bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood Glucose Levels After Local Musculoskeletal Steroid Injections in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: A Clinical Review
Authors: Waterbrook Anna L. , Balcik Brenden J. , Goshinska Aaron John
Published: April 2017

Context:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become an epidemic in the United States and is associated with increased risk of multiple comorbidities, including painful musculoskeletal conditions. A common treatment for many of these painful musculoskeletal conditions is local soft tissue and intra-articular corticosteroid injection (CSI). These local injections have the potential to cause elevated blood glucose levels (BGLs) and cause complications in patients with DM. Therefore, it was the objective of this investigation to review the currently available evidence that directly addresses the effects of local CSIs used for painful musculoskeletal conditions on BGL in patients with DM.

Evidence Acquisition:

PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Review databases were searched with a combination of the terms corticosteroid, glucocorticoid, steroid, injection, musculoskeletal, and diabetes. Search limits included the English language. Bibliographic references from these articles were also examined to identify pertinent literature.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Results:

Ten studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. All these studies showed significant but transient increases in postinjection BGL after a single local CSI in patients with DM. There were no adverse reactions or complications reported.

Conclusion:

Single, local soft tissue and intra-articular musculoskeletal CSIs are most likely safe in patients with well-controlled DM.
Autologous Bone Marrow Cell Stimulation and Allogenic Chondrocyte Implantation for the Repair of Full-Thickness Articular Cartilage Defects in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Choi Sungwook , Kim Gyeong Min , Maeng Young Hee , Kang Hyunseong , Teong Chen Tai , Lee Emily E. , Yoo Seung Jin , Dlima Darryl D. , Kim Myung Ku
Published: April 2017

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of autologous bone marrow cell stimulation and allogenic chondrocyte implantation using 3-dimensional gel-type fibrin matrix in an animal model.

Design:

Eighteen rabbits were divided into 2 treatment groups. One group was treated with a microfracture and covering of it with gel-type fibrin (AutoBMS; n = 9), and the other group was treated with allogenic chondrocytes mixed gel-type fibrin at the cartilage defect (AlloCI; n = 9). The control group was untreated cartilage defect at the other side knee of each object. Twelve weeks after treatment, the cartilage was evaluated using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) scoring system, immunohistochemical staining, and modified O’Driscoll grading system.

Results:

The ICRS scores were similar in the AutoBMS (9.44 ± 2.44) and the AlloCI (9.33 ± 1.67) groups ( P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining confirmed higher expression of cartilaginous collagen for both groups. The average difference (AutoBMS, 31.89 ± 6.54; AlloCI, 32.89 ± 5.25) in the modified O’Driscoll scores appeared to be nonsignificant ( P > 0.05); however, both treatment groups showed significantly higher scores with respect to their control group (18.45 ± 1.65; 18.97 ± 1.58) ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

This experimental study suggests autologous bone marrow cells stimulation and implantation of allogenic chondrocytes are both useful methodologies for regenerating hyaline-like cartilage in full-thickness cartilage defects in animal model.
The Risk of Acute Rejection Following Kidney Transplant by 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D Status: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zimmerman Deborah , House Andrew A. , Kim S. Joseph , Booth Ronald A. , Zhang Tinghua , Ramsay Tim , Knoll Greg
Published: April 2017

Background:

Prediction of acute kidney transplant rejection remains imperfect despite several known risk factors. There is an increasing appreciation of the potential importance of the vitamin D pathway in immunological disease and transplantation.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine the association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D with acute rejection.

Design:

This was a prospective cohort study.

Setting:

Three academic adult kidney transplant programs in Ontario, Canada, were chosen.

Patients:

All consecutive adult patients at the 3 institutions who received a solitary kidney transplant, were able to provide written informed consent, and planned to be followed at the same center post-operatively were included.

Measurements:

Serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were measured at baseline, 3, and 6 months post-transplantation. Acute rejection was classified using Banff criteria.

Methods:

The co-primary outcome was the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and time to first occurrence of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) within the first year after kidney transplantation. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted taking into account the time-varying nature of serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Results:

From 556 screened patients, data on 327 kidney transplant recipients are included. First BPAR occurred in 54 (16.5%) patients. In adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, the serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D was not associated with acute renal transplant rejection (hazard ratio 1.00; 95% [confidence interval] CI, 0.87-1.14, per 10 nmol/L increase, and hazard ratio 0.97; 95% CI, 0.84-1.12, per 10 pmol/L increase, respectively).

Limitations:

Given the observational design, we cannot rule out the possibility of residual confounding that limited our ability to detect a clinically significant effect of vitamin D metabolites on acute rejection.

Conclusions:

A low serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D is not associated with an increased risk of acute kidney transplant rejection following kidney transplantation.
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a fully self-guided internet-based intervention for sub-clinical social anxiety symptoms: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Powell John , Atherton Helen , Williams Veronika , Martin Angela , Bennett Kylie , Bennett Anthony , Mollison Jill , Yu Ly-Mee , Yang Yaling , Locock Louise , Davoudianfar Mina , Griffiths Kathleen M
Published: April 2017

Design and objective

This paper describes the protocol for a large-scale pragmatic, randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the self-directed E-Couch social anxiety module versus a waiting list control condition, for reducing sub-clinical social anxiety symptoms in the general population.

Study population

Community-based adults (aged 18+) with social anxiety symptoms that do not meet the criteria for social anxiety disorder recruited via a direct-to-consumer advertisement on national websites.

Intervention and control

Intervention is the self-guided E-Couch social anxiety module. Control group participants are placed on a waiting list to receive the intervention at the end of the trial. Both groups receive email and text message reminders.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome will be change in self-reported social anxiety score using the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN). Secondary outcomes will be the changes in the following self-report measures: Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation scale (BFNE-S); depression (CES-D); mental wellbeing (SWEMWEBS); health status (SF36); use of health services; safety events; and adherence, retention, and attrition rates. All measures will be administered at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3, 6 and 12 months.

Analysis

A mixed effects model will be used to analyse the effect of the intervention on the primary and secondary outcomes (intention to treat analysis). Secondary analyses will explore moderators and mediators of effect. A prospective economic evaluation, conducted from a NHS and social care perspective, will provide estimates of cost utility and cost-effectiveness. An interview study will be conducted with 20 participants to explore issues including acceptability, adherence, retention and attrition.

Trial registration numbers

NCT02451878 and ISRCTN15819951
Changes in evidence-based practice beliefs and implementation after a postgraduate educational program: A before-and-after study over one year
Authors: Snibsøer Anne Kristin , Espehaug Birgitte , Ciliska Donna , Nortvedt Monica Wammen
Published: April 2017

Healthcare professionals are increasingly expected to use research evidence to improve healthcare outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine change in beliefs and implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) one year after participation in a 15 ECTS postgraduate educational program in EBP. We conducted a before-and-after study among 158 healthcare professionals in a postgraduate program in EBP. Participants completed the Norwegian version of the EBP Beliefs Scale and the EBP Implementation Scale at baseline and one year after the program. Results indicated increased scores from pre-test to one year follow up on the EBP Beliefs Scale and the EBP Implementation Scale. Participants in evidence-based network groups reported higher scores on the EBP Implementation Scale than those who did not participate in these groups. Further research should examine other factors that may facilitate implementation of evidence-based practice.
Broken back? Efficacy and participation in Asia’s democracies
Authors: Sanborn Howard
Published: April 2017

Previous scholarship describes an inconsistent role for democratic institutions in driving political participation. Some research has detected signs of attachment leading to greater engagement while others observe a negative, statistical relationship (Levi and Stoker, 2000). In the liberal and electoral democracies of Asia, where support for democratic values appears to be growing (Chu and Huang, 2010; Sanborn, 2015), institutions have taken an outsized role in an individual’s decision to participate. This may be reflective of a ‘broken back’ form of democratization, where an engaged citizenry is continually frustrated by poor performing government actors (Rose and Shin, 2001). In this article, I evaluate the role of efficacy, internal and external, on the decision to attend rallies, participate in campaigns, and contact officials. I find that citizens engage in these actions when they are internally engaged in politics and frustrated with government performance. While this finding offers a simple explanation for the decision to participate, it also signifies the obstacles to democratic consolidation posed by poor-performing institutional actors.
Portal Vein Thrombosis in the Setting of Newly Diagnosed Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: McDow Alexandria D. , Gurung Anju , Poola Rama , Fratianni Carmel , Garfinkel Marc , Jakoby Michael G.
Published: April 2017

The hallmark manifestations of Cushing’s syndrome (CS) are well known, but hypercoagulability is perhaps least recognized. Patients with CS are at increased risk of both spontaneous and postoperative thromboembolism, with the significant majority of events occurring in the lower extremity and pulmonary venous circulations. We present a case of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) occurring in the setting of newly diagnosed CS due to a left adrenal adenoma. Factor VIII activity was approximately 2.5-fold elevated, a known mechanism by which hypercortisolemia predisposes to venous thrombosis. Acute abdominal pain and fever responded well to unfractionated heparin and parenteral antibiotics, and CS was eventually cured by left adrenalectomy. No thromboembolic events have occurred since surgery. PVT is uncommon and usually occurs as a complication of primary or secondary hepatobiliary malignancies and cirrhosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is just the second reported case of PVT due to CS and the first published in the English language literature.
The First Report of Bartonella quintana Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome Complicated by Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction
Authors: DallaPiazza Michelle , Akiyama Matthew Jiro
Published: April 2017

Bacillary angiomatosis (BA) is a rare complication of human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection in the post-antiretroviral therapy (ART) era, and few cases of BA-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) have been described. We report the case of a 50-year-old man who presented with mass lesions involving the skin, subcutaneous tissues, muscle, and bone. The diagnosis of Bartonella quintana BA was confirmed by serum polymerase chain reaction. The patient’s treatment course was complicated by both IRIS and Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. The case had a favorable outcome with supportive care and continuation of ART and doxycycline.
Cholecalciferol 20 000 IU Once Weekly in HIV-Positive Patients with Low Vitamin D Levels: Result from a Cohort Study
Authors: Noe Sebastian , Heldwein Silke , Pascucchi Rita , Oldenbüttel Celia , Wiese C. , von Krosigk Ariane , Jägel-Guedes Eva , Jäger Hans , Mayer Wolfgang , Spinner Christoph D. , Wolf Eva
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate efficacy and safety of 20 000 IU cholecalciferol weekly in HIV-infected patients.

Methods:

Longitudinal data for 243 HIV-infected patients with paired 25-OH-vitamin D3 values for the same month in 2 consecutive years were stratified by the initiation of supplementation in this retrospective study.

Results:

After 1 year of administration of cholecalciferol 20 000 IU weekly, about 78% of patients with initial vitamin D level <20 µg/L achieved vitamin D levels >20 µg/L and 42% achieved levels >30 µg/L. Supplemented patients with baseline vitamin D levels <20 µg/L showed a significant risk reduction for hypocalcemia ( P = .006; risk difference: 20.8%) and a significantly lower increase in alkaline phosphatase (AP) compared to those in the nonsubstituted group.

Conclusion:

The dose of 20 000 IU of cholecalciferol once weekly was found to be safe and effective. Normalization of vitamin D levels within 1 year was observed in 42% to 75% of the patients.
Strategic Planning Process Exercise: A Semester-Long Experiential Approach to Engage Students
Authors: Singh Jitendra
Published: April 2017

Strategic planning provides a sense of direction and can have a significant impact on the future of an organization. Students wanting to serve in leadership positions need to demonstrate a firm understanding of the concepts necessary to work on this complex process. Careful planning also ensures students’ survival in a competitive business environment. This article explains the importance of the strategic planning process to health care undergraduate students, while providing a methodical approach for introducing and teaching these concepts to them. Explaining the key concepts to students and carefully planning/dividing the strategic planning process into sequential steps, encouraging students to work in collaboration with managers and leaders of business organizations, and helping them collect and analyze information about an organization can also be used by instructors in their management and business classes.
Neurobiological and Systemic Effects of Chronic Stress
Authors: McEwen Bruce S.
Published: April 2017

The brain is the central organ of stress and adaptation to stress because it perceives and determines what is threatening, as well as the behavioral and physiological responses to the stressor, which promote adaptation (“allostasis”) but also contribute to pathophysiology (“allostatic load/overload”) when overused and dysregulated. The adult as well as developing brain possesses a remarkable ability to show structural and functional plasticity in response to stressful and other experiences, including neuronal replacement, dendritic remodeling and synapse turnover. Stress can cause an imbalance of neural circuitry subserving cognition, decision making, anxiety and mood that can increase or decrease expression of those behaviors and behavioral states. This imbalance, in turn, affects systemic physiology via neuroendocrine, autonomic, immune and metabolic mediators. In the short term, these changes may be adaptive; but, if the threat passes and the behavioral state persists along with the changes in neural circuitry, such maladaptation requires intervention with a combination of pharmacological and behavioral therapies. There are important sex differences in how the brain responds to stressors. Moreover, adverse early life experience, interacting with alleles of certain genes, produces lasting effects on brain and body via epigenetic mechanisms. While prevention is key, the plasticity of the brain gives hope for therapies that utilize brain–body interactions. Policies of government and the private sector are important to promote health and increase “healthspan.”
Early Life Stress, Mood, and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Syed Shariful A. , Nemeroff Charles B.
Published: April 2017

Early life stress has been shown to exert profound short- and long-term effects on human physiology both in the central nervous system and peripherally. Early life stress has demonstrated clear association with many psychiatric disorders including major depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistics Manuel of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnostic categorical system has served as a necessary framework for clinical service, delivery, and research, however has not been completely matching the neurobiological research perspective. Early life stress presents a complex dynamic featuring a wide spectrum of physiologic alterations: from epigenetic alterations, inflammatory changes, to dysregulation of the hypothalamic pituitary axis and has further added to the challenge of identifying biomarkers associated with psychiatric disorders. The National Institute of Mental Health’s proposed Research Domain Criteria initiative incorporates a dimensional approach to assess discrete domains and constructs of behavioral function that are subserved by identifiable neural circuits. The current neurobiology of early life stress is reviewed in accordance with dimensional organization of Research Domain Criteria matrix and how the findings as a whole fit within the Research Domain Criteria frameworks.
Rapid Acting Antidepressants in Chronic Stress Models: Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms
Authors: Hare Brendan D. , Ghosal Sriparna , Duman Ronald S.
Published: April 2017

Stress-associated disorders, including depression and anxiety, impact nearly 20% of individuals in the United States. The social, health, and economic burden imposed by stress-associated disorders requires in depth research efforts to identify suitable treatment strategies. Traditional medications (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors) have significant limitations, notably a time lag for therapeutic response that is compounded by low rates of efficacy. Excitement over ketamine, a rapid acting antidepressant effective in treatment resistant patients, is tempered by transient dissociative and psychotomimetic effects, as well as abuse potential. Rodent stress models are commonly used to produce behavioral abnormalities that resemble those observed in stress-associated disorders. Stress models also produce molecular and cellular morphological changes in stress sensitive brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus that resemble alterations observed in depression. Rapid acting antidepressants such as ketamine can rescue stress-associated morphological and behavioral changes in rodent models. Here, we review the literature supporting a role for rapid acting antidepressants in opposing the effects of stress, and summarize research efforts seeking to elucidate the molecular, cellular, and circuit level targets of these agents.
Neuroclinical Framework for the Role of Stress in Addiction
Authors: Kwako Laura E. , Koob George F.
Published: April 2017

Addiction has been conceptualized as a three-stage cycle— binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect, and preoccupation/anticipation—that worsens over time and involves allostatic changes in hedonic function via changes in the brain reward and stress systems. Using the withdrawal/negative affect stage and negative reinforcement as an important source of motivation for compulsive drug seeking, we outline the neurobiology of the stress component of the withdrawal/negative affect stage and relate it to a derivative of the Research Domain Criteria research construct for the study of psychiatric disease, known as the Addictions Neuroclinical Assessment. Using the Addictions Neuroclinical Assessment, we outline five subdomains of negative emotional states that can be operationally measured in human laboratory settings and paralleled by animal models. We hypothesize that a focus on negative emotionality and stress is closely related to the acute neurobiological alterations that are experienced in addiction and may serve as a bridge to a reformulation of the addiction nosology to better capture individual differences in patients for whom the withdrawal/negative affect stage drives compulsive drug taking.
Evaluation of Endovascular Embolization of Cerebral Aneurysms by Hydrogel Coils
Authors: Knap Daniel , Gruszka Wojciech , Sieroń Dominik , Gruszczyńska Katarzyna , Zawadzki Michał , Zbroszczyk Miłosz , Baron Jan
Published: April 2017

Background: Hydrogel coils were created to improve the chances of an effective endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Achieving a high packing density of coils in the lumen of aneurysms can decrease the risk of recurrence. The aim of the present study is to report our initial experience on the effectiveness and safety of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with the use hydrogel coils.

Material/Methods: Sixty patients (age: 28–72 years) (45 women, 15 men) were treated. In 18 patients (30%), subarachnoid hemorrhage was present. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of cerebral vessels with rotational scanning was performed. Image analysis was performed by the Philips Integris 3D RA device,which is a specialized workstation (Three-Dimensional Rotational Angiography). 3D reconstructions of cerebral arteries were created based on the data. Sixty-six cerebral aneurysms were embolized with hydrogel coils, which expand in contact with blood. reaching the maximum diameter in about 20 minutes. In 29 aneurysms (43.9%), the effect of the procedure was confirmed on a follow-up DSA after 8.0±4.1 months from the initial treatment.

Results: A complete embolization was performed in 55 aneurysms (83.3%), and partial embolization in 11 aneurysms (16.7%). In 6 aneurysms (9.1%), re-embolization was necessary and it resulted in a complete embolization of 5 aneurysms. On a follow-up DSA, complete embolization was present in 25 aneurysms (86.2%), and partial embolization in 4 aneurysms (13.8%), respectively.

Conclusions: Endovascular embolization with hydrogel coils is an effective and safe treatment method for cerebral aneurysms, although it carries the risk of some complications.
Cell signaling promoting protein carbonylation does not cause sulfhydryl oxidation: Implications to the mechanism of redox signaling
Authors: Suzuki Yuichiro J. , Almansour Faisal , Cucinotta Camilla , Rybka Vladyslava , Marcocci Lucia
Published: April 2017

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been recognized as second messengers, however, targeting mechanisms for ROS in cell signaling have not been defined. While ROS oxidizing protein cysteine thiols has been the most popular proposed mechanism, our laboratory proposed that ligand/receptor-mediated cell signaling involves protein carbonylation. Peroxiredoxin-6 (Prx6) is one protein that is carbonylated at 10 min after the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulation of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. In the present study, the SulfoBiotics Protein Redox State Monitoring Kit Plus (Dojindo Molecular Technologies) was used to test if cysteine residues of Prx6 are oxidized in response to the PDGF stimulation. Human Prx6 has a molecular weight of 25 kDa and contains two cysteine residues. The Dojindo system adds the 15 kDa Protein-SHifter if these cysteine residues are reduced in the cells. Results showed that, in untreated cells, the Prx6 molecule predominantly exhibited the 55 kDa band, indicating that both cysteine residues are reduced in the cells. Treatment of cells with 1 mM H2O2caused the disappearance of the 55 kDa band and the appearance of a 40 kDa band, suggesting that the high concentration of H2O2oxidized one of the two cysteine residues in the Prx6 molecule. By contrast, PDGF stimulation had no effects on the thiol status of the Prx6 molecule. We concluded that protein carbonylation is a more sensitive target of ROS during ligand/receptor-mediated cell signaling than sulfhydryl oxidation.
Recent insights into the implications of metabolism in plasmacytoid dendritic cell innate functions: Potential ways to control these functions
Authors: Saas Philippe , Varin Alexis , Perruche Sylvain , Ceroi Adam
Published: April 2017

There are more and more data concerning the role of cellular metabolism in innate immune cells, such as macrophages or conventional dendritic cells. However, few data are available currently concerning plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC), another type of innate immune cells. These cells are the main type I interferon (IFN) producing cells, but they also secrete other pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor or interleukin [IL]-6) or immunomodulatory factors (e.g., IL-10 or transforming growth factor-β). Through these functions, PDC participate in antimicrobial responses or maintenance of immune tolerance, and have been implicated in the pathophysiology of several autoimmune diseases. Recent data support the idea that the glycolytic pathway (or glycolysis), as well as lipid metabolism (including both cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism) may impact some innate immune functions of PDC or may be involved in these functions after Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/9 triggering. Some differences may be related to the origin of PDC (human versus mouse PDC or blood-sorted versus FLT3 ligand stimulated-bone marrow-sorted PDC). The kinetics of glycolysis may differ between human and murine PDC. In mouse PDC, metabolism changes promoted by TLR7/9 activation may depend on an autocrine/paracrine loop, implicating type I IFN and its receptor IFNAR, explaining a delayed glycolysis. Moreover, PDC functions can be modulated by the metabolism of cholesterol and fatty acids. This may occur via the production of lipid ligands that activate nuclear receptors (e.g., liver X receptor [LXR]) in PDC or through limiting intracellular cholesterol pool size (by statins or LXR agonists) in these cells. Finally, lipid-activated nuclear receptors (i.e., LXR or peroxisome proliferator activated receptor) may also directly interact with pro-inflammatory transcription factors, such as NF-κB. Here, we discuss how glycolysis and lipid metabolism may modulate PDC functions and how this may be harnessed in pathological situations where PDC play a detrimental role.
Revisions of Theophanes Chrysobalantes De Curatione
Authors: Zipser Barbara
Published: April 2017

Background: Theophanes Chrysobalantes' De curatione is a little known but highly relevant therapeutic manual dating to the tenth century AD. The text has come down to us in  an unusually large number of manuscripts, most of which transmit a mainstream version of the text. Methods: In the present article, three versions deriving from the mainstream text are being examined. For this, these versions are being compared to the mainstream text, in order to understand the aim behind the alterations and additions they were subjected to. The overarching goal is to understand, why these changes were made, and how skilled the editors were. It is a rather unusual approach, as divergent versions are usually not examined in research literature, since they are secondary to the original text. Results and conclusions: The results clearly show that the text was redacted several times, but not by highly sophisticated editors. The general aims of the redactions were to make the text easier to understand.
Survey of Typhoon-Damaged Coniferous Forests and Strength Properties of Lumber and Glued Laminated Timber Processed from Damaged Japanese Cedar and Japanese Cypress Trees
Authors: Toyoshima Isao , Noguchi Hiroshi , Yamasaki Mariko , Sasaki Yasutoshi
Published: April 2017

Typhoon Melor, which occurred in October 2009, damaged much of the forest in the eastern region of Japan's Aichi Prefecture. The damaged trees were primarily planted Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) between 40 and 60 years old and were intended for use as structural lumber. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usability of damaged trees for structural lumber. First, the state of the damaged forests was assessed, and the occurrence of compression failure (CF) in logs and lumber from damaged trees was surveyed. The strength properties of the lumber and glued laminated timber of both species were then determined, and usage-related issues for each species were investigated. The study found that the majority of damaged forests had a high stand density and indicated a high diameter at breast height–to–height ratio. The most common damage type was overturned. The rate of CF occurrence in damaged logs and lumber from damaged trees, in logs with the bark on, was highest in those that had suffered from bending. For lumber, the rate was highest in inclined and bending cases, and there were also a few instances in overturned cases. In lumber from damaged trees, a higher Young's modulus was slightly associated with a higher rate of CF occurrence. In terms of the strength properties of lumber from damaged trees, lumber in which the postprocessing surface showed no CF exceeded the standard strength for both species. The properties of lumber in which minute CF was visible on the surface were similar to lumber without CF for Japanese cedar, but Japanese cypress lumber with visible CF exhibited a failure morphology that failed within the elastic range, and most specimens fell short of standard strength. In addition, laminae cut from damaged trees were processed into glued laminated timber, using laminae on which CF could not be seen on the surface. These bending properties were compared with those of glued laminated timber processed from laminae made from normal trees. This comparison showed that the strength of both was similar in the Japanese cedar, whereas in the Japanese cypress, the bending strength (modulus of rupture) of the damaged glued laminated timber was significantly lower than that of normal trees.
Ethnobotany of Bamboo in Sangirese, North Celebes
Authors: Liana Alin , Purnomo Purnomo , Sumardi Issirep , Daryono Budi Setiadi
Published: April 2017

Advances in technology have encouraged the growth of a variety of biodiversity processing methods. These conditions encourage efforts to use natural resources more broadly. Ethnobotany can be used to document the local knowledge of the plants and their utilization. This study is aimed to describe the various forms of bamboo utilization by Sangirese. The method used was survey with purposive sampling. The data were analyzed descriptively based on exploration results and interviews with the people. The results showed there were 11 species of bamboo that are directly related to the life of local community in Sangirese, consisting of seven species of Bambusa, three species of Schizostachyum, and each one species of Dendrocalamus and Gigantochloa. Local community use bamboo for a variety of daily necessities; as building materials, handicraft, furniture, ceremonies, musical instruments, transportation, medicine, ornamental plants, as well as food. These exploration results are expected to complement the data of bamboo ethnobotany in Indonesia. Applicatively, this research is expected to be a reference in the national strategy of bamboo germplasm resource conservation.
Chitosan as Chelating and Protective Agents from Lead Intoxication in Rat
Authors: Marianti Aditya , Anatiasara Debi , Ashar Fachrudyn Faisal
Published: April 2017

Increasing accumulation of lead in body causes serious health problems. Chelation is widely used to decrease lead level in body. This research aims the effectivity of chitosan in chelating lead and their protective ability toward liver and kidney for lead acetate-induced rat. Thirty rats were divided into 6 treatment groups. All groups, except control group, were administered by 175 mgkg-1 BW lead acetate. Positive control group was treated using EDTA 50 mgkg-1 BW. Treatment group 1,2, and 3 were treated using chitosan in dose of 64, 32, and 16 mgkg-1 BW dissolved in 2% acetic acid, respectively in 30 days. The effectivity of chitosan was compared to blood lead level. ALT and AST level were measured to determine the protective ability of chitosan. Normal function of kidney was assessed using creatinine level. Results showed that blood lead level from all treatment groups, except negative control group, had no significant difference from control group. EDTA and chitosan ability in chelating lead were proven by low level of AST, ALT, and creatinine in treatment groups. This indicated that there was no significant difference from control group. Chitosan capable of chelating lead and protecting kidney and liver from heavy metal. 

 
Oral Corticosteroid Prescribing for Children With Asthma in a Medicaid Managed Care Program
Authors: Farber Harold J. , Silveira Edwin A. , Vicere Douglas R. , Kothari Viral D. , Giardino Angelo P.
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Short courses of oral corticosteroid (OCS) medication are recommended for treatment of moderate to severe asthma exacerbations. Concern has been raised about OCS overuse. Our objective is to describe rates of OCS dispensing among children with asthma and factors associated with variation in OCS dispensing.

METHODS:

Claims data for children 1 to <18 years of age with an asthma diagnosis between January 2011 and January 2016 were extracted from the computerized databases of Texas Children’s Health Plan.

RESULTS:

In the years 2011 to 2015, 17.1% to 21.8% of children had an asthma diagnosis. In each of these years 42.1% to 44.2% of these children had ≥1 OCS dispensing. OCS dispensing rates were higher for the children 1 to 4 years of age compared with older children. Repeated OCS dispensing was common, and was most common for children 1 to 4 years of age. Most children with an OCS dispensing (81%–83%) did not have other utilization suggesting poor asthma control (excessive β-agonist refills, emergency department visit, or hospitalization for asthma). OCSs were less commonly prescribed to patients whose primary care provider was a board-certified pediatrician compared with other types of primary care providers. There was large variation in OCS prescribing rates among pediatricians (15%–86%). There were minimal differences in asthma emergency department visits and no differences in hospitalization rates by the pediatrician’s OCS dispensing rate quartile.

CONCLUSIONS:

The patterns of dispensing observed suggest substantial overprescribing of OCS for children with an asthma diagnosis.
Mark E Josephson: A Tribute to His Work on Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Marchlinski Francis ,   University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, USA
Published: April 2017

Dr Josephson was passionate about the study of ventricular arrhythmias and bold in his pioneering approach to their evaluation and management. Programmed right ventricular stimulation to test for antiarrhythmic drug efficacy was already pushing the risk limits for the invasive management of cardiac arrhythmias in the 1970s.
Mark Josephson: Pioneer, Educator and Mentor to a Generation of Cardiac Electrophysiologists
Authors: Stevenson William G ,   Cardiac Arrhythmia Program, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
Published: April 2017

In January 2017 we lost a giant in cardiac electrophysiology, whose work and teachings touched all of us working in the field. Mark Josephson’s early work, building on the work of Hein Wellens in using programmed stimulation and catheter mapping to understand scar-related ventricular tachycardias, led the way to surgical and then catheter ablation as a viable therapy for that arrhythmia. His seminal observations are many and catalogued in ‘The Josephson School’ a wonderful book with 59 Chapters and extensive commentary devoted to his research.1 In the area of scar-related VT alone his work characterising electrograms in infarct scars and defining their relation to reentry circuits led to the development of substrate mapping techniques in common use today. His attention to the details of recording techniques helped establish the standards for electrophysiology studies. His investigational studies are not limited to ventricular arrhythmias but extend across the spectrum of cardiac electrophysiology. He was a superb observer with a talent for recognising subtle, unexpected events and delving deep to explore their potential mechanisms and significance.
Mark E Josephson: The Boston Years
Authors: Zimetbaum Peter ,   Harvard Medical School; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, USA
Published: April 2017

Mark Josephson came to Beth Israel Hospital from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992, having firmly established a reputation as a master clinician, scientist and educator. He had built one of the premier electrophysiology (EP) services in the world in Pennsylvania and had become Chief of Cardiology there by the age of 35. In those days, Beth Israel was well known for its interventional cardiology and cardiac imaging but had not yet committed to the development of a modern EP section. The buzz surrounding Mark’s arrival predicted an outspoken, larger than life and irreverent character who would profoundly change the place.
ANALISIS FINANSIAL TEKNOLOGI BUDIDAYA UDANG WINDU (Penaeus monodon) DI JAWA TIMUR
Authors: Pasaribu Ali Musa
Published: April 2017

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menilai kelayakan finansial teknologi budidaya udang windu oleh petani/penguaaha swasta yaitu berdasarkan kriteria: Net Present Volue (NPV), Net Benefit. Cost Ratio (Net B/C), dan Internal Rate of Return (IRR). Daerah penelitian adalah Propinsi Jawa Timur dengen jumlah sampel sebanyak 200 responden.
PENGARUH VITAMIN E TERHADAP PERKEMBANGAN GONAD UDANG WINDU (Penaeus monodon) ASAL TAMBAK
Authors: M. Marzuqi M. Marzuqi , Suwirya Ketut , Tsumura T.
Published: April 2017

Induk udang windu asal tambak mempunyai kualitas yang lebih rendah dibandingkan induk dari alam seperti lambatnya pematangan gonad. Peningkatan kualitas induk dapat dilakukan melalui perbaikan pakan. Kandungan vitamin E pakan dapat mempengaruhi pematangan gonadinduk udang.
PENYERAPAN NUTRISI ENDOGEN, TABIAT MAKAN DAN PERKEMBANGAN MORFOLOGI LARVA KERAPU BEBEK (Cromileptes altivelis)
Authors: Slamet Bejo , Tridjoko Tridjoko , Prijono Agus , Setiadharma Tony , Sugama Ketut
Published: April 2017

Tingkat kematian yang tinggi pada stadia awal larva kerapu bebek (Cromileptes altivelis) adalah merupakan kendala utama dalam pengembangan produksi massal benih. Pengamatan bertujuan untuk mengetahui penyerapan nutrisi endogen, tabiat makan, perkembangan morfologi dan data dasar yang memperliha-tkan kenapa pemeliharaan kerapu bebek sulit.
PENGARUH VITAMIN B12 DAN PENGKAYAAN FITOPLANKTON KEPADATAN TINGGI TERHADAP KEPADATAN DAN KUALITAS ROTIFER (Brachionus rotundiformis)
Authors: Sumiarsa Gede S , Makatutu Dahlan , Rusdi Ibnu
Published: April 2017

Rendahnya kualitas rotifer sering menyebabkan kualitas larva ikan yang diberi pakan rotifer tersebut juga rendah. Oleh sebab itu perlu dilakukan upaya-upaya untuk memperbaiki kualitas rotifer. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui dosis vitamin Bp dan periode pengkayaan fitoplankton yang terbaik dalam kultur rotifer.
PENGARUH CARA PEMBERIAN PAKAN TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN IKAN NILA (Oreochromis niloticus) DI KOLAM TADAH HUJAN
Authors: Mundriyanto Honorius , Rusmaedi Rusmaedi , Sularto Sularto , Praseno Ongko
Published: April 2017

Efisiensi pakan tidak hanya tergantung pada kualitas fisik dan kimia pakan yang digunakan tetapi juga cara pemberiannya.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui cara pemberian pakan yang efisien dalam pembesaran ikan nila di kolam tadah hujan.
PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN TIPE ROTIFER Braehionus plicatilis YANG BERBEDA TERHADAP LAJU SINTASAN DAN PERKEMBANGAN LARVA KEPITING BAKAU Scylla Serrata
Authors: Setyadi Irwan , Yunus Yunus , Prijono Agus , Kasprijo Kasprijo
Published: April 2017

Rotifer (Brachionus plicatilis) merupakan salah satu jenis makanan alami yang digunakan dalam pemeliharaan larva kepiting bakau. Untuk itu telah dilakukan pemeliharaan larva kepiting bakau (Scala serrata) dengan penggunaan tipe rotifer yang berbeda.
PENGARUH PENGKAYAAN ROTIFER (Broehionus plicatilis) DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN MINYAK HATI IKAN COD TERHADAP SINTASAN LARVA KEPITING BAKAU (Scylla serrta)
Authors: Yunus Yunus , Suwirya Ketut , Kasprijo Kasprijo , Setyadi Irwan
Published: April 2017

Studi pengkayaan rotifer dengan menggunakan minyak hati ikan cod telah dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk mendapatkan mutu rotifer yang dapat meningkatkan sintasan larva kepiting bakau. Penelitian dilakukan 2 tahap, yaitu mencari dosis minyak ikan cod dan lama pengkayaannya.
PENGARUH LESITIN DALAM PAKAN TERHADAP PEMATANGAN GONAD DAN PEMIJAHAN UDANG PUTIH (Penaeus indicus) ASAL TAMBAK INTENSIF
Authors: Suwirya Ketut , M. Marzuqi M. Marzuqi , Haryanti Haryanti
Published: April 2017

Percobaan ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui pengaruh lesitin dalam pakan pada pematangan gonad dan pemijahan udang putih, Penoeus ind.icus yang berasal dari tambak intensif. Udang putih betina yang mempunyai bobot 18-25 g diberi pakan dengan kandungan lesitin 1,507o (A), 3,00% (B), 4,5O% (C) dan 0,00% (D) selama 75 hari.
PENGARUH SUHU, KEPADATAN DAN WAKTU TRANSPORTASI TELUR BANDENG (Chonos chanos) TERHADAP KUALITAS TELUR DAN LARVANYA
Authors: Sumiarsa Gede S. , Sugama Ketut
Published: April 2017

Lokasi panti benih lengkap sebagai pemasok telur bandeng umumnya berjauhan dengan panti benih skala rumah tangga. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan metode yang terbaik dalam mengangkut telur bandeng. Tujuan penelitian pendahuluan ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh b--erbagaiperiode penggoyangan(shaking) serta berbagai kepadatan, waktu transportasi dan suhu terhadap kualitas telur dan larva bandeng.
Knowledge of the nursing team on pressure ulcer prevention
Authors: Galvão Nariani Souza , Serique Maria Alice Barbosa , Santos Vera Lúcia Conceição de Gouveia , Nogueira Paula Cristina
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT Objective: describe and analyze the nursing team's knowledge about classification, evaluation and measures to prevent pressure ulcers (PU) in patients hospitalized in the ICU of a teaching hospital in the city of Manaus. Method: a descriptive and exploratory study was conducted after approval by a research ethics committee. Data were collected using a validated instrument. The study sample was made up of 40 nursing staff members, of whom 14 were nurses and 26 were nursing technicians/aides. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and Student's t-test, with value of p<0.05. Results: the overall mean of hits was 63.4% for technicians/aides and 51.4% for nurses, with statistically significant differences between the groups only for the PU prevention category (p<0.001). Conclusion: a deficit of knowledge on PU prevention was found among nurses and nursing technicians/aides, demanding the training of these professionals.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lira Neto José Cláudio Garcia , Xavier Mayra de Almeida , Borges José Wicto Pereira , Araújo Márcio Flávio Moura de , Damasceno Marta Maria Coelho , Freitas Roberto Wagner Júnior Freire de
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and its components in a population of patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Method: a cross-sectional study was conducted with 201 diabetic patients. A descriptive analysis and Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests ( p <0.05) were performed. Results: the majority of participants were females and overweight, with a mean age of 63.1 years and a low level of education, and categorized as physically inactive. Of all individuals investigated, 50.7% were diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome and 92% had at least one of the syndrome components with values beyond those recommended. Conclusion: it is essential to take preventive actions and develop studies that help to identify the factors associated with this syndrome.
Patient with stroke: hospital discharge planning, functionality and quality of life
Authors: Nunes Henrique José Mendes , Queirós Paulo Joaquim Pina
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT Stroke still causes high levels of human inability and suffering, and it is one of the main causes of death in developed countries, including Portugal. Objective: analyze the strategies of hospital discharge planning for these patients, increasing the knowledge related to hospitalhome transition, discharge planning processes and the main impact on the quality of life and functionality. Method: integrative literature review using the PICOD criteria, with database research. Results: 19 articles were obtained, using several approaches and contexts. For quality of life, the factors related to the patient satisfaction with care and the psychoemotional aspects linked with functionality are the most significant. Conclusion: during the hospitalization period, a careful hospital discharge planning and comprehensive care to patients and caregivers - in particular the functional and psychoemotional aspects - tend to have an impact on the quality of life of patients.
Unna's boot: experience of care of people with venous ulcers
Authors: Silva Marcelo Henrique da , Jesus Maria Cristina Pinto de , Oliveira Deíse Moura de , Merighi Miriam Aparecida Barbosa
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the experience of care of people with venous ulcers using an Unna's boot. Method: a qualitative study, based on the social phenomenology by Alfred Schütz, was carried out with 12 adults interviewed in 2015. The statements were analyzed and organized in thematic categories. Results: the following categories emerged: "Unna's boot annoyance versus wound improvement", "Difficulties for accessing care with the Unna's boot", "Care for healing and preventing recurrence", and "Receiving more attention from the healthcare professional". Conclusion: the experience of care of people using an Unna's boot revealed the annoyance caused by this device, which was overcome due to the wound improvement. However, access to care was compromised by the lack of structure at the service, frustrating the patients' expectations regarding wound healing. The issues of these people's intersubjective universe should be considered in the management of care of venous ulcers.
Nursing care protocol for patients with a ventricular assist device
Authors: Machado Regimar Carla , Gironés Purificación , Souza Andressa Rodrigues de , Moreira Rita Simone Lopes , Jakitsch Camila Bomfim von , Branco João Nelson Rodrigues
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT Objective: to develop and validate a nursing care protocol for patients with a ventricular assist device (VAD). Method: descriptive study, with a quantitative approach, for an instrument's methodological validation. Three stages were conducted: development of the instrument; protocol content validation according to the Delphi technique, and agreement among experts and the scientific literature. Results: based on the content validation, a care protocol for patients with a VAD was created and assessed by Spanish experts. Of the 15 items evaluated by means of the content validity index (CVI), 10 presented solid evidence of validation, with Kappa ranging between 0.87 and 1. Conclusion: the method enabled the validation of interventions that will contribute to qualified and standardized care for patients with a VAD.