bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gedragsbeïnvloeding via voeding
Authors: Zaalberg A.
Published: August 2014

Diet and possible applications in the prediction and modification of behaviour

Recent research shows that behaviour is not only influenced by the psychosocial environment, but can also – partially – be explained by the biology in humans. In this paper dietary phenomena are explored. Data from large prospective cohort studies show that dietary patterns are associated with intelligence, school achievement and behavioural problems in children. Furthermore, detrimental behavioural effects of food insecurity, in severe cases hunger, are suggested by recent research. Sugar gets special attention in this paper. Contrary to common knowledge, sugar doesn’t seem to have a negative impact on behaviour. On the other hand, research suggests that glucose metabolism might explain aspects of impulsive aggressive behaviour. It might be possible to make prediction of future aggressive behaviour, using data from glucose metabolism. Finally experimental studies suggest that dietary modification is causally linked to behavioural improvement in offenders and people suffering from a variety of mental problems.
Indammen van sociale agressie met dynamische verlichting
Authors: Haans A. , De Kort Y.A.W.
Published: August 2014

Reducing social aggression with dynamic lighting. The De-escalate project in Eindhoven

There are numerous situations in which human behavior may escalate; in which persons lose self-control, get abusive, aggressive, and cross behavioral boundaries they would normally not cross. Such situations may occur in crowded outdoor situations (public events, urban night life) as well as in small-scale indoor settings (prisons, service & help desks, psychiatric wards). The De-escalate project studies the utilization of dynamic lighting in preventing escalation and in defusing aggressive situations. In De-escalate, Eindhoven University of Technology cooperates with governmental and non-profit organizations, and commercial partners to develop and test mechanisms for de-escalation through light, for example, by lowering arousal, inducing positive mood, broadening attention, increasing self-awareness and self-control. The project aims to broaden our understanding of the effects of light in controlled laboratory studies, and will develop and test methods of de-escalation through light in situ; in two escalation-prone real life settings including Eindhoven’s inner-city entertainment area Stratumseind.
Compliance analyseren met behulp van het Willen-Kunnen-Durven-model
Authors: Elffers H.
Published: August 2014

Analysing rule compliance with the Willing-Being Able - Daring framework

The ‘Willing-Being Able-Daring’ (WBAD) framework for analysing rule compliance is introduced and explained. It models rule transgression as the result of climbing a three step staircase: people first have to form a will to not-comply, then see whether they can find an opportunity to transgress the rule without being caught for certain, and finally have to decide to take the risk, facing the consequences of being caught and issued an informal or formal reaction in terms of social disapproval or juridical prosecution. The WBAD framework proposes to identify which of these steps is (too) low, using expert meetings or surveys. It advocates to ponder on ways to increase the heights of the steps. It is claimed that the approach is simpler and hence more parsimonious than the Table-of-Eleven-approach commonly used in The Netherlands. The approach is illustrated with an example from the realm of tax compliance. The article concludes with sketching a perspective when to apply WBAD.
Bestuurlijke transities in de rooms-katholieke kerk
Authors: Witte Henk
Published: August 2014

Governmental transitions in the Roman Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Church experiences a transition from the highly centralized Church formation of Ultramontane Mass Catholicism into a more decentralized and pluralistic Choice Catholicism. With respect to governance, this transition concerns the increasing importance of the diocesan intermediate level in the Church on the one hand, and a transition from a union-oriented organization model into a network-oriented model on the other. The network model is catalyzed by the digitalization of daily life and its polycentrism. This contribution discusses these developments in a systematic way with the help of sociological and theological insights. By way of conclusion it summarizes some challenges from a policy and governmental point of view. They concern the ecclesial leadership style, membership and participation, catholicity, online community building, and self-presentation in the social media.
Interactions between fungi colonizing the stem base of winter wheat
Authors: Wachowska Urszula
Published: August 2014

In vitro conditions, the interactions betecen the fungi most frequently isolated from the stem base of winter wheat were determined. These were the species from genus Fusarium (F. culmorum, F. avenaceum and F. poae) and Rhizoctonia cerealis, Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides, Alternaria alternata and Aureobasidium bolleyi. Some saprotrophes showed stimulating effect on R. cerealis, P. herpotrichoides and F. poae. Certain species in combined cultures showed exceptionally favourable relationships.
Macromycetes of oak forests in the Łagiewnicki Forest (Central Poland) - monitoring studies
Authors: Ławrynowicz Maria , Kałucka Izabela , Sumorok Beata
Published: August 2014

Mycological observations were carried out in the years 1994- 1996 in two permanent plots in a ca. 90-year-old oak forest (Calamagrostio-Quercetum petraeae) in the Las Łagiewnicki Forest, a large forest complex within the borders of the city of Łódź. The study was conducted in the frame of the international project "Mycological monitoring in European oak forests". During the 3 years (15 observations) 124 species of macromycetes were identified: 50 mycorrhizal, 72 saprobic and 2 parasitic species. Among them, 7 species inscribed on the Red List of threatened macromycetes in Poland (Wojewoda and Ławrynowicz 1992) were found.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomeromycota) of the Vistula Bar
Authors: Błaszkowski Janusz , Adamska Iwona , Czerniawska Beata
Published: August 2014

The occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) of the, phylum Glomeromycota associated with plants of maritime sand dunes of the Vistula Bar localed in north-eastern Poland was investigated. The presence of AMF was revealed based on spores isolated from field-collected root-rhizosphere soil mixtures and two-cycle pot trap cultures established with parts of these mixtures. The mixtures came from under five species in four plant families. Spores of AMF occurred in 54.8% of the field samples and belonged to eight species. Additionally, culturing of root-soil mixtures in trap cultures revealed nine species and three undescribed morphotypes carlier not found in the field samples. Considering the number of records of species and morphotypes in the field samples and trap cultures, the fungal species most frequently occurring in dunes of the Vistula Bar is Scutellospora dipurpurescens, followed by Archaeospora trappei, Glomus laccatum, and Scu. armeniaca. The overall average spore abundance in the field samples is low (4.48, range O-3l in 100g dry soil). The ovcrall average species richness determined based on spores from both the field and trap cultures was 2 l and ranged from 0 lo 7 in 100g dry soil. The plant harbouring the highest number of species of AMF was Festuca rubra. Of the maritime dune sites of Poland examined to date, the species composition of AMF of the Vistula Bar is most similar to that of the Słowiński National Park. When the comparisons included 15 maritime dune areas located outside Poland, the highest similarity occurred in the Vistula Bar/Canada comparison.
The Budzisk nature reserve as a biocentre of lichen diversity in the Knyszyńska Large Forest (NE Poland)
Authors: Czyżewska Krystyna , Cieśliński Stanisław , Motiejūnaitė Jurga , Kolanko Katarzyna
Published: August 2014

Budzisk nature reserve belongs to an old-growth forest Knyszyńska Large Forest complex. During the present study. 185 taxa of lichens, lichenicolous and saprobic fungi were recorded in the reserve. Seventy seven taxa of them are red-listed in Poland and NE Poland or are indicators of an old-growth forest. Consequently, the Budzisk reserve can be considered to be a biocentre of a diversity of lichens especially those characterislic of old-growth forests in NE Poland. During the study, the following rare and noteworthy species of lichens and allied fungi were found: Absconditella lignicola, Acrocordia cavata, Biatora ocelliformis, Fellhanera gyrophorica, Fellhaneropsis vezdae, Micarea hedlundii, Mycocalicium subtile, Pertusaria pupillaris, Phaeopyxis punctum, and Stenocybe pullatula. They have been recorted for the Knyszńska Large Forest for the first lime.
Inside the Psychiatric Word: Diagnosis and Self-Definition in the Late Soviet Period
Authors: Reich Rebecca
Published: August 2014

The punitive psychiatric hospitalization of Soviet dissidents and nonconformists spurred the writing and circulation of memoirs of detention, transcripts of conversations with psychiatrists, copies of psychiatric files, handbooks on legal and medical aspects of psychiatric examination, works of fiction, poems, and other related documents. Rebecca Reich draws on this major body of texts to determine how politically unorthodox citizens engaged with psychiatry in life and on the page. Close reading of texts by Vladimir Bukovskii, Semen Gluzman, Aleksandr Vol'pin, and others suggests that unsanctioned accounts of hospitalization did more than expose the abuse of psychiatry; they challenged Soviet psychiatric discourse and promoted inakomyslie, “thinking differently,” as the psychological norm. By depathologizing themselves and pathologizing the state during encounters with psychiatrists and in samizdat, dissidents and nonconformists engaged in self-definition and asserted their own diagnostic authority.
Molecular Genetic Biomarkers in Myeloid Malignancies
Authors: Matynia Anna P. , Szankasi Philippe , Shen Wei , Kelley Todd W.
Published: August 2014

Context

Recent studies using massively parallel sequencing technologies, so-called next-generation sequencing, have uncovered numerous recurrent, single-gene variants or mutations across the spectrum of myeloid malignancies.

Objectives

To review the recent advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of myeloid neoplasms, including their significance for diagnostic and prognostic purposes and the possible implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Data Sources

Literature review.

Conclusions

The recurrent mutations found in myeloid malignancies fall into distinct functional categories. These include (1) cell signaling factors, (2) transcription factors, (3) regulators of the cell cycle, (4) regulators of DNA methylation, (5) regulators of histone modification, (6) RNA-splicing factors, and (7) components of the cohesin complex. As the clinical significance of these mutations and mutation combinations is established, testing for their presence is likely to become a routine part of the diagnostic workup. This review will attempt to establish a framework for understanding these mutations in the context of myeloproliferative neoplasms, myelodysplastic syndromes, and acute myeloid leukemia.
Plaidoyer pour une psychanalyse empathique
Authors: Tisseron Serge
Published: August 2014

Après avoir évoqué l’évolution des pathologies, l’auteur rappelle que Sándor Ferenczi, dès 1928, a posé le concept d’empathie comme un outil majeur du psychanalyste. Prenant en compte les plus récents travaux à ce sujet, il montre ensuite que ce concept se laisse décomposer en trois dimensions. La première, l’empathie directe, est un mode de connaissance d’autrui qui permet de se mettre à la place de l’autre tout en restant conscient de la différence entre lui et soi. La seconde dimension est l’empathie réciproque, qui ajoute à la possibilité de se mettre à la place de l’autre le principe d’une réciprocité possible. Enfin, la troisième dimension correspond à ce qui est couramment appelé intersubjectivité, et qui consiste à reconnaître à l’autre la possibilité de nous éclairer sur des aspects de soi que l’on ignore. C’est cette dernière dimension que l’analyste doit avoir à coeur de développer. Sur ce chemin, l’auteur propose de penser la psychanalyse sur le modèle d’une relation de compagnonnage : mutuelle, réciproque et non symétrique.
La disparition du père : de l’affaissement du symbolique à l’angoisse du réel
Authors: Roger Pascale
Published: August 2014

La symbolisation est la conséquence d’un fait anthropologique : la paternité n’est pas une certitude spontanée, elle est produite par la pensée, contrairement à la maternité qui s’inscrit dans l’expérience sensible. Le « père de l’Oedipe » n’est donc ni le « bon éducateur » ni le « chef », mais celui qui prend sens comme père pour l’enfant, et le fait entrer dans le registre de la signification et du langage en y incorporant le désir et la loi. Le déclin de la fonction paternelle ou son absence engendre la production archaïque de « père imaginaire » mais aussi la détresse d’un psychisme orphelin à vif, qui, ne pouvant plus compter que sur lui-même, se trouve meurtri du dedans par la pulsion comme du dehors par le réel. Cet état, associé à l’absence de tiers et à la jouissance sans limite entretenues par le social, conditionne les formes perverses de toute-puissance et de violence, véritables défenses contre la psychose.
Procuration, incarnation
Authors: Lévesque Nicolas
Published: August 2014

L’auteur de ce texte écrit en périphérie de l’institution universitaire et psychanalytique, en mémoire de Freud écrivain, de Pontalis, de tous ceux pour qui la langue de l’écrit a la responsabilité de donner écho, dans sa chair même, à la langue de la séance.
Lise Gaboury-Diallo et Monique Proulx : vers la troisième phase de l’histoire du handicap
Authors: Arentsen Maria Fernanda
Published: August 2014

Depuis quelques décennies, on entend de plus en plus la voix des personnes en situation de handicap, qui se battent pour changer les conceptions et le regard de la société sur leur situation. Grâce à la présence, aux réflexions, à l’apport théorique et à l’activisme de plus en plus important de ces personnes, on voit que les mentalités et les conceptions sur le handicap sont en train d’évoluer. Dans le milieu académique, cette nouvelle approche interdisciplinaire, qui révolutionne la conception du handicap, se fait connaître comme les  « études sur l’incapacité ». Cet article propose une lecture dans cette perspective de trois textes littéraires portant sur la folie et le handicap : deux récits, tirés du recueil Lointaines de Lise Gaboury-Diallo (2010),  « Une attente éternelle » et  « La folle de Bandiagara », ainsi que le roman Homme invisible à la fenêtre de Monique Proulx (1993).
Un texte construit au travers de cultures, langues, frontières, genres et médias : « Le loup-rougarou » de Lise Gaboury-Diallo
Authors: Sing Pamela  V.
Published: August 2014

Depuis la parution en 2004 de Littérature amérindienne du Québec : écrits de langue française, édité par Maurizio Gatti, la littérature produite par des écrivains autochtones d’expression française du Québec n’est plus un domaine inconnu. Certes, il en va autrement dans le  « reste du Canada » où, si le domaine de la littérature amérindienne d’expression anglaise est connu et étudié, les connaissances concernant les écrivains amérindiens d’expression française se limitent généralement à l’oeuvre respective de deux individus : Pierre Falcon et Louis Riel. Or, ces seuls noms indiquent que, si une telle littérature existe, elle serait la création d’écrivains franco-canadiens d’ascendance métisse. Ceux-ci ne sont pas nombreux, voire d’une extrême rareté, d’où l’intérêt et l’importance de l’objet de cet article qui visera à faire connaître un aspect peu étudié jusqu’ici chez une écrivaine bien connue dans le milieu franco-canadien de l’Ouest, mais en tant que Franco-Manitobaine. Lise Gaboury-Diallo, professeure de littérature à l’Université de Saint-Boniface, est une poète et une nouvelliste primée qui est aussi essayiste et critique littéraire. En décrivant un projet d’écriture collectif auquel je travaille depuis 2008 et en racontant la façon dont j’en suis venue à inviter Lise Gaboury-Diallo à y participer, j’ai l’intention de faire connaître un aspect moins connu de son portrait et de son écriture, à savoir la construction dans son écriture de ses liens avec son ascendance amérindienne.
Toposémie, topos et figure imaginaire : à propos de La route d’Altamont de Gabrielle Roy
Authors: Valenti Jean
Published: August 2014

Cet article porte sur les conditions d’émergence d’une figure imaginaire dans le cadre de l’acte de lecture. Il vise à montrer selon quelles modalités toute figure s’ouvre sur une expérience esthétique singulière. L’auteur insiste d’abord sur le rôle des processus sémiotiques cognitif, argumentatif, affectif et symbolique en jeu dans tout acte de lecture; il montre ensuite que leur interaction implique une dialectique entre les modes topologique et analogique de la signification lorsqu’il est question de lecture littéraire. Le va-et-vient entre ces modes appelle une description du cadre notionnel nécessaire à l’émergence d’une figure en lecture littéraire: complexité, mémoire, imagination et série scalaire. Une analyse menée sur une séquence narrative de La route d’Altamont de Gabrielle Roy permet de comprendre, d’une part, l’interaction des processus sémiotiques impliqués au plan topologique de la signification et de mettre en relief, d’autre part, les fondements discursifs indispensables à l’émergence d’une figure imaginaire. La dernière partie de l’article propose, notamment sous le signe de l’alchimie et du saturnisme, la cristallisation d’une telle figure autour des rapports entre la jeunesse et la vieillesse.
Evaluating social outcomes of HIV/AIDS interventions: a critical assessment of contemporary indicator frameworks
Authors: Mannell Jenevieve , Cornish Flora , Russell Jill
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Contemporary HIV‐related theory and policy emphasize the importance of addressing the social drivers of HIV risk and vulnerability for a long‐term response. Consequently, increasing attention is being given to social and structural interventions, and to social outcomes of HIV interventions. Appropriate indicators for social outcomes are needed in order to institutionalize the commitment to addressing social outcomes. This paper critically assesses the current state of social indicators within international HIV/AIDS monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

Methods

We analyzed the indicator frameworks of six international organizations involved in efforts to improve and synchronize the monitoring and evaluation of the HIV/AIDS response. Our analysis classifies the 328 unique indicators according to what they measure and assesses the degree to which they offer comprehensive measurement across three dimensions: domains of the social context, levels of change and organizational capacity.

Results and discussion

The majority of indicators focus on individual‐level (clinical and behavioural) interventions and outcomes, neglecting structural interventions, community interventions and social outcomes (e.g. stigma reduction; community capacity building; policy‐maker sensitization). The main tool used to address social aspects of HIV/AIDS is the disaggregation of data by social group. This raises three main limitations. Indicator frameworks do not provide comprehensive coverage of the diverse social drivers of the epidemic, particularly neglecting criminalization, stigma, discrimination and gender norms. There is a dearth of indicators for evaluating the social impacts of HIV interventions. Indicators of organizational capacity focus on capacity to effectively deliver and manage clinical services, neglecting capacity to respond appropriately and sustainably to complex social contexts.

Conclusions

Current indicator frameworks cannot adequately assess the social outcomes of HIV interventions. This limits knowledge about social drivers and inhibits the institutionalization of social approaches within the HIV/AIDS response. We conclude that indicator frameworks should expand to offer a more comprehensive range of social indicators for monitoring and evaluation and to include indicators of organizational capacity to tackle social drivers. While such expansion poses challenges for standardization and coordination, we argue that the complexity of interventions producing social outcomes necessitates capacity for flexibility and local tailoring in monitoring and evaluation.
Additions to the liverwort flora of the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand Botanical Region
Authors: Braggins John , Renner Matt , De Lange Peter
Published: August 2014

Five liverwort species are reported for the first time from the New Zealand Botanical Region, all from Raoul Island in

the Kermadec Islands group: Ceratolejeunea belangeriana, Notoscyphus lucescens and Lepidolejeunea integristipula (new records for their respective genera in New Zealand), Acrolejeunea pycnoclada var pycnoclada and Cheilolejeunea ceylanica. Keys to Australasian Acrolejeunea and vitate species of Cheilolejeunea subg. Xenolejeunea are provided.
Heterotopic Cesarean Scar Pregnancy
Authors: OuYang Zhenbo , Yin Qian , Xu Yujing , Ma Yunyan , Zhang Qiushi , Yu Yanhong
Published: August 2014

Heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy is a rare, life‐threatening form of ectopic pregnancy. To provide information regarding the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of this condition, we reviewed all cases reported in the English literature. All literature on heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy was retrieved by searching the PubMed database and tracking references of the relevant literature. Full texts were reviewed, and clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and the relationship between the treatment and prognosis were summarized. A total of 14 patients with heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancies were identified, including 6 spontaneous pregnancies and 8 following in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer. Gestational ages at diagnosis ranged from 5 weeks to 8 weeks 4 days. Only 5 cases presented with vaginal bleeding, and the others were asymptomatic. All 14 cases were diagnosed by transvaginal sonography. One patient with no future fertility requirements underwent pregnancy termination by methotrexate. Of the remaining 13 patients who desired to preserve their intrauterine gestations, 10 were treated by sonographically guided selective embryo reduction in situ (by embryo aspiration, drug injection, or both); 2 underwent laparoscopic and hysteroscopic excision of the ectopic pregnancy masses; and 1 was treated by expectant management. All operations were successful and maintained a living intrauterine gestation. Twelve cases resulted in live births by cesarean delivery (3 at term and 9 preterm). One patient underwent pregnancy termination at 12 weeks because of a fetal malformation confirmed by sonography. The possibility of heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy after cesarean delivery should be considered, especially when pregnancy follows assisted reproductive technology. Transvaginal sonography is an important tool for diagnosis and management. Despite the many options, the best treatment for this condition remains unclear. Selective embryo reduction in situ with sonographic guidance is the main treatment modality and can result in a successful intrauterine gestation, albeit at high risk.
Rates of Intracardiac Umbilical Venous Catheter Placement in Neonates
Authors: Harabor Andrei , Soraisham Amuchou
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To review umbilical venous catheter (UVC) placement in neonates who underwent targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE) and to correlate catheter tip placement on TNE and anteroposterior thoracoabdominal radiography.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 51 neonates who had UVC positions assessed by TNE and radiography in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A single operator performed all TNE examinations. The final radiographic catheter placement was taken from the image closest to the time of echocardiography. Fisher exact, χ2, and t tests were used as appropriate.

Results

Among the 51 neonates who had catheters placed for 24 hours or more, TNE was performed on 48 in the first 48 hours, 2 at day 6, and 1 at day 9. Thirty‐six neonates were extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g). Twenty‐nine had good catheter tip positions, and 22 had catheters inside the heart (10 in the right atrium [RA], 3 at the foramen ovale, and 9 in the left atrium [LA]). Twenty neonates with catheter tips in the heart were ELBW, including 8 with catheters in the LA. The ELBW neonates were more likely to have catheters in the heart than non‐ELBW neonates (20 of 36 versus 2 of 15; P= .01; odds ratio [OR], 8.1; confidence interval [CI], 1.59–41.3). Good placement on TNE varied widely in relation to thoracic vertebral landmarks on radiography: from the T7–8 interspace to T11. When radiography showed a catheter tip at T9–T10, there was no difference in the proportion of neonates with a good catheter position versus malposition (8 of 22 versus 8 of 29; P = .55; OR, 0.67; CI, 0.20–2.19).

Conclusions

A high proportion of ELBW neonates in a busy NICU had UVCs placed with the tips in the RA or LA despite common placement practices. We recommend adding TNE to radiography to position UVCs, especially in ELBW neonates.
Noninvasive Assessment of Liver Fibrosis Using Ultrasound‐Based Shear Wave Measurement and Comparison to Magnetic Resonance Elastography
Authors: Zhao Heng , Chen Jun , Meixner Duane D. , Xie Hua , Shamdasani Vijay , Zhou Shiwei , Robert Jean-Luc , Urban Matthew W. , Sanchez William , Callstrom Matthew R. , Ehman Richard L. , Greenleaf James F. , Chen Shigao
Published: August 2014

Objectives

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has excellent performance in detecting liver fibrosis and is becoming an alternative to liver biopsy in clinical practice. Ultrasound techniques based on measuring the propagation speed of the shear waves induced by acoustic radiation force also have shown promising results for liver fibrosis staging. The objective of this study was to compare ultrasound‐based shear wave measurement to MRE.

Methods

In this study, 50 patients (28 female and 22 male; age range, 19–81 years) undergoing liver MRE examinations were studied with an ultrasound scanner modified with shear wave measurement functionality. For each patient, 27 shear wave speed measurements were obtained at various locations in the liver parenchyma away from major vessels. The median shear wave speed from all measurements was used to calculate a representative shear modulus (μ) for each patient. Magnetic resonance elastographic data processing was done by a single analyst blinded to the ultrasound measurement results.

Results

Ultrasound and MRE measurements were correlated (r = 0.86; P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was applied to the ultrasound measurement results with the MRE diagnosis as the “ground truth.” The area under the ROC curve for separating patients with minimum fibrosis (defined as μMRE ≤2.9 kPa) was 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.95), and the area under the ROC curve for separating patients with advanced fibrosis (defined as μMRE ≥5.0 kPa) was 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.87–0.99).

Conclusions

Results indicate that the ultrasound‐based shear wave measurement correlates with MRE and is a promising method for liver fibrosis staging.
Novel Sonographic Clues for Diagnosis of Antral Gastritis and Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Cakmakci Emin , Ucan Berna , Colak Bayram , Cinar Hasibe Gokçe
Published: August 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to find out whether transabdominal sonography may have a predictive role for detection of antral gastritis and Helicobacter pylori infection in the antrum.

Methods

A total of 108 patients and 54 control participants were allocated into 3 groups: group 1, controls without any symptoms or findings of antral gastritis and H pylori infection; group 2, patients with symptoms and endoscopic findings consistent with gastritis in the absence of documented H pylori infection; and group 3, patients with symptoms and endoscopic findings consistent with gastritis and documented H pylori infection. These groups were compared in terms of demographics, antral wall thickness, mucosal layer (together with muscularis mucosa) thickness, and mucosal layer‐to‐antral wall thickness ratio.

Results

The groups had no statistically significant differences with respect to age, sex, body mass index, and smoking habits. However, it turned out that both antral walls and muscularis mucosa layers were thicker and the mucosal layer‐to‐antral wall thickness ratio was higher in groups 2 and 3 compared to group 1 (P > .001). In addition, group 3 had statistically significantly thicker antral walls and muscularis mucosa layers and a significantly increased mucosal layer‐to‐antral wall thickness ratio than group 2 (P < .001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that antral gastritis caused by H pylori infection is associated with characteristic features such as thickening of antral walls and mucosal layers on sonography. These novel clues may be useful in the diagnosis of gastritis, and unnecessary interventions and measures can be avoided in some cases.
Clinical Value of Miniprobe Sonography for Detection of Esophageal Submucosal Lesions
Authors: Xing Wu , Ying Chang , Xia Yin , Tao Ying , Liang Feng , Bing Hu
Published: August 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of catheter‐based miniprobe sonography for diagnosis of esophageal submucosal lesions.

Methods

A total of 199 patients with esophageal submucosal lesions underwent miniprobe sonography via gastroscopy. The sonograms were reviewed, and the sonographic findings were compared with pathologic findings from specimens obtained by endoscopic or surgical dissection.

Results

The diagnoses for the 199 patients were as follows: 54 cysts, 58 leiomyomas, 25 stromal tumors, 26 venous aneurysms, 15 lipomas, and 21 extramural compressions. A total of 145 lesions were verified by surgery and pathologic examinations. The results for 139 lesions were confirmed by miniprobe sonography; 6 lesions were misdiagnosed. The diagnostic accuracy rate for miniprobe sonography was 95.9%.

Conclusions

Miniprobe sonography can provide precise information about the size, location, border, and echogenicity of esophageal submucosal lesions. It has high diagnostic accuracy. Preoperative miniprobe sonography via gastroscopy may play an important role in the choice of therapy for esophageal submucosal lesions.
A Randomized Comparison of Proximal and Distal Ultrasound‐Guided Adductor Canal Catheter Insertion Sites for Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Mariano Edward R. , Kim T. Edward , Wagner Michael J. , Funck Natasha , Harrison T. Kyle , Walters Tessa , Giori Nicholas , Woolson Steven , Ganaway Toni , Howard Steven K.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

Proximal and distal (mid‐thigh) ultrasound‐guided continuous adductor canal block techniques have been described but not yet compared, and infusion benefits or side effects may be determined by catheter location. We hypothesized that proximal placement will result in faster onset of saphenous nerve anesthesia, without additional motor block, compared to a distal technique.

Methods

Preoperatively, patients receiving an ultrasound‐guided nonstimulating adductor canal catheter for knee arthroplasty were randomly assigned to either proximal or distal insertion. A local anesthetic bolus was administered via the catheter after successful placement. The primary outcome was the time to achieve complete sensory anesthesia in the saphenous nerve distribution. Secondary outcomes included procedural time, procedure‐related pain and complications, postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and motor weakness.

Results

Proximal insertion (n = 23) took a median (10th–90th percentiles) of 12.0 (3.0–21.0) minutes versus 6.0 (3.0–21.0) minutes for distal insertion (n = 21; P= .106) to anesthetize the medial calf. Only 10 of 25 (40%) and 10 of 24 (42%) patients in the proximal and distal groups, respectively, developed anesthesia at both the medial calf and top of the patella (P= .978). Bolus‐induced motor weakness occurred in 19 of 25 (76%) and 16 of 24 (67%) patients in the proximal and distal groups (P = .529). Ten of 24 patients (42%) in the distal group required intravenous morphine postoperatively, compared to 2 of 24 (8%) in the proximal group (P = .008), but there were no differences in other secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

Continuous adductor canal blocks can be performed reliably at both proximal and distal locations. The proximal approach may offer minor analgesic and logistic advantages without an increase in motor block.
Tide‐driven shear instability in planetary liquid cores
Authors: Sauret Alban , Le Bars Michael , Le Gal Patrice
Published: August 2014

We present an experimental study on the shear instability driven by tidal forcing in a model planetary liquid core. The experimental setup consists of a water‐filled deformable sphere rotating around its axis and subjected to an elliptical forcing. At resonant forcing frequencies, the nonlinear self‐interaction of the excited inertial mode drives an intense and localized axisymmetric jet. The jet becomes unstable at low Ekman number because of a shear instability. Using particle image velocimetry measurements, we derive a semiempirical scaling law that captures the instability threshold of the shear instability. This mechanism is fully relevant to planetary systems, where it constitutes a new route to generate turbulence in their liquid cores.
Direct velocity observations of volume flux between Iceland and the Shetland Islands
Authors: Childers Katelin H. , Flagg Charles N. , Rossby Thomas
Published: August 2014

Atlantic Waters flowing northward into the Nordic Seas are important for their role as an early indicator of changes to deepwater formation. As such, this requires a fundamental understanding of the pathways and volume fluxes through the primary passageways from the Atlantic into the Nordic Seas. A mean annual volume transport of 6.1 ± 0.3 Sv was observed flowing in above the σt = 27.8 isopycnal (a proxy for the lower limit of Atlantic Water depth), through the Faroe Shetland Channel (FSC) and over the Iceland Faroes Ridge (IFR) from March 2008 to June 2012, using repeat velocity sections obtained from a vessel mounted Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). A new vessel route has expanded the spatial coverage of FSC observations and reveals a difference in average inflow transport, which most likely results from an interannual variation in the total transport through the FSC, which in turn is tied to a weakening of the southerly flow over the western slope of the channel. This interannual variability has increased the mean transport through the FSC from 0.9 Sv observed over the first 2 years of this program by Rossby and Flagg (2012) to a 4.5 year mean of 1.7 ± 0.2 Sv, which emphasizes the importance of knowing the flow along the Faroese shelf. Interannual fluctuations in transport observed over the IFR are related to the width of the inflow over the Faroese half of the ridge.
Wet deposition of black carbon at a remote site in the East China Sea
Authors: Mori T. , Kondo Y. , Ohata S. , Moteki N. , Matsui H. , Oshima N. , Iwasaki A.
Published: August 2014

Mass concentrations of black carbon (BC) in air (MBC) and rainwater (CBC) in the East China Sea were measured at Hedo on Okinawa Island, Japan, from April 2010 to March 2013. The monthly averaged MBC and CBC showed marked seasonal variations, being highest in spring (0.32 ± 0.13 µg m−3 and 92 ± 76 µg L−1, respectively) and lowest in summer (0.06 ± 0.03 µg m−3 and 8.0 ± 4.1 µg L−1, respectively). The high MBC and CBC in spring were associated with transport of air masses from the Asian continent by northwesterly winds. The BC wet deposition flux (FBC), estimated as the product of CBC and precipitation amount, also showed a distinct seasonal variation. The monthly average FBC during the four spring seasons (16.8 ± 6.7 mg m−2 month−1) was about 3 times higher than the annual average FBC (5.5 ± 9.9 mg m−2 month−1) owing to the high CBC and precipitation amount in spring. As a result, about 76% of the annual BC deposition occurred in spring on average. The FBC in spring is comparable to the average BC net flux in North China, indicating the importance of precipitation over the East China Sea as a sink of BC transported from North China. In summer, CBC values were correlated with MBC for rain events associated with local convective activity, as identified by the convective available potential energy. A one‐dimensional thermodynamic model successfully explained the relation between CBC and MBC.
Apolipoprotein‐Containing Lipoprotein Subclasses and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Kiani Adnan N. , Fang Hong , Akhter Ehtisham , Quiroga Carmen , Simpson Nancy , Alaupovic Petar , Magder Laurence S. , Petri Michelle
Published: August 2014

Objective

Traditional classification of hyperlipidemia using high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low‐density lipoprotein does not provide information on lipoprotein function. Apolipoproteins (Apos), which are protein components of plasma lipoproteins (including A, B, C, D, E) with their different composition, metabolic, and atherogenic properties, provide insight on lipoprotein functioning. In particular, the Apo B/A‐I ratio is associated with atherogenic LDL and development of cardiovascular disease. We explored the baseline association between these nontraditional risk factors with subclinical measures of atherosclerosis (coronary artery calcification [CAC] and carotid intima‐media thickness [IMT]) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

A total of 58 SLE patients (97% women, 58% white, 40% African American, and 2% other, mean ± SD age 44 ± 11 years) had measurement of Apo and lipoproteins by immunoturbidimetric procedures, electroimmunoassays, and immunoprecipitation. CAC was measured by helical computed tomography and carotid IMT by carotid duplex. This study was based on the baseline assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis in the Lupus Atherosclerosis Prevention Study. The measurement of the lipoproteins was made on sera collected at the same time.

Results

There was no association between cardioprotective Apos (Apo A‐I, LpA‐I, LpA‐I:A‐II) and CAC (P < 0.15, P < 0.41, and P < 0.39, respectively) or carotid IMT (P < 0.97, P < 0.53, and P < 0.76, respectively). CAC and carotid IMT did not associate with atherogenic Apos either, including LpB:E+LpB:C:E, Apo B, LpB, LpB:C, Apo C‐III, Apo C‐III‐HS, Apo C‐III‐HP, Apo C‐III‐R, LpA‐II:B:C:D:E, and Apo B/Apo A‐I. Measures of disease activity, including physician's global assessment and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index, were not associated with CAC or carotid IMT.

Conclusion

Neither cardioprotective nor atherogenic lipoproteins were associated with measures of subclinical atherosclerosis in this series of SLE patients. Further studies with a larger sample size are warranted to confirm our findings.
Influence of Direct Laser Written 3D Topographies on Proliferation and Differentiation of Osteoblast‐Like Cells: Towards Improved Implant Surfaces
Authors: Hohmann Judith K. , von Freymann Georg
Published: August 2014

The influence of truly three‐dimensional microstructures on osteoblast‐like cells is reported. Well defined templates are fabricated by direct laser writing and biocompatibly coated with titanium dioxide, resembling implant surfaces. The influence of structural parameters on proliferation, morphology, adhesion, and differentiation is studied. A significantly higher proliferation (170%) is observed on particular topographies compared to unstructured surfaces. Additionally, an influence of structural parameters on the morphology of osteoblast‐like cells is obtained, whereas all cells possess the osteoblastic marker alkaline phosphatase within all structures.
Continuous decrease of consanguineous marriages among arabs in israel
Authors: Na'amnih Wasef , Romano‐Zelekha Orly , Kabaha Ahmed , Rubin Liza Pollack , Bilenko Natalya , Jaber Lutfi , Honovich Mira , Shohat Tamy
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To describe the trend in the rate of consanguineous marriages among the Israeli Arab population and to identify factors associated with this custom shift in recent years.

Methods

The study was conducted between November 2009 and January 2010 in Family Health Centers. A questionnaire was presented to parents during routine visits to the center with their children.

Results

Information on 6,437 couples was collected. The rate of consanguineous marriages decreased from 35.8% among those married before 2000, to 28.2% among those married in 2000–2004, and to 24.0% among those married in 2005–2009 (P for trend <0.001). First cousin marriages were the most common type of consanguineous marriages in all the time periods. Consanguineous marriages were associated with consanguinity between the couples' parents (both husband and wife), a high consanguinity rate in the place of residence and younger age at marriage (wife).

Conclusions

The rates of consanguineous marriages among Israeli Arabs are decreasing but still high. Because consanguineous marriages are widely acceptable, the role of public health professionals and primary care personnel is to provide comprehensive information about the potential genetic risks of consanguinity on offspring health and to increase the accessibility of premarital and preconception counseling services. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:94–98, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Controlling Selectivity in the Chlorine Evolution Reaction over RuO2‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Exner Kai S. , Anton Josef , Jacob Timo , Over Herbert
Published: August 2014

In the industrially important Chlor‐Alkali process, the chlorine evolution reaction (CER) over a ruthenium dioxide (RuO2) catalyst competes with the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This selectivity issue is elucidated on the microscopic level with the single‐crystalline model electrode RuO2(110) by employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations in combination with the concept of volcano plots. We demonstrate that one monolayer of TiO2(110) supported on RuO2(110) enhances the selectivity towards the CER by several orders of magnitudes, while preserving the high activity for the CER. This win‐win situation is attributed to the different slopes of the volcano curves for the CER and OER.
Randomized Controlled Trials of Rheumatoid Arthritis Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: What Gets Published and When
Authors: Khan Nasim A. , Singh Manisha , Spencer Horace J. , Torralba Karina D.
Published: August 2014

Objective

To examine characteristics associated with the publication and timeliness of publication of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

RA RCTs (phases II–IV) registered at ClinicalTrials.gov and completed by December 31, 2009 were identified. A standardized strategy was used to determine publication status and outcome assessment. The association of RCT characteristics recorded at ClinicalTrials.gov and study outcome with publication and time to publication were assessed.

Results

A search conducted at least 30 months after trial completion revealed that among 143 eligible RCTs, 95 (64.4%) were published. The 48 unpublished RCTs had enrolled >10,000 patients. Efficacy outcomes could be ascertained for 127 of the RCTs. RCT publication was associated with positive outcome, with an adjusted odds ratio [OR] of 4.3 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.8–10.2) (P = 0.001), and marginally with RCT registration before completion (adjusted OR 0.4 [95% CI 0.1–1.0], P = 0.06). The estimated median time to publication was 38 months. Positive outcome was associated with earlier publication (adjusted hazard ratio 1.9 [95% CI 1.2–2.9], P = 0.006). RCTs completed in 2006–2007 or 2008–2009 were likely to be published sooner than RCTs completed in or before 2005. Sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of 16 RCTs with unknown outcome did not alter these findings, except in the highly implausible scenario of all such trials being positive.

Conclusion

Positive study outcome was associated with publication and timeliness of publication despite registration in a publicly available registry. A substantial minority of RA RCTs remained unpublished. Efforts to improve transparency in reporting of clinical trials need to continue.
Proof of Concept of the Electrochemical Sensing of 3‐Iodothyronamine (T1AM) and Thyronamine (T0AM)
Authors: Gonçalves Luís M. , Moreira Manuela M. , Azevedo Carla F. , Valente Inês M. , Sousa João C. , Scanlan Thomas S. , Compton Richard G. , Rodrigues José A.
Published: August 2014

Recent studies have shown that, besides the well‐recognized T3 and T4 hormones, there are other relevant thyroid hormones circulating in the human body. In particular, this is the case for 3‐iodothyronamine (T1AM) and thyronamine (T0AM). One of the reasons for the lack of studies showing their precise importance is the absence of analytical methodologies available. Herein, for the first time, T1AM and T0AM are electrochemically characterized. T0AM was sensed by means of a glassy carbon electrode; furthermore, T1AM was sensed both with a graphitic surface (oxidatively) as well as with mercury (reductively). For both compounds, after oxidation, it was possible to observe the reversible redox reaction concerning the benzoquinone/hydroquinone couple, thus increasing the specificity of the electroanalysis. Therefore, this work provides the basis for an ‘at‐point‐of‐use’ electrochemical strip test for T1AM and T0AM.
Hollow α‐Fe2O3 Nanospheres Synthesized Using a Carbon Template as Novel Anode Materials for Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Shubo , Wang Wei , Zhan Pan , Jiao Shuqiang
Published: August 2014

Hollow α‐Fe2O3 nanospheres are synthesized by a carbon‐template method. The open channels and tiny particles present within the hollow nanospheres facilitate the penetration of the electrolyte, efficiently reducing the diffusion length for both Na ions and electrons and tolerating volume expansion and particle pulverization. A high discharge capacity of 837.3 mAh g−1 is obtained and obvious voltage plateaus can be observed during the charge and discharge process.
Water‐Soluble Conductive Composite Binder Containing PEDOT:PSS as Conduction Promoting Agent for Si Anode of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Shao Dan , Zhong Haoxiang , Zhang Lingzhi
Published: August 2014

A novel water‐soluble conductive composite binder consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as binder and aqueous poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as conduction‐promoting agent is reported for the Si anode of Li‐ion batteries. The introduction of conductive PEDOT:PSS into a water‐soluble binder facilitates the formation of homogenous and continuous conducting bridges throughout the electrode and increases the compaction density of the electrode by reducing the content of the commonly used conducting agent of acetylene black. Galvanostatic testing, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements show that the electrodes using the composite binder exhibit higher initial Coulombic efficiencies, better cycling and rate performance, and more favorable electrochemical kinetics compared with the electrodes using CMC binder with acetylene black conducting agent.