bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of glucocorticoids, neuregulin-1β, and sex on surfactant phospholipid secretion from type II cells
Authors: King George , Damas Jolanta E. , Cake Max H. , Berryman David , Maker Garth L.
Published: December 2013

Glucocorticoids induce lung fibroblasts to produce fibroblast-pneumocyte factor, a peptide that stimulates type II cells to synthesize pulmonary surfactant. This effect is known to be more apparent in cells derived from female fetuses, a characteristic that has been attributed to sex-linked differences in the fibroblasts. In the current study, it has been shown that dexamethasone enhances both β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) activity (1.3- to 1.6-fold increase) and (−)-isoproterenol-induced secretion of surfactant (1.8- to 1.9-fold increase) in type II cells. However, fibroblast-conditioned media (FCM), prepared in the presence of dexamethasone, generates a much greater response to (−)-isoproterenol (3.1- to 3.8-fold increase). Furthermore, each of these effects is more pronounced if both cell types are female-derived. It is hypothesized that the enhanced response to glucocorticoids is the result of a synergistic effect between the steroid and a component of FCM. Neuregulin-1β (NRG1β), which is elevated in FCM generated in the presence of dexamethasone, influences not only the rate of surfactant secretion and the β-AR activity in type II cells, but also enhances in both sexes the cellular response to (−)-isoproterenol. These results suggest that NRG1β might be more effective than glucocorticoids in treating prematurely born male infants, which are known to respond poorly to glucocorticoids. Given that glucocorticoids are known to induce higher levels of β-AR mRNA, the effect of NRG1β, alone and in combination with dexamethasone, on β-AR gene expression was measured using qRT-PCR. Whereas NRG1β had no effect alone, in combination with dexamethasone it produced up to a 4.2-fold elevation in the level of β-AR mRNA.
Perspectives on Medical Services Integration among Conventional Western, Traditional Korean, and Dual-Licensed Medical Doctors in Korea
Authors: Lim Junghwa , Yun Youngju , Lee Sangyeoup , Cho Younghye , Chae Han
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the perspectives on the options for the integration of western and traditional Korean medical services among three types of medical doctors with different disciplines in Korea. We surveyed and analyzed responses from 167 conventional Western medicine (WM), 135 traditional Korean medicine (KM), and 103 dual-licensed (DL) doctors who can practice both. All three kinds of doctors shared similar attitude toward license unitarization. KM doctors most strongly agreed on the need of the cooperative practice (CP) between KM and WM and on the possibility of license unitarization among three groups. DL doctors believed that CP is currently impracticable and copractice is more efficient than CP. WM doctors presented the lowest agreement on the need of CP and showed lower expectation for DL doctors as mediators between WM and KM than others. This study showed the difference of perspectives on the options for the integrative medical services among three different doctor groups in Korea. More studies are required to explore the underlying reasons for these discrepancies among WM, KM, and DL doctors.
Strong Convergence for a Strongly Quasi-Nonexpansive Sequence in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Saejung Satit , Wongchan Kanokwan
Published: December 2013

We prove a strong convergence theorem for strongly quasi-nonexpansive sequence of mappings in Hilbert spaces. Moreover, we can improve the recent results of Tian and Jin (2011). We also give a simple proof of Marino-Xu’s result (2006).
Adaptive Synchronization for a Class of Cellular Neural Networks with Pantograph Delays
Authors: Mei Xuehui , Xing Jiuju , Jiang Haijun , Hu Cheng , Zhang Liwei
Published: December 2013

This paper deals with the synchronization problem for a class of cellular neural networks with pantograph delays. By using Lyapunov functional theory and inequality technique, some new and useful results are obtained for asymptotical synchronization under adaptive feedback controller.
Identification of Unknown Parameters and Orders via Cuckoo Search Oriented Statistically by Differential Evolution for Noncommensurate Fractional-Order Chaotic Systems
Authors: Gao Fei , Lee Xue-Jing , Tong Heng-qing , Fei Feng-xia , Zhao Hua-ling
Published: December 2013

In this paper, a non-Lyapunov novel approach is proposed to estimate the unknown parameters and orders together for noncommensurate and hyper fractional chaotic systems based on cuckoo search oriented statistically by the differential evolution (CSODE). Firstly, a novel Gaos’ mathematical model is proposed and analyzed in three submodels, not only for the unknown orders and parameters’ identification but also for systems’ reconstruction of fractional chaos systems with time delays or not. Then the problems of fractional-order chaos’ identification are converted into a multiple modal nonnegative functions’ minimization through a proper translation, which takes fractional-orders and parameters as its particular independent variables. And the objective is to find the best combinations of fractional-orders and systematic parameters of fractional order chaotic systems as special independent variables such that the objective function is minimized. Simulations are done to estimate a series of noncommensurate and hyper fractional chaotic systems with the new approaches based on CSODE, the cuckoo search, and Genetic Algorithm, respectively. The experiments’ results show that the proposed identification mechanism based on CSODE for fractional orders and parameters is a successful method for fractional-order chaotic systems, with the advantages of high precision and robustness.
Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anticholinesterase Activities of Plant Seed Extracts from Brazilian Semiarid Region
Authors: Farias Davi Felipe , Souza Terezinha Maria , Viana Martônio Ponte , Soares Bruno Marques , Cunha Arcelina Pacheco , Vasconcelos Ilka Maria , Ricardo Nágila Maria Pontes Silva , Ferreira Paulo Michel Pinheiro , Melo Vânia Maria Maciel , Carvalho Ana Fontenele Urano
Published: December 2013

The antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activities of ethanolic seed extracts of twenty-one plant species from Brazilian semiarid region were investigated. The extracts were tested for antimicrobial activity against six bacteria strains and three yeasts. Six extracts presented activity against the Gram (−) organismSalmonella choleraesuisand the Gram (+) organismsStaphylococcus aureusandBacillus subtilis. The MIC values ranged from 4.96 to 37.32 mg/mL. TheTriplaris gardnerianaextract presented activity against the three species, with MIC values 18.8, 13.76, and 11.15 mg/mL, respectively. Five extracts presented antioxidant activity, with EC50values ranging from 69.73 μg/mL (T. gardneriana) to 487.51 μg/mL (Licania rigida). For the anticholinesterase activity, eleven extracts were capable of inhibiting the enzyme activity. From those,T. gardneriana,Parkia platycephalaandConnarus detersuspresented the best activities, with inhibition values of 76.7, 71.5, and 91.9%, respectively. The extracts that presented antimicrobial activity were tested for hemolytic assay against human A, B, and O blood types and rabbit blood. From those, only theMyracrodruon urundeuvaextract presented activity (about 20% of hemolysis at the lowest tested concentration, 1.9 µg/mL). Infrared spectroscopy of six representative extracts attested the presence of tannins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which was confirmed by a qualitative phytochemical assay.
Roles of NAD+, PARP-1, and Sirtuins in Cell Death, Ischemic Brain Injury, and Synchrotron Radiation X-Ray-Induced Tissue Injury
Authors: Ying Weihai
Published: December 2013

NAD+plays crucial roles in a variety of biological processes including energy metabolism, aging, and calcium homeostasis. Multiple studies have also shown that NAD+administration can profoundly decrease oxidative cell death and ischemic brain injury. A number of recent studies have further indicated that NAD+administration can decrease ischemic brain damage, traumatic brain damage and synchrotron radiation X-ray-induced tissue injury by such mechanisms as inhibiting inflammation, decreasing autophagy, and reducing DNA damage. Our latest study that applies nano-particles as a NAD+carrier has also provided first direct evidence demonstrating a key role of NAD+depletion in oxidative stress-induced ATP depletion. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and sirtuins are key NAD+-consuming enzymes that mediate multiple biological processes. Recent studies have provided new information regarding PARP-1 and sirtuins in cell death, ischemic brain damage and synchrotron radiation X-ray-induced tissue damage. These findings have collectively supported the hypothesis that NAD+metabolism, PARP-1 and sirtuins play fundamental roles in oxidative stress-induced cell death, ischemic brain injury, and radiation injury. The findings have also supported “the Central Regulatory Network Hypothesis”, which proposes that a fundamental network that consists of ATP, NAD+and Ca2+as its key components is the essential network regulating various biological processes.
The Modified Trapezoidal Rule for Computing Hypersingular Integral on Interval
Authors: Li Jin , Li Xiuzhen
Published: December 2013

The modified trapezoidal rule for the computation of hypersingular integrals in boundary element methods is discussed. When the special function of the error functional equals zero, the convergence rate is one order higher than the general case. A new quadrature rule is presented and the asymptotic expansion of error function is obtained. Based on the error expansion, not only do we obtain a high order of accuracy, but also a posteriori error estimate is conveniently derived. Some numerical results are also reported to confirm the theoretical results and show the efficiency of the algorithms.
Deep Sequence Analysis of Gene Expression Identifies Osteopontin as a Downstream Effector of Integrin-Linked Kinase (ILK) in Cardiac-Specific ILK Knockout Mice
Authors: Dai Jing , Matsui Takashi , Abel E. Dale , Dedhar Shoukat , Gerszten Robert E. , Seidman Christine E. , Seidman J.G. , Rosenzweig Anthony
Published: December 2013

Background—

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a serine/threonine kinase that has been linked to human and experimental heart failure, but its role in the heart is not fully understood.

Methods and Results—

To define the role of cardiomyocyte ILK, we generated cardiac-specific ILK knockout mice using α-myosin heavy chain–driven Cre expression. Cardiac-specific ILK knockout mice spontaneously developed lethal dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure with an early increase in apoptosis, fibrosis, and cardiac inflammation. To identify downstream effectors, we used deep sequence analysis of gene expression to compare comprehensive transcriptional profiles of cardiac-specific ILK knockout and wild-type hearts from 10-day-old mice before the development of cardiac dysfunction. Approximately 2×10
6
cDNA clones from each genotype were sequenced, corresponding to 33 274 independent transcripts. A total of 93 genes were altered, using nominal thresholds of >1.4-fold change and
P
<0.001. The most highly upregulated gene was osteopontin (47-fold increase;
P
=9.6×10
−45
), an inflammatory chemokine implicated in heart failure pathophysiology. ILK also regulated osteopontin expression in cardiomyocytes in vitro. Importantly, blocking antibodies to osteopontin mitigated but did not fully rescue the functional decline in cardiac-specific ILK knockout mice.

Conclusions—

Cardiomyocyte-specific ILK deletion leads to a lethal cardiomyopathy characterized by cardiomyocyte death, fibrosis, and inflammation. Comprehensive profiling identifies ILK-dependent transcriptional effects and implicates osteopontin as a contributor to these phenotypes.
Outcome-Driven Thresholds for Ambulatory Pulse Pressure in 9938 Participants Recruited From 11 Populations
Authors: Gu Yu-Mei , Thijs Lutgarde , Li Yan , Asayama Kei , Boggia José , Hansen Tine W. , Liu Yan-Ping , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Björklund-Bodegård Kristina , Jeppesen Jørgen , Dolan Eamon , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Kuznetsova Tatiana , Stolarz-Skrzypek Katarzyna , Tikhonoff Valérie , Malyutina Sofia , Casiglia Edoardo , Nikitin Yuri , Lind Lars , Sandoya Edgardo , Kawecka-Jaszcz Kalina , Imai Yutaka , Mena Luis J. , Wang Jiguang , O’Brien Eoin , Verhamme Peter , Filipovský Jan , Maestre Gladys E. , Staessen Jan A.
Published: December 2013

Evidence-based thresholds for risk stratification based on pulse pressure (PP) are currently unavailable. To derive outcome-driven thresholds for the 24-hour ambulatory PP, we analyzed 9938 participants randomly recruited from 11 populations (47.3% women). After age stratification (<60 versus ≥60 years) and using average risk as reference, we computed multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) to assess risk by tenths of the PP distribution or risk associated with stepwise increasing (+1 mm Hg) PP levels. All adjustments included mean arterial pressure. Among 6028 younger participants (68 853 person-years), the risk of cardiovascular (HR, 1.58;
P
=0.011) or cardiac (HR, 1.52;
P
=0.056) events increased only in the top PP tenth (mean, 60.6 mm Hg). Using stepwise increasing PP levels, the lower boundary of the 95% confidence interval of the successive thresholds did not cross unity. Among 3910 older participants (39 923 person-years), risk increased (
P
≤0.028) in the top PP tenth (mean, 76.1 mm Hg). HRs were 1.30 and 1.62 for total and cardiovascular mortality, and 1.52, 1.69, and 1.40 for all cardiovascular, cardiac, and cerebrovascular events. The lower boundary of the 95% confidence interval of the HRs associated with stepwise increasing PP levels crossed unity at 64 mm Hg. While accounting for all covariables, the top tenth of PP contributed less than 0.3% (generalized R
2
statistic) to the overall risk among the elderly. Thus, in randomly recruited people, ambulatory PP does not add to risk stratification below age 60; in the elderly, PP is a weak risk factor with levels below 64 mm Hg probably being innocuous.
The relationship between working status and symptoms, quality of life and self-esteem in patients with schizophrenia in Turkey
Authors: Hacioglu Yildirim Munevver , Alantar Zeynep , Yildirim Ejder A
Published: December 2013

Background:

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder with substantial socioeconomic burden associated with poorer psychosocial functioning during the course of illness. In schizophrenia patients, multiple factors play a role in occupational functioning.

Aim:

It was aimed to investigate the relationship between different working conditions and quality of life and self-esteem on patients with schizophrenia in Turkey.

Methods:

A total of 100 patients diagnosed as schizophrenic were divided into three groups: competitive working, supported working and unemployed.

Results:

The groups did not differ significantly with regard to psychotic symptoms, self-esteem and illness history. Working was associated with higher scores on quality of life subscales especially in supported working group, whereas unemployed patients had more depressive symptoms and autonomic drug side effects.

Conclusion:

Structured working programs which may improve social life of patients with schizophrenia in many aspects is warranted in Turkey.
Fiber nonlinear predictive model for combined bending-compression loading of an orthogonal plane weave composite laminate structure
Authors: Guo Siming , Gresil Matthieu , Sutton Michael , Deng Xiaomin , Reifsnider Kenneth W , Majumdar Prasun
Published: December 2013

To increase understanding of damage evolution in advanced composite material systems, a series of large deflection bending-compression experiments and model predictions have been performed for a woven glass-epoxy composite material system. Theoretical developments employing both small and large deformation models and computational studies are performed. Results (a) show that the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory for small deformations is adequate to describe the shape and deformations when the axial and transverse displacement are quite small, (b) show that a modified Drucker's equation effectively extends the theory prediction to the large deformation region, providing an accurate estimate for the buckling load, the post-buckling axial load-axial displacement response of the specimen and the axial strain along the beam centerline, even in the presence of observed anticlastic (double) specimen curvature near mid-length for all fiber angles (that is not modeled), and (c) for the first time the quantities σeff – ɛeff are shown to be appropriate parameters to correlate the material response on both the compression and tension surfaces of a beam-compression specimen in the range 0 ≤ ɛeff < 0.005 as the specimen undergoes combined bending-compression loading. In addition, computational studies indicate that the experimental σeff – ɛeff results are in reasonable quantitative agreement with unwoven laminate finite element simulation predictions in the range 0 ≤ ɛeff < 0.010, with the effect of the woven structure appearing to provide the key constraint for various fiber angles that leads to the observed consistency in the experimental σeff – ɛeff results on both surfaces.
Degradation of blue agave bagasse in low-density polyethylene composites under different processing conditions
Authors: Guzmán Roberto Zitzumbo , Belmontes Felipe Avalos , Romero Sergio Alonso , Monje Anayansi Estrada
Published: December 2013

The composites were fabricated under a variety of different process conditions, ranging from a blend of a low-density polyethylene reinforced with agave bagasse fibers at concentrations of 5, 10 up to 20 wt%. The theoretical and experimental moduli were determined in conjunction with the fiber degradation. The results show that the moduli of the composites increased with fiber content but decreased linearly with increasing processing temperatures. The calculated theoretical module with the Cox model is significantly greater than that experimentally obtained due to the fiber degradation, poor interfacial fiber/polymer interaction, and structural defects in the interior of the composite generated by the thermal conditions. Thermogravimetric analysis shows an unexpected three-stage process of degradation of the fiber in the temperature range of 225–290℃.
What Works After School? The Relationship Between After-School Program Quality, Program Attendance, and Academic Outcomes
Authors: Leos-Urbel Jacob
Published: December 2013

This article examines the relationship between after-school program quality, program attendance, and academic outcomes for a sample of low-income after-school program participants. Regression and hierarchical linear modeling analyses use a unique longitudinal data set including 29 after-school programs that served 5,108 students in Grades 4 to 8 over 2 years. Program quality measures, based on activity observations, include supportive environment, opportunities for purposeful engagement, and structured interactions. Findings suggest that middle school students attend programs with greater purposeful engagement less often, while attendance for younger students is less sensitive to program quality. Greater purposeful engagement is associated with lower test scores for elementary and middle school students. In contrast, a more supportive environment and greater opportunities for structured interactions relate to improvements in test scores. Findings are discussed in light of ongoing policy debate regarding the proper focus of after-school programs and concerns about poor program attendance.
Evaluation of the Economic Burden of Diseases Associated With Poor Nutrition Status
Authors: Cangelosi Michael J. , Rodday Angie Mae , Saunders Tully , Cohen Joshua T.
Published: December 2013

Background: Geriatric acutely ill patients may frequently have insufficient nutrition intake, leading to malnutrition and increased susceptibility to additional morbidity. This compromised health status can increase costs by extending length of stay in the hospital, promoting the development of comorbidities, and requiring more intensive care. Understanding the value of measures improving the health of these patients depends in part on estimating the costs of prevented adverse outcomes. Because clinical trials often do not record these costs, it is difficult to assess the value of nutrition interventions. Materials and Methods: This article comprehensively reviews 15 years of clinical trials of nutrition interventions to identify salient diseases and complications measured by previous clinical trials and then estimates costs corresponding with these conditions associated with poor nutrition status. Results: The most costly complication associated with poor nutrition status is acute respiratory infections ($13,350–$19,530 per hospitalization), while institutional long‐term care is the greatest chronic cost contributor across many diseases ($77,000 per year of care). Conclusion: This review can facilitate imputation of nutrition intervention benefits for acutely ill patients by characterizing the costs of clinical outcomes often reported in trials.
Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Indigent Population: A Deviation of Standard of Care?
Authors: Hamblin John S. , Sandulache Vlad C. , Alapat Philip M. , Takashima Masayoshi
Published: December 2013

Comprehensive management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) typically is managed best via a multidisciplinary approach, involving otolaryngologists, sleep psychologists/psychiatrists, pulmonologists, neurologists, oral surgeons, and sleep trained dentists. By utilizing these resources, one could fashion a treatment individualized to the patient, giving rise to the holistic phrase of “personalized medicine.” Unfortunately, in situations and environments with limited resources, the treatment options in an otolaryngologist's armamentarium are restricted—typically to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) versus sleep surgery. However, a recent patient encounter highlighted here shows how a hospital's reimbursement policy effectively dictated a patient's medical management to sleep surgery. This occurred although the current gold standard for the initial treatment of OSA is CPAP. Changing the course of medical/surgical management by selectively restricting funding is a cause of concern, especially when it promotes patients to choose a treatment option that is not considered the current standard of care.
Intrathoracic saline-filled prosthesis to treat postpneumonectomy syndrome
Authors: Muthialu Nagarajan , Bulstrode Neil , Elliott Martin J
Published: December 2013

Postpneumonectomy syndrome is a rare complication following pneumonectomy with its related change in mediastinal configuration. Symptoms range from airway obstruction to esophageal symptoms, leading at times to a persistent requirement for respiratory support. Surgery is often beneficial, which is in the form of placement of a prosthesis, with variable results. We report 2 cases of postpneumonectomy syndrome: one with successful relief, and the other in which the saline-filled prosthesis failed to achieve the desired result.
Place of death and end-of-life transitions experienced by very old people with differing cognitive status: Retrospective analysis of a prospective population-based cohort aged 85 and over
Authors: Perrels Anouk J , Fleming Jane , Zhao Jun , Barclay Stephen , Farquhar Morag , Buiting Hilde M , Brayne Carol ,   The Cambridge City over-75s Cohort (CC75C) study collaboration
Published: December 2013

Background:

Despite fast-growing ‘older old’ populations, ‘place of care’ trajectories for very old people approaching death with or without dementia are poorly described and understood.

Aim:

To explore end-of-life transitions of ‘older old’ people across the cognitive spectrum.

Design:

Population-based prospective cohort (United Kingdom) followed to death.

Setting/participants:

Mortality records linked to 283 Cambridge City over-75s Cohort participants’ cognitive assessments <1 year before dying aged ≥85 years.

Results:

Overall, 69% were community dwelling in the year before death; of those with severe cognitive impairment 39% were community dwelling. Only 6% subsequently changed their usual address. However, for 55% their usual address on death registration was not their place of death. Dying away from the ‘usual address’ was associated with cognition, overall fewer moving with increasing cognitive impairment – cognition intact 66%, mildly/moderately impaired 55% and severely impaired 42%, trend p = 0.003. This finding reflects transitions being far more common from the community than from institutions: 73% from the community and 28% from institutions did not die where last interviewed ( p < 0.001). However, severely cognitively impaired people living in the community were the most likely group of all to move: 80% (68%−93%). Hospitals were the most common place of death except for the most cognitively impaired, who mostly died in care homes.

Conclusion:

Most very old community-dwelling individuals, especially the severely cognitively impaired, died away from home. Findings also suggest that long-term care may play a role in avoidance of end-of-life hospital admissions. These results provide important information for planning end-of-life services for older people across the cognitive spectrum, with implications for policies aimed at supporting home deaths.

MeSH Terms:

Cognitive impairment, Dementia, Aged, 80 and over, Aged, frail elderly, Patient Transfer, Residential characteristics, Homes for the aged, Nursing Homes, Delivery of Health Care, Terminal care

Other key phrases:

Older old, Oldest old, Place of death, Place of care, End-of-life care.
Histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient map of diffusion-weighted MRI in endometrial cancer: a preliminary correlation study with histological grade
Authors: Woo Sungmin , Cho Jeong Yeon , Kim Sang Youn , Kim Seung Hyup
Published: December 2013

Background

Until now, several investigators have explored the value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) for the preoperative tumor grading of endometrial cancer. However, the diagnostic value of DWI with quantitative analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) has been controversial.

Purpose

To explore the role of histogram analysis of ADC maps based on entire tumor volume in determining the grade of endometrial cancer.

Material and Methods

This study was IRB-approved with waiver of informed consent. Thirty-three patients with endometrial cancer underwent DWI (b = 0, 600, 1000 s/mm2), and corresponding ADC maps were acquired. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn on all slices of the ADC map in which the tumor was visualized including areas of necrosis to derive volume-based histographic ADC data. Histogram parameters (5th–95th percentiles, mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis) were correlated with histological grade using one-way ANOVA with Tukey-Kramer test for post hoc comparisons, and were compared between high (grade 3) and low (grades 1/2) grade using Student t-test. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine the optimum threshold value for each parameter, and their corresponding sensitivity and specificity.

Results

The standard deviation, quartile, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles of ADC showed significant differences between grades ( P ≤ 0.03 for all) and between high and low grades ( P ≤ 0.024 for all). There were no significant correlations between tumor grade and other parameters. ROC curve analysis yielded sensitivities and specificities of 75% and 96%, 62.5% and 92%, 100% and 52%, 100% and 72%, and 100% and 88%, using standard deviation, quartile, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles for determining high grade with corresponding areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.787, 0.792, 0.765, 0.880, and 0.925, respectively.

Conclusion

Histogram analysis of ADC maps based on entire tumor volume can be useful for predicting the histological grade of endometrial cancer. The 90th and 95th percentiles of ADC were the most promising parameters for differentiating high from low grade.
Radiologic assessment and frequency of idiopathic osteosclerosis of jawbones: an interpopulation comparison
Authors: Moshfeghi Mahkameh , Azimi Fateme , Anvari Mehdi
Published: December 2013

Background

Idiopathic osteosclerosis is a localized growth of compact bone with an unknown cause. This asymptomatic lesion is an insignificant finding and as such requires no treatment. It should be distinguished from other types of osteosclerosis created by inflammatory processes and systemic diseases.

Purpose

To determine the prevalence and distribution of idiopathic osteosclerosis in the jawbones in Iran and to compare this prevalence and distribution with other populations.

Material and Methods

This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in the Dental School of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, between 2010 and 2011. Data were collected from the files of patients who underwent panoramic radiography for dental treatment. Location, shape, and relation between idiopathic osteosclerosis and the tooth as well as the resorption of the tooth involved were evaluated. Lesion distribution regarding age, gender, localization, shape, dental relationship, and root resorption was assessed using the chi-squared test.

Results

In total, 787 panoramic radiographs of 456 women and 331 men were assessed. Idiopathic osteosclerosis was detected in 75 (9.5%) patients. The prevalence of idiopathic osteosclerosis was significantly higher in the women (11.8% vs. 6.3%; P <0.01). The mean age of the patients with idiopathic osteosclerosis was 31.9 ± 17.9 years and 30.8 ± 13.3 years in the patients without idiopathic osteosclerosis. The distribution of idiopathic osteosclerosis in the mandible (97.3%), mostly in the premolar region, was significantly higher than that in the maxilla (2.7%).

Conclusion

Our results showed high frequencies of idiopathic osteosclerosis in Iran in comparison to some other countries.
Mini-Open Tenorrhaphy of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Authors: Keller Andres , Ortiz Cristian , Wagner Emilio , Wagner Pablo , Mococain Pablo
Published: December 2013

Background:

The high incidence of soft tissue complications related to open Achilles repair has driven enthusiasm for developing minimally invasive surgical procedures. The Dresden procedure, which reduces wound-healing issues and avoids sural nerve damage, has recently been published and shows good functional results.

Objective:

To evaluate medium-term clinical results of procedures using the Dresden mini-open technique on acute Achilles tendon ruptures.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed on 100 consecutive patients with a mean follow-up of 42.1 months. At follow-up, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, time to return to work and sports, subjective satisfaction, and complications were registered. An isokinetic test was performed on the first 21 patients of this series at 1 year postoperatively.

Results:

The mean time to return to work was 56.0 days, and the mean time to return to sports was 18.9 weeks. The mean AOFAS score was 97.7; 98% of patients were satisfied. No complications regarding soft tissues and sural nerve damage were reported. Two reruptures and 5 cases of deep venous thrombosis were observed. The isokinetic evaluation showed good recovery of the involved muscles.

Conclusion:

The excellent functional and satisfaction results, ease of the procedure, and avoidance of sural nerve damage make the mini-open technique a very attractive alternative for acute, spontaneous Achilles tendon ruptures.
Protective effects of melatonin against arsenic-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in rat testes
Authors: Uygur Ramazan , Aktas Cevat , Caglar Veli , Uygur Emine , Erdogan Hasan , Ozen Oguz Aslan
Published: December 2013

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of melatonin against arsenic-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in rat testes. A total of 27 male rats were divided into 3 groups: control (saline: 5 ml kg−1 day−1, intragastrically), arsenic (sodium arsenite (NaAsO2): 5 mg kg−1 day−1, intragastrically), and arsenic + melatonin (sodium arsenite (NaAsO2): 5 mg kg−1 day−1, intragastrically and melatonin: 25 mg kg−1 day−1, intraperitoneally) group. At the end of 30 days, the rats were killed under anesthesia. Histopathological examination showed that testicular injury mediated by arsenic was ameliorated by the administration of melatonin. The number of apoptotic germ cell was increased, and the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive germ cell was decreased in testis after arsenic administration. Our data indicate a significant reduction in the activity of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling, and there was a rise in the expression of PCNA in testis of arsenic + melatonin group. The decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities as well as increased malondialdehyde levels in testis due to arsenic administration were also counteracted by melatonin. These data suggested that melatonin has beneficial effects against arsenic-induced testicular damage by decreasing morphological damage, germ cell apoptosis, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress. Our results suggest that melatonin plays a protective role against arsenic-induced testicular apoptosis and oxidative stress.
African urban fantasies: dreams or nightmares?
Authors: Watson Vanessa
Published: December 2013

Labelled as the “last frontier” for international property development, sub-Saharan Africa’s larger cities are currently being revisioned in the image of cities such as Dubai, Shanghai and Singapore, which claim top positions in the world-class city leagues. Draped in the rhetoric of “smart cities” and “eco-cities”, these plans promise to modernize African cities and turn them into gateways for international investors and showpieces for ambitious politicians. Yet the reality in all of these cities stands in stark contrast to the glass-box towers, manicured lawns and water features on developers’ and architects’ websites. With the majority of urban populations living in deep poverty and with minimal urban services, the most likely outcome of these fantasy plans is a steady worsening of the marginalization and inequalities that already beset these cities.
The real lives of urban fantasies
Authors: Bhan Gautam
Published: December 2013

This paper is a response to and a commentary on Vanessa Watson’s paper on “African urban fantasies” in this issue of the Journal, which analyzes new urban master plans developed by international architectural firms and property development companies for many cities in sub-Saharan Africa. Taking Watson’s argument as an opportunity to think about current urban fantasies in Indian cities, this response offers three reflections. The first looks at the scale of renewal in the plans for African cities and argues that they represent a different order to similar imaginations of special enclaves, zones or gated communities that have become common in cities in the global South. The second reads these plans as a yearning not just for particular built environments and the economic lives they represent but also for a controlled and orderly city free of the messiness of democratic politics, guided by the visions of authoritarian city states such as Dubai and Shanghai. The third theme discusses the critical and exclusionary consequences of these plans in cities across the global South, whether or not they are implemented. Implementing them would realize the disconnect between these plans and the actual citizens of the cities they seek to reshape. Yet even if they just remain on paper, these plans play an important political role in shaping aspirations and urban futures, as well as the possibilities of a more inclusive urban citizenship in the present.
Nonlinear observer design for state estimation during antilock braking
Authors: Sun Fei , Lolenko Kostyantyn , Rudolph Joachim
Published: December 2013

The problem of state estimation during antilock braking in the real vehicle is addressed in this work. The proposed nonlinear observer based on the unscented Kalman filter theory can provide the necessary information for the antilock control despite the presence of measurement noise, uncertainties in the model parameters, the road friction coefficient, and the road inclination. In the observer design, a LuGre tire model and a vehicle model deduced from the quarter car model are used as design model. Furthermore, an observability analysis is carried out for the plant in order to prove the observability of defined state variables with respect to the measured signals. The practical applicability of the proposed nonlinear observer is shown by means of experimental studies relying on the measurement data.
James Wilson versus the Bill of Rights
Authors: Zink James R.
Published: December 2013

Americans today may take the Bill of Rights for granted, but its inclusion in the U.S. Constitution originally was controversial. To understand why, I turn to James Wilson, a leading statesman of the founding era and the chief opponent of the Bill of Rights. Among other things, Wilson thought a bill of rights would bind future generations to an incomplete list of rights and deprive them of the right to define individual rights over time. His arguments against a constitutional bill of rights also offer a useful view of the complexity and diversity of American founding era thought.
Counseling Muslim Couples From a Bowen Family Systems Perspective
Authors: Sauerheber Jill Duba , Nims Donald , Carter David J.
Published: December 2013

To date, there is very little literature to guide mental health practitioners working with Muslim couples and families in the United States. Cultural differences may be expected to limit the relevance of some approaches; but Bowen theory seems to have particular relevance for Muslim couples. Counselors practicing Bowen Family Systems theory serve as consultants engaging the couple in the processing and understanding of current patterns of dysfunctional behavior. This article reviews basic tenets of Bowen theory, summarizes some common experiences of Muslim couples living in America, and suggests ways in which Bowen theory can be applied in a way that is respectful to the unique values, history, and expectations of Muslim couples. A case study is provided.
Integrating a Neurosequential Approach in the Treatment of Traumatized Children
Authors: Sori Catherine Ford , Schnur Sheryl
Published: December 2013

In this article, Catherine Ford Sori interviews Dr. Eliana Gil regarding how to incorporate recent findings in interpersonal neurobiology with current attachment-enhancing play therapy approaches. Dr. Gil discusses how to incorporate the work of Daniel Siegel and Bruce Perry’s groundbreaking neurosequential model into clinical practice in the treatment of abused and traumatized children and their families.
Atypical, abscessated nasopharyngeal polyp associated with expansion and lysis of the tympanic bulla
Authors: Pilton Joanna L , Ley Charles J , Voss Katja , Krockenberger Mark B , Barrs Vanessa R , Beatty Julia A
Published: December 2013

A 5-year-old, male neutered domestic shorthair cat was referred for investigation of lethargy, weight loss, pyrexia and upper respiratory tract signs. On computed tomography, an expansile, osteodestructive lesion in the right tympanic bulla was identified. A soft tissue mass extended from the bulla into the nasopharynx, cranium and subcutaneous tissues. The nasopharyngeal mass ruptured during handling, liberating purulent material from which Pasteurella multocida was isolated in pure culture. The lesion was most likely an atypical, abscessated nasopharyngeal polyp. The cat was treated with bulla osteotomy and antibiotics, and made a complete recovery.
A brief anti-stigma intervention for Chinese immigrant caregivers of individuals with psychosis: Adaptation and initial findings
Authors: Yang Lawrence H. , Lai Grace Y. , Tu Ming , Luo Maggie , Wonpat-Borja Ahtoy , Jackson Valerie W. , Lewis-Fernández Roberto , Dixon Lisa
Published: December 2013

Mental illness stigma has adverse effects on both the caregivers’ psychological well-being and the effectiveness of care that consumers receive. While anti-stigma interventions for family caregivers from Western settings have recently shown efficacy, these interventions may not be equally applicable across culturally diverse groups. Specifically, Chinese immigrant caregivers experience heightened internalized stigma, which predisposes the adoption of harmful coping strategies and reduced quality of social networks. We present an anti-stigma intervention based on a peer-family group format, co-led by a clinician and a trained family caregiver, to counter stigma among Chinese immigrants. Data are presented from a brief intervention administered to a pilot sample of 11 Chinese immigrant caregivers that provides: psychoeducation, strategies to counter experienced discrimination, and techniques to resist internalized stigma. Case vignettes illustrate implementation of this intervention, and how the peer-family format via interactive contact counteracts internalized stereotypes, encourages adaptive coping strategies, and reinvigorates social networks. Quantitative results further suggest preliminary efficacy in reducing internalized stigma for caregivers who evidenced at least some prior internalized stigma. This study constitutes an initial but important step towards reducing mental illness stigma among Asian Americans, for whom stigma has played a powerful role in the delay and underuse of treatment.
Strain Among Caregivers of Youth Designated as Seriously Emotionally Disturbed: Do Place of Residence and Race Matter?
Authors: Grape Annette C. , Plum Kathleen C. , Fielding Stephen L.
Published: December 2013

To what extent might race and where one lives at service start in Monroe County, New York, influence three dimensions of caregiver strain among those caring for a youth designated as having serious emotional disturbance? We used the Caregiver Strain Questionnaire to measure our outcomes: subjective internalizing strain—negative feelings of guilt and worry associated with having a child with behavioral and emotional problems; subjective externalizing strain—negative feelings about the child such as anger or embarrassment; and objective strain—interruption of personal time, lost work time, and/or financial strain in four geographical areas (place of residence) defined by ZIP code. These places included Low Income Urban (median ZIP code household income less than $39,000), High Income Urban (median ZIP code household income greater than or equal to $39,000), Suburban, and Rural.

We found that place at service start and time predicted caregiver strain levels (though time was the only predictor for externalizing strain), controlling for several factors. Race had no detectable influence. Supports can be individualized to a greater extent to address specific factors influencing the type of strain experienced by a caregiver. Providers might begin by identifying caregiver strain by type and intensity as well as identifying the specific circumstances leading to feelings and concerns associated with each type of caregiver strain.
Comparison of lithium, aripiprazole and olanzapine as augmentation to paroxetine for inpatients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Yoshimura Reiji , Hori Hikaru , Umene-Nakano Wakako , Ikenouchi-Sugita Atsuko , Katsuki Asuka , Atake Kiyokazu , Nakamura Jun
Published: December 2013

Background:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered first-line treatments for major depressive disorders (MDD). It has been reported, however, that 30–40% of patients with MDD who received SSRIs failed to respond to treatment. Use of lithium (Li) to augment SSRIs seems to be the most common strategy in such cases. It was recently demonstrated that atypical antipsychotics are effective augmentation agents in MDD. Here, we present a randomized controlled study that compared augmentation with Li, olanzapine (OLA) or aripiprazole (ARI) in paroxetine-refractory patients with MDD.

Methods:

Participants were 30 patients who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV criteria for MDD and refractory to paroxetine treatment. Treatment with Li, OLA or ARI was added to paroxetine in a randomized protocol for 4 weeks. We defined the patients whose scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression decreased 50% or more as responders.

Results:

Two patients dropped out because of adverse effects. Response rates to Li, OLA or ARI augmentation were 4/10 (40%), 3/10 (30%) and 4/10 (40%), respectively. In addition, Li, OLA and ARI did not influence plasma paroxetine concentrations.

Conclusions:

We concluded that OLA or ARI could be used as alternatives to Li as options for patients who do not respond to paroxetine treatment.
A comparison of Chinese and non-Chinese Canadian patients hospitalized with heart failure
Authors: Yeung Darwin F , Van Dyke Nicole K , Maclagan Laura C , Moe Gordon W , Shah Baiju R , Chiu Maria , Lee Douglas S , Ko Dennis T , Lau Ching , Tu Jack V
Published: December 2013

Background

Canadians of Chinese descent, represent one of the fastest growing visible minority groups in Canada, (as well as the second largest), but relatively little is known about the clinical features of heart failure (HF) in Chinese-Canadian versus non-Chinese Canadian patients.

Methods

We conducted a population-based analysis of urban patients hospitalized in Ontario, Canada for the first time with a most responsible diagnosis of HF between April 1, 1995 and March 31, 2008. Among the 99,278 patients, 1,339 (1.3%) were classified as Chinese using a previously validated list of Chinese surnames. Through linkage to other administrative databases, we compared the clinical characteristics, pharmacological management, and outcomes of Chinese versus non-Chinese HF patients.

Results

Ischemic heart disease was identified as the possible etiology of HF in a greater proportion of non-Chinese patients (47.7% vs. 35.3%; p < 0.001) whereas hypertension (26.1% vs. 16.1%; p < 0.001) and valvular heart disease (11.6% vs. 7.2%; p < 0.001) were relatively more common in Chinese patients. Chinese patients were prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors less frequently (57.5% vs. 66.4%, p < 0.001) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) more frequently (17.4% vs. 8.9%, p < 0.001) compared to non-Chinese patients. They were also less likely to be adherent to ACE inhibitors over a 1-year follow up period. However, the 1-year case-fatality rates were comparable between the Chinese (31.7%) and non-Chinese (30.2%) subjects (p = 0.24).

Conclusion

There are important differences in the causes and medical management of HF in Chinese and non-Chinese patients residing in Canada. Despite these differences, the long-term outcomes of HF patients were similar.