immuno‐osseous dysplasia (SIOD) is a rare hereditary disease characterized by skeletal dysplasia, immune deficiency and progressive renal disease. Kidney involvement mainly determines the prognosis. The most common renal pathology is focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Medullary nephrocalcinosis refers to the diffuse deposition of calcium salts in renal medulla and has not previously been identified in SIOD. Here we report the first case of a pediatric patient having typical features of SIOD with medullary nephrocalcinosis.
Novel DCX mutation‐caused lissencephaly in a boy and very mild heterotopia in his mother
Authors: Takeshita Satoru , Higuchi Machiko , Suyama Megumi , Koide Wakato , Maki Kanemasa , Ushijima Katsumi , Ban Kyoko , Saito Mariko , Kato Mitsuhiro , Saitoh Shinji
Published: April 2015

We describe a novel mutation in DCX in a family in which a proband boy had classical lissencephaly and his mother had extremely mild subcortical band heterotopia. No factors that would make the mother's symptoms milder, such as somatic mosaicism or skewed X chromosome inactivation, were observed. From this family, we conclude that a DCX mutation causes a pleiotropic phenotype in the female even if X chromosome inactivation pattern is not skewed, and the novel missense mutation in DCX produced relatively mild dysfunction of the doublecortin protein.
Angioplasty for recurrent renal artery stenosis in flare‐up of Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Authors: Lee Meng‐Luen , Wang Yu‐Mei
Published: April 2015

Takayasu arteritis is the most common disease seen in children presenting with renovascular hypertension (RVH) in Asia, and can manifest anatomically as renal artery stenosis (RAS). We report the case of a 16‐year‐old girl presenting with RVH due to recurrent and novel RAS in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) flare‐up. After treatment with thyroxin and percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA), she was free of hypothyroidism and systemic hypertension. RVH due to recurrent and novel RAS in HT flare‐up has not previously been reported in the English‐language literature. PTRA is the procedure of choice, providing there is no renal artery dissection or aneurysm.
Severe visual loss caused by unrecognized malignant hypertension in a 15‐year‐old girl
Authors: Cortina Gerard , Hofer Johannes , Giner Thomas , Jungraithmayr Therese
Published: April 2015

A 15‐year‐old girl presented with acute bilateral loss of central visual acuity due to hypertensive retinopathy level IV. She was found to have unrecognized malignant arterial hypertension associated with end‐stage renal failure. At the time of diagnosis she also had severe left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Hypertension was successfully treated with combined anti‐hypertensive therapy, but renal function did not recover. The patient underwent successful kidney transplant 4 months later and over a period of 20 months hypertensive retinopathy and LVH gradually resolved. This report emphasizes the importance of routine measurement of blood pressure and describes the possible consequences of unrecognized arterial hypertension in children. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are necessary to avoid development and progression of target organ damage and promote better long‐term cardiovascular prognosis.
Unique case of epidermoid cyst located in the omentum
Authors: Deaconu Diana‐Elena , Buccoliero Anna Maria , Martin Alessandra , Messineo Antonio , Ghionzoli Marco
Published: April 2015

Cystic lesions deriving from the omentum are rare benign clinical conditions of uncertain etiopathogenesis. In this report we describe a case of antenatal diagnosed intra‐abdominal cystic mass, which, due to the absence of symptomatology and constant ultrasound morphology over time, did not require immediate treatment. The present patient was followed up until surgery, which was performed at 4 years of age: on laparoscopy a cyst within the greater omentum was identified and excised. Histopathology indicated a cyst with epidermoid structure, which is unusual among the omental cysts reported in the literature.